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<p> <span style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Remembering Nigel de Jong seemingly Kung Fu-kicking Xavi Alonso within inches of his life during an ill-tempered 2010 World Cup Final, it is hard to fully rationalize we now stand only a mere six months from the first ball to be kicked in anger at Brazil 2014. </span><a href="http://www.authenticchargersshop.com/Jeremiah-Attaochu-Chargers-Jersey" style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><strong>Jeremiah Attaochu Jersey</strong></a><span style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"> . On June 12, just as the sun sets on the magnificent historical city of Sao Paulo the inventors, innovators and purveyors of “joga bonitowill” open their campaign. The opponent, Croatia and all its football might and will. As opposites do attract we are set for a corker of an opener. Brazil, though, will go into the 2014 World Cup Finals with the single mindset and firm view to finally remove the only significant un-removable stain on the host nations World Cup Finals legacy. Its been 64 years of tears, pain, anguish and embarrassment for the nation of 200 million. The source of which traces itself back to the 1950 Finals, the only other time Brazil has played host to the grandest and greatest show on mother earth. The scene was The Estadio do Maracana, without a doubt world footballs global shrine and likely the greatest sporting amphitheatre on the planet and the 1950 World Cup Finals. Now lovingly restored for next summers tournament for a cost well in excess of half a billion, Maracana was inaugurated this past spring when England were fortunately invited to attend. A joyous occasion and celebration last June, but that was not the case on July 16, 1950. Close to 175,000 packed in to witness what they thought would be World Cup fame, glory and honour for their beloved football nation. Sadly, Brazil forgot the script, completely botched their lines and went down to the stunning 2-1 defeat against fellow South Americans, Uruguay. Going 1-0 up early in the second half Uruguay hit back and scored the winner with just 11 minutes remaining on the clock. All 173,850 were left open mouthed in shock come the final whistle. Making the defeat all the less palpable was the format. The tournament called for a final group of four to determine the winners. In their previous two final group encounters Brazil had amassed an astonishing 13 goals against Sweden and Spain. A draw would have seen Brazil win its first World Cup and the rather magnificent trophy named after the World Cup Finals founding father, Jules Rimet. Instead, Uruguay were crowned champions for a second time at what was only the fourth Finals in FIFA history, this coming after a 12-year break due to War World II. Englands Dreaming … Or is it a Nightmare? An Englishman may liken that momentous Final to what happened in Germany in 1974 and South Africa in 2010, but the national team were rightfully put in their place. It was a match that still stands as the most significant shock in World Cup Finals history. Make that in all world football history itself. The English had held out from the previous three World Cup Finals afflicted with what could be best described as a decade-plus-long case of extreme snobbery, likely caused by the air of arrogance that in some ways still surrounds. Footballs founding nation, which celebrated its 150th birthday in late October, left London packing some of the most illustrious names ever for Brazil in 1950. They included Matthews, Finney, Nicholson, Milburn and a man who would go on to coach them to 1966 glory, Alf Ramsey himself. Following Joe Gaetjens lone marker late in the first half England trudged off the Belo Horizonte pitch with their heads held shamefully low after a 1-0 loss to the United States. To put into a correct and clear perspective when Pathe News sent the score to Fleet Street London newspapers incorrectly stated England had beaten the US 10-1. Speaking of the Americans… I had the utmost pleasure of speaking with the 1950 US captain Walter Bahr on TSN 690 during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa who, although at the time a spritely 83-years of age, had memories as vivid as if it were just yesterday. Bahr also disclosed in our chat that in the mid 1950s he played his football in Montreal and pointed out that not only was Canadiens goaltending legend Lorne “Gump” Worsley a teammate but that he was an exceptional central defender. High praise indeed from a man who captained America to its greatest-ever football victory, which could only be surpassed by winning a World Cup itself. That will certainly not occur next summer, after the Americans were handed a horrendous draw topped off with a frantic travel schedule. Their schedule is one that even the Rolling Stones - and all those millions they would command - would even baulk at. Drawn in a group along with the 1974 and 2006 hosts (Germany), it is of no relevance what U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said Friday afternoon. "I guarantee you Jurgen [Klinsmann] knows more about Germany than “Jogi” Low knows about the U.S." Nor does it matter the result of their recent friendly. More important is the fact that the Germans - like the rest of the world - are fully aware of who currently coaches the U.S. team. No one in World Cup Finals history prepares as successfully and efficiently as Deutschland. The Americans will play friendlies like all other Brazil 2014 nations as part of preparations including a showcase one which is scheduled against England in Miami. If the USSF have an ounce of genuine thought and desire about Brazil 2014 any England match should be rain-checked in favour of playing a nation whose football styles are more in keeping with the likes of Germany, Portugal and Ghana. Jet… With the wind in your hair An interesting sidebar to the last time Brazil hosted a World Cup Finals: Only 13 nations could be bothered to show up. Absent despite qualification were India, who were denied a request made to FIFA to play in bare feet. Imagine that, Cristiano. France was another to withdraw due to a requirement to play two of their three group stage games so far apart. The distance between matches would almost cover the entire length of Canada. You will be sure the U.S. will not be happy with their Brazil 2014 group, nor the fact no other nation will rack up the air miles like they have to. Continental Shift? As he rightfully did in Fridays draw Nelson Mandelas rightful and most honourable shadow will loom large over Brazil 2014 from Sugar Loaf Mountain to the beaches of Ipanema and beyond. Not ever before in the previous 19 World Cups to date has an African nation reached even the semifinal stage. Let alone a final. How wondrous it will be if the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon or Ghana can pull off the unprecedented. Get into the Final four and magic often occurs. Come next June I know who I will be cheering most heartedly for. Do you? Tune into TSN 690 when Noel Butler hosts a special edition of oranges at halftime which will include a significant tribute to Nelson Mandela. To broadcast Monday evening at 7:00pm Listen Live: TSN.ca/Montreal. You can reach and follow Noel Butler at: Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel </span><a href="http://www.authenticchargersshop.com/Ryan-Carrethers-Chargers-Jersey" style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><strong>www.authenticchargersshop.com/Ryan-Carrethers-Chargers-Jersey</strong></a><span style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"> . Morgan got hurt running down a fly ball in left field on Wednesday night. Morgan was only in the game because Michael Brantley had left with a stiff back. </span><a href="http://www.authenticchargersshop.com/Jason-Verrett-Chargers-Jersey" style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><strong>Jason Verrett Chargers Jersey</strong></a><span style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"> . Carpenter said on Twitter on Wednesday that Dr. James Andrews will remove a bone spur from his elbow. The Red Sox did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Carpenter Tweeted: "Stayin positive and prepared to work harder than ever to come back as soon as I can this season!" The 26-year-old right-hander appeared in 10 games for Chicago last season.WINNIPEG -- Blake Wheeler shared the joy Wednesday night. "Ive told you guys a million times, I almost get a bigger joy out of seeing other guys score than scoring myself," he said after putting away the winner at 1:42 of overtime to beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-4. Earlier, he set up Andrew Ladds second goal of the night and Eric Tangradis second goal of the season. In all, Wheeler finished the night with his 35th assist and team-leading 24th goal, cementing his position as the Jets scoring leader with 59 points. Evander Kane also scored for Winnipeg. It was a big night for the Jets as well (32-30-9), as they claimed a little more ground in their uphill climb to the playoffs. They still sit two points behind Dallas and four points behind Phoenix, which now holds the eighth and final wild-card berth. For Colorado (44-20-6), the loss let the Chicago Blackhawks move past them and claim sole possession of second spot in the Central Division after a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Blues. Winnipegs playoff hopes remain a longshot, given the teams it will face as it closes out the season, but it was a big lift nonetheless to take the season series against Colorado 3-2. "It was a big win for us, especially for the goals we gave up," said Ladd. "Were not that bad of a team. Weve played some good hockey of late and we havent got the results." As for his own game, it was also a good night with his 20th and 21st goals of the season. "First one, we had good transition out of our end and I got the puck and a little space and got a good shot off. And the second one, Wheels made a great play driving down and I found some open space and put the puck on the net again." Colorado coach Patrick Roy gave Wheeler credit for his patience in holding the puck and waiting for the right moment to score the winner. "Both teams had good chances," said Roy after his second loss in a row. His homecoming to Montreal ended in a 6-3 loss to the Canadiens Tuesday night. </span><a href="http://www.authenticchargersshop.com/Jason-Verrett-Chargers-Jersey" style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><strong>Jason Verrett Jersey</strong></a><span style="font-family: Simsun; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">. "At the end they made a great play. Wheeler I thought made a really good play and scored a nice goal." It was the fourth time out of the five games theyve played this season that the Jets and Avalanche couldnt settle it in regulation time. Ryan OReilly, Gabriel Landeskog, Nick Holden and Cody McLeod scored for Colorado. It also was rookie goaltender Reto Berras first start since he was acquired by Colorado from the Calgary Flames at the trade deadline. Landeskog said Berra deserved credit. "I think he made some huge saves in the third when we really needed it the most," said Landeskog, who scored the tying goal for Colorado at the end of the first period to make it 2-2. "I remember my first game with Colorado, certainly a lot of nerves." It didnt help Winnipegs chances that defenceman Zach Bogosian joined the lengthy scratch list, which already included Dustin Byfuglien and goaltender Ondrej Pavelec, who are listed as day to day. Replacement Paul Postma was grabbing a cup of coffee when he got word he had to play. He responded with two assists, including one on Wheelers overtime goal. "Its not too hard to get pumped up in front of this crowd," he said. The Avalanche had their own no-shows as Paul Stastny was out after playing in Montreal on Tuesday following a four-game absence due to injury. They also lost forward John Mitchell in Montreal. But injuries and tough schedules arent uncommon at this time of year and no one was using them as an excuse. "Every teams playing a tough schedule right now and March and Aprils going to be tough for everybody," said Landeskog. Notes: Despite the disparity in their NHL rankings, the Jets and Avalanche went into Wednesdays game with two wins each in their season series, although Colorado had the only win in regulation time. Even the regulation win was decided by one goal. ' ' '</span></p>
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