...the really 'surprising kind'!
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by PAM
Were we really surprised by this: As if Spain's painful loss to The Netherlands is not a huge enough shock, England went down on their knees to let Italy come through. The Three Lions squad gave a whimper as World Cup newcomer Mario Balotelli no less headed a late goal to put the Azzuri on top, and their World Cup bid looking better than the men from the most 'successful' (read: moneyed) European Football League... the English Premier League, of course. Oh, well... at least, in the 90s, David Beckham's good looks more than made up to the squad's being such underachiever. Their time will come... but 2014 is not it, I think. I did put them on my Top 5 choice to win the World Cup last month! What can I say, I still feel strong 'affinity' with the man who 'bends it' like no one else does. And, the Premier League must go on... and on. Therefore, let's go on. Yawn.
Next surprise: The Uruguay National Team took off with a zing via a 1-0 lead over the come backing Costa Rica courtesy of the now grown-up, Edinson Cavani. He used to look like an 'oversize boy' who played good football back in 2010. Now, he comes back all grown-up, complete with beautiful cheekbones and abs that would have more than made up for it if he were a so-so, and he's not a so-so either. So, bravo!
After the first-half, I was ready to go to bed, confident that Oscar Tabarez, one of my fave coaches, I must admit, have prepared his team enough to crush the Costa Rica challenge, in spite of the absence of his "main man", Luis Suarez, who underwent knee surgery last May, and elected to sit out the match. Plus, judging from their performance in South Africa in 2010, when they were in the last four, and their successful finish in the Copa America in 2011, they should be fine in the Group Stage. I have to admit though that I had to take a second look everytime Diego Forlan hesitated or steadied his footing before firing/passing the ball, giving the Costa Rica defense time to react, and how he walked around the pitch, not looking like there is urgency in the need for his strikes. Anyway, Cavani looked fired up, so I thought they'd be fine... plus they have one goal advantage. So, imagine my surprise in the morning when I learned that they were beaten... and beaten good, too - by Costa Rica, 1-3!
Alright, Luis, be well and come back to Papa Oscar. He needs you - now!
Pleasant surprise: Colombia, of course! :) Man, that was a beautiful match right there, as they made the Greeks suffer on Brazilian grass from not being able to match their enthusiasm, fearlessness, and their desire to have fun. Their joy was so infectious! And, they were even missing the injured Radamel Falcao! Imagine that? What a pleasant surprise! :) Luv these guys!
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Video credit: Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.
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