27 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: What Confederations Cup means for its eight contenders

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: The case for the very real Confederations Cup curse

 

SI: What Mexico wants to prove in the Confederations Cup

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Russia can build on opening day win

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Mexico displays resilience in Confed Cup comeback vs. Portugal

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Portugal with a 1-0 over host Russia this morning. Now watching the Mexico - NZ game. These two teams do not like each other. Elbows flying, heels being clipped, and just general cheap shots by both sides. I'll be shocked if this game finishes 11 v 11.  Both teams have had some chances too but no score 31 minutes in. If anything NZ has had the better chances.....surprisingly enough.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Well the ONLY reason the game ended 11v11 is because the head ref was an idiot. There should have been multiple red cards against both sides.  Mexico won 2-1 and they should feel lucky to get out alive. NZ missed plenty of chances.

 

And FIFA needs to reprimand Osario (the Mexican head coach) for the poor cussing out he gave to the NZ coach right before half time. Didn't need to be a lip reader to see exactly what he called the other coach.  Shameful is all I will say.

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Osorio's many risks ultimately work out for Mexico

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Confederations Cup scenarios: How each can advance

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Semifinal spots up for grabs

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Watching Mex - Russia. Just once again Mexico is getting a lot of benefit from the ref. They ARE a good team but holy cow enough is enough. Twice in the first 20 minutes Russia should have been awarded a PK. On the second one the replay officials even called down to the center to have him look at it. So he looks at it and says nope my original call was correct. No it wasn't you incompetent idiot. Clearly the attacker was kneed in the back of the left leg. And Russia hit the post as well. Easily could have been 4-1 at the half instead of 1-1.

 

However the second half Mexico has played much better and has taken the lead 2-1. Mexico scored again but the replay booth (correctly) called it offside. The AR should have had that one. He was in the right position just missed it. 

 

60th minute and Russia had another great chance but shot wide.

 

Quite entertaining. The other match isn't so close. Portugal pretty well controlling play and leading NZ 2-0.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Mexico prevails and moves on with its 2-1 win over host Russia.

 

Portugal man handled NZ and moves on in first with its 4-0 thrashing.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

In the Portugal match Ronaldo drove his international match goal total up to 75. Putting him tied for second all time for European based players at 75 goals. Puskas, the great Hungarian striker is atop that list with 84 goals. Ronaldo is simply going to smash that record.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Germany vs. Cameroon, and Australia vs. Chile today.

[BSLChrisStoner]

2nd half starts, Germany immediately on the board.

Australila leading in a potential upset in the other.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Germany won and Chile ended up drawing the Aussies so they advance. Bummer as I was pulling for the Australians. Fun team to watch. Semis on Wednesday and Thursday should be good. Then we have the Gold Cup coming up!

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Portugal vs. Chile goes to penalties

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Chile reaches third straight major final after PK heroics vs. Portugal in Confederations Cup

[BSLSteveBirrer]

The Portugal - Chile game was very entertaining and had a lot of action for no scores! Both keepers made some sensational saves and the posts were bonked on several attempts. But when it came down to PKs boy did the Chilean keeper come up huge. That is such a pressure situation (I hate PKs and will NEVER like that as a way to decide a match) but Claudio Bravo was just a stud.

 

Hope the Mexico - Germany game is as fun. Scary to see how good Germany is doing with its "B" team. They are deep deep deep in talent.

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: Goretzka makes his case for Germany

 

4-1 over Mexico with their B team.... yeah, that's pretty impressive.

[BSLChrisStoner]

SI: Not your average 'B team'