Brad

With Sweden looking on a pace to win, Germany looks to be in deep you know what. However, if Germany scores, Mexico is out. As they say in Spanish, que lío. What a mess. Mexico is getting their asses kicked.

Fair enough Larry and thanks for the response. I would never agree that Hines is choppy Since I could stand to learn and listen more to Waller, would you suggest the Stash set you mentioned or something else.

That is very cool. I haven't been in Spain in a very long time. I wish I was there with you. I assume -- or hope -- you will be rooting for La Selección on Sunday. Years ago, when I lived in Madrid, I went to Copa del Rey final at the Bernabéu, which was a 15 minute walk from our apartment. Back then it was called the Copa del Generalísimo and I believe Franco was at the match. I think Barcelona won the match. History repeats itself. By the way, have you read Sid Lowe's book about Real and Barcelona and Spanish politics. It's tremendous. Yes, today should be great. A couple of people I know, who are not football fans, were complaining about the French Denmark match. I told them that an air of desperation was missing from that match and they should watch today. I will have my tv tuned to one channel and my iPad on mute so I can watch the other match.

Disc 1

Looking at today's matches, I'm hoping that Mexico wins their group and Brasil comes in second so that Spain, if it wins, doesn't have to face Germany or Brasil in their side of the bracket, not that we couldn't beat them, but it would make thing, on the surface, to be easier. Of course, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

I listened to the first cd and I like the notes quite a bit -- they are informational -- and have no issue with what Iverson said. It's his opinion. As far as the Waller sections, I don't claim to be an avid Waller admirer (which I may want to correct going forward) but even if I was, what would you have Mosaic do? Omit the music because it's not up to "your" or someone else's standards. Sorry, but that makes no sense. That's not how Mosaic does things, although this set is not called the "Complete."

Les Bleus!

Ok, you’re on. A cd of your choice if you win and vice versa?

With reference to Steve's comments, with Peru beating Australia, they probably decided to take it easy. Shades of 82. Dmitry, I'd like to but my dislike is too pronounced to see the matter objectively. Even if they beat France, they won't make past it the quarters. With reference to Steve's comments, with Peru beating Australia, they probably decided to take it easy. Shades of 82. Dmitry, I'd like to but my dislike is too pronounced to see the matter objectively. Even if they beat France, they won't make past it the quarters.

A shame. I was rooting for Nigeria. Not enough ball possession to forestall Argentina. I can’t see them moving past France.

A good result for Peru so far.

Thanks Steve. I should have looked online. La Liga will be using it this fall. The Premier League has deferred use. Here’s an article from the BBC: How VAR Works Another one on the German and Italian experience. Lessons Learned in Germany and Italy

Dnitry, I was unsure about who made the call and to be honest, I didn’t care who made the call. I’m just happy it was made. Any new system takes a bit getting used to and perhaps adjustments will be made in the future. Does anyone know if VAR will be used in the leagues come this fall?

I could be wrong but I think the ref has the ultimate decision, with the refs in the booth helping him. It seems closer to the NFL system than baseball. I agree about limiting it but that assumes, the coaches are the ones requesting it, not the booth. I'm not completely clear on this point but I think it's the ref that initiates review.

Why? If technology can help get decisions correct, why not use it. Aspa's goal was clearly not offside and they got it right. C'mon, Dmitry join the modern age Marca ran a fan poll today (in which I voted) and some of the results are interesting: a different starting lineup is needed, the goalie needs to be replaced, only 56% think they will beat Russia, Isco received the best rating and the others (for the most part received a C (aprobado or passing), while de Gea received a D. This is not a team that is going to beat you with a lot of goals; it was that way in 2010 and it seems that way now. However, the defense really needs to improve for that to work.

No, because it’s a referee decision on placement not game action. I disagree about VAR; it’s gotten wrong decisions correct. What could be wrong with that. Every other sport has them.

True and you can throw in there Tunisia and maybe Costa Rica. It will probably get worse in eight years: Coming to the World Cup: More Drubbings

I just read the introductory essays to the book and although I know nothing about sound engineering, Bill Savory sounds like he was a genius in his field. What was even more amazing to me was that his heirs were going to throw out all the discs. What a loss that would have been.

It’s not for nothing that this area has been complicated since time immemorial. Even now, Greece and the Macedonians have just settled a dispute over the Republic of Macedonia using Macedonia in its name.

Nice! 👍

Nice looking kids. Congrats.

No fun getting old!

Every team in Group B was tough. Other than Panama and may Egypt or the Saudis. all the teams at the WC deserve to be there; no easy marks.

An incredible set of events. Spain looking they’re limping in but somehow win the group. A less than impressive showing, especially the defense. Spain was saved by the post and they were lucky on that handball on Pique.

Could be an early exit for Spain