Recapping Day 7:
The big story, of course, is the reigning champs and one of the Big Four favorites for this tournament bowing out without a fight. Sure, Spain had 56% of the possession and 9 shots on goal to Chile’s 4, yet it still felt like Chile were just the better team. Group B is all but set, with the Netherlands and Chile moving on, but their game will be meaningful because the loser most likely will see Brazil in the first knockout game. Brazil just needs to take care of a pretty hapless Cameroon in their next game, while the Mexico-Croatia tilt figures to be one of the best of the third games.
Today’s Games:
Noon: Colombia vs. Ivory Coast
3PM: Uruguay vs. England
6PM: Japan vs. Greece
Today’s Drink:
Asahi Super Dry. Another standard issue brew, following in the footsteps of yesterday’s Estrella Damm. This is one of the most popular beers in Japan. I’m not sure what “Super Dry” means exactly, but I guess I’ll find out. I know this game is being played in Natal, where the US game was played, and where it rained something like 9 inches in the two days prior to that game. I’m reaching for some connection here, and not finding much.
Highlighted Game:
The first two games of the day are both intriguing for very different reasons. Colombia or Ivory Coast can take control in Group C and announce themselves as a team capable of making a deep run in this tournament. The smart money is on Colombia, especially if they have similar fan support as they did in their opener, but Ivory Coast was a different team once Didier Drogba came onto the pitch, so who knows what they’re capable of if he starts.
In the 3PM match, either Uruguay or England could be eliminated with a loss. I suspect Luis Suarez will be in the line-up, but I also suspect that he’s far from 100% healthy and will not be able to make a huge impact. Look for the Brits to take this game and then sneak by Costa Rica next week to punch their ticket to the knockout stage.
