[chris_ab]

Look at the scandal in Italy. It's widespread and causing the loss of fans.

ROME, Italy (Reuters) -- Italy's biggest sports trial considered match-fixing charges against four top soccer clubs and 26 officials on Thursday before a string of procedural motions forced an adjournment until next Monday.

Champions Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio, four of soccer-mad Italy's elite teams, risk being forced out of the nation's Serie A league and European competition if found guilty of conspiring with referees to rig matches.

[starfish923]

I did read about it. In fact, I was in Europe (Italy for 2 weeks, Germany, Austria, etc., for 2 more weeks) last month. I was INUNDATED with it and got very caught up in it.
That's why I wanted Germany to win, Brazil, Argentina and Italy to lose. I knew the U.S.A. and England couldn't win....also Germany, because their teams really weren't strong enough.

I was delighted that Germany got as far as it did. They can hold their heads up high for their effort. I was also delighted to see Mexico do as well as it did. They did themselves proud too.