Friday, July 4, 2014

World Cup - First Semi-Final is Set!

Quarter-final action kicked off today.

Germany and Brazil took care of business, but Neymar took a knee to the back...

Germany (1) - France (0)

On a day when defenders got offensive, Mats Hummels started off the action early. Heading in a direct kick in the 13th minute, Germany never looked back against the limp French.

That said, it is nice to see France make a deep run after their disastrous 2010 campaign.

While Die Mannschaft sounds like a Bruce Willis elevator porno movie, it apparently translates to "consistency."

The Germans have now reached the semis a record twelve times!

The last time the World Cup occurred in Brazil (1950), the Germans were banned. Since then, they have never ended worse than 7th and have three championships to their name.

To win their fourth championship, they will first need to face...

 Brazil (2) - Colombia (1)

...Brazil, who was able to dispatch a revitalized Colombia program.

Continuing a stellar offensive day for defenders,  Thiago Silva scored early and David Luiz scored late to provide the eventual game-winner, despite a late PK by James (pronounced "HAH-mayz") Rodriguez.

But Silva made a silly foul while the Colombian GK was punting the ball. This earned him a yellow card and a suspension for the game against Germany.

Equally worrisome, Neymar took a knee to the back late in the game and was carted off on a stretcher. Will he be match fit in time for Tuesday's big semi?

Update: Unfortunately not! Neymar is out for remainder of World Cup - four to six weeks.

Tomorrow....More Messi, and the Flying Dutchmen make their run at a possible title shot...





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