10:00 AM France (Group E winner, 2-1-0, 17) vs. Germany (Group G winner, 2-1-0, 2)
2:00 PM Brazil (Group A winner, 2-1-0, 3) vs. Colombia (Group C winner, 3-0-0, 8)
Numbers in brackets are group stage finish, and W-D-L in the group stage, and FIFA ranking.
France Germany was one of the best WC matches in history, the semi-final in 1982.
1-1 after full time, then France goes up 3-1 in first half of ET, but Germany comes back and ties it with one in the first half, and then in second half of et, a great overhead kick by Fischer, then wins in penalties.
Also, incident between Schumacher and Battiston, Schumacher knocking him out.
The British announcer had no problem showing his bias against the Germans in this clip...especially complaining on and on about the goalies moving on the penalties before the kicks, especially in the last 30 seconds when he calls the German win "totally unsatisfactory" at the very end.
This was the first WC game decided on penalties, maybe that was the cause his frustration, but was pretty comical to hear, as most every penalty shootout has done the same.
browna: everyone was against the Germans in the 82 WC. Not just the incidents in that game, Germany fixed a game with Austria to eliminate Algeria. Then Germany drew England in the 2nd group stage and then England could not beat Spain letting Germany go through to that famous semi.
England had beaten France 3-1 in the first round but got nowhere. So the English commentators were just plain pissed off in general.
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Watching the Oilers defend is like watching fire engines frantically rushing to the wrong fire
Four likable teams that have played great football, what's there not to like?
Die Mannschaft has a bit of a special place in my heart, but ultimately I would not be too upset if France won this. They're current team might not be as talented as their 1998 team, but they're also far more likable.
Obviously the home team making it to the semifinals would be good for the games themselves, but then again it would be really special for Columbia to make it through.
I'm just gonna stock up on beer and popcorn and enjoy this
I'm pretty nervous about the game today. Germany has looked ok, but not great since the Portugal game. Hopefully they'll wake up and start finishing chances today. Doesn't sound like Lahm is leaving the midfield so I'm expecting a lineup similar to that of the last game. Hopefully Hummels is in and Schurrle starts in place of Oezil.
I would expect the French game plan to include having a few pops on goal on Neuer from 50yds out just to keep him on his toes and make him think twice about his sweeping role. Something like Munich did to Schmeichel in 99.
World Cup GDT: July 4th - Semifinals
