Russia/Qatar to Host World Cup in 2018/2022

Consider me officially disappointed. I was looking forward to a sweet trip to England or Spain/Portugal in 2018 and the US hosting in 2022. But FIFA went with Russia and Qatar receptively. I am shocked about both, feel bad for England who really had their heart set on 2018 and thought they deserved it. It's the motherland of soccer.

As for the US, disappointing but life goes on. Sure they were the practical choice but since when is FIFA practical. FIFA is now going with 4 straight risky countries in a row (South Africa/Brazil/Russia/Qatar), but South Africa proved that it can be done. Even though they had a tough time filling in the stadium and ended up with an overall financial loss, the pageantry of having Africa host the beautiful game for the first time was too much for FIFA not to overlook, thus having first time hosts Russia and Qatar winning the bids. FIFA president Sepp Blatter always wanted to bring soccer to the "Arab World" and he got his wish. Definitely a man about legacy and is fulfilling it with Africa and now the Middle East.

As for the US, they go back to square one, losing the Olympic Chicago bid to Rio in 2016 and now the WC in 2022. They have 2026 and I think they are the early favorites to host now that China is no longer eligible to host because Qatar is considered in the Asian conference in soccer.

And who knows. I'm planning on going to Brazil in 2014 and maybe Russia/Qatar would be a cool place to go to. We'll see.

Here's a preview of the first five Qatar stadiums that will be built for 2022.

Germans Celebrating 3rd Place

Ohhhhh Ze Germans. Act like you've been there before. Oh yeah, and buckle up.

Lego Reenactment of the WC Final

Yes these have been done for every game, but I miss the World Cup and this Legos reenactment might actually be more entertaining then the game itself. De Jong's jump kick and Inesta's shirtless celebration included.

Remember Mesut Ozil in 2014

Bleed Orange

Uruguay-Netherlands is tomorrow for the first Semifinal of the World Cup. I'm partial to cheering for Holland because I have friends and family that are from and live there. I could only imagine Amsterdam if they win tomorrow and the whole thing. If you need some help choosing a team, watch this Nike ad that will get you pumped for tomorrow's match. Hup Holland Hup!

Coast to Coast Chills

Call me a hater, but sometimes I think the USA USA USA chant is kind of douchey. But in this case, it's not, because it's not forced. Spontaneity of pure raw (drunk) emotion. US blowing chance after chance for that elusive goal but to finally come through at the end was something rare. The US is usually dominant in sports but in 2010 we've been treated to two of our teams reaching success in sports that we are not usually dominant in. USA hockey making it all the way to the Gold Medal Game (F you Crosby) and the US advancing to the 2nd round in amazing fashion. Here's a youtube video I came across of all the reactions after Landycakes' goal in the 91st minute.

Amazing

USA - Algeria Tomorrow

Critical game for the US. Like Al Davis, Just Win Baby. That's all they need to do against Algeria, arguably one of the worst teams in the cup. Don't make it hard on yourself. Just stay in control, score a few goals and put Algeria out of their misery.

Rock. Flag. EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SoKo got Messi'd

Well this morning I woke up extra early for the South Korea-Argentina match. As tempting as it was to go to Korean BBQ at 7 am, it was a little too early for me. The match wound up being 4-1 Argentina with a hat trick from Argentinean Striker, Gonzalo Higuain. Lionel Messi was a beast though, creating opportunities, setting up plays and assisting on goals including his free kick that was mishandled leading to a SoKo own goal. It's ok Korea, all of Spain, Europe for that matter have all been Messi'd. You have to respect Messi. Not only is he an all world talent, he's doing it at my height. He's like me out there but with a tiny bit more skill.

Other Messi tidbits.

His WAG




His Crush that he's referring to here: "I don't know if Cheryl is going to want to support England. She might be a bit anti-England players at the moment. If she is looking for a new nation to follow at the World Cup, she should look no further than Argentina. We play the prettiest football, have the prettiest players, and Argentinian men also know how to treat their women. She would of course have to do the Tango. I don't think there would be a shortage of Argentinian players willing to help teach her."

And his 47 goals from last season.

Robert Green has been here before.

Robert Green is still catching flack for the softy he let in. Maybe he was distracted. Like breaking up with your WAG a few weeks before the tourney started.



Or maybe because well, he's prone to make mistakes.

Either way, Robert Green, we salute you.

England - USA aftermath

Robert Green = England Bill Buckner.



Katy Perry, a dress divided.

Oh yeah, they tied 1-1. I think that covers it.

Not Going to South Africa for the World Cup? Take Your Tour Here.

Here's a google earth video on all the World Cup Stadiums in South Africa. Looks amazing. My favorite stadium is probably the last one shown, but they all look fantastic. Only 2 days away peoples.

SportsCenter's World Cup Commericials

More commercials to prepare you for the World Cup. Can you tell I'm a little pumped?

World Cup Preview Featuring Wayne Rooney

Rooney is one of my favorite soccer players. Just a typical Englishman with pasty white skin, kind of gingerish and can flat out score. He's also kind of an asshole and likes his pints of beer. He's definitely one to keep your eye one as he leads the hope of a whole nation.





Not a bad WAG either, Wayne.

Nike Does it again.

3 min World Cup promo. Simply Awesome. June 11 can't get here fast enough.

The World is About to Get Messi'd

It was another lazy Sunday at the Castro. 3 out of 4 were hungover and one is a gimp so we all watched Barcelona vs. some other team that got relegated. Barcelona clinched another La Liga Championship with a 4-0 win and Lionel Messi scored twice. With the World Cup 25 days away, here's a little preview with all of Messi's 47 goals in La Liga this year. Something to look forward to this upcoming June.

World Cup Exactly One Month Away

The world's biggest sporting event is back in a month and I'm excited. The enthusiasm of the players, countries and fans, the talent of the players and the talent of the ladies. Just awesome. It also takes away that summer lull in sports before futbol americano starts. I can only handle baseball for so long (call me when it's September, MLB). Anyways here's a quick preview with the top 100 footballer's WAGs (wifes and girlfriends) and a couple vids of the top 50 best world cup goals ever and the best goals in 2006 in Germany. Enjoy the beautiful game. Joga Bonito!

Top 100 WAGs