Brazil - Germany

[fabrisse]

We were let out early, and I had to stay in the neighborhood for a meeting, so I treated my self to an early dinner. (It's also payday.)

The big television in the corner was on (sound off, thankfully) and I realized the World Cup Semi-final had already begun. Then I checked the score: 3-0. Then I checked the time: 25 minutes into play. Then I checked the score again (because WTF?) just as the fourth goal went into the net. It was beautiful and I laughed out loud because it was so gorgeous. And then there was the fifth goal, and the guy behind me in the Brazilian shirt said, "This is embarrassing."

By the time Brazil got its only goal, in the last 30 seconds of regular play, I had theories. One was that the coaches had played the water boy in the goal for some reason, because the sixth goal -- I think it was, could have been the seventh -- was one that I could have blocked and, not only am I on a cane, I have no depth perception.

I also really admire Manuel Neuer, the German goalie. He blocked with every body part at one point or another. He was an integral part of the team, sometimes wandering far from the goal to aid the general play, but always (until the last 30 seconds) in the right spot at the perfect moment to block Brazil's attempts at a goal.

I genuinely don't understand the people who say soccer is boring. The game moves constantly. It's graceful and elegant. There were definite team styles. The German's weren't afraid to stop the ball to keep control, I noticed.

But for me the defining moment of the game came at minute 88, just before Brazil's only goal. ESPN cut to a shot of the Brazilian coaches, the one had his hands lifted like he was praying and the other was checking his watch.

Found on Twitter via The Guardian:

Comments

[tediousandbrief.livejournal.com]

I'm watching/listening to the game right now while I pack and clean for the tomorrow's trip. I had it on but on mute at work and looked in at a 5-0 halftime score and thought that it must have been an error. I said on facebook that the score was like a video-game soccer score when I'm playing as the Faroe Islands and scoring 8-0 against some of the big guns, like Germany or Brazil.

It is a wonderful game in general. Sometimes it can be a bit repetitive seeming (parts of the US/Germany game I was just going "OMG...someone get the ball and try to score!"

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

Video game soccer score is the perfect description. The Guardian -- which I read last night after the game -- had one of its bloggers suggest that Brazil could have done better if their mascots played center field.

[nefertina86.livejournal.com]

The game was... undescribable! I have no words for it! Neuer is so perfect and all the other players. They really played as a team! You should feel the good vibe which is everywhere here in Germany now! Everybody talks about it and is happy - but I love, it´s in a good way, not bitchy or something! I´m not a football fan, but that´s what I love about it! It bonds the people here :)

[fabrisse.livejournal.com]

It was beautiful team playing by the Germans. I'm glad that there's a good vibe in Germany after this. I'm rooting for Germany to win the cup at this point.