2014 FIFA World Cup

[Cpt. Mcgillicutty]

Well it's that time again, once every four years the world gets together to see who's the best in "The Beautiful Game". The World Cup starts today at 4pm when host country Brazil battles Croatia. If you have some time to check out a match, I highly suggest it as all games will be aired on the ESPN family of networks.
Here are just a few of my players to watch for:
Lionel Messi - Argentina
Christiano Ronaldo - Portugal
Luis Suarez - Uruguay
Mario Ballotelli - Italy
Manuel Neuer - Germany
Iker Casillas - Spain
Aryen Robbin & Robin Van Persie - Netherlands
Neymar - Brazil
Wayne Rooney - England

There are many, many more stars (and some in the making), so please feel free to add who you think we should watch for and discuss which countries you'll be supporting.

[Lerch]

I started a Yahoo WC Pick'em group. Get after it.

http://y.ahoo.it/o570Vgzr

[Lerch]

Spain has to be a front runner for the World Cup. Winning it in 2010 and destroying Italy 4-0 in the 2012 Euro Cup. Lock them into the Final 4 at least.

Capt. listed the Goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, as a player to watch. I'd like to add Striker David Villa and Midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Very strong up the middle with this squad.

[Lerch]

Last World Cup, you might remember the loud buzzing noise at every game.

This Cup those Vuvuzelas are outlawed.

Brazilians might have thought they could bring their Caxirolas, but those are banned too. Yes! Yes! Yes!

[Lerch]

I got this site here, you know, to get Milkman up to speed.

The Hater's Guide to the World Cup

http://screamer.deadspin.com/the-hater-s-guide-to-the-2014-world-cup-1588867715

[Lerch]

I'll be following this link. https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup

[Cpt. Mcgillicutty]

Spain has to be a front runner for the World Cup. Winning it in 2010 and destroying Italy 4-0 in the 2012 Euro Cup. Lock them into the Final 4 at least.

Capt. listed the Goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, as a player to watch. I'd like to add Striker David Villa and Midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Very strong up the middle with this squad.

Absolutely Lerch, Spain is a strong contender to win it all. My wife was born in Spain and is a Barcelona fan so she'll be pulling for the Armada. Hey Lerch, did you see David Villa just recently signed with the new MLS team NYCFC?

[Lerch]

Absolutely Lerch, Spain is a strong contender to win it all. My wife was born in Spain and is a Barcelona fan so she'll be pulling for the Armada. Hey Lerch, did you see David Villa just recently signed with the new MLS team NYCFC?

I did not, as I am scrambling to absorb as much info as possible. I admit, I'm somewhat of a casual fan most of the time. Mostly watching Revs highlights or important int'l matches. That is very good that more int'l players come to the MLS. I guess we can thank Beckham for that.

[Lerch]

Team Rankings

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2092285-fifa-world-cup-2014-pre-tournament-team-power-rankings

[Lerch]

You think baseball salaries are out of control?

The New York Yankees always have a team salary around $200M.

Well, the top 10 teams in soccer are higher.

Colombia @10 = $232M
Portugal @9 = $395M
Italy @8 = $445M
Belgium @7 = $464M
England @6 = $488M
Franch @5 = $549M
Germany @4 = $614M
Brazil @3 = $643M
Argentina @2 = $648M
&
Spain @1 = $664M

http://www.ftbpro.com/posts/jack.kenmare/997857/the-10-most-wildly-expensive-squads-at-the-world-cup-this-summer

[Cpt. Mcgillicutty]

I did not, as I am scrambling to absorb as much info as possible. I admit, I'm somewhat of a casual fan most of the time. Mostly watching Revs highlights or important int'l matches. That is very good that more int'l players come to the MLS. I guess we can thank Beckham for that.

It was probably a little bit of a troll, but Zlatan Ibrahimavich said the US and MLS are "intriguing". If they could pull an international player of that caliber, the sky's the limit for MLS.

[Lerch]

I made a group for us, Netas is in, I don't see you Capt.

I'm trying to figure out how to add you.

[Cpt. Mcgillicutty]

I made a group for us, Netas is in, I don't see you Capt.

I'm trying to figure out how to add you.

I'm in, I didn't initially see the invite, but I'm in now.

[Lerch]

All set.

[Lerch]

Only TV coverage I can find right now is on beIN sports.

http://www.beinsports.tv/