Summary: Another week into the World Cup and the knockout rounds have nearly finished its initial shape as both the heavyweights and surprising emergence of several national teams from the Americas have altered the playing field in terms of who will actually raise the trophy in the weeks ahead with many of the European elite already sent packing with more questions. In the first segment international football commentator Paul Sarahs joins us from Brazil to take a deeper look into what has happened at this World Cup to many of the established nations as teams from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF have begun to define the style and elements of success in 2014, borne from not only their preparation but also their identity in the region. For many of the elite in Europe, this World Cup has been a massive wake up call in the face of a style of football that operates best in these conditions and continues to present clear danger with respect to a physical, team-centric style of defending that is unique in the Americas, built upon a nationalist pride and determination that was perhaps once overlooked. We take a look at these elements, but also the South American sides who look to define the final rounds of this tournament. In segment two, Nicolino DiBenedetto takes us back to those fateful 30 seconds in Manaus that were punctured by Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal fought back for a last second draw against the United States. We examine the many factors that went into that result, but more importantly look to a federation in CONCACAF that is growing in stature and consider what could be the path forward for international club football in the region, and whether that is the next step for MLS clubs seeking to replicate tournament experience in the future. As a former member of the New York MetroStars and Chicago Fire, we revisit the conditions that players face in the league and how the months following this World Cup could prove to be vital for the club football in the United States.
