Author Archives: Doogan

Day 3, Sunday, June 12th: Poland v. Northern Ireland (Group C): Yet another team making their Euro Cup debut, and it should be a quick first appearance for Northern Ireland.  They’re not going to scare anyone in attack.  They do have … Continue reading →

The Euro Cup is back!  The second-best soccer tournament there is, after the World Cup, of course.  This time it’s in France and the field has been expanded to 24 teams, from 16.    The 24 teams are divided into … Continue reading →

France vs. Germany A classic clash of European powers, but they come in to this one from opposite positions.  Germany was seen as one of the big favorites coming in, but since that opening demolition of Portugal, they’ve failed to … Continue reading →

The Group Stage is over.  My “Drinking from the World Cup” is over.  But the games go on.  Here’s my prediction for Saturday’s double-header. Brazil vs. Chile This may end up being a popular upset pick, after Chile looked really … Continue reading →

Recapping Day 13: The theme of the day was the end of eras, one very succesful and one not so much, for Italy and Ivory Coast.  Poor Ivory Coast.  Really their last shot to do something at a World Cup … Continue reading →

Recapping Day 12: Both the Netherlands and Chile were without arguably their best player, so if they cancel each other out, this was another impressive performance from the Dutch.  There were a lot of Dutch Doubters coming into this tournament, … Continue reading →

Recapping Day 11: The US-Portugal game was a great one.  In some ways, it was the opposite of the first game for the Americans.  They gave up a goal very early, but then settled in and started to really control … Continue reading →

Recapping Day 10: So apparently this guy Messi is pretty good.  After Argentina was unable to score for a stunning 90 minutes vs. Iran, Messi comes to the rescue with a perfect strike from 30 yards out to allow his … Continue reading →

Recapping Day 9: Well, once again we learn the lesson: Vegas sharps know what they’re talking about.  As Bry noted, they were all over Costa Rica advancing out of this group, despite being up against three former world champions.  And … Continue reading →

Recapping Day 8: One thing you learn quickly from watching soccer at this level is just how hard it is to score a goal on individual brilliance alone.  Almost every goal comes off a set-piece, a great pass, or a … Continue reading →