As I am getting up early to go running tomorrow, followed by an hour or so of mowing the lawn, I'm doing a quick MOTD preview for Thursday tonight.
Many would figure that--on the heels of the "desperation" motif of the Spain-Chile game--I'd continue that.
By the way, how about Chile? First win ever vs. Spain. And the Iberians become the first defending champion to be eliminated after only two games into the next World Cup.
But many would figure I'd select Uruguay and England for Thursday's match of the day. Both are coming off gut-wrenching losses to Costa Rica and Italy, respectively, although I believe England threw more determination and resolve at Italy than Uruguay did in their collapse.
No, it's Colombia vs. Ivory Coast. Redemption vs. guts.
Colombia--ranked as high as third in the world last summer--has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and they haven't moved past the group stage since 1990 in Italy. Some fans who recall the 1994 World Cup here in America will have memories of Andres Escobar's own goal that gave the US team a dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia, a mistake which led to Escobar's shooting death in Medellin less than a month later (his error supposedly led to gambling losses by drug lords). Now Colombia's team is primed to move beyond this tragedy after long last, coming off a 3-0 whitewashing of Greece.
Ivory Coast poured its guts into a 2-1 comeback win over Japan. Impressive talent such as Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Swansea City's Wilifred Bony buttress the top ranked team from the African continent, but the soul of this team continues to be Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea star who willed the Blues to victory in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final. Don't make the mistake of overlooking Les Elephants; opponents who do, do so to their peril.
Colombia and Ivory Coast, both with a win in hand, play Thursday with an eye toward the inside track for advancement to the knockout round. Redemption or guts? The meter could well move either way. Ninety minutes can barely contain these two squads.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Match of the Day: The More Desperate Team Wins
In John Feinstein's A Civil War, the author tracks the entire (American) football season at the United States Military Academy [a.k.a., "Army"] and the US Naval Academy [a.k.a., "Navy"]. The narrative builds toward the rivalry game between the teams at the end of the year. It is in the lead-up to the game that Army head coach Bob Sutton gives a charge for his players to remember in the trenches of the Army-Navy contest.
"The more desperate team wins."
Army took it to heart, winning one of the greatest games in the history of the rivalry, 14-13, on a last minute touchdown. The Cadets were truly the more desperate team (and converting a fourth-and-23 situation late in the game helped, too!).
What does this have to do with today's World Cup slew of games?
Simply that in the 5 pm (Central time) matchup between Spain and Chile, we can restate the Sutton Doctrine: The more desperate team wins. The question is which team is more desperate?
On paper, it looks to be Spain by a mile. The kings of soccer have had their way in Euro Cup 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro Cup 2012. But against the Netherlands, the Spaniards came unglued under a full-on assault led by Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie. Even all-world goalie Iker Casillas couldn't handle a kick touch that led to one goal. The result was a 5-1 whipping and a minus-4 goal differential that will be difficult to make up. That alone makes Spain a desperate team, like a wounded mother lion enraged that her cubs are in danger. In other words, look out. Spain doesn't deal well with losing, and they should bring their A-game today and make Chile as busy as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.
But that's on paper. In truth, Chile is coming off a fine win over Australia, having overwhelmed the Aussies in the first fifteen minutes with goals by Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia. They blunted the determined comeback by Australia, allowing only a goal by Thomas Cahill before Jean Beausejour added the stoppage time insurance tally for a 3-1 win. Here's the thing: Why shouldn't Chile be more desperate, knowing they have their two toughest tests ahead of them? After Spain, they still have to play the Dutch and there is no guarantee what the all-important goal differential will be then. Chile is 14th in the world but only the fifth-best South American team, and the Chileans want to make some noise.
So what's the outcome? Hard to tell. Both teams match up well. Spain has to win, and if Chile manages at least a tie, then it sets Spain behind the proverbial eight-ball. Spain should take it by a 2-1 or 1-0 count, but given the way this World Cup has unfolded so far, I'm looking for surprises of any kind.
Especially when desperation kicks in.
"The more desperate team wins."
Army took it to heart, winning one of the greatest games in the history of the rivalry, 14-13, on a last minute touchdown. The Cadets were truly the more desperate team (and converting a fourth-and-23 situation late in the game helped, too!).
What does this have to do with today's World Cup slew of games?
Simply that in the 5 pm (Central time) matchup between Spain and Chile, we can restate the Sutton Doctrine: The more desperate team wins. The question is which team is more desperate?
On paper, it looks to be Spain by a mile. The kings of soccer have had their way in Euro Cup 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro Cup 2012. But against the Netherlands, the Spaniards came unglued under a full-on assault led by Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie. Even all-world goalie Iker Casillas couldn't handle a kick touch that led to one goal. The result was a 5-1 whipping and a minus-4 goal differential that will be difficult to make up. That alone makes Spain a desperate team, like a wounded mother lion enraged that her cubs are in danger. In other words, look out. Spain doesn't deal well with losing, and they should bring their A-game today and make Chile as busy as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.
But that's on paper. In truth, Chile is coming off a fine win over Australia, having overwhelmed the Aussies in the first fifteen minutes with goals by Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia. They blunted the determined comeback by Australia, allowing only a goal by Thomas Cahill before Jean Beausejour added the stoppage time insurance tally for a 3-1 win. Here's the thing: Why shouldn't Chile be more desperate, knowing they have their two toughest tests ahead of them? After Spain, they still have to play the Dutch and there is no guarantee what the all-important goal differential will be then. Chile is 14th in the world but only the fifth-best South American team, and the Chileans want to make some noise.
So what's the outcome? Hard to tell. Both teams match up well. Spain has to win, and if Chile manages at least a tie, then it sets Spain behind the proverbial eight-ball. Spain should take it by a 2-1 or 1-0 count, but given the way this World Cup has unfolded so far, I'm looking for surprises of any kind.
Especially when desperation kicks in.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Match of the Day: A Latin Twist with Some Turkish Coffee
This will be a quick one, and with no offense meant to the Belgium-Algeria match or the Russia-South Korea clash. But the match of the day today originates from Fortaleza and involves Brazil and Mexico.
Several reasons why this match is intriguing:
1. Brazil needs to show they can play an end-to-end great game against a well-oiled opponent. They showed their colors (and a little bit of dive action in the box) and mettle in a come-from-behind win in the opener over Croatia. But their fans are demanding more.
2. Mexico wants to throw a monkey wrench into Brazil's life today. Oribe Peralta has gone on record saying "We will make Brazil's life difficult." Peralta has the swagger and talent to do so from his striker position, and Brazil fans will recall his two goals in the Olympic gold medal match in 2012, enabling Mexico to swipe the top spot from the Brazilian team.
3. Whoever wins clinches the road through to the knockout stage, for all intents and purposes.
4. The officiating intangibles: Cuneyt Cakir is the referee today, and the Turkish official has been known for a quick trigger disciplinary approach in the past that has garnered a fair bit of controversy. He is ultra-precise on distances on free kicks (more so than the norm), and he does not hesitate to send players off with red cards, be it in the first or last minutes of the game. He angered Sir Alex Ferguson when he sent off Nani during the 2013 UEFA Champions league game between Manchester United and Real Madrid. During the 2012 Euro Cup semifinal between Spain and Portugal, Cakir doled out nine yellow cards in a bitter game that went to a penalty shootout. Mario Balotelli likely still recalls when Cakir sent him off during the 2011 Europa League match between Manchester City and Dynamo Kyiv, a game in which Cakir gave out eight other yellow cards.
All of which adds up to an intriguing matchup, but for me, the officiating intangible might be the one to watch.
Several reasons why this match is intriguing:
1. Brazil needs to show they can play an end-to-end great game against a well-oiled opponent. They showed their colors (and a little bit of dive action in the box) and mettle in a come-from-behind win in the opener over Croatia. But their fans are demanding more.
2. Mexico wants to throw a monkey wrench into Brazil's life today. Oribe Peralta has gone on record saying "We will make Brazil's life difficult." Peralta has the swagger and talent to do so from his striker position, and Brazil fans will recall his two goals in the Olympic gold medal match in 2012, enabling Mexico to swipe the top spot from the Brazilian team.
3. Whoever wins clinches the road through to the knockout stage, for all intents and purposes.
4. The officiating intangibles: Cuneyt Cakir is the referee today, and the Turkish official has been known for a quick trigger disciplinary approach in the past that has garnered a fair bit of controversy. He is ultra-precise on distances on free kicks (more so than the norm), and he does not hesitate to send players off with red cards, be it in the first or last minutes of the game. He angered Sir Alex Ferguson when he sent off Nani during the 2013 UEFA Champions league game between Manchester United and Real Madrid. During the 2012 Euro Cup semifinal between Spain and Portugal, Cakir doled out nine yellow cards in a bitter game that went to a penalty shootout. Mario Balotelli likely still recalls when Cakir sent him off during the 2011 Europa League match between Manchester City and Dynamo Kyiv, a game in which Cakir gave out eight other yellow cards.
All of which adds up to an intriguing matchup, but for me, the officiating intangible might be the one to watch.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Match of the Day: Powers From Across the Pond
So the Iran-Nigeria matchup will be…
Had you there for a minute, didn't I?
Although I am certain Iran and Nigeria will give it their all, that will not be today's Match of the Day. And despite the energy brought to the US team by head coach--and former German star--Jurgen Klinsmann and the intrigue over playing Ghana in a third consecutive World Cup, the US-Ghana clash is not Match of the Day.
Two words: Mannschaft. Seleccao.
Germany and Portugal tangle in Salvador, the same locale as the Netherlands' curb-stomping of Spain. The second-ranked team in the world goes up against a tough opponent and the top player in the world.
There are challenges for each team, to be sure. Germany carries more pressure as a nation than any other country (with the possible exception of home standing Brazil) to win the Cup. The footballers from the Fatherland also have been severed banged up as of late, with midfielders Lars Bender and Marco Reus ruled off the team due to injury. However, there is nary a Deutschlander begging off high expectations because of the injury bug. Philip Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and best-goalie-in-the-world Manuel Neuer also got nicked up during the domestic season, but all are back in form for the World Cup. And midfielder Sami Khedira came back in May from a severe knee injury, hoping to have enough moxie and mobility to make impact as he did in 2010 replacing Michael Ballack.
Portugal, however, begins and ends with striker and captain Cristiano Ronaldo and his hairdo that is more carved than styled. Germany's challenge will be containing Ronaldo without neglecting other deadly forces like midfielder Nani or striker Helder Postiga. Portugal, on the other hand, still carries raw hurt from their 1-0 exit from 2010 thanks to Spain, brought on largely by playing more cautiously than necessary. If manager Paulo Bento buries his biblically proverbial single talent in a field rather than using it (much like Carlos Quieroz was accused of in 2010), then expect Germany to exploit and attack with a vengeance, as players like Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, Thomas Muller, and the ageless Miroslav Klose won't stay silent for long.
And then there is the historical edge for Germany. For whatever reason, the scales tilt toward the black, red, and gold, as Germany holds a 9 win, 3 loss, 5 draw edge over the Portuguese. For various reasons--and keeping my fandom for the Germans as far out of this as possible--I'm saying a tie should be the best Portugal should hope for at this stage. More realistically, I see a one-goal German win. But one thing that is for sure is a whole lot of talent and determination is on display in Salvador today in a heady Group H clash.
Had you there for a minute, didn't I?
Although I am certain Iran and Nigeria will give it their all, that will not be today's Match of the Day. And despite the energy brought to the US team by head coach--and former German star--Jurgen Klinsmann and the intrigue over playing Ghana in a third consecutive World Cup, the US-Ghana clash is not Match of the Day.
Two words: Mannschaft. Seleccao.
Germany and Portugal tangle in Salvador, the same locale as the Netherlands' curb-stomping of Spain. The second-ranked team in the world goes up against a tough opponent and the top player in the world.
There are challenges for each team, to be sure. Germany carries more pressure as a nation than any other country (with the possible exception of home standing Brazil) to win the Cup. The footballers from the Fatherland also have been severed banged up as of late, with midfielders Lars Bender and Marco Reus ruled off the team due to injury. However, there is nary a Deutschlander begging off high expectations because of the injury bug. Philip Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and best-goalie-in-the-world Manuel Neuer also got nicked up during the domestic season, but all are back in form for the World Cup. And midfielder Sami Khedira came back in May from a severe knee injury, hoping to have enough moxie and mobility to make impact as he did in 2010 replacing Michael Ballack.
Portugal, however, begins and ends with striker and captain Cristiano Ronaldo and his hairdo that is more carved than styled. Germany's challenge will be containing Ronaldo without neglecting other deadly forces like midfielder Nani or striker Helder Postiga. Portugal, on the other hand, still carries raw hurt from their 1-0 exit from 2010 thanks to Spain, brought on largely by playing more cautiously than necessary. If manager Paulo Bento buries his biblically proverbial single talent in a field rather than using it (much like Carlos Quieroz was accused of in 2010), then expect Germany to exploit and attack with a vengeance, as players like Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski, Thomas Muller, and the ageless Miroslav Klose won't stay silent for long.
And then there is the historical edge for Germany. For whatever reason, the scales tilt toward the black, red, and gold, as Germany holds a 9 win, 3 loss, 5 draw edge over the Portuguese. For various reasons--and keeping my fandom for the Germans as far out of this as possible--I'm saying a tie should be the best Portugal should hope for at this stage. More realistically, I see a one-goal German win. But one thing that is for sure is a whole lot of talent and determination is on display in Salvador today in a heady Group H clash.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Match of the Day: Welcome to the Party!
I'm writing most of this blog post Saturday night for tomorrow, but I instinctively know which of Sunday's games I'd select for Match of the Day. Switzerland-Ecuador presents some interesting angles, and I'd like to see if France's game is on for their clash with Honduras. Yet the other game Sunday is the winner for Match of the Day by a longshot.
Simply because it involves a newcomer.
Welcome to the party, Bosnia & Herzegovnia!
Hereafter known simply as Bosnia, the 21st-ranked team in the world is headed into their group play against Argentina, Nigeria, and Iran with a lot of confidence. That is not to say Bosnia is favored. They have an uphill climb against the Argentines on Sunday, having played them twice before and lost by scores of 5-0 and 2-0 (the latter game was played here in St. Louis at Busch Stadium).
Not to mention Bosnia will have to find a way to slow down Lionel Messi, the Argentine scoring machine. Edin Dzeko will attempt to give the Bosnians a scoring boost as he brings his considerable playing talent Manchester City fans are used to seeing from him, although Ezequiel Garay will be lying in wait to snipe at Dzeko's heels. Yet Sejad Salihovic is a more than capable midfielder and field general for Bosnia, and he possesses one of the deadliest penalty-kick shots in the world.
Talent is on Argentina's side, and La Albiceleste should be the better team on the field. But don't forget what the Bosnians have survived emotionally and physically over the past quarter-century, birthed out of a bloody ethnic conflict thrust upon them by Serbia. These guys can play with emotion, and their fans cheer them with passion, especially the Bosnians here in St. Louis, the largest population outside of Bosnia. And don't forget, with the Cup being played in Brazil, Argentina can count on Brazilian fans rooting for Bosnia and against them.
Many intangibles have to line up for Bosnia to squeak out with a win or tie, and I don't think those dominoes are quite there. But you never know. We've had other surprises so far when I've tried to pick the Match of the Day.
Simply because it involves a newcomer.
Welcome to the party, Bosnia & Herzegovnia!
Hereafter known simply as Bosnia, the 21st-ranked team in the world is headed into their group play against Argentina, Nigeria, and Iran with a lot of confidence. That is not to say Bosnia is favored. They have an uphill climb against the Argentines on Sunday, having played them twice before and lost by scores of 5-0 and 2-0 (the latter game was played here in St. Louis at Busch Stadium).
Not to mention Bosnia will have to find a way to slow down Lionel Messi, the Argentine scoring machine. Edin Dzeko will attempt to give the Bosnians a scoring boost as he brings his considerable playing talent Manchester City fans are used to seeing from him, although Ezequiel Garay will be lying in wait to snipe at Dzeko's heels. Yet Sejad Salihovic is a more than capable midfielder and field general for Bosnia, and he possesses one of the deadliest penalty-kick shots in the world.
Talent is on Argentina's side, and La Albiceleste should be the better team on the field. But don't forget what the Bosnians have survived emotionally and physically over the past quarter-century, birthed out of a bloody ethnic conflict thrust upon them by Serbia. These guys can play with emotion, and their fans cheer them with passion, especially the Bosnians here in St. Louis, the largest population outside of Bosnia. And don't forget, with the Cup being played in Brazil, Argentina can count on Brazilian fans rooting for Bosnia and against them.
Many intangibles have to line up for Bosnia to squeak out with a win or tie, and I don't think those dominoes are quite there. But you never know. We've had other surprises so far when I've tried to pick the Match of the Day.
Match of the Day: Will the Lions Roar?
Well, who saw that happening yesterday?
Can you imagine putting $1000 down with the odds of Spain not only losing, but ending with a minus-4 goal differential? You'd be rolling in it. As in you-could-retire-now rolling in it.
Now we turn from the sudden ascendancy of the Dutch (or the plummeting collapse of Spain), to today's Match of the Day. With four to choose from, there's much on the soccer smorgasbord.
There's Uruguay and Luis Suarez taking on Costa Rica, or you could take in the Colombia-Greece matchup to see if Hellas can give the crowds in Athens some relief from the economic hard times afflicting the cradle of democracy. Then again, the Ivory Coast-Japan clash affords people a chance to watch 2012 UEFA Champions League hero Didier Drogba in what could be his final World Cup (not to mention a grudge match for a Japan-inflicted fractured ulna from 2010). All good matches.
But none will be today's Match of the Day. That is reserved for the Three Lions vs. Gli Azzurri. England vs. Italy. At 5 pm ET today.
You can't get much closer on the stat sheet than this international rivalry. Italy has won nine, England eight, with seven draws coming into this, the 25th matchup all time. You can bet that England wants to take some of the sting out of their penalty shootout loss to the Azzurri in the 2012 UEFA Euro Cup quarterfinal in Kiev.
In truth, England's chances ride on how well midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard get chances through to strikers Daniel Sturridge, Wayne Rooney, and Danny Welback (I have to admit it's nice to watch the interplay of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United stars working together for once). Rooney's role is key. He usually doesn't have a dry goal account, but he hasn't exactly set the world on fire in his two World Cups in Germany and South Africa.
Italy's forte is cumulative team effort, as Marco Balotelli is talented but can't and won't carry the team on his back over seven games to a title. Gianlugi Buffon is not only an outstanding goalie but strikes the proper blend of calming and motivation one needs in a captain. The tipping point might well be how 21-year old youngsters like midfielder Marco Verratti and defender Mattia DeSciglio fit in and make contributions.
And then there are the intangibles, the greatest of which might be the weather. This game is being played in Manaus, where the scorching temperatures and brutal humidity will make the players feel it's hotter there than two obese rats making out in a wool sock. Combating the dehydration factor and bludgeoning the loss of mineral salts might be what leads to victory.
Final guess? Too close to call. We might have our first tie of the World Cup this year. I'll call it, 1-1.
More tomorrow, and thanks for checking in!
Can you imagine putting $1000 down with the odds of Spain not only losing, but ending with a minus-4 goal differential? You'd be rolling in it. As in you-could-retire-now rolling in it.
Now we turn from the sudden ascendancy of the Dutch (or the plummeting collapse of Spain), to today's Match of the Day. With four to choose from, there's much on the soccer smorgasbord.
There's Uruguay and Luis Suarez taking on Costa Rica, or you could take in the Colombia-Greece matchup to see if Hellas can give the crowds in Athens some relief from the economic hard times afflicting the cradle of democracy. Then again, the Ivory Coast-Japan clash affords people a chance to watch 2012 UEFA Champions League hero Didier Drogba in what could be his final World Cup (not to mention a grudge match for a Japan-inflicted fractured ulna from 2010). All good matches.
But none will be today's Match of the Day. That is reserved for the Three Lions vs. Gli Azzurri. England vs. Italy. At 5 pm ET today.
You can't get much closer on the stat sheet than this international rivalry. Italy has won nine, England eight, with seven draws coming into this, the 25th matchup all time. You can bet that England wants to take some of the sting out of their penalty shootout loss to the Azzurri in the 2012 UEFA Euro Cup quarterfinal in Kiev.
In truth, England's chances ride on how well midfielders Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard get chances through to strikers Daniel Sturridge, Wayne Rooney, and Danny Welback (I have to admit it's nice to watch the interplay of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United stars working together for once). Rooney's role is key. He usually doesn't have a dry goal account, but he hasn't exactly set the world on fire in his two World Cups in Germany and South Africa.
Italy's forte is cumulative team effort, as Marco Balotelli is talented but can't and won't carry the team on his back over seven games to a title. Gianlugi Buffon is not only an outstanding goalie but strikes the proper blend of calming and motivation one needs in a captain. The tipping point might well be how 21-year old youngsters like midfielder Marco Verratti and defender Mattia DeSciglio fit in and make contributions.
And then there are the intangibles, the greatest of which might be the weather. This game is being played in Manaus, where the scorching temperatures and brutal humidity will make the players feel it's hotter there than two obese rats making out in a wool sock. Combating the dehydration factor and bludgeoning the loss of mineral salts might be what leads to victory.
Final guess? Too close to call. We might have our first tie of the World Cup this year. I'll call it, 1-1.
More tomorrow, and thanks for checking in!
Friday, June 13, 2014
Match of the Day: Will the Orange Overcome?
The 3 PM ET game today is my runaway pick--and probably for a lot of others as well--for Match of the Day. It's not too often you get a first-round matchup between the defending Cup finalists, but it's what we get today.
My heart is with the Dutch. It'd be nice to throw some actual chaos into this tournament early on, as Croatia teased some craziness yesterday by taking an early lead on host Brazil, yet couldn't hang on…dang it.
Some thoughts on today's game at Salvador:
Dutch striker Arjen Robben has maintained their 1-0 loss in extra time to Spain in the 2010 final is affixed on the shelves of history, and today is not about revenge.
My take: Robben is doing the right thing by saying that, demonstrating a forward-facing mentality. It's just that he lies: All of the Orange Army wants revenge.
There is all the promise of a hard-tackling game much like the 2010 final which saw thirteen yellow cards and one red. Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal might hold the swing factor here based on pre-game decisions. He's considering playing five defenders as a way to throw a monkey wrench into Spain's passing precision. It's a great idea--worlds away from the attacking Dutch teams of the past--but despite the coach's élan, players still need to make plays.
Spain is the money team, but as we saw from Brazil's mostly somnambulant play for much of yesterday, it's not guaranteed they'll come out with all guns blazing. If Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, and Sergio Busquets can utilize their "death by a thousand paper cuts" passing game to set up some deadly strikes, this game could be less than a classic.
My call is a close game, possibly a one-goal win for the Spaniards, but the Dutch will let them know they've been in a game. And all Robben needs is a sliver of daylight to make a difference. Regardless, we should see both Spain and the Netherlands push through to the round of 16.
Enjoy the game!
My heart is with the Dutch. It'd be nice to throw some actual chaos into this tournament early on, as Croatia teased some craziness yesterday by taking an early lead on host Brazil, yet couldn't hang on…dang it.
Some thoughts on today's game at Salvador:
Dutch striker Arjen Robben has maintained their 1-0 loss in extra time to Spain in the 2010 final is affixed on the shelves of history, and today is not about revenge.
My take: Robben is doing the right thing by saying that, demonstrating a forward-facing mentality. It's just that he lies: All of the Orange Army wants revenge.
There is all the promise of a hard-tackling game much like the 2010 final which saw thirteen yellow cards and one red. Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal might hold the swing factor here based on pre-game decisions. He's considering playing five defenders as a way to throw a monkey wrench into Spain's passing precision. It's a great idea--worlds away from the attacking Dutch teams of the past--but despite the coach's élan, players still need to make plays.
Spain is the money team, but as we saw from Brazil's mostly somnambulant play for much of yesterday, it's not guaranteed they'll come out with all guns blazing. If Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, and Sergio Busquets can utilize their "death by a thousand paper cuts" passing game to set up some deadly strikes, this game could be less than a classic.
My call is a close game, possibly a one-goal win for the Spaniards, but the Dutch will let them know they've been in a game. And all Robben needs is a sliver of daylight to make a difference. Regardless, we should see both Spain and the Netherlands push through to the round of 16.
Enjoy the game!
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