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"

HERE ARE THE FINAL RESULTS!

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.

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

ROUND OF 16 RESULTS

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

Cheers.

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

DAY 15 RESULTS

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

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

DAY 14 RESULTS

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.

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

DAY 13 RESULTS

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.

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:

Mexico's coach should win an award for Best Coach Celebration at World Cup. #WorldCup2014 @MiguelHerreraDT https://t.co/DaNvhIj2Vn
— Malik Ofori (@malikofori) June 23, 2014

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.

@LuizsFro The modified double "Manny Pose" makes its Brazilian debut in Fortaleza's GhanaVGermany game #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5vNZzOs1FW
— Kaiten Critchlow (@KaitenC) June 24, 2014

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

Here are the

DAY 12 RESULTS

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

Cheers.

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.

What a goal by Jermaine Jones http://t.co/Ybjs7Ej6cx
— Football Vines (@FootballVines) June 22, 2014

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

DAY 11 RESULTS

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.