This morning’s game was Brazil vs. Ghana and it has to have been one of my favorite games so far, simply because Ghana and Brazil are my favorite teams, also, everyone thought that this game was in the bag, no competition, that Brazil wouldn’t have to work… and I guess that in some ways it was, but Ghana really put up a fight. Ghana worked hard; they had about 54% of ball possession. I also loved the Brazil vs. Ghana effect because both the teams obviously respect and enjoy playing each other, it was a clean game (not many legitimate fouls) and when there were issues, they would smack each other on the shoulders and go on playing. Both teams had smiles on their faces the majority of the game and they were both happy playing, having fun. Brazil did win 3-0, but their second goal was iffy, I get the impression that the referee didn’t really like Ghana, because the second Brazilian goal might have possibly been offside. Brazil could have won 4-0 had Cafu passed the ball to Ronaldinho in the stoppage time, but he decided to try to score himself, smacking the goalie, whereas if he had simply passed the ball to the left, he would have given it to Ronaldinho, who would have scored on the net where the goalie had left un-covered.

This afternoon’s game: Spain vs. France, and I didn’t get to see much of it as I was at the physiotherapist. Spain and France were equal at halftime, both with 1-1. At 83 minutes, France got a really beautiful goal, headed into the net, but just barely. Finally, into stoppage time (I believe it was stoppage time… about 2.5 minutes into the 3 minutes of stoppage time) France got one more goal. It was pretty nice. Spain’s star, Fernando Torres looked a little annoyed in the last 15 minutes, because he didn’t really have a chance, I feel bad.

Also, the Italy vs. Australia game, I feel SO bad for Australia, the ref called the foul on Neell (or something like that) so poorly, Neell owned the game, defending every shot and then one poorly called foul and the game is over for the Socceroos just like that. They were doomed as soon as it became a penalty shot and not a free kick. Once it was determined that Totti would be taking the shot they were even more in trouble. If only that hadn’t happened, they would have gone into the 30 minutes of extra time, eventually leading to a shoot-out to see who would win. It’s really a shame. I feel really bad for the Aussies, even Totti showed in his eyes that it was a bittersweet win for the Italians, there was no way he wouldn’t miss it, Totti owns the free kick.

Shockingly, during part of that game, I didn’t hate the Italians, I’m going to assume this is because de Rossi couldn’t play, and Iaquinta wasn’t on the starting line-up. They played more fairly than they usually do; they were together and not randomly falling over. Well, as soon as Iaquinta was subbed on all of this changed, its as though this man can single-handedly change the whole makeup of the game, influencing all the Italians to fall over and clutch their shins at the same time and cry out of ‘pain’, if you want to call losing your dignity as pain. This guy is pathetic and should be stopped, I cannot handle it anymore.

The one game that I didn’t get to see but I really want to was Portugal vs. Netherlands. I guess I’m lying when I say I didn’t get to see it because I saw the beginning 20 minutes and I’m going to order it on Rogers On Demand as soon as possible and as soon as I have the time to watch it all. But honestly, 4 red cards? How the hell did that happen? Also, Portuguese players picking up the ball and running across the pitch? And the funniest, has to be my favorite, and the star player, Ronaldo getting hurt 3 minutes into the game and limping and going off a gazillion times to get painkillers. Now, I have no idea why this is funny, in fact it is rather sad, but I guess its funny because they do win in the end (1-nothing) and there’s the fact that Ronaldo is amazing, young, talented and the glue to the Portuguese team. Okay, so that may be a little bit of an exaggeration but he is easily one of the best players on the team with mad skills to watch.

Today is that day, Brazil vs. France, and to be honest, I’m a little afraid for Brazil. I know they can do it, but Ronaldo needs to keep on doing what he is doing, and Ronaldinho needs to step it up more than a couple notches, it's really driving me insane, he has little flashes of hope and then it is gone. I’ve been watching him and it looks like he is just handing the ball to the other teams. In the case of Brazil vs. Japan and Brazil vs. Ghana, he did it more than once, it wasn't really obvious, but it was noticeable to me, and it was probably just a mistake, but he was kicking the ball in places that no one was standing, I don't know, I hope he's just off his mark on those games and will be amazing today, because Henry is not going to let Brazil run over him. Also, I feel that the Brazilian coach should put Robinho and Juninio in the starting lineup. Juninio is amazing when you let him play, and he is always subbed in, if you just put him in the starting lineup, they would be great. He is like a boost of confidence for the rest of the team. I am also hoping that Robinho is over his little injury, let him play, let him create opportunities, he’s better than Cafu... who lost that goal for Brazil in the Ghana game because of the inability to pass the ball. 



This should be an extremely intense game to watch, I cannot wait to see the outcome of the Brazil and France game. The footwork should be phenomenal and the goals seamless, when the opportunities arise.