Victor

Costa Rica won the World Cup #notchat

Puyol wasn't there in 2012 either fwiw. That said, I don't disagree. Club football has hinted at it for two years, as did the Confederations Cup. Still though, five goals is a shock for any favourite, let alone the best international side over several years.

Puck hog much? Nice shot percentage.

All of Europe doomed to a .500 record for eternity. Expect Game 7s.

It's a shame Pirlo has been so under-rated until 2012 - I admit that he was not a big name in my eyes either but looking back he should have been. Key player for Milan and 2006 Italy. For Spain: 2008, 2010, 2012 of course. 3, 2, and 1 goals conceded.

You said you'd never forget.

Man, Pirlo free kicks are absolutely gorgeous. Could have easily been 3-1. Predicted England would lose but they did enough to suggest my 2nd place prediction is valid. I don't think they'd have pinned Italy back if Italy weren't in the lead for the last 40 minutes but nonetheless, Sturridge, Sterling, Barkley, all very good. A bit less crosses from Glen Johnson would be good though. And Rooney.... the facepalm WC logo that comes up after the replays sums him up pretty nicely. This. 5 goals though when Spain had conceded 6 over three previous tournaments. It seems to be a tournament of extremes so far though. So instead of just a Dutch win, it was a Dutch massacre. Instead of Costa Rica being a minor spoiler, they got a win. Etc.

I mean, Uruguay are a bit overrated. They were good in 2010, Forlan was in top form, but they had an easy draw until the semi-final. But I had them 3rd before the tournament started. That said, to lose to Costa Rica is still big. Really happy for Costa Rica too.

Soon enough you'll be here for a longer time than the time you missed.

There was something else he said. Or was it something said to him? Something about Helsinki and finals.

Ban hammer cometh.

Balthazar is a free waiver now.

There's a good Riggins.

Riggins' fault.

Honestly forgot this was even going on. But while I'm here, Kings or Hawks dynasty?

10 goals in two group games though, what an awesome start to the tournament. Tonight is the night (Italy win 2-0).

I should stop talking.

Can't read too much into a match against Australia but I put Chile above Netherlands before and I think they could win all three now.

Or not.

I've heard about most of the back line in the rumour mill. Anyway, Aussie time!

Kuyt and Huntelaar didn't play so that's not relevant. I read something which mentioned almost every single name on the Dutch squad in the past. That does not mean I know much about them. I don't follow the Eredivisie.

He's actually a name I was prepared for, some of the intelligent football writers had already picked him up in previews. The GK though, first time I've ever seen that name and he was alright.

Giving the French shit is fun but with Zidane they made 3 finals in 5 major tournaments, winning 2. I actually expect them to do well this year, they've dropped some troublemakers. Actually didn't think the Dutch would have personality problems. It's just aside from the front three I heard most of their names a week ago for the first time if not today. Not that new names ended up being the key players.

Man, experience is always over-rated. Though I largely rated the Dutch down because I don't like van Persie and Robben. But hell, what a spectacle. A Spain win is rarely fun, a Spain/Barcelona loss is fucking beautiful.