Thread: World Cup 2014

Well, turns out we're all wrong, North Korea actually won the World Cup....

Who would have guessed that the FIFA soccer balls were made in India.


In pictures: Making the official Fifa World Cup 2014 Adidas Brazuca football | The National

Originally Posted by Maximilian

Who would have guessed that the FIFA soccer balls were made in India.


In pictures: Making the official Fifa World Cup 2014 Adidas Brazuca football | The National

Interesting link - thanks for posting it Max.

Who would have guessed that same country of well over a billion people, an astounding number of which are poor (not American poor but dirt poor generation after generation) wouldn't be able to put together 25 guys who can kick a ball around. It's the easiest sport to play as far as equipment needed...

Their politics, infrastructure are so fragmented that developing any sort of nation wide program (for anything) takes a major effort backed by huge motivation. It's not that it can't be done. If there was money to be made, it wouldn't be an issue - India would be in the WC Finals every 4 years. See all the masters, doctorate level high techies and doctors. Education is good if you can afford it. Athletics...not a priority unless it's cricket. And even then it's not what it could be.

But make no mistake, they know how to stitch up some fabric (because $$ from exporting, manufacturing). I'm guessing there were no complaints about the balls - they probably exceeded standards.

It would be nice to root for the country of my ancestors in some sporting venue. Good thing the US now is respectable and I have friends and family from all over the globe so I can conveniently adopt a 2nd team as I see fit.

This year's tournament was great. The dynamic play definitely slowed as it progressed to the semis and finals. But that is usually the case as nobody (managers included) wants to make the mistake to lose the Cup. Argentina played well. Their D was very solid. I thought Messi had a pretty good game. It's not his fault that after he beats 4 high-level players and dishes the ball off that his teammates couldn't continue/link the play. Germany was very good though they did give up some chances that Argentina failed to capitalize on. The goal that won it was fantastic. It was great that it wasn't on penalties or a PK during the run of play. It took an absolutely breath-taking bit of skill from 2 players. That one play that was destined to decide this final. There was no defense for that. Argentina could only hope that the shot would hit the goalie (it barely missed his hands). It was a perfect goal for the circumstances. Congratulations to Germany! They were the best team of the tournament and deserve to hoist the Cup.

Now if I can just get my uncle, aunt (his German wife) and cousins (born in Germany) to shut up about it for a few minutes...