Team USA Survives the “Group of Death” and Advances!

The USMNT held up on Thursday as best as they could against one of the leading scorers this world cup: Germany. Despite a loss by one point, the team still qualified to advance to the knockout round thanks to Ghana’s loss against Portugal.

This resulted in Portugal and the U.S. finishing even on points in Group G—this year's Group of Death—at four apiece, but the U.S. had an even goal differential while Portugal finished with minus-3. The U.S. will play next on Tuesday in Salvador against the Group H winner, Belgium. The loss was the end of a very long and strange day for the game.

The players awoke to a deluge that flooded this city on the northeast coast of Brazil and prevented many of their families from even making it to the stadium. They weren't allowed to warm up on the field for fear it would damage the sponge-like grass. They spent the final half-hour of the game getting score updates on the Portugal-Ghana game while trying to hold off one of the most fearsome and skilled teams on the planet. Athletes programmed to focus only on winning were desperate for a tie, and once Portugal had a lead, simply needed to avoid a lopsided loss.

"As much as you want to go and push the game, you also have to be smart because a draw gets you through," said captain Clint Dempsey. "It's not like a normal game."

The result was a strategic victory for the U.S., which somehow emerged from a group that also included Portugal, the world's fourth-ranked team, and Ghana, which has a history of thwarting the U.S.

Ahead lies Belgium, which won all three of its group-stage games. Team USA doesn't sound intimidated.

"It's nice to play big teams and big players," said Jermaine Jones, the German-American midfielder who has been the team's best player in Brazil. He and his teammates, he says, "are hungry."

We at The THERAPY-IV will be watching closely, hoping for the U.S. win! For more information on Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing, contact us by calling 305-945-1578.

What US’ Tie With Portugal Means for the Team

If you’ve been keeping tabs of the FIFA World Cup, you might know that after an amazing game for the U.S. on Sunday, Portugal managed to score the tying goal in the 95th minute. Everyone was excited for the win against the worthy adversary, but a tie is still not a terrible thing. By getting a tie against Portugal, the U.S. is still in fine shape moving forward. The team is tied with Germany at 4 points at the top of the group, and Portugal and Ghana are both tied at 1 point at the bottom of the group. Here is how the next games can turn out:

• A U.S. win over Germany would guarantee that the Americans move forward in the tournament.

• A U.S. tie with Germany would mean that both Germany and the U.S. would have 5 points, and both teams would advance.

• If the U.S. loses to Germany, then it would all depend on what happened in the Ghana-Portugal game. The U.S. will be hoping that Portugal and Ghana tie, which would result in the U.S. advancing no matter what.

• If the U.S. loses and there is a winner in the Portugal-Ghana game, the Americans would have to rely on goal difference. As of right now, the U.S. have a +1 goal difference, two better than Ghana’s -1 and five better than Portugal’s -4. In that case, the U.S. would hope Portugal beats Ghana by a small margin, with the Americans not giving up too many goals to Germany.

• If, by some chance, the U.S. loses to Germany and is tied with Ghana or Portugal in points and goal difference, the next tie-breaker is total goals scored. The U.S. scored 4 goals in the first two games. Ghana has scored 3; Portugal has scored 2.

• If it’s still even after that, here are FIFA’s next tie-breakers:

 Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned.
 Greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned.
 Drawing of lots by the FIFA Organizing Committee.

As you can see, the chances are pretty good for the USMNT. We’re incredibly excited to see how it turns out. For more information on Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing, contact the THERAPY-IV by calling 305-945-1578.

US Wins Over Ghana in Their First Match this World Cup!

From the start of the FIFA World Cup 2014, U.S. Soccer team fans had to deal with skepticism towards their chances of making it past the “Group of Death,” especially with the loss of star player Landon Donovan who was not included in this year’s roster by coach Jurgen Klinsmann. However, the U.S. pleasantly surprised everyone by winning over African powerhouse team Ghana on Monday. This victory, and the devastating loss of Portugal against Germany, puts the U.S. Men’s National Team in a more hopeful position for making it to the next phase.

On an evening of extraordinary turns, of bloodied noses, strained hamstrings and both early and late goals, the Americans claimed a 2-1 victory over Ghana in their Group G opener Monday. Amid bedlam at Arena das Dunas, substitute John Brooks, 21, scored in the 86th minute — just four minutes after Andre Ayew had canceled out Clint Dempsey’s goal, which came 29 seconds into the match. Brooks, a 6-foot-4 German American defender who replaced injured Matt Besler at halftime, stung an eight-yard downward header from Graham Zusi’s corner kick past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey.

Two teams from the so-called Group of Death will advance to the round of 16, and the Americans will need at least another point from games against Portugal and Germany to remain in the hunt. “We know we’ve got a big challenge ahead of us, but it’s a big step,” goalkeeper Tim Howard said. “We put ourselves into a really good position to get through the group.”

Up next is the game on Sunday against Portugal. Despite their loss on Monday, the Portuguese are generally regarded as one of the world’s best teams – but the U.S. got the better of them in their last World Cup meeting. In 2002, Team USA scored three times in the first half, and then held on to defeat Portugal 3-2 – a win that ultimately allowed the Americans to advance to the knockout stage (and ultimately to the quarterfinals) and eliminated Portugal from competition.

Needless to say, the game promises much excitement, and we at The THERAPY-IV will be watching closely! For more information on Miami Deep Sea Fishing, contact us by calling 305-945-1578.

Hop Aboard The THERAPY-IV This Father’s Day for the Best Fishing Experience in South Florida!

For Father’s Day this year, turn to The THERAPY-IV, South Florida’s premiere fishing charter, to give your dad the best Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing experience! Our crew, 47 years’ experience, and unrivaled understanding of Miami’s waters is what has earned us this year’s award, in addition to the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award for 2013 and TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the past three years. Additionally, our fishing charter has received the highest rating by 448 travelers.

Our fishing experience is perfect for anyone, beginners and seasoned alike. Deep Sea Fishing is an adventure available to anyone through The THERAPY-IV fleet- our boats are even outfitted for wheelchair accessible fishing. Our fleet consists of two magnificent, huge yachts fully-equipped to catch a variety of fish, such as Marlin, Sailfish, Sharks, Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi or Dorado), Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda, Snappers, and many more. These features include a large tuna tower for spotting big game, giant live bait tanks, giant outriggers for spacing the baits apart and a giant flying bridge with a captain’s chair and two fighting chairs. The cockpit fishing area is equipped with a giant transom door for boating the monsters safely. Deluxe amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, XM satellite radio, bar counter, shower, and more, can be enjoyed on our boats.

Located in Halouver Marina, The THERAPY-IV fleet is just 6 minutes from the gulf stream, a prime spot for catching many types of fish as they migrate. I, Captain Stan Saffan of THERAPY-IV fleet, as well as my crew, have over 40 years experience fishing Miami’s coastline, which makes us experts on the art of baiting and catching monsters. Booking a fishing trip with The THERAPY-IV is easy-reservations can be placed online or over the phone at 305-945-1578.

Miami Heat Return Home for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals!

Following their incredible and dramatic victory in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat left San Antonio with exactly what they had been hoping for- a split of the first two games.  Now the Heat have returned to Miami and began preparing for the Game’s 3 and 4 of the Finals to be played at the American Airlines Arena.

The Heat have won all eight home games during the 2014 Playoffs and going back to last season, have won 11 postseason games in a row played in Miami. “We always have supreme confidence at home,” said Chris Bosh on Monday. “Our fans have been outstanding this postseason.”

Now the Heat will look to continue their dominance this week and take control of the NBA Finals. While the Heat’s home record is something that indicates a true home court advantage, nobody on the team would say that the wins have come easily. “It’s not easy to do at all, we just try to protect home,” LeBron James explained. “We understand that it’s going to be tough. Going against a San Antonio team that’s beat us here on our home floor in the Finals before and we know that. We look forward to the challenge.”

San Antonio took down the Heat in Game 1 of the 2013 Finals, a game that was played in Miami.  That was the last time the Heat lost a playoff game at home. If the Heat can preserve its spotless record at home then when the Finals shift back to San Antonio for Game 5, Miami could find itself just one win away from completing the journey for a third consecutive NBA Championship.

Needless to say, we couldn’t be more excited. We at The THERAPY-IV love our local sports teams, so you can look forward to more posts like these in our blog. For information on Miami Deep Sea Fishing, contact us by calling 305-945-1578.

THERAPY-IV Wins TripAdvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award!

This year we at The THERAPY-IV are proud to have earned TripAdvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award!! This prestigious award recognizes businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travelers. If you have yet to embark on a fishing trip with us, consider booking a day with us and you’ll be glad you did! Our fishing experience is perfect for anyone, beginners and seasoned alike. Miami Beach Deep Sea Fishing is an adventure available to anyone through The THERAPY-IV fleet- our boats are even outfitted for wheelchair accessible fishing.

Many people turn to The THERAPY-IV, South Florida’s premiere fishing charter, for the best Miami Deep Sea Fishing experience! Our crew, 47 years’ experience, and unrivaled understanding of Miami’s waters is what has earned us this year’s award, in addition to the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award for 2013 and TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the past three years. Additionally, our fishing charter has received the highest rating by 448 travelers.

Our fleet consists of two magnificent, huge yachts fully-equipped to catch a variety of fish, such as Marlin, Sailfish, Sharks, Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi or Dorado), Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda, Snappers, and many more. These features include a large tuna tower for spotting big game, giant live bait tanks, giant outriggers for spacing the baits apart and a giant flying bridge with a captain’s chair and two fighting chairs. The cockpit fishing area is equipped with a giant transom door for boating the monsters safely. Deluxe amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, XM satellite radio, bar counter, shower, and more, can be enjoyed on our boats.

I’m Captain Stan and I’ve been a passionate sports fisherman since I was a young man. I am, along with the rest of my crew of The THERAPY-IV, dedicated to providing the best charter fishing experience to anyone ready to experience ultimate deep sea fishing. Contact me for further information at 305-945-1578.

A Preview of Thursday’s Game: Heat Versus Spurs

Rematches between two of the best teams in any sport is an exciting affair, especially when it comes to the NBA! Everyone is getting pumped for this year's NBA Finals, kicking off with Game 1 of the Heat vs the Spurs Thursday night (June 5th). Last year, the Heat used some late-game heroics to win Game 6 and then went on to win Game 7 to claim their second championship in a row.

The Spurs begin their quest to avenge their demoralizing championship defeat with Game 1 in San Antonio on Thursday, June 5 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. Heading into Game 1, the goals are simple: The Heat will attempt to become the first team to achieve a three-peat since the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, while the Spurs hope to claim the organization’s fifth championship since 1999 but first since 2007.

The location of Game 1 bodes well for San Antonio. Unlike a year ago, the Spurs have home-court advantage. They have been nothing short of dominant on their home floor, blowing out opponents and winning their last seven games by at least 17 points.

A Game 1 Spurs victory would not only give them an early series lead but would also restore the confidence lost during Games 6 and 7 of last year. If the Heat win, they will have won three consecutive playoff games against San Antonio, and doubt could creep in for the Spurs.

While the outcome is still unsure, there is no doubt this game will be thrilling. We at The THERAPY-IV love our local sports teams, so you can look forward to more posts like these in our blog. For information on Miami Deep Sea Fishing, contact us by calling 305-945-1578.