Quarterfinals!

Its been a while since I've written about the World Cup, but its one more time than Peter King has. I'm not feeling up to discussing the USA in depth, but they were flat and didn't leave it all on the field. The defense continued to have holes, Howard didn't have a great game and we kept squandering chances in front of goals. You can't advance in the World Cup playing like that. Its too bad. I think our boys will regret their performance for a long time and will also feel like they didn't leave it all on the field. Coach, lets not go with Ricardo Clark and Robbie Findley any more. I'm done with them. I'm not sure if I want Bradley to return. 4 years in charge is long enough and its time for a new perspective and a new way to do things. I just hope the USA splashes the cash and pays for a top notch manager and one that will be willing to adapt to the changing nature of the game and will use cutting edge training methods. They also need to give the new manager as much control over the entire system as he wants. But, I wouldn't be surprised if Bradley returns.

Be honest with yourselves England. You weren't going to win that game even if you count Frank Lampard's goal. I'm glad this happened to England; USA getting hosed on a call created a minor stir, a "bigger," and I laugh when I type that, a "bigger" team like England at least generate more buzz and attention when they are victims of a shambolic call (in this case a no call). Something either has to be done to allow the officials to conference on those calls, or there needs to be some sort of replay system, at the very least on whether or not a goal was actually scored.

Germany were fantastic on the counter attack and England were slow and completely disorganized trying to get back to defend Germany's counters. Thomas Mueller has had a great tournament for the Germans and has been one of the best players in the tournament.

Brazil are really good. What a shocker. Duda's team continues to play good defense and steamrolled Chile today. Lucio is great, its as simple as that. He's making central defense an art at both Inter Milan and with Brazil. While Chile enjoyed good possession they couldn't finish and Brazil made them pay. It didn't help that Chile had three critical players sitting due to yellow card accumulation/suspension. Its not the most beautiful Brazil team, but they remain effective.

Tomorrow's big match is the battle of the Iberian Peninsula as Portugal take on neighbors Spain. I don't buy that much into the FIFA rankings, but its the battle of 2 of the top 3 rated teams in the world. Portugal's ranking doesn't seem to reflect their recent form and I think it will be tough for them to win. Spain are so deep and talented, Ronaldo will have to play an inspired game to lead Portugal to victory.

But most of these feels like we're killing time until Germany/Argentina on Saturday. It has the makings of a classic. Can Maradona lead his team to the Semis? Can he keep his composure? Can Higuain continue to poach goals? Can this young German team continue to impress and can Podolski and Klose continue to score goals? Lots of questions to be answered and has all the makings of a classic. Also remember that this is a rematch of the 2006 World Cup Quarterfinals where Germany beat Argentina on penalties.

Briefly on Landon Donovan perhaps fathering a child with an English woman: I'm actually reassured, he's just like every other American professional athlete. Way to go Landon!