I cannot believe that I have not been going through the journey of the world cup at a more regulated, continuous time. It is rather disappointing as I have had triumphs and let downs throughout this world cup. Some of the let downs were expected ones. I did not think that Switzerland and Japan would go very far but was hoping that they would still go further then they have before. Now before the negative, let me tell YOU about Switzerland and what I find to be the triumph of the nation, in terms of World Cup football (soccer). They were to play against Spain, and totally expected to lose. Commentators did not even have words to say about the Swiss they were so confident in Spain's ability to cream them. Can I just say that my status before the game remarked: "may Switzerland surprise everybody". I can tell you they did exactly that! Was a highly defensive game for Switzerland. That was their aim and goal. It was not a game of many goals and all, but we sure did kept those Spaniards from hitting target! (Kudos to our Swiss goalie). Now the moment of surprise...just wait....there is a scramble near the Spanish goal...and one of our Swiss players get out of the scramble with the ball and shoots it in!!! I did not even jump up right away because I was in shock. I waited till the scoreboard showed that Switzerland had one point and Spain 0. I was screaming, jumping up and down, going around in circles, totally elated at the fact that we had a one lead over Spain, the European Champions! Boy did we show them!! We stayed the amazing defensive wall and Spain never scored on us. We shocked the world of football (soccer)!! I like that Switzerland did that. Yes, later on they were not able to get past the group stage, but I do think that everyone remembered Switzerland and their shocking win against Spain. May I add that Switzerland also holds the record in the World Cup of the longest time of not conceding a goal. Yes, we are good at defense. Hopefully next time we will work on our offensive end of the game.
Japan also did well. Japan surprised the World Cup and actually got past the group stage, which on foreign soil that was a first. The game that Japan played against Denmark was a beautiful game that emphasized team work and surprise. Two free kicks given to Honda and Endo, both of them were able to score! First time in 36 years that that has happened! Unfortunately I was not able to watch Japan's last game, as I was at work, but later heard and saw the news of Japan's loss. Can I just say that Penalty kicks are a lousy way of winning? Very unfortunate way to lose and there is so much pressure on the goalie, I do not know how they keep it together. The whole weight of the team is on the goalie's shoulder. I think there should be some other way to break a tie than penalty kicks. This should not be on the goalie's shoulder alone. That does not speak team to me, but pressure from the team. How awful the goalie must feel when the PK's determine their loss. Your country is expecting and you alone were the one that determined their loss. The blaming that could ensue. To be a goalie they must be very strong and confident in their character. I have much respect for goal keepers. It is a high calling within the football (soccer) world.
I was cheering for Portugal because I like their team. They got fourth place in 2006 and I was hoping that this year they could get that far if not further. They would have been a surprise if they got up there. Unfortunately the way grouping went and how the group stage games were played, they were put to play with Spain in the round 16 stage. Spain is number 2 in the world and Portugal is number 3 in the world. I think it is sad that they had to meet them this early in the tournament. If they were placed elsewhere I think they would have still been in the Championship and would go much further into the championship. As it is, they did not get through.
Good news though! Brazil is still in the game and going strong!!! I cannot wait to see them proceed further into the Championship! They play so beautifully, they are like a well oiled machine. Great teamwork, footwork, their passing to each other is fast and smooth, and they are fast. They are a wonderful team to watch. I do not think anyone can argue that. They do tend to complain more then needs be sometimes though. Viva Brasil!!!
Lets see how this whole Championship ends up now.
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