Monday June 29 Links and Banter
Dang. Already?
About Yesterday's Games
Canada 1, South Africa 0
Kind of...: South Africa was game, but Canada played freely and deserved to be rewarded. If they keep pressing things--and they will--in R16, it will increase the range of possible outcomes to include getting blown out, but 1) you gotta play how you're comfortable playing, and 2) it should make for a better game for us, the viewer.
Today's Matchups
Brazil v Japan
Inglewood, CA. 1:00 PM ET/12:00 GTZ.
Kind of...: I've been talking up Japan, and I really like them despite all their injuries. They play really sound, competent soccer without being cynical or too "pragmatic." But, yeah, they're missing some dudes, and Brazil looks better than expected. Brazil is a sound favorite, but don't just assume history is destiny. (But it probably is.)
MaximumSam: It's Feijoada for Brazil versus Japanese Curry for, uh Japan. Feijoada is a black bean stew flavored with whatever meats you have lying around, usually some pork and sausage. Japanese curry tends to be a mild but sweet gravy compared to the punchier curries elsewhere. No brainer for me - inject the feijoada into my veins.
Germany v Paraguay
Foxborough, MA. 4:30 PM ET/3:30 GTZ.
Kind of...: You know, I know, and, most of all, Paraguay knows, that they're best chance is an uber-conservative, pack-it-in approach coupled with trying to win duels in the air to spur a counterattack. Sadly, this is correct. Germany isn't as tall and rangy as they have been in much of the past. And they are susceptible to occasional defensive lapses. So, this one will probably be boring. If it isn't, it's either because Germany unlocked things early and is winning in a rout (like the USMNT did), or because it's getting late and it's still competitive even if there hadn't been much offense (similar to Germany/Ecuador).
MaximumSam: The favorite Sauerbraten takes on the underdog, Sopa Paraguaya. Sauerbraten is basically pot roast with some sweet and sour flavors. Sopa paraguaya is new to me, and is apparently a cheesy, oniony cornbread. Hey, I love a good cornbread, and cheese and onions aren't bad either. Upset alert?
AlmaOtter: KO's got the detail analysis and MaxSam is adding the color. As the third man in the booth, I'm just here to note that I would CRUSH some sopa paraguaya.
Netherlands v Morocco
Guadalupe, Mexico. 9:00 PM ET/8:00 GTZ.
Kind of...: Dear lord am I stoked for this one. Two of the best 10 teams in the world right now. Could be a quarterfinal and nobody would bat an eye. Morocco made the semis in 2022 and is arguably at least as good this time around. Netherlands has made the finals, semis, and quarters, respectively, in their last three appearances. The Dutch have racked up 10 goals and look formidable precisely because the scoring can come from so many folks (5 different scorers so far). That said, the Dutch have tended to get a bit conservative once the knockouts roll around. Still, don't overthink this. This is a match you do NOT want to miss.
MaximumSam: The Netherlands bring their Stamppot, which is an array of boiled potatoes and vegetables all mashed together. Yum! Morocco went with Couscous, which I remember being all the rage some years back. Couscous is just a very small pasta that can act like rice. I may fall asleep for this one.
