The Bite Heard 'Round The World, Late Greece Penalty = Côte d'Ivoire Tragedy, Nigeria vs. Argentina

Today's Schedule

Some things are really weird. Like adults who bite people on a regular basis. Uruguay and Italy played an insufferably boring match filled fouls, dives, and whining. And then The Cannibal reared his ugly head and all hell broke loose (unless you're from Uruguay). We took a poll here at SSN Headquarters (we love doing that) and we all agree that the Ajax bite is still the best:

That said, this one was during a World Cup match, so... Anyway, Paolo Bandini was at the Estádio das Dunas and filed this report. As you might expect, the Interwebs are all aflutter. Ben Smith of the BBC was there, too, and his report is excellent. Surreal is a word that was floating around SSN Headquarters yesterday. Apparently, we're on the same wavelength as Jeff Carlisle.

That's enough of that for now. Let's hope SPECTRE FIFA have the guts to ban one of the stars of the tournament.

So, Italy go home and Pirlo's international career is over. That's rather sad. Zico thinks Italy paid the price for over-reliance on Pirlo and must rebuild. No argument here. Elsewhere, Greece pulled a shocker over Ivory Coast thanks to a late Samaras penalty. At first it looked like he'd dived, but upon further inspection, as he was preparing to shoot his foot hit the defender. Tough on Ivory Coast, but Greece were probably the better side on the day. Here's a report. And here's the Samaras incident:

In other action, Colombia won their group by brushing aside Japan, and England (snore) and Costa Rica failed to score. Here's a review of all of yesterday's action. Talking Points? Why, yes. There are a few. And, quite simply, what the hell happened yesterday?

There are four more matches today, as noted in The Schedule above. Nigeria/Argentina looks the most tasty on paper, while France and Ecuador could entertain. There's plenty to play for today. Here are some previews:

Today At The Tournament

Nigeria vs. Argentina: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Nigeria vs. Argentina: 50-50 Challenge

Sid Lowe: Argentina see danger in their over-reliance on Lionel Messi

Michael Cox: Messi, Sabella now in tactical tandem

Bosnia vs. Iran: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Honduras vs. Switzerland: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Ecuador vs. France: Preview + Paul Merson's Prediction

Ben Lyttleton: France has restored its winning belief

Tim Vickery: Enner Valencia key for Ecuador

U.S. fans have represented well down in Brazil. Why? How? Take a look. Also representing down in Brazil are players who play in Major League Soccer. Grant Wahl says they're representing quite well, in fact.

We need to check in on the latest gossip and rumors. And rumours. The Mill. Plus One.

Let's end today with some fun stuff, shall we? How about Five Crazy Things You Missed? Good.

Onward!!

-SSN