Before I start talking soccer, can I just quickly tell Dodger fans to shut up? Can you please stop complaining about a phantom balk or a bad call at second base? How about running hard throughout a play to ensure you cross home quickly to get the tying run? With just that half of an inning, and all the complaining going on after it, I've lost respect for the "typical" Dodger fan, and I'm pulling for the sweep harder than a janitor. See, soccer isn't completely taking over my life!
Italy v Slovakia
Huge love to ESPN Mobile TV for hooking me up with this game while I was at work. What a stunner! Robert Vittek's goal in the 25th minute got my hopes up for an upset, but as one of my coworkers pointed out, "There's a lot of time left and Italy is good." I agreed and watched, waiting for Italy to turn it around. Then, in the 73rd, Vittek buried his double and sent shockwaves throughout the soccer universe. While Italy cam back into the game, it was a 89th minute dagger that completely the brilliant upset for the Slovaks. Are you kidding me? Last tournament's champions have bee ousted? Both teams from the 2006 finals failed to escape the groups? You have to love it. Every citizen of the small farming country of Slovakia are going to celebrate long into the night after this one. Meanwhile, everyone in Italy is left wonderin what just happened. I'm pretty sure they'll all be drinking heavily tonight as well.
Netherlands v Cameroon
My cousin is looking more and more like a soccer genious every day. His Dutchmen scored big against the 'Roonies to win their game 2-1, win their group, and set up a thrilling round of 16 match with the upset crew from Slovakia. It almost wasn't so. After Persie nailed the opener at the 36th, the Orange thought they were cruising. But, a penalty shot was awarded just inside the second half to Eto'o, and Sammy didn't disappoint. The game was all of the sudden interesting, with both teams pushing forward for the lead. The Dutch were saved on a Huntelaar goal 7 shy of the final whistle to send Netherlands into a frenzy, and send another African team into the pile of those eliminated.
Japan v Denmark
Again, ESPN Mobile TV hooked my shteez up on this one, and I don't think I've ever been more proud of 11 Asian guys in my life. Japan only needed a draw to seal moving on, but instead they announced their greatness with authority, crushing te Danes 3-1 to secure the second spot in their group and a slot in the round of 16. Super star Keisuke Honda was the foot that made the difference with two stellar free kicks, an despite the Danes cutting the lead in half, Japan held on thanks to a stunning goal by Okazaki. Honda broke in the box with Oka, the Dane goalie charged him, and rather than taking the selfish shot, Honda passed to Oka for the easy tap in and third goal for the Rising Sun. Stoked!
Let's continue to check our work
Group E
LSF Prediction: Netherlands & Japan
Reality: Netherlands & Japan
I thought I was going out on a limb pushing Japan through, possibly being blinded by my love of Nakamura thanks to his stellar work with Celtic. But look! Here we are, and my prediction was dead on.
Group F
LSF Prediction: Italy & Paraguay
Reality: Paraguay & Slovakia
I don't really think anyone saw this coming. While I noted that Italy was an older squad, I didn't think that would be nearly enough to lead to them getting tossed out before the knockouts. Props to Slovakia. Paraguay is the obvious choice to come out, if you take Italy out of the picture.
Round of 16 matchups:
Netherlands v Slovakia
Sorry, Slovakia. Your enjoyable run has come to an end. It was really fun while it lasted, though. Netherlands moves on with ease.
Japan v Paraguay
Man, this is going to be the battle between these two groups. Two things I'm basing my pick on here. 1) Paraguay, although not needing big things, drew nil-nil with New Zealand. 2) I have an unabashed love for this Japanese national team and am ready for another surprising win. Japan goes through.
So far I've picked 9 out of the 12 teams advancing for a fairly decent 75 percent. I'm proud of that mark.
US/Ghana is just 45 hours away.
-- Sent from my Palm Prē
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