While Watching the World Cup Finals

Seems like the Netherlands is playing much more physically today than before in the tournament.  Unfortunately, many of their "challenges" look like total cheap shots.  Can there be any excuse for that kick to the chest?  I wish, however, that the Spanish wouldn't all drop to the ground as though they've ruptured their spinal cords.  Just get up and keep playing.  "Shake if off" doesn't seem to be in the soccer vocabulary.  It does seem as though the Netherlands' strategy is throwing Spain off-stride a bit, though.  Second half ought to be fun.

US WINS!

This morning at work I was mostly listening to but somethimes watching the US play Algeria.  What an exciting game. (I am watching it now, at home, having DVR'd it.  Are DVRs great or what?)  Next up, Ghana.  I haven't seen Ghana play but I recorded the game with Germany, so I will watch it later.  As for the US team, I think that what they lack in skill  they make up for in effort.  They just don't stop, from I can tell.  Not the best team, though, so I am not super optimistic.  Even if they get by Ghana, it is an uphill road.

I have seen a number of other games and have really enjoyed watching the South American teams, but for the RIDICULOUS phoney-baloney injuries and dives.  I  really wish FIFA would do something about this.  Of course, it would have to start with the pros, I think, since all of these guys are professionals.  Kick a few fakers out and that would put an end to it. But taking dives and faking injury isn't anything new in soccer...

World Cup Forecast

JP Morgan used modelling processes to evaluate this year's World Cup. so for those you planning to wager go here to SCRIBD to get a copy.