World Cup Today -- Day 19

Mexico deserved better. Look, the USA and Mexico are arch-rivals but that Arjen Robben diving penalty kick was bullshit and everyone on the globe knows it. Even Robben said he dove in the game but earlier (which PROVES once again and finally in his own words, Arjen Robben is a professional diver who puts Cristiano Ronaldo to shame. Mexico deserves fair officiating as does any team. Who to blame? We all know Robben's a diver, let's focus on the referees whom, if they pulled out yellow cards for simulation against a diver early in the tournament, the diver would have to make a decision if the next dive might be worth sitting out a game on a second yellow in the next few games. Until the referees hold up yellow cards for diving, it's gonna continue. Look, if NFL referees never called defensive pass interference on pass plays those guys would grab, hold and molest any and all receivers. Officials are in charge of cleaning up the malfeasance on the pitch in Johnny's opinion. They're not doing it.

Brazil is whistling past the graveyard for now but the grim reaper is at the other end and he wears Columbia yellow.

Today's matches can be called Underdog Monday. We had South American Saturday so today is Underdog Monday. Looking to revel in the success of Costa Rica both Algeria and Nigeria hope to stand tall against powerhouses Germany and France. First off the goal scoring machine of France takes on Nigeria at noon EDT. We have high hopes of wild upsets and crazy bracket busters but, well, yeah. Johnny has looked at this game and no matter how the Rubik's Soccer Cube is moved it lands on 3-0 France. But wait, there is a second game, the Desert Foxes of Algeria, playing their best soccer in their nation's history against ruh ro, Germany. Johnny has looked at this game and no matter how the Rubik's Soccer Cube is moved it lands on 3-0 Germany.

So yes, today might be not the day to overload on the soccer if you have things to do. Massive upsets DO happen but today maybe not so much. We hope for competitive matches and lotsa golazos nonetheless.

France vs Nigeria noon
Germany vs Algeria 4pm

World Cup Today -- Day 10

Now we're really getting into the meat of this tournament. Some teams are booking passage into the knockout rounds while some teams are gonna play a pretty meaningless game next week. We are just giddy watching the #CONCACAFFED hashtag come out during the afternoon on the Twitter. But for Honduras it's been a great ride for our local soccer orbit. Costa Rica has absolutely captured the fancy of many.

Today brings the Great Illusionist Messini and his Argentine Band of Merry Men in one of those matchups that yeah, let's just say can get out of hand and make for some bad feelings. Argentina vs. Iran, which is sure to be an all-star type game of score-o for La Albiceleste. The meat of our soccer sammich today is of great interest to USA fans. Germany is playing Ghana and if you're a casual fan and might not know about  group stage scoring USA fans want Germany to beat Ghana into next week. Every time Germany scores drink a stein of beer. If Ghana loses they'd have zero points which means the USA would clinch a spot in the knockout rounds with a win OR tie tomorrow vs. Portugal. The trouble with this is that Ghana will not go down quietly. The makings of a great match. The dinner selection is a bit weaker, we'll be honest here. An early dinner out or a movie are not out of the question if you've been a good soccer fan and watched your fill. Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Nigeria is by no means a classic matchup but both sides will be desperate and that can make for a great couple of hours.

Know what else is great about he World Cup games and soccer in general? There's no, "This corner kick brought to you by Chevrolet because America loves a recall." This goal kick sponsored by Tampax, "We're not number one but we're up there." Just good announcing or sounds from the pitch. Surely within ten years this will change if soccer catches on even more in the USA.

Argentina vs Iran noon
Germany vs Ghana 3pm
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Nigeria 6pm

World Cup Today -- Day 5

Finally it's here, the USA plays today! First off though we have a real barn shaker of a matchup in the USA's own "Group of Death." Germany's might vs the great Ronaldo and Portugal. The Ironbound area of Newark has to just be uncorked today. Next up it's a game on teevee while Johnny does actual business things and makes actual real money as Nigeria and Iran drones on in the background. We hope the people of Iran and Nigeria really enjoy this match. Then, 6pm the time of reckoning is here. Ghana has dumped the USA out of the last two World Cups, that's eight years to stew over just one country. The USA could be a better side today on sheer willpower. When challenged by head man Jurgen Klinsmann they have stepped up over the last 18 months. Klinsmann said this game is everything and they are putting everything into getting the tree possible points from it. The USA's hopes for this World Cup will rise or fall between 6 and 8pm EDT today.

How about an early goal from Jozy Altidore and a late one from Mix Diskerud get the USA a 2-1 victory. You got a problem with that?

Germany vs Portugal noon
Iran vs Nigeria 3pm
USA vs Ghana 6pm