2014 Fifa world cup

[catfan2002]

Starts this week hope usa can get past the group stage

[FieldsFan336]

The bulk of my family is cheering for the Dutch team, and they've got a big test for their first game... the defending champions from Spain

[Superballer]

At this stage, with the tournament about to begin, I'd consider Brazil, Argentina, and Germany as the likely favorites.  Italy and Spain can't be discounted either.  Only time, of course, will tell. 

[123123123]

Today, the USA's first game oppenents, Ghana, defeated South Korea  by a score of 4 to 0.

The US better be prepared. 

[moneygamelover]

If we're honest with ourselves Team U.S.A. has little chance of getting past the group stage considering Germany and Portugal are both in our group. Still the head coach should NOT bluntly say that we cannot win the World Cup. That's bad form.

[wildbill0962]

To me, it will be a miracle if USA survives the Group Stage. They must score at least a draw with Ghana or they're pretty much screwed. If there is a silver lining (big if), it's that they play Germany last. Germany may have the group locked up by that time, so USA could catch a lucky break. Maybe.

[Superballer]

Perhaps.  Let us remember, though, that anything can happen once the tournament begins...and it was in Brazil in 1950 that the U.S. pulled off one of the World Cup's biggest upsets over England (so it is disappointing we won't have a game in Belo Horizonte, where it happened).  So let's see what happens; I'm not expecting much coming out of the group of death, but you never know. 

[sonicmaster5000]

Host Brazil wins the opening match 3 - 1 against Croatia.

[moneygamelover]

It was a bit more of a struggle than expected for the hosts but Neymar's penalty shot in the 71st minute put Brazil ahead for good.

[wildbill0962]

A shot that came after a horrendous call by the ref. Luckily, Brazil scored again, so it wasn't a huge factor in the outcome.

[sonicmaster5000]

reports that U.S. is being told to get ready in the event Qatar is stripped of hosting the 2022 world cup.

[therealcu2010]

The "report" is from one person, on one since-deleted tweet. The US Soccer Federation president denies any conversations with FIFA.

The investigation regarding the Qatar debacle is not due to conclude for another month. Don't hold your breath just yet. Until something is announced otherwise, Qatar will host the 2022 Cup.

[catfan2002]

Mexico beats Cameroon 1-0 and currently the netherlands leads spain 3-1 65th minute

[sonicmaster5000]

Netherlands gave Spain their worst lost since 1950, 5-1.  1950 was the same year as the famous upset of USA over England.  Also Chile beats Australia 3-1.

[catfan2002]

Colombia beats Greece 3-0 and Costa Rica beats Uruguay 3-1 and currently Italy leads England 2-1 83rd minute still to come is Japan vs Ivory Coast