It would take the least informed sportsfan in the world to
not know that the Mondial of Soccer has now entered the Round of Sixteen. Thursday signaled the end of group play, and
Friday was the first absolute rest day since the tournament started a two weeks
ago.
Today, single elimination play starts in earnest, with two
games. Play continues like this, with two games a day for the next four days. After a rest day on Wednesday, the Quarter
Finals will begin on this coming Thursday. On the upside, for non soccer fans, this is
all coming to an end.
Ironically, in non
Soccer countries, it is easy not to know that there is a tournament, unless
your favorite FOX show is preempted. On
the downside, this sets up those endings which non fans hate, ninety six
minutes of no scoring or a tie, followed by "penalty kicks" to
determine the winner.
Today, indeed these next two weeks, though: all about the fans. and players.
As the Round of 16 starts today, there should be great action. Both games slated today feature "the
greatest player in the world." The
first, France vs. Argentina, features Lionel Messi, Barcelona's favorite, who
may finally make his first goal in many a game in international play. Vive la France!
The second game, Uruguay vs. Portugal, features play by
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is often honored on the international soccer stage, but
who for some reasons leaves critics of the game unconvinced. Both teams could be described as
"plucky," and representing nations with great soccer traditions. Viva Portugal.
This
should be a great day of soccer.
Sunday don't miss Spain vs. hometown boys Russia. Spain has suffered some setbacks, including
having their coach replaced the day before the tournament. Russia, is, well, Russia. They are slated to win, because, well, we
ain't disputin', they have got Putin... What
can we say, though, but Viva España...
The weekend of play wraps up with Croatia vs. Denmark.
Having written all that, this space has been impressed with
the play so far in this year's tournament.
Sure things have come out to be not so certain, "underdogs"
have prevailed in some cases. Germany
washed out... Some good, some bad, all
great play....
