Tapping The Keg Podcast Episode 95

After a week hiatus, Charlie and Mitch are back with another edition of Tapping The Keg podcast. We talk about all things Milwaukee Bucks for the first 15 to 20 minutes of the podcast going over Jason Kidd's hiring plus Jabari Parker and Summer League. Next, it moves to NBA Free Agency talking about LeBron James and whether he will go to Cleveland or Miami. Continuing on, we try to calm everyone down about the Milwaukee Brewers recent skid. It finishes with a little World Cup and Johnny Manziel talk.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: The Brazil Beatdown

We are going to do a short blog each weekday about the World Cup. There will be a little more on United States obviously, but when it comes to the other games, we will talk about the different games in short recaps like we used to do with the NBA. I am no expert, don't pretend to be, but I want to compile a blog featuring some tweets, GIFs, videos and a couple thoughts from yours truly. If you hate it, let me know or think you could do it better, you know where to find me @SnoTap12 

Germany 7 Brazil 1 - When Brazil and Germany ended up meeting on the schedule for the semifinal of the World Cup, the matchup was met with great intrigue. Despite the Brazilians missing Neymar due to injury and Thiago Silva due to a second yellow card, many believed this would be a tremendous futbol match between the two winningest teams in World Cup history. That didn't happen as Germany had an onslaught of goals scoring five in a mere 20 minutes powering them ahead of Brazil and into a World Cup Final for the first time since 2002. First, it was Thomas Muller in the eleventh minute, Miroslav Klose in the 22nd and then it went downhill with Toni Kroos two goals in two minutes making it a 4-0 game in the 26th minute. (H/T @StoolMillmore for the Vine)



Simply put, Germany punched Brazil square in the mouth, and the Brazilian team did not know how to recover from it. They haven't played well all tournament with surviving against Mexico, Croatia and even Colombia in a sense and finally, they were exposed by the much stronger German side. I thought David Luiz played a piss-poor match essentially giving up after the first three goals were scored. I also think Brazil never expected Germany to be as attacking as they were early on in the game. As for Germany, this is their chance to win the first World Cup since 1990, they have been so close since then with third place finishes in 2006 and 2010. Whether Germany wins or loses on Sunday, this is one of the most impressive runs in the last 14 years.

Charlie.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: Final Four Features South America & Europe

We are going to do a short blog each weekday about the World Cup. There will be a little more on United States obviously, but when it comes to the other games, we will talk about the different games in short recaps like we used to do with the NBA. I am no expert, don't pretend to be, but I want to compile a blog featuring some tweets, GIFs, videos and a couple thoughts from yours truly. If you hate it, let me know or think you could do it better, you know where to find me @SnoTap12 

Friday
Brazil 2 Colombia 1 - This is a tough to game to recap because you want to give Brazil credit for winning this match, but at the same time, I would be remiss without mentioning the poor officiating in the game as well. It felt like Colombia got the short end of the stick on more than one occasion. Despite that, Brazil was the better club on Friday with a great free kick goal from David Luiz that gave Brazil a 2-0 advantage. James Rodriguez, the star of this World Cup, knocked in a penalty kick in the 80th minute giving Colombia a little hope, but they could not find any late magic. The win came costly for Brazil as they lost their star Neymar for the rest of the tournament with a broken vertabrae and Thiago Silva may miss the game with his second yellow card although Brazil is asking FIFA to overturn the decision.

Germany 1 France 0 - This is an obvious rivalry with these two teams sharing a border and being two of the most successful European soccer nations. West Germany knocked off France in 1982 and 1986, but there hasn't been much between the two nations since then. Yet there is still some dislike there among their fans more so than anything else. Mat Hummels nailed the game-winner early on in this one in the 22nd minute to give Germany the win. France had a couple opportunties, but it seemed to me the Les Blues run to the quarterfinals had more to do with who've they played in the tournament versus being a real solid team in this tournament.

Saturday
Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (Netherlands win 4-3 in PK's) - Tim Krul became Julie 'The Cat' Gaffney of the 2014 World Cup. He came in as the goalkeeper for penalty kicks as Louis Van Vaal went with another goalie for penalty kicks. The move paid off in a major way as Krul stopped two Costa Rican attempts and making it a second straight semifinal appearance for Netherlands. This will be a rematch of the 1978 World Cup final, and can Netherlands finally win a World Cup? They have been the groomsman way too many times. At some point, they have to breakthrough, right?  

Argentina 1 Belgium 0 - There aren't many goalkeepers whom have Lionel Messi's number, but Thibaut Courtois (What a ridiculously awesome name), the Belgian keeper has The Magician in a death lock holding him goal-less in the last seven games against each other as Courtois played a year for Athletico Madrid. Courtois held him goal-less again including a great stop at the end of a game, but that didn't stop Argentina from appearing in their first semifinal in 28 years. Gonzalo Higuain knocked in a goal in the seventh minute and Argentina held on with a bruising, defensive style.

-Charlie.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: Brazil Survive, Dutch Flop, & James! James!

We are going to do a short blog each weekday about the World Cup. There will be a little more on United States obviously, but when it comes to the other games, we will talk about the different games in short recaps like we used to do with the NBA. I am no expert, don't pretend to be, but I want to compile a blog featuring some tweets, GIFs, videos and a couple thoughts from yours truly. If you hate it, let me know or think you could do it better, you know where to find me @SnoTap12 

Brazil 1 Chile 1 (Brazil 3-2 penalty kicks) - In all sports, there are teams where they inflict pain on the opposing team in all sorts of fashion. Chile has now been eliminated four straight times in the knockout round by Brazil. This one might have been the worst.  Chile had the game-winning goal in extra time in the 119th minute before a ball hits the post and doesn't go in leading to penalty kicks where once again the posts were not nice for Chile. Brazil went up one and Chile needed a goal to survive yet once again, the post became their cruelest part of the game. Brazil is lucky to be playing in the Round of 8. Neymar's thigh injury has to be a concern for Brazil moving forward. They are fortunate to have five days off before their next match, but a non-100 percent Neymar might hurt Brazil.

Netherlands 2 Mexico 1 - El Tri looked like they were finally advancing into the Round of 8 as they have been denied in the last five years with Giovani Dos Santos' great goal, and Guillermo Ochoa playing his ass again.  But Netherlands wouldn't be denied as Wesley Sneijder broke through with his first goal of the World Cup. In the Extra Time, things got weird as Arjen Robben dove in the box and got the call leading to a penalty kick from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to put Netherlands up late. I don't understand why Robben apologized for the dive after it. I mean it is not going to make the Country of Mexico ecstatic because he said 'Oh my bad dudes.' Like own the dive, whatever it happens in soccer and other sports. Netherlands got the call at the right time and won the game.

Costa Rica 1 Greece 1 (Costa Rica 5-3 penalty kicks) - If Greece had any sort of offense, I don't know the Ticos are advancing. Costa Rica played with 10 men from the 66th minute on, and it did allow one goal making it a tied game. But Costa Rica and its goalie, Keylor Navas held strong being able to hold on in penalty kicks. There are so many great stories, but Costa Rica might be the most improbable story of them all. No one expected them to get this far, and they are playing with house money. The teams the have beat is an impressive list with Uruguay, Italy and now Greece. Netherlands will be their toughest test.

Colombia 2 Uruguay 0 - Somebody cue up the 'I'm So Paid' theme music for James Rodriguez because that's happening this transfer season. He will be the sexy pick without question. Rodriguez has been all sorts of magical for the Colombia side helping them advance against Uruguay for a showdown with Brazil. Both of his goals on Saturday were great,  and he is now the leader for the Golden Boot. Rodriguez leads this Colombian bunch as another team not many people expected to be in the Round of 8, and honestly, they are dangerous enough to get through to the semifinals without question.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: El Tri Stays Hot, Oranje Stays Strong & Neymar!

We are going to do a short blog each weekday about the World Cup. There will be a little more on United States obviously, but when it comes to the other games, we will talk about the different games in short recaps like we used to do with the NBA. I am no expert, don't pretend to be, but I want to compile a blog featuring some tweets, GIFs, videos and a couple thoughts from yours truly. If you hate it, let me know or think you could do it better, you know where to find me @SnoTap12 

Mexico 3 Croatia 1 - I realize this is sacrilegious to say as an American, but is Mexico one of the most dangerous teams left in the World Cup. We talk all the time in sports about the hot team in the playoffs and wouldn't it be Mexico right now?  They break out for three goals in 10 minutes including a goal from Chicharito whose been under much criticism. They allowed one goal in the final five minutes of game with a three goal lead. They face another red hot team which we will talk about in a second, but do not count out Mexico in this one. I would have beers with Miguel Herrera without question. I don't care if he is the Mexican coach, whatever, dude is the balls.



Brazil 4 Cameroon 1 - This is the game where we revel at Neymar. Despite having a truly awful haircut, Neymar dominated this game with two goals and being in control of this game until leaving for precautionary reasons. Neymar has four goals already in this World Cup. He looks like one of the best players in the world if not the one whose ready to take the throne from Lionel Messi in the coming years. Even though they beat Cameroon in rousing fashion, I am still not all in on Brazil. They look really good, but something about them makes me think they do not make the semifinals, maybe I am nuts.  (H/T @FlyByKnite)

Netherlands 2 Chile 0 - One of the things I had no idea about was the fact Netherlands had never won a World Cup. They are basically the Buffalo Bills of the futbol world. Netherlands has finished runners-up in three different World Cups in 1974, 1978 and 2010 with a fourth place finish in 1998. But right now, it seems like they are one of the four best teams in this tournament. Arjen Robben is playing at such a high level right now and helped set up Leroy Fer for the first goal of the game. Memphis Depay delivered his second goal of the tournament as a cherry on top of the World Cup sundae. Video quality is terrible, but I cannot find a GIF to save my soul.

Spain 3 Australia 0 - Spanish side have a nice finish to their disappointing trip to the World Cup. David Villa's tears though were a little tough for me. One of the best for the Spanish side in the last five years, and a huge factor for the 2010 World Cup winners.

Tapping The Keg Podcast Episode 93

Charlie and Mitch delivering the latest edition of Tapping The Keg Podcast.  We lead off with talking about whether you would rather be an East Coast or West Coast fan. There are obvious advantages or disadvantages on both sides. We break down the Brewers game from last night with Kirk Gibson hitting Ryan Braun plus Jonathan Lucroy being an MVP candidate with reaction from St. Louis' fans. We talk a great deal about the World Cup breaking down the latest United States chances with Portugal losing players by the minute. Further we discuss struggling Brazil among other things. We talk about the NBA Finals for a little bit more so about where LeBron James might go plus quick Kevin Love discussion. The podcast finishes with a talk about new world order with the Milwaukee Bucks front office plus a couple more hot topics at the end.

Charlie.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: Wall Known as Ochoa, Igor's Error & Belgium Survival

We are going to do a short blog each weekday about the World Cup. There will be a little more on United States obviously, but when it comes to the other games, we will talk about the different games in short recaps like we used to do with the NBA. I am no expert, don't pretend to be, but I want to compile a blog featuring some tweets, GIFs, videos and a couple thoughts from yours truly. If you hate it, let me know or think you could do it better, you know where to find me @SnoTap12 

Brazil 0 Mexico 0 - Easily, the most entertaining game featuring no goals I have ever seen. Granted, I don't know watch a boatload of soccer, but this game featured some really fine player from both sides. It appears Mexico has been fixed. They might not be scoring goals, but their goalie Guillermo Ochoa  dominated the game with multiple great saves denying the Brazilian team. Brazil kept knocking the door, and Ochoa kept it shut for the whole game. Truly an impressive performance. If Croatia gets three points tonight, it could really interesting in Group A.  (H/T Bleacher Report)

Russia 1  South Korea 1 - Weird game without question. It was BOOOOORING for the first 60 minutes of the game, but as the great Jim Ross would say, 'Business picked up.'  Ochoa might have been the star of the day, but Russian goalie Igor Akinfeev had the first real howler of the tournament. It was an awful goalkeeping play. It seemed like Akinfeev would be writing a one-way ticket to the labor camps in Serbia after the game. Thankfully, Alexander Kerzhakov saved his ass with a goal in the 74th minute coming off the bench and on a rebound. Russia is very thankful to grab one point. (H/T @BenGolliver)  

Belgium 2 Algeria 1 - Many people have said Belgium is the dark horse of the tournament. That's always annoying too because people think they are slick by saying "BRO, YOU KNOW WHOSE SNEAKY... BELGIUM!"  It didn't start out too well for the Belgium side as they had a penalty inside the box giving Algeria a penalty kick which Algerian star Sofiane Feghouli nailed in the back of the net giving them the early lead.  Belgium mounted a comeback in the second half with two goals in the 70th and 80th minute from two reserves, Marouane Fellaini and Dries Martens. Belgium survives the scare.

Charlie.  

Re-Cupping The World Cup: Fred Gets a Spot on National Dive Team

We are going to do a short blog each weekday about the World Cup. There will be a little more on United States obviously, but when it comes to the other games, we will talk about the different games in short recaps like we used to do with the NBA. I am no expert, don't pretend to be, but I want to compile a blog featuring some tweets, videos and a couple thoughts from yours truly. If you hate it, let me know or think you could do it better, you know where to find me @SnoTap12 

Brazil 3 Croatia 1 - If you are a fan of Croatia, my assumption is you woke up probably coming off quite a bender, maybe you cried a little bit  last night, but the game turned on his head when Fred dove inside the box leading to an awarding of a penalty kick. Neymar delivered for his second goal of the game, and Oscar added one for good measure at the end.  There are a few things about the dive. For The Win says it's soccer's fault, not Fred's, for encouraging diving. An Sports Illustrated editor whom is also a soccer official said this about the dive. Also this was great about needing Ian Darke to call an NFL football game this Fall. It also should be noted Stipe Pletikosa, the Croatian goalie, played horrific game, he probably could have stopped all three goals. 

As a defender, you cannot put your arm on a shoulder like that and dare the ref to call it.
— Mark Mravic (@MarkMravic) June 12, 2014

Not saying I would have called that PK. Saying the defender takes a risk in that situation.
— Mark Mravic (@MarkMravic) June 12, 2014

That's it, new rule: any game Jeff Tripplette officiates, Ian Darke must be in the announcer's box.
— Collin McCollough (@cmccollo) June 12, 2014

 

Oh and here's Neymar's girlfriend, you animals, Happy Friday. 

Charlie.   

How Milwaukee Relates to All 32 World Cup Teams

Everyone has some sort of creative World Cup preview.  I am pretty much out of options at this point because all of the corners of the Internet have been taken. Needless to say, I am pretty disappointed with this one because I want to have something about the World Cup besides Mitch and I bumbling through an audio preview around the 30 minute mark of our latest podcast.  Here's my idea, and we are going to try to do it to the best of our abilities. We are going to try and relate every single World Cup country with the City of Milwaukee. Godspeed.

Group A
Brazil - General Electric, one of the biggest companies in Wisconsin and the Milwaukee area , has a major office in Sao Paulo where roughly10,000 people work in a variety of different occupations for the company. Harley-Davidson has major involvement with Brazil as well.  OH and people are pissed at Milwaukee when it comes to Brazil right now.

Croatia - I had no idea Croatian Eagles Soccer Club here in Milwaukee is the oldest North American Soccer club. They first started in 1922.

Mexico - There are so many great things about Mexico and the City of Milwaukee. They are a major part of this city without question. El Rey is one of the most heralded grocery stores in the city.

Cameroon - This is a very recent story about a Alverno College professor whose bringing laptops to Cameroon to young women here. Fantastic to see.

Group B
Spain - Santaigo Calatrava, a Spanish architect, created Milwaukee Art Museum which was his first American building and a staple of Milwaukee architecture.

Netherlands - Surprisingly, not very much from this country ties to Milwaukee, but Maxwell Wassacher, a junior at MSOE, will be playing for Netherlands' National Team in Lacrosse this coming julu.

Chile - When Chile had an earthquake in April 2014, a Milwaukee seismic meters picked it up from well over a  1,000 miles away. That's pretty neat science.

Australia - Milwaukee Tool has a major factory in Australia. They have all sorts of advertisements, YouTube videos, everything.



Group C
Colombia - I don't know when this occurred or if it is still going to happen, but the Milwaukee Ballet Company was headed to Colombia to compete in the International Ballet Festival.

Greece - GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO!!!!  That's really all that needs to be said, but also, Milwaukee has a strong Greek population rooted in the city.

Ivory Coast  - Wilfred Bony, one of the players for the Cote D'Ivore, will be playing for Swansea at Miller Park against Chivas FC this upcoming July.

Japan - Milwaukee has a stronger Japanese culture than anyone probably thinks about or considers. Here's a look at the Milwaukee Japanese Association.

Group D
England - I don't always like lists, but the BBC America has 10 British things about America which I will say is close enough. And if it's not, Michael King is the obvious answer.

Italy - Huge Italian presence here in Milwaukee, and the Italian Community Center is a great place in the city of Milwaukee. Additionally, Brady Street used to be considered Little Italy shortly after World War II and also home to Gloriosos, one of the best ethnic grocery stores in the area .

Uruguay - Easily the hardest one thus far, but we ended on finding the Milwaukee Guitar Duo whom won some awards in Uruguay in the late 90's. Yeah I don't know either.

Costa Rica - In March, we had two smugglers trying to bring in Milwaukee's Best Premium into the country from the Panama border. In fact, they tried to bring seven cases in because this beer would only cost one American dollar versus the two to four dollar prices they pay for beer. And at Taylors: Costa Rica, they still pay five dollars.

Group E
France - The United States Futsal team is playing the French's national team in Milwaukee this Saturday at MSOE. Big-time event on Water Street and Juneau all day. From everything I read, top notch day to day-drink on Saturday.  

Switzerland - Simon Moser, one of the players for the Milwaukee Adrimals this season, played for the Swiss National Team at Sochi this February.

Ecuador - I had no idea they had their own fly fishing technique but apparently they do so now we all know this information. Why it matters for this piece, some guy did it in the Milwaukee River.


Honduras - Another one where I had some big-time trouble with finding something Milwaukee-related for this country. The best I can do is the USS Milwaukee spent some time in Honduras during the 1910's.

Group G
United States - A city in the United States. Boom. Easiest one yet.

Germany - There is SO much of Germany in Milwaukee. We all know it is a major part of our overall culture as a city. I would like to give a special shoutout to my favorite German restaurant, Cafe Bavaria.

Ghana - Ghana Milwaukee Association seems like a really cool thing to check out in order to learn more about the country right here in the City of Milwaukee.

Portugal - This is the first one to have me completely stumped therefore we are going with a performance from Portugal. The Man at Pabst Theater.



Group H
Belgium - I should be on the PR staff for Lowlands. Cafe Hollander is one of the more popular restaurants in the city known for its Belgium cuisine.

Russia - Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church is one of the more famed churches around the area with their website still having the Russian language.

South Korea - I have not eaten at the Stone Bowl Grill on the Eastside, but it is a new Korean restaurant to the area.

Algeria -  This happened last year, but pretty cool stuff from NPR: Milwaukee reuniting an Algerian Buena Vista Club after 50 years of separation.

Charlie.

Tapping The Keg Podcast Episode 92

Charlie and Mitch's usual Wednesday podcast for your listening ears where we start by talking about how we would handle being in Brazil for the World Cup. Next, we talk about Milwaukee Brewers with Marco Estrada's struggles and Scooter Gennett moving to the leadoff spot. NBA Finals talk looking at Kawhi Leonard, and why this series hasn't swung. Some NBA Draft talk with the Milwaukee Bucks working players out along with general topics about Donald Sterling and California Chrome. We finish with a preview the World Cup looking at the United States chances along with talking about each individual groups to the best of our abilities.

Charlie.