World Cup 2014

[Easy180]

Wanted to ask what educated soccer fans thought of the handball call on Hulk? Seems to me if it was a borderline call they should have let the play stand.

[Pete]

Wanted to ask what educated soccer fans thought of the handball call on Hulk? Seems to me if it was a borderline call they should have let the play stand.

Can't use any part of your arm and the ball pretty clearly came off his bicep.

I thought it was absolutely the right call.

[Pete]

I like the Dutch but I think they screwed Mexico with a dive in the very last minutes.

Holland had done well to get a late equalizer but the penalty kick to put them ahead was highly dubious.

Mexico goes out in the Round of 16 for the 6th (!) straight time.

Yet another unbelievable match.

[BlackmoreRulz]

Thought they deserved one earlier in the game but that call was pretty iffy, the ref had let worse get by before that.

[Dennis Heaton]

[soonerguru]

I like the Dutch but I think they screwed Mexico with a dive in the very last minutes.

Holland had done well to get a late equalizer but the penalty kick to put them ahead was highly dubious.

Mexico goes out in the Round of 16 for the 6th (!) straight time.

Yet another unbelievable match.

Agreed. I was pulling hard for Mexico.

[gsan]

I like the Dutch but I think they screwed Mexico with a dive in the very last minutes.

Holland had done well to get a late equalizer but the penalty kick to put them ahead was highly dubious.

Mexico goes out in the Round of 16 for the 6th (!) straight time.

Yet another unbelievable match.

agree, Mexico got screwed.
Disappointing, I was rooting for them.

[bradh]

I almost felt sorry for Mexico.

[soonerguru]

I almost felt sorry for Mexico.

Felt sorry for that goalie. How many people slammed their Bohemias, Carta Blancas, y otro cervezas against the counters in unison after that penalty kick? I told my daughter that guy may need a personal bodyguard.

[Pete]

ANOTHER great match, this time 10-man Costa Rica beating Greece on PK's after yielding a very late equalizer.

What an incredible World Cup and so much more left!

[bradh]

Felt sorry for that goalie. How many people slammed their Bohemias, Carta Blancas, y otro cervezas against the counters in unison after that penalty kick? I told my daughter that guy may need a personal bodyguard.

No way, Ochoa is the reason they did as well as they did. Marquez, a know tool bag and the biggest POS on that team, needs protection.

Mexico had it in the bag but bunkered down and quit attacking.

[Dennis Heaton]

Camino por recorrer Costa Rica!

Costa Rica 1 (wins on penalties)
Greece 1

[Pete]

I've really enjoyed both the booth and in-studio commentators as well.

At the games, Ian Darke is excellent and I've loved Steve McManaman's casual approach and candor. Macca can be a bit critical but he speaks from the heart and is always interesting, providing you can understand him.

Kasey Keller doing color is always awesome in his low-key way. He really knows his stuff and speaks very well.

In the studio, Bob Ley is fantastic and Alexi Lalas is a big stand-out.

I know they want to provide flavor from other countries (like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gilberto) but most of them just aren't fluent enough in English to really come across well. The big exception is Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who has been great.

[bradh]

Yep Pete I was just commenting the other day that ESPN is absolutely killing the presentation.

[Teo9969]

I've really enjoyed both the booth and in-studio commentators as well.

At the games, Ian Darke is excellent and I've loved Steve McManaman's casual approach and candor. Macca can be a bit critical but he speaks from the heart and is always interesting, providing you can understand him.

Kasey Keller doing color is always awesome in his low-key way. He really knows his stuff and speaks very well.

In the studio, Bob Ley is fantastic and Alexi Lalas is a big stand-out.

I know they want to provide flavor from other countries (like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gilberto) but most of them just aren't fluent enough in English to really come across well. The big exception is Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who has been great.

The Dutch guy is also fantastic in the studio, probably my favorite. I'm totally okay with not great English…spent nearly half the last 12 months dealing with, so most everyone is cool…but Silva (the Brazilian guy) probably needs to go. Unfortunately he's the host country's guy.

¿Y qué están haciendo Uds. a Español?

[38th Street Richard]

Really surprised Germany is having such a tough time with Algeria. Algeria are giving them much more trouble we did and are playing really hard. Exciting match so far.

[codyt]

The Dutch guy is also fantastic in the studio, probably my favorite. I'm totally okay with not great English…spent nearly half the last 12 months dealing with, so most everyone is cool…but Silva (the Brazilian guy) probably needs to go. Unfortunately he's the host country's guy.

¿Y qué están haciendo Uds. a Español?

Haven't been able to enjoy the commentary much since I've watched most of the matches on my work computer. Thank god for espn3. To steal a line from Roger Bennett: I am very nervo-mistic about today's game.

[Dennis Heaton]

I refuse to pay for Cable. That's why I am sooooo happy I can watch the games on Channel 36.1. Even if I Español hablo muy poco, the sports announcer is a hoot!!!

[Pete]

Another gut-busting effort from the U.S. but Belgium is very good and clearly the better team today.

Still, we had that amazing late chance off the set piece... This team never, ever quits.


I said it before: With the interest shown in this competition in this country I think you'll see a pretty good improvement in 2018. We are sturdy and well-organized in defense but need some possession / ball-winning midfielders and some better attacking options. I am sure they will come.

Congrats to the 2014 USMNT for a great run and proving amazing entertainment to all of us. Much respect!

[Lord Helmet]

Well damn...

You know, if we could close the talent/player development gap with some of these other countries we would be SO good. There isn't a country in the world whose team plays with such heart and effort. Can't wait for 2018 to get here!

I'll be pulling for the Ticos for the rest of the tournament!

[38th Street Richard]

I refuse to pay for Cable. That's why I am sooooo happy I can watch the games on Channel 36.1. Even if I Español hablo muy poco, the sports announcer is a hoot!!!

I don't have cable either but have been watching all the matches on Watch ESPN either on my Apple TV or iPad (with a Cox internet account). If you have either of those, the streams are excellent quality. All matches play on ESPN 3 (on the web) as well.

[Urbanized]

Did anyone score yet?

[Dennis Heaton]

I don't have cable either but have been watching all the matches on Watch ESPN either on my Apple TV or iPad (with a Cox internet account). If you have either of those, the streams are excellent quality. All matches play on ESPN 3 (on the web) as well.

Thanks! I'm still sticking with Costa Rica to win it all.

[AP]

Did anyone score yet?

Trolling is the best.

[Dennis Heaton]

Did anyone score yet?

Yes indeedy. The Thunder are whoopin the Heat midway through the 3rd quarter, 89-56.