World Cup Matches

I'm sorry I'm so late in replying to this question. I'm visiting family in NC for the Fourth, and this is the first time I've been online in a week.

In any case, when the attacking team kicks the ball over the end line, the defending team is awarded a goal kick. The goalkeeper (or any other player) places the ball on the 6-yard line (the box closest to the goal) and kicks it from placement. When the goal keeper fields the ball in the larger box, he can carry it out near the eighteen-yard line and punt it or pass it to one of his players. The larger box is the area where the goalkeeper can touch the ball with his hands. Outside of that box hemust use only his feet like anyone else. Hope this helps.

Tim Reynolds

 

I have been able to watch some of the games while I've been on vacation. But I did not get to see the Netherlands beat Brazil. After I get home I'll watch it on the Internet. I did get to watch both of the semi-final games. My daughter and I agreed that it was fitting that Uruguay's elimination involved a controversial goal after what happened in their game with Ghana.

I did not understand Germany's game plan against Spain. Counterattacking was good, but to rely on it almost exclusively gave them too few chances for scoring. One of the commentators said that he thought that the Netherlands would approach the final game the same way. I hope not. I'm afraid they will suffer the same fate.

I don't have a favorite in the final. I've seen Spain more than the Netherlands, and I really like what I've seen from David Villa. He is a testimony to the idea that size does not matter. He is a little guy with speed, great ball-handling, and a sense for where the goal is. The Netherlands have Sneijder and Robben among others. They have more speed than Germany, so they could challenge Spain with their own kind of game. I'm looking forward to settling in on Sunday afternoon to watch every minute.

Just think if we only had a Super Bowl every four years with no halftime show (therefore, no chance for a "wardrobe malfunction")!

Tim Reynolds

 

Boy, that's the truth. I really didn't have a preference, but after the Dutch started the rough play, I started leaning Spain's way. I thought the referee lost control of the game. He should have given a direct red card to the Dutch player who stuck his cleats into the chest of the Spanish player. And he spent too much time telling the players, "Let's play nice!" But the end was exciting. Two Spanish players beat six Dutch defenders. The Dutch had their chances, but it didn't happen for them. Spain's win was well deserved.

Tim Reynolds