"Official" 2014 World Cup thread and poll, now with 100% more vuvuzelas

[smackababy]

Colombians remember Andrés Escobar who was killed exactly 20 years ago. His own goal led to Colombia's exit from the 94 WC. It is widely believed he was murdered by the cartel bosses who had bet heavily on Colombia. A tragic tale.

I hope Colombia can do something special against Brazil.

Quite a few people dispute that is why he was killed. He was "confronted" about his own goal by two higher level enforcers with some comments and he responded passionately. It is theorized it was more likely that the gangsters (who were pretty much unchecked since Pablo Escobar was killed) had inflated egos and wouldn't let anyone, even Andres who had huge reputation as a national hero, get away with backtalk towards them.

It is tragic, but hardly a "killed over his own goal" situation.

Meh. Germany has been in the semi-finals for the last 3 World Cups. They will continue that trend!

Typical Nazi supporter! Ze Germans are going down!


Also, it seems the love story of the US National Team isn't over. People are really responding to the play and heart of the team, despite lacking real Premier League level talent.

 

[squarecut1]

Quite a few people dispute that is why he was killed. He was "confronted" about his own goal by two higher level enforcers with some comments and he responded passionately. It is theorized it was more likely that the gangsters (who were pretty much unchecked since Pablo Escobar was killed) had inflated egos and wouldn't let anyone, even Andres who had huge reputation as a national hero, get away with backtalk towards them.

It is tragic, but hardly a "killed over his own goal" situation.

It is kind of same thing. Nobody will ever know what exactly caused it, but it was related to his own goal, directly or indirectly.

But yeah, Colombia those days was a complete lawless jungle. I had a Colombian friend and he never went to visit his country in those years. Said it was too dangerous. I think things are better now.

 

[smackababy]

It is kind of same thing. Nobody will ever know what exactly caused it, but it was related to his own goal, directly or indirectly.

But yeah, Colombia those days was a complete lawless jungle. I had a Colombian friend and he never went to visit his country in those years. Said it was too dangerous. I think things are better now.

From everything I heard, when Pablo Escobar was in "power", things weren't that bad. He made all the underworld ask his permission before doing things like kidnapping and such, which he rarely allowed. Once he died though, all hell broke loose. Even during the World Cup, one of the player's son was kidnapped. Thankfully, they were able to recover him unharmed, but it got really bad. Pablo also had a huge relationship with the soccer organizations. He built fields, sponsored teams, and even met numerous times with the national team (even while in prison!).

It really does suck Andres was killed though. Especially, if it was for his own goal. That was the right play, and he just got unlucky. Had he not hit the ball, it likely would have been a goal regardless. Nobody on his team puts any blame on him.

 

[William Gaatjes]

I just heard on the news today that seven players of the German selection are heaving the flu. That is going to be an exiting game or a slaughterfest when France is going against Germany. I cannot wait until Saturday. Going to BBQ and watch the game with friends. Costa Rica - Netherlands.

 

[smackababy]

Brazil - Columbia is going to be good! France - Germany was looking well, but with Germany sick, who knows.

 

[Arcadio]

Good Luck to Colombia. And I can't believe it's been 20 years since the 1994 World Cup and Escobar's death. Speaking of that, everyone should check out the ESPN 30 for 30 Documentary "The Two Escobars". One of the best documentaries I've ever seen (I'm Colombian, so my opinion might be severely biased).

 

[squarecut1]

I just heard on the news today that seven players of the German selection are heaving the flu. That is going to be an exiting game or a slaughterfest when France is going against Germany. I cannot wait until Saturday. Going to BBQ and watch the game with friends. Costa Rica - Netherlands.

I won't necessarily believe the news. There are lot of psychological games that are played this way.

I hope the German team is on full strength and fit.

 

[squarecut1]

Good Luck to Colombia. And I can't believe it's been 20 years since the 1994 World Cup and Escobar's death. Speaking of that, everyone should check out the ESPN 30 for 30 Documentary "The Two Escobars". One of the best documentaries I've ever seen (I'm Colombian, so my opinion might be severely biased).

Thank you. I will look for it.

 

[smackababy]

Thank you. I will look for it.

It is pretty good. It goes into the whole build up for that 1994 World Cup and the effects Pablo Escobar had on Colombian soccer.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Pablo also had a huge relationship with the soccer organizations. He built fields, sponsored teams, and even met numerous times with the national team (even while in prison!).

Current coach for FC Dallas, Óscar Pareja, played for the Colombian team at the time and met with Escobar. Pretty interesting story.

 

[smackababy]

Current coach for FC Dallas, Óscar Pareja, played for the Colombian team at the time and met with Escobar. Pretty interesting story.

Yeah, it is crazy how much influence Escobar had. The stories of when he was to be sent to regular prison are the police showed up and the prison was empty. I can't imagine having to go and meet Escobar in prison, let alone play against him!

 

[William Gaatjes]

20 minutes until the game starts : France - Germany.

 

[squarecut1]

Should be cracker of a match

 

[squarecut1]

88 percent humidity

 

[KeithTalent]

Ze Germans!!! 1-0. Beautiful ball in and a fantastic header; love it.

KT

 

[William Gaatjes]

Ze Germans!!! 1-0.

KT

Yep. A head ball.

 

[squarecut1]

That was beautiful

 

[KeithTalent]

Wow what a chance for France! So close.

KT

 

[William Gaatjes]

Wow what a chance for France! So close.

KT

Yeah. I find Müller a bit theatrical.

 

[KeithTalent]

Yeah. I find Müller a bit theatrical.

Yeah, he's been a bit much so far today.

KT

 

[William Gaatjes]

Never mind.

 

[KeithTalent]

Wow, that looked like it easily could have penalty against Schweinstager. The old slew foot.

KT

 

[William Gaatjes]

Wow, that looked like it easily could have penalty against Schweinstager. The old slew foot.

KT

Yeah, he plays very rough.

 

[squarecut1]

Time running out for the French

 

[squarecut1]

That was weak