Official World Cup Thread

[Alexanderofmacedon]

i'M oFfiCiAlLy gOiNg cRaZy!?!?!11?!?!1kladjhsdkajdhalsda


GERMANY!!!!

DEUTSCHLAND DEUTSCHLAND!!!!!
:jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping:

AHHHHHHHHH
:jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping:

ECUADOR'S GOING DOWWWWWNNNN

:jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping:

[Taurus]

I think Ecuador can pull out a shock result, then England can knock out Germany in the second round :thumbsup:

[Dutch_guy]

Don't worry we believe the same... honestly I think it will be a boring draw, but time shall tell.:2thumbsup:

Well rumor has it our coach is going to field somewhat of a B-team. Because 6 of our players already hold a yellow card. If they get another one they'll miss the next match - our coach doesn't want to take that risk.

Also I don't think the Argentinians are going to field there best team, though of course even their bench players are pretty good !

Well, I guess we'll see tomorrow.

:balloon2:

[Ianofsmeg16]

Who'll be watching the England game? I didnt see the end of the GER - ECU match but i take it if we win or draw we'll be facing the South Americans? 3-0 with 10 mins left seemed pretty convincing when i left it.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I think Ecuador can pull out a shock result, then England can knock out Germany in the second round :thumbsup:

Dead wrong sucker...

**** YEAH GERMANY!!!!!


AHHHHHH 3-0 WE JUST SMOKED EM BABY!!!!

:jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :elephant: :elephant: :dancing: :dancing: :bounce: :boxing: :cheerleader: :croc: :surrender: :charge:

SING IT WITH ME GERMANS!

DEUTSCHLAND ÜBER ALLES

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der Welt.

:2thumbsup:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Who'll be watching the England game? I didnt see the end of the GER - ECU match but i take it if we win or draw we'll be facing the South Americans? 3-0 with 10 mins left seemed pretty convincing when i left it.

I've watched every single world cup game and I'm not stopping now.

Two brothers (friends of mine) and I watch every single game and during halftime and between games we play outside. He's got a big screen TV with split screen capabilities to watch both games at once now.:2thumbsup:

[Ianofsmeg16]

haha sounds like you got it made AoM.

I'm going down to a mates house for a lads get together to watch England Kick some Swedish Butt! Although i do have to admit, our record against Sweden says that we might have trouble, not to mention theyre a good side lol

[Divine Wind]

haha sounds like you got it made AoM.

I'm going down to a mates house for a lads get together to watch England Kick some Swedish Butt! Although i do have to admit, our record against Sweden says that we might have trouble, not to mention theyre a good side lol

Yup, we havent beaten Sweden since 1968...uh oh.

[DukeofSerbia]

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der Welt.

:2thumbsup:

Deutsche Manshaft hat nur eine Deutsche in Stürm - zwei Polen (Miroslav Klose und Lukas Podolski), ein Sweize (Oliver Neuville) und ein Man von Ghana (Gerald Asamoah).:laugh4: Wie ist das leide?:dizzy2:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Deutsche Manshaft hat nur eine Deutsche in Stürm - zwei Polen (Miroslav Klose und Lukas Podolski), ein Sweize (Oliver Neuville) und ein Man von Ghana (Gerald Asamoah).:laugh4: Wie ist das leide?:dizzy2:

I can't understand that. I know very little German.

[Dutch_guy]

I can't understand that. I know very little German.

He's basicly saying the Germans don't have any native German strikers. As Klose and Podolsci are Polish, Neuville is Swiss and Asamoah is Ghanese.

:balloon2:

[AwesomeArcher]

WOW, that is the only word to describe that shot by Cole.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

An absolute peach of a goal. Well done Cole!

The team seems to be playing well, shame about Owen though-we appear to be running out of forwards. If Sven still isn't comfortable with Rooney playing the full 90 he's going to have to bring Walcott on, or have Crouch up front on his own and pack the midfield. Why on earth didn't he bring Defoe?

[Boohugh]

Absolutely cracking shot from Joe Cole, a very strong contender for goal of the tournament whatever happens.

[Avicenna]

He's basicly saying the Germans don't have any native German strikers. As Klose and Podolsci are Polish, Neuville is Swiss and Asamoah is Ghanese.

:balloon2:

Using some very.. funky.. German.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Ack, complete defensive failure in the 89th minute. What on earth happened?

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Well at least we're playing Ecuador.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Germany - 4 vs. Costa Rica - 2
Germany - 1 vs. Poland - 0
Germany - 3 vs. Equador - 0

Who's next? Sweden? Ha...this should be fun...

[Boohugh]

Germany - 4 vs. Costa Rica - 2
Germany - 1 vs. Poland - 0
Germany - 3 vs. Equador - 0

Who's next? Sweden? Ha...this should be fun...

I think you'll find Sweden a much tougher proposition than the 3 you've played already. You do know Ecuador rested 5 of their starting players against Germany too? They were a shadow of the team that won their first 2 matches, it had nothing to do with Germany being better so much better than them.

[Fragony]

Someone please euthanise the sluggish english team along with the joyless french, what happened with these teams :embarassed:

Ah well, tonight Netherlands vs Argentina, going to be interesting as neither of us really wants to win.

[English assassin]

Nothing has "happened" to England. Its always like this. Who do you think we are, Brazil?

[naut]

Nothing has "happened" to England. Its always like this. Who do you think we are, Brazil?

Too true. :no:

[Fragony]

England isn't that bad, and at least they are usually a very entertaining team to watch. It just appears that they would rather be doing something else.

[R'as al Ghul]

I can't understand that. I know very little German.



SING IT WITH ME GERMANS!

DEUTSCHLAND ÜBER ALLES

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der Welt.

:2thumbsup:

I realize that you know very little German.
I don't blame you, but please be informed that "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der Welt" is not part of the national anthem.
It's the first stanza of the Deutschlandlied, of which we use only the third.
This is mainly because it continues "Von der Maas bis an die Memel, von der Etsch bis an den Belt", claiming territory that now belongs to our neighbours like Poland and Holland. Generally it's associated with Neo-Nazis.

:bow:

The real one:

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit für das deutsche Vaterland!
Danach lasst uns alle streben brüderlich mit Herz und Hand!
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit sind des Glückes Unterpfand;
|: Blüh’ im Glanze dieses Glückes, blühe, deutsches Vaterland! :|


Btw, most Germans don't even know the correct version. :laugh4:

[Taurus]

What a goal from Joe Cole, goal of the tournament so far definatly.

[Dutch_guy]

I still vote the second Argentinian goal in their match against Serbia-Montenegro as goal of the tournmament.

Cole's was great, but so was Lahm's in the first match and so was Koné's in the Ivory coast game against Holland.

:balloon2:

[Red Peasant]

Well, that's 'Wimbledon-Sweden' out of the way, the team we can never beat. All they had to do was lump the ball into the area to start causing us all sorts of problems. This kind of defending is usually one of England's strengths so I hope Svennis will sort it out. And when did Tobias Linderoth develop a lazer-guided crossing technique, the useless git couldn't pass the ball to one of his own team-mates under ten yards away for the three years he played for us (Everton), the frikkin yard-dog!

I'm reasonably happy, but I can't fathom why the hell Sven took Theo Walcott along if he refuses to play him. If Jermaine Defoe had been there then he would have been on as a straight replacement for Owen. I'm puzzled by football managers sometimes.

[Kralizec]

Argentinia - Netherlands 0-0

One of the more dissapointing games so far.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Nothing has "happened" to England. Its always like this. Who do you think we are, Brazil?

It wouldn't be as much fun if they were, would it?

[Soulforged]

Well, it was a draw... not boring but a draw in the end. It was, without doubt, the most expected and concurred match so far. Many stars witnessing the match: Maradona, Platini, Beckenbauer, Rumenige, between others. I liked the spirit of relaxation both in the field and in the tribunes between the fans. That's the only thing that compensated my anxiaty.

[Louis VI the Fat]

What a pity there was nothing at stake in Arg-Hol. It was easily the biggest game in the first round, but didn't amount to anything now. Let's hope they meet each other later in the tournament again.

What's with the defeatism in the English camp? Few of the biggies in the tournament have played to their full potential yet. Brazil, Italy have not made more of an impression than England so far. Only Argentina, Spain and Germany have been impressive. But the Spanish and Germans, like the Czechs, Dutch and Portugese have shown signs of weaknesses too. France is not a serious contender, nor anybode else apart from the teams I already mentioned.

England still has a fair shot at the title.

[scotchedpommes]

What's with the defeatism in the English camp? Few of the biggies in the tournament have played to their full potential yet. Brazil, Italy have not made more of an impression than England so far. Only Argentina, Spain and Germany have been impressive. But the Spanish and Germans, like the Czechs, Dutch and Portugese have shown signs of weaknesses too. France is not a serious contender, nor anybode else apart from the teams I already mentioned.

England still has a fair shot at the title.

A fair shot? Not if improvements aren't made in the defence, and add to that if
anything happens to one of their other forwards they might have serious
problems. Aspects of defence were simply shocking at times against Sweden. I
found it amusing that one of the players I'd picked out as doing particularly well
was Owen Hargreaves, and yet he is the one many of the England fans criticise
and boo.

[Soulforged]

...Owen Hargreaves...I feel sorry for him. It's always sad to see a great player leave the tournament. Besides if we were to defeat England at some point I'd like it to be at it's maximum potencial. And I'm still waiting for Burdisso in my own team. Let's hope for the best.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Hargreaves is still in the tournament. You might be getting him confused with Michael Owen?

[scotchedpommes]

I feel sorry for him. It's always sad to see a great player leave the tournament. Besides if we were to defeat England at some point I'd like it to be at it's maximum potencial. And I'm still waiting for Burdisso in my own team. Let's hope for the best.

Owen Hargreaves (http://www.owenhargreaves.de/english/news/index.php?PHPSESSID=9e600ac7ceb2f3c5729590cd7bafe876&lang_=en)

Michael Owen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2jdh2ydw4g)

~;)

[Soulforged]

Owen Hargreaves (http://www.owenhargreaves.de/english/news/index.php?PHPSESSID=9e600ac7ceb2f3c5729590cd7bafe876&lang_=en)

Michael Owen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2jdh2ydw4g)Yep. Sorry, too many Owens then.:embarassed: I thoght that Hargreaves was something like a second name...

[Louis VI the Fat]

Michael Owen Hargreaves?

Well we're all familiar with how Spanish football players are known by a single brief abbreviation. That's because their full name would take up several football shirts - the Spanish insist on having a name that reads like a full family genealogical tree.

That somebody could be called 'John Smith', and 'John Smith' only is puzzling to the Spanish world. 'Michael Owen' can't be a name, it must be an abbreviation.

In real life, Soulforged is probably named something like Juan Pérez Martínez María González y González Alonso Pedro Muy Magnifico Soulforged de Montoya.

[Soulforged]

Michael Owen Hargreaves?Now I was thinking more like, Michael Hargreaves Owen... but Hardgreaves sounds more like a last name.

Well we're all familiar with how Spanish football players are known by a single brief abbreviation. That's because their full name would take up several football shirts - the Spanish insist on having a name that reads like a full family genealogical tree.Well that's not true in all cases... I think it's more a case of tradition.

That somebody could be called 'John Smith', and 'John Smith' only is puzzling to the Spanish world. 'Michael Owen' can't be a name, it must be an abbreviation.LOL - I don't know, maybe with the Spaniards that's true. But I assure you that this is not the case here.

In real life, Soulforged is probably named something like Juan Pérez Martínez María González y González Alonso Pedro Muy Magnifico Soulforged de Montoya.Muy Magnifico? LOL - You once again show your sense of humour Louis :laugh4: , as always "magnifique". Nah... My name is only one, followed by my last name wich of course designates my italian ascendence. But it's nothing like Juan, Gonzalo, González (pretty rare in Argentina, unless it's a last name), Pedro or Pepe (wich happens to be an abbreviation too).

[Louis VI the Fat]

I think it's more a case of tradition, maybe with the Spaniards that's true. But I assure you that this is not the case here.

My name is only one, followed by my last name wich of course designates my italian ascendence.Meh, I should get my Latin American stereotypes right - didn't think of all the Italians in Argentina.

I thought you were all named something like Gabriel García Márquez or Mario Vargas Llosa over there. :sweatdrop:

[Dutch_guy]

Well, it was a draw... not boring but a draw in the end. It was, without doubt, the most expected and concurred match so far. Many stars witnessing the match: Maradona, Platini, Beckenbauer, Rumenige, between others. I liked the spirit of relaxation both in the field and in the tribunes between the fans. That's the only thing that compensated my anxiaty.

Indeed, a decent game with decent football shown by both teams.

As said, it would have been great had there actually been something at stake, well maybe we'll meet you again in the semi's ?

Would most definitely be a great match if both sides start with their best team, unlike yesterday.

:balloon2:

[Goalie]

GOOAALL for the U.S. finally a goal that we actually scored. GAH! Now ghana has a pk, come on keller.

[Goalie]

Dang, Ghana scored, 2-1 Ghana, haha the czechs got a guy sent off now and are playing with 10.

[Goalie]

Dang, Ghana scored, 2-1 Ghana, haha the czechs got a guy sent off now and are playing with 10.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

So ghana wins? That's cool, I was kinda rooting for them anyway, they were more fun to watch than the us. Hopefully they'll broadcast the ghana vs brazil game.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Doesn't really matter if USA advances, they'd play Brazil...:laugh4:

[DukeofSerbia]

For one hour Croatia play against Australia. Or maybe I can say Croatia B as 7 Australian players have Croat origin and two players of Croatia are born in Australia. :inquisitive: :dizzy2:


I did't comment game between Serbia nad Cot d'Ivore. Žigić is defenitely best Serbian striker.:2thumbsup: But Dudić played volleyball.:no:

[Big_John]

whoa, that australia/croatia game was strange. more awful refing.. but it was just a weird finish anyway.. wild.

[[DnC]]

I'm so angry, yet so happy.

I'm angry that Graham Poll is such a useless referee. Australia should have been given 3 penalties. First Viduka was clearly held by the croatian defender. Second he actualy managed to see it right, wow, is that possible for Poll? Third was again hands as was the second, it was so clear in the replay. Really you ought to think he at least should have seen the first, he was standing right behind them for crying out loud!!

Also... let me catch my breath for a moment because I'm crying in laughter here... Hahaahahahahahahha.
Here it goes: Poll gave Simuníc 3 YELLOW CARDS, yes T H R E E!
What a bloody fool.
Incase you are wondering if Simuníc was given red with the third yellow card, yes he did (if you haven't watched the match that is).

And ofcourse I'm happy AUSTRALIA IS THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[i]GO AUSSIES GO!!!!



Despite the second aussie goal was offside, they DESERVED it!!!

[Red Peasant]

Ask any English football fan, we could all tell you how useless Graham Poll is. :no:

[Soulforged]

Indeed, a decent game with decent football shown by both teams.

As said, it would have been great had there actually been something at stake, well maybe we'll meet you again in the semi's ?

Would most definitely be a great match if both sides start with their best team, unlike yesterday.
I've a question though. Many times I heard people refering to your country as Holanda (i.e. "Holland"), but then I hear Países Bajos (i.e. Netherlands). And I see that in your location it says Holland... My question is: How do you refer to yourselves then, as Holland or The Netherlands or Nederlands (as I saw in some flag)?

[Kralizec]

Usually as the Netherlands. Holland is used more in sport, it's how we're known internationally I guess and shouting "Netherlands!" is a whole mouthfull.

[Soulforged]

Usually as the Netherlands. Holland is used more in sport, it's how we're known internationally I guess and shouting "Netherlands!" is a whole mouthfull.
Thanks. :bow:

[Louis VI the Fat]

That ref was Pollocks. The single worst refereeing I've ever seen. Bloody unbelievable. :wall:

The US we're very unlucky too. No way that was a penalty for Ghana. :no:
Shame, I rather enjoyed team USA. They were spectacular at times, if a bit immature tactically. You don't clear through the centre, never, ever. Would've spared them the penalty.

So far, the refereeing has been mostly disastrous at this tournament.

[scotchedpommes]

The US we're very unlucky too. No way that was a penalty for Ghana. :no:
Shame, I rather enjoyed team USA. They were spectacular at times, if a bit immature tactically. You don't clear through the centre, never, ever. Would've spared them the penalty.

Spectacular, Louis? When? I remember them being quite a bit better at the last
World Cup, but the only thing that was impressive about them this time was
their stamina against Italy.

As for Graham Poll, I remember an English friend of mine telling me after a
particularly bad game that he would surely make terrible mistakes at the World
Cup because he's such a... so-and-so, shall we say. Well, I watch the
Premiership too, and I'm sure I'd said [more out of hope that he would improve
for such a big stage] that he'd be fine. But that was unbelievable. I'm glad the
Australians survived regardless - although with their useless Croat keeper how
they managed it is simply inexplicable.


Or maybe I can say Croatia B as 7 Australian players have Croat origin and two players of Croatia are born in Australia.

Was it not even as many as 4 players on the Croatian team that were Australian
born? I'll almost be surprised if I don't see the likes of Šimunić wearing Australian
colours against Italy.

[Papewaio]

Yes the Aus vs Croatia game was umm interesting.

If you divided it up into the top 3 ethnic group combinations it was somthing like this:

Australia/Croats
Croats
Australian/other.

[Soulforged]

Australia and Ghana the two surprises of this World Cup definetively!! Australia has a great team they might even get to Quarters.:2thumbsup:

[Fragony]

I've a question though. Many times I heard people refering to your country as Holanda (i.e. "Holland"), but then I hear Países Bajos (i.e. Netherlands). And I see that in your location it says Holland... My question is: How do you refer to yourselves then, as Holland or The Netherlands or Nederlands (as I saw in some flag)?

Holland is really just the western part of the Netherlands, us calling the country it kinda slipped in somehow.

[Big_John]

ouch, tunisia got absolutely robbed. don't think anything could be worse than the reffing in the croatia/australia game, but this is certainly as bad. feel bad for tunisia, they are playing better with 10 than the ukraine is with 11. assuming this score holds, i'd say the ukraine is the least impressive team going through to the round of 16.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

ouch, tunisia got absolutely robbed. don't think anything could be worse than the reffing in the croatia/australia game, but this is certainly as bad. feel bad for tunisia, they are playing better with 10 than the ukraine is with 11. assuming this score holds, i'd say the ukraine is the least impressive team going through to the round of 16.

Did you see what they did against Saudi Arabia though? It's pretty nice.

[Big_John]

Did you see what they did against Saudi Arabia though? It's pretty nice.not sure what you mean.. did i see what the ukraine did against saudi arabia? sure, but the saudi's aren't a very good team. the ukraine hasn't shown anything to me in this first round. all they do is argue with each other and play individually. they should have lost this game, only the ref kept them from that. they look like a second-rate team. maybe their form will improve in the next round. they better hope it does.

[DukeofSerbia]

']I'm so angry, yet so happy.

I'm angry that Graham Poll is such a useless referee. Australia should have been given 3 penalties. First Viduka was clearly held by the croatian defender. Second he actualy managed to see it right, wow, is that possible for Poll? Third was again hands as was the second, it was so clear in the replay. Really you ought to think he at least should have seen the first, he was standing right behind them for crying out loud!!

Also... let me catch my breath for a moment because I'm crying in laughter here... Hahaahahahahahahha.
Here it goes: Poll gave Simuníc 3 YELLOW CARDS, yes T H R E E!
What a bloody fool.
Incase you are wondering if Simuníc was given red with the third yellow card, yes he did (if you haven't watched the match that is).

And ofcourse I'm happy AUSTRALIA IS THROUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[i]GO AUSSIES GO!!!!



Despite the second aussie goal was offside, they DESERVED it!!!

Graham Poll was referee on game Italy - Croatia two years ago (I think on EURO 2004) and he didn't saw clear penalty for Italy and on Croatian State television they confessed that Poll was wrong. And now he did it again...:wall:

Šimunić played twice with hand obviosily.

[Big_John]

holy adidas! i think i just saw a game without extraordinarily bad reffing! togo/france. only like, 3 or 4 yellow cards! same ref that threw off around 10 players in the usa/italy game! maybe he got a word from above that he'd better clean up his act if he wants to ref any of the knock-out games...

sadly, so far, this is the world cup of awful reffing.. i hope it doesn't end up remembered that way. :no:

[InsaneApache]

Concerning Graham Poll...this is from the [Manchester] Guardian.


GRAHAM POLL'S DIARY: FRIDAY JUNE 23, 2006

7.34am
Wake from sound night's sleep when alarm rings. My, it's early. Yawn! Never mind; rising with the lark keeps the old brain sharp. Time to rise and shine. Get up off floor and clamber into bed.

7.35am
No, that's not right. Get out of bed.

7.37am
Shower and shave. Then get dressed. Shorts on: check. Shirt on: check. Whistle in pocket: check. Notebook: check. Pencil: check. Green, orange and purple cards: check, check, check. Pull on pair of socks.

7.41am
Pull on pair of socks.

7.42am
Pull on pair of socks.

7.43am
Bah! Shoes don't fit! What's going on here? Oh to hell with it. Decide to make some breakfast.

10.08am
Carve the meat. Settle down and polish off delicious morning repast of roast beef, two veg, Yorkshire pud and lashings of thick custard.

10.31am
Sit down in chair to watch TV.

10.55am
Wonder why TV is not working.

11.01am
Turn chair round to face TV. Ah that's better. But the TV's talking about me! "We had a first in the history of the World Cup," says Fifa president Sepp Blatter. "Unfortunately, when a player received three yellow cards, this is a little bit too much." None of that lip, son! You're booked! Show TV orange card.

11.03am
TV doesn't stop backchat. "We have had four officials and what is not understandable is that nobody intervened. One of them should have intervened and run on to the field and said, 'Stop, stop'." Grrrr! Show TV five more orange cards and a green.

11.04am
TV plays on regardless. "In terms of the referee, this will be analysed. I place my trust in the referees' committee. I think they have enough tact to deal with this case." Alright, son, you've made your point, but now you've gone too far. Show TV three green cards and 17 purples. Any more of this and you're off! I mean it!

11.05am
Have totally lost control of the TV. "We should not forget that Graham Poll in previous matches achieved fantastic things. Of course, we cannot excuse it but we should understand it."

11.07am
Help! Living room descends into anarchy. Book chair, sofa, occasional table (four times), mirror and corner unit. Finally lose patience with TV and show green, purple and orange cards all at once to make a big brown card. An early bath for you!

11.08am
Run bath.

11.13am
Put TV in bath.

11.14am
Jump in car with square wheels. Drive to train station to catch flight home.

:sweatdrop: Eerily factual....:laugh4:

[Quid]

Yessss!!! Done it! Only team not to have conceded any goals...yet. I am sure that will change pretty quickly once we're playing the Ukraine. I think, however, that we should beat them. The quarters are waiting...

We will probably have to play the second round without Senderos. He dislocated his shoulder...


:switzerland: :switzerland: :switzerland: :switzerland: :switzerland:


!!!Hopp Schwiiz!!!


:switzerland: :switzerland: :switzerland: :switzerland: :switzerland:

Quid

[Louis VI the Fat]

Allez les Bleus!!!11!!!!UN!!1!



Phew...:sweatdrop:
Spain - France next! What a cracker, a true tradional.
Oh, and: Hopp Schwiiz! http://matousmileys.free.fr/swiss.gif

[scotchedpommes]

The Swiss have done well, and two nice goals for France as well - although
while I think Switzerland could take the Ukraine, I don't see France managing
Spain. But you never know, as Spain do have a habit of flopping at major
tournaments, don't they?

[Big_John]

both france/spain and swiss/ukraine should be good matches. spain has looked very good, but they have a tendency to choke in the knock-out phases (maybe not this early though). france certainly has the talent to play with spain, but will they actually find their form, or will they play like they played through much of the 1st round? in the other match, neither the swiss nor the ukraine have looked particularly good to this point, imo. so that could be an exciting match-up, though the swiss have a tendency to make for boring matches, from what i've seen. hard games to pick.

[Soulforged]

France plays better without Zizu? The world that I knew is no more.:no:

Anyway congratulations there... I knew France will make it this time.

[scotchedpommes]

neither the swiss nor the ukraine have looked particularly good to this point, imo. so that could be an exciting match-up, though the swiss have a tendency to make for boring matches, from what i've seen. hard games to pick.

Hm. I would've said the Swiss were the better to watch, really. And when
evaluating the performance of the Ukraine I personally would not be counting
the drubbing of a team that isn't up to the competition like Saudi Arabia, as
much as they did give Tunisia a good fight. The Ukraine simply haven't performed,
I agree with that - their lacklustre showing against Tunisia was evidence enough.

I'm not suggesting that Switzerland is the new Greece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUYk1_Nq0EY), but they certainly look
decent, and I think winning their group and not conceding goals will give them a
good morale boost.

[Big_John]

I'm not suggesting that Switzerland is the new Greece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUYk1_Nq0EY), but they certainly look
decent, and I think winning their group and not conceding goals will give them a
good morale boost.oh man, i hope they are not the new greece.. that was one yawn-filled uefa euro championship. maybe i'm the only one, but i found the greek style in that tourney to be mind-numbingly boring. i wouldn't say the swiss are that boring. and yeah, they haven't looked bad like the ukraine, but they haven't looked terribly good either. i'll reserve any more judgement until i see them play a quality side.

[Quid]

oh man, i hope they are not the new greece.. that was one yawn-filled uefa euro championship. maybe i'm the only one, but i found the greek style in that tourney to be mind-numbingly boring. i wouldn't say the swiss are that boring. and yeah, they haven't looked bad like the ukraine, but they haven't looked terribly good either. i'll reserve any more judgement until i see them play a quality side.

I'd have to agree that the Swiss haven't looked great yet. I think you can really feel how nervous the players are. Most of them are in their early twenties and have not had much international experience previously (apart from the fact that about five of them won the U17 European Championships).

Our goal has already been achieved - to proceed to the next round - but now we're being given the perfect opportunity to go on to the quarter finals. The Ukraine is really a one-man team and if we manage to quiet Shevchenko we should be ok. Unfortunately, we tend not to do particularly well against opposition from the Ex-USSR. Am not sure why that is so. I will just hope for the best...

Oh and...Allez les bleus!!! http://matousmileys.free.fr/parisien.gif

Quid

[Dutch_guy]

Well Germany is sure having a great start, 2 - 0 after a mere 10 minutes of play, very impressive.

Let's hope the Swedes manage to make the game a little more interesting!


:balloon2:

[Ser Clegane]

2 - 0 after the first half

I don't think I had that much fun watching our team play for 10 years. They might have played successful in 2002, but this year they actually played great in each match so far.
No matter how this game will end and how far they will get if they win today, I am already happy with the performance of our team at this World Cup and hope that Klinsmann will remain coach afterwards. ~:)

[The Black Ship]

They keep giving out cheap yellows like that there'll be noone left to play in the finals.

10 man Sweden against that team, and that crowd... hard to see a comeback.

[Rodion Romanovich]

World Cup is now officially over for me... The 3 yellow cards = 1 red card + removed goal for Australia trick, and now today Swedish free kick = no whistle + next moment nothing at all = German free kick + Swedish 2nd yellow red card that results in red card... Where do they get these refs?!! This is ridiculous, if you have world class players you should try to get world class referees, not referees that wouldn't fit into a football beginner's tournament...

By the way Germany played very well and really deserved the lead - the ref actions up to the strange yellow card situation was ok, and the situation in question happened near the end of the first half. No doubts Germany would win even without that Swedish yellow card, but now the number of strange ref decisions are starting to look ridiculous. I think there are about 5 refs in this World Cup who haven't got anything at all to do in Germany and should go home with the next flight.

[Ser Clegane]

nothing at all = German free kick + Swedish 2nd yellow red card that results in red card.
I don't now ... the second yellow card seemd harsh, however Lucic clearly held a player that would otherwise have run past him with the ball, even if there is no intention to hurt your opponent - if you have no chance of getting the ball and just foul an opponent, I think the refs actually have to give a yellow card (just like in the situation when Frings received a yellow card for intentionally playing the ball with his hand - nothing spectacular or dangerous, but a clear yellow card and the ref went by the books in both cases)

[Rodion Romanovich]

I don't now ... the second yellow card seemd harsh, however Lucic clearly held a player that would otherwise have run past him with the ball, even if there is no intention to hurt your opponent - if you have no chance of getting the ball and just foul an opponent, I think the refs actually have to give a yellow card (just like in the situation when Frings received a yellow card for intentionally playing the ball with his hand - nothing spectacular or dangerous, but a clear yellow card and the ref went by the books in both cases)

Yes they have to if any free-kick giving offense is made to stop a breakaway, but this wasn't a free-kick offense. Frings reached out with his hand to stop the ball - deliberate usage of the hand, while Lucic was in an allowed duel for the ball. Anyway the point is that now we're up at some 5-10 incorrect red cards in the tournament, and about 5 incorrect penalty shot ref decisions. More than 5 of all these decisions were crucial to the outcome of the games, the latest one of course isn't included in those 5 though, but the latest included in some around 10-15 entertainment-value killing referee mistakes...

I prefer it if Greece or Togo or something wins the World Cup by just ref decisions over seeing favorites winning over incorrect referee decisions. But now that I think about it last World cup had a fair amount of crucial ref mistakes too... This was the first game I actually had time to watch in four days so I was a bit disappointed to get back to World Cup seeing this, and seeing the 3 yellow card trick in the newspapers...

[Dutch_guy]

Well todays game was a clear win for Germany, they played great the first 30 minutes but after that they seemed to step on the breaks a bit - not surprising really after a quick two goals.

Sweden then had the chance to get back into the game 10 minutes into the second half, but failed to score the penalty - which also was a dubious one.

Had they scored it would have most certainly have added some flavour to the game, as it went however, the Germans were able to simply out position the Swedes.

And I must say they did that quite well.

PS: as a ref. you simply should not smile when you give a red card, really a stupid and tasteless thing to do...

:balloon2:

[Red Peasant]

Yeah, the refs are destroying this sport as a spectacle. I finished work and sat down in the pub, pint in hand, ready for a good game between Germany and Sweden and it set off at a cracking pace, like a high-octane Premiership duel. Germany were playing really well, especially the Polish lads and I was having a laugh with some German students in the pub when a Swedish player becomes the latest casualty of our over-officious friends. The ref even laughed in the player's face as he sent him off! Surreal! Well, it killed another game for me, I lost interest and came home. What's the point of watching a non-contest?

The refs will make their standard excuse that it is the player's fault if he is sent off, not theirs (they are never wrong, even Graham Poll will have his excuses), but this is an emotionally charged, high-speed, physical contact sport and they want to turn it into a game of tick. In part it is FIFA's fault as they set the tone and train the officials for the competition, but I wish that the refs would stand up and run the games properly.

[Louis VI the Fat]

PS: as a ref. you simply should not smile when you give a red card, really a stupid and tasteless thing to do.Yes, that irritated the hell out of me too. The creepy sadist. And what about that German player applauding and being all cuddly with the ref after the red card? Shameless.

This disastrous refereeing has gone too far, something ought to be done about it. It undermines the quality of this world cup. Everything else is fantastic. Great crowds, friendly atmosphere, stunning stadiums, the usual top-notch German organisational talent.

Back to football: what on earth happened to the German team? They play more fluent than Argentina, like they're some samba kids from the Copacobana. I know they allways grow in a tournament, but this is incredible. What a make-over compared to two months ago.

[scotchedpommes]

Yes, that irritated the hell out of me too. The creepy sadist. And what about that German player applauding and being all cuddly with the ref after the red card? Shameless.

This disastrous refereeing has gone too far, something ought to be done about it. It undermines the quality of this world cup. Everything else is fantastic. Great crowds, friendly atmosphere, stunning stadiums, the usual top-notch German organisational talent.

The referee was shocking. I think more important than the cosy behaviour
between Germans and referee after the sending off was the fact that the
referee was not even going to give a card to Lučić, then you see the German go
up to him and make a card-waving gesture. Now it seems referees take advice
from opposition players rather than their assistants, and I cannot abide that. He
was merely waiting for an excuse to come back to Lučić, and I think the
expression on his face makes his delight all too clear.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41807000/jpg/_41807586_redcard300.jpg

[The Black Ship]

You can't change the way these games are being reffed now, in mid-stream. That's what has brought us to this place, changing the way you ref at the insistance of Blatter and FIFA. Why do they change the way they call games just before the most important tourney?

[scotchedpommes]

Mexico are all over Argentina. They deserve the 1 - 0 lead.

1 - 1.

[Crazed Rabbit]

Yikes, own goal via header by Mexico. 1-1

Crazed Rabbit

[Big_John]

very interesting game here! argentina doesn't look nearly as fearsome as they did in the 1st round. and mexico looks quite a bit sharper. 1-1 is a good score, sure it was an own-goal, but riquelme's corners are perfect.

also, huge bonus, the reffing isn't terribly awful! there's quite a bit of flopping being rewarded (it's argentina and mexico, what are you going to do?) but only 1 yellow card, and it was very clearly deserved.

looking forward to the finish. i picked mexico as my sleeper to win it all, but i didn't have them playing argentina until the final... great game so far.

[scotchedpommes]

also, huge bonus, the reffing isn't terribly awful! there's quite a bit of flopping being rewarded (it's argentina and mexico, what are you going to do?) but only 1 yellow card, and it was very clearly deserved.

I think it was a crucial mistake - it should have been a red card. If the tackle
had not been made, the Mexican would have had a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

[Big_John]

it probably should have been red. but it was kind of close (not sure what the position of the other back was). at least, i'm glad to see slightly lax reffing than the fascist reffing of the 1st round.

[whyidie]

The officiating in the Brasil - Japan match should be the standard. Unfortunately the officiating has been more like watching an NBA finals game.

[Big_John]

mm.. second half wasn't nearly as good as the first. and the reffing kind of broke down too. but the outcome is deserved, argentina should have won in regulation (bad offsides call).

mexico did very well, had plenty of chances to win, and outplayed argentina in the 1st half, imo. took the best goal of the WC so far to beat them.. too bad they had to play argentina in the round of 16.

even though they didn't look so dominant against mexico, i'm picking argentina over the germans.

[Ser Clegane]

2- 1 for Argentina ... so now it's Germany vs. Argentina on Friday.

This should be an interesting game ~:)

[scotchedpommes]

mm.. second half wasn't nearly as good as the first. and the reffing kind of broke down too. but the outcome is deserved, argentina should have won in regulation (bad offsides call).

mexico did very well, had plenty of chances to win, and outplayed argentina in the 1st half, imo. took the best goal of the WC so far to beat them.. too bad they had to play argentina in the round of 16.

even though they didn't look so dominant against mexico, i'm picking argentina over the germans.

The offside call was fair enough, taking into consideration that Heinze shouldn't
have been on the pitch for the second half. And Argentina won with a nicely
taken unstoppable goal.

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

Now everyone goes on at England playing bad, argentina were woeful and showed me nothing to they are the best the WC has to offer. Great goal but i felt for the mexicans, all the arg did was dive and fall about. Riquelme the next maradona? Do me a favour

[scotchedpommes]

Now everyone goes on at England playing bad, argentina were woeful and showed me nothing to they are the best the WC has to offer. Great goal but i felt for the mexicans, all the arg did was dive and fall about. Riquelme the next maradona? Do me a favour

To say they were woeful seems harsh. England in the second half against
Sweden, that was woeful.

[Soulforged]

2- 1 for Argentina ... so now it's Germany vs. Argentina on Friday.

This should be an interesting game ~:)
If we play as today Germany will win 4-0 at least. I think there's various keys to understand why Argentina played so "bad" today: 1- Scaloni: He entered in place of Burdisso who's injured, I'd have prefered Coloccini. Scaloni is more like Sorin he places himself in the defense but he quickly starts to move forward to add himself to the offense. However he isn't nearly as good as Sorin, he's mostly a player with attitude (i.e. only knows how to scream, insult and make the referee and the adversary nervous). 2- Sorin: He played pretty bad today. He was also very well marked by the mexicans, almost boxed, but even when clearing the ball he was unprecise and the attackers almost always surpassed him in speed and strenght hence wining the ball. 3- Riquelme: Opposed to the other three matches he played everything but football today. Full of unprecise passes (until now Riquelme was the most precise passer on the tournament), slow (well he's always kinda slow), he seemed a little out of concentration and lost many balls. Note this, if Riquelme fares bad the entire team follows. 4- Pekerman: Well he introduced Scaloni, but beyond that two changes that, even though they changed the game, were not right, principally Aimar, Cambiasso was playing pretty well, so was Crespo. 5- The actitude of the mexicans: They started with fury, pressing, having and stealing the ball, controlling its possesion and controlling the argentinian players wherever they were. 6- Saviola: He wasn't as sharp as in the first two matches, but that can be atributed in part to Riquelme. 7- Heinze: Well what to say. If it wasn't for Ayala who actually was one of the best players in the match today, the errors of this man would have been more noticeable.

About the referees: I haven't seen many good ones in this World Cup. The referees seem to have their priorities all mixed up, when, doubting, they should fail in favour of the continued gameplay they opt for stoping the game, when it's the contrary they opt for continuing the game. For example, in the game near the end of the second half, nor Messi nor Tevez were in off side, however before the doubt the referee on the corner opted for the off side. Like this there's a lot of examples, some more noticeable than others. The foul of Heinze in the first half deserved a red card, here, in Germany, in China and in any other place where people have at least one eye and a brain. Then again all referees, always, seem to fail also before the doubt, in favour of the team wich has a richer history (i.e. politics).


Now everyone goes on at England playing bad, argentina were woeful and showed me nothing to they are the best the WC has to offer. Great goal but i felt for the mexicans, all the arg did was dive and fall about. Riquelme the next maradona? Do me a favourThat's a press myth. Riquelme and Maradona by their very natures are two different players. Riquelme is a slow player, but he thinks every move before executing, if you give him the time to do so, wich didn't happen today, you'll suffer the consequences (all in all I prefer Beckham, who should be playing in the same possition).
Now the german press says that Messi is the new Maradona (or was it Tevez). I don't like this kind of comparission but it's freedom of speech. :shrug:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Why, none of you sound very excited. Maybe Argentina wasn't bad, but Mexico really good? I thought it was a thrilling game, very tense. And what a sensational goal! ~:eek:

Germany-Argentina could be a classic. The Germans are on a roll, Argentina oozles with talent. Today, they could afford to bring on Messi, Aimar AND Tevez from the bench. :skull:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

LMAO! You think Argentina will beat Germany 4-0? You've got an other thing coming. I was personally rooting for Argentina today (I don't care about them too much, I just HATE Mexico). I think they'd be the harder team against Germany though, but I think this will be a VERY close game, but I will believe Germany will come out on top. Maybe because they'll have the crowd behind them.

We'll see...

[Soulforged]

LMAO! You think Argentina will beat Germany 4-0? You've got an other thing coming.No, the opposite mate..."If we play as today Germany will win 4-0 at least"...:oops: :2thumbsup:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

No, the opposite mate..."If we play as today Germany will win 4-0 at least"...:oops: :2thumbsup:

Ah! My bad, I'm sorry. I didn't read anymore than that line and I didn't even read that carefully! :embarassed:

Sorry. It'll be a good game.:2thumbsup:

[Big_John]

unless argentina falls asleep, there's no way they are losing 4-0 to anyone. they didn't play badly at all today, it's just that no one knew how good mexico is. give them their credit, mexico is a world-class team, and they always play argentina close.

[scotchedpommes]

Crespo seems to have been officially credited as having scored the own goal.
Another thing to irritate.

[Zalmoxis]

Argentina all the way, since Romania will never again qualify, I chose the team I liked best at the beginning. Now I'm hoping they can take down Germany :dizzy2:

[Gealai]

I can't understand all the fuss about giving red-cards. IMHO both Lukic and Heinze made stupid errors but still errors which deserved the yellow-red and the direct red card. The rules are clearly stated and have to be followed as closly as possible, starting with the group phase. If they are not and "good sense" takes over all becomes a free game of interpretations.

Said that it is clear that a good deal of countries lack really good referees, given the absence of high-class football. It is common knowledge that the big european nations - even if Germany and Italy suffered ref-scandals -had and have the best ones, but are unable to send more of them by the FIFA policy. So we must observe guys with little big game experience making terrible errors.

[Red Peasant]

I'm sorry, but a good referee should be like an orchestral conductor, not an officious, bumptious traffic warden. It is easy to destroy a game of football with an over-zealous application of the 'rules'. Rules are guides, not holy commandments.

And as for refs coming from the best leagues, well the English Prem is the biggest, richest and supposedly best in the world, and all we could send was Graham bloody Poll !

[Rodion Romanovich]

2- 1 for Argentina ... so now it's Germany vs. Argentina on Friday.

This should be an interesting game ~:)
two of the teams that have IMO been in best shape and both of which I'd like to see go far having to meet so early :juggle2: Same goes for Portugal-Holland game in two days from now...

Probably will end Germany 2 - Argentina 1 and Portugal 2 - Holland 1

[Gealai]

Red cards don't have to destroy a game as Italy-USA proved. The can give a game a very dramatic turn and charge it up emotionally.

The main problem is that the , IMHO right tough use of the rule is not enforced in the everyday football life. The players are simply not used to it. Football is mostly about instinct and reflexes grown over the years. Kinda hard to replace them for two months...

[Rodion Romanovich]

It seems like this years world cup has got a final round that is quite open to different results and very unpredictable:
England - Ecuador, Portugal - Holland, Brazil - Ghana, France - Spain could all go both ways...
:2thumbsup:

[Red Peasant]

Well, Gealai, I'm not saying that there should be no rules! For instance, I agreed with all of the cards in the US/Italy game, they were for dangerous play of various kinds and well-deserved. However, the refs are repeatedly booking players for minor infringements, consequently disrupting the flow of games and having to send players off for technicalities. It's bloody frustrating, especially if you are a neutral and want to watch a competitive game. And, God help us if Michel Platini achieves his ambition to become FIFA president because he would lead the drive to eliminate all contact in football.

[InsaneApache]

Todays game makes me want to laugh. Can you imagine what would happen to Nat Lofthouse these days if he'd bundled the Man Utd. keeper into the net ala '58 cup final?

[Fragony]

Wow ze germans, sweden had a terrible defence but let's not throw the germans pwning them on just that :dizzy2: I was right all along, the germans are going to win the cup. Their heimat fuels them, I suspect they have ancient magic runes buried all over the place. Nasty red card by the way, the wissleboy really seemed to enjoy giving it. Let's bring in the heavie's....

http://www.geenstijl.nl/mt/archieven/images/oranjetank.jpg

[Rodion Romanovich]

Finals will be:
http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffengattung/images/panzer-1.jpg
vs
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/Osorio-Pics/Osorio-MBT.jpg

[Fragony]

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/dres/bw09.jpg

God I love football ~;)

[Rodion Romanovich]

http://www.onwar.com/chrono/1940/may40/1940may/1940may14.jpg
:gah: :hide:

Maybe the last two pics were a step too far... time to return to the topic, eh?

[Big_John]

yikes, ecuador looked awful. england didn't look too hot either. weak game. can't see england fairing well against either portugal or holland. hopefully that will be a good game.

ecuador.. get a new goalie. :uneasy:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Argentina all the way, since Romania will never again qualify, I chose the team I liked best at the beginning. Now I'm hoping they can take down Germany :dizzy2:

No one will take down Germany :evil:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Finals will be:
http://www.bmlv.gv.at/waffengattung/images/panzer-1.jpg
vs
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/Osorio-Pics/Osorio-MBT.jpg

Who vs. who?

Germany vs. ____?

[InsaneApache]

I thought Rooney was a bit under par, he might be a handful when he's firing on all cylinders. Pretty standard fare from Beckham, his goal could have been a bit tidier though. Anyroad we're through to the next round, so 'bring 'em on....' :sweatdrop:

[L'Impresario]

Who vs. who?

Germany vs. ____?

Brazil. The second pic shows a EE-T1 Osório.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Who vs. who?

Germany vs. ____?

Panzer vs Osório ~:)

Edit: Damn you beat me to it ~:)

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Panzer's are better.

[Red Peasant]

I thought Rooney was a bit under par, he might be a handful when he's firing on all cylinders. Pretty standard fare from Beckham, his goal could have been a bit tidier though. Anyroad we're through to the next round, so 'bring 'em on....' :sweatdrop:

Hmm, but Rooney produced some special plays in the second half and seemed to get stronger if anything. The defenders were backing off him by the end. I thought that Carrick was great at the centre of midfield with a good range of long and short passing as well as timely interventions. He should stay in. Could we be the 'New Germany', quietly grinding out results without being overly impressive yet going far in the competition ... we shall see. ~;)

[InsaneApache]

Understatement dear boy, understatement. :toff:

[Red Peasant]

Wanted:

Frank Lampard's shooting boots.
Big reward from all England fans.
Reply to England HQ Baden-Baden

[LeftEyeNine]

Gah.. I sometimes really hate football..

Stand clueless for the entire match, get a freekick, let your handsome boy do it and steal away the match.

I wish England can not progress one more round further. I'm so disappointed with Ecuador letting the game slip away from their hands in which England did not make a single organized attack until Beckham's freekick.

:shame:

Anyways, for their courage and quality Ecuador still deserves my respects. :ecuador:

[Red Peasant]

Gah.. I sometimes really hate football..

Stand clueless for the entire match, get a freekick, let your handsome boy do it and steal away the match.

I wish England can not progress one more round further. I'm so disappointed with Ecuador letting the game slip away from their hands in which England did not make a single organized attack until Beckham's freekick.

:shame:

Anyways, for their courage and quality Ecuador still deserves my respects. :ecuador:

Lol! You're having a laugh, aren't ya?! Ecuador were rubbish, they were playing for extra-time and penalties.

And, as indifferent as they were, there was only one team really trying to win that match. England.

Where's ya Turkey gone! Where's ya Turkey gone!

[Kralizec]

:netherlands: vs :portugal: in 20 minutes.

If we win it will be us against :england:

[LeftEyeNine]

RedPeasant, I seriously doubt that we watched the same match. I recommend you to cool down off the happy emotions of victory and watch the match again. Until the freekick England has no single serious chance of goal crafted.


Where's ya Turkey gone! Where's ya Turkey gone!

..Trying to be more meaningful to you since you are a British : Turkey is roasted long ago.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

While England were perhaps not as good as I would have liked, to say Ecuador played with 'courage and quality' is really wishful thinking. Decrying Beckham's excellent free-kick as somehow 'stealing' the match also seems like a rather sore-loserish thing to say, it was a lovely ball. It wasn't his fault the keeper was rubbish.

Based on his performance in the last ten minutes, I think Sven should play Lennon from the start in the next game. Rooney is also looking much fitter, and if they play someone else up front with him so he isn't so isolated he could really start earning his pay

[Red Peasant]

No problem LEN, I was not happy with the England performance, although it had its moments and some patches of decent play, but to make the claims that you made for Ecuador showed the extent of your bias against England. Also, I can only feel that we can get better. You need to build slowly in World Cups and I'm an optimist. ~;)

[Rodion Romanovich]

I think England played really well, but had a weakness in Lampard and Gerrard. They never seemed to get the crucial passes through, and Lampard shot poorly even when he had good chances. Rooney got better by every minute, no doubt the man of the match IMO. Ecuador played well from start but got worse from 30th minute or so. I think England deserved the win, even if Ecuador had some great chances and played very well in earlier games, they simply weren't as good in this game IMO.

Portugal - Holland will be a nice game to watch! I think Portugal might be slightly better, but it should be quite even. I don't know which side I'd rather want to continue to the quarter finals - Portugal with their swift beautiful football, or Holland with their funny orange pyjamas - both are a pleasure to the eye...

[Dutch_guy]

I found the England - Ecuador match to be quite boring really, especially as the match neared it's end, Ecuador just didn't seem to want to win and England's players were all exhausted - Beckham nearly passed out from what I saw.

Ecuador played much and much better in the previous matches but this just wasn't their day, they could have hurt England more had they been in their previous form - why they didn't ,I don't know.

England played a decent first half, a great tackle by Cole in the 11th minute saved the English from a disastrous start, that was Ecuador's chance to force a lead - would have been a very different match had Ecuador scored that early goal.

Well, going to watch Holland - Portugal. Thinking it's going to be a 0 - 1.

But I surely don't hope so.

:balloon2:

[LeftEyeNine]

BKS, I'm not an Ecuadoran and I didn't place any bets on them for this match ~:) "Stealing away" refers to a single moment that a single man of England shone and it doomed the score to finish that way. Who can debate over Beckham's mighty feet. As I had told in my Ecuador - Poland review, the Ecuadoran keeper Mora sucks indeed -he is the weakest link of that courageous and quality team.

After seeing the posts about England here, I got the impression that either I watched some other match or the England fans are easily satisfied.

Oh congrats on the progress but do not expect that team going any further. I was into laughter after how Sven cowardishly substituted Joe Cole with Jamie Carragher in '75. He is underestimating the squad he is managing and that damages England's reputation as a team and prevents them from shining all over.

If Turkish team was able to make passes like how Ecuadorans did, we wouldn't be Turkish Delights through the preliminary stage.

[Ianofsmeg16]

Well, going to watch Holland - Portugal. Thinking it's going to be a 0 - 1.

But I surely don't hope so.

:balloon2:

I hope not, Holand have been playing fantasticly this tournament and it would be a shame to see them knocked out so early....getting knocked out in the Quarter finals by England wouldn't be so much of a shame :laugh4:

[Kralizec]

0-1 in Portugals favour, but they'll have to do with 10 men from now on. Should be exiting...

[Crazed Rabbit]

Portugal with 9 men.

This match will be remembered for its terrible reffing. What was the red for Deco for? The ref has lost control.

Still 1-0.

Crazed Rabbit

[Big_John]

portugal/holland

1st half: pretty good game, some harsh yellows, but overall good half.

2nd half: holy wow! what can you say about this? at this point, i'm hoping they break the record for yellows. not much class being displayed on the field.. by the players or the refs. anyway, i think portugal has played better, but it's hard to tell at this point.

england must be elated.


why didn't van nistelroy play?

[[DnC]]

I blaming it all on you Dutch Guy, you jinxed it with your POR 1-0 HOL talk :juggle2:

:embarassed:

J/K ~;)

Ah well someone had to go through. Beware England.

[cegorach]

Portugal vs Holland

That was so brutal with so much tension that you could hang an axe in the air. Football is war - true indeed !

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Ok, well first of all: [DnC] and Dutch_Guy, I'm sorry, you guys deserved it not Portugal. Second of all, kill your coach for not putting Nistelrooy in at least if he wasn't going to start. (would you happen to have any info on that living in Holland?)

To all of the Netherlands. I was rooting for you so hard I gave myself a headache. I think you would have beat England and Portugal will not. It's a shame.

Good luck :bow:

Now maybe you can root for the country near you? DEUTSCHLAND DEUTSCHLAND!:2thumbsup:

[Kralizec]

That was one beautiful game!!!

Congratulations to Portugal for a hard fought and well deserved victory.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Good lord, what a farcical/incredibly close-fought game, depending how you look at it. 16 yellows and 4 dismissals?! I think I also counted about four fights of one kind or another. The Dutch deserved to at least equalise though, they were all over Portugal in the second half-even if they were diving all over the place. Most exciting game of the tournament so far.

I wonder what would have happened if it had gone to extra time? If they kept playing the way they were, there would have been another two players off.

No Deco against England! Hooray! [/partisan mode]

[Soulforged]

why didn't van nistelroy play?I'm not the Dutch-guy here, but I think it was because he wasn't playing in accordance to the rest of the team. An scorer should know how to get the centers and all other balls in the area and van Nistelroy didn't should that feat during the games. Also van Basten has shown an strong actitud for renovation, van Nistelroy, Cocu and van Der Sar were the only old players (i think). Even so, I don't agree with the change.

[Ianofsmeg16]

I think you would have beat England and Portugal will not. It's a shame.

SSSSHHHHHHHHH!
don't jinx it boy! :laugh4:

[Big_John]

I'm not the Dutch-guy here, but I think it was because he wasn't playing in accordance to the rest of the team. An scorer should know how to get the centers and all other balls in the area and van Nistelroy didn't should that feat during the games. Also van Basten has shown an strong actitud for renovation, van Nistelroy, Cocu and van Der Sar were the only old players (i think). Even so, I don't agree with the change.ah ok, that would make sense for not starting him, at least. but you have to put him in if you need a goal in the 70th minute, i think.

[Ronin]

hahhaha....that was a great fun game!!!

FULL CONTACT FOOTBALL!!!! :P

[Kralizec]

Van Nistelrooy hasn't given a stellar performance this WC sadly, but even so he should have been put in in the late game. We had nothing to lose afterall.

[Aenlic]

What the hell is the temperature like over there, anyway? Did Beckham actually toss his cookies on the field not long after his penalty kick?

[InsaneApache]

It was in the 100sF. :laugh4:

[Quid]

Ecuador - England

Boring match for an outsider, really. The English don't look fit and their collective play looks awful. There were one or two highlights in midfield but the last deadly pass was always missing. Backham got a lucky punch and a deserved victory, after all. Ecuador showed nothing of the flair they produced in the first two games in the group stages. I think England can consider themselves lucky not to have played a rampant Germany...

Well done England nonetheless!

Portugal - Netherlands

A very exciting match indeed. A stark contrast to the afternoon fixture. Both looked strong but Holland simply lacked experienced leadership and seemed to have very little plan on how to score their goal (lob it forward and see what happens). The Portuguese were positioned well in defense and allowed very little while the game was still being played on even terms. Had the ref shown Boularouz the deserved red card for the foul on C. Ronaldo, maybe the match would not have turned out the way it did. Some dodgy decisions for yellows but all the send offs were correct. Perhaps one or two should have gone off straight away (Boularouz, Deco).

I suppose Van Basten is right in saying that their real aim is to do well in the Euro Championships 2008. The team is still very young and has much to learn. Pity the coach couldn't stop himself teaching Ruud a lesson for being a **** in practice...

Well played the two and well done Portugal for qualifying for the quarters!

England will have to raise their game considerably if they want to have any chance of getting into the semis. Lucky, however, that Portugal's midfield is missing their most important man in the next match...

Quid

[scotchedpommes]

I think you would have beat England and Portugal will not. It's a shame.

Euro 2004, anyone?

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Euro 2004, anyone?

What are you getting at?

[scotchedpommes]

What are you getting at?

Don't follow European football much?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=najSAWgJZTk

Yes, Portugal had home advantage, but I would say England were stronger then.
Add to that the fact that Scolari knows well how to organise teams against England.
He did it 2 years ago, and 4 years ago.

[Just noticed the oh-so-friendly comments under the video, heh. No love lost between
Holland and Portugal, eh. The rivalry from the semi-final then has only been exacerbated
by the latest match.]

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

And the 2002 World Cup as well, unfortunately.

Third time's the charm!

[scotchedpommes]

And the 2002 World Cup as well, unfortunately.

Third time's the charm!

Do you honestly think the team's good enough to be beat Portugal this time
around, though? There's just too much lacking, at least from what I have seen.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Do you honestly think the team's good enough to be beat Portugal this time
around, though? There's just too much lacking, at least from what I have seen.

I think Portugal will be missing some players too much for them to win. I'm not saying it'll be a blowout, but I do think England will win. Maybe it's wishful thinking.

[Gealai]

England - Ecuador

It maz not be easy to play well against a defensive team like Ecuador, but the english side made a terrible impression on me. Look on the statistics of the match and the english players. Possession was even, shots on goal close, and so on. Only foulwise the Ecuadorians proved to be much more rough: 24 against 8.

Lampard and Gerrad just had a low number of passes and a underwhelming percentage: 78%. And this with a low-risk approach. Beckham was able to deliver a shameful 63% of his passes with absolutly no risk-taking :sweatdrop:
Basically he was just there to make freekicks - which he does supremly - and to defend a bit.

Rooney was almost all the time alone, never got a decent pass in the whole game. Still one of the best of the english side with the Coles - which was not exaclty difficult, given the woeful performance of almost all players - Ecuadorians included - on the field.

They really have to make a big step performances-wise and/or rely on their luck.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Do you honestly think the team's good enough to be beat Portugal this time
around, though? There's just too much lacking, at least from what I have seen.
Deco is out next game, plus England played below their potential last game. They played in a way that made them look bad - missing the crucial last pass all the time. If they had got the crucial passes forward but the attackers hadn't been running so well everyone would have said they were playing extremely well but were unlucky not to score. But both scenarios are really equally far from being in top shape.

===

Portugal - Holland was a pretty fun game, but I was disappointed about Holland who seemed to start the game with an attitude of playing ugly, and it seemed they were concentrating more on hurting Portugal's players than about actually playing well with the ball, which was a pity because if they had concentrated more on that they would probably have scored once or twice and probably won.

[Rodion Romanovich]

:italy: - :australia: will be Italian victory I think. Australia have done well but probably can't manage to beat Italy, who are looking quite good at the moment (though not in top shape)
:switzerland: - :ukraine: this will be fun - both these teams are teams that weren't expected to go that far, and it's difficult to predict who will win
:brazil: - :ghana: this too will be fun - ghana is the best African team this WC, and Brazil hasn't really been playing too well lately. Hopefully Ghana will win!
:spain: - :france: this is also interesting - both teams have problems penetrating good defense, and both teams have good defense. France attacks too much in the middle, Spain attacks with too much short passes and tend to get bogged down against good opponents. I wonder who will score the crucial goal

[Dutch_guy]

Well, I think everything has been said but I'll give my view on the Holland - Portugal match anyway.

Right from the start it was plain this was going to be one physical and tough game. Boularouz trying to break Ronaldo's leg is of course the prime example. Looking back on the match, and especially knowing the ref. , I'm surprised he wasn't sent off immediately.

We played decent the first 15 minutes, we had our long distance shots but in the end our static defence killed us. Lack of experience and communication is what caused the early goal, Deco should not - ever - be allowed to pass the ball, and Pauletta should not have been able to pass the ball back to Maniche.

We should have known what Maniche is capable of since he scored the winning goal 2 years ago...but obviously we didn't and he got to score the winning goal.

After costinho (sp?) was sent off the field just before half time, after hitting the ball with his hand, the game was all open again.

van Basten then started the second half by taking a defender off the field and putting an attacking midfielder (van der Vaart ) in the game. This meant of course that we we're going to risk it all. But we had to take chances of course.

It paid off almost immediately with a ball against the upper bar (is that the right word?) and some good shots from the second line.

Now I'm sure we must have set some kind of record concerning the yellow and red cards that were given. Something like 16 cards, total, I believe were given.

Something that I found really disgusting was the way how Figo fell to the ground when he lost the ball to Boularouz, it was smart yes, but disgusting, as the replays show there wasn't enough contact between the two to warrant a second yellow card, even though one might argue that Boularouz should have been sent of in the first half.

Now I didn't quite complain yesterday, but why the hell did he send Deco of the pitch, obviously that ref. completely lost it in the second half. A shame really.

Another thing that really bothered me was the fact that the ref. sent van Bronckhorst of the pitch in the fourth minute of the added time !

You just don't do that, not in the added time.

Other than that it was a great game, especially the exiting second half. I would have loved to have seen us score a goal, but it didn't happen. Although we were very, very close at times.

So as much as the ref. tried to destroy the match, he didn't quite succeed.

Good luck Portugal, and congratulations.

PS: I did manage to predict the match correctly, damn.

PPS: van Basten didn;t play with van Nisterlrooy because he disappointed in the games in which he played. And van Basten considered Kuyt to be the better played at the moment.

:balloon2:

[Geoffrey S]

Lots of diving going on in the Holland-Portugal match.

England-Ecuador, well, at least England won. It gets rather boring and pointless though if with virutally every goal kick the ball gets lobbed to Rooney, who of course has no chance of reaching it; I think that Rooney was getting tired, which strangely was a good thing, since he became more selective and went for the most promising runs and became more dangerous. Hopefully he keeps doing that. I'd like to see more of Lennon, but I guess while Beckham is still on the team there's not much chance of that. But in all, England was sloppy and need to tidy up their game before playing Portugal. At least some of their players are out.

[Divine Wind]

I dont think theres much for me to add, as everything has generally been covered...except...

Luis Figo's headbutt.

Will Fifa ban him? I hope so!

[DukeofSerbia]

Portugal - Netherland

What to say? There were deserved two red cards for both sides, but Ivanov should gave two more for both teams.

It was obvios that Dutch players targeted Ronaldo from start. Khalid Boulahrouz brutal tackled Ronaldo on game start and Ivanov gave him only yellow card. :wall:

[DukeofSerbia]

Well, I think everything has been said but I'll give my view on the Holland - Portugal match anyway.

Right from the start it was plain this was going to be one physical and tough game. Boularouz trying to break Ronaldo's leg is of course the prime example. Looking back on the match, and especially knowing the ref. , I'm surprised he wasn't sent off immediately.


I don't know why, too. Maybe the game would different...:idea2:



We played decent the first 15 minutes, we had our long distance shots but in the end our static defence killed us. Lack of experience and communication is what caused the early goal, Deco should not - ever - be allowed to pass the ball, and Pauletta should not have been able to pass the ball back to Maniche.


Yes, you have weak defense. You have lucky against Cot d'Ivore.





After costinho (sp?) was sent off the field just before half time, after hitting the ball with his hand, the game was all open again.


Costinha deserved red card long before that. Remember that Ivanov didn't see his tacle on ... (I forgot).



van Basten then started the second half by taking a defender off the field and putting an attacking midfielder (van der Vaart ) in the game. This meant of course that we we're going to risk it all. But we had to take chances of course.

It paid off almost immediately with a ball against the upper bar (is that the right word?) and some good shots from the second line.


As I remember you had only few chances.



Now I'm sure we must have set some kind of record concerning the yellow and red cards that were given. Something like 16 cards, total, I believe were given.

Something that I found really disgusting was the way how Figo fell to the ground when he lost the ball to Boularouz, it was smart yes, but disgusting, as the replays show there wasn't enough contact between the two to warrant a second yellow card, even though one might argue that Boularouz should have been sent of in the first half.

Now I didn't quite complain yesterday, but why the hell did he send Deco of the pitch, obviously that ref. completely lost it in the second half. A shame really.


Valentin Ivanov is not good referee. :no: He was referee on qulification game between Serbia - Belgium and he didn't whistle two obvios penalties for us. Everybody saw that except him.



Another thing that really bothered me was the fact that the ref. sent van Bronckhorst of the pitch in the fourth minute of the added time !

You just don't do that, not in the added time.

Other than that it was a great game, especially the exiting second half. I would have loved to have seen us score a goal, but it didn't happen. Although we were very, very close at times.

So as much as the ref. tried to destroy the match, he didn't quite succeed.


But referee Oscar Ruiz on game between Netherlands - Cote d'Ivore was on Dutch side. He didn't whistled two clear penalties for Cote d'Ivore



Good luck Portugal, and congratulations.

PS: I did manage to predict the match correctly, damn.

PPS: van Basten didn't play with van Nisterlrooy because he disappointed in the games in which he played. And van Basten considered Kuyt to be the better played at the moment.

:balloon2:

Bad mood in Dutch team...

[Dutch_guy]

It was obvios that Dutch players targeted Ronaldo from start. Khalid Boulahrouz brutal tackled Ronaldo on game start .... :wall:

I'm sure he didn't intentionally order Boulahrouz to tackle Ronaldo out of the game, I'm sure it seemed like that - even to us here in Holland.

But really, why Ronaldo and not a [more important] player like Deco or even Figo?

Boulahrouz is known for his toughness, everyone knows it, he isn't called ''the cannibal'' for no apparent reason...

:balloon2:

[Kralizec]

Costinha deserved red card long before that. Remember that Ivanov didn't see his tacle on ... (I forgot).

Yeah, he got lucky the ref didn't give him a red card for that. Later he hits the ball with his hand, obviously not by accident and gets one anyway. Idiot.

[Big_John]

wow, great game. reffing wasn't awful either.. bad red card made it 11 v 10 for the second half, but that just made the game more exciting. ~;)

can't really say the PK was a bad call either.

edit: but what's with the thumb sucking? :inquisitive:

[scotchedpommes]

can't really say the PK was a bad call either.

He just fell over the Australian - he wasn't taken down,
so it seems harsh to me.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Wasn't a PK. It was a good acting job and a good finish by Totti. If that didn't happen I would have said Australia in OT.:shame:

[scotchedpommes]

Surely you mean ET.
Well, was disappointed, but will look forward to Spain vs. France in particular.

[Kralizec]

Bad call of the ref.

And again the Italians played badly...

[Big_John]

it was the australian's fault for going down in that position. sure it was a bit of acting, but almost all fouls in soccer are. remember, the ref called a foul, he didn't give the defender a card or anything, just a foul. had that play occured anywhere else on the pitch, it would have been a foul too. on the slow-motion replays it looks iffy, but in real-time, you had to call a foul.


edit: i don't think the italians played badly at all. australia is a tough squad, i have more respect for them now than i did after the 1st round. they needed to attack more and smarter when they had the advantage, but otherwise they looked impressive.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Surely you mean ET.
Well, was disappointed, but will look forward to Spain vs. France in particular.

OT = Over-time

Would that not work?

EDIT: Big John: It was only like two seconds though! With all the factors I'd say not to call it.

[Big_John]

EDIT: Big John: It was only like two seconds though! With all the factors I'd say not to call it.i can see that. what i'm saying, i guess, is that it's not an especially bad call. you can argue that it should be called, and you can argue that it should not. but it wasn't a "terrible" call, imo.

[InsaneApache]

Really tough luck to the Ozzies, FFS 5 seconds to go.

Well played our Australian cousins, you gave the buggers a fine run for their money.

Bonza!

[Red Peasant]

Well done Aussie, but personally I'm glad because it means the brilliant Tim Cahill is coming home injury free and now less likely to attract a hostile bid for his services from other clubs. He'll probably want a pay rise from Everton though. Cough up Blues.

[scotchedpommes]

Switzerland just aren't playing to win - if anybody's still watching.
[I can't say the Ukraine are doing much more.]

[InsaneApache]

Switzerland just aren't playing to win - if anybody's still watching.
[I can't say the Ukraine are doing much more.]

Nope. I'm watching 'Total Recall' and RP is catching some ZZZzzzz's :laugh4:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I gave up about ten minutes into the second half. What a snooze-fest.

[scotchedpommes]

Well, well. Penalties. Finally.

[Goalie]

YES! Finally we get to see some PKs. I hate pks personally being a goalie. I hate guessing. But i do love to watch them.

[Goalie]

Haha, Schevchanko is denied.

[Big_John]

lame ending to a lame game with lame teams. i was hoping that the inadequacies of each team would make for an exciting game.. but niether team had the skill nor the courage to take advantage of the others numerous mistakes.

too bad these teams played each other.. don't want to see either of them in the next round. :sick:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Me thinks the Aussies were robbed! That socceroo was never going to hit that Italian, his tackle was way off-target. That sneaky Italian rushed towards that Australian lying on the pitch, firmly planted his foot in his side and took a right good dive. Meh.
Too many games are decided by the referee at this tournament. :no:

*

So the Swiss finally went back to being their usual selfs. I was getting a bit worried, what with them nearly playing World Cup quarter finals and such. Back to their national character: utterly impregnable, if a tad dull. :coffeenews:

*

:spain: - :france: tomorrow!

Oh my! Oh my! :jumping:

Will we finally see the real France? Maybe they will play freely at last, with less pressure, with less of a weigth to carry on their shoulders. For the first time since 1998 les Bleus are the underdogs, and it should feel like a relieve.

I wonder if we'll see Zidane tomorrow. Could the unthinkable be true - that we're better without him? Possibly, but it shouldn't matter anyway. Zidane must play, for better or for worse. One last time. I want to cheer or suffer together with Zidane. Face it, we're not going to win this Cup, so let's settle for drama and lots of it. Let us share in both glory and defeat alongside ZZ, whatever may come. That's the fitting end to 98, the greater story demands it.

Louis demands Zizou!!!!11!!!:furious3:

[Quid]

Switzerland - Ukraine

A somewhat deserved loss in terms of the fact that the players (or perhaps the coach) were too chicken to risk something. We definitely have the class to beat the Ukraine but it wasn't to be. Perhaps the Euro 2008 will show a Swiss team that is more experienced, not weakened by injuries and generally fit to reach at least the semis.

The zero out of three penalties were telling that the nerves wouldn't have it any longer. I am sure in two year's time this won't be a problem anymore.

---

I think the matches tomorrow should be pretty clear. Brazil and Spain should go through easily. Not sure who to root for yet (it ain't gonna be Brazil, that's for sure...). Any suggestions?

Quid

[Soulforged]

I think the matches tomorrow should be pretty clear. Brazil and Spain should go through easily. Not sure who to root for yet (it ain't gonna be Brazil, that's for sure...). Any suggestions?
Yes, I don't think that Spain will be the one, France has been sleeping but they'll wake up. By far the match with the most potencial on this round. Besides I don't want Spain to win, I want them to lose and badly if possible.:2thumbsup:

[Big_John]

watch out for ghana in a shocking upset!




just kidding.










or am i??

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Ghana all the way. It's one less superpower Germany will not have to deal with!:dizzy2:

[Fragony]

:embarassed:

Certainly not a match to be proud of, in fact the worst match in a tournament ever. At least the dutch fans know how to be a good sport. Won't be cheering for Portugal either this time, I hate actors.

Germany, mob the remaining teams up and congratulations in advance.

[spmetla]

I'm rooting for Ghana all the way tomorrow! Although I expect the Brazilians to wallop them I hope for at least a good match.

And for Spain vs. France seeing as my friend Jose has opted to go for Spain I'm rooting for France! They'd better win because otherwise I have to buy Jose's beers tomorrow.


You guys should all realize how lucky you are! I need to wake up at 0500 to watch the Brazil Ghana game :furious3: Stupid 12 hour time difference.

Viva la France!!!!:balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2:

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/flags/fr-lgflag.gif

[InsaneApache]

OT = Over-time

Would that not work?

Given that a lot of the footballers are on £40, 000 (+) a week giving them overtime at, say time and a half, or even double time on Sundays would be a tad expensive. :laugh4:

The correct term is extra time. It's bad enough people calling 'the beautiful game' soccer without incurring any more americanisms. :laugh4:

[Dutch_guy]

Well, condolences to all the Australians here at the Org. The penalty kick was - in my opinion - not called correctly, the Italian player had the chance to go around the Australian, but didn't and decided to go over him, and dive.

I do understand that without the chance to see it all over again the ref. went with what seemed best to him at the time. Too bad though, as a ref. you shouldn't give a penalty in the 94th minute of the game if you're not 100 % it's a penalty.

As Louis said, the referee's have had far to much influence on the outcome of the matches, too bad.

On another note, I think the winning team is either going to be Argentina or Deutschland. Argentina because they seem better than Brazil at the moment, and Germany just because they're Germany, they're playing better than I've seen them play in years....plus they have the advantage that the WC is hosted in their country, which 'll at least give them moral support - which 'll only grow with each win.

:balloon2:

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Given that a lot of the footballers are on £40, 000 (+) a week giving them overtime at, say time and a half, or even double time on Sundays would be a tad expensive. :laugh4:

The correct term is extra time. It's bad enough people calling 'the beautiful game' soccer without incurring any more americanisms. :laugh4:

Whoops. I'll try to be less American. Kind of hard living here!:2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

If France gets knocked out tonight, I'm going to find myself doing the
unthinkable, and backing Argentina. All of the other teams I would like
to see lose just too badly.

[InsaneApache]

Whoops. I'll try to be less American. Kind of hard living here!:2thumbsup:

Hey no problem mate, the smilies I'd hoped gave it away. It's great that so many 'Yanks' are finally getting the bug, that you call soccer and we call 'footy'.

Fair play to you and your kith and kin.

:party:

[Big_John]

hmm, not very impressed with brazil. thought they'd found their form against japan, but ghana has played better than brazil except for the finishing. maybe an odd thing to say about a 3-0 game, but the 2nd goal was offsides, and the 3rd goal came in garbage time when ghana was all forward.

brazil can't play this way against either spain or france (well, maybe france, depending on which team shows up).

[Goalie]

Me and a few of my friends were talking about this yesterday. If the US bread all of its best athletes for soccer like the European teams and the South American team, the US would be good. Instead of taking all our best athletes and making them football players and basketball players we breed them to play soccer. I mean if you put Brian Urlacher who is 6' 4" 250 and can run the 40 in a 4.4 at sweeper if would just be a question of how long the opposing forward was in the hospital with a concusion. If a player like Shaq was put up at forward to win balls out of the air like crazy and would make that Crouch guys look like an ant. If we put Reggie Bush at mid and have him fly by and juke out everyone. It is just kind of fun thinking about how good the US could be if we actually trained our best athletes to play soccer. Although I am pretty sure that this wont be happening in the near future because nobody in the US cares about soccer. But there is that old question "What if..."

[Big_John]

ooophf.. ouch, france. up until henry's rediculous flop, i didn't care who won this game.. but now france goes up 2-1 from that foul call?


ouch...

i hope spain can come back.


edit2: great, now i'll have to pull for brazil.. see what you've made me do france? booo hissss!

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I can't believe that was the same French team that played in the group stages. Louis will be pleased.

It was nice to see Zidane score.

Edit:Henry played it up, which was a bit disapointing, but Puyol did block him. It should have been a free kick without the face-clutching.

[Ianofsmeg16]

Edit:Henry played it up, which was a bit disapointing, but Puyol did block him. It should have been a free kick without the face-clutching.
As much as I like Henry as a plaer, that was a blatant try at getting that defender sent off, not his shining moment.

So what do you think England's chances against a depleted Portugal side?

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Hey no problem mate, the smilies I'd hoped gave it away. It's great that so many 'Yanks' are finally getting the bug, that you call soccer and we call 'footy'.

Fair play to you and your kith and kin.

:party:

No offence Louis, or any French fans, but I hate to see this happen. I would hate it if Spain won too. I'm just so torn. I love both teams. I wish both could advance. After every player on Germany my favorite player is Torres. He's such a badass. Also, Spain HAS to be the most underachieved nation. They're so good, but they just never make it.

To France: Congrats, and great win. To Spain: I love you, just bounce back.

I'm so sad :no:

I don't want the World cup to be over *cries*

[Red Peasant]

Once again Spain flatter to deceive, offering virtually nothing in attack despite having a great deal of quality possession. France had less possession but they were more constructive and probing in attack with it. Well played France, and good to see ZZ score once more.

[Big_John]

spain was maybe a tad too passive, but they put several great chances together, as did france. except for the flop (which was not a foul, BKS, sorry.. pujol simply beat henry to the ball), it was a great game. neither team clearly 'deserved' it more than the other. but henry's theatrics were game-winning, and thus i must hope brazil beats france (which i think will happen anyway).

so what do we have?

i'll take portugal over england, even though they'll be missing a few people. i think this could be a boring match. i can see both teams kind of sitting back and waiting for the other to make a mistake.

brazil over france.

argentina over germany, this should be the final, unfortunately. the winner of this should take it all.

italy over ukraine.. neither team is that impressive. i think this is the battle for fourth place.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Germany vs. Argentina is the first game tommorrow am I correct?

[Big_John]

Germany vs. Argentina is the first game tommorrow am I correct?it's the next game, but there is no world cup until friday. sadly, we have a little break before the quarterfinals.

germany v argentina 11:00am EST, friday, june 30

[Soulforged]

Yes, I don't think that Spain will be the one, France has been sleeping but they'll wake up. By far the match with the most potencial on this round. Besides I don't want Spain to win, I want them to lose and badly if possible.:2thumbsup:
Yes... :book: :laugh4: ~:cheers: :jumping: :thrasher: :beatnik2: :creep: :2thumbsup:

[Louis VI the Fat]

ZIZOU!!
ZIZOU!!
ZIZOU!!





Zidane must play, for better or for worse. One last time. I want to cheer or suffer together with Zidane. Let us share in both glory and defeat alongside ZZ, whatever may come. Oh mon dieu :sweatdrop:

https://img74.imageshack.us/img74/5954/une04082005hd9jh.jpg

[Alexanderofmacedon]

We need to pretend the World cup is still going after it's done. I can't go back to my non-world cup life anymore. It's just not the same!:embarassed:

[Csargo]

Never thought that I would watch soccer but it is really fun to watch I'm getting into it. Its pretty exciting.

[spmetla]

Glad France won! I'm hoping for either a France Germany match or an England Germany match, love the great rivalry. My buddy Jose wanted to see a Spain Portugal match but that dream was crushed and he had to pay up in drinks!

I'm hoping for Germany to beat Argentina. Unfortunately even though I want to root for Ukraine because Jose lost today's bet he got to choose the next game.

I'm glad that there's other Americans enjoying soccer. I've always like it and loved playing it in Elementary and then being a linesman for my brothers games in Highschool but as everyone got older they wanted to play football or basketball. I'm glad that at least in my Army experience there are plenty of foriegners that enlisted that I could play with/against.

[Dutch_guy]

Well good job France, and nice goal Zidane and Ribery !

Looking forward to the germany - Argentina game, going to be a great match - it just has to be.

After seeing both teams play a fantastic tournament, it's bloody hard to predict who's going to take the win...

:balloon2:

[Husar]

Hmm, I now really hope that we, Germany, will win the Championship, because all my other favorites are out already...:help:

[English assassin]

I reckon Argentina will struggle to beat Germany myself. They (Argentina) have been looking good, but have they played a good side yet? Mexico rank as only "Ok" IMHO and they didn't exactly put them away did they, and Germany are not an easy team to play against. Plus I want the Germans to go through because you all know an England-Germany final would be the most exciting sporting event in the history of the world ever. Even you Louis. (Oh cruel fate, I will be in France that day, this is what happens when you leave holiday arrangements to women)

I also reckon England-Portugual will be a stinker. Assuming Portugal play to their potential they should have it, but with their suspensions, plus, surely, England have to play at least one good game in this tournament, I'm hoping England will do the business. That would set us up for a semi against Brazil (boring) or France (we-hay, almost as good as Germany) Unfortunately for my beating-the-Germans-in-the-final fantasy I can't see us getting past the semis though

[DukeofSerbia]

Spain again did what they always do in World Cups - excellent play in preliminary round and pathetic after that.:laugh4:

But when Henry will finally play good enough?

[DukeofSerbia]

I'm sure he didn't intentionally order Boulahrouz to tackle Ronaldo out of the game, I'm sure it seemed like that - even to us here in Holland.

But really, why Ronaldo and not a [more important] player like Deco or even Figo?

Boulahrouz is known for his toughness, everyone knows it, he isn't called ''the cannibal'' for no apparent reason...

:balloon2:


On Croatian TV commentators called Boulahrouz as a butcher. When he got second yellow card they said that butcher finally go out.

[DukeofSerbia]

No offence Louis, or any French fans, but I hate to see this happen. I would hate it if Spain won too. I'm just so torn. I love both teams. I wish both could advance. After every player on Germany my favorite player is Torres. He's such a badass. Also, Spain HAS to be the most underachieved nation. They're so good, but they just never make it.

To France: Congrats, and great win. To Spain: I love you, just bounce back.

I'm so sad :no:

I don't want the World cup to be over *cries*


The main problem of Spain in game was defense. They played defensive tactics called "offside's traps". Defenders were 35m from goalkeeper. It was matter of time whem Frenchmen would go through defense. Rebery was player of the game.


What to add - Ukraine was second and they are now in quaterfinal. Unkrainian tycoons promised 22 million euros if Ukraine won! :dizzy2: So far they payed over 2 or 3 million euros to players for succes.

[Quid]

I reckon Argentina will struggle to beat Germany myself. They (Argentina) have been looking good, but have they played a good side yet? Mexico rank as only "Ok" IMHO and they didn't exactly put them away did they, and Germany are not an easy team to play against. Plus I want the Germans to go through because you all know an England-Germany final would be the most exciting sporting event in the history of the world ever. Even you Louis. (Oh cruel fate, I will be in France that day, this is what happens when you leave holiday arrangements to women)

I also reckon England-Portugual will be a stinker. Assuming Portugal play to their potential they should have it, but with their suspensions, plus, surely, England have to play at least one good game in this tournament, I'm hoping England will do the business. That would set us up for a semi against Brazil (boring) or France (we-hay, almost as good as Germany) Unfortunately for my beating-the-Germans-in-the-final fantasy I can't see us getting past the semis though

I agree with the fact that Argentina will have a hard time beating Germany. However, Germany hasn't had a 'hard' game yet either. This will be the first proper test for both of the teams. Dare I say though, if Germany wins this one, they will go and win the championship. The euphoria will be so high that there will be no stopping them. Already now Germany is playing much better than they are supposed to be able to. Quite depressing, really.

Actually, I am also hoping for a 'good' game of England. It has been a long time coming. They have not performed really well ever since the 5 - 1 against Germany. Problem of course is, England is severely lacking a good and fit striker at the moment. The midfield has not lived up to their potential either. And let me just not lose a word about the supposedly best defense worldwide... Am still uncertain as to whether it was a good idea to play Lampard and Gerrard at the same time...I sort of get the feeling they are impeding each other and cannot live up to their best form. It will be a good game. Portugal being weakened by the suspensions and England...well, generally being weak so far.

Good luck to the both of them!

Quid

Oh, and common Argentina!!!

[Louis VI the Fat]

Plus I want the Germans to go through because you all know an England-Germany final would be the most exciting sporting event in the history of the world ever. Even you Louis. (Oh cruel fate, I will be in France that day, this is what happens when you leave holiday arrangements to women)Germany - Argentina should have been the final of this tournament.

But I'll settle for Dresden-Coventry Germany - England too. :balloon2:

[InsaneApache]

Germany - Argentina should have been the final of this tournament.

But I'll settle for Dresden-Coventry Germany - England too. :balloon2:

Hahaha...:laugh4:

[Divine Wind]

Spain and Ghana both showed poor defensive tactics in their second round matches.

With the rubbish new offside rules, the offside trap just does not work. Linesmen, referees themselves state they do not know what the rules are so it is easy for teams too take advantage of this. Playing high up the field trying to catch highly mobile, technical teams like Brazil and France, does not work.

Playing deep is the only answer, and they didnt do this, and thats why there out.

Who does everyone fancy out of Germany, Argentina? I believe whoever wins that game will go on too win the competition.

[Red Peasant]

Confusing as they sometimes maybe, that is why I agree with the new offside rules. Previously, under the old rules, there was nothing more boring than teams who had perfected the off-side trap. Now, you are playing with a loaded gun if you persist with such tactics, as the Spanish found out.

[Red Peasant]

PS My only real beef with the offside rule is that the benefit of doubt is supposed to reside with the attacker, but it very rarely does so in practice. However, in mitigation, it is a difficult rule to police for the officials.

[Soulforged]

After seeing what is news for me today I'm even more glad that Spain lost. I saw Aragones demonstrating his racism during practices before the match against France. I'll not blame the whole team for the mistake of the coach, but I can't help it, it makes even more relaxing to see the coach return bitter and failing.

[scotchedpommes]

I reckon Argentina will struggle to beat Germany myself. They (Argentina) have been looking good, but have they played a good side yet? Mexico rank as only "Ok" IMHO and they didn't exactly put them away did they, and Germany are not an easy team to play against.

Was saying the same about Mexico myself before that game, but surely you'd
have to admit that Mexico played much better than anyone had expected. They
were attacking Argentina from the off, and gave a very good account of
themselves.

Can only hope that Argentina hold on, up their game, and put the Germans down
- though not sure they will. The Germans have a habit of getting to finals under
the radar when they're not performing well, and we all know they're doing better
now. Would rather not have any final with Germany in it, there's just too much
of a chance that they'll win.

I think France can beat Brazil. [Sometimes wondering if no-one has seen how
disappointing Brazil has been from the beginning of this tournament onwards.]
They look beatable, even average; it's just down to their opponents to see
through the hype and the reputations.



And for those of you who will suffer withdrawal, just keep in mind that the Euro
2008 qualifiers start soon enough. [Personally I will be hoping that the Ukraine
keep up the poor performances for then, that France effectively collapses... and
yes, Italy too.]

[Soulforged]

They look beatable, even average; it's just down to their opponents to see through the hype and the reputations.
Brazil team is a deceiver. They save fuel for the moment in wich their lives are stakes, like in the match against France. But France has a positive historial against Brazil. That will make it one of the best matches in this round (after Germany - Argentina, of course...~;) ). Besides there's no other team that reaching the finals acts so relaxed as Brazil, that image of Roberto Carlos laying on the ground smiling and watching with calm the match against Japan tells it all, it shouldn't be that strange after winning two world cups.

On another note the referee on England's match will be Elisondo, wich means that for the first time in the history of World Cups an argentinian referee will be arbitrating a match in wich english take part. Interesting note, oh yes, but let's see the results...

P.S.: What's with your writing style mate...:inquisitive: (to SSNeoperestroika)

[Louis VI the Fat]

Progressing to the quarter-finals is fantastic, beating Spain priceless. But it is Zizou's goal that really struck a chord, moved Louis to tears and set a nation on fire:

Encore, Zizou... encore !! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyVTKs8hXxc&search=%20espagne%20france%20zidane) http://matousmileys.free.fr/ourra.gif

[Louis VI the Fat]

an argentinian referee will be arbitrating a match in wich english take part..
http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys2/d-lol_2.gif

Hehe: 'Sorry, Stevie, Wayne, teh red cards of God, eh?'

[Rodion Romanovich]

The quarter final results I'd like to see:
- Argentina - Germany (3-3 + either side winning by shootout)
- England - Portugal (2-2 + either side winning by shootout)
- Italy - Ukraine (0-3 - Italy didn't deserve to defeat the tactically superior Australia by getting an incorrect penalty shot last minute, plus their Italian league scandals are a shame to the sport so out with the spaghettis - hopefully they can come back next EC or WC and play well and get deserved victories instead but I don't like it when they get undeserved victories)
- France - Brazil (5-0 go France! Brazil haven't deserved any of their victories in the latest few tournaments, so this tournament when they're finally good enough to deserve to win I hope they lose as quickly as possible as revenge! Zidane will score 2 goals, Henry 1 goal, Trezeguet 1 goal and Ribery 1 goal)

The quarter final results I'll probably see:
- Argentina 1 - 2 Germany
- England 1 - 0 Portugal
- Italy 1 - 0 Ukraine
- France 1 - 2 Brazil

[Ianofsmeg16]

On another note the referee on England's match will be Elisondo, wich means that for the first time in the history of World Cups an argentinian referee will be arbitrating a match in wich english take part. Interesting note, oh yes, but let's see the results...
I really, truly hope that our past history of conflict and rivalry doesn't get in the way of the match, it would be (for me) the icing on the cake of bad refereeing in the World Cup. :shame:


Progressing to the quarter-finals is fantastic, beating Spain priceless. But it is Zizou's goal that really struck a chord, moved Louis to tears and set a nation on fire:

Encore, Zizou... encore !!
That was amazing, at the last world cup, we were all in the school assembly hall watching England v Brazil, and one of our teachers got the reaction to Englands goal on video, it was incredible how much noise 1,000 English, football-crazed teenagers can make :laugh4:


England 1 - 0 Portugal
Going on our current form, i'd agree, but it had better be a good match, we're due for one:2thumbsup:

[[DnC]]

Saw this at another forum:

https://img243.imageshack.us/img243/4114/grahampollenglandsfinest6ic.jpg

I just had to show it! :laugh4:

Graham Poll sent home! BBC article *clicky*. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5108722.stm)

[Rodion Romanovich]

lmao :2thumbsup:

[DukeofSerbia]

Spain and Ghana both showed poor defensive tactics in their second round matches.

With the rubbish new offside rules, the offside trap just does not work. Linesmen, referees themselves state they do not know what the rules are so it is easy for teams too take advantage of this. Playing high up the field trying to catch highly mobile, technical teams like Brazil and France, does not work.

Playing deep is the only answer, and they didnt do this, and thats why there out.




The main problem of Ghana in game against Brasil was referee (two Brasilian goals from offsides) and weak attack finishing. Remember that Ghana's couch Ratomir Dujković was sent off in half time as he protested to line referee.

[Divine Wind]

[DnC] that is brilliant! :laugh4:

As much as it pains me, Germany will win tommorow...i feel it in my bones.

[Red Peasant]

The main problem of Ghana in game against Brasil was referee (two Brasilian goals from offsides) and weak attack finishing. Remember that Ghana's couch Ratomir Dujković was sent off in half time as he protested to line referee.

What do you expect, FIFA is virtually a Brazil cheerleading organization.

[Rodion Romanovich]

What do you expect, FIFA is virtually a Brazil cheerleading organization.

Soon to be in my signature :2thumbsup:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I'm going to sound like a bit of a girl here, but can someone explain to me how the new offside rules differ from the old ones? I always thought you just weren't allowed to be closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the second to last defender, when the ball was played by your team and you were involved in play. Has that been altered?

[Rodion Romanovich]

I'm going to sound like a bit of a girl here, but can someone explain to me how the new offside rules differ from the old ones? I always thought you just weren't allowed to be closer to the opponent's goal line than the ball and the second to last defender, when the ball was played by your team and you were involved in play. Has that been altered?

before, if player A stands offside and the ball is passed from player C to player B (who isn't offside), and player B after receiving the ball passes it to A, there would be an offside. Now, if player A stands offside and the ball is passed from player C to player B (who isn't offside), it's not offside to pass player A. The "having advantage of being in offside position" thing sort of gets cleared after every new pass...

[InsaneApache]

That's as clear as mud. No wonder Graham Poll got sent home :laugh4: .......the :furious3: has committed himself to the EPL, declaring that he won't officiate in any more tournaments...

God help us. :sweatdrop:

[Soulforged]

I really, truly hope that our past history of conflict and rivalry doesn't get in the way of the match, it would be (for me) the icing on the cake of bad refereeing in the World Cup. :shame:
Don't worry, Elisondo is the best argentinian referee, and has been one of the best in this World Cup, he'll do it objectively, even if all Argentina wants the english to lose...:2thumbsup: (me included :2thumbsup: )

[naut]

France knocked out my team :no:. Oh well, I've still got England to cheer for. And they better win :bounce:.

[whyidie]

Me and a few of my friends were talking about this yesterday. If the US bread all of its best athletes for soccer like the European teams and the South American team, the US would be good. Instead of taking all our best athletes and making them football players and basketball players we breed them to play soccer. I mean if you put Brian Urlacher who is 6' 4" 250 and can run the 40 in a 4.4 at sweeper if would just be a question of how long the opposing forward was in the hospital with a concusion. If a player like Shaq was put up at forward to win balls out of the air like crazy and would make that Crouch guys look like an ant. If we put Reggie Bush at mid and have him fly by and juke out everyone. It is just kind of fun thinking about how good the US could be if we actually trained our best athletes to play soccer. Although I am pretty sure that this wont be happening in the near future because nobody in the US cares about soccer. But there is that old question "What if..."


At this point futbol isn't getting the best atheletes we have to offer. At best futbol is getting our 3rd or 4th tier athletes. I don't think it would we would dominate the sport as much as the Dream Team in the '92 Olympics. Inversley since we haven't been very good at the sport it won't be as bad as the last Olympic basketball "team" we fielded.

[Soulforged]

At this point futbol isn't getting the best atheletes we have to offer. At best futbol is getting our 3rd or 4th tier athletes. I don't think it would we would dominate the sport as much as the Dream Team in the '92 Olympics. Inversley since we haven't been very good at the sport it won't be as bad as the last Olympic basketball "team" we fielded.This word (fútbol) amuses me mate, are you by any change a latin american brother in US lands? Of course it lacks the tilde, but just curiosity you know...:2thumbsup:

[Csargo]

I hope Germany wins tomorrow.

[naut]

I hope Germany wins tomorrow.

Unfortunately I don't thing that is going to happen. Argentina has been very classy this entire tournament

[Csargo]

Unfortunately I don't thing that is going to happen. Argentina has been very classy this entire tournament

Always bring me down Rythmic always bringing me down.:furious3:

[naut]

I'm not bringing you down, I'm just making an observation. The German inside me wants: Deutschland, zum die siegreiche Mannschaft zu sein. But somehow I don't think it is going to happen. Argentina have displayed flare, creativity and class each and every time they have played. Germany has played well, but not well enough to beat Argentina.

[Csargo]

I can still dream or hope. Whatever

[naut]

I can still dream or hope. Whatever

Exactly the feeling I have when supporting :england: :wall:.

[Csargo]

True

[SirRethcir]

Deutschland, sollte die siegreiche Mannschaft sein. ... Germany has played well, but not well enough to beat Argentina. We will see! The odds are even, I think.

[DukeofSerbia]

What do you expect, FIFA is virtually a Brazil cheerleading organization.

Dujković said for Serbian daily newspaper "Blic" todaz that Cantalejo will help Brasilian side tomorrow to reach semifinal. No comment. :no:

[Mount Suribachi]

Don't worry, Elisondo is the best argentinian referee, and has been one of the best in this World Cup, he'll do it objectively, even if all Argentina wants the english to lose...:2thumbsup: (me included :2thumbsup: )

Coming close on the heels of Sepp "I am a muppett AND corrupt" Blatter and his completely out of line remarks about Englands lack of attacking play, I'm just a little bit worried.

Throw in Portugals outrageous behaviour in the last game and I fear England will finish the game with only 10 (or 9!) players... :no: