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*Today is another huge day in the BISERGS. The two remaining favorites in the tournament are in action today, but being a favorite has seemed like a curse so far this summer. Will Brazil and Belgium assert their dominance or become the latest powers to fall? The most anticipated matchup in the Round of 16 is Brazil vs Mexico. Mexico were an unstoppable machine in their first two games but the wheels fell off against Sweden. Brazil struggled and sputtered at times in the group stage, but when it came together for them they reminded us why they have one more World Cups than any other nation. Hopefully today's game will be an instant classic with plenty of goals and plenty of drama. The second game is supposed to be the biggest mismatch of this round. Belgium's team of superstars has been clicking on all cylinders when it mattered (the last game against England doesn't fall into this category), while Japan got to play 86 minutes of one game with a man advantage and still needed the most obscure tie breaker to get out of their group. If Japan beat Belgium, it would be the biggest shock of a summer full of shocks. Belgium hope the only question asked of them today is which one of their players will be topping the tournament goal scoring charts when the final whistle blows.
In the BISERGS, this day belongs to Josh Rutz. His three teams are all in action and with a guaranteed victory in the Brazil/Mexico clash (he has both teams) a Japan victory would give him a sure semifinalist and a lot of points. For Josh's brother Matt* (Belgium), Bill & Anita(Mexico) and Dan (Japan) it is a very different story. These four brave BISERGSers are down to their last shot and the way the matchups have fallen, we will be saying goodbye to at least one Rutz today. Brazil already boasts top 10 owners Levi and Annika and a Brazilian victory could conceivably put Arlan, Katee and the aforementioned Josh into the top 10. A win for Levi would put him in position to take the overall lead tomorrow. A Mexico win would put Sharleen back into the top 10, and move Anita, Bill and Matt Snyder into stronger positions going forward. The expected result in game two would help Kelley and Gray close the gap on Rachel and end Gray's shocking losing streak in the current round. Isaac and Ari are further down the BISERGS table, but if this is the beginning of Belgium's march to the World Cup, they will both be starting their rise. A Japan shocker would be a perfectly played differential for Dan, DJ and Josh as they would knock off another favorite and leave the 34 BISERGSers who ignored Japan amazed at their foresight.
Kickoff is in 45 minutes, so get your coffee, call in sick to work and find a comfortable place on the couch.
*I noticed another Matt Rutz, Matt Snyder mistake on my graphics and I used it to write the article. So, Matt Snyder has Belgium and Mexico, both in action today, so Matt S, faces the risk of elimination based on today's game
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