Knockout Stages - Day 1

I missed the opportunity to write in my thoughts on the last couple of days; so instead of trying to remember what happened and who did what and when, I'm just moving on through to the knockout stages with the teams. The Germany/Sweden game in Munich starts in 20 minutes and I am primed and ready. According to Reuters, more than 100,000 fans have descended on the German city to watch the game. Obviously not all of them can go to the game, so the city has set up viewing areas scattered about the beauty that is Munchen. At Olympic Park, more than 30,000 fans can watch the game on massive screens while enjoying the beautiful day. While at the English Gardens another 7,000 can enjoy oompah bands and beer leading up to the game then relax and watch the match. I'm torn on the game, but I think my bottomline is for Germany! Even though the Swedes boast one of my favourite players in Freddie Ljunberg (Arsenal man), I did live in Germany for three years. It's in Germany where I kicked my first football and developed a life-long passion. It's in Germany where I watched my first football match. And even after returning to the US, Soccer Made in Germany, the PBS production, was a weekly event in our house. So, Germany will take this one 2-1 and advance. **UPDATE** it's only the 5th minute and Germany have a one goal lead by a massive goal poach from Podolski. A sublime turn by Klose left him one on one with Isaksson. Isaksson tripped him up that on another day with another official likely would have been a penalty, but Podolski following up the movement pounced on that spilled ball and struck it with some authority into the net. And now, in the 12th minute, Podolski buries another one. It's 2-0 to the Germans with both goals being authored by Klose and published by Podolski. Sweden better find the plot if my prediction is to hold true. and yes, I have ever right whinge about "Americans not understanding the sport." Despite the commentators on XM Radio who are, apparently quite tired of the whinging, Americans by and large do not understand the sport. They cannot comprehend how a game can be played for 90 minutes and not produce a winner. They cannot see how a 90 minute game that produces no scoring can be exciting. Doubt me? Come to my local and try to talk to the regulars gathered around their beers and margaritas about soccer. You'll get blank stares or inane, peurile arguments about how boring & dull it is, while they glance constantly at whatever golf tournament happens to be showing on one of the numerous televisions. Yes, I have a right to whinge. **UPDATE** It's all Germany now. Shot after shot after shot on Isaksson's net and in the 35th minute a second yellow card to a Swedish player sends him to an early shower. Sweden have an enormous task ahead of them, two goals down and now a man down. If they have any desire to remain in Germany, they must refind their drive. It was always going to be difficult playing a very strong German team in Munchen, but now the task is gigantic. **UPDATE** It is half-time and Germany lead Sweden into the dressing room by 2 goals to nil. Sweden now face the monumental task of returning to the pitch for another half, demoralized, dejected, 2 goals and 1 man down. Can they do it? Can they come back from the deficet? Anything, anything at all is possible in football. Will they do it? I think not, but I'd sure like to see them try and in the process score a goal. **UPDATE** Second half underway and Sweden come out with authority and reason. Henrik Larsson is taken down in the German box and is awareded a penalty for his efforts. A lifeline for Sweden and Larsson steps up to take it. Oh my, over the net and Germany maintain their 2 goal lead on the poor Swedes. The Swedish fans can't believe their eyes. They've come so far, this team in yellow & blue. But, being only 4 for 7 in their World Cup history on penalty kicks says that that is not the way they're going to win this game. **UPDATE** Isaksson is far and away the best player on the swedish team for this match. Aside from two blisters from Germany, he's kept out no less than 6 crtical in-the-net rockets. Sadly for him, it looks like he's headed home. But, his performance today certainly proves to me the validity of Arsene Wenger's interest in the keeper. Perhaps in the close season we can entice the man to come and give Lehmann a challenge for that Arsenal number one. With less than a minute to go (plus stoppage), Germany sits on the verge of a third consecutive clean-sheet and advancement to the quarter-finals. The winner of this game will play the winner of today's next game, Mexico v Argentina. And that's a match who's outcome I can't predict because I'm just not sure which team I most wish to see lose. I'll probably head down to my local, and despite the vacuous stares and diffidence, I'll enjoy the game. Must be just seconds remaining and yes, Germany has elminated Sweden with a 2-0 victory. Plenty of hugs & kisses await the German team, while tears and sadness await the Swedes. Germany have now played 287 minutes of football without conceding a goal and have reached the quarter finals in 15 of 16 World Cups, a truly remarkeable pair of statistics. Argentina v Mexico was everything a game could be. It had drama, spectacular passing, and one of the most spectacular goals you'll ever see. Maxi Rodriguez took the ball on a long switch off his chest and volleyed it across the face of the goal into the upper 90. This occurred in the second half of overtime to give Argentina a win. The possession and dominance see-sawed through the entire match with neither team truly dominating. Mexico did score first, but then they scored again, in the wrong goal 5 (or so) minutes later to even it up. That was the last goal scored (in the 12th minute) until that wundergoal in overtime that gave Argentina the game. And with the win came the realization that they now face Germany in the next round. More tomorrow. Until then, Wastrel On!