Pure Joy from Kuyt and Robben

Pure Joy from Kuyt and Robben

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Pool Selfie!
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Thursday, July 17, 2014

FINAL UPDATE

GENTLEMEN! We have sadly come to a close with the 2014 World Cup and our beloved pool. It is time to announce our victor! But before I do that, we should reflect on the World Cup playoff rounds, which strangled us by our emotions and violently shook us like the Hulk tossing Loki in The Avengers.

First, the Quarter Finals... Luiz's phenomenal long ranged free-kick sealed it for Brazil against Colombia. Hummels glancing header proved triumphant as Germany dismantled France. Krul's intimidation tactics rattled the Costa Ricans as the Dutch prevailed in PKs. Higuain's early and perfect turning half-volley was enough for Argentina to roll past the Belgians.

The Semi Finals left us ALL bewildered as to what was unfolding in front of our intent gazes. Namely, Brazil versus the giant, Germany. Seven freaking one. That result and the horrific defending by the Brazilians is now permanently etched into World Cup long-term memory. Die Mannschaft stole candy from a weeping baby. This video depicts the result perfectly:


Klose's 16th World Cup goal also meant that he passed Ronaldo as the all time goals leader! We witnessed history, people. Though he better watch out for Müller in four years time...

In the other game, the Netherlands were left wondering what could have been. As the Dutch came on strong in the final minutes, Mascherano's sliding defensive play was the difference. Robben held on an extra touch and it cost him. Penalties ensued, Romero was huge, Cillessen couldn't do what Krul could, and that was that!

The Finals stage was set: Germany vs Argentina! A game of back and forth chances, with Germany controlling possession and Argentina counter attacking aggressively. It was quite exciting even though the 0-0 scoreline continued to show. Higuain will be haunted for a long time... he didn't capitalize on a Kroos giveaway that left him on a mini break against Neuer (Higuain also got wrecked later, as Neuer flattened him on his way to punch the ball out. OUCH). Höwedes was left in disbelief as his header smashed the post on the brink of half time as well.

However, Götze the super sub, was and is now the name on everybody's lips. His heroic falling, chest to volley goal in the 113' of Extra Time will forever live on in German World Cup folklore. Truly a World Cup winning goal. Germany were the extremely better side and they got what they deserved: The World Cup and the title of World Champions.

Now for our POOL! Here is the podium:

1. Joely "Balls"
2. Samurai Mal
3. Jonny "Balls"


Congrats JOELY! Spend your winnings wisely. Our top trio ended up being a Janke Snake Sandwich--props to Mal for squeezing in between those cunning bros!

We hope to see you again for our EURO 2016 Pool!
Have a great rest of your summer!

CHEERS.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

THE ROUND OF 16 UPDATE

Oh my, gentlemen, oh my. We have seen 8 intense matches over the long weekend. Here's a short reaction to each Round of 16 whirlwind we have just witnessed:

Brazil vs Chile:
Chile played their hearts out. Julio Cesar ROBBED the Chileans countless of times, especially in the penalty shootout. Brazil got lucky, the host nation could have easily exited. You could feel the whole stadium gasp with that late crossbar! Rest easy for now Brazilians.

Colombia vs Uruguay:
Without Suarez, Uruguay was considerably the lesser side. James Rodriguez was too skillful; Cuadrado made sure of that on the insurance marker with a stellar cutback header. Colombia will give Brazil quite the challenge. Excitement level for that Quarter Final game = HOT HOT HOT!

France vs Nigeria:
I was not able to watch this match, but from what I understand, France had a flurry of unlucky opportunities! I feel Pogba finally showed his true abilities as well, breaking out of his finishing slump. He could not find the net in the group matches, so hopefully he's found his rightful footing now. Nigeria, I've got nothing for ya... Bye bye!

Germany vs Algeria:
German engineering. They found a way to get past the pesky Algerians! It took extra time to do it, but in the end their class rose to the top. That Schurrle back flick goal was nasty (in a good way). France vs Germany will be quite the match-up as well. Excitement level = SIZZZZLE!

Netherlands vs Mexico:
If anyone was going to down the Dutch it was going to be El Tri. Their fast paced, shoot-from-anywhere style is what made them so exciting to watch. They stunted the Dutch counter attack and it almost worked. Ochoa stood on his head once again, but in the end the Oranje attack prevailed. Robben took advantage of Marquez's toe stomp and Huntelaar pounded home the PK (that ninja-kick to the flag cele was one of the best of the tournament)!

Costa Rica vs Greece:
Hmm the least interesting of the 8 matches. Nonetheless, Costa Rica is the Cinderella story and they deserve this progression! Who would have guessed this?! Los Ticos are the most favourable opposition for the Netherlands, although I hope they aren't taken too lightly. Excitement level = Tssssssss on a frying pan. (But HUP HOLLAND HUP because I'm a Dutch supporter...)

Argentina vs Switzerland:
Collapse on Messi was the strategy! It worked for a full 90 minutes, but dang, there is still extra time. One act of brilliance was all it took. Messi received the ball in transition from a turnover and BANG, he drew in 4 defenders, leaving Di Maria wide open for the precise low shot to the corner. Victory. The Swiss held their own and showed some fine foot skill, but they played for penalties... You can't do that.

Belgium vs USA:
One word: HOWARD. He recorded the most saves in a game since '66. Outrageous. The Belgian attack had 27 shots on target! However, extra time was the spotlight and both teams performed valiantly. De Bruyne 'rang around the rosie' to deliver the first goal and the youngster Green proved his worth. But the difference was Lukaku's beastly form, in which he delivered the first assist and match winner late in the extra frame. If only that ingenious free kick by the US turned for the better...
Belgium vs Argentina is going to be another barn burner. Excitement level = YEEEEOWWWWW THAT'S HOT!

For our pool, Jonny "Balls" continues to dominate the way. He just might hold out for the victory. We'll see how the Golden Boot and Glove pan out however.

Here are the

The theme for the Round of 16 was Extra Time MADNESS! Cannot wait for what lies ahead in the Quarter Finals.

Cheers.

Friday, June 27, 2014

DAY 15 UPDATE

We are finished with the Group Stage! In these 48 games we have witnessed a glorious 136 goals, which has also formed an 8-way fight for the Golden Boot! Mueller, Messi, Neymar, Rodriguez, Benzema, Robben, van Persie, and Shaqiri have shown their quality, dueling for the prestigious honour.

Germany squeaked out a win yesterday, but the Americans were not troubled. In the end, Portugal took care of Ghana, even though Ghana only needed one more goal and the win to progress. All Algeria needed was a draw, and they did just that, coming back against a Russian side that never fully looked like a threatening force in the tournament.

For our pool, Jonny "Balls" enters the knockout stages a leg up on the rest of us. Can his brother catch him? Will Samurai Mal and Juan Mata have something to say with their bracket predictions? Is FC Freezen, G~N, A&P and Golden Goose toast?! We are in for a whirlwind with these sweet-16 matches, people!

Here are the

I will be at the cabin for the long weekend, so Jord will take over posting responsibilities. ENJOY!

Thursday, June 26, 2014

DAY 14 UPDATE

Shaqiri! Bayern's small tank of a man demolished the weak Honduran lines of defense. With help from Drmic, Shaqiri achieved the honourable milestone of the World Cup's 50th hat-trick. As a result, France and Switzerland are moving on!

In the Argentina-Nigeria match, the beginning of each half witnessed quick tit for tat scoring within 5 minutes. Messi shone with his free-kicks and Musa was just brilliant with his finishing. Iran couldn't muster a victory, therefore Argentina and Nigeria are moving on!

In other tournament news, the gavel came down hard on Suarez for his alleged biting incident with Chiellini. He has been given a 9-match ban in international football and a 4-month ban for all football-related activity. Thank you very much, FIFA! It is obvious that Suarez will never learn, but hopefully there is a future cure for his ravaging, rampaging rabies. Muntari and Prince Boateng have also been kicked off the Ghanaian squad for their unruly behaviour. Ouyyyyy.

As for our pool, can we even catch the Janke Snake Bros?! Hopefully some radical scorelines help our chances!

Here are the

For today's fixtures: Will Portugal lay ruin to an internally tortured Ghanaian camp? Will there be a figuratively, draw worthy handshake between Jürgen and Joachim? Can Germany destroy the Americans' will power? Will anybody be watching the final games for Group H?! Enjoy!

Cheers.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

DAY 13 UPDATE

Uruguay takes a bite out of Italy and spits them out in disgust! There was no shortage of puns yesterday and today as Luis Suarez once again used his canines to make another meal of a victim.

   

What a disgrace. Something is definitely not wired correctly up top for him! Who has the first instinct of biting somebody when they want to get at them? ... Either a vampire, dog, or zombie. Suarez must be one of these three! He should be put down if he's a dog; it's been his third attack on a human in 4 years. I hope the judgement is swift and heavy. Suarez obviously does not hold any respect for the game behaving in this manner. FIFA must realize that he is tarnishing the image of the world's biggest sporting tournament, right? The maximum disciplinary suspension FIFA has is 24 months. This might be the time to put that into effect.

On the other end of the spectrum, Colombia is looking mighty fine. James Rodriguez has once again shone as one of the best and brightest young talents at this World Cup. Here is his cheeky chip he scored yesterday:


In the other matches, Costa Rica held England to no goals, keeping their depressing showing in full swing. And Greece shocked the world by getting a penalty in extra time to move on for the first time in their history. Samaras appeared to trip himself on the Ivorian defender's leg. It could've gone either way!

As for our pool, Jonny "Balls" has peeled off, leaving us in his day old dust.

Here are the

For today's fixtures: Can Messi be the hero again, or will Mikel pull up his socks and vault the Super Eagles to glory? Will Dzeko lumber around looking lazy, or will he strike the ball with a vengeance and save (just a little) face? Can Ecuador pull off an epic victory against the strong, proven Frenchmen? Can the Swiss make mince meat out of the Hondurans? Enjoy DAY 14, people!

Cheers.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

DAY 12 UPDATE

In Manager News: 'FIFA is unfairly playing "tricks" with the scheduling!' Louis van Gaal accused FIFA of favouring Brazil with the scheduling. It is fishy that the Netherlands played their final Group B match before the final Group A matches. He has a point... But still, Brazil wouldn't want to ensure a draw to play the Dutch in the first round anyway... Funny stuff. Speaking of funny stuff, El Tri's manager stole the show with his hilarious celebrating:
SO! Mexico, Brazil, Netherlands, and Chile are all through to the next round! Quick recap from yesterday: Dutch are solid, Neymar should be called Neymare because he is a nightmare for every team's defense, Mexico's manager is a mad man, and Spain got a goal from open play (props to David Villa for scoring a sweet goal in his final international game)!

In local news, our friends Dante and Kaiten were AT THE WORLD CUP! They were going to be a part of our pool, but decided to leave us for the actual tournament instead (which isn't really true but whatever)... Lucky ducks. Those two experienced FIRST ROW SEATS at the Ghana-Germany match. Unreal.

In our pool, the G-N is experiencing a free fall, while Samurai Mal is gliding smoothly up the standings.

Here are the

Today, some chaotic things have happened. So I hope you will/have enjoy(ed) DAY 13!

Cheers.

Monday, June 23, 2014

DAY 11 UPDATE

Hang on to your dread locks, Jermaine Jones! What a crack that he let loose. One control touch, one flick of the ball to get set, and BOOM the USA had it all tied up.


It didn't take long to expose Portugal's left back for the umpteenth time either: Cut back - ball is semi-cleared - knocked back in - bounces to a US player - crosses it to....... DEMPSEY! The Portugal defender, who was collecting himself off the ground, kept him onside by a hair too. Cue the late drama. Cristiano was finally given the ball in the dying seconds, delivering a prime leading cross to Varela. BAM, 2-2 to finish things off.
What a game.

Belgium also showed some late heroics, as Hazard took over in the final minutes to set up the winner against Russia. And Algeria proved that they were a force to be reckoned with after they shocked Korea with a 4 goal outburst.

As for our pool: Joely is back on top as he predicted that crazy 2-2 draw. You'd think he was American, the way he talks about the USA... or maybe he just has a big crush on Jürgen (he'll never tell).

Here are the

For today's fixtures: It's the packed final day for Groups A & B. Who will cool off first, Nederland or Chile? Both are sizzling heading into this final match-up for first place. 
Will Brazil pump Cameroon and then send them on their way, waving goodbye at the airport?? Will there be a fiesta or a siesta in the streets of Croatia?! Will Ochoa be the invincible shot-stopper once again, or will Mandzukic caw a nay while he flies by to beak home a winner?! Oh... am I forgetting a fixture? I guess Australia and Spain play... But does it really matter? Nah.

By the way, here is a good article outlining Group A's possible finish. We'll find out soon enough! ENJOY Day 12!

p.s. HUP HOLLAND HUP

Cheers.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

DAY 10 UPDATE

I hope you watched Ghana vs Germany! The 2nd half came to life with exciting open football, and the Black Stars swiftly took it to the Deutschen. But Klose, being the poacher he is, snatched the game tying goal; giving him a share of the World Cup Goals record along with Brazil's Ronaldo.

Iran gave an all out defensive effort in trying to park the nil-nil bus against Argentina... However, Messi had other ideas in extra time, and finished with the classiest finesse possible to save a nation from going into panic mode! Romero also kept it from getting really scary, as he had multiple sprawling saves to deny the feisty Iranians.


Finally, the Bosnia-Herzegovina•Nigeria game was really frustrating to watch. Especially since I was a disallowed, LEGIT Dzeko goal away from a perfect prediction! Who knows what the linesman was preoccupied with, because it looked pretty obvious. They were literally robbed. Bye, bye BIH!

As for our pool: Same old, same old. Except for maybe FC Freezen, who is debating joining our basement dwellers club...

Here are the

For today's fixtures, can Belgium continue to go undefeated, breaking a new international record in the process?! Or will Russia rather mix their own waffle ingredients from scratch?? Will South Korea boost their knockout qualifying chances, or will Algeria bicker their way to victory? Does CR7 have enough ice for his knee? Does Clint Dempsey, aka Demp-Z and/or Deuce, have a rap album coming out?! Whaaa? These are the important questions, people!

Hope you're enjoying Day 11!

Cheers.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

DAY 9 UPDATE

To start off with a lame pun... Enner Valencia's finishing proved to be COSTLY for Honduras (ha ha... am I right?!). You can thank the G-N for that knee-slapper. Anyway, Honduras was only a few minutes away from having a World Cup record they did NOT want to be known for. Carlos Costly scored their first goal in a World Cup finals in over 500 minutes of football, just short of the record held by Bolivia (517 mins). Ouyyyyyy, take that, Janke Snake Bros--for those who don't know, they spent most of their childhood there. Honduras still lost however, but second place is still up for grabs in Group E!

France is looking like a mighty force on the pitch and are set to lock up 1st in the same group. Giroud was the conductor for many of their face-paced counter attacks yesterday, and the Swiss could not cope. Even without Ribery, France is making a case for a deep World Cup run.

Now, the Azzurri were confident that they would have a splendid time modelling World Class football to Los Ticos. NOPE. Costa Rica is THE story of the World Cup and they are literally flipping everyone's Group D predictions upside down. Phenomenal. All they needed was Ruiz's first half header, and they held on; albeit they did rely on the poor finishing of Balotelli. With this result... Bye, bye England! Another big nation gone.

Update on our pool: Janke Snake Bros continue to leap frog each other at the top. And the bottom is starting to clump a little bit more *fingers crossed for today's results*.

Here are the

Today is Day 10! Can the Iranians frustrate Argentina's arsenal for a full 90 minutes?! Will Messi be the difference?! Will Ghana's collared artwork blind the Germans enough to miss the target? Will BIH and Nigeria be another dud of a match? Let's find out!

Cheers.

Friday, June 20, 2014

DAY 8 UPDATE

OKAY, we have another dud in the books! Japan could not capitalize on a 10-man Greek squad despite a few gaping chances in the box. Colombia showed off their dance moves once again as James Rodriguez pounded in a header off of a whipped in corner. And Suarez hammered in almost all of the nails required for the Three Lions' coffin. Rooney finally exorcised his World Cup demons, but the momentum disappeared when Suarez punished a hesitant header by his club-mate Gerrard. And Hart... c'mon!!! The only place Suarez could put it was up top! Get bigger! I'm upset, but maybe only because we were forced to witness the ugly, ugly weeping of Suarez that ensued.

Within our pool, the Janke Snake Bros are lighting it up! How have they charmed these results?! I have tanked officially to last, while the middle of the pack is tight with FCF, German-Native, and Juan Mata vying for the 3rd spot.

Here are the

For today's fixtures, will Balotelli come to the rescue and receive his wishful Royal kiss on the cheek? Will the Swiss themselves avoid a sloppy French kiss? Will Ecuador make up for their past last minute mistakes? ENJOY.

Cheers.


Thursday, June 19, 2014

DAY 7 UPDATE

Adios Espana indeed! Wow, Chile is for real. Their tenacious pressure was too much for the Spaniards to handle. Alonso and Casillas buckled when it counted, and POOF, there goes their tournament lives in only 2 games. The good news is that there will be a new World Champion! In the other game of the group, the Dutch and Socceroos put on quite the show. The food chain was restored however, and the Lion enjoyed his feast of roasted 'Roo at the end of the day (what a volley from Cahill though!). That Netherlands-Chile final group match is sure to be a barn burner, goal fest.
... Oh and Song apparently thinks that flying elbows to players' backs is completely acceptable... Nope, red. And Essou-Akotto, sick of the embarrassing showing, decides it's a good idea to fight with his own player, head-butting him in the process. Bye, bye Cameroon!

As for our pool, Joely is flying high, while A&P and I sulk in the shadows--hoping for the tides to turn.

Here are the

Enjoy watching today's fixtures, in which A&P's Englishmen and the befuddled Uruguayans will battle for 2nd place crumpets and tea. While Les Elephants try to stampede the Colombian Flash-Mob, and the Athenians hope to make a stand against Honda and the Blue Samurai!

Cheers. 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

DAY 6 UPDATE

Ochoa to the rescue!! What a performance by the Mexican keeper! While Mexico's attack consisted of long range prayers, Ochoa was busy dancing on his head to hold on to the scoreless game. Phenomenal saves on Neymar and Thiago Silva left Ochoa's face flabbergasted, likened to an out of body experience. Mmph, that's the spirit of the game right there!

In the other matches, Belgium finally shook off a feisty Algerian camp (2-1), and Korea failed to drop Russia to their knees in submission (1-1).

As for our pool, The German Native has released himself as a hungry hound, climbing the rankings with a vengeance! And I have trudged lower into the cellar with my water weighted clogs... Still lots of pool points left however!

Here are the

For today?! Will the food chain be reversed?! Will the Kangaroo TKO the Lion and have a feast of its own? Will La Rojas turn their ill-fated fortunes around? Will Cameroon relive their glory days without Eto'o?! We will see! Enjoy.

Cheers.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

DAY 5 UPDATE

Germany easily displayed their dominance over Portugal yesterday. Mueller, who put on a performance defined solely as clutch, placed his Golden Boot bid with authority. Lukas Podolski seems to be having the time of his life--taking selfies with the German Chancellor... while Cristiano Ronaldo was left to his denial, despair, whining and sorrow. Who hits a one-man wall? We also now know that Pepe is an idiot... Did he really have to use his head to get across his argument? Is that a cultural thing, or was he deliberately trying to screw over his nation?
The second game was a dud. Congrats to those who predicted the 0-0 scoreline. Ghoochannejhad did show promise however, and I'll stick by him! Moses and Mikel were just awful; I'm very much second guessing my choice of Nigeria progressing to the 16.
I hope you didn't leave your couch as soon as USA and Ghana kicked off! Dempsey is a beast--first his 30 second marker (the 5th fastest World Cup goal ever), and secondly his resiliency to continue after undoubtedly breaking his nose...
Gotta give props to the U.S. for holding off a strong Ghanaian squad, who probably should've won that game based on their pressure and possession.

As for our pool, one of the Janke Snake Bros finally broke away from the pack: Joely "Gutter Balls" Janke.

Here are the

Today's matches feature Tin Tin visiting North Africa, a Brazilian-Mexicana fiesta, and some Mother Russia cooking of Kimchi. Enjoy!

Cheers.

Monday, June 16, 2014

DAY 4 UPDATE

SEFEROVIC! The Swiss avoided the first draw of the tournament by winning their opening match against Ecuador in dramatic fashion. What an exciting game, especially since their clinching goal came from an incredible defensive play on a missed scoring opportunity at the other end in EXTRA TIME. France solidified their victory with the help of GLT and Benzema, while Messi broke through his skeptics' doubts and delivered a sweet strike to give Argentina the shaky victory. Great stuff, I also hope it was a great Father's Day for you all!

As for our pool, Freezen FC will not be denied it seems. Freeze has taken his lead back, but he is holding a slim advantage on the Janke Snake Bros. When will we see The German Native, Juan Mata, Samurai Mal, and A&P emerge from the cellar??

Lots of Pool left! Here are the

Now for TODAY! Deutschland Uber Alles? Will they demand the respect they deserve from Portugal, or will CR7's tendinitis hinder him no longer, and give him back his super leg strength?! How about Nigeria vs Iran? A couple of you have a nil-nil draw... Just watch out for Ghoochannejhad! There could be a bagful of goals. Then finally there is the U.S.A. Will they shake the Ghanaian cursed monkeys off their backs? Is Klinsmann the answer? We shall see! Enjoy today's matches.

Cheers.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

DAY 3 UPDATE

It was a jam packed Saturday indeed. Colombia dusted off Greece with their full 90 minute jester nutmegs, back heels, and finesse type of play. Then there was Costa Rica, who proved that they were definitely not the ones to be trampled on (I can already see a hectic finish in the games ahead for Group D). James Campbell is a beast, and I'll leave it at that! England showed promise, but the Italians were (and are) the epitome of clutch; Pirlo is ageless and does whatever the *bleep* he wants--no one can touch him. And finally, the reinforcements war-horn was blown loud, and the bellow was deep as Drogba rallied his troops to victory against the Blue Samurai. What a day.

As for our pool... Freezen FC's luck finally caved. Sorry Cam, but you have become the first contestant to receive an entirely negative point outcome in a game! Yay! Gargano's yellow and Pereira's red made sure of this. We also have a lead change! Due to a strong prediction in the Ivory Coast-Japan fixture, Jonny "Balls" Janke is our new front runner, gentlemen... GET HIM!

So here are the

As for tomorrow's Group E and F match-ups... Will Messi wag his fingers in celebration, or will he puke under the pressure? Will Pogba rise as a new superstar, or will the FFF collapse without their precious Ribery? Will Switzerland flaunt their high world ranking, or will Ecuador impress and prevail?

Happy Father's Day! Watch with your Dads! 

Cheers.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

DAY 2 UPDATE

WELL, WELL, WELL! I believe a Hup Holland Hup is in order! What a game. Who would've thunk it! That swan dive header is engrained in my memory forever... Truly magnificent. 5-1! I wonder if Jon is regretting picking Spain as World Champions again....... Muahaha.

Anyways, what did we learn from Day 2? It is now a known fact that Martins Indi is the most theatrical player at the World Cup thus far. He must have had an anaphylactic shock or something after Diego Costa breathed on him. But I wouldn't want to run into him in a dark alley at night... What a googly-eyed stare! What else, Dos Santos cannot catch a break, Chile are mad men, and the Spaniards are a hot mess. #IKERCANTSEEAPASS, let's try and get that trending!

In Pool News, it is official that Freezen FC is on fire and is now in the lead!

Without further ado, here are the 

Enjoy the 4 fixtures today! Colombia is looking goooood.

Cheers.

Friday, June 13, 2014

DAY 1 UPDATE

Good morning! What a start to the tournament and to our pool! Neymar has shown his true, glorious promise... and Fred has shown he is completely lost and that he knows how to FLOP.

We've got a 5-way tie for the lead to kick us off! The Janke Snake Bros, A&P, Freezen FC, and the Golden Goose myself!
The results are in the link below.

Enjoy the full day of matches ahead, oh and HUP HOLLAND HUP!

Cheers.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Layout: Standings and Matrix

Here we GO! 

It's opening day and here is the inaugural spread sheet matrix for our World Cup Pool (in the link BELOW)! Buckle yourselves in, boys, and enjoy a month's worth of world-class football glory!

Cheers!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

LET IT BEGIN!

It took some hard dedicated work and time to complete the marathon of picks for this year's World Cup, but we are now in full swing. Let the games begin! Good luck to all you boys with your crapshoot of predictions.

HUP HOLLAND HUP!