[DeanFL]

First time I ever watched more than 2 minutes of a TV soccer match. I watched this one for the last almost 2 hours.

First, it took me 15 minutes to understand which team was Russia and Croatia. The TV scoreboard did not reflect jersey colors, the team names/countries/flag was not clear, the announcers didn't help, and the players names...well - that too. I had closed caption on the live broadcast and the transcriber didn't even attempt to type the the last names.

Second, soccer is an odd sport - counting UP the clock, unlike our football. Not really sure when time runs out or exact time left. odd. I'm shocked that players don't get knocked out or break bones. And...playing 3 hours, being tied after OT period, and coming down to best of 5 short penalty kicks.... a letdown. Poor Russia....not really.... but the fans sure get into it.

I will try to watch the semis and final Worldcup.