Happy 4th of July podcast - Women's World Cup Predictions for the Semi Finals

World Cup Semi Final Preview

Dudes who drive dodge station wagons (what are they named?)

Yeah it’s got a HEMI, yeah it looks like a muscle car in the front… but it’s still a station wagon

How crazy would it be if the person fouled in the penalty area had to take the PK? Instead of a designated PK taker. Feel like it would be more in the spirt of who was fouled and how likely that player would’ve been to score, vs the best striker’s opportunity to score? More drama to them… perhaps?

Italy and Netherlands playing in 93 degree heat and this game is 0-0 at the half and the weather seems to be winning this game against both teams, from a quality of play standpoint… looks a lot different than US v France game last night.

Apparently UEFA uses this world cup for Olympic Qualifying for 2020 Tokyo Games. So England has qualified by advancing to Semis and winner go Italy vs Netherlands and the winner of Germany vs Sweden will qualify for olympics. Certainly raises the stakes of these quarter final games even more so. I think that’s fairly cool actually.

2nd half netherlands start knocking on the door to score

69th minute - all Dutch and they finally score on a set piece - free kick to a perfect header past the outstretched arms of the GK.

The Dutch score again — 79th minute. Another set piece, free kick to another header. Seems like they’re the better team

Dutch almost score a 3rd goal off the ensuring kickoff. Good save by the Italian Goal keeper.

The Dutch fans — i think it’s the Dutch — have a Vuvuzela section and they keep playing “pop hits” like "we will rock you”, “hey baby" and and “Baby give it up” by Casey & the Sunshine Band. Classic Hits and Sign alongs for the Dutch.

So the Dutch are moving on to the semis of the 2019 world cup, and have clinched a spot in the 2020 olympics thanks to 2 excellent set piece headers that landed in the back of the net.

First semi-final in Dutch history. They are undefeated in 5 games this year. "6 of their 13 world cup goals have been headers”, says Fox host Rob Stone

Dutch Coach played at UNC with Mia Hamm under a legendary coach — that’s good to know.

Also England is coached by Phil Neville - of Manchester United Fame. Dude played under Sir Alex Ferguson. (Not saying he has Sir Alex’s chops, but you spend that kind of time around excellence… England vs USA match could be fascinating if it comes down to tactics.

Italy hadn’t made world cup in 20 years. Apparently not enough pro soccer in italy — but hopefully this gets things rolling for them, so they don’t have to wait another 20 years.

Futbol in Europe on the women’s side is starting to really pick up. This will make UEFA the strongest at the top, as well as the deepest. This is bad news for US Team over the next 20 years. CONCACAF is weak on the men’s side and it hurts the US i think.

Germany and Sweden are up next - and the Germans are likely a heavy favorite.

Sweden comes from behind - wins 2-1 in a stunning upset. First major win over Germany since approximately 1991

Sweden vs Netherlands in the semis

Netherlands vs USA for all the marbles in the final