Damn, the first game that I overslept Ger-Swe is a classic. After 2-0 Mexico just went blank.

No doubt, this was a well deserved win for Germany, still fueled by a tremendous amount of luck. It's only every few years you turn a match around in such a spectacular way, especially during a big tournament. Last time I felt so worn out after a football game was on July 13th 2014. Phew!

edit: We have to talk about the behaviour of some of Germany's staffers after the final whistle, though. That leaves a bad mark on this otherwise delightful evening.

Supposedly an apology was issued.
Now all that's left is to remove these clowns from the staff immediately. And close the DFB social media accounts for good measure.

I'm not 100% on the details, but I think exception was taken with what was perceived to be time wasting by Sweden. Whatever the reason, two members of the German staff had the bright idea to run over to the Swedes and celebrate/taunt the 2-1 right in their faces.
Looked like this.

Is it really necessary for the officials in the 'video review booth' to be dressed like the officials on the field? :P
I'm not kidding! They just showed them. Several guys in green shirts, black shorts, cleats, sitting in front of a bank of monitors.

Good game all round from England's point of view. Was a bit worried they would do the usual score, then go to sleep. But this performance does give confidence. Be interesting to see how the Belgium game transpires now, as it's no longer really important.
Of course it is. Imagine if they switched to the var office and they were all wearing England t-shirts. They have to be seen as totally impartial in all ways as they may be seen.

In the NFL and NHL the guys in the video replay booth wear suits and ties. They look like bankers.

In the NBA, they all look like stock traders. And kudos the the VAR, they didn't feel unnecessarily long. In the NBA, one foul review could be longer than the audience wanted to.

And regarding England, under Hodgson these 2 games could be 2 draws.

I thought it was too but Gareth Southgate wasn't happy in his post match interview.

Japan -Senegal might be my favorite match so far. Good fighting spirit, clean and beautiful game with no drama queens diving for no reason, 4 goals and both teams still have their chance to move forward to second round.

I#m looking forward to England vs. Belgium. It will be the first real test for oth teams.

Yeah, just caught that on the news. I can see an area or two where they could have done better, not letting the goal in for instance, but it's really nit picking on a good performance and one we haven't had in, I can't remember how long.
Yes, was a really good game.



***breaking news***
GOG shut down for day of morning...

Ok, still 45mins to go.

I believe there's a (not entirely unlikely) situation, where the winner of that game gets put into one bracket with Uruguay, Spain, France, Brazil and Germany.
World Cups are fun.

Quite shocked about Poland's poor performance. I considered them at least quarter-final material. Any Poles around to explain to me what happened?