We're just getting started, however, with half the World Cup's round
of 16 still to come, followed by the quarterfinals, semi-finals and July
13 title match.
But first, let's take a moment to consider a truly epic World Cup
weekend. We saw one all-time classic match, the continued emergence of a
transcendent talent, a controversial, devastating heartbreak and a
nation of just 4.8 million people extend its improbable Cinderella run.
Frayed nerves. Jittery dispositions. Haggard faces and sunken eyes. As
the humans of planet Earth return to work on Monday, we'll see the same
symptoms, country by country. There would be no easing into this World Cup weekend. In Saturday's opening knockout match, South American upstart Chile, who so unceremoniously dumped
defending champ Spain in group play, took host Brazil down to the wire
in a match that exceeded regulation's 90 minutes, didn't see a goal
during 30 minutes of extra time and wasn't decided until Chile's fifth
and final penalty kick.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar was seen weeping on the field
before the mano-a-mano penalty kick session even began.
“I was crying because several teammates came to be supporting me and telling me nice, beautiful things." he said
after stopping Chile's first two shots to lead the victory. "What will
crown this is to kiss and hold the World Cup with millions of
Brazilians.”
But amid Brazil's joy and relief, you had to feel for Gonzalo Jara of
Chile. Jara missed his penalty try after Neymar's — failing to send the
match into sudden-death penalties, thus ending Chile's run — after
appearing to help deflect in Brazil's first-half score earlier on.
Entering Sunday's match against the Netherlands, Mexico had reached
the round of 16 five straight times, yet never advanced on to the
quarterfinals. But that record-setting streak of disappointment, the
longest in soccer history, looked to be over with El Tri up 1-0 and less
than five minutes left to play.
Even when Wesley Sneijder scored a penalty in the 88th minute to
equalize, Mexico still seemed on decent footing, dealing with stifling
heat in Fortaleza much better than the Dutch. But then: A moment that
will live on in Mexican infamy for years to come.
Rafa Marquez just barely grazed the foot of known Dutch diver Arjen Robben in the 92nd minute. Robben flopped to the ground
as if hit by a bullet. The referee's whistle blew. Klaas Jan Huntelaar
converted the penalty to put the Netherlands up 2-1. The clock ran out.
Mexico's heart broke in the round of 16 yet again.
Here's a look at Marquez's foul — or, depending on your opinion, his non-foul.
Total flop or legitimate foul? It's an argument that will rage at
least in some quarters for eternity.
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