Cugalabanza

That was a nervy game. I’m happy for England. England was by far the better team for 80 minutes and then ran out of steam a bit. Colombia played an ugly game in stretches with a lot of diving and begging and some dirty ****. But they surged in extra time and got that equalizer. Good, tense, physical game. Harry Kane is world class.

That’s one way of looking at it. A boring, unnecessarily antagonistic way, but whatever... I don’t think I’ll ever understand why someone would waste the energy to try to make an argument to try to discredit something that people enjoy. Especially inside of a thread made for those who are fans of that thing. A discussion which you could so easily ignore. What an arrogant, ignorant, smug position. You’re right and millions of fans are wrong. I hope you’ll accept my apology for enjoying something that you consider unworthy. Aren’t you and row33 due back in PPP for a rally or something?

Wow, Russia just showed Spain what they can do with their tiki-taka. Huge upset!

Oh good, a fresh perspective

Have a great b-day!

Brazil looked really good in their last group game. Something clicked for them and they looked like themselves again for the first time in a while. That's scary. That Brazil vs Mexico game on Monday is a must watch for me. I'm rooting for Mexico, but they will have to play at their absolute best to have a chance. I agree that quite a few teams have a real shot. It's interesting to see which teams get better as the tournament goes on and who's willing to give that extra effort and to grind out the close ones. I really can't guess who will win it. Brazil, Belgium, Uruguay, Croatia, Portugal, England. Spain,... who knows.

Great big It's the World Cup! It's special in a way that nothing else is. All of the things about this tournament and about the game itself that people complain about...those are many of the things that make it most interesting, exciting, dramatic and fun (and occasionally hilarious) to me.

Mrs. Banza got me this Martin about a decade ago. Gets better with age. Sounds super sweet.

Well, it would be USA, but...? I’m rooting for Mexico ( I guess that’s sacrilege to some). Also England (they invented the game—they deserve some love) and Portugal somewhat too.

I feel like both Sweden & Mexico are capable of beating anyone on a good day. Consistency is the issue, especially for Mexico. They were poor today, but they can play at a very high level when it comes together for them. Hard to say. It’s pretty wide open. Germany’s out. Spain & Brazil look ok, but not great. Portugal, Croatia, Uruguay, England, Sweden...all very much in the mix. Makes it a fun tournament in my opinion.

Nope. But I bet they’re going home feeling pretty ok about the victory against Germany in a game Germany needed.

Wow, crazy stuff in today’s early games. Mexico lucky indeed. They owe a huge debt to S. Korea, especially their keeper, who was great. I didn’t think S. Korea was capable of a performance like that. Good stuff!

No. They likely still need at least a point tomorrow.

True. Also, I'm not sure how much either team really cares whether they play the #1 or #2 seed from group H (Columbia/Japan/Senegal) since it's still up in the air how that group will play out.

England vs. Belgium on Thursday will be a great one too. That's a game I have highlighted on my soccer nerd schedule.

They did in that first game against Spain. They will need to be at their best for sure. Uruguay has looked very good so far, but I think it helps Portugal that they had that Euro 2016 success, so they won't be shy on the big stage. Uruguay hasn't had much international success lately.

I think that will be a great game. I can't guess who will win, but it's a must watch.

England, wow. Ok.

I was rooting for Iceland, but Nigeria was really good in the second half. Argentina has a sigh of relief with this result, but they still have to beat Nigeria and that won’t be easy at all.

Take it easy, man. This thread is to talk about & enjoy the WC and the game. Your stuff is starting to sound like a PPP type crusade.

Yes on Russia, really impressive, and unexpected. That’s a bold prediction. I’m thinking Spain wins by 2 or 3, but who knows?

Loved Japan’s effort against Columbia today. I loved the spirit. They had 1-1 and a man advantage and they did not play for the draw. They kept attacking and it paid off.

Haha, no, I wasn’t aware. I’m not on face book. But may they fly on, fly on little wing.

Autumn, for me, is Neil Young’s season. I love a lot of Neil, but the On The Beach record (my personal favorite of his) always gets played a bunch in the fall. i got nothin’ against Skynyrd, but I like Neil Young better. So many great memorable songs. Also, in defense of Les Pauls, they’re a fine guitar. In fact Neil’s favorite electric, “Old Black,” is a ‘53 Les Paul.