107 replies to this topic

[jonny]

I don't follow international football all that much (love the WC though), but the USA (13th) is ranked significantly higher than Ghana (37th) in FIFA's world rankings.

 

The USA also had better betting odds to win the World Cup than Ghana (10/1 vs 12/1).

 

I'm not sure how the USA beating Ghana is much of a shock to anyone.

[VicHockeyFan]

^ It might have been sarcasm.

[jonny]

^ It might have been sarcasm.

 

The thought did cross my mind, but I'm only still on my first cup of coffee. 

[AllseeingEye]

In part its considered a minor upset because Ghana knocked the US out of the last two WC's and in fact are a pretty talented side in their own right. You never can tell about the US; football certainly is not their historic bailiwick however with Herr Klinsmann at the helm you can never count them out. Twenty years ago would you have ever thought of the US ranked in the top 15 footballing nations? They've practically caught up to us in hockey, no reason they can't do the same in international futbol once they make up their minds, not to mention pour their vast $$$$ resources, to focus on that goal.

[Szeven]

What a great Algeria/Belgium game. Take off the offensive Dembele, make Fellaini play striker, scores instantly...

[Mike K.]

Yes, the USA/Ghana comment was tongue in cheek.

But for what it's worth, Ghana has trampled over the US in previous WC's so it was a bit of a shock to see the US finally pull up its skirt and win a game. Woo.

[tedward]

Yes, the USA/Ghana comment was tongue in cheek.

 

So was my response. I guess I needed a

[Wayne]

Shocked.

 

Spain (defending champs) and England are out.

[jonny]

Not shocked at all about England, but yeah the Spain loss really messed up my World Cup bracket...d'oh!

[Mike K.]

USA all the way.

[lanforod]

I don't expect the US to get out of the knockout rounds. Netherlands back to the final again! Hup!

[G-Man]

Big game in Group A is Monday. Would love to see Mexico pull it off!

[tedward]

Shocked.

 

Spain (defending champs) and England are out.

 

Hang on, England still have a mathematical chance.

[VicHockeyFan]

Hang on, England still have a mathematical chance.

 

13% they say.

[tedward]

13% they say.

 Holy cow that is generous.

 

Give the current scoreline for ITA v CRC that looks to soon go down to 0%.

[jonny]

Yeah, England has no chance now with Costa Rica beating Italy.

[North Shore]

Man, the French just hammered the Swiss...

[G-Man]

The Honduras - Ecuador Game sounds good from the bits I have listened to. 

[Dimitrios]

So, all teams have now played 2 matches. I'd say the (somewhat) surprising standouts were the mighty Latin C's - Colombia, Costa Rica, and Chile. France and the Netherlands also looking tops. Of the favorites, only Brazil and Argentina have the full 6 points, and both those teams looked shakier than expected. We'll see what the last games of group stage bring.

[G-Man]

Brasil has six points? I don't think so.