June 11, 2010

• Spain to defeat the Dutch in the final. Argentina takes third over England (after penalties, of course).
• I'm relieved to see Nigeria designated as NGA, after a not-well-informed webcomic subtly warned what the scoreboard might look like if "NIG" Nigeria were to play "GER" Germany. But then, it'd also look bad with "GRE" Greece or "GHA" Ghana... And would an American victory over England be a symbolic revenge for what BP is doing to our shoreline? No, because NOBODY IN THE U.S. GIVES A FLYING FRAK what happens in "Soccer".
• Lack of culture, foop. Actually, I think soccer would be a much better game if players wouldn't wear pants. Actually, all 'organized' sports would be better without pants.
• All 'organized' everything would be better without pants. At least Soccer has less pants than American Football and Baseball (And when did Basketball shorts get so long? I was not consulted, were you?)
• Women's soccer would have been almost pantsless (like beach volleyball) if Sepp had got his way.
• Sweden aren't playing. Booo. My interest level is thusly unusually low. Predictions: Current cup holders Italy will get knocked out in the first round. As will France. Spain will play at least one match down to 9 men due to red-card drahmah, but still get through to the semis. England will scrape through to the final, probably on at least one dubious referee decision, and then lose on penalties to Brazil.
• England v. USA today! Since I habitually support whoever's playing against England so they'll get knocked out as soon as possible and I won't have to deal with Tubes and streets full of horrible fans, I might have to get a little bit patriotic about this. But not where anyone can see me, obviously. usa. usa. usa.
• quidnunc and I are having a bit of a sonnet duel over in the MeFi thread.
• Vuvuzela Time!
• C'est le disastre. My predictions are coming true!
• homunculus, that is superb! But he doesn't make any noise - is he supposed to? I was looking forward to the infinite whine of a thousand hornets.
• Oh no never mind, disabled flash.
• The summary of American soccer. For those who can't actually be in the stands:
• The Fellowship of the Vuvuzela
• Four o'clock in the morning here, and little old New Zealand have just drawn! with the reigning world champion, Italy. I'm bloody proud.
• Au revoir and arrivederci, Les Bleus and Gli Azzurri. *blows the vuvuzela of farewell* That's two for two on my predictions. Just call me Mystic Moth. should really have put some bets on something...
• ZOMG! YouTube gets a vuvuzela button!
• Jon Stewart Debates the USA's World Cup Win with John Oliver
• NZ All Whites drew again! Choosing this moment to retire from the competition, undefeated. Also not having enough points to go on to the next round.
• Interestingly, Ryan Nelsen the All Whites captain was stricken by a stomach bug on match day, and 15 years ago to the day, most of the All Blacks Rugby team were hit by a "stomach complaint" for their RWC match.
• Vuvuzela Fail
• 'Psychic' octopus predicts Germany victory over England
• ARGH. I weep for Ghana.
• They deserved to win. Ah well.
• Major upset - Netherlands defeats Brazil!! No Carnival this year.
• Paul The Octopus STUNS Germany, Picks Spain To Win World Cup Semifinals
• Bugger. I blame the octopus. Bastard octopus.
• Dutch Player Literally Drop-Kicks Spaniard in World Cup Final
• Bah. So much about that that was underwhelming. On to the next. Sweden World Champions in 2014!!!! PS seriously someone eat the octopus. this is getting creepy