Group of Death Recap: USMNT Can Thank Ronaldo Later (Plus Free Swinging In Ghana)

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

As it turns out, the Germany 4-0 blowout of Portugal was the decider that sent Germany and the United States on and sent Portugal and the Ghanaians home.

This is one of those times that a 1-0 loss is a win as the US moves on to play, probably, Holland


And here's how Ronaldo put the Portuguese in front of Ghana for good...


But, the incident that will make everyone remember that particular match comes from something worse than a cup-check
((HT: Jack Conness' Vine))

Yeah, Okay... We'll Talk About It, Too...

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

The HQ had the feeling Twitter broke twice in, about, a half an hour Sunday when Clint Dempsey scored and then CR7 assisted in game-tying goal with ten seconds left in the USA-Portugal match for a salvaged 2-2 draw.

Let's relive that hell all over again, shall we...??? With analysis...


So, there's all the talk now of colluding with Germany Thursday so both advance (yeah, that NEVER has happened in the past) and Portugal can go home- which would be the biggest irony of it all.

The back line was a complete breakdown in the last possession and NBCSports analyzes with a Molly Ringwold reference
((HT: Dan Patrick Show/Audience Network))


Yeah, it feels like a loss- and with a country that has increased expectations- it should be...

Now, go and park that bus against Germany!!!

Pepe Is Gone-Gone For USA Match

((HT: Clay's Vine))

Because of this... another classless outburst on the pitch


And Germany is rolling in the second half against Portugal, 3-0.

The larger question has to be around just how long will Cristiano Ronaldo be on the pitch and how much will he be saved for the USA match- the next one on their schedule...???

Tim And Sid Get A Guy Off Work For Portugal-Germany

((HT: Sportsnet))

FOSG Tim and Sid, for those of you who don't know, host an afternoon drive-time simulcast on Sportsnet360 and the Fan radio network.

They were holding a contest for listeners to see if they could call a boss and get their worker off to watch a particular Brazil-based soccer match.

Tim and Sid got such a request and tried to make it happen

Here's the exchange

Ronaldo In, Zlatan Out...

Your run to Rio had an interesting turn today...

It was Sweden versus Portugal... which means that it was a case of Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic...

Winner is in and the loser goes home...

Portugal qualified after a hat trick from Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 3-2 win over Sweden and a 4-2 victory on aggregate...

Here's how it happened...
((HT: ESPN))


Ibrahimovic admitted postgame that this may have been his last chance to attend the world competition, and the last two berths are up for bid tomorrow- and unless something happens of an earth-shattering variety, it looks like Uruguay and Mexico will go in to complete the 32-nation field...

Tornado Destroys Soccer Stadium

((HT: Deadspin/Petchesky))

The video below is remarkable on a few fronts...

One- That you actually see a soccer stadium takes it in the chops on a direct hit from a tornado
Two- That the guy shooting the tornado stayed in front of the window for a minute and 15 seconds before realizing he needed to move so he wouldn't die...

Here's the impending doom...


The particulars: Portugese lower-division Silves FC may be needing a new home...

Thursday, a tornado blew through Estadio Dr. Francisco Vieira... early reports have eight injured and, thankfully, no one killed from the aftermath...

Spain wins on PK's, Ronaldo controversy begins

Yes, we are doing a soccer story.

Because if you are a fan of Sports, you should be watching the European Soccer Championships. It's some of the most entertaining, dramatic moments that you'll see.

And before some of you say it....it's more exciting to watch then most baseball games if you know what you are watching.

The 1st of the Euro League semi-finals was played Wednesday afterooon (our time) and featured defending champion Spain vs. Portugal, featuring all-world star Christian Ronaldo.

The game ended regulation time in a draw. So much like hockey (appealing to American fans), the two teams chose sides and went to a Penalty Kick shootout.

And Spain won the shootout 4-2 after their goaltender Iker Casillas stopped the 1st shot and another Portugeses shot hit the crossbar.

However, it did not end without some controversy as Portugal did not have Ronaldo, their supposed best player, take any of their attempts.

Spain will face the winner of Thursday's Germany vs.Italy game. The finals will be on Sunday.

Ronaldo's omission would be roughly the equivalent of the Heat taking LeBron or Dwyane Wade out of the game in the final 2 minutes. Or Tom Brady on the bench during the Patriots last possession.

(Yes, I know we are dumbing this down. But it's shocking how many people don't get "Big-Time" Professional Soccer.)

We are efforting highlights. We'll post 'em when we find 'em...

Found 'em...hope they don't get pulled.

In Case You Missed It: Surfer breaks record for riding biggest wave

((ht: nbcsports.com))

Okay, this is just badass. Plain and simple.

Garrett McNamara of Hawaii either is crazy, has a death wish or is the most talented surfer alive.

Either way, you have to watch this video of McNamara appearing to break a record for riding/surfing the largest wave off the coast of Portugal.

The wave was estimated at 78-plus feet and McNamara gets a lift into the tube, and with the help of a GoPro camera, is shown sliding through the tube...and out the other side.

And yes, it appears Guiness is going to certify this as a World Record. And you know what....even if it wasn't...it is pretty damn impressive.