Monthly Archives: June 2014

2014 FIFA World Cup Power Rankings: Last 16

Posted on June 27, 2014 by jerblaber

The 2014 World Cup group stage is now complete, and the original 32 team field has been trimmed to 16 after a two-week round-robin bonanza. The EDIZD staff members have each ranked the remaining teams 1-16 as we say our … Continue reading →

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Karim Benzema and Being “The Man”

Posted on June 26, 2014 by jerblaber

This is familiar territory for Karim Benzema. Yet, at the same time, it isn’t. France have advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup for the first time since 2006, going through as Group E winners. Didier Deschamps’ … Continue reading →

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The Blame Game

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Doctor Impossible

You can almost hear him, all the way from Brazil. Why always me? You can sense that that was Mario Balotelli’s exact sentiment when confronted with the accusation that it was his fault, that all of this was his problem, his cross … Continue reading →

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Luis Suarez: The Greatest Villain in Sports

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Jordan Katz

This is not a post defending Luis Suarez. I’m not delusional, insane or have a blurred perception of reality.  This is instead a post applauding Suarez for what he is: the greatest villain in sports. There have been endless players … Continue reading →

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Bridging the Gap: Present Spain vs. Future Spain

Posted on June 23, 2014 by jerblaber

(a joint venture by Doctor Impossible (@viagraofchaos) and jerblaber (@intotheuncanny)) This is where we are with Spain. The old generation is done. But there is hope. The cupboard isn’t bare for the Spanish national team. While this new generation probably … Continue reading →

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USA 2 Portugal 2: The Miracle on Grass was Denied

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Moesquare

The title itself is a bit of a misnomer but I just wanted to use it to give myself the excuse of playing this clip: I can just imagine Jurgen Klinsmann channelling the late Herb Brooks before kickoff against Ronaldo … Continue reading →

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Messi Madness

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Doctor Impossible

There will be a proper breakdown of the goal posted later, but yesterday’s Iran – Argentina game will probably be remembered for THAT goal, the brilliant Lionel Messi golazo that came after 91 minutes of organized Iranian defense. For 91 … Continue reading →

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Spain’s Pursuit to Immortality

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Moesquare

Soviet Union, Rome, Constantinople, the French Monarchy, Ming Dynasty and the Ottoman Empire. These are just some of the empires that have fallen in civilization’s past. Empires with long lineage, and history of momentous achievements made. You can now add … Continue reading →

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A Culture Of Fear: The English National Team

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Doctor Impossible

Last season’s Liverpool team was perhaps the best and worst thing to happen to the English national team setup. Brendan Rodgers built a free flowing, attacking squad on a mostly English spine. All Roy Hodgson had to do was take … Continue reading →

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Breakdown: Dries Mertens’ Winner vs. Algeria

Posted on June 18, 2014 by jerblaber

Belgium kicked off its first World Cup in 12 years with a 2-1 victory over Algeria on Tuesday, but it was far from a cakewalk for the Group H favourites. Algeria led through a Sofiane Feghouli penalty after 25 minutes … Continue reading →

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