[Berlin_Freeper]

[2ndDivisionVet]

They’re the BOMB!!

[Berlin_Freeper]

The end of Spain’s reign in the plain
USA: Best for last, right? Amidst the last few decades of hate on American soccer, the country has quietly (except to those paying attention) built a quality team. Tim Howard has always been a respected goalie, but other positions have developed stars as well. Michael Bradley has had several successful European stints and is now an established midfield general. Chris Wondolowski is likely the most underrated forward in the tournament, and that’s to say nothing of his fellow strikeforce led by Clint Dempsey. In perhaps the most surprising omission of the World Cup, Landon Donovan was left off the squad, but the Americans still have more than enough talent to see them through. All that stands in their way are the referees; the ’06 Group of Death and several bogus calls come to mind.

[Berlin_Freeper]

One of the weirdest moments in World Cup history. Zaire. https://t.co/6PNXeaYKOp— Coral (@Coral) June 2, 2014

[Berlin_Freeper]

Swallowing the Bitter Pill: England, the Premier League and the World Cup
Discussions abound about England’s chances...

Luis Suarez and Uruguay will 'cheat' to beat England if they have to
Luis Suárez and Uruguay will resort to “cheating” their way to World Cup victory against England, Gus Poyet has admitted.

But Sunderland’s Uruguayan manager insisted that is because the Liverpool striker and his team-mates hail from a country which sees nothing wrong with football’s dark arts being used in pursuit of a win.

[Berlin_Freeper]

10 Soccer Movies You Need To Watch Before The World Cup

[Berlin_Freeper]

World Cup player profile: Hulk
One of Luiz Felipe Scolari's favoured personnel in the past two years, Hulk offers a goal threat (although sometimes inconsistently), as well as a determined attitude to track back and help Brazil defend as a unit. He can also play on either side of an attacking trio.

[Berlin_Freeper]

England's rivals Costa Rica lose warm-up match
Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa scored as Japan beat England's World Cup opponents Costa Rica 3-1 in a warm-up game in Tampa Bay.

[Berlin_Freeper]

We spoke to a dozen employees who took a leave of absence — or quit outright — in order to watch the World Cup.

[BeadCounter]

No Falcao for Colombia, others as well. We will see.

http://int.soccerway.com/news/2014/June/03/pekerman-cuts-falcao-muriel-and-perea/n311099/

[Berlin_Freeper]

World Cup 2014 warmup matches

[matt1234]

Iran may not be on the same level as traditional Asian powers like Japan, South Korea or Australia, but the side looks poised to make some waves in Brazil.

It's truly sad when an article contains a factual error in the very first sentence. Australia is NOT a traditional Asian power. They only joined the Asian confederation in 2006, competing beforehand in the Oceanic confederation.

In early 2005, it was reported that FFA had entered into discussions to join the AFC and end an almost 40-year association with the OFC.[11] Many commentators and fans, most notably football broadcaster and former Australian captain Johnny Warren, felt that the only way for Australia to progress was to abandon Oceania.[12] On 13 March, AFC executive committee made a unanimous decision to invite Australia to join the AFC.[13] After OFC executive committee unanimously endorsed Australia's proposed move, FIFA approved the move on 30 June 2005.[13] Australia would join Asia, with the move taking effect on 1 January 2006, though until then, Australia would have to compete for a 2006 FIFA World Cup position as an OFC member country.[13]

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_national_association_football_team

[Berlin_Freeper]

1950: USA 1 – England 0
That’s right, one of the most important matches in U.S. history took place over fifty years ago, in Brazil, when the United States bested England in a 1-0 victory that shocked everyone. Seriously. This match, which was supposed to be such a one-sided affair that the U.S. coach proclaimed his team sheep ready for slaughter before the match, was later turned into a 2005 film titled The Game of Their Lives.

[BeadCounter]

For upset teams on the theme of the first post, our CONCACAF neighbor Honduras is in a group with Ecuador, France and Switzerland.

http://us.soccerway.com/international/world/world-cup/2014-brazil/group-stage/group-e/g4839/

There recent friendlies are not too good, lost to Israel 4-2 stateside. http://eloratings.net/Honduras.htm

Point being, Honduras probably has never advanced in the World Cup either but they played reasonably well in 2010, they played reasonably well in 1982.

I probably wouldn’t pick them to advance out of their group but I’m sure, they will put up a decent display. They will be no pushovers. France has shown it has problems with small teams like having to beat Togo rather late in 2006 to advance out of their group.

Last World Cup, Honduras lost to Chile 1-0, Spain 2-0, drew Switzerland 0-0.

‘82, Honduras drew Spain, drew Northern Ireland, lost 1-0 to Yugoslavia.

So with a bit of fortune, you never know. The Catrachos (Honduras’ nickname).