After yesterday's 0-2 record in predictions Johnny's back for more! First off though, since this might be the only post of today, what a morning in Jersey City! There may have been some really nice mornings on July 5th in the history of this place but none better than this morning with the cool temps, the steady cooling breeze and a sun giving just enough warmth but not too much. Lovely.
Johnny loves Lionel Messi. He's a Barcelona fan and Messi is admiral of that ship. His game is just plain fun to watch. Barry Sanders with a soccer ball. Johnny would very much like to see Messi win a World Cup title in his era. That's why today's game against Belgium and their incredibly talented midfield led by one of the Weasley boys from the Harry Potter books is such a danger to Argentinian hopes. Johnny fears the defensive prowess of Belgium may deny a lot of link-ups between Argentina's midfield and their front line strikers. This game could be a slog for Messi & Company. Hazard and Mertens can plug things up in Argentina's odd formation and then Belgium has the advantage of bringing in two playmakers as needed in Miralles and or Lukaku, the very guys that did the USA in. If Argentina can make the link up to Messi he may well start yellowing the Belgian backline as they are all big centerbacks, and lack speed. As badly as Johnny wants Messi to win he sees a Belgian win today.
The later match has a David vs. Goliath look to it with the Netherlands, three times runners-up in the World Cup vs. Los Ticos (The Minnows) of Costa Rica and last member of CONCACAF still playing. The Netherlands likes playing offense and Costa Rica sure likes playing offense so this could well be an attractive game. No doubt Arjen Robben will dive and get another penalty call for his team because nobody seems to have the nards to card him. In the end class normally wills out in these last few games and every indicator is that the Dutch are onto the semi-final but that's why they play the game on the field (but pick Holland).
Argentina vs Belgium noon
Costa Rica vs Netherlands 4pm
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