<p>coolweather,</p>
<p>I can tell you that there are big screen TVs in bars all over Europe. Over there the folks watch soccer games together in bars all year long, every year. During WC, lots of countries have outdoor screens set up in various cities for people to watch in huge groups, but these places never have enough space for all who want to go, so bars are the place.</p>
<p>I’m looking forward to Spain vs. Portugal today.</p>
<p>Portugal Spain should be excellent. I want Portugal to win. Since France is out, Germany is the team I am supporting, but if Germany doesn’t win it, then I want either Japan (just for the “who’d have thunk it factor”) or Portugal (a new Champion would be nice).</p>
<p>Spain-Portugal will have the atmosphere of a final!!! Can’t wait!! I work for a Spanish company so all the Spaniards in the building will disappear…</p>
<p>Still holding to my prediction that one of the semi-finalists will be a “who’d have thunk it” - probably the Uruguayans…</p>
<p>In Madrid there is a Metro stike again, but it will likely not have the effect it would have if there were not this game. I’m pulling for Spain. They have never won a WC, and my blood is there.</p>
<p>lol Madrid. When I was there in May this year, there’s a champions league final and the metro was packed, hundreds of fans walking in groups. It was crazy. And the airport staff went on strike causing us to be delayed. It wasn’t a pleasant experience but it was great seeing the fans everywhere on the street singing and chanting.</p>
<p>Paraguay - Japan is underway, should be an exciting game for both teams.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>The betting line has Uruguay as solid favorites over Ghana … so I guess plenty of people have “thunk it.” ;)</p>
<p>Would many of picked them to make the semis at the start of the tournament? Nope. Particularly as they limped into the tournament having to beat Costa Rica in a playoff just to get to South Africa. That said when your group play includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Chile you don’t have to apologize to anyone. So far at the WC, they have been terrific on defense and have struggle with offense. But, in the world cup that’s far better than the opposite.</p>
<p>OT, P looking better than J. Come on, J!</p>
<p>What a game! Will this be the first pk game?</p>
<p>Japan looks a little more tired than Paraguy.</p>
<p>Oh, no! I hate PKs!</p>
<p>What an exciting game! Now the pk. I get too nervous on pks.</p>
<p>Sorry for Japan.</p>
<p>Now, A por ellos!!!</p>
<p>Feel very sorry for Kamano.</p>
<p>Ok, it’s 0-0 at half, but don’t tell me it’s not exciting. There don’t have to be lots of goals for a gmae to be wonderful.</p>
<p>C’mon, Espa</p>
<p>I remember every World Cup since 1982 and never recalled Spain being a contender in those 30 odd years. I looked it up and it turns out that Espana has made it to the Semi Final of the World Cup only once…back in 1950!</p>
<p>We are known as repeat underachievers. We are the WC version of the Cubs.</p>
<p>I thought for you it was “our Germany”.</p>
<p>Actually, it is France that I support, but they are out, so I have to root for my second team, which is Germany. And I meant to say “out”, nor “our”.</p>
<p>England are the worst underachievers, but Spain is probably second.</p>
<p>Spain definitely deserved the win. Villa looked really good.</p>
<p>I’m relieved. My Man of the Match is Eduardo. I really don’t think Casillas would have stopped some of the ones he did. My vote for biggest no-show for Spain is Torres, and not just in this game.</p>
<p>Poll - Which of the following teams you think that they will play at the final game?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Argentina vs Netherlands</p></li>
<li><p>Argentina vs Brazil</p></li>
<li><p>Germany vs Netherlands</p></li>
<li><p>Germany vs Brazil</p></li>
</ol>