2014 World Cup

[JackofDiamonds]

They're afraid to get it wrong because the consequence for a call in the box is so dramatic. Yes, a dive in the box doesn't result in a PK, but the ability to call a real foul is muddied by the crazy amount of flopping on contact. I'd be all for refs actually enforcing diving, but they don't/won't.

I'd support adding a ref, and enforcing the rules as is, but I'd also support adjusting the rules to allow for a tiered system of fouls, a la basketball/hockey.

[Fat Strat]

Germany ends up beating Algeria. I think that means there have been no upsets in the round of 16. Statistically, I think that proves that we're going to win tomorrow.

[Radbird]

Until today, I thought extra time was sudden death. Wondered why the Germans weren't celebrating more...

[MrSaigon]

Did Silver or anyone else say what the conversion rate of a pk is in-game vs. in a shootout? I swear it's way lower in the latter.

That's my biggest 'American' problem with the game. When a game that can end in ties suddenly can't it's decided by hardly more than drawing straws. I do like mls' both worlds set up, but that is one reason why the single tables in Europe make sense-for the three teams it matters to.

[MrSaigon]

Also, if you wanted to fix the NBA's tanking problem, what could possibly be more effective than the millions of dollars and embarrassment costs of relegation? But if I was a taxpayer who voted against funding a stadium, had to anyway and then watched those same beneficiaries ineptly or cheaply lose purchase on the top league, it wouldn't be cinnamon and rainbows.

[Freed Roger]

Belgium style beer sucks and tastes like flowers. Go 'merica!

[33anda3rd]

Altidore being available might just be managerial smoke and mirrors. I wouldn't be surprised to see him left off together, or brought in well after halftime if we're down a goal or level.

This is going to be a tough game, and a fun game to watch. Belgium has two excellent dribblers lined up against Beasley and Johnson, and those two are going to have to defend hard to push those guys out of space and into trouble. It could mean Beasley and Johnson aren't very free to run down the side on attack, and a lot of the US's fortunes might really rely on a good showing from the midfield trio.

On the penalty thing, the best way to avoid a penalty as a result of a dive on a play is for the defenders to not commit a penalty or something that looks like a penalty. The refs have let a lot go. Robben could have been given three yesterday, and arguably should have been awarded two--the one he got and the one where he was fouled by two different players in the box. Defenders are athletes like a pitcher or a point guard or a wide receiver....except there's a lot more competition for the job on the national team. They're the best of the best. You hack in the box, you might get called. Use your skill and your athleticism and good decision-making and you're not likely to get called. Plant your foot in front of a guy a half foot from the ball, you're gonna get nailed half the time, and half the time it's going to get a no-call. It's not perfect, but it's an acceptable--and accepted--part of the game. Communication, athleticism, and good smart athletic play on the part of the defender is the best way to make sure a game is not decided by a PK.

[Maclowery]

JoD hopes we win.

[JackofDiamonds]

JoD hopes we win.

Yes he does.

[Radbird]

Belgium style beer sucks and tastes like flowers. Go 'merica!

I'm boycotting Belgium beer this afternoon.