day 14 of the World Cup

That would be June 24, 2010.

Pipita’s Argentina was already through to the round of 16, and yesterday Rafa’s Netherlands joined them there.  Both countries won their groups, B and E, respectively.  The Albicelestes will play Mexico next, while the the Oranje will face Slovakia.

In other news, Rafa was sporting quite a beard in yesterday’s 2-1 victory against Cameroon.  He started the game and was taken out in the 73rd minutes so that Arjen Robben could make his first appearance in the tournament.  This game was kind of a like a game of spot the Real Madrid connection: Rafa of course plays for us, and on the Dutch team, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and the man who scored the game winner Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are all former madridistas.  On the Cameroon side, there was Sammy Eto’o and Geremi – seen above fighting with Rafa for the ball.

Side note:  I love Cameroon’s kit, since I’m a big fan of color blocking.  And I kind of wish they were allowed to use the sleeveless ones.

Tonight, in addition to the SPAIN game, we’ll see Brazil vs. Portugal, but unfortunately not Kaká vs. Cristiano.  So while Cristiano was busy practicing tricks – will he score another commercial type goal? – Ricky was hanging out with a bunch of local children watching Brazil’s training session.  How adorable is this combination?  I LOVE the fist bump!  Brazil is currently first in the group with six points, followed by Portugal with four.

Cristiano appears to have a new hairstyle, and it reminds me of Pepe’s.  We already know that they both use the same type of hair gel, so now are they inspiring each other as well?  Maybe that’s what the long hours isolated in the training camp does to you!