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[petran79]

Lucky? The score shoulda been 3-1 or 4-1 with all the damn shots hitting posts. They created more opportunities and outplayed Ivory Coast quite clearly.

I agree that they are certainly a longshot, and even if they manage to top Costa Rica it will only get much tougher versus their most likely opponent in the following match, the Netherlands.

But, I think the same criticism about how much "Quality" they had could have been made in 2004. Talent is hugely important yes, but don't EVER count out heart. And god damn, this team proved today finally that they may have some of that.

What a lot seem to forget is that Greece had a lot of succes in youth and under-21. they reached European finals in numerous occasions. some of them played in 2004 and some play today.

it is just that greek footbal doesnt give them a chance to shine

 

[Oveja Negra]

I'm so nervous... Please Chile don't beat us. You can have Russia 2018. Just let us win this time. There will be riots if we lose. Your players will never leave the pitch alive.

Good news for you. Gary Medel, our best defender most probably will not play tomorrow (mild injury) and Arturo Vidal, who is a damn bulldozer at the midfield still is in no way at top form.

Still, I want Chile to start from the very first minute attacking Brasil, if we're gonna die, I want it to be a la Sparta, LOL.

 

[SargerusBR]

Legend

Only legends can get their own movie

 

[Magni]

US has to be the luckiest team in the WC.

argentina is the luckiest. easy group and cakewalk to the semis.

of course they will blow it and lose to switzerland.

Belgium did just as well when it comes to the luck of the draw.

The Guardian had a piece on this back in December, the US was one of the unluckiest (along with Ghana and poor Australia), while Argentina was the luckiest, followed by Belgium (according to their methodology obviously).

http://www.theguardian.com/football/interactive/2013/dec/18/world-cup-2014-draw-strength-of-schedule

 

[The Chosen One]

I just read about the TV ratings for the US v. Portugal game. Over 18 million? Whoa...

I bet ABC is kicking themselves for not televising the game themselves.

 

[snaffles]

The Guardian had a piece on this back in December, the US was one of the unluckiest (along with Ghana and poor Australia), while Argentina was the luckiest, followed by Belgium (according to their methodology obviously).

http://www.theguardian.com/football/interactive/2013/dec/18/world-cup-2014-draw-strength-of-schedule

I'm glad that Australia got the group that they did, I would rather see a genuine representation of where our national team is at. Rather than have the team return home with inflated egos because they beat a bunch of other low tier teams and got knocked out in the round of 16.

 

[Arjen]

I just read about the TV ratings for the US v. Portugal game. Over 18 million? Whoa...

I bet ABC is kicking themselves for not televising the game themselves.

Wow that's pretty cool. Great so see popularity rising in the states.

 

[Tragicomedy]

The Guardian had a piece on this back in December, the US was one of the unluckiest (along with Ghana and poor Australia), while Argentina was the luckiest, followed by Belgium (according to their methodology obviously).

http://www.theguardian.com/football/interactive/2013/dec/18/world-cup-2014-draw-strength-of-schedule

The Guardian's study is obviously biased and flawed. The correct answer for the luckiest team is anyone grouped with England.

 

[KingGondo]

I just read about the TV ratings for the US v. Portugal game. Over 18 million? Whoa...

I bet ABC is kicking themselves for not televising the game themselves.

I think it was significantly higher than that if you include Univision, the Spanish-language channel.

I've definitely noticed an uptick in interest among my casual acquaintances. Even MLS and my local club team are getting more attention.

 

[Johnny Cage In The Shower]

"Other Body Part"

That was Dempsey, right? lel

Looks like it.

Is knee also considered a "foot" goal?

Because I'm sure Mario Götze's goal (Germany's first goal against Ghana) was with his right knee.

 

[Meier]

I think it was significantly higher than that if you include Univision, the Spanish-language channel.

I've definitely noticed an uptick in interest among my casual acquaintances. Even MLS and my local club team are getting more attention.

I think the number with Univision included was 24.7m. Plus a few million more between their and ESPN's online streams. Really amazing to see how passionate folks are right now! If even a fraction persist, it's a win.

 

[Brashnir]

I think it was significantly higher than that if you include Univision, the Spanish-language channel.

I've definitely noticed an uptick in interest among my casual acquaintances. Even MLS and my local club team are getting more attention.

It was 24 million and change with Univision included.

For reference, the BCS Championship game drew 25 million and change.

 

[mreddie]

Triumph and the World Cup trilogy concludes.

 

[The Chosen One]

I think the number with Univision included was 24.7m. Plus a few million more between their and ESPN's online streams. Really amazing to see how passionate folks are right now! If even a fraction persist, it's a win.

That's correct, online streams included another 1.7 million.

And that doesn't even include all the people who watched it at viewing parties. I was at a youth soccer tournament and they had the game playing in a big tent and there were several hundred people watching it at various points.

 

[speculawyer]

OK, Americans, we need to start working on some waffle jokes.

 

[His Majesty]

OK, Americans, we need to start working on some waffle jokes.

I don't even like waffles. French fries is the real national food of Belgium.

 

[Arjen]

OK, Americans, we need to start working on some waffle jokes.

You need Belgium jokes?
You're lucky there are a few Dutch folks posting here. We'll hook you up.

 

[Tugatrix]

OK, Americans, we need to start working on some waffle jokes.

Waffle? one of the biggest alcohol consumers in the world and you thinking of waffle jokes?

 

[Meier]

That's correct, online streams included another 1.7 million.

And that doesn't even include all the people who watched it at viewing parties. I was at a youth soccer tournament and they had the game playing in a big tent and there were several hundred people watching it at various points.

Jurgen posted this photo earlier from during yesterday's game. This is of the official viewing party in Chicago:

Not many places with THIS many people watching, but certainly a large number of places had significant numbers.

 

[snaffles]

Jurgen posted this photo earlier from during yesterday's game. This is of the official viewing party in Chicago:

Not many places with THIS many people watching, but certainly a large number of places had significant numbers.

Maybe I am just getting too old, but that seems like the worst way to watch a match to me. I am sure the atmosphere is awesome, but I'd much prefer being on my couch.

 

[NYCmetsfan]

Maybe I am just getting too old, but that seems like the worst way to watch a match to me. I am sure the atmosphere is awesome, but I'd much prefer being on my couch.

I liked Orlando's setup

 

[Irminsul]

You need Belgium jokes?
You're lucky there are a few Dutch folks posting here. We'll hook you up.

Are Dutch Belgium jokes the same kind German Belgium jokes are? They are very much all Dutroux-related…

 

[Arjen]

Are Dutch Belgium jokes the same kind German Belgium jokes are? They are very much all Dutroux-related…

That and uhm. questioning their intellect.

 

[gutter_trash]

don't the French have Belgian jokes too?

 

[avaya]

Surely the Germany, France, Netherlands and Argentina matches are fucking nailed on. Free money on a multiple bet.

 

[~Devil Trigger~]

Surely the Germany, France, Netherlands and Argentina matches are fucking nailed on. Free money on a multiple bet.

French defense haven't been tested yet

Im sure they can score on Nigeria, but lets see if they can stop Nigeria from doing the same

 

[Overdoziz]

Surely the Germany, France, Netherlands and Argentina matches are fucking nailed on. Free money on a multiple bet.

If this World Cup has taught us anything...

 

[Harlock]

http://www.clarionledger.com/story/...est-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/

Coulter: Any growing interest in soccer a sign of nation's moral decay

 

[ozfunghi]

Are Dutch Belgium jokes the same kind German Belgium jokes are? They are very much all Dutroux-related…

No, the Dutch joke that we are dumb (because we (Flemish part) can actually pronounce words the way they are supposed to be pronounced, hence talk "funny"), yet every gameshow between the countries, that requires some form of intellect usually proves the opposite (as does our education (which historically has always been among the best in the world and way ahead of the Dutch. Though i think they've caught up in that regard the past 15 years)). But we are more introverted compared to our loudmouth neighbours, which doesn't help to rid the stigma. Obviously, over here (at least in Flanders, don't know how the french speaking part of the country feels about it) we say the same thing about the Dutch.

But how condescending we may talk about each other, i usually have the impression many Dutch will be rooting for Belgium, and Belgians for Holland. Maybe a bit like a sibling rivalry. I know the Dutch have a special relationship with Germans as well, but i don't think many will be rooting for Germany. At least that's the impression i get, could be wrong.

If your jokes are Dutroux related, that means you don't have a long history of mocking us, since that "only" happened about 20 years ago.

 

[gutter_trash]

the Swiss could upset Argentina,
Mexico could hold off the Netherlands forcing them to resolve it in penalties

shit will happen

 

[spectral_method]

Alright guys we all know the team to beat is Netherlands. The question is, can it be done?

We've seen that most players can't match dutch striker speeds, so perhaps the answer is to turtle up? But on the other hand their defense isn't flawless, so maybe to win you have to focus completely on attacking and as you let goals get scored on you, netherleands is hopefully getting more goals scored on them.

What are your opinions GAF, what strategy would you use to beat Netherlands?

 

[$200]

I just read about the TV ratings for the US v. Portugal game. Over 18 million? Whoa...

I bet ABC is kicking themselves for not televising the game themselves.

Isn't that just 5% (?) of the population only? Sounds too low for an event as big as the World Cup during prime time. China had around 300 million (1/4 of population) in viewership when they were playing at the 2002 World Cup.

 

[gutter_trash]

ESPN is cable, if it was on ABC the viewership would have been higher

 

[Dany]

Jurgen posted this photo earlier from during yesterday's game. This is of the official viewing party in Chicago:

Not many places with THIS many people watching, but certainly a large number of places had significant numbers.

Yeah I was down there. Totally awesome.

 

[WriterGK]

I am absolutely not underestimating Mexico but I think we will win. Mexico are even lucky to be in the World Cup with 2 wins in the group 5 draws and 3 defeats and only because the USA beated Panama 2-3 in overtime they qualified. But I have seen Mexico play 3 times as well they are good. I do fear Peralta, Hector Herrera and Guardado and their defence is good with Moreno but Holland is better. I think it will be really close. But Mexico were really good against Brazil and Croatia, so we have to be really careful. Its a good thing that who ever will win will face Costa Rica or Greece.
But we have Robben, Van Persie, Vlaar and Depay.

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

Isn't that just 5% (?) of the population only? Sounds too low for an event as big as the World Cup during prime time. China had around 300 million (1/4 of population) in viewership when they were playing at the 2002 World Cup.

Are there many numbers for the non-US games? I think that will help show whether this is a once every four years nationalistic thing or an actual interest in the sport.

I remember the guys covering the NBA draft talked about it briefly last night. They admitted the only reason for them to watch is to support the team and that it's just a once a year thing. I guess they didn't know the World Cup is every 4 years.

 

[MetatronM]

ESPN is cable, if it was on ABC the viewership would have been higher

I dare say most people who would have been watching the World Cup in groups significantly larger than what normally constitutes a "household" in the ratings. Difficult to really get an accurate viewership number.

Also 5 pm (2 pm on the west coast) isn't "prime time."

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

I dare say most people who would have been watching the World Cup in groups significantly larger than what normally constitutes a "household" in the ratings. Difficult to really get an accurate viewership number.

Also 5 pm (2 pm on the west coast) isn't "prime time."

It helps that there's nothing but regular season baseball to watch right now. There's virtually no competition at the moment.

 

[$200]

ESPN is cable, if it was on ABC the viewership would have been higher

Oh yeah, forgot about that.

 

[MetatronM]

Are there many numbers for the non-US games? I think that will help show whether this is a once every four years nationalistic thing or an actual interest in the sport.

I remember the guys covering the NBA draft talked about it briefly last night. They admitted the only reason for them to watch is to support the team and that it's just a once a year thing. I guess they didn't know the World Cup is every 4 years.

As of about a week ago, viewership was up about 25% across the board over the 2010 World Cup. And I think it was something like 60+% over 2006, though I'd have to doublecheck that one.

 

[silver.tongue]

01 Holland
02 Germany
03 France
04 Brazil
05 Argentina
06 Chile
07 Costa Rica
08 Belgium
09 Mexico
10 Colombia
11 Uruguay
12 Switzerland
13 USA
14 Nigeria
15 Greece
16 Algeria

I repect your opinion, but placing Colombia lower than Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Belgium and Mexico is just wrong...

 

[Black Republican]

If Brazil lose, will Chile be known as giant killers?

 

[WriterGK]

I can't believe anyone actually thinks Uruguay will beat Colombia.
Have they all forgotten how terrible Uruguay was without Suarez against Costa Rica?

 

[Chuckie]

If Brazil lose, will Chile be known as giant killers?

Yes.

 

[silver.tongue]

Jurgen posted this photo earlier from during yesterday's game. This is of the official viewing party in Chicago:

Not many places with THIS many people watching, but certainly a large number of places had significant numbers.

I wanna see video from this place. Goal reactions. I don't think anyone has posted anything yet.

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

As of about a week ago, viewership was up about 25% across the board over the 2010 World Cup. And I think it was something like 60+% over 2006, though I'd have to doublecheck that one.

It's about 100%+ over 2006 but 2006 was like 1 million viewers a match so that's kind of rock bottom. I suspect part of the 25% is the more acceptable timezone difference for once. But when you look at the average viewership of about 3.5 million compared to the huge numbers when the US play it does paint an interesting picture.

 

[Ingeniero]

If Brazil lose, will Chile be known as giant killers?

Won't happen.

 

[Dany]

I wanna see video from this place. Goal reactions. I don't think anyone has posted anything yet.

The goal by Germany was a great 'YEAH" and then "NOO" lol. A lot of germans in the crowd cheering when it happened. I saw something on ESPN this morning of the crowd reaction, it was like 5 seconds long.

 

[speculawyer]

I don't even like waffles. French fries is the real national food of Belgium.

That makes the waffle jokes even better.

 

[Skellig Gra]

OK, Americans, we need to start working on some waffle jokes.

Honestly just stick with the Manneken Pis jokes. They write themselves.