African Breakthrough (12/10)

HOME -- For the first time, an African nation is advancing to the semi-finals as 1F-Morocco got a leaping header (even over an outstretched POR GK) late in the first half that held up to stun 1H-Portugal, 1-0, to join fellow Group F team 2F-Croatia.  After scoring 6 in the Round of 16, POR had lots of possession but could not break through a MAR defense that has not allowed a goal yet (their only goal allowed was an own goal for CAN).  MAR also doubles as the de facto host nation representing the Arab nation of Qatar (who finished #32 of 32 teams).  MAR is 7-0-3 in their last 10 matches, their last loss -- to USA on June 1.  MAR has also not allowed a goal (except for the own goal) in their last 9 matches.  

In a clash of giants, one heck of an entertaining match with 1D-France prevailing 2-1 over 1B-England where FRA's GK was busy for the first time (he didn't play in the loss vTUN).  FRA converted early on a very long strike from outside before ENG tied it on Harry Kane's PK in the 54'.  FRA went ahead in the 78' but then FRA committed an unnecessary push in the box where VAR had to get involved because it was so obvious.  But Harry Kane's second PK attempt was skied over the crossbar in the 84'.  

Whereas yesterday saw the underdog score on their only shots on goal, today's shot totals were more even in both matches (on goal: ENG 6-5, MAR & POR 3 each).  MAR has already won more games this tourney than in all previous tourneys (3 vs 2).  

While I was in St. Louis, I found out Panera Bread started out there as St. Louis Bread Company, but interestingly, except for the outside sign saying "St. Louis Bread Co." (all St. Louis stores have this sign), everything inside is Panera-branded.  So, while wearing my 2013 ENG home 150th anniversary jersey at my local Panera Bread to grab my free drink (Sip Club).

In the pool, no one had MAR in the semi-finals but 57 did pick FRA (and 52 got none).  Overall, Indy Ari and Free Merman (17th, 99 pts) got 3 of 4 SFs while 12 got none and can't get any more points.  Indy Ari still leads with 106 points with Soccerbix and The Gambler 1 behind with 105 each.  Meli clinched last place with 60 pts as Markofthebeast moved to 108th with FRA's win.

Soccerbix clinched at least 4th and has a 50/50 chance to win the pool for the second time ('98).  A total of 6 can still win the pool with 16 (!) that can still finish in the money.  Bwakewey 2 and Mimi are tied for 4th (104) but can't finish higher than 4th while Danish Dynamite is tied for 37th (92) but can still win the pool.  Mezlove is tied for 10th (101) but is eliminated while Kona Coast Uno is tied for 47th but can still finish 2nd.  The Final Four possibilities are also listed along with tiebreaker scenarios (some of the 16 may lose out on a tiebreaker for 5th and finish out of the money).

Eagle-eyed viewers will have already seen what the top 5 prize breakdowns are but will talk about it more tomorrow or Monday along with what this "$40 Bonus" is.