Ed_Reed20

Bill Simmons' article on Melo was a really good read.

http://grantland.com/features/carmelo-anthony-new-york-knicks-legacy/

Great read. Melo really should have gone to Chicago.

I disagree with that Ozz. Messi was definitely the best player on Argentina's team, but they got through because of a rather easy schedule more than anything.

And the keeper has a right to ball, I can't believe we're even talking about this.

Messi was Argentina's best player in the group stages even though he drifted in and out of games, but I think Mascherano was more influential the rest of the way.

James Rodriguez for me.  I think he was the best player overall in the tournament.

 

Fully agreed. He was amazing in 4 out of 5 games and even though dirty tactics stifled him in the 5th, he still had Brazil trembling late in that game. . 

With Pierce I can see he wizards winning the east

 

Been a fan of Pierce whenever he wasn't playing the Heat since '08 but I think the biggest thing he does for the Wiz is passing on sage advice to Wall and Beal. 

The scary thing is Germany could be better in 2018.

 

Agreed. It's such a shame talents like Reus and Gundogan couldn't play a part in this part. They should be squarely in their primes come 2018 though. Scary indeed. 

I understand his decision in part. But honestly, I feel that of the Big Three, Dwyane Wade is left out in the cold. Each one opted out of their contracts. LeBron James will receive a max contract and join what will likely be a playoff contender that is willing to add another star player. Chris Bosh will receive a max contract and join a team that was already a playoff contender. And Wade, for who the market is uncertain as his name wasn't previously involved, will likely receive considerably less than he would have had he not opted out. Given that the latter was almost a guarantee, I have to assume he felt there was a chance of James re-signing, and I feel like James played this one too close to the chest. Considering how big the dominoes were, that strategy wasn't the best for his fellow FAs. It's a tough day to be a Heat fan, as I am forced to say goodbye to anything but a first round exit, if we reach the playoffs.

 

Couldn't have said it better. I got a text saying he was leaving by my cousin and thought he was trolling (he's a Laker fan). 

 

Wish LeBron all the best but this hurts. 

Argentina are a resilient group but I can't see them stopping Germany. 

 

On another note, Sanchez and Debuchy look to be wrapped up and and Remy should be next. If Arsene can secure a quality holding midfielder, some cover for Mertesacker and Kosh and a backup goalie, it'll be the perfect summer transfer window. 

I disagree.  If France and Germany don't win in blow outs I'd be flabbergasted.

 

This is a bit late but...still flabbergasted? lol 

Craziness, and I missed it buying fireworks. I thought this would be the boring game where I could get some stuff done.

I thought it was going to be a snoozer too. He was dog tired at the end but Campbell really impressed me with his toughness.

France/Nigeria should be really good. Germany/Algeria could be interesting too, especially considering the history.

Don't know about arnie. But I think it's fine. On the one side the amount is ridiculous. But on the the other side you have to pay a premium for english players we all know that, he's probably the best young left back in the world, and you get a player for 15 years since he's only 18. It's a lot, but worth it imo.

 

The inflation on English players looks even worse this summer with how the World Cup campaign went. As talented as Shaw is, injuries or a prolonged loss in form could prevent him from being that 15-year rock. We'll see how he does. 

United wrap up their second signing of summer

 

How do you feel about paying that much for Shaw? He's talented but that price tag is ridiculous.

I like Nicolas Batum. Versatile player. But this definitely should've been the picture:

 

Never gets old. No fs given. 

Ref should have played advantage there. 

Expendables 3 trailer. More geezers and explosions! Yeah!!!

 

Tough passing on those other two players but Beal is going to be something special.

 

Nice pick. One of the best young building blocks in the league. 

Two goals in less than two minutes between Agentina and Nigeria.

 

Let's go Naija! 

 

2-2 to 3-2 in a few minutes.

 

Wow. Think Ogenyi just broke Babatunde's arm with a volley. 

They're really fun to watch too.

 

Agreed. Shows how deep they are to be playing this well without Falcao. 

Colombia are going to be a really tough out in the knock-out stages. 

There's the equalizer. Come on Ivory Coast!!

What kind of sport has ties on the world's biggest stage? 

 

The world's most popular sport. 

 

It's the group stage. You still get a point which often keeps hope alive to enter the knock-out stages.

 

 

I don't understand, what is to stop USA and Germany from just rigging it and tying? 

 

Nothing, but the US could play a potentially worse team in the next stage if they finish first, so they'll be pushing for the win. 

Ghana/Germany was really fun. Loved Asamoah's last-ditch tackle on Muller. Going to very interesting to how the group plays out.

 

I actually have the US winning. I can't see Portugal looking as poor as they did against Germany but I think the US can definitely upset them.

Another well-worked goal. Honduras and Switzerland aren't good teams but the way France has dispatched both of them with ease has been impressive. As always, they've got the quality to win it all but unlike teams from past few competitions, this team seems to have the organisation and hunger.

Sweet counterattack. Nice assist by Giroud. 

Happy to see Giroud score.

 

2-0! Wow...

Great effort by Gervinho. Hope Ivory Coast can get the equalizer.