The Royal Heffernans


Quite possibly the best family ever

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Already the Best World Cup Ever?


We're 2 days in, and already I have noticed a HUGE difference in this years World Cup. Where do I start? Okay, Brazil. The time zones are perfect for us lazy US fans. All the games start in the afternoon and early evening. Imminently watchable. The visuals from around the stadiums are awesome. The fans are insane, and TONS of supporters from many of the teams have made the trip to liven it up. The crazy weather is fun to watch on TV. I also love all the unrest in the country, but we'll get back to my reasons for that later.

The coverage is next. ESPN has ditched their traditional broadcast team of a bunch of washed up American has beens. Now, they seemingly have a former superstar from every national team rotating in to the pre and post match coverage team. The game crews are top notch. Of course the glorious HD broadcasts are great. However, now I can watch every game on any computer, TV, smartphone, and I can even listen to them all on Sirius radio if I'm in the car!

Of course we then get to the play. The first 2 days of matches have been maybe the best I've ever watched. Wide open games, lots of shots, lots of scoring. Amazing goals. I still can't even believe that first goal by Robin van Persie. I've never seen anything like that. Heck, even a 1-0 win had 3 disallowed goals, so the score was a bit misleading. I also love the minor tech improvements to really improve the game. Goal line tech is long overdue. How about the spray foam to mark 10 yards on free kicks? Brilliant! I can't wait to see what's next. The only thing I pray for is a miracle run by USA to advance through the group stage.

A lastly, back to that unrest in Brazil. I think FIFA and the world are watching closely. Cost overruns, unfinished stadiums, grass that looks like a cow pasture (how do you not grow grass in the Amazon?), massive protests and transportation breakdowns. This all in the foreground, while in the background MASSIVE allegations are facing Qatar's bid for 2022. I think FIFA will eventually have to reopen bidding for 2022. No other country can be ready in time other than the USA. It isn't Europe's turn, so everything bad in Brazil leads toward USA 2022!!!

Oh one last thing, did I mention... NO VUVUZELAS!!!!