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.

What We Missed From the World Cup: German & Argentinian Survival & France Pushes On

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 

As you can see or might have seen, we were down yesterday meaning I wasn't able to give my usual hot takes about World Cup soccer. Why not give you some thoughts on the three games in the last couple days as well as look ahead to the quarterfinals which start this weekend and promise to be four tremendous games.

Monday 
Germany 2 Algeria 1 (Extra Time)  - A really enjoyable and unexpected game. Almost like a 13th seed whom found their way to the Sweet 16 and challenged a one seed to the bitter end. This game ended the same sort of way as the United States game did on Tuesday where Germany added two goals in Extra Time and Algeria got one very late nearly tying the game. Manuel Neuer deserves a ton of credit because he didn't really get any support from the German defenders. Unbelievable the last time they haven't been in the quarterfinals was 1978. That's over 30 years ago. Absolutely incredible.

France 2 Nigeria 0 - Les Blues keeps moving through the tournament. I feel like if there wasn't the stories about Colombia or Costa Rica, many people would be talking about France's success thus far in the tournament. They get completely embarrassed in South Africa not making it out of group stages after being the runners up of the 2006 World Cup. France had its first battle in this one as Nigeria really challenged them all game including their keeper Vincent Enyeama played great all game until Paul Pogba broke through with a goal in the 79th minute and then the Nigerian own goal did not help things.

Tuesday 
Argentina 1 Switzerland (Extra Time) - Many people did not think this would be a challenging game for Argentina. While people considered the Swiss one of the more promising young teams in the tournament, it felt like they got into the knockout stages due to being the best team remaining between weak Hondorus and Ecuador. They also were housed by France earlier this season. Swiss had some opportunities in this game but couldn't capitalize at all leading to Lionel Messi having another moment going on a complete run to find Angel De Maria for the winning goal.

Quarterfinals on Friday and Saturday will have great entertainment. Brazil and Colombia feels like the best matchup on the list with Germany and France not far behind. Costa Rica will be in a David versus Golitah situation against Netherlands, a team vying for their first World Cup. Argentina and their offense taking on the tough Belgium defense will be a ton of fun as well. Not that you care, but I feel our semifinals will be France vs. Brazil and Argentina vs. Netherlands which are both extremely tasty matchups.

Charlie.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: Messi Shines Again, Swiss Push Through, Iran Chokes

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 

Argentina 3 Nigeria 2 - Easily, the best game of the day on what was sort of a boring day of soccer. Argentina held on in a hotly-contested match with Nigeria whom also advanced to the knockout stages and will face France.  Four of the five goals of the game happened in the first five minutes of both halves. Lionel Messi had two goals and continues to be a complete terror in this World Cup. He nailed a beautiful goal off a rebound, and then put it into the back corner of the net for a free kick. Ahmed Musa played at a high level as well for Nigeria knocking in two goals. Nigeria isn't going to go down swinging in the next round.

Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 Iran 1 - If Iran did enough, they could have slid into the knockout stages. I wouldn't want to say they puked all over their shoes, but they pretty much did. Bosnia wasn't like some of the winless teams in the World Cup as they play Argentina and Nigeria close, but still Iran could have capitalized here in a major way. They gave up only one goal in two games, and then find a way to give up three to Bosnia. The moment was too big for the boys.

Switzerland 3 Hondorus 0 - Big question here... Was Hondorus the worst World Cup team?  Like Hondorus... They showed up. Switzerland got the job done to send them on to the next round for a meeting with Messi. The Swiss got a hat trick from Xherdan Shaquiri to push them through to the knockout the stages. After their blowout loss to France, I have to give credit for Switzerland for bouncing back in a major way.

France 0 Ecuador 0 - I am not saying France mailed this one, but it had a feel of a Week 17 NFL game in this one for France. They just wanted to hang out and have a good time maybe have a little wine on the sidelines. I do think France is in a fight with Nigeria. I really do but I am no soccer expert by any means.

Charlie.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: France Flies High, Magical Messi and German 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 

Friday
Costa Rica 1 Italy 0 - Currently, the Ticos are the most surprising team of the tournament for my money. They take down Uruguay and now put themselves through with a win against Italy. This is a big moment for CONCAF getting a win against a team like Italy. The goal by Bryan Ruiz defined the term "Ball Don't Lie" after being denied a penalty. Costa Rica winning Group D featuring England, Italy and Uruguay is wild.

France 5 Switzerland 2 - Les Blues might be playing the best soccer after two games. A team not expected to do much damage in the tournament could be on the verge of making a lot of noise. They played at such a high level against an upstart Switzerland getting five straight goals before allowing two late in the game. Oliver Giroud and Karim Benzema really played strong throughout the game leading to France's probable advancement to the Round of 16.

Ecuador 2 Honduras 1 - This was the Enner Valencia game with two huge goals in the game to complete the comeback against Honduras. Valencia had two great goals hanging around the net with a great finish with his foot and his head. It gave Ecuador a chance to advance in the World Cup with a win or a draw against France. This is a massive hill to climb given how well France played throughout the first two games of the World Cup, but we have seen some crazier things.



Saturday
Germany 2 Ghana 2 - Might have been the game of the weekend if Portugal and the United States didn't happen because it featured a possible chance Germany would drop a game in group stages something that didn't even seem possible during their drubbing of Portugal. Miroslav Klose saved the team with an equalizing goal in the 71st minute. Thomas Mueller took a big hit leading to blood everywhere around his facial area. Who knows if Mueller will play against the United States.



Argentina 1 Iran 0 - There are games where you know why Lionel Messi is better than everyone else in the world. This game was headed to an improbable tie before Messi made his move in stoppage time netting a goal to put Argentina ahead and through to the Round of 16. I mean Iran didn't screw up really honestly. They had a strong defense on him with not much space, but Messi found enough to put it home. Iran can still advance with a win plus some goal differential help.

Nigeria 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 - Oh man, I felt for Bosnia as they had a couple chances late in the game. They had a perfect opportunity at the very end, but the ball went off the post sending them home from Brazil. Nigeria does have to play Argentina, but they control their own destiny. They could lose and still be in if the goal differential doesn't get out of wack.

Sunday
Algeria 4 South Korea 2 - Honestly, how bad is the defending by South Korea? They looked horrible on Sunday with Algeria attacking the goal consistently. They went up three goals in the first 40 minutes of the game. Algeria looked much more improved from their first game against Belgium. Algeria could get through with a win against Russia and a draw against Russia would probably do the trick as well unless Korea blows out Belgium.

Belgium 1 Russia 0 - The 'dark horse' continues their push into the Round of 16 even if they are not playing the best soccer. I am curious to see how different the results would be for Belgium if they were in a group with stiffer competition. They got a pure goal at the 88th minute, but this game did not leave anything for people to get on the bandwagon for this Belgium team.

Charlie.

Re-Cupping The World Cup: Dutch Surprise, Super Mario, Magical Messi

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
Netherlands 5 Spain 1 - Even though this was a couple days later, Holland's beatdown of the defending World Cup champs on Friday is the biggest news of the World Cup this far. Arjen Robben added two goals with a beauty for the fifth goal of the night plus Robin Van Persie's first goal is one that will be on the montage at the end of the World Cup.

Mexico 1 Cameroon 0 - El Tri is one of the more talked about teams given the way they backed into the World Cup, but they played world class defense against an attacking Cameroon in a driving rain. Mexico had two goals called off with offside calls, but Orbie Peralta put one home in the 61st minute. Mexico needed this one badly before their showdown with Brazil.

Chile 3 Australia 1 - Chile came out fast and furious with two goals in the first 15 minutes of the game with Alexis Sanchez in the 12th minute and Jorge Valdivia 14th minute.  Tim Cahill did add a goal for the Socceroos at the 35th minute splitting the lead in half before we even reached halftime. Chile held on as Australia tried to equalize throughout the second half of the game. Finally in the extra period, Jean Beausejour gave Chile the dagger.

Saturday
Italy 2 England 1 - This was a really fun game of high level football.  Italy got the scoring started with a beautiful strike from Claudio Marchisio in the 35th minute including a great dummy run by the legend Andrea Pirlo. Daniel Sturridge came right back with a quick equalizing goal in 37th minute with a great dance afterwards which is featured below. Mario Balotelli had the game-winner in the 50th minute with a wonderful header. Wayne Rooney had a chance to equalize again for England but pulled the ball wide. Both teams look very dangerous moving forward.

Costa Rica 3 Uruguay 1 - TICOOOOOOOOS. As someone whom put many eggs in the Uruguay basket, this was a nightmare scenario. Edinson Cavini got an early goal, but after that it was all downhill like that New Found Glory song. Costa Rica had three second half goals including two in three minutes changing the course of this game. To add insult to the injury of the opening loss, Uruguay's Maxi Pereira was sent off with a straight red in extra time meaning he will miss at least the next game against

Ivory Coast 2 Japan 1 - LES ELEPHANTS. I need myself a 1000 percent Elephants scarf by Cote D'Ivore's next game honestly. This whole game changed on a dime when Didier Drogba came into this game. It really did seem to open things up leading to second half goals from Wilfred Brony and Gervinho. Japan really didn't have an answer for them.

Colombia 3 Greece 0 - Arguably the strongest statement by a team not named Netherlands was Colombia. They are without their star player Radamel Falcao, but it didn't phase them with a quick goal in the fifth minute from Pablo Armero. Colombia had control of the entire game adding another goal in the 58th minute along with one in the extra time. Greece didn't really have any sort of chance against the Colombians

Sunday
Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 - MESSI MESSI MESSI. Everyone wondered if the pressure was getting to Lionel Messi, and he responded with a 'Hi haters' moment with a beautiful goal in the second period putting Argentina up two. Bosnia-Herzegovina didn't play too poorly, but the early own goal hurt their chances in a major way.

Switzerland 2 Ecuador 1 - Many people thought the Swiss were overrated with them being sixth in the FIFA rankings. Many people thought they would be comparable to their famous cheese with lots of holes. The critics seemed right early with Enner Valencia adding an early goal, but the Switzerland battled back with an early second half equalizing goal from Admir Mehmedi and then Haris Seferovic gets a goal in the final 30 seconds of extra time for the incredible win. Big time three points.

France 3 Honduras 0 - The story could be about how goal line technology still didn't look like it did its job despite what ESPN might tell you. The story could also be how Honduras played with 10 players most of the game. But what it's about is Karim Benzema's two goals and causing an own goal. Benzema started to wash away the bad taste South Africa gave Les Blues.

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.