View Full Version : 2014 World Cup discussion & Analysis
Well to start thing of I'll give you guys my take on the favourite from group A, Brazil.
What are your takes on Brazil? Clear favourites or destined to crumble under the astronomical expectations of their compatriots? Who do you think will win? How do you rate the teams and players? Which players are going to set the World Cup alight?
:brazil: Brazil :brazil:
World cup Group A will be interesting. It will contain many games that could be decisive and thus will be hard-fought. Croatia (ranked 18th on the FIFA/coca-cola world ranking), Mexico (20) and Kameroon (56) are all decent teams who can win and lose from each other. However interesting this will be, all eyes will be on Brazil. Hosting some of the most exciting talent and playing in their own backyard. Will they make the dream come true?
The world fears brazil, as always. They never even missed a world cup and are the only team to do so. But in their own country they are even more dangerous than usual. The world cup has been won 6 times by the team hosting the tournament that year. Which doesn’t seem that much, but we must consider that quite a few world cups were hosted by countries that were never contenders, such as South Africa for example. Most world cups were however won by teams from the same region as the hosts. Familiar climate and more support should help them quite a bit. Especially if they face teams who started out with difficult matches or played many of them in the hot North. Especially the European teams will suffer from this. Even worse, television and media forces many games to be played at noon, which is madness even if they allow for drinking stops.
However home advantage is tempered by the pressure the Brazilian players might have. Expectations are high and that might bite them. In a time with so much protest against hosting the world cup, you better win it as well if you want to avoid them getting worse.
Brazil might however be a bit of the exception when it comes to home advantages: they won them in Sweden (1958), South Korea-Japan (2002), the US (1994), Mexico (1970) and Chile (1962). So perhaps they are more comfortable when there’s less pressure on them. Favourites have often failed to perform, let’s not forget about France dramatic group exit in 2002. That year however it was Argentina who was seen by bookmakers as the team with the best chances, yet that year Brazil lifted the trophy. While in 1998 and 2006 when they were favourites, they didn’t make it.
Yet they comfortably won the Confederations cup last year in which they demonstrated pure class, lead by an inspiring performance of Brazil’s latest world star: Neymar. However no winner of the confederation cup has ever gone on to win the World Cup. Brazil also won the previous two editions, yet failed to perform in the following World Cups, losing both times in the quarter finals from France and the Netherlands, neither of whom would claim the title that year.
The team: Forwards and midfielders
It is not their past, nor old statistics which define a team; it’s the players and their coaching staff. Without a doubt the Seleção has some of the most talented players and great squad depth. Most players on the bench would walk into the first team squad of almost any team. Only Germany and Spain can compete with Brazil on this aspect. To illustrate we’re talking about players of the following calibre: Dante (Bayern), Maxwell (PSG), Maicon (AS Roma), Ramires and Willian (Chelsea), Fernandinho (Man. City), Hernanes (Inter) and Henrique (Neapoli). This is almost a squad able to compete for the finals as well.
https://i57.tinypic.com/1222l2g.png
Good enough? Fred, centre forward.
Are there no weaknesses to this squad then? Well yes there are. Fred and Jô will be the main strikers and while they are not up to the same class as the rest, especially Fred has integrated well into the team . But if there’s one team that has players on all positions who know how to score it is Brazil, as always. Considering who will be feeding him, it will be hard for first choice striker Fred not to score a few.
Brazil’s midfield is very talented, yet none have really had a great season. The centre is made up by Gustavo, Oscar and Paulinho. Gustavo was no longer good enough for Bayern Munchen and was transferred to rich but unglamorous Wolfsburg last august. Were he did play regularly (29 apps in the bundesliga) and even was one of the better players capping 3 man of the match performances and four goals.
Paulinho was transferred this season as well and was part of the 100 million euro splash made by Tottenham. He played almost every game but never really convinced, though scoring 6 goals in the premier league. More was expected from someone with his price tag.
Oscar the youngest but probably most talented of this trio didn’t have a good season at all. While starting brilliantly the twenty-two years old playmaker quickly got into a dip and was outshined by a very productive Eden Hazard. As the season was getting to an end Willian was Mourinho’s preferred man and Shürrle and Salah were getting more play time in his place. A thigh strain did not help him either.
However he always seemed to be better when playing for the Seleção, not unlike Neymar, with whom he combines effortlessly on the field. Nor does anyone deny the abundance of talent this young lad possesses. The recent published study by the CIES football observatory ranks him as the second most valuable Brazilian, earning him the 12th spot worldwide, with an estimated market value between 46.0 and 53.4 million euro’s.
Between the midfield and the central forward, there are two prolific goal scorers running along the sidelines. Hulk whose ability to score long ranged goals hasn’t been seen since the heydays of former Argentine striker and all-time leading goal scorer Batistuta. And may I say he’s coming to the World Cup in quite good shape as well, ending his season with 8 goals in 8 games.
https://i57.tinypic.com/am2kd4.png
One to watch: Neymar
On the other side of the pitch we will be able to admire, the name has been dropped a few times already, Neymar. A superstar in his home country who is grabbing one man of the man performance after another when playing for his national team. He’s the man everyone will be watching. While his season at Barcelona wasn’t a smash hit, he has shown he does have the qualities to make it there. Though club success and performance doesn’t warrant the same on international level, as his team mate Messi has often demonstrated.
The fifth most valuable footballer in the world made ‘only’ 9 goals and 8 assists in La Liga this season, but in the last 14 international games (since the start of the confederations cup) he scored 11 and provided 7 assists. As we all know, what Neymar does best is dribbling. Most teams will hence at least double up on him and put their defensive focus on him, giving others more room and space. But with his 49 successful dribbles in the Champions League last year (the most of all players), this attention and fear is warranted.
Defence and goalkeeper
As I said earlier there doesn’t seem to come an end to the talent and quality in this squad. The Defense of Brazil is rock solid and can play football as well. Thiago Silva is probably the best current centre back of the world, facing only competition from the likes of Ramos, Pique and Kompany. His partner in the centre is David Luiz who recently became the most expensive defender in the world following his move to PSG. While he is technically one of the most gifted defenders of the game, he can be rash in his actions which could lead to mistakes. Which was the reason he no longer was getting first team starts at Chelsea or was playing as a defensive midfielder.
https://i57.tinypic.com/2ibds84.png
Thiago Silva, team captain
Brazil always had great wing backs, think of Roberto Carlos or Carlos Roberto, and this holds true again. Dani Alves has been instrumental to Barçelona’s attacks for years. Not only a great with the ball on his feet but a good defender. However no Barcelona defender made as many fouls nor was dribbled by other players as frequently as him. His attacking nature does allow space for counter attacks. Marcelo is a bit of the same mold as his colleague on the other side,but has a much better defensive record this year. He committed less than half as many fouls and was dribbled half as many times. The Real Madrid player did make less interceptions by quite a margin though.
And when does the wealth of talent stop we did ask? Well here, the goalkeepers. While one shouldn’t go as far as to call them second rate, they have yet to cross the Atlantic and play for either Brazilian and Canadian teams. Well it would be wrong to simply dismiss them for that reason we can’t simply deny that they don’t compare to what most bigger teams have to offer in goal: Germany’s Neuer, Italy’s Buffon, Spain’s Cassillas, France’s Lloris, Uruguay’s Muslera or Belgium’s Courtois. Hell, I’d prefer Australia goalkeeper Ryan above any of the Brazilian ones.
In a competition with so many one game knock outs, one can’t have a goalkeeper making mistakes. Penalty shout outs playing such a big part in this competition, one cannot help but see a problem here.
https://i57.tinypic.com/fus8qt.png
Experienced manager: Scolari.
The cherry on top of this cake is the coach. Scolari has the experience,the knowhow and both management and people skills to make this team the winners. He has done it before in 2002 and got Portugal to a second place in the 2004 Europe Championship.
in short:
key players: Neymar and Thiago Silva
form (last ten games): 9 wins, 1 loss
most likely squad: (4-3-3)
Cesar
Alves, Luiz, Silva (c), Marcelo
Oscar, Gustavo, Paulinho
Hulk, Fred, Neymar(*)
Verdict and prediction
With the quick feet of Neymar and the proper and experienced guidance of Big Phil, Brazil could win it. Their biggest worry will be mistakes from Luiz or Cesar and the how they will deal with the pressure and protests.
Prediction: I wouldn’t be surprised if they get kicked out the quarter finals, nor would I be surprised by them lifting the trophy. Having to pick one of the two, I’ll go with the controversial only reaching the quarter finals. Why? Because controversial is always more fun.
I'm probably going to this for all the bigger name squad, but hopefully I'll be able to keep it shorter. I guess I got carried away.
:unitedstates:USA (Group G):unitedstates:
Group G: their adversaries.
This one has been called the Group of death by some. Which I disagree with. I think Group B, C and D are better picks to carry that name. When you know that almost everyone agrees on who’s going to top the Group, there can’t be that many real challengers in there. Obviously I’m talking about Germany here. One of the favourites like always. Though I don’t think they are going to win it, they for some reason didn’t make that much progression. While they are still a powerhouse without any doubt, somehow I feel like they are collection of very fine talents that in the future will take the world cup by storm. But then again I was thinking the same thing last world cup as well. I feel they’ll end up in third, again.
However they are a class or more above the other teams in this group. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the US or the other teams are bad or anything. Not even by World cup standards, but rather mediocre. But a mediocre team to world cup standards is far from an insult. Especially considering Portugal having only a population of 6 million, Ghana having the disadvantage that many players who go play in Europe will choose for their new countries and the fact they don’t have the infrastructure and money for good youth development. Neither is it a bad accomplishment for the US, where “soccer” doesn’t have the top spot as it has in many other countries. Considering the number of nations “soccer” is popular (probably is the number 1 in the world?) being an average team within the 32 best of the world is quite an achievement.
However if we are honest both Ghana and Portugal are over the hill. The important players from the relative past either are older or even retired. However both have individuals that can make a serious difference. Everybody knows what a threat Ronaldo is to any team. But to be frank Portugal is almost a one trick pony, the only other player that really is of the highest quality and can really influence a game is Moutinho. If one of these isn’t fully fit and the other can be kept out of the game, well you’ve got a team with a decent defence and an unproductive attack already. If Israel can manage to draw against them twice during the qualifiers that does say something. Russia - while beaten in Portugal with a 1-0 end score - did win their home game with 1-0 against the Seleçao and topped the qualifying group. Hence Portugal had to dug out with Sweden in two play-off games. Portugal’s pony however did stood out and did deliver when Portugal needed him. CR7 scored all four Portuguese goals in the two matches against the Vikings.
So how does the US compare? Team analysis.
Well it’s difficult to say. They are better than most Europeans would like to acknowledge. In my eyes they have a realistic chance of going trough. However we can’t say there’s truly an abundance of talent either. But the US have made it out of the group stages before and never due to finesse. Team play, a hard work rate, fitness and strength have taken them pretty far in the past. Yet they probably have a very technical and a Europe proven goals scorer in Clint Dempsey. Probably the best American performer on clublevel ever. Zusi (or as many may know him ‘the Donovan replacement’) has a very fine cross, good indirect free kick and can be a creative spark (averaging 3 key passes a game this season). The centre forward position would be either Wondolowski or Altidore. The latter has finally ended a dry spell for club and country dating back to December 4th when scoring a brace against Nigeria. I expect him to be in the starting eleven because he clearly has refound his confidence again (while not scoring, he was also a threat in the Turkey game). He simply has the power every top team wants and requires of a lone striker these days .
https://i62.tinypic.com/ogml3a.png
Right winger Zusi. Who is Landon Donovan again?
In goal they have two good options. Guzan and Howard both are premier league proven goalkeepers, who I think are even some of the better of that league. This will help a lot when it comes set pieces or penalties. But defence and the centre midfield did seem worrying and unstable in the games I saw. While the US is good at recuperating the ball after losing it and are capable of pressuring as a team, too often were they too vulnerable through the centre. Nor did they cope well will long balls forward. They don’t seem to be able to prevent opposition chances. The game, even when they lead, always remain so open. The opposition can at times just run through the middle unchallenged. While a very fit squad (all MLS players are very fresh as well), this will consume a lot of energy, especially considering the climate. Even more troubling is the fact they seem to give away penalties easily.
Previous games
While they got a wins against Nigeria and Turkey, the latter was due to a whole lot of luck. The number of shots the Turks missed and the number of changes they were gifted is staggering. I cannot see a team like Germany being so kind, nor could I see them keeping a player as Ronaldo at bay. The US can hence better be praying CR7 will not be fully fit when they meet, or that Portugal under performs as they have done quite a few times in the past.
Ghana while over the top still has a few big names running around. Muntari, Essien and Kevin Prince-Boateng for example are as strong as they get. While Marseille’s Ayew and Juventus’ Asamoah are an attacking threat to any team. The US could beat them, but they would all need to perform their best, tighten the back line and midfield and not try to out power them. They should try to play real football instead.
Ideally the US would play counter attacking football. That could definitely work with the passing range of Zusi, the speed of Dempsey and the strength of Altidore. They really have shown they can counter attack and that they can play direct football, but their defence really wouldn’t be able to cope I feel. On the other hand, the US seem to make a habit of over performing. Recent wins (though friendly) against the likes of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Germany and Nigeria are promising results. But most of the games I saw didn’t seem to back this up. The one against Turkey, in which they weren’t solid in the back at all, was wonder they won. I also saw them play against Belgium twice and well they were completely dominated. However they do seem to be able to create a goals easily, even against the better teams.
In short:
Key players: Dempsey, Howard, Zusi
Form: 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in last 10 games
Likely starting squad (4-4-1-1):
Howard
Cameron, Besler, Gonzalez, Johnson
Zusi, Jones, Bradly, Davis
Dempsi
Altidore
Verdict:
They have a chance to going through, a bigger one than one would expect knowing they have to compete with Portugal and Germany. However they are overachievers and Portugal tend to be the opposite. Ghana is a formidable adversary too, yet the US has the quality to see them off as well. However if this is going to happen they will need to solidify their defence.
prediction: they will be contenders for second spot in their groups phase. However if they get through they will most likely face off against Belgium and lose to them, again. Don’t want to be subjective here, but in the friendly game last year they simply were a different class.
Bradley is going to be key, if he can control the midfield we should do well.
Best case scenario, first round we beat Ghana, Ronaldo aggravates his knee against Germany, Germany wins. Second round, Germany clinches against Ghana, we get at least a point from Portugal. Third round, Germany rests their starters, US gets out of the group.
Edit-> Group G is the Group of Death. B, C, and D all have one team without a chance. Anyone can advance out of G, and anyone apart from Germany has a good chance of going home.
Bradley is going to be key, if he can control the midfield we should do well.
Yes, but I haven't seen him do that against a weakened Turkey side, which I rate lower than Portugal and not much higher than Ghana. The midfield was so open to me. Defence in general as well. Where is Onyewu? He'd at least give some extra power and heading capabilities. You do indeed have the advantage to face Germany last, when they are likely already through. However, if they would rest A team players, be sure that their B team wants to show Löw they deserve to be in the A squad as well. Most of them would walk into the A squad of most nations as well. I haven't seen the Nigeria match though (just a few highlights), possibly they were looked more solid there?
But in all fairness I was thinking of putting Bradley in the key players section. But I can put only so many. And attacking players are always more visibly influential. If Zusi gives a nice free kick or cross, I could easily say how right I was. ~;) He's important actualy, the US has done better when he was on (forgot the numbers though), but I think the holding midfield will not be able to really cope with most. The US will need some luck and efficiency in front of goal to qualify. But that is no shame facing two big names in qualifiers already. Had they been in group H for example, I think they were very likely to get through. Also I'd really would have loved to see the US vs Russia, for old time sake.
Group G is the Group of Death. B, C, and D all have one team without a chance. Anyone can advance out of G, and anyone apart from Germany has a good chance of going home.
I'd say anyone can advance out of C as well. Japan can, Greece can, Ivory coast can and certainly Columbia can. Where as if we'd add US in group B or D we wouldn't be betting on them going through either.
Anyway I wish you guys luck cause, I wouldn't mind our NT's meating up in the second round. But also because we Europeans and South American always underestimate you guys.
I'd say anyone can advance out of C as well. Japan can, Greece can, Ivory coast can and certainly Columbia can.
Yes any one could get out of the group (I'm thinking Greece is the weakest), but you can't really call any of them powerhouses.
Where as if we'd add US in group B or D we wouldn't be betting on them going through either.
If the US replaced Oz (B) or Costa Rica (D), then I would agree. If they replaced any of the other teams then they would have a pretty good chance of going through. Group G just doesn't have any easy games, and the travel schedule is by far the worst.
Yes any one could get out of the group (I'm thinking Greece is the weakest), but you can't really call any of them powerhouses.
Columbia certainly is. Ivory Coast is pretty damn close to it as well. Japan doesn't have that many top players but they are very good as a team and combine so well and fast. I think they'd all take the second place in group G. Except for Columbia which could even take first place.
Columbia =Germany
Ivory coast >Portugal
Japan > US
and Greece > Ghana
Of course that's just my opinion.
The Lurker Below
06-13-2014, 17:46
go go kross kountry kickball
Sarmatian
06-13-2014, 22:03
Ouch, that hurts, I don't care if you're world champions.
Two major mistakes from the referee, I'd say there was no penalty and before the third Dutch goal van Persie definitely fouled Casillas. In a way, they cancel each other out, but there are too many mistakes for my liking so far.
Nobody expected this, Spain is really good. Was a joy to watch for us Dutchies of course. I hope we haven't used all blessings of the footballgods. Nice to see the Dutch team dominating again.
Well done Costa Rica, CONCACAF doing well so far.
Sarmatian
06-15-2014, 09:33
I made a bet on Costa Rica after they conceded and made a fortune. Fortune being cca. 10 euros as I invested about 1.5 :D
Good enough for a round of drinks.
GeneralHankerchief
06-16-2014, 17:40
Oh man, Germany up 2-0 against Portugal and Pepe just got a red card. Really hoping for the USA's sake that the Germans pile on the goals in the second half.
Oh man, Germany up 2-0 against Portugal and Pepe just got a red card. Really hoping for the USA's sake that the Germans pile on the goals in the second half.
Muller baited Pepe into that one. Much thanks to ze Germans. 4 goals in, plus the US gets a Pepe-less, knackered Portugal for the second game. Hopefully Altidore isn't out, we are going to need as many bodies as possible.
Muller baited Pepe into that one.
How? Pepe hit Müller in the face, Müller fell and then Pepe gave him a small headbutt.
As far as I understood the headbutt was given because Müller didn't get up right away or something but then again I'm not good at understanding angry rich people logic.
Muller baited Pepe into that one. Much thanks to ze Germans. 4 goals in, plus the US gets a Pepe-less, knackered Portugal for the second game. Hopefully Altidore isn't out, we are going to need as many bodies as possible.
Haven't heard about him, but it looked like hamstrings which would mean the end of his tournament.
The Stranger
06-17-2014, 22:26
altidore man, he played at AZ :P good player.
GeneralHankerchief
06-18-2014, 18:14
So Group B's apparently decided to be *that* group this year. As somebody who's been seriously following the sport for the first time, I'm officially putting the rest of their matches into the "must see" category.
Spain better get their :daisy: together, or they are going home early. Down 0-2 at the half.
For a 0-0 draw, that Mexico-Brazil game was a lot of fun. I thought the ref did a pretty good job of letting the minor stuff go, and they just went at it.
Netherlands vs Australia was fun as hell. These ozzies are no pushovers. Enjoyed it more than the match against Spain. These ozzies are badass.
Fisherking
06-18-2014, 21:56
Spain is out!
GeneralHankerchief
06-18-2014, 23:46
Okay, a question for everyone who actually knows things about this sport: Will Spain and Australia still play each other? There's absolutely nothing at stake, and my gut is telling me that they do, but I just want to make 100% sure.
The Chileans were fun to watch, and a deserved victory for them.
Edit: Yes, they will still play and there is something at stake and that is Spain's last remaining bit of self respect...
Yes, they do play. And I'm thinking the Aussies have a decent chance. :yes:
No Spain ain't playing anymore, they got the adios. Quite a spectacular fail for the title-holder but that's football, anything can happen.
Fisherking
06-19-2014, 21:52
England lost their second game. Out!
England lost their second game. Out!
They aren't out yet. If Italy beats Costa Rico tomorrow, and then beats Uruguay in their last game, and England puts Costa Rico to the sword for their final game, they can get through. Italy 9 points, everyone else 3. First tiebreaker is goal differential, then goals scored, then head-to-head.
The Stranger
06-20-2014, 11:11
yup, this is true, but england wont beat costa rica XD
yup, this is true, but england wont beat costa rica XD
https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10480979_10152084925671831_1164995066656653080_n.jpg
And now England is out. Costa Rico through to the round of 16.
Better luck next time England :bow:
GeneralHankerchief
06-20-2014, 20:58
Man, has France been fun to watch so far. Is this surprising, are they doing better than expected, or just weak competition (I know Honduras isn't much of anything but the Swiss have been getting some good press)?
Man, has France been fun to watch so far. Is this surprising, are they doing better than expected, or just weak competition (I know Honduras isn't much of anything but the Swiss have been getting some good press)?
The Swiss are a little overrated, they are good but they probably shouldn't have been seeded for the draw. The French seem to have recovered nicely from the debacle of 2010.
Shaka_Khan
06-21-2014, 07:37
Man, has France been fun to watch so far. Is this surprising, are they doing better than expected, or just weak competition (I know Honduras isn't much of anything but the Swiss have been getting some good press)?
France's new coach has done a good job in getting the team to work together better. Their later qualification games were good.
Yeah Blanc has done superb work. They are the only team to impress in two games. Argentina, Brazil, Germany have lost a bit of their magic and image as favourites.
Perhaps France might take over the role as favourite if it keeps playing this way. But I'm rooting for Columbia (After Belgium of course), which is a great team.
Seamus Fermanagh
06-23-2014, 01:05
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH! With 12 seconds left! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAArgh.
So close. We're coming for ya Germany! Gonna give you flashbacks to '44! :hmg:
Did you also have a German general in '44?
Apparently a lot of Germans want us both to pass, myself included.
Do we both advance if its a draw? Or only if the portugal v ghana game goes a wierd way?
The most points Ghana and Portugal can get is 4 (one of them wins their match), which is currently the same number of points the US and ze Germans have. If we draw, we both have 5 points and go through (Germany wins group on goal differential). If Ghana/Portugal draw, we both go through regardless of the outcome of our match since they will both have 2 points. If Ghana wins, the US is in trouble, since we just played a game in the most draining conditions and 1 day less to rest, and chances are Ghana will go through if we lose. If Portugal wins, we probably have them on goal differential. I'm thinking we need at least a draw with Germany to get through, because Ghana is going to beat Portugal. :yes:
The Stranger
06-23-2014, 15:19
GHANA FTW. frigging miroslav, i knew he was gonna score when he entered the pitch...
Chili con Carnage baby. That was a great match not a dull moment.
Mexico through to the next round (go CONCACAF!), while Cameroon is the likely wooden spoon winner unless Honduras gets spanked hard (um, go CONCACAF?).
Chili con Carnage baby. That was a great match not a dull moment.
It was, both of the teams are really fun to watch. Would have liked to see a draw, but I guess the Neds are actually a bit better. Could win the tournament if they don't decide they've won enough one or two games from now as they have historically done quite often.
It was, both of the teams are really fun to watch. Would have liked to see a draw, but I guess the Neds are actually a bit better. Could win the tournament if they don't decide they've won enough one or two games from now as they have historically done quite often.
There is a lot of fresh blood in the selection who have never played in a world cup and are really motivated to get as far as possible. I think we have the best team at the moment, we might actually have a chance of winning this time. Mexico is next that's going to be really hard.
Shaka_Khan
06-24-2014, 08:54
Yeah Blanc has done superb work. They are the only team to impress in two games. Argentina, Brazil, Germany have lost a bit of their magic and image as favourites.
Perhaps France might take over the role as favourite if it keeps playing this way. But I'm rooting for Columbia (After Belgium of course), which is a great team.
I'm sure that Belgium will make it to the next round. What are your thoughts on your next game with South Korea? That team showed that they could score at least.
Did you also have a German general in '44?
Apparently a lot of Germans want us both to pass, myself included.
I believe that Eisenhower had some German blood in him.
HopAlongBunny
06-24-2014, 16:21
I have really enjoyed the games I have watched while at dialysis.
I was prepared to be distracted but ultimately bored by matches that devolve into all defence and games of "keep-away"; it has been a pleasant surprise to view matches that go hard for 90+mins!
FIFA may make a believer out of me yet :2thumbsup:
Suarez is aware that there are lots of cameras at these games, right?
edyzmedieval
06-25-2014, 01:17
The canteen at Anfield can't be that bad...
Penalty, indeed! The grass played rather unfairly, I dare say!
http://www.neolaia.gr/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/samaras-penalty.gif
The most points Ghana and Portugal can get is 4 (one of them wins their match), which is currently the same number of points the US and ze Germans have. If we draw, we both have 5 points and go through (Germany wins group on goal differential). If Ghana/Portugal draw, we both go through regardless of the outcome of our match since they will both have 2 points. If Ghana wins, the US is in trouble, since we just played a game in the most draining conditions and 1 day less to rest, and chances are Ghana will go through if we lose. If Portugal wins, we probably have them on goal differential. I'm thinking we need at least a draw with Germany to get through, because Ghana is going to beat Portugal. :yes:
Portugal is playing surprisingly bad.. or maybe everyone else is just really good, I dunno.
Shaka_Khan
06-26-2014, 14:58
13394
There are plenty of descendants of German immigrants in the U.S., especially in the Midwest. That region has German influence on slang and culture. Listening to German folk music reminds me of the old American country music. In fact, my first girlfriend could've been a tall and sexy German descendant if I had the courage to ask her out when I was a teenager. Many of the immigrants arrived during a time of turmoil in Germany before Germany was unified. (Germany wasn't called Germany before the unification).
FIFA dropped the hammer on Suarez, 9 matches (club and country) and a 4 month ban from any footballing activity. :bucktooth:
And for some reason Boateng and Muntari got kicked off the Ghana team prior to today's match. :inquisitive:
GeneralHankerchief
06-26-2014, 21:36
Okay, so I know I deserve mockery for picking Spain to win the tournament, but.
I am the only one who believed in the USA to come out of the Group of Death as per our predictions. America wins again! :unitedstates:
What makes you think the USA was in the group of death, only Germany is awesome
Ah don't hate. We're gonna win the whole thing! :yes:
Must say that I love the USA getting the worldcup-fever. They do really well. Who knows, maybe it are us Dutchies that have to teach you a lesson to set you straight so you don't drool all over the place. It's going to be interesting to see how far the USA gets, they aren't in the same class as their opponents, which is understandable, but they put up one hell of a fight.
And that's why Klinsmann made the statement your country hated so much. If you're only sending a B-Team and want to win anyway, then you may be confused about your priorities. So far your team managed a victory, a draw and a loss. The dutch team managed three victories and their group was quite a bit harder I'd say.
The next games look quite interesting, wouldn't like to see the hosts get dropped but I'm rooting for Chile, they seem to put a lot more effort into their games and are fun to watch.
You have to remember, the best athletes in America play American Football, or Basketball. When we win the World Cup it will be with our B-Team! Notice, for example, how the Portugal and German teams looked way bigger than our dudes. This was especially hilarious during 2010 against England, who must have had 50 lbs. each on their American counterparts. Its kind of a myth that there's no soccer culture at all though. The northwest rivalries go back a few generations, tangled up in the rise and fall of several different professional leagues. I'm pretty happy to see lots of MLS players on the national team, for sure!
:dunce:
I don't think your guys stand a chance, but I would love to be surprised. So far so good. Even qualifying for the the WC is pretty damn awesome.
The Stranger
06-27-2014, 11:29
Okay, so I know I deserve mockery for picking Spain to win the tournament, but.
I am the only one who believed in the USA to come out of the Group of Death as per our predictions. America wins again! :unitedstates:
usa defo wasnt in the group of death lol. only 2 groups have right to claim that title, the group with holland spain and chile or the group with england uruguay italy and costa rica.
usa defo wasnt in the group of death lol. only 2 groups have right to claim that title, the group with holland spain and chile or the group with england uruguay italy and costa rica.
Indeed, group of death, big lol to that
So glad I got up at two in the morning to watch that. What a match.
Thoroughly entertaining, Brazil were very lucky to get out of that game. It's a shame the bracket was fallen out like it has, but Brazil v Colombia could be the best match of the tourney.
Hasta la vista baby. Takeway-taco is you Mexicowned
I'm not 100% sure, but Robben might be a bit of a diver...
Congrats to the Ticos, your reward for taking 10 men, 120 minutes to penalty kicks in brutal heat, is Holland. Great job making the quarterfinals, but thanks for playing.
Nothing is set into stone, but it will probably be a massacre.
Sarmatian
06-30-2014, 07:43
Referee should have erred on the side of caution in the one. Robben put in a theater performance, dropping like he was shot.
I'm sad for Mexico, they put in a great fight and it's a shame referee didn't allow extra time to be played. Dutchies would have most likely scored in extra time, but it would have been more sporting.
I'm glad Greece is out, for the most part they're boring as hell.
Not sure if he made a dive, he is small and doesn't weight anything, it looked like it but I'm not sure really. We should have gotten a penalty in the first round so I guess it balances out when it comes to fairness if it was intentional. Robben isn't a very sportive player he will absolutily grab the opertunity if he sees it.
Would like it if you do, I like our southern neighbours but I also like disliking them. This tournament is over there is nothing in the way of total Dutch domination. The awesome keeper of Costa Rica got a yellow one so he in unlikely to play, so there is nothing that gives them a reasonable chance against our offence. Brazil isn't going to be a problem either, we can laugh away the rest. The Netherlands is going to win.
HopAlongBunny
06-30-2014, 11:44
Watching the game (Dutch vs Mexico) it looked like the right call; in the replays from different angles, it was pure Hollywood.
Robben gambled and it worked; sucks but it's part of the game.
The Stranger
06-30-2014, 12:19
Referee should have erred on the side of caution in the one. Robben put in a theater performance, dropping like he was shot.
I'm sad for Mexico, they put in a great fight and it's a shame referee didn't allow extra time to be played. Dutchies would have most likely scored in extra time, but it would have been more sporting.
I'm glad Greece is out, for the most part they're boring as hell.
the penalty given was a dive, but the tackle in which moreno broke his leg, was a penalty.
The Stranger
06-30-2014, 12:21
Would like it if you do, I like our southern neighbours but I also like disliking them. This tournament is over there is nothing in the way of total Dutch domination. The awesome keeper of Costa Rica got a yellow one so he in unlikely to play, so there is nothing that gives them a reasonable chance against our offence. Brazil isn't going to be a problem either, we can laugh away the rest. The Netherlands is going to win.
thats bs. all yellow cards that havent resulted in a ban yet are cleared. so hell play.
edyzmedieval
06-30-2014, 13:37
Huntelaar! Huntelaar! Huntelaar!
:knight:
Sarmatian
06-30-2014, 14:03
The US has a 42% chance of beating Belgium (http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-u-s-s-odds-of-beating-belgium-and-every-other-world-cup-opponent/), and a 1.4% chance of winning the whole thing. Not super odds, but not bad!
:7ninja: :unitedstates:
Now go and place 10$ on US winning it and forget about it. If you win, you've just paid for a night-long celebration.
Seamus Fermanagh
06-30-2014, 16:49
14 chances in 1000.....better than I had feared.
Answer for the USNT is the same as for all the teams....one game at a time.
Belgium has us 4-1 over the last five meetings? How relevant is this given current rosters?
Sarmatian
06-30-2014, 18:35
Belgium is rated better than they should be. The reason for that is probably that for the first time in a decade or two they have a team that doesn't suck. They have one really good player, a few more good players and the rest is mediocre to bad.
Americans have a fighting chance.
thats bs. all yellow cards that havent resulted in a ban yet are cleared. so hell play.
No they are not, if he gets another one it's red. Costa Rica will probably have to play without without which is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. We will see no.
Way to go neighbours, that was tense
Sarmatian
07-01-2014, 06:22
No they are not, if he gets another one it's red. Costa Rica will probably have to play without without which is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. We will see no.
First off, all single yellow cards are cleared after the first knockout round.
Secondly, have you ever seen a side that left it first choice goalkeeper on the bench because he's got one yellow card?
First off, all single yellow cards are cleared after the first knockout round.
Secondly, have you ever seen a side that left it first choice goalkeeper on the bench because he's got one yellow card?
Didn't know that. Getting through their defence and actually scoring is going to be hard to say the least. I am kinda amazed the Netherlands could outdo Mexico I didn't expect that. Naturally glad they did. I should play more football-manager, I always get it dead-wrong.
Make a snide remark and I am going to look you up and prank you.
Sarmatian
07-01-2014, 07:04
Make a snide remark and I am going to look you up and prank you.
Sorry mate, but you left yourself totally open :laugh4:
Only somewhat related but interesting nonetheless - club from Kosovo offered (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/30/kosovan-club-luis-suarez-loan-ban) Suarez to play for them during the his ban. Kosovo is not a member of FIFA and UEFA so their bans don't apply to them. They offered Liverpool 30 000 for the loan, and 1500 euros to Suarez per month :laugh4:. Great.
Sorry mate, but you left yourself totally open.
From here on wearing your underwear or smoking a sigarette will never be safe again. If I can get you I will and I am good at it, I still have to tell my mates that the candles weren't actually bleeding when we were in a ghost-session but that we replaced the white stuff for red candles in the inside They are still traumatised by bleeding candles, we never told them the truth. Owned.
I also can't stress enough that the next time you have sex you will be thinking of me, just because I just said so. Enjoy.
The Stranger
07-01-2014, 08:19
Didn't know that. Getting through their defence and actually scoring is going to be hard to say the least. I am kinda amazed the Netherlands could outdo Mexico I didn't expect that. Naturally glad they did. I should play more football-manager, I always get it dead-wrong.
Make a snide remark and I am going to look you up and prank you.
thats exactly the same thing i said...
well, Germany beat Algeria 2-1, which is oddly both good and bad news for me. either way, they're off to the quarter-finals, and IIRC a game against France. One thing that I found lulzworthy though was how long it too for the first goal to come in, and that before that the Algerians had a guy commit a foul early on.
Sarmatian
07-01-2014, 12:02
I also can't stress enough that the next time you have sex you will be thinking of me, just because I just said so. Enjoy.
That's not a problem. I'm gay and you're cute :love:
Seamus Fermanagh
07-01-2014, 13:48
Damnit, blowback effect
Pun intended?
Pun intended?
I would never
GeneralHankerchief
07-01-2014, 23:14
Howard deserved better.
What a game. If there were ever a game to show what a fantastic sport football is, this was it.
I'm not going to say we didn't deserve to win, because we did, but kudos to the US for wanting to play. And your goalie is top.
Worthy adversaries, you were a joy to play against.
Hope to see you back on the next World Cup.
:bow:
That was such an amazing game. In the end, I really wanted the US to score another goal and was sort of sad when they didn't. Really exciting to watch.
Hooahguy
07-02-2014, 05:35
Watched the US-Belgium game today, so disappointed, but it was a great match. We were all about to walk away defeated when it was 2-0, then we scored, and we got all riled up again. Pity that ref only gave us one extra minute, that was total BS. Still walked away with pride though. Then I went on to sit for a very long and rather boring baseball game which made the WC game even more exciting.
EDIT: Howard really deserved a better team, he was amazing today.
Awesome game, both teams were great. I am sorry for the Americans that they got knocked out, but next WC they will probably be even better.
Congrats zuiderbuurtjes :)
Awesome game, both teams were great. I am sorry for the Americans that they got knocked out, but next WC they will probably be even better.
Congrats zuiderbuurtjes :)
well, I suppose it was inevitable though: the US' performance has improved considerably, but they still aren't exactly top tier yet. Maybe in a year or two.
Seamus Fermanagh
07-02-2014, 15:21
Watched the US-Belgium game today, so disappointed, but it was a great match. We were all about to walk away defeated when it was 2-0, then we scored, and we got all riled up again. Pity that ref only gave us one extra minute, that was total BS. Still walked away with pride though. Then I went on to sit for a very long and rather boring baseball game which made the WC game even more exciting.
EDIT: Howard really deserved a better team, he was amazing today.
I was stunned that Howard did as well as he did. US defense was far too porous and they put way too much on his shoulders. That he stopped as many as he did was amazing. Regrettably, the better team won, drat them.
Hooahguy
07-02-2014, 16:57
I was stunned that Howard did as well as he did. US defense was far too porous and they put way too much on his shoulders. That he stopped as many as he did was amazing. Regrettably, the better team won, drat them.
Yeah, people are celebrating how many shots he prevented, but really, Belgium shouldn't have been able to get so many shots in the first place.
Regrettably, the better team won, drat them.
Shut up and kiss me. Better luck next time no.
edyzmedieval
07-02-2014, 21:12
Beautiful match last night, Howard was a wall and Lukaku is a tank.
Kompany, well, that's an entire tower.
a completely inoffensive name
07-03-2014, 01:11
Even when we don't care about a sport, our players are breaking records (Howard is a beast). Have not watched anything because of my principles, but I am happy the US is becoming more dominant in the one sport that the rest of the world seems to care about the most.
Sarmatian
07-03-2014, 07:26
It was expected, but there were positives for the Americans.
And, more importantly, it's not truly a World Cup when Serbia isn't playing, so it doesn't really matter who's gonna win.
The Stranger
07-03-2014, 10:21
Even when we don't care about a sport, our players are breaking records (Howard is a beast). Have not watched anything because of my principles, but I am happy the US is becoming more dominant in the one sport that the rest of the world seems to care about the most.
keep telling yourself that :)
Even when we don't care about a sport, our players are breaking records (Howard is a beast). Have not watched anything because of my principles, but I am happy the US is becoming more dominant in the one sport that the rest of the world seems to care about the most.
Certainly a long way to go before they can really compete, but I hope the US performance get you guys more interested. I am impressed to say the least, not just by the game but also the chivalry. Good lads.
Absolutily out of USA lololol territory
Here's an interesting article for all those Americans who are saddened by the loss:
http://online.wsj.com/articles/why-its-time-for-the-u-s-to-go-dutch-1404325468
I will also second the recommendation for Grolsch that one of the commenters makes.
Hooahguy
07-03-2014, 19:08
Oh yeah, Fragony has already convinced me to root for the Dutch.
And I am very excited for the France/Germany game tomorrow!
Oh yeah, Fragony has already convinced me to root for the Dutch.
He forgot the most important reason, the Dutch love the American people. That's rather rare.
Hooahguy
07-04-2014, 22:30
Rather boring game by the Germans and French. I wanted to see blood drawn.
Sarmatian
07-04-2014, 23:26
Brazil - Columbia was much better. Rooted for the Columbians but, sadly, no upset.
Interestingly, all 4 goals today from dead ball situations. Me not like that, even though David Luiz scored a great one.
Sarmatian
07-05-2014, 18:57
Now, let's hear it for...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUVT63d2P8A
... your friendly neighbourhood overachiever!
P.S. Sorry, Dutchies, but this is so David vs. Goliath that I have to root for Costa Rica.
How could you, I am dissapointed in you AND your mother.
Sarmatian
07-05-2014, 19:26
How could you, I am dissapointed in you AND your mother.
It doesn't really matters, Frags, because as we know from Euro 2008 and 2012 and WC 2010, no country that recognized Kosovo can win a major football tournament. So, Dutchland, Costa Rica and Germany can't win. It's gonna be either Brazil or Argentina. If you know what's good for you, you'll withdraw recognition as soon as possible. It's the only way you stand a chance.
I don't care who wins, would be nice if it's us, e have a pretty good chance, but first those greasy olive eating gigilo's who I respect so greatly will have to be whiped of the map. After that, tapas.
Victory through russian roulette, how shameful for the dutch team.
I really want them to win a world cup some time but it would be nice if they actually earn it...
Proletariat
07-06-2014, 05:15
I can't be sold into rooting for the swamp Germans as much as I enjoy Frags and Husar. I'll probably back the Brazilians now since the Neymar guy was so young with so much riding for his country's lousy team that it's kind of wretched and underdog worthy. plus the Germans seem like the Yankees of soccer in the states, lots of band wagoners.
Swamp-Germans hmmmm? ;)
I think we have the best papers now, Costa Rica is who we feared most. Be a good girl and support us instead. This Brazil ain't the Brazil it used to be. You is girl, we got flowers.
The Stranger
07-06-2014, 14:16
I can't be sold into rooting for the swamp Germans as much as I enjoy Frags and Husar. I'll probably back the Brazilians now since the Neymar guy was so young with so much riding for his country's lousy team that it's kind of wretched and underdog worthy. plus the Germans seem like the Yankees of soccer in the states, lots of band wagoners.
was? did he die?
its very sad he's out :( i really think he wouldve been great in the semis/finals
Face it this one is ours, sorry you US-boys got send to flute-lessons so early. Butyou just aren't good enough (yet). The Dutch will win. Everything is out of our way. Except these pesky germans. What isit with these guys.
Mouzafphaerre
07-07-2014, 01:54
I'd very much like to see an ARG vs GER final with ARG winning, because I remember the '90 final too well... But it looks like the Germans are bound for the cup, whoever the runner up will be.
It's a shame there is no Dutch player on the roster with the skill or class to replicate this on Wednesday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhOalcQW9fI), you will have to make do with whatever Robben or the skunk can manage.
Note especially how loose their shirts are!
edyzmedieval
07-08-2014, 17:57
Robben has actually played exceptionally well at this World Cup.
GeneralHankerchief
07-08-2014, 21:26
Dear god, this one might get more ridiculous than Spain-Netherlands.
-edit- I think we're already there.
This match is so amazingly ridiculous and funny. 5:0 after 30 minutes.. it's kind of like Brazil missed the kick off. They also seem really dependent on just two people =x
Hooahguy
07-08-2014, 22:06
Now I just feel really bad for Brazil. Poor little fella, had such high hopes and dreams...
HopAlongBunny
07-08-2014, 22:56
Wow!
I thought this was going to be a very close game :p
It was amusing to see Brazil's goal dubbed "...the beginning of a comeback..." on one website.
The commentator here called it the most pointless goal of the world cup ^^
HoreTore
07-08-2014, 23:06
Insane.
At least they can't blame this one on Neymar...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=830558020287685
Lololol I have never seen such a humiliation this far in, Germany is awesome. Congrats with the cup in advance neighbours
The Stranger
07-09-2014, 00:02
meh germany played a poor tournament so far, but they score when it matters. hardly any exceptional players (apart from 2 strikers with killer instinct), but definitely the best team so far, or the only team that doesnt totally rely on 1-3 players to win their matches. and in the end football is a teamsport.
Sarmatian
07-09-2014, 02:03
hardly any exceptional players
Excuse me? Lahm, Neuer, Kroos, Muller, Ozil, Gotze, Hummels, Schweinsteiger... Those players would find a spot in any club or national team in the world.
Seamus Fermanagh
07-09-2014, 05:28
I expected a German win, particularly with their acknowledged best player laid up.
But had anyone offered me Brazil and 5 I would have taken the bet....and lost my posterior.
The Stranger
07-09-2014, 07:41
theyre all good, but none of them is in top form atm. except neuer, maybe. he's probably the only one which you would say is currently competing for title of best [insert position]. Lahm and Schwein are passing if not past glory, perhaps the same for ozil. Kroos and Gotze are still rising stars. I dont know Hummels that well, so perhaps im wrong about him, and hes one of the best defenders. But take klose and muller, theyre not people you would think of i you would think of the best and most gamedefining strikers of this time and past decade, but yet, theyre absolute goal scoring monsters for the national team. same for podolski. Somehow playing for germany makes ppl go beserk...
Oh common Germany gave a masterclass. They played perfect. If (well when) we tramp(pun intended) Argentina we have one tough opponent in the finals. I think we can take them, and certainly will not be as much fun to beat, but gawd did Germany shine yesterday. They will probably go heavy on defence and that's where we fall apart.
But take klose and muller, theyre not people you would think of i you would think of the best and most gamedefining strikers of this time and past decade, but yet, theyre absolute goal scoring monsters for the national team. same for podolski. Somehow playing for germany makes ppl go beserk...
Wait, you find their performance surprising? Müller won the award for most goals scored in the tournament last time around and Klose just broke the record for most goals scored in world cups over a career. And you are surprised that they score goals for Germany?
Sarmatian
07-09-2014, 11:06
Pele was asked for comment after the match
http://www.image-share.com/upload/2616/216m.jpg (http://www.image-share.com/ijpg-2616-216.html)
The Stranger
07-09-2014, 12:55
Wait, you find their performance surprising? Müller won the award for most goals scored in the tournament last time around and Klose just broke the record for most goals scored in world cups over a career. And you are surprised that they score goals for Germany?
no i dont find their performance surprising, i find it surprising that they perform so well for germany, while not immediately considered to be the best of the best at club level. im well aware of their past merits, its just that imo, the german team doesnt have a player atm who really stands out, at first thought at least. but i guess thats their strength, despite not playing really well, theyre the only country that played well as a team and got far, while all other countries in the ro4 got here due to individual class.
Sarmatian
07-09-2014, 13:18
no i dont find their performance surprising, i find it surprising that they perform so well for germany, while not immediately considered to be the best of the best at club level. im well aware of their past merits, its just that imo, the german team doesnt have a player atm who really stands out, at first thought at least. but i guess thats their strength, despite not playing really well, theyre the only country that played well as a team and got far, while all other countries in the ro4 got here due to individual class.
That's because they're all extremely good. It's a team of 7-8 world class players and 3 or 4 merely very good or good.
Yeah, Brazil were violated in one of the most humiliating ways possible. They basically surrendered themselves to the German government after that match and have been officially annexed as "Neue Deutschland"
I tracked down Husar last night for a comment, but all I saw was this:
https://i.imgur.com/wp8yBkw.gif
Rhyfelwyr
07-09-2014, 15:58
I would venture to say that that was the single most shocking result, and the most shocking display (relative to the level/expectations), in the history of football. I really felt last night that I was witnessing something. Brazil didn't look right from the first minute (heck, they were in tears before play even began! :laugh4:), but when the collapse came, it was spectacular. When the Germans got those three goals in as many minutes, I honestly believed the score was going to end up maybe 13 or 14-0.
It's been on the cards though IMO, even with Neymar and Thiago Silva they were lucky to get as far as their did, even with everything going in their favour (conditions, home support, questionable refereeing with a possible political motivation, etc).
If a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay was such a national humiliation that it necessitated a revolution in Brazilian football, then I can only wonder what this will bring on. If I was a Germany fan in Brazil I would be careful about gloating... I suppose it won't be the first time a bunch of Germans have had to lie low in Brazil...
Oh, and bear in mind, this team has to play either Argentina or Holland in a few days time! :uhoh:
A final between Netherlands and Germany would be funny. It would be like Bayern Munich against their ex-coach ^^
Seamus Fermanagh
07-09-2014, 19:24
Tiaexz:
I am not sure that I can forgive you for that. I am only glad that I seldom remember my dreams, since I am certain that they will be disturbing.
Sarmatian
07-09-2014, 21:52
Thanks to Exit Festival, there's several thousand Dutchies in Novi Sad today. Hundreds of people in orange have taken over the bars and are watching the game. In honour of that, I'm rooting for Holland tonight, but Argentina are never an easy one. Things could always get Messi.
Horrible.
It was like Greece vs. Greece or the invasion of the Atlantikwall by the Maginot Line...
And then russian roulette again, serves the dutch right for going there again IMO.
That's a shame, it's a shame it had to be penalties that did it but argentina kina deserved to win
Hooahguy
07-10-2014, 00:26
So its going to be Germany vs Argentina. Shame about the Netherlands, they got so close.
So its going to be Germany vs Argentina. Shame about the Netherlands, they got so close.
They get close very, very often, but they always only get close, not sure what's wrong with them, maybe they like 2nd and 3rd place.
SwordsMaster
07-10-2014, 01:19
They get close very, very often, but they always only get close, not sure what's wrong with them, maybe they like 2nd and 3rd place.
Group mentality. Don't like to stand out.
This was a pretty boring game and in my opinion, neither side really deserved anything here.
It was rather boring yeah, not a nice way to go
edyzmedieval
07-10-2014, 09:50
Very boring match.
And the penalty shootout, never understood what was going on. Vlaar is a defender, albeit a very good one, but you have Huntelaar and Robben who can take penalties, and the first one didn't even take a penalty.
Seamus Fermanagh
07-10-2014, 14:06
So, how many of you had Brasil and 3 goals versus Germany and still lost all of your money?
theyre all good, but none of them is in top form atm. except neuer, maybe. he's probably the only one which you would say is currently competing for title of best [insert position]. Lahm and Schwein are passing if not past glory, perhaps the same for ozil. Kroos and Gotze are still rising stars. I dont know Hummels that well, so perhaps im wrong about him, and hes one of the best defenders. But take klose and muller, theyre not people you would think of i you would think of the best and most gamedefining strikers of this time and past decade, but yet, theyre absolute goal scoring monsters for the national team. same for podolski. Somehow playing for germany makes ppl go beserk...
I'll give you Klose. But seriously! Give them the credit they deserve.
Neuer may be unorthadox, but 4 out of 5 times where you think it is a goal with him it is no goal. Lahm is probably one of the very best fullbacks in the world. Currently at his peak and so good in fact they play him in midfield. Özil is not even 26 yet, and came off a challenging and injury-hit season, hardly past it lol. Hummels is fantastic for BVB week in week out. Mertersacker is playing off the back of probably his best professional season ever. Kroos is the real deal, and will be a complete midfielder in the next few seasons. Müller is an enigma, but insanely talented with the ball at his feet. And that doesn't even cover the strength on the bench, Götze, Draxler, Khedira, Weidenfeller, Shürrle etc.
They have a great mix of physical play, technical ability and organisation. A joy to watch.
The Stranger
07-10-2014, 20:15
Very boring match.
And the penalty shootout, never understood what was going on. Vlaar is a defender, albeit a very good one, but you have Huntelaar and Robben who can take penalties, and the first one didn't even take a penalty.
ye that was a poor choice, and when sneijder stepped up, i just knew he was going to miss. although i understand the choice to let him take a penalty, its really weird that Vlaar had to take one. although i suppose, out of the 11 on the pitch, there werent many sure hits. None of the other defenders are good at penalties, and wijnaldum isnt too good at it either, although perhaps he or clasie wouldve been a better choice. but its easy to talk afterwards, alot of penalties were pretty poor tbh, including messi's. it easily couldve been 4-2 for holland.
Mouzafphaerre
07-11-2014, 02:34
It was not at all boring IMHO, both teams played their best and I was thoroughly entertained, so did the group of friends we watched it together.
This has been the tournament of spectacular goal-keepers and Romero will certainly be remembered for long.
Now it's one step closer to the fulfillment of my wish, though it seems highly unlikely.
HoreTore
07-12-2014, 21:04
Robben is a :daisy:
Rhyfelwyr
07-12-2014, 21:06
Prediction:
Holland 16 - 0 Brazil
Prediction:Holland 16 - 0 Brazil:laugh4:
Robben is a :daisy:
Yeah but he's good though.
Anyway yaya hasta la vsta Brazil. Still think it should have been us that ought to be in the finals against our apreciated neighbours. Losing from Argentina geez, these fuckmepumps pampabastards could as well have a barbecue in the goal since they are there anyway all the time. Germany vs Argentina must be the most obvious outcome ever, Netherlands vs Germany would have been a much more open question.
We will always have Spain.
#teeth grinding paela-eating greasy bastards
Well, your team passed the ball back to their own goalkeeper the entire time in the game against Argentina. That's not exactly how you score a goal. It simply proved the rule that the dutch team will always screw up towards the end in a spectacular way and it was entirely their own fault or the fault of their coach.
Of course they do that's how you build up an attack, can't accuse the Netherlands of not playing an aggresive game. We aren't as good as Germany, but could argue that Germany hasn't faced any good opponents so far. Germany is going to destroy Argentina, it's just no contest you guys are too good for any team in the universe and surroundings. We are probably second-best so I would have love to see us in the finale. We would probably have lost but not in the way Brazil was owned, it would at least have been an awesome match. Now things are all settled, Germany is going to be world champion, Argentina has no hope of beating the Manschaft
The Stranger
07-13-2014, 13:27
meh i still disagree. this world cup was spectacular and entertaining, but good football it had very little of. even germany who everyone is heaping praise on now, had a very meagre tournament. Yes they 4-0'd portugal, but the game was over after 30 minutes, 30 minutes in which they played great yes, but after that they just walked through the park. Then followed 3 rather poor games in terms of football produced (the game vs ghana was awesome, and vs algeria too, and even vs the usa it was pretty fun to watch, but the germans didnt play well). Then they stepped up a bit vs france, but imo, apart from an early goal, they didnt do much else than defend, and the game was the least fun to watch out of all games germany played this tournament. Then vs brazil they repeated the same thing they did vs portugal, 30 mins of outstanding football, but also an opponent that completely fell apart, no team should and would have conceided 4 goals in 10 minutes, not even vs germany or barcelona playing at their best. And then yes they scored some more, but its easy to look awesome when your opponent is down and crawling at your feet.
the germans have just been super clinical, even when playing bad, which is their trademark pretty much. They score and win even when producing lacklustre/atrocious/poor/insert something football. Their redeeming side is that when they do play good, they produce and have produced some of the best football in the last decade. So i wont argue that currently they are the best team. To then call dutch the second best is irrelevant, theyre not in the same league, not even on the same planet. Although im really happy to have seen van Gaal in action, i love to see smart coaches and their tricks.
The Stranger
07-13-2014, 22:39
meh, this game proves me right more than anything imo. just a terrible finals :/ beautiful goal, but after 100 mins of poor football it just feels like a consolation. as always the germans need to excell only that small moment, and then they strike mercilessly.
congratz i suppose.
Beautiful game, beautiful goal. Congrats to the German team, your victory is well earned.
HoreTore
07-14-2014, 00:52
The best performance from Germany since '39.
The Stranger
07-14-2014, 01:00
Germany deserved to win.
yes, but that doesnt mean much.
this article pretty much sums up my thoughts exactly. http://thinkfootball.co.uk/archives/16453
with the minor note that the thing the dutch team did good this world cup was defending. they conceided very few goals. 2 out of 3 in the groupstage coming from penalties, and 1 of the other 2 was an unstoppable world class goal by cahill, they conceided only 1 goal in the knockout stage. their midfield (in 5-3-2 or 5-2-3 formation) in particular wasnt capable of doing much else than defend or shoot the ball forward and the attack relied heavily on robbens and to lesser extent van persies brilliance.
Hooahguy
07-14-2014, 04:19
Got to see the game in some random redneck town in the middle of Alabama. Now lemme tell you something about that :daisy: state that I hate: no sale of alcohol on Sundays. So we tried to find a sports bar in the southern part of the state that had the final on, but most sport bars are closed because it is probably one of the dumbest states in the Union. Anyways we somehow found this steakhouse somewhere which had it on. But even with no beer it wasn't too bad since for $7 we got endless drinks (non-alcoholic of course) in these Pilsner glasses that we got to keep afterwards. So that was cool.
13595
But me and my two friends were the only ones in the place who were actually watching the game, so when Germany scored I was the only one who cheered (my friends were going for Argentina) so that was a disappointment. But it was an excellent game and quite the experience to watch the game in a place that seemed rather ambivalent to Futbol.
Also they had great bacon.
Cool pics http://www.powned.tv/nieuws/wk/2014/07/duitsland_viert_feest.html
Enjoy your party mia mucas you deserve it
yes, but that doesnt mean much.
But it does. It means that while everybody failed hard we actually managed to keep up some kind of standard.
The article you linked sums up a lot of thoughts I already had during the cup, e.g. that Brazil was not as good as people said or that Chile were fun to watch. Of course I am also not a real football fan but even I noticed that individual player skill seemed lower in many cases. Especially the little tricks some people used to know to win a duel seem to be mostly gone and if they are there, they usually get fouled and that's it.
Sarmatian
07-14-2014, 21:54
I'm a bit sad for Argentina and Messi, but best team won, no doubt about that.
Seamus Fermanagh
07-15-2014, 01:54
Sadly, the only thing that will be broadcast of this year's world cup 10 years down the road will be the "Suarez Sandwich" stuff.
HoreTore
07-15-2014, 01:57
Sadly, the only thing that will be broadcast of this year's world cup 10 years down the road will be the "Suarez Sandwich" stuff.
Pfft, James' goal will be remembered like van Basten's.
The Stranger
07-15-2014, 11:08
Sadly, the only thing that will be broadcast of this year's world cup 10 years down the road will be the "Suarez Sandwich" stuff.
nah alot more will be remembered, but mostly it will be dramatic moments, with some gems of goals, such as rodriguez goal, van persies, the deciding 1-0 in the final, which was beautiful as well. and ofc neymars back break, some more bone breaks, mascherano's torn anus, 5-1 for spain, 7-1 for brazil ushering new eras for these football nations... or signalling their decine :O
who knows.
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.