** 2014 World Cup Thread **

[|Zach|]

Final: Germany vs Argentina

3rd Place: Brazil vs Netherlands




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/

[WilliamTheIrish]

In thinking about how the sport has grown in my lifetime, I looked back through some things I have in my possession and some things I've remembered through the years.

The first WC I remember was a 60 minute segment on the old ABC Wide World Of Sports. It was 1970. The final goal was one where Pele fed Carlos Alberto for one of the greatest goals in history and WWoS used it as part of their signature "Thrill of victory" on the opening credits for years.
In 74 and 78 it still wasn't televised unless cable had been strung to your house and you had Spanish International Channel (Univision now).
In 82 in Spain I had Univision but ESPN didn't broadcast it then. However HBO made one of the greatest documentaries on futbol I've ever seen called GOLE', narrated by Sean Connery. I still have it on VHS. Paolo Rossi was incredible. Michele Platini was incredible and Harold Schumacher was the (West)German Villain. If you ever get a chance to watch it on Netflix or YouTube it's worth the time.

In 86 in Mexico, the games were broadcast on live American TV with unique commercial interruption. Budweiser would outline the screen with their advertisement but not actually cut away from the action. I watched most games Univision because of Andres Cantor and his unique call, which is now world wide famous.
Since 1994 we've been able to watch every game in its entirety. In the last 16 years we now get to see all the qualifiers which has brought more fans and exposure. Honestly, this country is only really 25 years into futbol. I believe before I leave this earth we'll see the USMNT in the semis or the final.
Can't wait for Monday.

[GloryDayz]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Honest question: is there any particular reason why everyone always goes down and holds their head in pain - even when their "injury" has nothing to do with their head?

Honest side:

Usually the effects of whiplash.

Less honestly:

Add to it the "NFL QB" factor, the current concern for concussions, and I suspect they're adding layers of emotions to the sports-rape they think they just suffered through.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

In thinking about how the sport has grown in my lifetime, I looked back through some things I have in my possession and some things I've remembered through the years.

The first WC I remember was a 60 minute segment on the old ABC Wide World Of Sports. It was 1970. The final goal was one where Pele fed Carlos Alberto for one of the greatest goals in history and WWoS used it as part of their signature "Thrill of victory" on the opening credits for years.
In 74 and 78 it still wasn't televised unless cable had been strung to your house and you had Spanish International Channel (Univision now).
In 82 in Spain I had Univision but ESPN didn't broadcast it then. However HBO made one of the greatest documentaries on futbol I've ever seen called GOLE', narrated by Sean Connery. I still have it on VHS. Paolo Rossi was incredible. Michele Platini was incredible and Harold Schumacher was the (West)German Villain. If you ever get a chance to watch it on Netflix or YouTube it's worth the time.

In 86 in Mexico, the games were broadcast on live American TV with unique commercial interruption. Budweiser would outline the screen with their advertisement but not actually cut away from the action. I watched most games Univision because of Andres Cantor and his unique call, which is now world wide famous.
Since 1994 we've been able to watch every game in its entirety. In the last 16 years we now get to see all the qualifiers which has brought more fans and exposure. Honestly, this country is only really 25 years into futbol. I believe before I leave this earth we'll see the USMNT in the semis or the final.
Can't wait for Monday.

Awesome post. Thanks for the brief history lesson, and the heads up on GOLE'. I'll make a point to find the time to watch it.

[GloryDayz]

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

In thinking about how the sport has grown in my lifetime, I looked back through some things I have in my possession and some things I've remembered through the years.

The first WC I remember was a 60 minute segment on the old ABC Wide World Of Sports. It was 1970. The final goal was one where Pele fed Carlos Alberto for one of the greatest goals in history and WWoS used it as part of their signature "Thrill of victory" on the opening credits for years.
In 74 and 78 it still wasn't televised unless cable had been strung to your house and you had Spanish International Channel (Univision now).
In 82 in Spain I had Univision but ESPN didn't broadcast it then. However HBO made one of the greatest documentaries on futbol I've ever seen called GOLE', narrated by Sean Connery. I still have it on VHS. Paolo Rossi was incredible. Michele Platini was incredible and Harold Schumacher was the (West)German Villain. If you ever get a chance to watch it on Netflix or YouTube it's worth the time.

In 86 in Mexico, the games were broadcast on live American TV with unique commercial interruption. Budweiser would outline the screen with their advertisement but not actually cut away from the action. I watched most games Univision because of Andres Cantor and his unique call, which is now world wide famous.
Since 1994 we've been able to watch every game in its entirety. In the last 16 years we now get to see all the qualifiers which has brought more fans and exposure. Honestly, this country is only really 25 years into futbol. I believe before I leave this earth we'll see the USMNT in the semis or the final.
Can't wait for Monday.

Agree, great post. I grew up for part of my youth in Rome and I get the hype and just how big soccer it to the rest of the world. And yeah, I hope it just keeps geowing here in the U.S..

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by WilliamTheIrish

In thinking about how the sport has grown in my lifetime, I looked back through some things I have in my possession and some things I've remembered through the years.

The first WC I remember was a 60 minute segment on the old ABC Wide World Of Sports. It was 1970. The final goal was one where Pele fed Carlos Alberto for one of the greatest goals in history and WWoS used it as part of their signature "Thrill of victory" on the opening credits for years.
In 74 and 78 it still wasn't televised unless cable had been strung to your house and you had Spanish International Channel (Univision now).
In 82 in Spain I had Univision but ESPN didn't broadcast it then. However HBO made one of the greatest documentaries on futbol I've ever seen called GOLE', narrated by Sean Connery. I still have it on VHS. Paolo Rossi was incredible. Michele Platini was incredible and Harold Schumacher was the (West)German Villain. If you ever get a chance to watch it on Netflix or YouTube it's worth the time.

In 86 in Mexico, the games were broadcast on live American TV with unique commercial interruption. Budweiser would outline the screen with their advertisement but not actually cut away from the action. I watched most games Univision because of Andres Cantor and his unique call, which is now world wide famous.
Since 1994 we've been able to watch every game in its entirety. In the last 16 years we now get to see all the qualifiers which has brought more fans and exposure. Honestly, this country is only really 25 years into futbol. I believe before I leave this earth we'll see the USMNT in the semis or the final.
Can't wait for Monday.

*hat tip*

[|Zach|]

This has been a great ****ing World Cup after the opening game was a dud.

[aturnis]

Agree. Only missed a few games, mostly during the work day. I'll probably stream the audio for Portugal Germany tomorrow.

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by aturnis

Agree. Only missed a few games, mostly during the work day. I'll probably stream the audio for Portugal Germany tomorrow.

Was off the grid today just got a wrap up from a buddy. Now the terror sets in about tomorrow.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by |Zach|

This has been a great ****ing World Cup after the opening game was a dud.

I would consider myself a (very) casual fan, but getting more and more into it over the last few World Cups, and Im amazed how I am so into every game despite not having much if a rooting interest. I can only say that for a few sporting events.

Rearranged my entire day tomorrow just to watch Portugal/Germany.

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by sedated

I would consider myself a (very) casual fan, but getting more and more into it over the last few World Cups, and Im amazed how I am so into every game despite not having much if a rooting interest. I can only say that for a few sporting events.

Rearranged my entire day tomorrow just to watch Portugal/Germany.

That is going to be an interesting game. The USA match is taking over my whole day but I will absolutely be watching that from start to finish. Interested to see POR's form.

[TribalElder]

will the us even score a point vs ghana

[|Zach|]

Zusi tweeted this photo today.

[|Zach|]

Originally Posted by TribalElder

will the us even score a point vs ghana

USA is the better team.

But ya know...sports.

[Demonpenz]

Glad to see Messi so pimped out and scoring today.

[Baby Lee]

Originally Posted by aturnis

I must have missed something...

BBC stream