Argentina vs. Germany

Argentina vs. Germany in the World Cup can only end one way: Penalty kicks. These two teams always end up going to penalty kicks. But this World Cup hasn't followed the script very closely. Italy flopped home already, the French sulked their way to a flawless, victory-free finish and Germany -- Germany! -- the machine-like, coolly efficient team built from spare parts found behind the BMW factory has already missed one penalty kick in this World Cup. And that hasn't happened since 1974. Of course, the Germans also destroyed England (controversial non-goal or not, that was an ass-whipping), but England really, really stank this year. Argentina always looks strong early in the tournament, and then they flame out, lately on penalty kicks with Germany (full circle!). The big question is, are Argentina the Dutch of South America, or are the Dutch the Argentina of Northern Europe? We're firmly backing the German team to claim their fourth World Cup, so we're going to go with Argentina being the Dutch of SA. In closing, let us recite the words of defeated English striker Gary Lineker, after losing to the Germans on penalty kicks (double full circle!) in 1990: "Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and in the end, the Germans win." You bet your sweet ass they do. For a list of bars and restaurants showing today's game, which begins at 9 a.m. St. Louis time, click here.
Sat., July 3, 2010