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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Brazil v Netherlands Open Thread

Reader Interactions

162Comments

  3. 3.

    LarsThorwald

    One day this World Cup’s gonna end, and all of John’s pets will pass, and then this site can finally get back to focusing on what needs focusing: the Twilight movies.

  5. 5.

    Silver

    I’m cheering for Holland, but my head says Brazil. If the Dutch play at the back like they did against Slovakia, the Brazilians are going to come right up the middle about 20 times.

  7. 7.

    Cap'n Billy

    The English announcer on ESPN just described the crowd as “an orchard of orange and lemon.” Sweet.

  8. 8.

    Miss Kitka's Comrade Wayne

    What color will the winning team be wearing? Orange or canary yellow?

    Brazil are in blue.

  9. 9.

    Leeds man

    Two of the last three times the Oranje have been eliminated (1994 and 1998) was by the Canarinhos.

    …and Bergkamp’s taxicab is stuck somewhere outside Timbuktu, so the Dutch are really screwed.

  10. 10.

    Violet

    I heard the announcers saying that someone got injured during the last practice before the match and wouldn’t be playing, but didn’t catch who it was. I think it was one of the Dutch players. That stinks for them.

  11. 11.

    Calouste

    @Violet:

    They probably talked about Robben being injured in the last friendly before the World Cup, but he has recovered.

  12. 12.

    frankdawg

    @LarsThorwald:

    Soccer is just like Twilight:
    people run around for 2 hours for some reason
    nobody scores
    odds are someone will suck
    you either love it hate it
    you can’t understand why anyone could feel differently about it than you do

    I’m pulling for the Gouda eating wooden shoe brigade but will be surprised if they win.

  13. 13.

    Violet

    What color will the winning team be wearing? Orange or canary yellow?

    According to my observation that teams that are wearing white lose, it looks like The Netherlands will win. However, my theory doesn’t seem to apply when the white is only the shorts, as it is with Brazil. So unfortunately, I can’t call this match just by uniforms.

  14. 14.

    handsmile

    While my heart will beat Oranje this morning, my head cannot convincingly formulate a victory over Brazil. While the Dutch keeper and defenders have surpassed expectations, visions of Brazil’s marauding fullbacks drain the blood. Children should be shielded from the sight of Maicon surging forward against van Bronckhorst. Also, the porcelain ankles of Robben and van Persie may not withstand the threshing tackles of Lucio and Juan.

    I do believe that Brazil’s defense was tested with some promise against Portugal, a match that began in malice and ended in morass. The role of Dutch midfielders Elia and Afellay in this contest could prove tantalizing, but their inexperience at this level of competition could hobble their pace and fearlessness.

    Yet like a number of fellow posters here, I do crave a victory by Holland and I believe that desired outcome is more than a cannabis-inspired reverie. Kuyt’s industry, Sneijder’s brilliance, Robben’s mesmerism, the comparative youth of the squad (a significant factor in England v. Germany), a comparably rugged midfield, and Holland’s unaccustomed esprit de corps, are collectively powerful counterarguments to the reflexive assumption that Brazil must win because, well, they’re Brazil.

    The fulcrum of Dutch fortunes rests upon the play of midfielder Mark van Bommel. If he is able to maintain his role as bulwark of Holland’s midfield, repelling Brazilian forays and assisting Sneijder with the distribution of the ball forward, Dutch offensive creativity may prevail. If, on the other hand, van Bommel must continually retreat, desperately patching an exposed back line, the narrative of Brazil’s inevitable invincibility will continue.

    As to the day’s other match between Ghana and Uruguay, amidst a horde of impassioned Africans in Brooklyn, I will be cheering madly for the Black Stars.

    Here, as well, my head and heart are not in harmony. Uruguay has been a truly impressive, cohesive squad, once again demonstrating the verity of tactical organization to footballing success. The absence due to suspension of two of Ghana’s most consistent players in this tournament, Andre Ayew and Jonathan Mensah, will likely contribute to the deterioration of the team’s already fragile offensive discipline. Nevertheless, at this moment I am choosing to imagine the delirium that will ensue should an African nation at last reach the World Cup semi-finals.

  20. 20.

    Violet

    That was quite a goal!
    @Calouste:

    They probably talked about Robben being injured in the last friendly before the World Cup, but he has recovered.

    I rewound the DVR to hear who the injured players was. They said it was someone called Mattias or Matthias? Said he was just injured and had played all the games and wouldn’t be able to play the big one against Brazil. So it sounds like it just happened.

  21. 21.

    stuckinred

    @Bill E Pilgrim: Actually it’s really fun for me to read that kind of stuff. Real passion mixed with knowledge is illuminating for those of us who don’t know squat but enjoy watching.

  22. 22.

    Violet

    Just checked The Guardian’s liveblog. It looks like the Dutch player who is injured is Mathijsen.

  24. 24.

    Calouste

    The ref should book a Brazilian player to stop them making such a drama every time a foul is called against them. What a bunch of WATBs.

  25. 25.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    @stuckinred: I was referring to your comment.

    ;)

    And was just kidding.

    is illuminating for those of us who don’t know squat but enjoy watching

    If you ever spent an evening listening to someone explain the rules of squat you’d realize that you’re better off this way.

  28. 28.

    burnspbesq

    Good card. Persistent chippy shit from behind is Brazil’s way of defending a lead, and far too much of it goes uncalled simply because it’s Brazil.

  29. 29.

    burnspbesq

    Why is Luis Fabiano still on the field? That sure looked like a deliberate kick to the nuts.

  30. 30.

    Bill E Pilgrim

    Another perspective on Brazil’s style of play and current team from this morning’s NYT.

    It was then that Pelé, the greatest player of them all, was battered out of the World Cup in England. First the Bulgarians kicked him, then the Portuguese. The Brazilians never forgot that in the Portugal game it was an English referee, George McCabe, who allowed the rough play that hobbled Pelé and led to Brazil’s being eliminated in the group stage.

  32. 32.

    Violet

    Guardian liveblog:

    40 min: This is a major disappointment, so far.

    I thought it would be a more exciting match. Brazil is dominating so far.

  33. 33.

    Alex S.

    Brazil’s playful dominance is very strong. The Dutch try, but they haven’t got a chance.

  36. 36.

    Silver

    If there are more cynical players than Maicon and Robben playing in this world cup, I’m not sure I’ve seen them.

  37. 37.

    mcd410x

    Interesting how many countries find inspiration in the diminutive: the little canary yellows and their striker, little Robbie.

    Touching, really.

  38. 38.

    Randy Paul

    @burnspbesq: I’m listening on the radio and following on the Guardian live blog as well as ESPN’s Gamecast. No one has mentioned anything about Luis Fabiano kicking someone in the balls.

    I’ll comment further when I see the DVR of the game. On the radio they felt that Van Persie deserved a card.

  39. 39.

    Silver

    @Randy Paul:

    It looked to me like he clipped him in the nuts.

    From my point of view, the ref seems to be doing a good job considering the players aren’t making it easy for him. The card that Brazil got was a little weak, Holland’s was well deserved.

    Dunga could chill out a little too. I’m expecting him to start smearing feces on the bench at some point in the second half…

  42. 42.

    handsmile

    @ Alex S.

    From what I’ve watched from behind spread fingers during the first half, I sadly can’t disagree with your terse assessment. The brawn and athleticism of the entire Brazilian squad is quite remarkable.

    But I’m still holding out for a moment (or two, actually) of offensive magic from the Dutch.

    Does anyone know whether Robben is contractually forbidden from passing the ball in the penalty area? Crikey.

  50. 50.

    J.W. Hamner

    Somehow I’ve managed to miss both goals… stupid work… and the ESPN thingie is being slow with the video highlights. An own goal?

  58. 58.

    Cap'n Billy

    The Dutch have dominated the second half, and the Brazilians are getting testy. As the announcers say: “Brazil doesn’t lose, but they’re losing here.” The last 20 minutes are going to be intense.

  59. 59.

    Mark S.

    Well that’s quite a turn of events. Brazil has looked really shaky since the first goal.

  60. 60.

    Violet

    ESPN announcers: “Brazil just don’t lose. They are losing here.”

    Brazil looks quite rattled to me. Anyone else think that?

  61. 61.

    stuckinred

    @Alex S.: I was thinking about this quote above

    “The way Holland’s been playing, they have no business being tied. “

  62. 62.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    Woah. Red card.

    Edit: Deserved it, too. Stepped on the back of Robben’s knee.

  67. 67.

    stuckinred

    What the fuck is with these dudes running up and putting their hands all up on the other guys face? Some “futbol” thing?

  70. 70.

    Silver

    Yikes…during the replay, I thought to myself, “That’s awfully harsh to give him a red” and then I saw Melo stomp on Robben.

    Good card.

  75. 75.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    I think both teams could use a trip to an Amsterdam cafe at the moment.

  77. 77.

    Alex S.

    @stuckinred:

    That wasn’t my quote ;-).

    But judging by the first 45 minutes, I would have signed on to that. But while Brazil “should” win this game, the Dutch aren’t a team that you can beat half-assed. Anyway, I need more popcorn now. We’ll see some fireworks.

  79. 79.

    Violet

    Oh, man. I am dying to talk to my friend who is in Brazil. The Brazilians my friend is working with were saying they weren’t remotely worried about the Dutch. They had to stop work early today so everyone could watch the match. The mood must be dire there at this point.

  81. 81.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    The Dutch are determined to make this more exciting then it needs to be.

  82. 82.

    Peter J

    Never thought Brazil would be the South American team that would fail to reach semifinals. Always thought that it would be Paraguay.

    It looks like there will be at least two UEFA teams in the semifinals, and if so, any talk about a failed tournament for UEFA is getting a bit weak….

  85. 85.

    frankdawg

    DAMN – I am at work & can’t watch – just checked & it is 2-1 Orange and from reading this thread Brazil sounds like they are floundering.

    Wow!

  87. 87.

    Violet

    Just catching up with the Guardian liveblog:

    75 min: […] Robinho comes over wagging his finger like Dennis Taylor after the 1985 world snooker final. What on earth is he moaning about? Oh yes, that’d be it, Brazil aren’t very good.

    LOL.

  89. 89.

    Ash Can

    It appears to my untrained eye that the Dutch are doing it much the same way the Blackhawks did it — with strong goaltending and an absolutely murderous passing game.

  90. 90.

    burnspbesq

    This is like watching the US try to hold a lead. I’m screaming “possess the god damned ball” at my TV.

  91. 91.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    @Randy Paul: Clling it an own goal was pretty harsh. Sneijder put the ball on goal, Melo just touched it and it went in. As a hockey fan, it mystifies me that Sneijder doesn’t get credit for the goal, since he made it happen.

  96. 96.

    Violet

    The Brazilians don’t know what has hit them. You can see it all over their faces.

  97. 97.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    @Randy Paul: I thought it was heading to the goal. Again, though, I’m a hockey fan, and just throwing the puck towards the crease and hoping it bounces off something is the way you score.

  99. 99.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    Amsterdam’s going to be a rocking town tonight.

  100. 100.

    Violet

    @Violet:

    According to my observation that teams that are wearing white lose, it looks like The Netherlands will win.

    The curse continues.

  103. 103.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    @Violet:

    The curse continues.

    It is stronger than Brazil leading at halftime.

  104. 104.

    SLKRR

    I’m not sure if it was a different Brasil team that showed up in the second half, or a different Dutch team, but….damn… Despite their excessive diving, Netherlands earned that win. And Felipe Melo made the dumbest play of all to get that red card.

    Rumo ao Hexa…em 2014.

  108. 108.

    SLKRR

    @Leeds man:

    Looked like it was heading in to me, and the Brazilian just grazed it.

    Except that if Felipe Melo hadn’t have stuck his head in there, Júlio Cesar would have grabbed the ball. So it wasn’t heading in until he touched it.

  109. 109.

    SLKRR

    @Violet:

    You should see what’s it like here in Brazil… the entire city is dead silent… nothing moving in the streets… no sound from anywhere. The only other time I’ve ever seen it like this was in 2006 after the game against France.

  110. 110.

    wengler

    Dunga, you’re fired.

    Felipe Melo, sorry mate the next 45 years are going to be tough for you.

    Orange, you better watch out or the Ghana train is gonna run you down.

  111. 111.

    Opopanax

    Woohoo–Hup Holland indeed! Reporting from Holland, lots of yelling, singing, car horns blowing, and bike bells ringing, with some vuvuzelas blowing mixed in. This is a big display of emotion since the Dutch are fairly reserved ;-). Oh, and fireworks, although it’ll be light here a few more hours so they’re for sound effect only.

    Party’s on, duuds!

  113. 113.

    burnspbesq

    @wengler:

    The Ghana train needs to leave the station first. Chasing the likes of Dempsey is not the same as dealing with Forlan.

  114. 114.

    Violet

    @SLKRR:
    My friend just texted me saying it’s utterly silent there too. Totally different from Tuesday when Brazil won and apparently you couldn’t hardly hear yourself think it was so loud. Lots of very long faces. Everyone in shock and devastated, apparently.

  115. 115.

    SLKRR

    @4jkb4ia:

    Dunga cannot be looking forward to the reception he will get when he is home.

    He may not want to come home…

    Kaká’s lucky he can just go back to Europe, because his reception here would probably be even worse.

  116. 116.

    Tancrudo

    It’s a good thing Melo got sent off. Holland was playing two men up until then, and that narrowed it down to one man up.

  117. 117.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    @SLKRR: Watching the replay, I’m not sure Cesar would have had it. He might have missed punching it.

  118. 118.

    Peter J

    Path to the final wide freakin open.

    I’m sorry, but the US team was part of that easy path.

  121. 121.

    wengler

    @burnsbeq

    I’m on the Ghana train. For the next 5 hours at least. Though I don’t like Kevin Prince Boateng.

  123. 123.

    Peter J

    The open path was for Uruguay to reach the semifinals, there they were destined to face Brazil. Obviously they won’t do that now, but just because Brazil is gone doesn’t mean it’s an open path to the final for Uruguay. The Netherlands isn’t a bad team. At all.

  124. 124.

    Morzer

    Hurrah! At last this arrogant over-rated Brazilian side gets what it deserves! Now that’s what I call a Dutch treat!

  125. 125.

    John

    @mcd410x:

    Yes, the path to the final is wide freaking open for Holland. What is the basis for thinking that the US would have had an easy time with the team that just beat Brazil? They couldn’t even beat Slovenia!

  126. 126.

    Joel

    Nice to see the favorites go down, but I’m not liking the Netherlands too much… go Ghana?

  127. 127.

    fbihop

    @mcd410x:

    The real loser here: USA.
    Path to the final wide freakin open.

    Pretty sure that the Netherlands would have been a big favorite to beat the United States if the USA had survived Uruguay to make the semis.

    Actually, completely sure.

  128. 128.

    handsmile

    To the best of my recollection, I took no hallucinogens with my morning coffee. Still I can’t actually believe what my eyes just saw. Apparently from the flurry of posts here, a number of you saw it too.

    I’m really looking forward to the rebroadcast tonight. The tension of the second half kept me from focusing on the overall quality of play and activity away from the ball itself. Emotion overwhelming analysis.

    One searing Image: the look of disgust on Lucio’s face as he strode off the pitch at match end, stripping off the captain’s armband. I expect serious recriminations from this match, both within the Brazilian squad and towards the Dutch, whose play was a little, let me say, Portuguese.

  129. 129.

    KG

    In American sports, the first question Dunga would be asked after this game would be, “so, do you still stand behind your [stupid, stupid, stupid] decision to not have Ronaldo and Ronaldinho on the roster?”

    I get why Brazil wanted to go in a different direction, but this is always the risk that you run when you’ve got a certain tradition and you change it. It’d be like the Steelers going with a 4-3 next year, just because they didn’t win the Super Bowl last year. If I were Dunga, I’d be looking for houses somewhere in the Eastern Hemisphere.

  130. 130.

    Paula

    Ghana have to get past Uruguay. The US gifted those goals, so I’m not entirely sure that they’ve solved the problem of more effective striking. I haven’t watched any matches w/ Uruguay, so I have no idea what their defense is like, but it seems like their strikers are having a good WC, so …

    While it would be good for the host continent to win it, my head says Uruguay for this one.

    @mcd410x:

    I’m pretty sure we would have been stopped by Uruguay.

  131. 131.

    Hypnos

    I’d like to see a Netherlands – Argentina final, but for the way it looks I think it’s going to be a repeat of the last time the Netherlands beat Brazil: Germany Netherlands final, with a German win.

    Which would mean they reach Italy at four wins.

    Also, I’d say its pretty sure Spain will make it through. If Germany also does, it’ll be 3 UEFA teams in the semifinals. Quite a reversal from American dominance.

  132. 132.

    SLKRR

    @fbihop:

    Yep. The “wide-open path” was for the winner of the Netherlands-Brazil game. I can’t imagine what kind of extreme upsets you’d need to happen for the US to get a “wide-open path.”

  133. 133.

    Therese

    @handsmile

    When you say “whose play was a little, let me say, Portuguese” does that mean diving? I’m new to WC watching so I don’t know the Portuguese reputation but that’s my best guess. I also missed the first half of today’s match. Where the Dutch pulling theatrics more than what is typical?

    Also a little behind the 8-ball on the deal with Argentina. What is their reputation? Seems like they have one but I don’t get it.

    That was quite a match!

  134. 134.

    Violet

    I’m happy with either Ghana or Uruguay winning. Ghana is something of a sentimental favorite for me because the Cup is being held in an African country for the first time, so I’d like to see them do well and represent the continent. But I like Uruguay too. Just hoping for a good match.

  137. 137.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal

    @KG:

    If I were Dunga, I’d be looking for houses somewhere in the Eastern Hemisphere. that doesn’t have an extradition treaty with Brazil.

  138. 138.

    mcd410x

    @Peter J, et al.: No, I’m sorry. Uruguay tied France, who managed one goal in the tournament. They beat Mexico, 1-0. And SoKo — SoKo, to whom they very easily could have lost without a moment of individual brilliance — 2-1. If you’re trying to convince that’s a World Cup winner’s pedigree, well …

    The point is that any of the teams — wouldn’t be surprised to see Ghana advance today — can win in this Mundial.

    Utter chaos. And a lot of fun.

  140. 140.

    SLKRR

    @Therese:

    Also a little behind the 8-ball on the deal with Argentina. What is their reputation? Seems like they have one but I don’t get it.

    They are a strong team this year and they have a reputation of being arrogant. They may be able to back it up this year, though I’ll still be rooting for Germany.

    The Dutch were diving all over the place today, and it worked – the first goal came off of a phantom foul.

    @KG:

    In American sports, the first question Dunga would be asked after this game would be, “so, do you still stand behind your [stupid, stupid, stupid] decision to not have Ronaldo and Ronaldinho on the roster?”

    Ronaldo is long past his prime, but leaving Adriano and Ronaldinho off was heavily criticized at the time the selection was announced. Dunga is done.

  141. 141.

    Paula

    BECAUSE RONALDO IS FAT. [Sorry. 2006 meme recycling.]

    @mcd410x:

    Well, that’s optimistic of you. You do know that the USA were playing w/ one erratic forward who couldn’t score (miss u Charlie!!) and a very weak defense, right? We needed everyone in tip top shape just to get past our lack of ball handling skills so … ??

  142. 142.

    mcd410x

    Also, while the Dutch won today, they looked far from unbeatable (how quickly one forgets the ease with which Brazil opened them for the first goal). Brazil were just utter shite after that.

    For which, I’m glad. I just want RVP to make it through without losing a limb.

    For once.

  143. 143.

    KG

    @Randy Paul: I know Ronaldo isn’t where he was a few cycles ago, it just seems strange to me that you’d leave him off the roster. I just think if you can get a couple more games out of the all time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, you go with that. (which is strange, because I’m not typically the kind of fan that likes the Proven Veteran Leader bullshit)

  145. 145.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal

    @mcd410x:

    how quickly one forgets the ease with which Brazil opened them for the first goal

    No one is forgetting that. It’s more that you’re the only one that thinks the US team can exploit the same holes that Kaka and this year’s guy whose name starts with “R”. (Honestly, I’ve lost the ability to keep track of them all.) While the Dutch showed weakness today, and got some luck as well*, they just beat the consensus best team in the world. Saying that the Brazilians exposed them, so we should too, seems a bit foolish.

    *Though not as much as the ESPN announcers were claiming. Did Melo knock the ball into his own net? Yes, but that’s why you lob the ball in there in the first place. A shot on goal is never a bad play.

  146. 146.

    Therese

    @ SLKRR

    Thanks for the background. I don’t know anything about Spain. Anything of interest about them?

  147. 147.

    Irritable Liberal

    Baghana Baghana!!!!

    FIFA hypocrisy on full view re: Andre Ayew’s suspension. Ayew got a yellow in the U.S. game when Altidore tripped over his own feet with at least 2 feet of air between him and Ayew. He had a yellow from an earlier game.

    Ghana appealed and was turned down. FIFA’s response, “the referee’s decision is final”. WTF – you can appeal but you’re going to loose because we’re not going to go against the ref’s call.

    Every other football governing body considers appeals on their merits but not FIFA?

  148. 148.

    Peter J

    The US team, that was within in minutes of being eliminated in the group stage would have had a open path to reach the final?

    The US team that was 0-2 against Slovenia? The US team that almost was unable to score against Algeria? The US team that tied with England (another overrated team) due to an error from their goalie? The US team that got routed by Ghana?

    They would have a open path to the final? Against Uruguay? Against the Netherlands or Brazil?

    Good one.

  150. 150.

    Tokyokie

    The next game is no gimme for the Dutch with de Jong and van der Wiel out because of yellow card accumulation.

  151. 151.

    mcd410x

    @That’s Master of Accountancy to You, Pal:

    While the Dutch showed weakness today, and got some luck as well*, they just beat the consensus best team in the world. Saying that the Brazilians exposed them, so we should too, seems a bit foolish.

    Never said that. Just said they’re beatable (and this from someone who put 50 on the Dutch at 9-1 to win it all — you know, if betting were legal).

    @Paula: No, Al Gore is fat.

    All I said was: The point is that any of the teams—wouldn’t be surprised to see Ghana advance today—can win in this Mundial.

    And it’s true. Makes for a much more fun tournament, at least for me. I’ll take anyone in the final save Brazil v Germany. And I will!

  152. 152.

    SLKRR

    @KG:

    I know Ronaldo isn’t where he was a few cycles ago, it just seems strange to me that you’d leave him off the roster. I just think if you can get a couple more games out of the all time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, you go with that.

    At some point, you are just too old/slow to keep up… if you’d have put him on the field against some of these younger sides, that age/slowness would’ve become readily apparent. Romario just retired with 1006 goals, second only to Pelé, but I wouldn’t put him on the team, either. Then again, I’m not getting paid the big bucks to make those decisions, so…

  153. 153.

    SLKRR

    @mcd410x:

    And it’s true. Makes for a much more fun tournament, at least for me. I’ll take anyone in the final save Brazil v Germany. And I will!

    Now that my team is out, I think I’d like to see a Spain x Netherlands final and let someone new finally win a World Title.

  154. 154.

    KG

    @SLKRR: I get where you’re coming from. And I see that Ronaldo is retiring. I’m just surprised that at 32 he’d be too old or too slow to make it happen. Then again, I watch the game every four years, so my opinion ain’t worth much.

  155. 155.

    Irritable Liberal

    @KG: Ronaldo’s ‘use by’ date was pretty much up in 2006. In England the fans would be singing ‘who ate all the pies?’

    There’s a reason he’s playing in Brazil not Europe.

  157. 157.

    Paula

    @Peter J:

    Not to refight the primary or anything, but the “overrated-ness” of the US team had a lot to do with the American sports media seeing a marketing opportunity. A lot of fans who follow the Yanks and international soccer know what their weaknesses were and how difficult some of their opponents were.

    We like cheering for our team, but we also know they know how to beat themselves. Hence the disappointment.

  158. 158.

    mcd410x

    @SLKRR: Spain or Argentina v Netherlands I’d be really happy to watch.

    Which means it’ll be Uruguay v Germany.

  159. 159.

    That's Master of Accountancy to You, Pal (JMN)

    Has ESPN gone out for anyone else? I can’t get the second game. Of course it has no thread, so maybe it was canceled.

  160. 160.

    Bill Murray

    @Irritable Liberal: I think the only time FIFA has ever changed a yellow card is when it was clearly given to the wrong player.

    and the decision of the referee is final. It says so right in the Laws of the Game

  162. 162.

    Cacti

    Consecutive eliminations in the Quarters.

    Unacceptable.

    Good thing the selecao hasn’t put an insane amount of pressure on themselves for Rio in 2014.

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