We Love Ya, And Where You Go We’ll Follow

Posted on July 15, 2014 by bnestel28

Just four years ago, I was in my driveway at my high school graduation party without a care in the world of the people there to see me. I was glued to a TV which I had tuned to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. It was the Round of 16, where the United States, coming off of Landon Donovan’s heroics against Algeria, took on Ghana. People wanted to talk and congratulate me, but I was too bummed that the U.S. lost 2-1 and were eliminated from the World Cup.

I couldn’t believe I had to wait four years for this to happen again. I watched as many United States friendlies as I could. I attended coach Jurgen Klinnsman’s first ever match against Mexico in 2011. I tried getting friends and family excited for the Women’s World Cup, Olympics, Gold Cup, friendlies, World Cup Qualifying, and anything that had to deal with the United States soccer program.

After qualifying for the World Cup, winning dos a cero against Mexico in the fall 2013, supporters were riding high. That high dramatically changed when the US was drawn into the “Group of Death” with nemesis Ghana, world power Germany, and Cristiano Ronaldo powered Portugal.

The send-off series leading up to the World Cup was exciting, albeit with many questions. But the World Cup began in absolute style for the United States, with Clint Dempsey scoring 31 seconds into the game, and John Brooks cementing himself in US folklore with his game winning header for a 2-1 win over Ghana.

The US dominated Portugal for most of the game, with Jermaine Jones scoring an “absolute cracker,” and Dempsey scoring as well before ultimately drawing.

They played eventual World Cup winner Germany to a 1-0 loss, and almost pulled off the biggest miracle in soccer history before falling to Belgium in the Round of 16.

It was too early of an exit. With all the excitement surrounding this edition of the World Cup, everything felt so special. As a diehard supporter of the United States, and just soccer in general, I was sad that this run ended.

Imagine, the United States beats Belgium. They get to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. A date with arguably the best player in the world in Lionel Messi and Argentina, the day after the Fourth of July. What a script.

Alas, it was not to be. Germany took down Argentina in the final 1-0. Brazil 2014 is over. And to many, that means the end for international soccer. For some, that means the end for soccer in general. It’s a shame, because soccer was really taking off in this country.

The United States – Portugal match was the most viewed game of all time in the U.S., with 24.7 million viewers. Which is insane. The Germany-Argentina final drew 17.3 million viewers on ABC. Viewership is up, soccer is growing, and it really brings joy for me to see my favorite sport grow.

I saw tweets and heard people saying how they’re happy the World Cup is over, and how excited they are for real American football to be back. I’m excited for it too, I love American football. But there’s something so special about an event that truly engulfs an entire nation once every four years.

For the crazies like those in the ever growing American Outlaws, there still are many United States to look forward to aside from the World Cup.

Well, okay, the next big event is another World Cup, except the women’s edition led by the likes of Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan.

In 2015, the United States Men’s team will compete in the Gold Cup, a regional tournament with the likes of Mexico and Costa Rica. Should the United States win, they’ll automatically qualify for the 2017 Confederations Cup, an enormous tournament with one representative from each region around the world.

2016 may be the best summer of soccer not called the World Cup ever. For one, the women’s team will compete in the Rio Olympic Games.

But for the first time in it’s history, the legendary Copa America tournament, a soccer tournament between the best teams of South America, will be held in the United States for its 100th anniversary. That means the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Colombia will compete against the US and Mexico in cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles and New York.

Later that year, World Cup qualifying will begin. Qualifying for the World Cup should be expected for the US, but regardless of expectations, it is not easy especially in the CONCACAF region.

The United States received unbelievable support in Brazil. Jermaine Jones said that they were motivated and pushed to come back with chants of “USA” at the end of the Round of 16 loss to Belgium. Soccer fans from around the world learned of the American Outlaws and the passion of soccer in the United States as a whole.

And with that support and excitement from Brazil, I hope it springboards into an even larger following than ever before. The team deserves it. Soccer deserves it.

So to help do my part, this blog will turn from general World Cup coverage to focus mainly on the United States (I’ll mix in other things as well). I want to help you get to know what’s going on with the team, when new friendlies are announced, and any and everything as best as I can about the United States.

Four years ago, I was looking forward to Brazil. Somehow, the best tournament ever contested has come and gone. I miss it already. But I’m already looking forward to the next time the United States takes the field.

And that’s a lot sooner than you may realize.

Michael Bradley Not the Field General, Instead a Liability for United States

Posted on June 23, 2014 by bnestel28

NATAL, BRAZIL – JUNE 16: Michael Bradley of the United States and Andre Ayew of Ghana battle for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

It’s without a doubt that Michael Bradley is one of, if not the most important player on the field for the United States. The midfielder creates plays, possesses the ball, and allows for other players like Fabian Johnson and Kyle Beckerman to attack.

The 26-year-old has 12 goals for the United States in 87 international caps. He is the field general; the face of United States soccer along with Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard. Without him, this team is completely different. He scored the game-tying goal in 2010 against Slovakia that proved crucial for the U.S. to advance to the knock out stage.

Except this World Cup, Bradley has yet to come into his own. He had arguably his worst game in his entire career for the United States, constantly turning the ball over and never really making his mark on the game. He only completed 35 passes throughout the entire game against Ghana.

Against Portugal, he started out strong, equaling his 35 completed passes in the first half alone. With a chance to redeem himself for the debacle against Ghana, but it all went off the rails in the 55th minute. Bradley had a chance to bury one in the back of the net from only a few yards out. Instead, he hits the ball straight into Portugal defender Ricardo Costa (albeit a very lucky and impressive stop). He had the entire net to work with and could not get the job done.

Michael Bradley receives the ball in space with only seconds remaining. He turns the ball over, leading to Portugal’s game tying goal. (Credit: Business Insider).

Then, his most important mistake came with only seconds remaining. in the 94th minute, Bradley has the ball in space with the closest Portugal defenders yards away. Instead of dribbling the ball forward to the corner, essentially sealing a 2-1 win for the United States, Bradley takes a bad first touch and turns the ball over, leading to the heartbreaking goal from Silvestre Valero.

In both matches for the United States, Bradley has been more of a liability rather than the leader on the field we have come to expect. Luckily, the United States is in great position to advance to the Round of 16 on Thursday, needing only a draw against Germany (Thursday, 12 p.m. ESPN). But Bradley needed only a good first touch on the ball. Had that happened, this post would have concerned whether or not players rest against Germany.

Bradley has at least one shot to prove that his matches against Ghana and Portugal were in fact flukes.

Clint Dempsey Raps….No Really

Posted on June 20, 2014 by bnestel28

Clint Dempsey, aka “Deuce,” dropped a new rap single called “It’s Poppin’.” He is set to release a rap album in the coming months.

Allen Iverson. Lou Williams. DeSean Jackson. Clint Dempsey?

All of the above have recorded a rap song. Yes. That’s right. Clint Dempsey, the Texas-born soccer player of the United States Men’s National Team.

Dempsey goes by “Deuce” and is set to release his debut album “The Redux” within the next couple of months. Here is his song from that album titled “It’s Poppin.'” Dempsey’s verse begins at about the 1:35 mark of the video.

“Scramble haters, omelet.” Classic.

This isn’t the first time Dempsey has ventured into the rap game. Before the 2006 World Cup in Germany, he released a track titled Don’t Tread.

Dempsey will be in action Sunday against Portugal after sustaining a kick to the face against Ghana.

United States’ Altidore Ruled Out Sunday; Dempsey to Play Without Mask

Posted on June 19, 2014 by bnestel28

With Jozy Altidore ruled out of Sunday’s Group G match against Portugal, manager Jurgen Klinsmann has two choices at striker: Aron Johannsson (left), or Chris Wondolowski (right). Credit: ESPN FC

The United States thrilling 2-1 win against Ghana has come at a price.

Striker Jozy Altidore, who sustained a left hamstring strain during the match on Monday, has been ruled out for Sunday’s match against Portugal (6 p.m. on ESPN). This means the United States will be without its strongest body up front. After the loss of Altidore, the U.S. had trouble building a consistent attack.

Aron Johannsson, the Icelandic-American who came on for Altidore after the injury in the 21st minute, is the likely candidate to start against Portugal. The 23-year-old has appeared in 9 international matches for the United States, tallying two goals.

If manager Jurgen Klinsmann decides against Johansson, he has the option to start Chris Wondolowski. Wondolowski, who plays for San Jose Earthquakes of MLS, is a little more experienced internationally with 20 caps. He did not appear in the match against Ghana.

Klinsmann said he hopes for Altidore to return at some point during the World Cup, but did not give a time frame of when this would be.

In other United States news:

Clint Dempsey will play after sustaining a kick to the face against Ghana on Monday. He said to have trouble breathing out of his nose the rest of the game. It will be of concern to the United States however, because their next match against Portugal is in Manaus in the heart of the rainforest, where it is extremely hot and humid. Dempsey will not wear a protective mask.

Matt Besler, who also suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana, is okay and will play against Portugal.

Chile Fans Barge Through Security at Maracana

Posted on June 18, 2014 by bnestel28

Chile fans stormed the gates at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. They broke into the press room, and were later led out by security.
CREDIT: Fox Soccer

Chile fans just proved that security at the World Cup HAS to be improved.

I mean, I’m not in Brazil or anything, but if 100 fans sporting Chile jerseys can barge through the stadium’s press area with relative ease, more has to be done.

Here’s the report from NBC Sports Pro Soccer Talk:

Reports are flying in from a number of respected outlets, including Gabrielle Marcotti, Rafael Hongistein and Telegraph Sport, that dozens of Chile fans without tickets broke through a fence and charged into the stadium via the main press center.

While in the press center, holes were punched in walls and media stations were toppled, all the result of a failure in security measures ahead of one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.

A number of the Chile fans were detained by security while others seemed to have made it into the stands after breaking a temporary barrier. One fan, a Chilean woman, was injured and reportedly taken outside in a wheelchair.

Did you know that the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro is set to host the World Cup final on July 11? If security doesn’t beef up, I have a feeling there might be a little more than just 100 Chile fans trying to get in, especially if Brazil are in the final…

Video of fans storming the gates below via Football Vines:

John Brooks, Meet America. America, Meet John Brooks. USA Earns Three Points.

Posted on June 17, 2014 by bnestel28

NATAL, BRAZIL – JUNE 16: John Brooks of the United States scores his team’s second goal on a header past Adam Kwarasey of Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Ask any casual soccer fan to name player on the United States, you’ll undoubtedly hear a few familiar names.

Clint Dempsey. Tim Howard. ~~Landon Donovan.~~ Michael Bradley.

But a player only the diehard soccer fans would have heard of became a national hero.

John Brooks, the 21-year-old German born center back making his World Cup debut, headed home a goal in the 86th minute of a 1-1 game to give the United States a needed 2-1 victory and a valuable three points.

“I told some teammates that I had a dream, that I would score in the 88th minute,” said Brooks. “Now it was the 86th minute but I’m happy about it.”

It didn’t come easy though. Striker Jozy Altidore left the game with a strained left hamstring. Clint Dempsey looked like he was in a welterweight championship fight with a bloodied nose. Matt Besler also left the game with a hamstring problem, though it was far less serious than that of Altidore’s.

Clint Dempsey is kicked in the face during the first half of the USA’s 2-1 victory over Ghana. Dempsey claimed to have broken his nose on this play.

After giving up an absolutely beautiful goal from Dempsey 31 seconds into the match, Ghana looked lost. Seemingly stunned, the Black Stars could not get anything going offensively in the first half. But in the second, things changed. Ghana controlled possession, forcing the United States to turn the ball over. When substitute Kevin Prince Boateng came on for Ghana, they poured on the attack even more. Tim Howard made a few big saves, coupled with timely defending from Jermaine Jones and Geoff Cameron to keep the Black Stars at bay. Ghana finished with 21 shots, and controlled 62 percent of possession.

But late in the game, Ghana finally broke through off a beautiful give and go that Andre Ayew was able to touch past Howard. With only minutes remaining, it looked as if Ghana had stolen the two points back from the United States.

The aforementioned Jermaine Jones played one of his best matches of his career. Though he did not create offensively, he did set up the ball on a superb pass to Dempsey for the first goal. He was stalwart defensively and played with a tenacity not before seen by Jones.

Geoff Cameron also had a big game for the US. He was able to block big shots when needed and dealt with balls in the air extremely well to aid the defensive unit.

This win came at a price though. Altidore’s hamstring sounds serious, and he could miss the match Sunday against Portugal. Besler, also coming out with a hamstring injury, should be okay to go Sunday but will still be of concern. It was an extremely hard played match that left both teams coming out black and blue.

Also discouraging is that star midfielder Michael Bradley did not look sharp for the United States. He gave away the ball countless times uncharacteristically and completed only 50 percent of his passes.

What’s encouraging to United States fans though? They got the three points they needed while still playing their best game.

It was an American win. Play hard though sometimes sloppy, have the opposition attack, score on set pieces, be physical and score a stunning goal late in the match.

But the United States can play better. Bradley was not himself that game and should be back in form. And with five days off between now and Portugal, the Yanks will have time to recover to hopefully pounce on a demoralized Cristiano Ronaldo and company.

For right now, the United States are second in Group G with three points. Three points manager Jurgen Klinsmann said they had to have. Three points they needed if they hoped to continue to have any chance to advance. Three points they deserved.

And it was all thanks to some grit, a little luck, and a German-born American no one had ever heard of, and whom no one will soon forget.

Plain and Simple: United States Must Earn Three Points

Posted on June 16, 2014 by bnestel28

The United States must earn three points against Ghana on Monday. Plain and simple.

People may say how the United States has to beat Ghana so they can get rid of the demons of World Cup’s past.

Sure, the U.S. has been bounced by Ghana in the last two World Cups, once in 2006 in the group stage, and once again in 2010 in the Round of 16.

Heck, even former Egypt and US coach Bob Bradley couldn’t get away from Ghana while qualifying, as his Egyptian side lost in a two game playoff to the Black Stars, failing to qualify for the World Cup.

The US is also hearing how this “Group of Death” means they have no chance. With the likes of not only their nemesis in Ghana, but world power Germany and Portugal, who carry the like of Cristiano Ronaldo, the United States has a lot to play for in the minds of the media and of the world.

But all that matters is three points.

Forget what it would mean to the country. Forget what beating Ghana would mean for US soccer. Who cares that they still have to play Portugal and Germany?

What matters is winning this game and taking three points.

We just saw Germany absolutely pummel Portugal 4-0 Monday afternoon. Portugal looked abysmal, outclassed, and frustrated against the Germans. Pepe was even sent off after getting called for a foul and losing his cool. And Cristiano Ronaldo stormed to the referee after what he thought should have been a penalty late in the match, after the score was already 4-0.

Why does that matter?

Well, if the United States defeats Ghana, they’ll take three points and be tied with Germany for the top of Group G. Three points ahead of Ghana, and three points ahead of Portugal. With the US playing Portugal the following week, already being ahead of Ronaldo and his side would be absolutely vital in qualifying for the knock out stage.

But that’s on Sunday. For now, the United States has Ghana locked and loaded in their sights. This has been the match Jurgen Klinnsmann has been focused on since December, when it was announced who the United States would be grouped with.

Forget exorcising demons. Forget the United States still “has to prove itself.” Forget Portugal, forget Germany, forget everything (except fine dining. And breathing).

The United States has to get three points today against Ghana. It’s that simple.

One Goal Leads Are Dangerous; Ecuador Proves It

Posted on June 15, 2014 by bnestel28

Haris Seferovic scored in the 93rd minute to stun Ecuador 2-1 on Sunday in Brazil. Credit: Michael Sohn/AP

Only three times in 2010 did a team holding a 1-0 lead lose.

Through three days in 2014, four teams have lost after striking first.

Ecuador became team number five on Sunday. After being down 1-0, Switzerland scored twice in the second half, including the game winner in extra time with only seconds remaining, to take three points away from Ecuador with a 2-1 victory.

Enner Valencia headed a ball off a set piece to give Ecuador a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half. The second half though saw the Swiss equalize thanks to a goal off a corner by substitute Admir Mehmedi just three minutes in.

Ecuador kept attacking and pushing the ball through the final third of the field but could not convert on any of their opportunities. Meanwhile, Switzerland found their game and began to possess the ball, seemingly content with a 1-1 tie.

Switzerland looked to have taken a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute, but Josip Drmic’s goal was disallowed as the assistant referee ruled Drmic was in an offside position, much to the dismay of those in red and white.

In the latter stages of the match, Ecuador poured on the attack in an attempt to wrestle three points away from the Swiss. Ecuador soared down with numbers on an all out attack on Switzerland, but Swiss defender Valon Behrami made a game saving tackle inside the box before sending Switzerland into a counter attack. This led to Ricardo Rodriguez sending a cross from the left side into the box where substitute Haris Seferovic powered home the game winning goal with only seconds left in the game, stunning Ecuador.

Switzerland, ranked no. 6 in FIFA’s international rankings, were criticized for not being deserving of such a high ranking. But after failing to get out of the group in 2010, Switzerland proved that they have the upper hand, along with France who also won today, of being in the top two and advancing to the knockout stage.

As for Ecuador, they became the fifth team to lose after taking a 1-0 lead. Their next match will be a “make or break” match against France, in which a win or draw will be of utmost importance before their final match against Honduras.

Extra Time: What We Learned From Day 2

Posted on June 14, 2014 by bnestel28

What a second day of action from the World Cup. Here’s what we learned from an exciting day of action:

Mexico’s good luck runs out, but still prevail

Mexico had the luckiest final two games in CONCACAF possibly ever. Needing wins in each game, plus help from the United States, everything went El Tri’s way and they were able to qualify for Brazil via the playoff. That luck ran out in their Group A opener Friday against Cameroon. They were stripped of two goals due to very questionable offside calls.

But Mexico overcame the adversity thanks to a goal from Oribe Peralta in the 61′ off a great feed from Giovani Dos Santos. For much of the game, El Tri controlled the game from Cameroon, and although the Indomitable Lions had their chances, Mexico overcame adversity and took a very important three points as they look to their next match against Croatia.

Cameroon not to be overlooked

Cameroon is arguably the weakest link in Group A with the likes of Brazil, Mexico, and Croatia hanging in their shadow. But Samuel Eto’o’s squad had their chances against a Mexico team expected to win. They still are in a hole and probably won’t make it out of the group, especially with their second match against heavily favored Brazil. But Cameroon will give teams fits and will not be a cakewalk.

Iker Casillas is done for Spain; Spain no longer intimidating

Who would have seen that result yesterday? Spain, reigning World Cup champions, who defeated Netherlands 1-0 in the final, embarrassed themselves in a 5-1 thumping by the Dutch. The most embarrassing moment? When Spanish stalwart Iker Casillas, goalkeeper of the 2010 World Cup team as well as their Euro 2012 championship team, misplayed a ball that Arjen Robben capitalized on and easily scored. Vicente del Bosque, Spain’s manager, has no choice but to sit his champion goalkeeper. Casillas does not even start on his club team Real Madrid. It’s time to say thank you for your service, but it’s time to move on.

Aside from Casillas, Spain just looked abysmal. They were not the World Cup champions everyone is afraid to play. After being thrashed like this, La Furia Roja have lost the immortal status in international soccer. They still are Spain and will be a challenge for anyone they play, but they are no longer invincible. Will Spain be able to recover and regroup from an embarrassing loss?

Netherlands class of Group B

The Netherlands were given the tough task to avenge their World Cup finals loss four years ago in the very first match of group play. To say they were still ticked off about that loss was an understatement. Oranje put up five goals (!!!) on Spain and embarrassed their nemesis Friday. Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben each scored twice. Van Persie stole the show, earning the nickname “The Flying Dutchman” thanks to his flying header.

After being down 1-0, Holland roared back proving that they are in fact the class of Group B. And with a match looming against lowly Australia, the Netherlands may very well solidify their spot in the knockout stage before their final match.

Chile is fun to watch; Australia not so much

Chile has the door wide open to get out of Group B thanks to Spain’s embarrassing loss. Chile took the three points it was expected to against Australia Friday night thanks to a 3-1 win. They scored two goals in two minutes thanks to their furious attack. Players shifted all over the field, causing Australia fits. They’ll have to do a better job on set pieces and balls in the air, and they must keep their furious attack throughout the entire match. But Chile is fun to watch, and should provide for some entertaining soccer as they go in to their two matches against Spain and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Australia are not exactly the furious attacking team that Chile is. In fact, they let Chile attack and wait for counter attacks. Those chances were rare. And when they did have those chances, they failed to take advantage. The Socceroos kept it close at 2-1 in the second half, but were unable to score in the final third on their rare opportunities.

Extra Time: What We Learned From Brazil’s Victory Over Croatia

Posted on June 13, 2014 by bnestel28

Brazil’s Neymar celebrates a goal in their 3-1 victory over Croatia Thursday in Sao Paolo. Credit: ESPN FC

Brazil did not play as expected in their 3-1 victory over Croatia Thursday afternoon. Alas, a win is a win. And to Brazil and their fans, the three points at the end of the day are what matters.

But Croatia gave Brazil fits and looked dangerous for most of the match. They attacked Luiz Scolari’s side early, even taking a 1-0 lead thanks to an own goal by Marcelo. Croatia had their chances, but failed to bury the ball in the back of the net enough (obviously…)

Here’s what we know after match day one:

Neymar and Oscar Shine

Neymar is good. Like, really good. Two goals in his first ever World Cup match in front of his home fans is nothing to brush aside, even if one was a penalty (we’ll get to that later). He was the best player on the field for the Selacao. As soon as Croatia scored to go ahead, Neymar demanded the ball be at his feet and powered his team to victory. And to think people were worried about his knee in warmups…

Oscar also had a fantastic game, scoring the third goal to seal the victory. He also assisted on Neymar’s tying goal. These two players will take on the grunt of the workload offensively for Brazil to succeed.

Brazil Defense Not the Strongest

Brazil look suspect on defense, and that’s to say the least. For the first 20 minutes of the match, they let Croatia attack right down their throats. There were gaping holes in the back line by the fullbacks. Brazil’s fullbacks like to attack, but that leaves them vulnerable and Croatia exploited this.

Goalkeeping Woes

Croatia goaltender Stipe Pletikosa allowed three goals to an offensively talented Brazil side. No big deal right?

Except the three goals allowed were stoppable. On all three, Pletikosa looked as if his feet were stapled to the ground. He was slow to react on both the first goal by Neymar and the third by Oscar. On the second, a penalty shot, he got both of his hands on the ball and just pushed it into the top right corner, an unfortunate bounce. Still, if Pletikosa removed the velcro attached from his boots to the grass, this could have gone Croatia’s way. Meanwhile, Brazil goaltender Julio Cesar looked fine in net, although he was slow to react on shots as well. He made a big save in the late stages of the game on Ivan Perisic in the 90′ in a 2-1 game. This save led to a counterattack that instantly saw Brazil seal the win with a goal. The 34-year-old Cesar made a big mark on the game.

Croatia are pretty damn good

We’ll see who the second best team of the group is Friday, but Croatia made a very strong statement against Brazil. Manager Niko Kovac’s side attacked Brazil from the start, choosing to stand tall against the hosts instead of withering in the spotlight of the host nation’s party. Ivan Perisic and Nikica Jelavic ran wild on the Brazil defense, pressuring the hosts most of the game. In the early stages, Perisic placed a beautiful cross to Ivica Olic, whose header just missed the far post. They almost tied the game on a shot by Perisic, and played the hosts hard the entire game. They earned respect, and should definitely be a challenge for Mexico and Cameroon.

Oh, and they get their best player back in time for their second match against Mexico in Mario Mandzukic.

Referee Yuichi Nishimura points to the penalty spot in the 71′ of Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday. Will bad refereeing continue through the entire tournament? Credit: Fox Sports

Pleaseeeee don’t be a World Cup full of bad refereeing. Please.

We’re off to a horrible start with refereeing. And we only played one match.

In the 71′ of a 1-1 game, Dejan Lovren got tangled up with Fred for merely a half-second. It was just coincidental contact. Yet Fred flails to the ground as if he was just tackled by an American football player. And Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura pointed directly at the penalty spot, running to the end line signaling a penalty kick, all while a plethora of Croats ran and screamed at him. It was an absurd call, one that changed the complexion of the match and ruining an enticing opening match. If this is a sign of things to come, then we can expect to see some interesting scenarios via the referees in the coming month.

Brazil relieved of opening match jitters

Ultimately at the end of the day, Brazil took the three points it needed. And their slow play isn’t to say Brazil will play like that the entire tournament. As long as Brazil improve each match, they will be just fine. In 2010, Spain lost their opening match to Switzerland before eventually winning the World Cup. In 2006, Italy tied the United States en route to their title. And in 2002, Brazil needed a late goal against Turkey after a slow start in their opening match before ultimately winning the World Cup.

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