Recapping Day 1:
The Brazilians pick up the 3 points after a lackluster performance and a terrible call for a penalty shot. I don’t want to be that guy who comes in as a new fan to a sport and starts calling for rule changes, but I absolutely think the penalty shot should have to be taken by the player that was fouled. It’s a high percentage shot anyway, why do you get to choose your best guy to take the shot? Give it to the guy who “earned” the penalty kick.
My caipirinha was not really a caipirinha and the rainy, dreary weather here in PA didn’t help in making it feel Brazil-like, but I think my actions inspired my Chelsea man, Oscar, to a great game. I’m not sure where those types of performances were in the second-half of the Premier League season, but he was the Man of the Match, in my opinion.
Croatia played right with them, but they clearly lacked the speed and creativity in attack that Neymar and Oscar showed for Brazil, and their keeper left something to be desired. Still, they get their top striker (Mandzukic) back from suspension for the next game and they still have a very real chance of moving out of this group.
Today’s Games (see Bry’s previews below)
Noon- Mexico vs. Cameroon
3PM- Spain vs. Netherlands
6PM- Chile vs. Australia
Today’s Drink
To Be Determined. For the vast majority of World Cup days, I’ll be at home base pulling from the fridge. But, for today, I’m taking the show into South Philly and will be choosing from what’s on offer in some of the local establishments. My hope is to find some good Dutch beer but, if all else fails, I’m sure a Corona, Amstel Light, or, God forbid, a Foster’s can be found.
Highlighted Game
How could it not be Spain/Netherlands, a rematch of the 2010 Cup Final? There’s some question marks surrounding both squads. A lot more questions for the Dutch, but more interesting ones for Spain. Is the Spanish dynasty crumbling, or does this generation of players have one more major triumph in them? Can newcomer Diego Costa inject some added punch to the attack? How will Costa, Brazilian born and raised, handle the pressure of being seen as a traitor playing in his native land? Goalkeeper Iker Casillas has thrown up shutout after shutout in major tournaments, but he lost his spot at times for Real Madrid this season. How much does he have left?
I’m down on the Dutch and would be surprised if Spain doesn’t win this one, but Arjen Robben should find a way to get the ball on his powerful left foot a couple times and really test Casillas.
