World Cup Today -- Day 8

What an amazing tournament this has been. More goals at this point than any World Cup since 1958 and isn't that what Americans supposedly hate about soccer, no scoring? Hats off to all the managers who have decided to unleash their teams rather than playing it safe. Also, before one laughs off Spain's crash and burn let's take a moment to realize how they changed this game. They may be the reason we're seeing so much scoring with their tiki-taka, ball possession, move it forward game. Since 2008 Spain has been the best in the world and proved it at the Euro 2008 and 2012 sandwiching a World Cup win in 2010. A tip of the cap to Spain might be a better send-off than a snicker or a derisive snort. But back to today. Columbia plays the Ivory Coast in a very important game and none bigger than The Three Lions of England who play a survival match against La Celeste of Uruguay, both losers in their opening matches. Ypsilanti Michigan, named after Greek General Demetrius Ypsilanti, will no doubt be cheering hard for Greece at 6pm. Today's matches:

Columbia vs Ivory Coast noon
England vs Uruguay 3pm
Japan vs Greece 6pm

World Cup Today -- Day 3

A full slate of four games today soccerheads and a real firecracker this evening with Ingerland taking on La Azzurri (Italy). Johnny gets to watch the Columbia game in a few minutes with Columbian art curator and style maven Diana Cordoba, and he is looking forward to some real South American passion in his teevee room. Today's schedule:

Columbia vs Greece Noon
Uruguay vs Costa Rica at 3pm
Italy vs England at 6pm
Japan and Ivory Coast at 9pm

Italy will be without their famed style king goalie GiGi Buffon so somebody is gonna have to sing that Italian national anthem in his place. No word on whether Uruguay's Luis "Bitey" Suarez will play vs Los Ticos or be resting his bad knee.

Check your local listings., and Go Columbia!