Modern Vespa

Where are the other two lions?? C'mon!!!! Two weeks and a day to go, I'm getting real excited now. We're singing for England!!!

and the USA
and Switzerland
and Belgium
and Uruguay
and(for the wife) Italy

Today is the Day!

Vamos Mexico!
Vamos Brazil!
Vamos Italia!

1.) Brasil
2.) USA
3.) Mexico

Super excited!! I think Spain and Brazil are looking good...

I ended up with Greece and Spain in the sweepstake at work, so that sounds fine to me.

Same here Dr.

I got Greece in a pool run by my uncle.

The wife's got Ivory Coast (probably the best out of Africa...along with Nigeria).

Not a good draw on our part. I think it's gonna be Brazil or Argentina to be honest.

In an attempt to be objective, Argentina. I like England and I love the USA, but realistically...And my favorite clubs are Columbus State University (Go Cougars) and the Atlanta Metros FC W20's.

It's finally here and Brazil have just gone 1-0 down.....

Anyway, my club



My country



Come on England!!!

Brazil, I'll take them in the final!

(can't believe I actually wrote this )

Wasn't it 2-1? Anyway I was surprised to see the locals unrest. They are not happy about all the money spent. And most of them can't afford the tickets to the games. On the other hand I am pretty sure there is going to be a huge party (happening right now). I remember when I lived there. This is what they do: Everyone goes out to the streets in their cars, motorcycles, or just on foot. They make a lot of noise honking and blowing whistles, shouting, and so on. It is relentless. They must be pretty proud of themselves.

Only 462 days to go!

Good first match and while Croatia didn't really score, they played decent. That penalty was a joke but Brazil still managed two clean goals. In all, exciting stuff.

Last nights game was a joke, Neymar should've been sent off for leading with his fore arm into Modric's face.

Croatia attacked with purpose as opposed to Brazil's tippy tappy style.

The penalty was a complete joke and totally transformed the game. We call it cheating where i come from.

How is it that a Japanese referee is in charge of such a big game considering that the Japanese are the largest contingent of immigrants in Brazil?
I smell a rat......

I agree.

That penalty was crap. The fix was in on that one.

Let's see what my Mexico does today. I'm afraid of Cameroon's speed. But not of their skill. If Mexico scores early, they will win. If not, it's gonna be tough.

I'm half English (Father's parents are from Guernsey & Bristol) and my team is EN-G-LAND!

In-ger-land!

A fine choice 8)

As a referee with 20 years experience it's been an embarrassment to watch the officiating at these first few matches.

Blown calls No yellows when called for etc. etc. The penalty that shouldn't have been.

I hope the level of officiating gets a lot better.

That's a ridiculous claim. The ref may have had opening game nerves and possibly not had that much big game experience but I very much doubt that he cheated just because he had a few cousins with a pound note on the outcome.

You're too nice Ash, it wouldn't be the first time in football history that a game has been influenced by a dodgy official.

My Club: LA
My Country: USA

As much is I would love the US to take it all the way, it's just nor realistic. However, I believe that we can go toe to toe with any country in the tournament, and with the way games are refereed, anything is possible.

Fantastic goal for the Dutch by RVP



Oh and...

I know but dodgy because they are stupid or blind or inept. Not dodgy because of their country of origin. Its like we are blaming everything on immigration again.....

I'm blaming FIFA for appointing poor referees (merely pointed out the Japan/Brazil thing because not a lot of people know about it).
How can a J League ref be better than the hundreds of officials sitting at home from the English, Spanish, German, French and Italian leagues? Madness

I don't disagree that there may be better refs in Europe but Italy???? seriously?Their refs and players are well known for match fixing. Moreover, I am not certain the quality of a ref is based upon the quality of the football. I do think Euro refs probably see more game time and get better experience dealing with the pace and skill of the WC games.

I hear you about inexperienced referees but wish we can consider that without making it dependant on where the poor bloke was born. Granted they don't have the level of football matches that the Premiership regularly provides. I just don't see how Brazil having a large Japanese contingent is relevant.
We should agree to disagree.

He didn't make just one mistake though, he should've sent Naymar off and didn't (he gave a yellow card for an elbow offence). He then gave the worst penatly decision in the history of the World Cup. He was giving Brazil free kicks all over the place but barely giving Crotia a sniff of a free kick and finally rules out a goal for Croatia for god knows what reason. This to me seems like more than just errors. It stinks.

I do agree he was atrocious but we put this down to totally different reasons.
Lets hope the ref tomorrow has a good game

I was going to say a huge WOO!HOO! for Robben and V Persie, I have to admit to a soft spot for the Dutch since my dad was born in Rotterdam, and to wish the Socceroos all the best in taking on the best in the world (and that's just their own Group!!! ), but I'll let people who come from the apparent footballing world centre carry on with their superiority.

I mean really, Japan have only made the last 5 World Cups, won 1/2 dozen Asian Champs since 2000, and Brazil? Well, what would they know about football?

Carry on........

Another reason why I go for the USA

The Dutch were immense in the 2nd half. If the rest of the games are like that, I'll be happy man.

Oh, and while we're at it, can we add refereeing decisions to the 'helmet laws, firearm laws, flooor mats, wooden scooters, politics' list. It serves no purpose other than to rile people?

Boing Boing..

The ref made a few rickets in that game too but. Holland were unstoppable

While serving in Europe, I was impressed with how the entire continent shuts down during the World Cup & Tour de France.

These... Quite entertaining yesterday

The Dutch are always the most colourful supporters at any World Cup and Euros.

My heart's with Italy
My loyalty's with the US
and my head is with Germany


I'm just bummed because Mexico will probably move on past the first round while the US and England won't and both are much better teams!

Always rule with the heart.

For me, go Oranje! Was sweet revenge yesterday from last World Cup. I will cheer for US but NL is where my heart is.

My gosh, England! Where was your heart till the last 5 minutes of that game!?

How about them Costa Ricans??!!