2 matchdays to recap. I thought Sunday might be the day of the tournament, but Saturday topped it for drama.
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea: In case anyone did not know, Ajax's Luis Suarez is a fantastic player. His game-winner was perhaps the goal of the tournament. South Korea deserved better, but the knockout rounds are life-or-death. Lee Dong Gook wasted a great chance late on a 1v1 that almost trickled through Muslera's legs.
USA 1-2 Ghana (a.e.t.): The right result was a tie after 90 minutes, and so it finished. Ghana dominated the first half; the USA the second. From an American perspective, we should have finished off the match in regulation. Once Ghana was able to take a deep breath, Gyan took its first chance, and the voice of Africa helped it ride out the storm. I'm proud to be a USA fan, and I think Brazil 2014 will be our chance to shine.
Germany 4-1 England: A pulsating match for a time. Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller made England look like old and tired Australia in the back, but Gerrard and Lampard controlled the midfield. Does football need video replay of goals or what? England fans will complain about the result, and rightfully so, but Germany showed its superiority over the 90 minutes.
Argentina 3-1 Mexico: I thought it was Mexico's chance for revenge for Maxi Rodriguez's wonder strike in the same round in Germany 2006. But after a twice-offside goal and a horrible error by Ricardo Osorio, the mountain was too steep. I thought Mexico was impressive, but they should have pushed harder to beat Uruguay and top Group A. Sad for CONCACAF: all 3 sides eliminated on consecutive days.
Villarreal news: Jozy Altidore played 90 minutes (I wish it had been 120) in the USA's extra time loss to Ghana. His effectiveness was limited, but he had a 1v1 late in the second half that flashed just wide of the far post. As always, we see his talent but no consistency. I think the club should keep him around next year.
And Diego Godin played the first half in Uruguay's 2-1 win over South Korea. Unsuprisingly, the Charruas gave up their first goal of the tournament in the second half. I think he will be available for the full 90 minutes against Ghana on Friday. His asking price keeps going up...