All eyes were on Rio as the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final took place between Germany and Argentina.
For 90 minutes, Argentina learned from Brazil's mistakes against Germany in the semis and managed to shut down the attack. Unfortunately for them, this took away from their own attack as well. Each side had their chances but to no avail as the 90 minutes ended still 0-0.
It would be in extra time in the 113' where the tie would be broken. Just minutes away from penalties, Mario Gotze managed to control a cross from German teammate Andre Schurrle and hit the ball into the back of the net putting Germany up 1-0 and becoming a national hero.
The Germans then held on defensively and managed to clinch the victory and their 4th World Cup Title.
An amazing game and tournament for Germany who just dominated almost every match they were in. From beginning to end, they were certainly the top club in this tournament.
Germany also becomes the first European team to win the World Cup in South America.
Argentina falls short but certainly had their moments in this tournament. Messi dominated many of them and managed to be named best player in the tournament. A consolation prize that I'm sure he would like to exchange for another trip to the Final in four years time.
As for the entirety of the tournament, it was certainly worth the wait. There were shockers like Spain being eliminated in the group stage and Brazil getting dismantled by Germany. There were stars being born like James Rodriguez of Colombia. There was even history made as Germany's Miroslav Klose scored 16th career goal at the World Cup passing Ronaldo of Brazil's 15 for most all time.
And then there's the US who actually managed to get out of the group stage for a second time in a row, something that has never been done before. Sure we were eliminated in the Round of 16 like last time but it seems like the team itself is getting a bit better.
Congrats to Germany on winning the World Cup. The best team certainly won.
P.S. Okay, reset the countdown clock. Only 1426 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. DOSVEDANYA, COMRADES!!!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Saturday, July 12, 2014
More NBA Free Agency News (Other than LeBron to Cavs)
The first domino falls and a bunch of others fall with it.
Several prominent NBA players made their attentions clear after LeBron chose to go back home to Cleveland. First, LeBron's now ex-teammate Chris Bosh has decided to stay with the Miami Heat favoring a 5 year $118 million contract over going to Rockets. He will presumably now represent the Dynamic Duo of Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami providing that Wade chooses to stay.
Another player also decided to stay where he is for the time being. Reports have begun circulating that Carmelo Anthony's representatives are talking to the Knicks about a new contract after informing the Bulls that they are out of the Melo sweepstakes. Melo will stay in the Big Apple.
There is one player that is on the move and it's Pau Gasol. He's agreed to go to Chicago to become part of the Bulls. Not official yet as the Bulls still have make cap space in order to get Pau.
A lot to talk about with these moves and decisions. First, Bosh in Miami (presumably with Wade) keeps the Heat in the playoff picture but little else. LeBron was the driving force of that team and without him pulling them along in the playoffs and actually going against them, they won't get far.
As for Melo, most likely staying in New York for the money. Sure, he might want to win titles and maybe he believes that Phil Jackson will get the right people around him but for the time being, no one around the league will believe he wants championships over money. Now take significantly less money in order to get some decent players...
With Pau going to Chicago, he's better than Carlos Boozer and is certainly an upgrade but won't likely get them any closer to winning a championship. A healthy non-injury prone Derrick Rose is the only one that can do that for them.
More moves are certainly to come with one of them being the Lakers still searching for a head coach. Hopefully whoever the team wants to lead them can pass the most important test of all: Kobe's approval.
Several prominent NBA players made their attentions clear after LeBron chose to go back home to Cleveland. First, LeBron's now ex-teammate Chris Bosh has decided to stay with the Miami Heat favoring a 5 year $118 million contract over going to Rockets. He will presumably now represent the Dynamic Duo of Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami providing that Wade chooses to stay.
Another player also decided to stay where he is for the time being. Reports have begun circulating that Carmelo Anthony's representatives are talking to the Knicks about a new contract after informing the Bulls that they are out of the Melo sweepstakes. Melo will stay in the Big Apple.
There is one player that is on the move and it's Pau Gasol. He's agreed to go to Chicago to become part of the Bulls. Not official yet as the Bulls still have make cap space in order to get Pau.
A lot to talk about with these moves and decisions. First, Bosh in Miami (presumably with Wade) keeps the Heat in the playoff picture but little else. LeBron was the driving force of that team and without him pulling them along in the playoffs and actually going against them, they won't get far.
As for Melo, most likely staying in New York for the money. Sure, he might want to win titles and maybe he believes that Phil Jackson will get the right people around him but for the time being, no one around the league will believe he wants championships over money. Now take significantly less money in order to get some decent players...
With Pau going to Chicago, he's better than Carlos Boozer and is certainly an upgrade but won't likely get them any closer to winning a championship. A healthy non-injury prone Derrick Rose is the only one that can do that for them.
More moves are certainly to come with one of them being the Lakers still searching for a head coach. Hopefully whoever the team wants to lead them can pass the most important test of all: Kobe's approval.
Friday, July 11, 2014
The Prodigal King Returns
In the summer of 2010, LeBron James broke everyone's heart in Cleveland on national television by choosing the Heat over the Cavaliers. He then went on to win a couple of titles and went to the Finals in all four years. Now the King is coming back to his castle (to kick out that usurper known as Johnny Football).
SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).
Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.
Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.
For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.
P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.
SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).
Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.
Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.
For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.
P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.
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