On the eve of the world cup quarterfinals it is worth taking a moment to look back and reflect on the things we found striking. There is plenty of badassitude to be found in the remaining teams.
Germany – Awesome, Definitely Badass!
Very well coached, very precise, fluid and fit. The game planning of their coaching staff was impeccable. England were lucky it was not 7-2 (I give them back the disallowed goal).
Ghana – Abundantly Spirited, Pure Badassitude!
When it counted, the Black Stars out-ran, out-muscled and outplayed the US. This team only gets better as they advance. Watch out world, the trophy is likely staying on the continent.
Argentina – Fleet Footed Genius, Badassitude Aplenty!
The front 3 or 4 depending on when and how you are counting, can be frightening. Many teams would be happy with just one. Argentina has 4, and a crazy coach, a legendary forward himself, to round up the threat. Their defense though has looked shaky at times but there is no arguing with their chances.
Spain – Solid But A Tad Underachieving, Much Badassitude!
The Spanish side leaves us scratching our heads. They have a very formidable squad. Amazing talent all over, but for some reason they have seemed to struggle. They need to show us more.
Uruguay – Determined and Lethal, With Badassitude!
What looked apparent to us as we watched Uruguay was their unyielding determination and the wickedly lethal opportunism with which the pounced on their chances. I would look over my shoulders at them if I was Ghana.
Netherlands – Ready and Steady, Pure Badassitude!
No team has looked better prepared and steadier than the Dutch. Of all the teams still in the tournament, we would be least surprised if the Dutch became the world champions.
Brazil – Samba On the Pitch, Unadulterated Badassitude!
If Ray Hudson were describing Brazil, he might use phrases like “their feet dance the football samba like angels dancing to the heavenly sounds of the football gods…” No other team has the badassitude aura like Brazil.
Paraguay – Solid, Badass!
We were very impressed with how they held Japan and with their penalty takers. If it was up all up to us, we would want to see them attack with more conviction. Still solid though.
Parting Shorts
England was overrated!! Way Overrated!!
The United States did great. They played just about as well as they were capable of playing. They have to figure out how to not spot the other team goals early.
Portugal disappointed. Really disappointed!
Japan should have made the quarters. We liked Japan.
South Korea played well. We liked how much better they looked this time around.
Chile was a good team – they ran into the Brazil buzz saw.
We liked Mexico. They have good young talent but they need better finishing and to take care of those silly mistakes in the back.
Ivory Coast disappointed too. We expected much much more from them.
South Africa – We like Bafana Bafana. How could we not with such a nickname and the opening goal of the world cup?
North Korea gave it the old college try. What more can we say?
Nigeria stunk.
France stunk and were embarrassing.
Italy were old and embarrassing.
Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia must all have gone home with heads held high. They gave it a solid try and played above expectations.
Greece was indifferent.
Slovakia was average to disappointing. Losing a 2 goal lead and for all intents and purposes losing the game is nothing to be proud of.
Serbia were not good enough.
Honduras were just not good enough.
Slovenia did not show us anything distinguishing.
Norway just did not have enough quality.
Algeria was unimpressive.
Cameroon woke up too late and showed good quality but could not finish. Disappointing.
