Round 1 of World Cup in the Books

As of today all the teams participating in the World Cup have played. What a week it has been! This is a record setting world cup, entertaining world cup and probably the best I have seen since I started watching back in Germany 2006. This is all good for America as well, this is the first World Cup since the United States hosted it back in 1994 that games have been prime time, and thanks to ESPN all the games have been covered and are seeing record numbers in the United States. Each game has average 3.5 million viewers, which isn't bad for soccer. But, the best has been the 7.5 viewer rating of the USA first round matchup against Ghana. This 7.5 viewer rating was better than the last games of the NBA finals game 5, NHL Stanley Cup finals Game 5 and the final day of the US Open. THAT IS HUGE! Soccer Futbol is becoming huge in the US and it is so good to the future development of the sport in America, if you want to be like Brazil and England, you need to grow the popularity. In my next post, I will compare the Football and Futbol and why it is promising for US. But, for now, lets talk the first round of the World Cup.

I have watched every game, or listened to every game, so I think I will do pretty good doing the review.
Team I love: Right now, I love the Dutch and the Germans as frontrunners to hoist the cup. When you come out and beat a quality team like Spain 5-1, you have to like those chances. With Van Persia and Robben playing at high levels, I see this team marching right back to the World Cup final. Germany was also outstanding, they demolished a very good side in Portugal. Granted, they did lose Pepe, Almeida and Coentrao, but when you have Ronaldo, no reason you shouldn't compete. I just love the way Germany looked and played, their defense shut down Ronaldo and their attacking looks similar to the Spain Team that won the cup in 2010. They play with a packed midfield and a false 9, with some great talent.

Biggest Disappointment: Right now I would also say 2 teams I just kind of wondered where they went. The first team is Spain, I mean they are favorites to repeat as winners, they have one of the best strikers in the game and still great quality throughout the team. I do think though, it is a testament to Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose defenses struggles this year and I think that really showed in the game against Netherlands. Casillas had probably worst game of his career, Ramos and Pique looked horrendous and Xavi/Iniesta were invisible in the midfield. Spain has tons of young talent, I would not be afraid to put Koke, De Gea, and maybe Cesc or David Villa up top. The 2nd team that shocked me was Uruguay, they looked absolutely worse then Spain losing by 4. I mean, the United States beat Costa Rica twice in qualifying, however, Costa Rica came out and just dominated this Uruguay team. Uruguay looked deflated and honestly, I do not think they will get out of the group. Which is ashamed, because they have maybe the best attacking trio in the world with Forlan, Suarez and Cavani.

Brasil: I am also unsure about Brazil, they had a shaky first game, and I believe that they were handed a win by the referee. They could easily be in 3rd right now in the group. I think they will advance with Croatia, Mexico is playing great right now, but I think they the Crotes will beat Cameroon by 2 and advance on a win versus Mexico.

Brazil the Country: One of the main topics has been the weather, stadiums and infrastructure leading up to this World Cup. The humidity at games has been crazy and I think it shows. There are more injuries and goals in the 2nd half, which I believe is a testament to the weather. Teams are getting more tired in the 2nd half. The USA played in 90 degree weather with 76% humidity, that is ridiculous and it showed. 2 guys got hammier and cramping all over the field, something to watch for going forward.

Man of Matches so far:
Thomas Muller (Germany): A hat trick against Portugal
Memo Ochoa(Mexico)GK: 2 clean sheets and single handily stopped Brazil in 2nd match
Arjen Robben (Holland): 2 goals and really bolstered Hollands chances of advancing out of group
John Anthony Brooks (USA): Game winning header and played crucial D standing in for Besler
Karim Benzema (France): had 2 goals, should of had 3, however, led France to great win

Top 5 goals:
#5 Haris Seferovic of Switzerland, they scored a late winner in stoppage time. I think it is a great goal when it comes to the team and buildup to go all the way down the field in the 93rd minute to score the game winning goal. Magnificent! (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/16/sports/worldcup/world-cup-2014-switzerland-tops-ecuador-with-goal-in-stoppage-time.html?_r=0)

#4 Clint Dempsey of United States, the way he did it was just fantastics. Great ball in by Jermaine Jones, does a little trick to get past defender and then just nets it in for a great finish. Fastest goal by US sever in World Cup, record now held by Clint. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohmo6sgmuis)

#3 Maroaune Fellaine of Belgium goal verse Algeria. Should of started, but comes in as a substitute and scored in the 70th minute to put his team level. He goes up for the header with his back turned away from goal, literally, behind the goal puts it over the keeper... what a finish by the guy with a beautiful fro! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rCeUc8xyJY)

#2 John Anthony Brooks of United States, I mean really? The guy came up huge for the United States. He is only 21 years old playing in his very first World Cup! He goes up and just wants it more than anyone in the air. The moment was huge, everything about this goal was amazing! Most of all, he gave hope to the United States. (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/john-brooks-saw-his-game-winning-header-coming-in-his-dreams-033236653-soccer.html)

#1 Van Persie of the Netherlands, what a great goal! I love it, a great 51 yard ball into Persie, he heads it perfectly over Casillas into the net. One of the best goals that I have ever seen, honestly, I could talk about it all day, but it is just a beauty to watch! Check it out (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zwp7FXOVm8)