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I became football literate right around the time of the 1986 and 1990 World Cups. So today's final is a bit of a throwback for me.
Germany vs. Argentina, the rubber match of a three-game series played out over 28 years. Can Messi be the new Maradona and win it by himself? Or will Argentina self-destruct like they did in the '90 final when they were more interested in tackling and wrestling than football? Can Germany become the first team to win the World Cup in the Americas? They've been easily the most consistently impressive team throughout the tournament, but the final is often a different beast entirely. I can't even imagine the pressure.
Since André Schürrle's on Germany, and I had drafted Zee Germans as the winning team in my fantasy World Cup league with Jack & Devin & friends, I shall be rooting for them.
In other news...
Luis Suarez goes to Barcelona | SB Nation
A perfect marriage of targets of our disdain.
LeBron goes back to Cleveland | SB Nation
Fortunately his contract is only for two years, so he gets to do another sequel to The Decision in a couple years.
Tour de France teams are beautiful, complex enterprises in hope | SB Nation
Good read, if you're unfamiliar with team structure/roles at the Tour. Meanwhile, Vincenzo Nibali continues to lead the overall classification, while my boy Peter Sagan retains the points lead.
Divinity: Original Sin review | RPS
I really wish I had the time to play this...
Reviews for The Strain aren't exactly great... | The Verge
I'll still be watching tonight.
FOOTBALL (all times BST):
18.20: World Cup, closing ceremonies
20.00: World Cup, final: Germany vs. Argentina
03.00 (next day): MLS, 1st(W) vs. 8th(W): Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers