Day 20 - Last of Round of 16 games

We walk to a different area of town this morning to reach the Cathedral (but it is an adventure in and of itself to find a sidewalk) and cross some busy streets. But the sights are interesting and we feel like we are seeing the more local Brazilians for a while.

The Modern Museum (Museu Nacional da Republica) is right by the Cathedral. There is this interesting signage regarding the creation of the city that captivates us for quite a while (we are slow readers).

The Museum figured out how to lure in World Cup fans like many other places here.

It sits on a large open square that makes the building itself a piece of art (as are most of the buildings in Brasilia).

It was very interesting and spacious inside (much larger than it seemed from the outside). Though just the Brazilian art from 1950 to now (not World Cup art).

Although there were about 3-4 football (soccer) related pieces.

Across the street is the Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Brasilia). It is quite interesting from the outside. And Phil was beside himself with the actual Money Changers right outside of the Temple.

But even more beautiful from the inside - it seemed like a peaceful ocean side or something. It was a quite impressive work of stained glass. The inside walls were curved as well and quite interesting themselves.

When leaving the Cathedral, we finding see the political (police) rally that we had heard from some time. Until we got close enough, we had guessed it might have been preaching or some protest against the cup or something.

We also bumped into a Fox Sports Brasil crew about to interview an Argentinian-American family about the upcoming matches today. We joined in the fun (and are now Famous Movie stars in Brasil - or so we think). We did an excellent USA-USA-USA-USA-USA chant.

Back to the Lago area to catch the early game - and luckily (barely) Argentina does their part to keep the dream alive.

Phil and Kate are leaving tonight to return home, so we all head back to be near the hotel so they can make a quick get away afterwards, especially if the game goes long. We find yet another local hotel restaurant to catch the game at.

Well, I guess you know the answer by now. Despite an all-star from Timmy (or Chimmy as they say here), the USA failed to keep up with the second part of the dream. Disappointing to say the least. We just wished that we had not bunkered in for 90 days, only to try and play in overtime. But it will be a pretty nice consolidation prize.... to watch Messi lead Argentina in a Quarter Final match... (and now we can root for them).

A bittersweet outcome - reminds me of playing golf - if I was always really bad, I could just quit. Or if I ever just shot Par, I could quit as well. But instead, there is just enough good shots here and there to keep me coming back for more...

Safe journey back Phil & Kate!