2010 FIFA World Cup Predictions ~ Brazil to win it all? Agree or Disagree?

With the USA eliminated from competition, I'll admit that I've tuned out of the World Cup.  If walking by a TV, with a match on, I'll stop and check the score ~ but I really have no idea anymore about who I want to win.

I received the following message today from my good friend, Kanak.  I found it funny that she even sent it, since she's not a sporty person.  To be honest, I nearly fell out of my seat when she texted me (i.e. during Game 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers v Boston Celtics series) that Sasha Vujacic needed to shave!  I couldn't believe the girl even had the TV on still, much less was watching and cared enough to read the names on the jerseys.  She said she checks into this blog ~ and now I believe her. 

Further, being that she lived in Brasil/Brazil, she does have interest in soccer/futbol. So here are her 2 cents and predictions for the rest of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Here's what SHE wrote:

" Ok...Soooo I wanted to send my predictions to you.  I know you aren't that into soccer, but I am super EXCITED, and you are the only one that might half way care now that the US is out."

• Argentina will beat Germany easily, to face Portugal next (i.e. who will beat Spain today and move on to beat either Paraguay or Japan). 

1st half ~ Spain v Portugal (Photo taken by, Wirk Part 2)

• I couldn't care less about either of those teams and who wins that game (i.e. Paraguay v Japan).
• Brasil/Brazil (will make it to the semifinal because they are playing the Netherlands for the spot, and if they lose to them I just have to hang my head in shame...lol!.  
• Brasil/Brazil will probably face Uruguay (i.e. even though Ghana was looking strong, I don't think they can beat Uruguay), as a face-off for the 1950 World Cup Final, but hopefully with inverted scoreboard (2 x 1 Brasil, this time).  
• Argentina will make it to the semi-finals for sure.
• I don't care what people say about Germany, I don't think they are going.
• Final Brasil/Brazil v Argentina, neighbor x neighbor, mortal enemies.
• And if all goes well Brasil/Brazil will be the NUMBER ONE! Woohoo!"

****  What do you think?  1950 World Cup?  What is "inverted scoreboard"?  Is she right? 


Kanak, for THE WIRK

Great meeting ~ USA defeats Algeria, Donovan's goal and Saifi slaps and is punched

I just wrapped up my "meeting" with Algeria and all I can say is WOW...  It took about 91 minutes, but Landon Donovan came through for USA in the 2010 FIFA World Cup game against Algeria.  Now I'm not saying that there was a complete work stoppage (i.e. think Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate Sudden Death, circa US Open 2008), but the noise level has increased tremendously now that the USA v Algeria game is over.  If you missed the meeting request, USA won 1-0.

The population around here has gone from 4 to at least 30 by now.  Basically, it was an "all-hands" team building session and morale is up in the office as a result.

I wasn't able to join the meeting until the last 8 minutes, but from what I understand USA scored twice, but had their goals taken away with two offsides calls.  De ja vu...  Just saying.

With about 15 mins left in the "meeting", my friend gave me an update that it was tied at 0 (i.e. the Bears were winning <--  Ferris Bueller reference).  He told me that USA had to win to advance, since it looked like Slovenia was going to lose to England.

I "videoconferenced" into the meeting to watch the final goal and see the USA team hold the lead.  Meeting over and it's lunch time...

I wonder what people will be talking about?!?!

By the way, have you seen Landon Donovan's ESPN commercial yet?  If not, here you go.



And of course there's more to the story for Algeria...  Have you seen this Fanhouse article?  It appears that after the USA v Algeria match, Algeria's Rafik Saifi slapped a female reporter.  In response, female reporter, Asma Halimi, punched him in the mouth.  Nice, huh...

Can't we all just get along?

THE WIRK

Viva la Practice - France loses to South Africa, 2-1

So in 2010 FIFA World Cup action today,  France lost to RSA (i.e. the Republic of South Africa) and all I know is that a few of the French players refused to practice.  According to the ABC News article, "On Sunday the French players refused to practice to protest the decision by the French soccer federation to send home forward Nicolas Anelka, who reportedly insulted Domenech at halftime of a 2-0 defeat by Mexico last Thursday. " 

Well, we all know now how that worked out for the French team. 

France lost today, with a final score of 2-1.  If you want a game recap, use this ESPN link.  If you want to laugh, check out the following video of a remix from DJ Steve Porter.  It has Allen Iverson, Jim Mora, Dennis Green, Joe Namath (i.e. incidentally, who can forget that sideline interview?!?!  wow...), Mike Gundy & Terrell Owens.   Have we learned nothing about the value of practice?!?! 

Viva la Practice!!!



****  Oh and it gets better, I just saw this USA Today article with another video clip. It appears that the French coach, Raymond Domenech, refuses to shake the hand of the South African coach.  Nothing like a poor loser and a lack of sportsmanship...


THE WIRK