It’s a quite dramatic day in the World Cup.

The game between Brazil and Holland showed how a small mistake could change the whole game. Brazil is the most balanced team in this World Cup – the forwards are talented; and most importantly, they have the most reliable defending line – the defenders are the perfect examples of combination of skills and strength, and they have one of the best goal keeper in the world. Ironically, it is this dependable defending line gave up the victory to the Dutch team. Before the Holland’ first goal, there was no sign that they could even threat Brazilian’s goal; after that, the Brazilian became nervous and lost the control of the game. They failed to organize any meaningful counter attacks. Nevertheless, Dutch is lucky today.

If you think Dutch is lucky, then game between Uruguay and Ghana will just blow you away. The referee normally won’t give the game-deciding penalty kick at the last minute, but this one has to be given, and it is literally at the last second of the game. Totti’s penalty kick in the game between Italy and Australia of the last World Cup was in the last minutes of the match, but not this late. All Suarez did seemed only delayed the inevitable for a minute, but it turned out the action actually saved the team.

If referees hadn’t made mistakes, probably the results of both games would be the same. However, they left a lot of rooms of ‘what if’, especially because both goals are very crucial – one is an equalizer, the other is the first goal of the match. It’s understandable that the rhythm of soccer game should not be broken so some of the technology cannot be applied easily, but having a eagle-eyes camera to watch the goal line or adding an extra referee behind the gate are such easy improvements and will not hurt the purity of the game at all. If FIFA keeps denying them, the conspiracy theory might be the only explanation.

German team is back to my hate list again, because, they just always win.

Unlike most other fields inside and outside of sports, United States has never taken a commanding role in soccer. Although they are ranked 14th in the world, no one really consider them as a strong team. Maybe because America’s role in other world affairs, maybe because they are new comers, a lot of people don’t want them to win. Indeed, they don’t have a super star, they are lacking creativities and less entertaining, however they earned my respect by playing ‘clean’ football, especially in this World Cup. They play aggressively but no intentional hostile foul; there is no tricks, no simulation falls; they keep running, keep attacking without wasting time; and they play as a team. Most importantly, they delivered the result at the time that really matters. All those denied goals, by the referee and by the pole, only make the final moment more dramatic.

First big-score game in 2010 World Cup. It’s not because Germany is superior, it’s because Australia plays in the same style as Germany, but not as good in every aspect. German team’s skill, their conciseness and their persistence do help them win most of games. Only teams like Brazil or Italy can put them into the test.

I am not a fan of Germany soccer, but I start liking this team because of this match.