Recapping Day 5:
It occurred to me after putting up yesterday’s post that a German beer was especially appropriate, because not only was the German team playing, but so was the US team, featuring a German coach and five German players. I thought maybe it would bring some luck to those “German-Americans” (who are really pretty much just German, let’s be honest). Well, Jermaine Jones (born and raised in Frankfurt) assisted on the first goal, then proceeded to be the best player wearing a US jersey throughout the game.
And then, John Brooks (born and raised in Berlin) comes on as an injury sub and heads in the shocking game-winner for the Americans. In a game dominated by Ghana from Minute 2 through Minute 85, the Americans score in the 1st and 86th minutes to grab a huge three points. Of course, they didn’t inspire a ton of confidence going forward with this performance, but it’s very possible that Portugal just isn’t that good.
Today’s Games:
Noon: Belgium vs. Algeria
3PM: Brazil vs. Mexico
6PM: Russia vs. South Korea
Today’s Drink:
Westmalle Tripel Trappist Ale. Finally, the Belgians! Ever since I visited Belgium in 2007 and drank my way across the small country, this has been one of my favorite beers. Westmalle is one of just six Trappist monasteries in Belgium that brew beer, and therefore the only ones that are “authentic” Trappist ales. The tripel is the finest of all Trappist ales, and the Westmalle Tripel was the original and considered the “mother of all tripels”. The Westmalle website (yes, the monks have a website) describes it as having “a great deal of finesse and elegance”. Sounds like Eden Hazard on a football pitch. Here’s to the Westmalle monks and their tripel, and to Hazard, who will hopefully score a “tripel” of goals vs. Algeria this afternoon.
Highlighted Game:
How good is this Brazil team? They were somewhat fortunate to pick up three points vs. Croatia, even if they did slightly outplay them on the whole. Now they get another formidable opponent, with Mexico. The Mexicans came into the tournament with a lot of buzz, despite their really poor showing in qualifying. They were solid in an opening defeat of Cameroon, but this is a massive step up in class. Both teams with some question marks surrounding them. Brazil can essentially win the group with a win here, whereas a Mexican win could really make things interesting, assuming Croatia takes care of Cameroon. Brazil and Mexico will be the first teams to play their second games, as the other two games today are debut of the final group.
