FIFA World Cup 2014

[Who]

Ugh -- Hazard off for Chadli. Do not like Chadli.

Guessing Chadli coming on because Belgium want his height in the box. Going to go even more route one football for last 15 minutes.

[KGs Knee]

The Guardian's statistical review of the Premier League's season (courtesy of Opta data). I thought one of the more interesting tidbits was that, on average, "the ball was in play for 62.39 minutes this season - more than in the much-vaunted Spanish and German top flights (61.48 minutes and 61.22 minutes respectively), but significantly less than in Serie A (65.15 minutes)."

What an odd choice of words, huh?

...and such an irrelevant statistic in the grand scheme of things

Directly, no, I don't think it's a hugely important stat.  But, the less time the ball is in play likely means less overall scoring opportunities in total.  I wouldn't be surprised to see at least a couple extra chances on goal generated from the difference in time the ball is in play.

So, in the "grand scheme" I do think it can have an impact on the game.

[Casperian]

The Guardian's statistical review of the Premier League's season (courtesy of Opta data). I thought one of the more interesting tidbits was that, on average, "the ball was in play for 62.39 minutes this season - more than in the much-vaunted Spanish and German top flights (61.48 minutes and 61.22 minutes respectively), but significantly less than in Serie A (65.15 minutes)."

What an odd choice of words, huh?

...and such an irrelevant statistic in the grand scheme of things

Directly, no, I don't think it's a hugely important stat.  But, the less time the ball is in play likely means less overall scoring opportunities in total.  I wouldn't be surprised to see at least a couple extra chances on goal generated from the difference in time the ball is in play.

Sure, the difference between 62 minutes and 52 minutes is huge, but a few seconds, as mentioned in the quote, is completely irrelevant.

[Who]

The Guardian's statistical review of the Premier League's season (courtesy of Opta data). I thought one of the more interesting tidbits was that, on average, "the ball was in play for 62.39 minutes this season - more than in the much-vaunted Spanish and German top flights (61.48 minutes and 61.22 minutes respectively), but significantly less than in Serie A (65.15 minutes)."

What an odd choice of words, huh?

...and such an irrelevant statistic in the grand scheme of things

Directly, no, I don't think it's a hugely important stat.  But, the less time the ball is in play likely means less overall scoring opportunities in total.  I wouldn't be surprised to see at least a couple extra chances on goal generated from the difference in time the ball is in play.

So, in the "grand scheme" I do think it can have an impact on the game.

I think the choice of words was down to surprise at the findings more than anything else.

English expected to see their league to have ball out of play the most because it is more direct than other leagues. Always getting criticized for players not being good enough on the ball and resorting to direct + long passing movements instead patient build up play.

And in doing so also expected to see Spain with their more technical and short passing style of play to top out the rankings.

I do not find the league vs league stats to provide any real value (all quite similar as you Casperian says above) .. although definitely interesting to see just out of curiosity ... but I do think the team vs team stats offer good value. Tell you quite a bit about how they play. I'd like to see more of them.

[Who]

So hard to come back from an early goal.

All three quarter finals have been defined by an early conceded goal so far.

[Who]

Van Buyten playing as target man striker

[Who]

Oh, great save by Courtois to deny Messi.

[KGs Knee]

Belgium fail...

You can not get into the 6 yard box with possession and not get that ball on goal

[Casperian]

English expected to see their league to have ball out of play the most because it is more direct than other leagues. Always getting criticized for players not being good enough on the ball and resorting to direct + long passing movements instead patient build up play.

And in doing so also expected to see Spain with their more technical and short passing style of play to top out the rankings.

I do not find the league vs league stats to provide any real value (all quite similar as you Casperian says above) .. although definitely interesting to see just out of curiosity ... but I do think the team vs team stats offer good value. Tell you quite a bit about how they play. I'd like to see more of them.

I don't know. Maybe in combination with other stats, but even then, it doesn't really tell you anything new. I mean, was the ball held by a target man, or did the defense play it mostly back and forth between them? Did the defense clear the ball into the stands a lot, or did the midfield shoot a lot from distance?

I prefer touches and pass completions for indivdual players, as well as possession or shots on target. It just doesn't really add anything of value, imo.

[Who]

I thought Belgium got their tactics wrong from start to finish in this World Cup.

Team not skilled enough to play slow possession based attacking football. If they of played counter attacking football, they would have stood a much better chance.

For future, someone in that Belgian attacking midfielders needs to step up and become a true playmaker. A leader. An organizer of play in final third. Someone who can direct play in final third. Provide more incisiveness. If they can get that, Belgium can be top team in World.

[Who]

Wow, very attacking lineup from Holland. Gotta admire Van Gaal's ambition

You want to sit back and play defensively, fine, then we'll flood the pitch with attackers and take it right to you.

Three forwards in Robben, Depay, Van Persie. A 4th forward out on right wing in Kuyt. Blind at left wing. Two attack minded midfielders in central midfield. 7 players all looking to attack. Just 3 defenders at back. Gotta love the assertive attack them attitude.

[Who]

That piece of control from Robben where he took clean in midair right by the touchline and corner flag was sublime. Absolutely incredible.

Sneijder too. He has made some excellent passes today. Gotta fill you with a confidence having a guy who can pass the ball like he can on the pitch alongside you. Sneijder looks the most dangerous player to me for Holland. Most capable of providing the break through to beat that stubborn Costa Rica defense.

Costa Rica's discipline defensively continues to be very impressive. Well coached team.

[Who]

Ohh, Sneijder's free kick hits the post. So close.

[Casperian]

Fun fact:

In Netherlands' WC history, 4 matches went into extra time. They lost all 4 of them.

[Who]

This would be tragic if Holland lost on penalties.