Recapping Day 4:
All three favorites came away with wins, with the great Lionel Messi leaving two defenders on the ground before threading the needle on a vintage goal that proved to be the difference in Argentina’s 2-1 win. The game of the day was easily the Swiss comeback over Ecuador. Ecuador had a nice chance to win it late in extra time but couldn’t pull the trigger on a shot, then the Swiss came sprinting back on the counter and stuck their own game-winner with 20 seconds left. My Bourganel Aux Myrtilles was brewed not too far from the Swiss border, so clearly both France and Switzerland were inspired by the refreshing, bilberry-infused brew.
Today’s Games:
Noon: Germany vs. Portugal
3PM: Iran vs. Nigeria
6PM: USA vs. Ghana
Today’s Drink:
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel. The oldest brewery on the planet, they’ve been brewing beer at this monastery on Weihenstephan Hill since 1040. That’s almost a thousand years! This is a “dunkel”, or dark, wheat beer, which I’m not sure I’ve ever had before. It’s just a 40-minute drive to the brewery from downtown Munich, where 7 of the top 10 players on the current German team ply their trade, for Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga.
Highlighted Game:
Apologies to the Yanks, it’s Germany-Portugal. Just the way he likes it, all eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo when he’s anywhere near the ball. It will be interesting if the Germans start captain Philipp Lahm at right back, because he’ll be around Ronaldo a lot. If Ronaldo fails to put in defensive effort, as he is wont to do, Lahm could wreak havoc up the right side for the Germans, swinging crosses into the box. When Ronaldo is looking to score, he’ll have to deal with Manuel Neuer, arguably the world’s best goalkeeper. After Messi’s goal last night, you know Ronaldo badly wants to match him.
is there much debate around the worldwide “soccer community” as to who the best player is? i assume that Messi is the consensus best player, but i have nothing to base that on. i also assume that Ronaldo is the only other player that would even enter the discussion, but, again, i base that on next to nothing.
Well, Ronaldo won the Ballon D’Or this year as Player of the Year. Messi had won it the previous three years, which is amazing. But, Ronaldo may have only gotten it this year because Messi had some injuries. So, yeah, it’s pretty clear that Messi is #1 and Ronaldo is #2. Then you’d probably get a bunch of different answers for #3.