World Cup US TV Schedule Quarterfinals: July 3

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Argentina v Germany
10:00am EDT, ABC

Paraguay v Spain
2:30pm EDT, ABC

Ms FootyNut: End of World Cup Means Loss of Interest For Average Fans

It seems like the topic of the week is whether or not this 2010 FIFA World Cup had any lasting effect on US soccer's fan base.

IMHO I agree with Mr FootyNut's post that it may grab a converted fan or two, but I don't think it will reach a critical mass of any sort. I speak from experience in this as I was enamored with the World Cup while "my teams" (USA and England) were still in it. But as soon as they were eliminated I found myself dramatically less interested in the game. I'm sorry, Mr. FootyNut, but I have no desire to watch MLS or EPL games (unless I'm in the stadium).

In fairness, I have no desire to watch any other sport - unless it's a major competition...and most of the times not then either. Basicallym yes, I will only watch sports on television during the Olympics and now, World Cup. So, for a few weeks, every few years. But unlike even those who are annually dedicated to the Final Four, the Superbowl etc, my interest in sports in general do not go that far.

I think Americans who actually like watching sports on television, and who also watched this year's USMNT (US Mutant Ninja Turtles!!) may have a higher conversion rate. However, I don't get the impression that the t.v. networks (sports based or otherwise) are going to help fuel the Slightly Interested into becoming Super Fans. I think part of it boils down to accessibility to the game. If you show it, they might watch. If you don't...well, you get it. I would guess that someone with a friend (or partner) who is obsessed with footy is more likely to convert because they have a leader.

I also think fans of other sports are annoyed by blatant dives and become bored by what can be considered low-scoring games. Teams like Germany and Argentina have had higher scoring games recently and - on paper at least - that could be seen as more exciting. But during the group stages, the teams were more concerned with not losing than they were with winning so they settled for draws more often than in the later stages.

I'll conclude by saying that it will take time for me to become a Super Fan all year 'round, not just quadrennially. I think that will be true of most lay people who watched this World Cup.

In case you missed it, Ms FootyNut is guest blogging here to give a layperson's view of soccer and the World Cup.

World Cup Quaterfinals Preditions, Featuring Ms. FootyNut

Well, ladies and gentlemen, only 8 of 205 teams remain. Half of them are from South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), while the three more are European powerhouses in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. The remaining team, Ghana, carries the hopes of Africa on its shoulders.

Once again, please welcome Ms. FootyNut to help out with this round of predictions. Without further ado, let's get started!

Uruguay v Ghana

Ms. FootyNut: I'm going to stick with my bracket and say Uruguay for the win. Ghana are tough, don't get me wrong, but there's something about this lot of South American teams. They're just winners.

FootyNut: Funny thing: My bracket didn't reflect my predictions. And since my predictions for the Uruguay-South Korea game were correct, I'm going to claim that it was my bracket that was a mistake. Now that we've sorted that out, I'm going to agree with the Missus on this one, Uruguay has the composure and class to fend off the Guardians of Africa's dreams.


Netherlands v Brazil

MF: Brazil hands down. I just have this feeling that they're going all the way...much to the chagrin of everyone...except Brazilians.

FN: This is my biggest risk of the entire tournament. Truth be told, I think I am more than half willing Brazil to lose this one. However, after seeing the Dutch's consistent and dynamic attack, I think they might be able to pull this off. However, if Brazil wins, only a date with Germany or Argentina in the finals will see them lose. But on a perfect day for the Orange Tide of the Netherlands, they will go through.


Argentina v Germany

MF: Germany is a young and forceful team! But I think they're "too nice" much like this year's USMNT. Argentina are ruthless imho. Plus, I want them to battle it out in the final with Brazil.

FN: This is a tough one to call. Argentina has been solid. Tevez is the heart while Messi is the brain. But Germany has been inspired going forward, and that inspiration has been enough to compensate for a less than seamless defense. In the end, though, I feel this is Germany's year for another appearance in the final.


Paraguay v Spain

MF: Paraguay's game vs Japan was painful. I don't see them advancing. Spain for me here.

FN: Yeah. The missus has this one absolutely correct. Paraguay is starving for goals. And as I've said before, Spain my stumble before the end, but it won't be against Paraguay.

Don't forget to catch the matches tomorrow and this weekend on TV at home or in your local soccer pub!

Stateside Soccer's World Cup Round of 16 Predictions, Featuring Ms. Footynut!

In light of the less than flawless results from my World Cup Group predictions (one measure of success has me at 56% for correctly predicting which teams will get out of the group), I have decided to bring in guest blogger Ms. FootyNut to make the predictions for the Round of 16.

Uruguay v South Korea

Ms. FootyNut: This was really tough because South Korea beat some big names. However, Uruguay took their group without conceding a single goal. They beat South Africa on their home turf! I just feel like they are stronger at defense than South Korea. Uruguay to win.

FootyNut: It's plain and simple for me, this World Cup is shaping up to be a display for South American teams. While Korea has had a somewhat of a surprising tournament (Asian teams have fared better than the African teams), I believe their luck runs out in the Round of 16. Uruguay will advance to the Quarter Finals.


USA v Ghana

MF: Ok, this prediction is about 50% desire, 50% logic. But I think our boys have done an outstanding job attacking (if only their goals are allowed!!), and Tim Howard is an amazing keeper! It's not going to be an easy win. Ghana was top of their group for a while, but they looked sluggish to me, like they lack self-esteem and they're ready to go home. USA to advance!

FN: Throw me up on a gibbet and burn me in effigy, but I'm calling this one for Ghana. Although my faith in the massive home turf advantage the African teams would experience in South Africa failed me in my group match predictions, Ghana's U20 men's national team became the first African team to win a FIFA tournament on African soil when it defeated Brazil in last year's U20 World Cup. Expect a hard fought, but ultimately heartbreaking game for the Yanks.


Netherlands v Slovakia

MF: The Orange tide of the Netherlands just won their group so easily! Slovakia only barely beat Italy. I don't know if the Slovak's defense/goalkeeping combo is strong enough to stem the Dutch attack.

FN: I agree with the Missus on this one. Slovakia's success in their group was - honestly - due less to their skill and more to the train wreck of an Italian team slowly but surely self destructing. The Netherlands will put on their requisite display of flash and substance on their way to the quarter-finals.


Brazil v Chile

MF: Well, I mean...what can you say? Brazil wins this one.Chile just isn't strong enough for this powerhouse. Brazil just seems unstoppable (and their fans insufferable ... but I digress).

FN: Well, poor Chile. They've had an unlucky draw this cup. In any 2 out of 3 other groups Chile might have been drawn in, they would have won and been in a much more favorable position in the knock-outs. But as it sits, their dynamic performances weren't enough to hold stop Spain from topping the group and now have to face Brazil, a team they lost to twice in qualifying, with an aggregate score of 7-2. Brazil goes through.


Argentina v Mexico

MF: Mexico got through by the skin of their teeth. The beat France - which was easy given they are falling apart, and tied with South Africa who just weren't that strong this time around. Again, Argentina = obvious choice.

FN: So if Messi is going to shine, now would be the time. However, it may be that - like his evil and much taller twin Cristiano Ronaldo - Messi's best role will be as an orchestrator for a stronger defense. And unlike Ronaldo, Messi has a wide selection of fellow, world class attackers to feed. Argentina wins.


Germany v England

MF: Again, more than 50% of this prediction is biased desire. This is not going to be an easy match. Germany have been excellent. England have not. I want to believe that the boys of the Three Lions will pull it together, start thinking and playing as a team, and start feeding Rooney some good passes! He knows how to find the back of the net, help him do it!! Rule, Britannia, England rule the game!

FN: A star crossed lot this English team be. I'd love to see the Three Lions go through, but the Germans are a more cohesive unit who look threatening and ruthless in the final third. Germany will edge out England in this latest installment of World Soccer's greatest rivalries.


Paraguay v Japan

MF: I feel like Japan never expected to get through to the knockout rounds. They did well in their group but they're up against Paraguay who I abstractly view as another South American Powerhouse. Japan does have a chance though and could surprise me. I would welcome it actually, but I see Paraguay going through.

FN: For an unengaged fan, this may be the most obscure match in the Round of 16. Japan has done nothing but exceed expectations and I think they will continue for just one more match. The Blue Samurai of Japan will make the quarter finals.


Spain v Portugal

MF: One word: Spain. I just don't like Ronaldo. Is that a good enough reason? But seriously, this was tough. I actually have no strong feelings about this decision. Spain were on top of their group (and European Champions in 2008), so why not, right?

FN: Yeah, I'm still not convinced Spain will win it all, but I can say that Portugal and Ronaldo just won't be able to make enough of an impact against the savvy possession of Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Villa. The Spaniards might not win the tournament, but they'll win this one. Spain to win.


If you want to see how both Ms. FootyNut and I predict the rest of the World Cup to go - including all winners and losers down to the champions and third place teams - check out our dueling brackets.

Truly Epic Wins

Download Stateside Soccer's World Cup Knock-Out Round Bracket HERE. Fill it out in pencil or in pen, share it with your friends, enjoy the great soccer that is yet to come.


What a finish for Group C!!! You could not ask for more drama, suspense, or beauty in the USA's story. Robbed of two goals, both disallowed in objectionable circumstances during pivotal matches, only to come back in the 91st minute of the final game to win the group. Beautiful. There are hardly words. And I can't forget to mention England's showing, which was just as well done, holding off Slovenia's attacks for a clean 1-0 final. Magnificent.

Now that we are closer to the Final 16 I'd like to share with you the reusable, printable bracket I made. It's hosted on Google Docs for all the world to see and print here.

As a reminder, here are the standings so far:

Group A:
1. Uruguay
2. Mexico

Group B:
1. Argentina
2. South Korea

Group C:
1. USA
2. England

Group D:
1. Germany
2. Ghana

Also guaranteed a spot:
Group E, Netherlands and Group G, Brazil

Group D plays their final games today at 2:30pm EST. Can Ghana beat Germany and hold onto the top spot? Will Australia come from behind to get the win required to go through?! [Edit to Add] Yeah, that didn't happen...Germany and Ghana are through.

It's all terribly exciting!!

In case you missed it, Ms FootyNut is guest blogging here to give a layperson's view of footy and the World Cup.

Why isn't the USMNT at an Alpine Training Camp?

England is holding an alpine training camp in Austria.

Spain and the Netherlands also are joining the Three Lions in the land of the Von Trapps.

France is having its own high altitude camp in the French Alps.

Defending champions Italy will set up their own training camp in the Alps next week.

And a handful of other teams from South Korea to Japan to Australia, Argentina and Brazil are taking training for the altitude in South Africa into serious consideration early in their training plans.

So why is Bob Bradley having his 30 man provisional camp in Princeton, New Jersey at a staggering altitude of just 98 feet above sea level?

World Cup Predictions: Group B

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Players to Watch:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Nigeria)
Chu-Young Park (South Korea)
Theofanis Gekas (Greece)


Match to Watch:
Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 12, 10:00 A.M. (ESPN)


Predicitions:

Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 12, 10 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
One word: Messi. If the little man is to live up to his super-hyped premature title of "The Greatest. Ever. Period." then he'll need to bring the World Cup home to Argentina. On the other hand, many have pinpointed this year's World Cup as the debutante party for African Soccer. Argentina wins, despite Maradona.
Result: ARG 2 - 1 NIG

South Korea vs. Greece
June 12, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
The past two months have seen Greece become the economic laughing stock of the world. South Korea has lead East Asia's assault on global soccer powers. In the end, Greece's defensive-minded game which saw it scrape through qualification with little to spare, will not be enough for Korea's lightening pace.
Result: KOR 1 - 0 GRE

Greece vs. Nigeria
June 16, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
No matter what happens in Nigeria's opening game, they will be in the ascendancy for the rest of their group games. Greece's lineup and past performances - which have seen them win a UEFA Championship in 2004 only to dramatically fail to qualify for the 2006 World Cup - lack the spark needed to succeed in South Africa.
Result: GRE 1 - 2 NIG

Argentina vs. South Korea
June 17, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
Some might say that I'm becoming drunk on the Argentinian cool-aid, but the pre-Cup camps will be the longest time the team has spent together and talent the likes of Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain, Di Maria, Mascherano and Heinze will find a way to gel despite Maradona's managerial incompetence. Korea is just unlucky.
Result: ARG 3 - 1 KOR

Nigeria vs. South Korea
June 22, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
Going into the final day of the group stage, both Nigeria and Korea will need the points. Both will need the win to edge out the other into the group stage. Nigeria's de facto home field advantage will prove decisive.
Result: NIG 2 - 1 KOR

Greece vs. Argentina
June 22, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
Momentum or resilience? The answer to that question gives you the result of this game. Either Messi's inspired performance will render Argentina's momentum will be unstoppable or Greece will summon some national pride and stonewall La Albiceleste. But in my world, there is no way out of it for Greece. They might dampen Messi's sparkle, but Tevez will wear them down.
Result: ARG 1 - 0 GRE


Final standings: