World Cup 2014

yeah that smile comes from a place beyond good&evil

This rare genetic condition is called polydactyly.
Fails to mention whether any of them are prodigies on the violão as a result.

this rare genetic condition is called money bags

Stop Making Sense: Looking back, looking forward, and going crazy for the World Cup

did enjoy

In Brazil, we’ve seen game after game turn on individual moments of skill: Neymar pixie-dancing through 14 or 15 defenders, Arjen Robben scything to his left with the inevitability of death, Messi dragging entire defenses across the pitch like someone resizing a browser window.

what do you think about the theory that this year world cup (till the round of 16 at least) is great mainly because the defense of most teams (except for the goalkeepers) is bad?

I don't think the defense is just bad per se

yeah maybe "bad" is a bit extreme but still, once you emphasize on attack you somewhat neglect defense i guess

this WC's football > catenaccio

Teams are being more cavalier but I suspect that's because a lot of them lack the personnel to play effective defensive football.

Fair amount of goals due to crap goalkeeping in the groups especially

always was.

failure of attack in other years as much to blame as successful defence.

is it a zero sum gain one way or another?

I dunno.

this is better.

Yeah there have been so many World Cups in recent years where the best attacking players have turned up looking jaded and not really performed, whereas most of them are straight fire this time round. Even Messi, who is nowhere near his best, has still done some amazing things.

Some lol predictions:

Fra - Ger: Surely Ger can't do sweeper-keeper thing again but I'm not expections pens as the defenses are so shit. Like France under Didier but maybe I might like Nauer and Muller more. 2-3

Bel - Arg: this should be open. Bel are never going to play a game that is going to stifle the Argies and they have more composure, provided by you know who: 1-3

Crc - Hol: Love to see Van Gaal lose, just for the lolz from Utd fans but I like Holland, the best of the European teams - even if its been dodgy at times. 0-2

Bra - Col: Gustavo is a loss but I don't think he'd paper over the cracks forever or anything. Love Colombia to win it (and not only because they are my sweepstake team at work). The going through *just because its fkn Brazil* has got to stop (but aargh it won't it won't). One of these quarters has to go to pens. 1-1, Colombia on pens.

http://cdni.wired.co.uk/620x413/k_n/Like_1.jpg

'cept France win and CR rattle the Netherlands more than expected

That's the first time I've seen anyone tip Germany for this game

Really? Wouldn't have thought there was that much in it.

agreed all of those except that Brazil will go through despite being undeserving

Yeah I think so too :-(

If it goes to penalties then Brazil are through, Colombia are capable of winning in normal time though.

Given the shitshow against Chile I wouldn't be so sure that Brazil would win on pens.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrtXPTOCcAAwzoO.png

Lahm at right-back, no Giroud. Good calls

Klose starting? Interesting.

Is it Michael Ballack talking in ESPN? Usually watch on Univision and didn't see his face.

Yes, they just said it was. Never mind.

"The French... the mutinous shambles of their last World Cup campaign."

( that one wasn't Michael Ballack)

Nothing like a FIFA sponsored PSA to make you irritated.

Fully stressed out for this game, hoping for a 2-1 France victory.

Photo op especially for you, Ned.

We'll tbh I'm hoping for a 8-0 France victory but that's never going to happen

They're wearing that kit everybody likes, guaranteed loss

This could be quite the game

gg allin or nothing

A+

Hey!

I get a little pang for the geeg every time I see that #allin or nothing pitchside ad

― Ismael Klata, Wednesday, 25 June 2014 21:20 (1 week ago)

TOR!

Fuck

Beauty.

sorry, Ismael, I missed that post - but great minds, eh?

Nice one, Hummels. Let's have a couple more, Germany.

France have peaked too soon. Their first two matches were impressive, but the next two and this, for now, meh.

I was worried that this might have been a turgid 0-0 but should be a cracker now

https://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/859156881.gif

Germany have only failed to reach the QFs once?!

Since 1954 or ever?

I shouldn't be surprised but y'know, in their lean eras most countries maybe don't qualify for a bit.

Commentator said 1938's the only time. I think maybe they weren't allowed in in 1950.

NN i've been waiting for that gif, ty

France need to fill that space between their lines