The Other Semi Is Set In Brazil

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

And it was one side that showed its prowess and another who escaped from Cinderella...

In the first game of the day Argentina got an early strike and rode it to a 1-0 win over a spirited Belgium side. And, with everyone looking at Lionel Messi as the man to keep in check, it was Higuain and the other nine to pick up the slack


The nightcap was Costa Rica and the Netherlands. Everyone was looking for the Oranje to steamroll the upstart of the final 8, but the Ticos made them earn it- going scoreless through 90 and extra time- forcing the Dutch to penalty kicks. Netherlands head coach Louis Van Gaal made an interesting switch leading to the kicks, swapping out goaltenders- bringing in Newcastle's Tim Krul for the final act.

The gamble worked


News on Neymar from the Brazilian physicians have him back being active in 40-45 days- certainly good news for the sport as FIFA will examine the knee to the back that caused the injury.

Here's All Of Tim Howard's Activity Vs. Belgium

((HT: bubbaprog's COUB))

The HQ thinks that Team USA keeper Tim Howard should not have to buy another drink in this country for the rest of his natural born life and should IMMEDIATELY be given the Congressional Medal of Honor

Here's all of his saves put back-to-back and Ian Darke gets to yell a lot, too...


The HQ blames Piers Morgan for the loss

Before it Begins: USA Soccer Hype Video Gets Everyone Excited for Game

Okay, call us suckers for a well produced video. After all, it's what we do for a living.

And yes, though many in the southern U.S still don't comprehend soccer on it's highest level, they have no idea what they are missing.

Before--or while watching Team USA play Belgium in the World Cup Tuesday afternoon, check out this "Hype Video" to get you pumped for the occasion.

Great stuff:

International Friendly Sunday Gives Some Answers

And yields more questions...

Will the guys at Team USA figure out their issues at the back...? They have another two weeks to figure it out...
The friendly in New Jersey against Turkey gave both teams a lot of offensive chances and the game could have been a lot more than the 2-1 final in favor of the stars and bars.

But Team USA showed some of the brilliance people expect...
((HT: ESPN))


And in the Belgium friendly with Sweden started with this shot from Romelu Lukaku
((HT: Footy Goals))


Looks like some folks are figuring it out...