View Full Version : The unofficial World Cup Thread,
Craterus
06-21-2010, 01:02
http://gfx2.aftonbladet-cdn.se/multimedia/dynamic/01220/LOGNEN_1220472l.jpg
Enough said.
I'm sure if he was playing for Brazil B (Portugal) you wouldn't have such a problem with him.
France, very entertaining, they're making England's struggles look minor.
And, as others have said, Kaka didn't deserve to walk in my opinion. I'm sure if he had let the guy run into him and fallen down, you would all be complaining about diving and trying to get the Ivorian sent off. Catch-22. Hopefully it gets rescinded, if that's possible.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-21-2010, 01:16
Well, maybe ye saw the incident better than me. But all in all, it was just. The goal was not correct and that crippled Ivory Coast's game, which is quite bitter imho.
Also what was said about anglophony? This tournament is about anglophony? This tournament is, if anything, not about anglophony. At least if you don't belong to this anglophony yourself, I guess ...
And concerning Brazil: I have to take back that comment about them being "old". But still I don't bet on them. They do have weaknesses. Let's not forget they just beat NKDPR and CIV. No real big teams, but these made Seleçao struggle albeit poors' and teethless' admitted incompetence.
Concerning France: Dignity. Where? It's such a shame. La Grande Nation! Admired even deep in the hearts of the Germans. What has become of you!!??
Who's gonna be next champion? Unpredictable. Whoever not, it's the ball's fault I guess ...
I'm sure if he was playing for Brazil B (Portugal) you wouldn't have such a problem with him.
France, very entertaining, they're making England's struggles look minor.
And, as others have said, Kaka didn't deserve to walk in my opinion. I'm sure if he had let the guy run into him and fallen down, you would all be complaining about diving and trying to get the Ivorian sent off. Catch-22. Hopefully it gets rescinded, if that's possible.
If he was playing for Brazil B, I'd still have a problem with it. If he was playing for Portugal, not so much. But the thing is two handballs and a given goal is only available for a few select national sides, among which Portugal unfortunately isn't in. It isn't good to see Fabiano has been learning with Henry in mastering the technique of playing football with their hands.
Marshal Murat
06-21-2010, 01:33
Finally got the Brazil - Ivory Coast game score right.
I'll give kudos to Brazil for the win, they really look like they're to walk away with this tournament. Hopefully Chile will pull out over the Swiss, the Spanish will redeem themselves, and the Portuguese redeem themselves. Seemingly the smaller countries (Slovenia, Serbia, Switzerland) are able to really to pull the rug out from under the bigger teams.
Louis VI the Fat
06-21-2010, 01:36
Yeah I saw that, but it was a great goal and a good no-call by the ref I think.Nononon!
That were the two single worst handballs I've ever seen. That was not a great goal, that was simply pathetic.
Click here for a close-up of that Fabiano goal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihb70mknz_8).
Also what was said about anglophony? This tournament is about anglophony? This tournament is, if anything, not about anglophony. Nononon!
England is woeful. But the other anglophonians have been massive! And it's not as if the refs have been kind to them either, far from it...
The US gave us two great games. Australia was overran by Germany, but were awesome with ten man against Ghana. New Zealand has been exhilariting throughout.
Sasaki Kojiro
06-21-2010, 01:43
Nononon!
That were the two single worst handballs I've ever seen. That was not a great goal, that was simply pathetic.
In football "holding" is a major penalty. It happens all the time but the ref decides when to call it and when not too.
I don't see the urge for 100% adherence to the letter of the law in sports, no-calling is often better. It's silly to call someone for a handball when they were trying to hit it with their chest and it bounced off their shoulder instead.
Pannonian
06-21-2010, 03:55
In football "holding" is a major penalty. It happens all the time but the ref decides when to call it and when not too.
I don't see the urge for 100% adherence to the letter of the law in sports, no-calling is often better. It's silly to call someone for a handball when they were trying to hit it with their chest and it bounced off their shoulder instead.
The only time handball isn't called is when an opponent whacks it at you and you can't realistically get out of the way. If you deliberately handle it, it's a yellow. If you miscontrolled it and the ball touched your hands/arms, it's a free kick. If an opponent kicks it at you and you could realistically have been expected to get out of the way, it's a free kick. Hence the advent of defenders keeping their hands behind their back when pressing the shooter.
Also, as you've mentioned, handball is a direct (major) free kick, ie. it can be scored directly from the set piece, and if it occurs in their own penalty area, is a penalty. Re: your earlier question, the backpass rule applies to all passes made by feet where the defender was attempting to pass the ball to their own player, and if the goalkeeper subsequently touches the ball with their hands without anyone else having touched it, results in an indirect (minor) free kick. This means headed and chested backpasses are ok to handle, and skewed clearances that were meant to go into orbit, but end up in the keeper's hands, aren't called either.
:portugal: 2 - 1 :northkorea:
:chile: 2 - 0 :switzerland:
:spain: 2 - 0 :honduras:
Myrddraal
06-21-2010, 05:25
Handballs are often called even if it wasn't intentional, the key point is whether it affected the course of play. If it give you an unfair advantage (which it almost always does) then play should be stopped, whether you meant to do it or not. If you deliberately handle the ball in the box, then go on to score, you should be sent off, if not crucified.
On a related note, the rule concerning handballs to stop a goal has been in the spotlight recently. Technically the ref is constrained, and must give a straight red, but that seems unfair to me.
Sarmatian
06-21-2010, 07:42
Touching the ball with your shoulder is not a handball. The first picture Jolt posted is a handball, the second isn't.
Ser Clegane
06-21-2010, 08:07
This tournament belongs to the Latin Americans.
According to tradition (i.e. 50 years of Europe and Latin America taking turns) it's Latin America's turn to win the World Cup anyway ~:)
It's set to be the lowest scored world cup in the current format. Less goals = boring tournament.
And how can it be concluded from that that the ball is at fault? The teams often play defensively, yet the ones who play offensively still score nice and beautiful goals, it's not the ball, it's the players/coaches.
On a related note, the rule concerning handballs to stop a goal has been in the spotlight recently. Technically the ref is constrained, and must give a straight red, but that seems unfair to me.
Didn't that one Australian get red for stopping the ball with his upper arm? That looked entirely accidental to me and to send someone off the place for an accident doesn't seem fair, the other team has to hit a place where no body parts are in the way, isn't that the point of scoring a goal? To find that one spot where nothing can obstruct the ball?
Of course that's different if the defenders play handball on purpose like certain serbs. ~;)
Sarmatian
06-21-2010, 10:08
Of course that's different if the defenders play handball on purpose like certain serbs. ~;)
That is because we didn't want you to moan how we didn't give you a chance to equalize. We're so good that we can win the WC without breaking a sweat so it was decided to give each opponent a free penalty, otherwise it's gonna be too easy :laugh4:
How true is that now? I can't find the stats anywhere. It seems like we've had a string of 3-5 goal games.
This is a stat attack... This is a stat attack... This is a stat attack!
I’ve already been criticized for making this remark but I’m not alone: a lot of people can see that there is something wrong with the ball. This seamless ball dips too quickly, swerves too readily, and balloons to easily for players to control the ball, and thus to score goals, and the proof is in the scoring my friends. There have been 25 games so far in the group stages and only 46 goals. That’s a goal scoring rate of 1.84 goals per game, or well off the the previous low of 2.21 was in 1990. To put it another way, teams are scoring 16% fewer goals than ever before.
When the score rate is 16% lower than the lowest modern WC, (and most boring WC ever) there is something wrong. Whether it is the ball, the teams, the altitude, whatever it is, something is not right.
Predictions:
Portugal 0 - 0 North Korea
Chile 2 - 0 Swiss
Spain 5 - 0 Honduras
Myrddraal
06-21-2010, 12:43
But it should really be called arm-ball, because if it hits your elbow, that's a hand ball
North Korea area actually outplaying Portugal at this point....what a joke of a national team.
johnhughthom
06-21-2010, 13:27
Sorry guys, long weekend.
Update:
Louis: +7 = 24
Little Grizzly: 2
Psycho: +5 = 14
Sarmatian: 3
Insane Apache: +2 = 19
Ser Clegane: +6 = 16
Romanic: +3 = 12
Joooray: +1 = 6
Rhyfelwyr: +2 = 7
LEN: +1 = 11
Moros: 2
Marshall Murat: +5 = 11
Craterus: 3
Crazed Rabbit: 2
Beefy: 3
Centurio Nixalsverdus: +6 = 11
Ronin: 1
||Lz3||: 6
North Korea area actually outplaying Portugal at this point....what a joke of a national team.
Not anymore. Very good game so far. Seems I was right about a 5 - 0, just the wrong game. :grin:
Maradona is not gay... (http://www.offthepost.info/2010/06/video-diego-maradona-thinks-you-think-hes-gay/)
Best commentary:
"For a moment Gallas looked like a gazelle which had just plopped out of its mother's womb and was struggling to get its legs right".
"The goalkeeper has been an absolute tart there"
Louis VI the Fat
06-21-2010, 14:27
Portugoooooal! :portugal:
Those poor Koreans. I read that for every goal against one relative is send to the camps. :shame:
Portugal needed those goals. If Portugal loses to Brazil (not unthinkable), and Côte d'Ivoire beats North Korea, then goal difference will decide. Those seven goals are very much needed. A small Portugese victory would probably have been pyrrhic!
Sorry guys, long weekend.
No, thank you for putting in the effort to keep track of the scores. It is a large, unwieldy thread, and a lot of work to find all the predictions and keep track of them.
:bow:
edyzmedieval
06-21-2010, 16:45
I feel bad for NK. I supported them for this!
Wow, and people thought these low scoring games were going to be a feature of the tournament and that the Western European teams were going to have a bad year?
7-0 is very impressive at the World Cup finals, no matter what team you are and who your opposition is; loved Cristiano's goal, pretty cheeky, typical of his impudence, but still a good one.
Kudos to Portugal. :3
Yeah, ask the portuguese players about the bad ball... ~;)
Don't get me wrong, from the games I have watched the ball does seem to be causing a few problems, but the teams that aren't doing so well (particularly France and England) cannot attribute their shortcomings thus far solely to an errant football... it's just an easy scapegoat because it can't argue back.
It's typical masculine reactions; heaven forbid that a team might be better than you, no, blame it on the football! T'is like when I beat a guy on a computer game and he'll blame his controller or something because he can't accept he was beaten by a woman. xD
Wow, and people thought these low scoring games were going to be a feature of the tournament and that the Western European teams were going to have a bad year?
7-0 is very impressive at the World Cup finals, no matter what team you are and who your opposition is; loved Cristiano's goal, pretty cheeky, typical of his impudence, but still a good one.
Kudos to Portugal. :3
We love you too.
Portugal collectively supports England going all the way until they meet Portugal and lose again in the penalties. :grin:
Sasaki Kojiro
06-21-2010, 17:59
Wow, I wish I gotten up early enough to watch that game now.
Louis VI the Fat
06-21-2010, 18:09
Don't get me wrong, from the games I have watched the ball does seem to be causing a few problems, but the teams that aren't doing so well (particularly France and England) cannot attribute their shortcomings thus far solely to an errant football... it's just an easy scapegoat because it can't argue back.
It's typical masculine reactions; heaven forbid that a team might be better than you, no, blame it on the football! T'is like when I beat a guy on a computer game and he'll blame his controller or something because he can't accept he was beaten by a woman. xDPft!
I don't hear either England or France blame the ball. Both teams had very high-profile disputes between the staff and the players this weekend. The French players openly revolting, the English accepting Capello's authority. It wasn't about the ball.
The ball is blamed for disrupting a passing game, and for erratic behaviour when shooting. As such, it would suit a football style of short passes and goal attempts once the defense has been split open like the Red Sea before Moses. You know, Latin football. As they play in South America, and to a large extent Portugal and Spain. The ball does not suit crosses well (how many crosses over 30/40 yards + headed in have we seen?), nor a medium distance passing game.
The ball is not objectively bad (if anything, possibly the best science can produce). No, the problem is introducing a new ball before a major tournament. Football evolves, has progressed a lot since the time of heavy leather balls several decades ago. Teams simply have not had the time yet to adapt to the new ball. A ball does make a difference to a playing style best adapted to it - just imagine for example a hypothetical heavy ball that's hard to kick over more than fifteen yards and it becomes immediately apparant.
One day, teams and tactics will have evolved to use this ball. They are already adapting, the games are much better than in the first week. It will take some time.
gaelic cowboy
06-21-2010, 18:20
I believe Louis is on to summit here on the passing element of the ball.
Heard somewhere once that Futsal is participated by more people in Brazil than football, dunno how true that is prob due to space restrictions I suppose. Point is the game favour's accurate short passing and the player has way bigger average amount of touches in the game.
Coincidence then that Brazil are number one in that sport too???? I think not
I don't think the current ball and similar balls will make it as it doesn't suit many of the big buck football leagues, such as the Premier league which is very cross heavy. And as the current balls are fit for short pass games as well, I do not think we'll see an evolution. I for one do not see why a short effective and nice pass game would be preferable over a nice run along the sideline followied by a nice cross that lands pefectly on a teamplayers head and gets beautifully headed in the goal. Both are great to see, both require skill, training and can be effective. Now if you control both, that's awesome football. Or do you think that teams like Portugal, Spain (Iniesta or Xavi are great at this) don't use beautifull and distant crosses.
England and France aren't blaiming the ball, nor should they. Both looked not to be in fine shape even before the tournament started. Actually i expected France (and Italy for that matter) to repeat their football of the last EC. Nor was I expecting the greatest football from England, though I must admit I expected more than this...However if almost every pro-footballer agrees and when I think about what I like most people I know have seen, there's something wrong the ball. Short pass footbal may be fun, but what is football without crosses, amazing distance goals, free kicks and corners,...? The ball clearly can't follow a stable track in the air and it's just way to bouncy. I personally find the ball much more irritating than the vuvuzelas, but both are no excuse for the losers of the WC to whine about. But they are bad for the beauty of the game.
johnhughthom
06-21-2010, 21:29
Update:
Louis: +7(:bow:) = 31
Little Grizzly: 2
Psycho: +2 = 16
Sarmatian: 3
Insane Apache: +1 = 20
Ser Clegane: +2 = 18
Romanic: +5 = 17
Joooray: 6
Rhyfelwyr: +4 = 11
LEN: 11
Marshall Murat: +4 = 15
Moros: 2
Craterus: 3
Crazed Rabbit: 2
Beefy: 3
Centurio Nixalsverdus: +1 = 12
Ronin: 1
||Lz3||: 6
Ser Clegane
06-21-2010, 21:53
France - South Africa 1:1
Mexico - Uruguay 1:2
Greece - Argentina 1:3
Nigeria - South Korea 1:1
LeftEyeNine
06-21-2010, 21:56
Come on England! :england:
Oh, come on now. You predict Germany will lose by one goal after the game had finished? :inquisitive:
Sorry to be reviving this unintentionally. I wanted to look back so as to know where I had left and irritatingly, I have seen the comment above.
3 days ago, after 17 months of seamless working, I flew off to my hometown (where I currently am right now) for vacation and all that duration, as my 2 days of absence could imply, I happened to have irregular free time or access to/for internet.
Now what I'm proposing is that I like it predicting matches around here and commenting over them but I seriously have no motivation or whatsoever like Louis VI the Fat seems to pursue. Please deliver all my points to him for being such a great inspector with eyes like David Villa has for goals. I find it utterly tasteless to doubt over the timing of my predictions. Yes, I know football better than him or any other to be able to predict Serbia's narrow win over Germany, and yes, I fail at it so miserably than anybody else such that I could think Algeria matches would be joyful to watch.
I have made all of these predictions the night before the tournament was to begin but I don't know how rational or mature it would be to take photos of the pages I wrote down my guesses of results. I will, if you want, but I personally find such act quite "gah!"ly.
johnhughthom, please take my suggestion serious and deliver all my points so far to Louis or divide them among other lads equally. I will keep on making my predictions here but ask of you not to deem them available for rating from now on.
Anyway, sorry for the rattle. Here are my predictions for the matches 2 days back that Louis would love to doubt, and also, ones for tomorrow.
Slovakia 0-0 Paraguay
Italy 1-0 New Zealand
Brazil 0-0 Ivory Coast
Portugal 3-0 N. Korea
Chile 2-2 Switzerland
Spain 1-1 Honduras
Mexico 0-0 Uruguay
France 1-1 South Africa
Nigeria 2-1 S. Korea
Greece 0-2 Argentina
Marshal Murat
06-21-2010, 22:02
:france: 0 - 1 :southafrica:
:mexico: 1 - 2 :uruguay:
:greece: 0 - 3 :argentina:
:nigeria: 0 - 2 :southkorea:
Afonso I of Portugal
06-21-2010, 22:29
At last SHOWTIME! Let's go Portugal!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tks8atRY_s
Louis VI the Fat
06-21-2010, 23:42
*stuff*Too much drama! Please, just play the game and post your vaticinia ex eventu...erm....predictions. ~:grouphug:
~~o~~o~~<<oOo>>~~o~~o~~
:france: 1 - 0 :southafrica:
:mexico: 1 - 1 :uruguay:
:greece: 0 - 1 :argentina:
:nigeria: 1 - 1 :southkorea:
God forbid South Africa really loses. :embarassed:
[CENTER]~~o~~o~~<<oOo>>~~o~~o~~
The question is in which new and novel way France will further make itself the laughing stock of the world this time. Will the players even show up? Will they fight each other on the pitch? Fight with the staff? Will they publicly tell Domenech to 'va te faire *******, sale fils de ****'
As far as I'm concerned, they don't need to bother showing up.
Today marks the exact anniversary of one the greatest matches of one of the greatest world cups, France - Brazil in 1986. Two phenomenal sides, so much talent and beautiful football gathered on one single pitch. 1982 and 1986, in strangely parallel ways both Brazil and France mesmerised their fans with a mix of beauty and tragedy, both countries fielding some of their most beloved teams ever.
ESPN put it on their list of ten greatest World Cup matches of all time.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=705393&cc=5739&ver=global
O tempora, o mores!! What has become of the Bleus, of France! To think this was once her face:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOKPsc6D7js&feature=PlayList&p=5619FDB7E0CF3D7B&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=20
InsaneApache
06-21-2010, 23:52
France 2 - 0 South Africa
Mexico 0 - 1 Uruguay
Greece 0 - 4 Argentina
Nigeria 1 - 1 South Korea
:balloon2:
LeftEyeNine
06-21-2010, 23:54
-says "no caps when we lose, s'il vous plait :embarassed:"monger. PJ and Fragony, no matter what they advocate, have far better profiles when it comes to reliability and stability. Heh.
:balloon2:
Rhyfelwyr
06-21-2010, 23:59
Huzzah! I finally got 3 pts for a correct prediction! Now for tomorrow...
:france: 0 - 0 :southafrica:
:mexico: 2 - 1 :uruguay:
:greece: 0 - 2 :argentina:
:nigeria: 2 - 1 :southkorea:
It's funny how Nigeria could progress with just one win and two defeats, whereas in Spain's group, it's quite likely that Spain/Chile/Swissland may each end up on 6 pts, leaving one of them behind.
LeftEyeNine
06-22-2010, 00:06
By the by, did any of you come across with a team that in both matches proved to be favorites for the cup ?
I mean, no matter how much they score, none of the participants have yet to play like definite competitors for the cup so far, if you ask me.
Pannonian
06-22-2010, 00:13
I believe Louis is on to summit here on the passing element of the ball.
Heard somewhere once that Futsal is participated by more people in Brazil than football, dunno how true that is prob due to space restrictions I suppose. Point is the game favour's accurate short passing and the player has way bigger average amount of touches in the game.
Coincidence then that Brazil are number one in that sport too???? I think not
What's futsal? Is it 5 a side?
Afonso I of Portugal
06-22-2010, 00:33
This is Futsal:
Sporting beat Benfica away and celebrate the title this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqRBFs2XKdA
Benfica won the UEFA Futsal Cup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfUzQ72XbmU&feature=related
At last SHOWTIME! Let's go Portugal!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tks8atRY_s
Best moment of the game - 1:47
Quando vi o Simão a fazer a dança do Big Mac, foi lindo, lindo!
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-22-2010, 01:54
:mexico: 1 - 1 :uruguay:
:france: 1 - 1 :southafrica:
:nigeria: 1 - 2 :southkorea:
:greece: 0 - 2 :argentina:
France 2 - 1 South Africa
Mexico 1 - 1 Uruguay
Greece 0 - 4 Argentina
Nigeria 0 - 1 South Korea
:france: 2 - 0 :southafrica:
:mexico: 1 - 1 :uruguay:
:greece: 0 - 3 :argentina:
:nigeria: 1 - 2 :southkorea:
France 0 - 1 South Africa
Mexico 0 - 0 Uruguay
Greece 0 - 3 Argentina
Nigeria 1 - 2 South Korea
Sasaki Kojiro
06-22-2010, 16:06
hmm, think RSA and uraguay can score enough to put RSA in over mexico? They need three more unanswered goals between them right?
Actually I think RSA just needs one and uruguay needs one...
LeftEyeNine
06-22-2010, 17:21
Allah, Gods of football or cosmic energy, call it whatever you like, Lö Blö got served what they deserved.
Platini prolly is thinking that they need MOAR bureaucrats to ensure a sound team next time. Leave him be; LEN likes this. Soothing syrup for sore throats.
My first group qualifiers prediction, or vae viisdştsus gşlasmius gşladsaşii as some too-intellectual-to-be-interested-in-football godlings name it, fail in the end having seen Uruguay and France qualifying respectively as a forecast. Anyway this is even better for:
- Prediction points are delivered to those craving for them while doubting the others'.
- Tournament has more things to offer as classically-favorites get knocked out.
Au revoir, Lö Blö, hopefully in a better shape next time.
And for his as-always blatancy:
ANELKA FOR THE PRESIDENT !
Oops, another caps following a Lö Blö defeat, sorray. :no:
tibilicus
06-22-2010, 17:23
Apparently Domenech refused to shake the hand of SA's manager. Pathetic. At least he has his retirement years to contemplate his childish strop now.
Louis VI the Fat
06-22-2010, 17:41
Apparently Domenech refused to shake the hand of SA's manager. Pathetic. Yes, I don't know what that was about. Why Domenech should not bow out with some dignity, even as the eyes of the world are on him, I don't understand. Too much pressure, perhaps.
Pity South Africa couldn't progress. It is a troubled country, a party for them would've been great.
Uruguay is a strong team, with two phenomenal players up front - will they be this tournaments surprise package? They'll meet a weak team next round, so a at least a quarterfinal should be possible.
Pretty bad indeed, but this World Cup is all in all no fun at all altogether. Meh. I hope we lose from Italy.
Louis VI the Fat
06-22-2010, 18:25
Pretty bad indeed, but this World Cup is all in all no fun at all altogether. Meh. I hope we lose from Italy.Really? I thought most of the second matches have been great, at least entertaining, with plenty of surprising developments everywhere. I think it is a fascinating tournament.
From here on forward, it's all third day matches and knock-out stages, nearly all the matches should be tense. It could be awesome.
Really? I thought most of the second matches have been great, at least entertaining, with plenty of surprising developments everywhere. I think it is a fascinating tournament.
From here on forward, it's all third day matches and knock-out stages, nearly all the matches should be tense. It could be awesome.
It's the whole atmosphere surrounding it, it's so joyless. I don't care if we win or not I want a good game. Should be a party. My biggest gripe is the Bavaria incident if you missed it, FIFA are bastards.
http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/994821/df9fee8f/bavaria_meisjes_worden_afgevoerd.html
They just got released today. Screw that. Had to appear in court meh.
johnhughthom
06-22-2010, 18:48
My biggest gripe is the Bavaria incident if you missed it, FIFA are bastards.
I still don't understand that, they were plain orange dresses with no branding as far as I'm aware so what was all the fuss about? They actually went to court over it? And FIFA brought them in for an "interview", who on earth do FIFA think they are, has South Africa given them special police powers as a backhander for getting the world cup?
I still don't understand that, they were plain orange dresses with no branding as far as I'm aware so what was all the fuss about? And they actually went to court?
You tell me http://www.dumpert.nl/mediabase/994391/24ff75be/striptease_bierwijven.html <- That's all
Yeah they were close to 5 months in prison because of these FIFA pricks. Budweiser sponsors it and all that.
LeftEyeNine
06-22-2010, 19:24
Best Eleven Group A:
Muslera
Gaxa
Lugano
Mokoena
Salcido
Ribery
Diaby
Diego Perez
Dos Santos
Mphela
Luis Suarez
Ser Clegane
06-22-2010, 21:28
Slovenia - England 1:1
USA - Algeria 2:1
Ghana - Germany 1:3
Australia - Serbia 2:2
gaelic cowboy
06-22-2010, 21:42
I still don't understand that, they were plain orange dresses with no branding as far as I'm aware so what was all the fuss about? They actually went to court over it? And FIFA brought them in for an "interview", who on earth do FIFA think they are, has South Africa given them special police powers as a backhander for getting the world cup?
It's called guerrilla marketing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_marketing)
Rhyfelwyr
06-22-2010, 21:57
What on earth were Greece doing? They had to win so they sat back? It makes no sense?! :dizzy2:
And poor Yakubu, that was the best miss I've ever seen, a tap in from about four yards out from facing the centre of goal, with no keeper or defender in sight. Dear oh dear...
Conqueror
06-22-2010, 22:15
What on earth were Greece doing?
Hoping for a Nigerian win over South Korea?
Marshal Murat
06-22-2010, 22:21
:slovenia: 1 - 0 :england:
:unitedstates: 2 - 0 :algeria:
:ghana: 2 - 1 :germany:
:serbia: 1 - 0 :australia:
Rhyfelwyr
06-22-2010, 23:10
Hoping for a Nigerian win over South Korea?
They must have got word that South Korea were winning shortly after the break though, yet they still left Samaras up there on his own.
Louis VI the Fat
06-22-2010, 23:27
I can't say I already regret Greece and Nigeria from qualifying. The two best teams progressed.
I predict:
England will redeem itself, and make it.
Donovan to put two past Algeria.
The other group I think, hope, will be two hard fought battles. Germany and Serbia to emerge victorious.
:slovenia: 0 - 1 :england:
:unitedstates: 2 - 0 :algeria:
:ghana: 0 - 2 :germany:
:serbia: 1 - 1 :australia:
Edit: for the fist time ever, I'm going to use the phrase: 'what of the children?'
There really are little boys who sleep in a French football team bedsheet. Posters of Anelka and Evra on their walls. I really wouldn't know what to say to them, if I were their parents. It's embarrassing. The players (and Domenech) have taken something away from these kids.
Marshal Murat
06-23-2010, 00:14
As much as I'd wish England to put up a good fight, the Slovenians have been one of the best teams in that group. Were England to suddenly play above previous appearances would be staggering. I just hope this whole "tiebreaking" thing works out for the best.
Hoping for a US win, but that would mean the United States is actually good at soccer, and that's just crazy.
Just one African team to go through, just one...
I think Serbia will pull a good game off against the Australians, who will be stymied by another superb Serbian performance.
Here's hoping that USA and Slovenia go through.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-23-2010, 00:26
:unitedstates: 2 - 0 :algeria:
:slovenia: 1 - 1 :england:
:australia: 0 - 2 :serbia:
:ghana: 0 - 3 :germany:
InsaneApache
06-23-2010, 00:39
I got hold of some proper acid. :mad: so here goes...
Slovenia 0 - 3 England
USA 2 - 1 Algeria
Ghana 1 - 2 Germany
Australia 1 - 1 Serbia
:balloon2:
:slovenia: 0 - 2 :england:
:unitedstates: 2 - 0 :algeria:
:ghana: 0 - 3 :germany:
:serbia: 1 - 0 :australia:
I'm not entirely sure but I think this video belongs here:
http://www.break.com/index/fellowship-of-the-vuvuzela.html
Krusader
06-23-2010, 03:58
Edit: for the fist time ever, I'm going to use the phrase: 'what of the children?'
There really are little boys who sleep in a French football team bedsheet. Posters of Anelka and Evra on their walls. I really wouldn't know what to say to them, if I were their parents. It's embarrassing. The players (and Domenech) have taken something away from these kids.
Maybe they don't know what to say? And the children will grow up thinking that its entirely okay acting like that. I myself can't help but think how Thierry Henry has diminished his legacy. The hands against Ireland and him apparently being part of the mutiny. Also, Im curious to hear what Evra will say. I personally think that a few of the French players should be thrown out from the national team, but also that the football association should take part of the blame. After all they kept Domenech, who part of me is half-expecting to be brought to Place de la Concorde and guillotined.
Sasaki Kojiro
06-23-2010, 04:00
I'm not entirely sure but I think this video belongs here:
http://www.break.com/index/fellowship-of-the-vuvuzela.html
I love it...I predict that after this world cup we will look back on the vuvuzela's with affection.
I'm not entirely sure but I think this video belongs here:
http://www.break.com/index/fellowship-of-the-vuvuzela.html
:laugh4: Thanks for sharing this one!
johnhughthom
06-23-2010, 05:28
Update:
Louis: +2 = 33
Little Grizzly: 2
Sarmatian: 3
Insane Apache: +5 = 25
Psycho: +1 = 17
Ser Clegane: +3 = 21
Romanic: +1 = 18
Joooray: 6
Rhyfelwyr: +3 = 14
LEN: 11
Marshall Murat: +3 = 18
Moros: 2
Craterus: 3
Crazed Rabbit: 2
Beefy: 3
Centurio Nixalsverdus: +3 = 15
Ronin: 1
||Lz3||: +2 = 8
pevergreen
06-23-2010, 05:29
I just hope australia loses, that way we come out with a draw and two losses and maybe people will stop hyping up our team and thinking we are incredible at football.
johnhughthom
06-23-2010, 05:32
Aren't you guys the personification of all sporting excellence?
It's called guerrilla marketing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_marketing)
Wasn't even a logo on their dresses just orange, completely unnecesary.
Pannonian
06-23-2010, 10:55
It's called guerrilla marketing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guerrilla_marketing)
Gorilla Marketing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnzFRV1LwIo)
Rhyfelwyr
06-23-2010, 13:17
:slovenia: 0 - 2 :england:
:unitedstates: 2 - 1 :algeria:
:australia: 1 - 2 :serbia:
:ghana: 1 - 1 :germany:
Louis VI the Fat
06-23-2010, 14:31
I myself can't help but think how Thierry Henry has diminished his legacy. The hands against Ireland Henry's handball was an embarrassing foul that did injustice to a smaller football nation.
There is another way of looking at it. As always, there is perception and reality. A single endlessly repeated image can create a public reality.
Henry's handball has received so much attention, the Irish cried so hard and relentlessly, that a flick of a hand is now considered the greatest crime committed in world football.
The last six months witnessed the spectacle of teams that have broken opponent's legs during qualification, who have committed outrageous, possible career-ending tackles, publicly crying that the French team has no moral right to be at the tournament because the ball received a flick of a hand. This is the preposterous element of the whole saga.
If 'number and severity of fouls committed during qualification' decide a team's moral right to have been at the WC, then most of the teams who happily joined the chorus of indignation over Henry's handball have far less moral rights to be at the WC.
Has Brazil lost all moral rights this tournament because of Fabiano's two handballs? Forever diminished its legacy should they win this cup?
What to make of the two outrageous tackles by Honduras and Nigeria this tournament? Have both teams been villified to the same extent as France for it? I, for one, would prefer an opponent to use his hands to keep the ball in play over his breaking my kneecaps.
Perception and reality. Foul and fair play can be quantified. In fact, they are. Here is the list for the second half of 2009, which included Henry's handball:
http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Download/PressRelease/uefa/UEFAMedia/94/77/97/947797_DOWNLOAD.pdf
The WC participants Fair Play list:
Denmark
England
Germany
Spain
France
Netherlands
Switzerland
Italy
Serbia
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Greece
Four more honourable than France, eight less. Or, of the 53 countries, 37 had a worse Fair Play record than France during the qualification period.
I say give the fans what they want. Do not let a team without moral rights participate. In fact, don't let the bottom two thirds of cheaters participate. France would still qualify.
Slovenia 1 - 2 England
USA 2 - 0 Algeria
Australia 0 - 1 Serbia
Ghana 1 - 2 Germany
LeftEyeNine
06-23-2010, 15:00
Moments to the first kick-off, here be my predictions:
Slovenia 0-4 England
USA 1-1 Algeria
Ghana 1-2 Germany
Australia 0-1 Serbia
Rooney-Defoe duo at last. Go go go go go go :england:
Sasaki Kojiro
06-23-2010, 15:30
They shouldn't even call offsides when both players are within 5 feet of the goal. How silly.
Pannonian
06-23-2010, 15:37
Henry's handball was an embarrassing foul that did injustice to a smaller football nation.
There is another way of looking at it. As always, there is perception and reality. A single endlessly repeated image can create a public reality.
Henry's handball has received so much attention, the Irish cried so hard and relentlessly, that a flick of a hand is now considered the greatest crime committed in world football.
Witsel-Wasilewski was the worst I know of from the past year. Henry's handball wasn't criminal, merely embarrassing.
They shouldn't even call offsides when both players are within 5 feet of the goal. How silly.
The offside rule is one the rules that make the game very interesting from a tactical point of view. It's also a rule most people understand very well, but aren't able to explain in their own words.
Also, not seldom is offside a close call, and it can be food for lively and heated discussions about whether a goal was valid or not.
Crazed Rabbit
06-23-2010, 16:00
This is ridiculous. Another goal stolen.
I have to wonder if the refs are just biased against the US.
CR
Louis VI the Fat
06-23-2010, 16:15
It was a very close call. I'm still not sure whether it was or wasn't offside. I do believe the rule is that the attacking player gets the benefit of the doubt.
Which means America was robbed, again. :shame:
England's doing great, it's back to the impressive play of the qualification campaign!
Krusader
06-23-2010, 16:54
USA got 1st place in their group. I'd say its a well-deserved spot seeing all 6 matches.
Now lets hope for Germany-England in second round.
Crazed Rabbit
06-23-2010, 16:55
I LOVE YOU, DONOVAN!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
CR
Sasaki Kojiro
06-23-2010, 16:58
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
A shame about Slovenia...I would much rather have seen USA and them go through.
Congrats to the the US team.
England in second place....this means a good probability they get fed to the Germans next round :P
Sarmatian
06-23-2010, 16:59
Now this makes 2nd place much more desirable than the first in group D... Congratz USA and England, although i do feel bad for Slovenia...
Knight of Ne
06-23-2010, 16:59
I have to congratulate the USA for going through they have really deserved it, however i can't help but feel sorry for Slovenia, they really deserved to go through too. Still, it was so good to see England play so much better and go through.
I think for the USA's disallowed goal, it was very close and in those situations i would of given offside as well, because it is so close.
Ne
Crazed Rabbit
06-23-2010, 17:03
I have to congratulate the USA for going through they have really deserved it, however i can't help but feel sorry for Slovenia, they really deserved to go through too. Still, it was so good to see England play so much better and go through.
I think for the USA's disallowed goal, it was very close and in those situations i would of given offside as well, because it is so close.
Ne
Tie goes to the attacker.
:stare:
Man, that was some second half though. Thank goodness for stoppage time. I could see a goal happening, now or never, when we got four attackers versus the two defenders.
CR
He was onside. Probably just a tough angle for the linesman/ref, but still another stolen goal. A lot of poor finishing on their many chances, but they got the goal they needed in the end. The US does keep it interesting...
gaelic cowboy
06-23-2010, 17:05
USA USA
gaelic cowboy
06-23-2010, 17:13
If America had gone out it would have been an injustice after the three staggeringly inept performance's given by England so far. Fair play they got a result England but that game was a poor poor game from England.
One thing I will say England tackled more and dived on the ball more, quite why they waited till last game to wake up is a mystery to me. The two best teams are through by far and away.
Oh and at last we could here chanting and singing thank god, must have been fewer VuVus at it.
LeftEyeNine
06-23-2010, 17:14
UNSTOPPABLE
WE ARE THE WOOOOOORLD
WE ARE THE FOOTBALL ABLE CHILDREEEEN
WE ARE THE WORLD WHO MAKE ROBERT GREEN PAY
SO LET'S START SCORIIIIING
Louis VI the Fat
06-23-2010, 17:19
Only in America!!
https://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s46/pma111/usa.gif
There must be a common culture at the root of both America's aesthetical and football exuberance. Both mock with more...'classical' standards, but the end result is, together with a whole lot of other things, always spectacular. Always a delight to have them at a tournament - always some sensation coming from them! :balloon2:
I have to wonder if the refs are just biased against the US.Today's ref was a very high profile European referee, with plenty of crunch match experience. He (rather the linesman) simply made a wrong call.
:england:
England were great for sixty minutes. The final thirty, or ten, minutes were professional. I wants me an Italian coach!
It was not world champion stuff, but a good performance by a team under great pressure.
I feel sorry for the Slovenians too. That must be a blow. The Algerians too, despite their being rivals, deserve credit for making it an exciting, open game.
I predict:
England will redeem itself, and make it.
Donovan to put two past Algeria.
:slovenia: 0 - 1 :england:
:unitedstates: 2 - 0 :algeria:
Hah! :knight:
AlexanderSextus
06-23-2010, 17:23
Europeans, y'all can stop laughing at us now.
gaelic cowboy
06-23-2010, 17:26
England were great for sixty minutes. The final thirty, or ten, minutes were professional.
I have to disagree Louis that was middling at best, but they won and thats what matters. They were worth the win and should have won 2-0 but too many times they displayed a poor touch, Slovenia were not worth the win so overall England deserve to go through as second place team
gaelic cowboy
06-23-2010, 17:27
Europeans, y'all can stop laughing at us now.
I am texting my cornfed cuz as we speak to relay the good news, no doubt he didnt even know it was on.
woad&fangs
06-23-2010, 18:01
Will the USA's round of 16 game be on ABC or ESPN?
Sasaki Kojiro
06-23-2010, 18:23
Will the USA's round of 16 game be on ABC or ESPN?
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/4866180/ce/us/espn-abc-release-2010-world-cup-schedule&cc=5901?ver=us
Sat 6/26 2 p.m. ABC 1st C vs. 2nd D
1st C is us! If we'd ended up 2nd in the group it would have been on espn according to the schedule.
I might have to miss it though :(
Sarmatian
06-23-2010, 19:10
****, Lukovic again in the first eleven...
I have to disagree Louis that was middling at best, but they won and thats what matters. They were worth the win and should have won 2-0 but too many times they displayed a poor touch, Slovenia were not worth the win so overall England deserve to go through as second place team
Agreed. That was just over the line stuff. Doing the minimum required to get the result.
The group standings are fair, USA should have beaten Slovenia but for that ruled out goal and England while not quality were comfortable enough in the end. England to get knocked out next round, and deservedly so.
Louis VI the Fat
06-23-2010, 19:42
I have to disagree Louis that was middling at best, but they won and thats what matters. They were worth the win and should have won 2-0 but too many times they displayed a poor touch, Slovenia were not worth the win so overall England deserve to go through as second place team
That was just over the line stuff. Doing the minimum required to get the result. I thought England were good. Brisk, especially the fifteen minutes before and after half-time. They failed in putting one or two more in. Other than that, they never looked in too much trouble, except for a few scary moments, when they fell back too far on their own half.
It was not world class football. But was that to be expected? More important was that today saw a semblance of a spirited performance, of team unity. With a clear plan and sense of purpose. It's all not as easy as it looks. There was a lot of pressure, Slovenia is a strong opponent, it's a difficult tournament.
Spain, Germany, Italy face tense games too. It remains to be seen if they can repeat England's performance.
Krusader
06-23-2010, 21:27
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Cup_2010#Knockout_stage
Some good games ahead. Fun to see that either Uruguay/South Korea/USA/Ghana will be in the semifinals. And whoever wins in England-Germany will face Argentina-Mexico winner in quarterfinals.
Altogether now, all you Englishpersons: Two world wars and one world cup, doo dah, doo dah!
Much better performance by England, not stellar but much improved over their previous two games.
I'm not sure what Serbia was thinking in that second half. They didn't seem to have any interest until the first Aussie goal. Apart from the wrestling, good effort from Australia.
LeftEyeNine
06-23-2010, 22:03
Holman was someone I wasn't aware of till I could watch Aussies' matches yet since his first show up as a substitute in their first match, I've been an admirer of his energy and able feet.
At last, one of my lesser surprises of the tournament played some football indeed against one of my favorites. Had they been able to finish previous clashes with eleven men, I don't doubt they could qualify for the last 16.
Anyway, thanks to Ozzie for their great participation as I'd need to express my disappointment with Serbia's unexpected failure as well.
Ghana deserve to be where they are. They are enthusiastic and energetic, and concentrated enough at times. However, the same problem persists for all African teams: A goal against disrupts all the will, they suffer mental collapse. Also last-touch decision making is a disaster. They shoot wildly where it is not needed, they keep dribbling where they need to handbrake the ball and drift it in, they look around and commit an unnecessary, and generally inaccurate, pass where the goal is clear to aim.
Oh, and the Germans:
ÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖZİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİİLLLLL-EAAAAAH !
Ser Clegane
06-23-2010, 22:13
:beam:
Slovakia - Italy 1:2
Paraguay - New Zealand 2:0
Cameroon - Netherlands 1:3
Denmark - Japan 1:1
Rhyfelwyr
06-23-2010, 22:41
Ghana deserve to be where they are. They are enthusiastic and energetic, and concentrated enough at times. However, the same problem persists for all African teams: A goal against disrupts all the will, they suffer mental collapse.
I thought Ghana kept their heads well, they very nearly scored from a header about a minute after they went behind. The game should have had more goals than it did, and Ghana had a couple of very good chances to equalise.
gaelic cowboy
06-23-2010, 22:49
Will Ghana beat USA or USA beat Ghana I did not see last game???????
@ England
I almost forgot anyone for penalties??????
:hide:
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-23-2010, 23:39
A deserved win for Germany. :] The Ghanaans were extremely dangerous but luckily unable to score. You guys do know that England is absolutely chanceless next match? :p
:paraguay: 1 - 0 :newzealand:
:slovakia: 0 - 2 :italy:
:denmark: 3 - 0 :japan:
:cameroon: 1 - 1 :netherlands:
Rhyfelwyr
06-23-2010, 23:52
:denmark: 2 - 1 :japan:
:cameroon: 0 - 3 :netherlands:
:paraguay: 1 - 0 :newzealand:
:slovakia: 0 - 1 :italy:
Sasaki Kojiro
06-24-2010, 00:02
I hope that somehow italy doesn't advance.
Louis VI the Fat
06-24-2010, 00:42
Denmark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denmark_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9c/Flag_of_Denmark.svg/22px-Flag_of_Denmark.svg.png 1 - 0 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_E#Denmark_vs_Japan)https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/22px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png Japan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_national_football_team)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rustenburg,_North_West) Cameroon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameroon_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Flag_of_Cameroon.svg/22px-Flag_of_Cameroon.svg.png 0 - 1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_E#Cameroon_vs_Netherlands) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg.png Netherlands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_national_football_team)
Slovakia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovakia_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Flag_of_Slovakia.svg/22px-Flag_of_Slovakia.svg.png 0 - 1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_F#Slovakia_vs_Italy) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Flag_of_Italy.svg/22px-Flag_of_Italy.svg.png Italy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_football_team)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannesburg) Paraguay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/Flag_of_Paraguay.svg/22px-Flag_of_Paraguay.svg.png 2 - 1 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_F#Paraguay_vs_New_Zealand) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/22px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png New Zealand (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_national_football_team)
Uruguay to make it to the semis! :uruguay:
Could they go all the way for their third to become the most awesomest football country on the planet?
Ingerland :england: 1 - 1 :germany: Deutschland. Germany to win on penalties. :balloon:
Which reminds me. Johnhughthom: what are your rules for the knock-out stage? Do people who predict a draw need to predict the score after 120 minutes too, and penalties? If you predict a victory, does a win in extra time count as victory? Or are scores simply counted after 90 minutes? etc.
InsaneApache
06-24-2010, 01:56
I thought England were good. Brisk, especially the fifteen minutes before and after half-time. They failed in putting one or two more in. Other than that, they never looked in too much trouble, except for a few scary moments, when they fell back too far on their own half.
It was not world class football. But was that to be expected? More important was that today saw a semblance of a spirited performance, of team unity. With a clear plan and sense of purpose. It's all not as easy as it looks. There was a lot of pressure, Slovenia is a strong opponent, it's a difficult tournament.
Spain, Germany, Italy face tense games too. It remains to be seen if they can repeat England's performance.
I hate you. :shame:
Denmark 1 - 1 Japan
Cameroon 0 - 1 Netherlands
Slovakia 1 - 1 Italy
Paraguay 0 - 0 New Zealand
:balloon2:
Beefy187
06-24-2010, 02:03
Back in the game
Denmark 1 - 3 Japan
Cameroon 2 - 1 Netherlands
Slovakia 2 - 1 Italy
Paraguay 0 - 1 New Zealand
Go the underdogs :clown:
:denmark: 1 - 1 :japan:
:cameroon: 0 - 2 :netherlands:
:paraguay: 2 - 0 :newzealand:
:slovakia: 0 - 1 :italy:
johnhughthom
06-24-2010, 04:23
Which reminds me. Johnhughthom: what are your rules for the knock-out stage? Do people who predict a draw need to predict the score after 120 minutes too, and penalties? If you predict a victory, does a win in extra time count as victory? Or are scores simply counted after 90 minutes? etc.
We'll just count scores after 90 minutes, seems the fairest (and simplest) way to me.
Denmark 2 - 0 Japan
Cameroon 1 - 2 Netherlands
Paraguay 2 - 0 New Zealand
Slovakia 0 - 1 Italy
Possible England route to the trophy: Germany, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, cheers Donovan :clown:
But yeah the Germans will probably beat us, oh well.
Possible England route to the trophy: Germany, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, cheers Donovan :clown:
:yes:
Hehe. Good stuff. Always good to have to fight play the old enemies... :wink2:
Wouldn't it be great if Portugal beat Spain allowing England to beat the Germans then the Argentinians and then the Portuguese all on penalties. Imagine the odds on that happening :dizzy2:
gaelic cowboy
06-24-2010, 13:45
You all missed the opportunity of a lifetime to put a tenner on USA to top the group what about those odds
Wouldn't it be great if Portugal beat Spain allowing England to beat the Germans then the Argentinians and then the Portuguese all on penalties. Imagine the odds on that happening :dizzy2:
Of England beating Portugal on Penalties?..... I say about 0.0% :D
We'll just tell our goalkeeper to take his gloves off again.
Italy...why....what....???? Ugh, so, so bad.
LeftEyeNine
06-24-2010, 15:41
I'm not competing, predictions for fun purposes (I know I missed almost the first halves):
Slovakia 0-1 Italy
Paraguay 3-0 New Zealand
Denmark 1-1 Japan
Cameroon 1-4 Nederlands
(w00t, Azzurri already on the trail. meh.)
LeftEyeNine
06-24-2010, 15:46
Strba's knee slit open, gets back into the play after the first aid. Oh.
Sasaki Kojiro
06-24-2010, 15:51
That was a nasty cut.
Slovakia can knock Italy out with a win. Go Slovakia!
gaelic cowboy
06-24-2010, 16:50
Shockin defending by Italy :no: especially for a nation known for it's defenders and defensive style.
Awesome goal by Quagliarella.
Sasaki Kojiro
06-24-2010, 17:00
Wow, what a game. 3-2 with two goals denied to the italians. And they would have advanced with a draw I believe.
Also they seemed to really hate the slovakian goalkeeper for some reason.
That's going to be the last World Cup for some of the Italian team, right? Pirlo, Cannavaro and such?
Two points is a disappointing way to go out. :<
Rhyfelwyr
06-24-2010, 17:08
The antics from Slovakia were shameful, injury time was worst, but the keeper was at it right from the second half, almost made me want them to lose despite them being the underdogs.
Still, fantastic game, MOTM goes to the linesman for two very brave calls.
gaelic cowboy
06-24-2010, 17:13
The antics from Slovakia were shameful, injury time was worst, but the keeper was at it right from the second half, almost made me want them to lose despite them being the underdogs.
Still, fantastic game, MOTM goes to the linesman for two very brave calls.
True.
However you couldn't say Italy were robbed when they basically hand Slovakia three goals by some awful defending.
Louis VI the Fat
06-24-2010, 17:22
Awesome game near the end, great goal by Quagliarella.
That linesman was probably correct, I think.
I too was surprised at Italy's poor defending, What has become of the world??
I didn't see the other game. I've been zapping last two days, but didn't want to miss the tense ending to Italy - Slovakia. Props to NZ for remaining unbeaten at the World Cup.
I hate you. :shame:
:balloon2:Oi, I wasn't being sarcastic! I really think England played a good game. It wasn't all that easy to perform under this much presure, to have a solid plan and perform it with spirit. Italy couldn't manage it, Germany barely, Spain remains to be seen. England did well to pull off the performance it did.
Terry's head first dive was sheer awesomeness! :laugh4:
johnhughthom
06-24-2010, 17:23
The antics from Slovakia were shameful, injury time was worst, but the keeper was at it right from the second half, almost made me want them to lose despite them being the underdogs.
Really? You're criticising Slovakia for doing to the Italians what the Italians have been doing for decades? I found it hilarious.
I didn't see the other game. I've been zapping last two days, but didn't want to miss the tense ending to Italy - Slovakia. Props to NZ for remaining unbeaten at the World Cup.
It was boring. Ugh... NZ should have gone for it. A win would have given them second spot and the knock-out rounds, they had nothing to lose. But, they kept defending. Please, football gods, never let them into the WC ever again.
johnhughthom
06-24-2010, 17:27
Awesome goal by Quagliarella.
Yes. Especially given the circumstances.
LeftEyeNine
06-24-2010, 17:32
You can't expect them to go for a win for they don't possess the necessary talent, Psycho. They did what they only could at its best. I say let's symphatize and praise their tactical discipline and concentration almost all better teams failed to demonstrate.
:newzealand:
Conqueror
06-24-2010, 17:35
After two lackluster games and the 1st half of one, the Italians suddenly remember how to score goals... just a tad too late :whip:
You can't expect them to go for a win for they don't possess the necessary talent, Psycho. They did what they only could at its best. I say let's symphatize and praise their tactical discipline and concentration almost all better teams failed to demonstrate.
:newzealand:
They could have at least tried. If it doesn't work so what? They go home with a bit of pride knowing they held the Champions to a draw. And if they nick a goal they could do what they do best, defending.
Italy, last in the group. Who would have thunk it? Wonder what kind of reception they will get at the airport this time.
Possible England route to the trophy: Germany, Argentina, Spain, Brazil, cheers Donovan
Just saw a hilarious comment on YouTube:
Typical Yanks. Don't show up until the last minute and leave England to take on the Germans.
:laugh4:
Sasaki Kojiro
06-24-2010, 17:41
The antics from Slovakia were shameful, injury time was worst, but the keeper was at it right from the second half, almost made me want them to lose despite them being the underdogs.
Eh, the italian player who shoved him into the back of the net after they scored a goal had it coming. It's pretty silly to do that, stand over the guy taunting him, and then flop to the ground screaming when he punches you (while lying down...).
Rhyfelwyr
06-24-2010, 18:40
Eh, the italian player who shoved him into the back of the net after they scored a goal had it coming. It's pretty silly to do that, stand over the guy taunting him, and then flop to the ground screaming when he punches you (while lying down...).
The keeper didn't punch him, it was another Slovakian player that grabbed the Italian round the neck, plus the Italian wasn't taunting the keeper he was trying to get the ball for the kick-off. I would have sympathised with the keeper if he hadn't been acting the way he did for the whole second half. The keeper was IIRC the only one to get a card from the incident, because the ref was well aware of what he was up to.
Really? You're criticising Slovakia for doing to the Italians what the Italians have been doing for decades? I found it hilarious.
Yeah I guess the Italians can't complain too much. The whole display was just so shambollic I wasn't really thinking about the past, when what was happening in the current game was a disgrace.
Terry's head first dive was sheer awesomeness! :laugh4:
Everyone must see this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9dey8AVk5I
Sasaki Kojiro
06-24-2010, 18:51
The keeper didn't punch him, it was another Slovakian player that grabbed the Italian round the neck, plus the Italian wasn't taunting the keeper he was trying to get the ball for the kick-off. I would have sympathised with the keeper if he hadn't been acting the way he did for the whole second half. The keeper was IIRC the only one to get a card from the incident, because the ref was well aware of what he was up to.
Yes, and earlier they knocked the keeper over while "getting the ball so they could throw it to him for a goal kick". They showed the punch too, that's why he got the yellow card. And an italian player got a card for it too. Maybe the broadcast was different in your country :p
Eh, I don't really know what happened so it seems silly to argue.
Paraguay are through!
There is celebration in the streets!
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/vincent_pt/reporterm.gif
:laugh4:
LeftEyeNine
06-24-2010, 19:57
HOOOOOOOOOOOOOON
DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
IKE IKE !
Conqueror
06-24-2010, 21:44
Good game for the blue samurais! :2thumbsup: (Except for that stupid penalty.)
LeftEyeNine
06-24-2010, 21:57
Yatta !
:japan: :japan: :japan:
Rhyfelwyr
06-24-2010, 22:20
I liked how Tomasson took such a poor penalty, then barely managed to make contact with the ball to tap it in from a yard out, before skipping over the keeper and injuring himself. Sums up Denmark's night.
Ser Clegane
06-24-2010, 22:25
Portugal - Brazil 1:1
North Korea - Côte d'Ivoire 1:3
Chile - Spain 1:2
Switzerland - Honduras 2:0
Ser Clegane
06-24-2010, 22:28
We'll just count scores after 90 minutes, seems the fairest (and simplest) way to me.
Quoting for emphasis to make sure that everybody is aware of it
Personally, I would prefer to count the score after potential OT (but before penalties) but this is fine as well :bow:
johnhughthom
06-24-2010, 23:02
Update:
Louis: +6 = 39
Little Grizzly: 2
Sarmatian: 3
Insane Apache: +7 = 32
Psycho: +6 = 23
Ser Clegane: +3 = 24
Romanic: +4 = 22
Joooray: 6
Rhyfelwyr: +3 = 17
Marshall Murat: +2 = 20
Moros: 2
Craterus: 3
Crazed Rabbit: 2
Beefy: +4 =7
Centurio Nixalsverdus: +2 = 17
Ronin: 1
||Lz3||: 8
gaelic cowboy
06-24-2010, 23:17
Refreshing to see that Japan went for the win, even when they were two up they brought on a forward rather than a defensive midfielder.
Denmark were poor enough by any standard and lets remember they topped there group in the qualifying stage well ahead of Portugal.
Well done Japan they will be hard beat if they can do this again, Denmark looked slow, tired and laborious and they got cynical at the end hacking players, they basically were good for the ticket home.
I can see the tabloids tomorrow "Honda drive on"
Louis VI the Fat
06-24-2010, 23:18
:denmark: - :japan:
Denmark's been a dissapointment throughout. I didn't expect them to go far, but was hoping for some fun Danish Dynamite along the way.
Japan was awesome. Their forward, Kawasaki, is sheer genius.
:cotedivoire: - :netherlands:
The Netherlands win more points than hearts this time. No sign of mental collapse either!
Italy can't defend, Maradona behaves disciplined, the Dutch don't collapse halfway through a tournament - what has become of World Football!! Next thing you'll know, the Brits will blitz Fritz from eleven yards...
Great second goal though, good to see Robben return.
Pity Cameroon lost, thus failing to get a single point. I was hoping for the wooden spoon to go the one team most deserving of it. (Y'all know which one...)
Louis VI the Fat
06-24-2010, 23:20
Both groups tomorrow show a remarkable similarity.
If Portugal loses to Brazil, and Cd'I beats the weak Koreans, goal difference will decide. Portugal did very well to score their seven against Korea. They read the group well, understood that they needed to jkeep pushing for more goals in the second half against Korea.
Portugal has +7 goal difference, Cd'I -2. It is unlikely, but not even impossible Portugal loses 3-0 and Cd'I wins 6-0.Spain is in a very precarious position. They need to beat strong Chile, and score as many as the Swiss put past weak Honduras. Switzerland and Spain both have three points. Spain's goal difference is +1 vs 0 for the Swiss. Could be thrilling.
It is all impossible to predict.
Portugal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Flag_of_Portugal.svg/22px-Flag_of_Portugal.svg.png 1 - 2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_G#Portugal_vs_Brazil) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Flag_of_Brazil.svg/22px-Flag_of_Brazil.svg.png Brazil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_national_football_team)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Mabhida_Stadium) Korea DPR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korea_DPR_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Flag_of_North_Korea.svg/22px-Flag_of_North_Korea.svg.png 0 - 2 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/Flag_of_Cote_d%27Ivoire.svg/22px-Flag_of_Cote_d%27Ivoire.svg.png Côte d'Ivoire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te_d%27Ivoire_national_football_team)
Chile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Flag_of_Chile.svg/22px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png 0 - 1 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Flag_of_Spain.svg/22px-Flag_of_Spain.svg.png Spain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain_national_football_team)
Switzerland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Flag_of_Switzerland.svg/20px-Flag_of_Switzerland.svg.png 1 - 0 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Flag_of_Honduras.svg/22px-Flag_of_Honduras.svg.png Honduras (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honduras_national_football_team)
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-24-2010, 23:38
Really? You're criticising Slovakia for doing to the Italians what the Italians have been doing for decades? I found it hilarious.
It's called justice.
There is celebration in the streets!
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/vincent_pt/reporterm.gif
https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/images/smilies/gc/gc-laugh4.gif
I would have loved to be in his place.
:northkorea: 2 - 1 :cotedivoire:
:portugal: 0 - 2 :brazil:
:switzerland: 2 - 0 :honduras:
:chile: 1 - 1 :spain:
Beefy187
06-25-2010, 00:13
:elephant:
Sorry manager. I had no faith in you but, you proved me wrong :2thumbsup:
HONDA!!
LeftEyeNine
06-25-2010, 00:25
Predikshuuuuuns:
Portugal 1-1 Brazil
N. Korea 1-2 Cote d'Ivoire
Chile 0-0 Spain
Switzerland 2-2 Honduras
And these signal the end of the predictions I had made before the tournament began. I may have been more accurate had I done it on a day-by-day basis. Expect next rounds to be better, therefore. :smoking:
gaelic cowboy
06-25-2010, 00:46
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qj5Pau1tJM
Louis VI the Fat
06-25-2010, 00:47
:germany: - :england: World Football's Greatest Rivalry!
Or is it...?
Since 1966, Germany have been in 11 major tournament finals, of which they have won five. England's been in two semi-finals, lost to Germany on penaltiesClickable: (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/24/england-germany-rivalry-world-cup-2010) Wittiness. :laugh4:
~~o~~o~~<<oOo>>~~o~~o~~
For all my hope of a disastrous Italy campaign, I did notice a feeling of slight regret coming over me.
It's fun to see a strong, or arrogant team fail. A struggling team, weak but trying - not so much.
The Italians did put up a genuine effort, but couldn't find a way, didn't know how to direct their natural grit. When your defense is a mess, you have to compensate by playing more defensively. Which then results in your weakest line being used most, and strong points remain unused, and the entire team falters. When Italy did attack today, they played some great football, some lovely attacks.
There was some dignity in the way they bowed out, certainly more than France has ever managed when dismal. Nobody does pathos better either. All those Italian faces, fans and team alike - the despair, the grief, the disbelief - it was awesome, artistic. The last gasp effort, the hurt on the faces, it showed there was a genuine effort. Or genuine theatrics. The distinction is not made in Italy, there life IS theatre. It all had an artistic quality to it. One has got to love Italy. Such beauty, always.
So much then for the two finalists of 2006. Not really coming as a surprise, after 2008. Certainly the French team was fully expected to implode this tournament. Still, it remains astonishing that both teams could not manage a single win between them.
:northkorea: 0 - 2 :cotedivoire:
:portugal: 1 - 1 :brazil:
:switzerland: 2 - 0 :honduras:
:chile: 2 - 1 :spain:
:germany: - :england: World Football's Greatest Rivalry!
Or is it...?
Clickable: (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/24/england-germany-rivalry-world-cup-2010) Wittiness. :laugh4:
The English like to think it is. But really it's not. For Germany their biggest rival is the Dutch. Always has and always will be. That's the team they always want to beat. It's a one-sided rivalry.
Lol. Just read the article. The title summed up what I said.
North Korea 0 - 1 Ivory Coast
Portugal 1 - 2 Brazil
Swiss 1 - 0 Honduras
Chile 1 - 3 Spain
The English like to think it is. But really it's not. For Germany their biggest rival is the Dutch. Always has and always will be. That's the team they always want to beat. It's a one-sided rivalry.
Lol. Just read the article. The title summed up what I said.
HA we secretly want each other to win. The germans want to beat Brazil, and so do we.
InsaneApache
06-25-2010, 09:50
North Korea 1 - 1 Ivory Coast
Portugal 1 - 0 Brazil
Swiss 1 - 0 Honduras
Chile 1 - 2 Spain
:balloon2:
Brazil 2 - 1 Brazil B...ups...I mean Portugal..with all those Brazilians in the team I get confused.
LOL Dutch fans are invading the townships to play against the locals, our twelth player at it's most awesome.
Beefy187
06-25-2010, 12:37
North Korea 1 - 0 Ivory Coast
Portugal 1 - 2 Brazil
Swiss 1 - 0 Honduras
Chile 0 - 5 Spain
Rhyfelwyr
06-25-2010, 13:44
:northkorea: 1 - 2 :cotedivoire:
:portugal: 1 - 2 :brazil:
:switzerland: 1 - 0 :honduras:
:chile: 2 - 1 :spain:
Now...talk about 2 teams that weren´t really trying to win..
Conqueror
06-25-2010, 21:38
:beam: Coming up: Spain VS Portugal :duel:
Rhyfelwyr
06-25-2010, 23:06
I've never seen anything quite like the final minutes of the Spain v Chile game.
Still, I really enjoyed the game on the whole. I reckon Chile would have won it if they kept 11 men, they play some great attacking football, and that young Suarez (IIRC) player looks particularly dangerous. Plus they sure don't lack passion, though they went a bit too far with a few of the tackles.
The Villa goal was sensational... I'm a little disappointed with Torres though, especially his blatant dive (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_47) in the build-up to Iniesta's goal (check the video with the Chilean red card >.<).
That should have been at least a yellow for Torres, surely? O_O
The Villa goal was sensational... I'm a little disappointed with Torres though, especially his blatant dive (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_47) in the build-up to Iniesta's goal (check the video with the Chilean red card >.<).
That should have been at least a yellow for Torres, surely? O_O
Hahah, he is obviously faking it. Trust those Spanish to pull a dirty trick like that.
Cute Wolf
06-26-2010, 00:15
Hahah, he is obviously faking it. Trust those Spanish to pull a dirty trick like that.
amen
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-26-2010, 00:52
Predictions after 90 minutes played:
:uruguay: 1 - 1 :southkorea: (2 - 1 after 120 min.)
:unitedstates: 1 - 2 :ghana:
Louis VI the Fat
06-26-2010, 01:16
I didn't see any of the games today. Apparantly, there is a bright sunny world out there!
Not that I cared about any of that, gimme footy footy footy.
https://forums.totalwar.org/images/smilies/flags/uruguay.gif :uruguay: 2 - 0 :southkorea:
:unitedstates: 1 - 0 :ghana: https://forums.totalwar.org/images/smilies/flags/ghana.gif
Marshal Murat
06-26-2010, 01:53
Out of town trips can really mess with a score, whatever...
:uruguay: 2 - 1 :southkorea:
:unitedstates: 3 - 2 :ghana:
:uruguay: 0 - 1 :southkorea:
:unitedstates: 2 - 0 :ghana:
Strike For The South
06-26-2010, 05:45
:uruguay: 2 - 1 :southkorea: Fórlan gets at least 1
:unitedstates: 3- 0 :ghana:
Ser Clegane
06-26-2010, 07:38
For this weekend:
Uruguay - South Korea 2:0
USA - Ghana 2:1
Germany - England 2:1
Argentina - Mexico 1:0
InsaneApache
06-26-2010, 10:04
Uruguay 1 - 1 South Korea
USA 2 - 0 Ghana
:balloon2:
johnhughthom
06-26-2010, 11:51
Update:
Louis: +2 = 41
Insane Apache: +3 = 35
Psycho: +2 = 25
Ser Clegane: +5 = 29
Romanic: +2 = 24
Rhyfelwyr: +1 = 18
Marshall Murat: 20
Beefy: +1 = 8
Centurio Nixalsverdus: 17
I've taken a few players that haven't predicted in a while off the list, I still have a record of your score so feel free to drop back in. 2 points for a correct result, 4 for correct score in this round so Louis is still within reach of most of you.
"I'm not happy," Dunga said. "We always play to win. We even tried to attack in the last five minutes." :laugh4:
Uruguay 1 - 0 South Korea
USA 0 - 0 Ghana (This one has extra time written all over it)
Rhyfelwyr
06-26-2010, 14:40
:uruguay: 2 - 0 :southkorea:
:unitedstates: 1 - 2 :ghana:
Poor South Koreans ;_;
Let's try again in four years! Now, my hopes are all directed towards Japan.
LeftEyeNine
06-26-2010, 17:15
I guess we're of the same kind there, Haxeley. I'm a Go-Go-Asia this tournament as well as being fans of the underdogs. What's more Japan and S. Korea I like so much in particular.
70 minutes of rampage that chewed Uruguay to bits, clumsy finishing especially by late substitute Dong Gook cost them the tournament. They truly deserved more of this.
Props to Jung Woo, Young Pyo and Suarez.
Prediction:
USA 1-1 Ghana
USA to the quarter finals consequently.
Never was a fan of Korea after the distasteful shenanigans that allowed them to progress in 2002, so no shed tears on my part that they are going home.
Crazed Rabbit
06-26-2010, 20:21
Why doesn't the US and whoever they play just skip the first 20 minutes of the match and give the opposing team a goal? It would save some time.
@ Psychonaut; could you elaborate?
CR
johnhughthom
06-26-2010, 20:24
@ Psychonaut; could you elaborate?
A ridiculous number of refereeing errors in their favour at the 2002 World Cup.
seireikhaan
06-26-2010, 21:44
Wow, dive a bit more while you're at it, Ghana.
Crazed Rabbit
06-26-2010, 22:04
At least we didn't go out on a reffing error.
Some of Ghana's flops were truly pathetic - almost as much as the ref's lack of making them get up.
CR
johnhughthom
06-26-2010, 22:07
Das ist modern soccer. :shrug:
gaelic cowboy
06-26-2010, 22:12
Hard luck America well done
Marshal Murat
06-26-2010, 22:14
Urgh. There wasn't anything missing from the US except that spirit which animated us during the 2nd half. I just wonder what would've happened if our players were actually the cream of the US athletic crop.
Here is a perfect example of why Americans don't get into soccer. While enormously enjoyable to watch (now that it actually makes sense), the game seems to reveal the inherent problem with American soccer. While the World Cup is now sweeping the USA, there is no long-term appeal for US soccer. I'm not all that tempted to watch an MLS game or an international friendly. Maybe it's marketing or something, but therein lies the real disappointment, that after now we will again become exceptionally underwhelmed by soccer until Brasil in 2014.
Urgh. There wasn't anything missing from the US except that spirit which animated us during the 2nd half. I just wonder what would've happened if our players were actually the cream of the US athletic crop.
Here is a perfect example of why Americans don't get into soccer. While enormously enjoyable to watch (now that it actually makes sense), the game seems to reveal the inherent problem with American soccer. While the World Cup is now sweeping the USA, there is no long-term appeal for US soccer. I'm not all that tempted to watch an MLS game or an international friendly. Maybe it's marketing or something, but therein lies the real disappointment, that after now we will again become exceptionally underwhelmed by soccer until Brasil in 2014.
So you need them to go up to the semifinals or the final itself to get the people involved? Perhaps it's just that football is not for everyone. It was a good world cup for the US. They got a draw against England, you may brag about that.
So, tomorrow games:
Deutschland 1 0 England
Argentina 1 2 México (what? :grin:)
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-26-2010, 22:54
Do there happen to be honour points for exact prediction of the result, but only in the wrong time frame?
:germany: 2 - 0 :england:
:argentina: 2 - 1 :mexico:
johnhughthom
06-26-2010, 22:55
Do there happen to be honour points for exact prediction of the result, but only in the wrong time frame?
Do you mean if, for instance, the Germany-England game is 0-0 after 90 minutes and finished 2-0 would you get bonus points? Nope.
LeftEyeNine
06-26-2010, 22:58
When teams are equal in overall power, individual efforts or set pieces determine the difference between. So it was for USA versus Ghana. Gyan proved that he is a beast. Despite it was minute 116, he was closing down and chasing the USA defence. The enormous stamina he possesses is the main reason behind being picked as the sole forward of Ghana so far. You may have noticed how Bocanegra bumped him like a truck with broken brakes having to stop and seem shaken afterwards. But Gyan was there to keep his balance and hit the ball to the blind spot any keeper has -the head and the surrounding space above the shoulders.
Without Ayew, I don't see them getting any creative in the fresh moments of the next game though. They'll need luck -a lot of it. We've been proved today that running around like crazy is not a valid option against Uruguay; they have exclusively talented feet to change the course of the game any moment.
Thanks for the great progress taken and display anyway, USA. I'll be rooting for the underdogs in the determined clash. Gogoghana.
Germany 2-2 England (Germans on penalties)
Argentina 1-1 Mexico (Argentina on extension)
Marshal Murat
06-26-2010, 23:24
:germany: 2 - 0 :england:
:argentina: 2 - 1 :mexico: extra time
The US players looked gassed. All the effort spent catching up in the Slovenia game, plus the effort to beat Algeria in injury time, plus the short time off killed them. They could have used the extra day England got. They came out in the second half, controlled everything and had Ghana reeling, got the penalty, then just stopped. When it went to overtime I knew they were done. If they had gotten the points they deserved against Slovenia, they could have eased up some for Algeria and had something left for this game.
That said, Feilhaber should have started. And Altidore needs to work more on holding/controlling the ball. If he's not sent through with a good pass behind the defense, he looks useless.
Yet to watch the USA game. May just watch the goals. But, I'm glad I was right on the ET. Tonight's games are more tough to call. England and Germany you feel is fated for penalties, it's just meant to be. Mexico can beat the Argies, whose defence is horrible (Gutierrez?!?! Veron!?!?!), but Mexico's finishing is often sporadic at best.
Afonso I of Portugal
06-27-2010, 01:46
Portugal is not a quarter-final. We don't beat North Korea 7-0. Brazil lost 1-0 with them and Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to finish his career in Pyongyang... Do not believe? Watch the video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jb610TPkAw
the Brazilian defeat...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMVcZvm5u_A&feature=related
I wonder...with such oficial state propaganda will they be shot for the humiliating defeat? after all, the people think they won...
Tellos Athenaios
06-27-2010, 03:37
@drone:
It's your defense that was just too weak/slow to respond, the USA was quite lucky not to have been handed a bigger defeat. Notice how Asamoa could pretty much walk wherever he wanted to and the defense caught up only after the fact most of the time for the first half? Ghana was really the much better team on the field, pure on technique/class they had the USA running all over the place in the first half.
:germany: 1 - 1 :england:
:argentina: 2 - 0 :mexico:
Louis VI the Fat
06-27-2010, 04:04
I'm not all that tempted to watch an MLS gameNeither am I, neither am I. :grin:
Every tournament, there are endless stories about how this is the final breakthrough for soccer in America. It never is, and won't be this time. Football in the US will just continue as is. Which is, it is doing just fine.
The internet and globalisation have awoken many Americans to the global drama of the world cup. Not content to be left out, a lot of them watch it, join in the excitement. Then mostly forget about soccer for the next four years ago. But what of it? There are so many sports that are only ever watched by any large amount of people at very high profile events. Athletics at the Olympics, cycling at the Tour de France, tennis at Wimbledon. It's the WC event and the team's wins, more than the sport itself, that has drawn most American viewers. By next week soccer will have been forgotten in America again.
I thought the US team was great fun this WC. I for one always get out the popcorn and get me a front row seat for the American football team. They always deliver at a world cup. Not in any truely outstanding football, but in an open and positive style, played with great spirit, and with just the right amount of naivity to look fresh instead of tactically immature. Three awesomy games this time, one slightly less so. Pity they had to go out.
America's defense did look weak at both goals today. The other thing that hampers America, every WC, is they don't know how to play the referee. To their credit, their sporting culture isn't interested in that.
~~o~~o~~<<oOo>>~~o~~o~~
I've never been any great fan of Brazilian style. South America is all about Argentina and Uruguay for me. How I love the football on both shores of the River Plate! I think Brazil and Uruguay to meet in the semis. Hoping for 1950, but Brazil will propably bore its way to the final. :snore:
If not Uruguay, maybe the Dutch can surprise us with some sensation and stop the yellow peril.
This other half of the tournament is far more interesting. So looking forward to Portugal-Spain and England-Germany! I'm fine with all four of these teams winning their games. I'll pick somebody to root for during the games.
I'll stick with my earlier prediction of 1-1 at ninety minutes, Germany to win on penalties AET.
:england: 1 - 1 :germany:
:argentina: 1 - 0 :mexico:
Marshal Murat
06-27-2010, 04:27
. The other thing that hampers America, every WC, is they don't know how to play the referee. To their credit, their sporting culture isn't interested in that.
That frustrated my old man to no end, to see guys just fall to the ground and roll around in pain and agony (I'm looking at you Ghana player who fell, was carried off the pitch, and then miraculously walked away :skull: )
I wonder...with such oficial state propaganda will they be shot for the humiliating defeat? after all, the people think they won...
Please don't tell me you believed those. Those are parodies, funny, but not real North Korean footage. You can tell because in the first one they used South Korean commentary, and you hear the commentator saying: "Ji-sung Park!"
In North Korea they didn't show the Brazil game, however, they broadcast the Portugal game live. Queue outrage. :grin:
England 1 - 1 Germany (Penalties with Gerrard missing and Defoe having one saved.)
Argentina 2 - 1 Mexico (If Mexico can finish their chances I can see this one being 2 - 1 the other way, Argie defence is horrible.)
InsaneApache
06-27-2010, 07:37
England 1 - 0 Germany
Argentina 1 - 1 Mexico
:balloon2:
Hard luck Yanks, you are after all my second team. Got to be with having two septics in the family. :elvis:
Crazed Rabbit
06-27-2010, 07:48
I am genuinely worried for the North Korean players. I've read a bit of what defectors had to say might happen, and it doesn't sound pleasant.
CR
I am genuinely worried for the North Korean players. I've read a bit of what defectors had to say might happen, and it doesn't sound pleasant.
CR
heh last team is still hauling rocks, didn't know you are interested in football CR ;)
Rhyfelwyr
06-27-2010, 13:20
:england: 1 - 1 :germany: (England to win on penalties, buhliiieeve)
:argentina: 2 - 0 :mexico:
KukriKhan
06-27-2010, 14:25
The other thing that hampers America, every WC, is they don't know how to play the referee.
I've noticed that, too. :grin:
Kukri going on on a limb today and picking Germany and Mexico in upsets.
Ibn-Khaldun
06-27-2010, 14:41
I am genuinely worried for the North Korean players. I've read a bit of what defectors had to say might happen, and it doesn't sound pleasant.
CR
It can't be worse than what happened to the Iraqi players when Saddam's son was in charge.
Sasaki Kojiro
06-27-2010, 15:49
Ouch. England almost tied it up in just 30 seconds. I can see how the second goal was seen incorrectly by the ref though. You guys really need some sort of instant replay.
Ibn-Khaldun
06-27-2010, 15:49
Gah! Why can't all the games be as tense and dramatic as this game!
Edit: I think that that referee will never be in any important games like this.
Louis VI the Fat
06-27-2010, 15:52
Oh for God's sake.
That ball was so far over the line it was untrue. FIFA took something away from us today, from football fans all over the world, with their stubborn refusal to use technology.
It was such a fascinating game. Clinical Germany, England a disaster at back, then a massive comeback by the three lions. For :daisy:'s sake!!!
Ah well, we'll never know how the game would've developed. The players have got to move on. Here's hoping for great second half.
InsaneApache
06-27-2010, 15:52
Effin nora is the linesman a part time bat?
What a weird game. We play like Stockport County* for the first 30 mins and go two down, then wham!
I might need to borrow some valium if this carries on. :laugh4:
*In fact SCFC could have played better. :beam:
Crazed Rabbit
06-27-2010, 15:56
Oh for God's sake.
That ball was so far over the line it was untrue. FIFA took something away from us today, from football fans all over the world, with their stubborn refusal to use technology.
It was such a fascinating game. Clinical Germany, England a disaster at back, then a massive comeback by the three lions. For :daisy:'s sake!!!
Ah well, we'll never know how the game would've developed. The players have got to move on. Here's hoping for great second half.
There's no excuse for the luddites in power.
Here's hoping England manages to tie it up; they were robbed.
CR
Justiciar
06-27-2010, 16:51
Turned into a wee bit of a slaughter, didn't it?
Balls.
I'm sticking with Rugby from now on. We might be equally mediocre at that, but at least it isn't so damned overhyped.
InsaneApache
06-27-2010, 16:51
Well done to Germany. :balloon2:
England reverted to type. Hopeless. :furious3:
Sasaki Kojiro
06-27-2010, 16:56
hah, it was a mauling. Maybe Klose really does add that much to the german team.
Louis VI the Fat
06-27-2010, 16:57
What on earth was England doing?
Nine men in front of the ball at a free kick, that's just asking for counterattack. Terry up front leaving the defense fully exposed at another free kick.
Three goals by Germany that went from the German penalty box into the back of England's net within ten seconds. Phenomenally played by Germany of course, but for goodness' sake...
Ser Clegane
06-27-2010, 16:58
What a great and completely insane match - and what a shame that it will always be tainted by the blindness of this referee team...
England was completely outplayed. Good ame though.
Very fun match congrats Germany, see ya in a few
Rhyfelwyr
06-27-2010, 18:02
Just so you can all see it...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO9Rfnz8YPM
4 Disgraces, no World Cup.
England! England!
4 Disgraces, no World Cup.
Losers all the Way.
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-27-2010, 18:46
I'm really starting to love this World Cup. It's the World Cup of justice. First justice was served when Italy left, and now it was justice for 1966. Remember?
Come on, English, you would have lost even if the goal had been admitted! But I can see how the English will forever moan about that goal that "robbed England off the Cup". Now they have another excuse for the shambolic performance of England over the tournament. LOL
gaelic cowboy
06-27-2010, 19:02
The great Liam Brady said it best on RTE today it was along the lines of "the scoreline of todays match tells a lie, but the final result is not a lie as to who was the better team"
Ser Clegane
06-27-2010, 19:33
Come on, English, you would have lost even if the goal had been admitted! But I can see how the English will forever moan about that goal that "robbed England off the Cup". Now they have another excuse for the shambolic performance of England over the tournament. LOL
I think this comment is a bit unfair, looking at the English fans and the English players after the match and also judging by the first comments I have seen from the English press, they do not look at all like sore losers but like rather good and fair sportsmen (and it should also be noted that the match itself was extremely fair).
That there is a certain anger and disappointment about the goal is not only understandable but also justified (and I guess I would have been rather :daisy: had it been the other way around) - I did not get the impression (yet) that people started to use it as an excuse (and the reactions here in the Frontroom are also a testimony of that)
England...that '66 karma is a bitch!
Great game by Germany..the best team advanced.
Great game by Germany..the best team advanced.
Indeed, English played bad across the tournament, they deserved to lose.
Crazed Rabbit
06-27-2010, 20:26
Mexico got screwed by a terrible decision to give a goal (The first goal of the match!) on an obvious offsides to Argentina. The refs had to know it was offsides when they showed the replay on the screens in the stadium. Really, the whole game has been thrown off.
What a shame. We need instant replay. It's to their great discredit that FIFA will not allow it.
CR
InsaneApache
06-27-2010, 20:53
It's all Sepp 'fanny' Blatter. He's an onanist. :sweatdrop:
Ser Clegane
06-27-2010, 21:31
For Monday & Tuesday:
Netherlands - Slovakia 2:0
Brazil - Chile 2:0
Paraguay - Japan 0:1
Spain - Portugal 2:0
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v677/vincent_pt/camaraBitchslap.gif
gotta keep those cameras in their place....
BITCH-SLAP!!!
Marshal Murat
06-27-2010, 22:04
:netherlands: 2 - 0 :slovakia:
:brazil: 3 - 0 :chile:
:paraguay: 1 - 2 :japan: extra-time
:spain: 3 - 2 :portugal: extra-time
Louis VI the Fat
06-27-2010, 22:50
That's two games with woeful refereeing decisions today...
A ref can make a mistake. There will always be a mistake, and a good team is not dependent on one single decision going its way or not etc etc
Even so, we'll never know how the games would've played out. England drawing level to 2-2 makes an entirely different game. Momentum is with the team, there is insecurity in the German team, and confidence in the English. England doesn't need to draw level later in the game, pushing less men forward, thus leaving far less space for the counterattack.
Germany was better, but one is better within the circumstances of the game. This Germany excells in slaughtering a team in trouble. Could they have done so if they had fallen behind?
The Mexico game might've developed differently too.
It is all very dissapointing.
But refereeing mistakes are made, both teams have to play the games as they develop. One should not blame the two maulings today on the referee. (Except when it happens to my team. Then I'm not reasonable. Then I squeek and moan and whine for decades :furious3:)
~~o~~o~~<<oOo>>~~o~~o~~
Germany reminded me of Inter today. Good thing Van Gaal is firmly stuck at Bayern and not the German coach. In fact, the game reminded me a bit of the Champions league final, with the English cast as Germans and the Germans as Italians.
Schweinsteiger was massive (who's Ballack?). Lampard was great too - such bad luck with several great shots.
~~o~~o~~<<oOo>>~~o~~o~~
||Lz3|| - tough luck!
Netherlands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg/22px-Flag_of_the_Netherlands.svg.png 2 - 1 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e6/Flag_of_Slovakia.svg/22px-Flag_of_Slovakia.svg.png Slovakia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovakia_national_football_team)
Brazil (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_national_football_team) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Flag_of_Brazil.svg/22px-Flag_of_Brazil.svg.png 2 - 1 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Flag_of_Chile.svg/22px-Flag_of_Chile.svg.png Chile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile_national_football_team)
I think the Dutch will inevitably underestimate the Slovakians. In their minds they'll understand the Slovakians are strong, in their hearts they won't. Also, the Dutch defense is begging for a mauling like Mexico and England received. Despite that, I'll cowardly predict a Dutch win.
Brazil looks too strong to lose any game until Spain / Argentina / Germany in the final.
Rhyfelwyr
06-27-2010, 22:57
Today there were two matches that could have went very differently if we just used modern technology like they do in every other sport.
As Louis said England would have had the momentum if they went level, and their shambolic defence could have been left less exposed.
Mexico also made a great start against Argentina, they hit the bar and missed another shot by an inch before Tevez headed the ball in from a mile offside.
When the ref was discussing with the linesman after that goal, everyone in the stadium got a good look as the played the replay on the big TV. At one point, if looked like the ref had actually disallowed the goal, since the Mexico players left him and the Argentinians swamped him. It's all very unclear as to what went on.
gaelic cowboy
06-27-2010, 23:12
I hope there is an even bigger mistake in some game soon, it will shame FIFA into doing the video ref or extra linesman idea :wall:
Rhyfelwyr
06-27-2010, 23:47
I think this comment is a bit unfair, looking at the English fans and the English players after the match and also judging by the first comments I have seen from the English press, they do not look at all like sore losers but like rather good and fair sportsmen
Maybe not true for everyone...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJQgg1BO3ls&feature=player_embedded
Centurio Nixalsverdrus
06-28-2010, 00:34
:netherlands: 2 - 1 :slovakia:
:brazil: 2 - 2 :chile:
Beefy187
06-28-2010, 00:36
Netherlands - Slovakia 3:1
Brazil - Chile 3:1
Paraguay - Japan 1:4
Spain - Portugal 2:1 Extra time
Justiciar
06-28-2010, 00:46
Maybe not true for everyone...Bloody imbeciles. God love the lad. Don't think I'd have had the stones to step into that throng of knuckle-dragging inbreds.
gaelic cowboy
06-28-2010, 00:47
Maybe not true for everyone...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJQgg1BO3ls&feature=player_embedded
The annoying thing about that is the cops just standing watching they should have nicked yer man
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