Official World Cup Thread

[Dutch_guy]

Well it's going to start in a minute, I'm predicting a 2 -1 win for Argentina.

Either that or Germany takes the game after penalties.

:balloon2:

[Rodion Romanovich]

1 minute until kickoff! I'm predicting 2 - 1 for Germany, but I'm not sure after the volley that made Argentina defeat Mexico...

[Ser Clegane]

Not a very attractive first half :blank2:

Argentina has been clearly the better team so far - many errors by the German team in midfield.

If it continues like that it will only a matter of time until an Argentinian player gets through and scores a goal...

Welll ... let's see...

[Rodion Romanovich]

Not a very attractive first half :blank2:

But oh so tactically beautiful :grin:

Germans had the best scoring chance so far, Argentina had some situations close to a lethal breakaway but they were stopped. I'd say the teams have been equal in scoring opportunities despite the superior ball possession percentage of Argentina. The weak German midfield and lack of offensive pressure surprised me. Are they using deception tactics or are Argentina so much superior? I suppose Germany will strenghten the midfield and offense in the next half, and Argentina to bring forth their killer instincts to get some shots towards the German goal. I don't know who would benefit from 0-0 going to shootout. All in all it seems like a close game where tactics, or individual mistakes, will determine the outcome. But I also expect huge changes in many aspects by next half so it's difficult to make any predictions because it'll probably not look like this for much longer - or?

[Ser Clegane]

Second half was much more interesting ... overall a lucky 1 - 1 for us...

Now I'm gonna bite my nails...

[Big_John]

Second half was much more interesting ... overall a lucky 1 - 1 for us...

Now I'm gonna bite my nails...yup, argentina was the better team for most of this game, but they faded fast towards the end. the german fitness may be the difference since this went to OT.

if argentina loses, the coach will take the blame.. neither messi nor saviola were subbed in?? :inquisitive:

[Dutch_guy]

Yeah I did expect Pekerman to substitute Messi for Tévez, he didn't however. Maybe the unfortunate accident which the goaly had in the second half is the cause of it never happening ?

Oh well, if it comes to penalties, then I predict a German win - as said before.

:balloon2:

[Big_John]

Yeah I did expect Pekerman to substitute Messi for Tévez, he didn't however. Maybe the unfortunate accident which the goaly had in the second half is the cause of it never happening ?

Oh well, if it comes to penalties, then I predict a German win - as said before.

:balloon2:well, he took out crespo.. but he puts in cruz instead of messi? wha?

and cambiaso is a good player and has been in this WC. but why not put in saviola for tevez? i guess they were going deffensive since they were up 1-0. even so, saviola can play the defensive midfield role.

if messi and saviola were in this game, i think argentina would have scored again by now.



EDIT: ugh. PKs. lame. these teams are too good to let this be decided by PKs. that's really a shame. oh well.

[Big_John]

well, you had to give germany the advantage in PKs.. lehmann vs the backup? no.

too bad, i think argentina was the better team. but this opens things up now. will have to see what happens vs france, but from the way germany looked today, i don't think they will beat brazil.

[scotchedpommes]

All is lost.

Can Soulforged explain the Argentinian substitutions? Can anyone?

[[DnC]]

I'm glad Saviola wasn't in, however Messi should have gone in instead of Cruz. You could see the argentinian play completely drift off course with high longballs instead of the passing they showed in the first half and beginning second half. Messi could have brought so much pressure and danger to the german team, I'm sure of it.

Now the wretched, undeserving beasts have gone through. Ugh.

[Husar]

We won. Nice.:2thumbsup:

[Dutch_guy]

I should have put money on my PK prediction...:skull:

Must say the Germans are a very effective PK kicking force, not a chance for the sub-keeper.

It's also pretty ironic that Ayala scored the very first goal, but then failed to score the penalty...

:balloon2:

[Csargo]

Yeaaaaaaaaaa for Germany.

[InsaneApache]

Well done Germany. :embarassed:

However I think the Argys won the fistfight afterwards. :sweatdrop:

[Dutch_guy]

However I think the Argys won the fistfight afterwards. :sweatdrop:

What was that all about really, anyone know ?

:balloon2:

[Big_John]

of every player in the WC, tevez is the one i'd least like to get in a fight with. dude is built like a fireplug.

[Rodion Romanovich]

2-1, pretty well predicted on my part, because prediction-wise winning in penalty shootout with plenty of goals is IMO pretty close to winning with one goal before full time... Anyway amazing how Pekerman gave away his victory. NEVER make defensive substitutions when you're leading with only 1 goal! It lost him the initiative, the offensive power (and Argentina without offensive pressure hasn't got much of a defense), and later also the penalty shootout. With Riquelme out the Germans really dominated the midfield. Odonkor was a splendid substitution - he is really one of the most important German players alongside Ballack, Klose and Podolski IMO. Even though he wasn't involved in the goal directly, his fast running, feinting and breaking up of Argentina's left flank defenses maybe was involved in opening up the middle and German left flank for the actual tying goal. The German team won by STRATEGY, even though their TACTICS were a bit lousy up till Argentina's 1-0 goal. Unfortunately Argentina gave them crucial help towards this STRATEGICAL victory by making some of the worst substitutions I've seen so far in the WC. Sad that Cambiasso would shoot the last missed penalty shot and in the eyes of less observant football watchers therefore might tend to get blamed...

[spmetla]

Wooooooo!!!! Germany!!!!!
Good game, had to hug my dog (no one else around) when Germany won!!!

Feel a bit bad for the sub goalie, wasn't even warmed up when he went in, the Germans then score on him and he loses the PKs.

Got my money on the Ukrainians, tired of the Italians. Let's hope no ref calls decide this match.

[Rodion Romanovich]

What was that all about really, anyone know ?

:balloon2:
Hm looks like I missed something, I stopped watching a minute after Cambiasso's missed penalty shot...

[Craterus]

Did no-one else see Lehmann off his line for the first penalty he saved?

Grrr, I just lost a bet :furious:

[Rodion Romanovich]

Got my money on the Ukrainians, tired of the Italians. Let's hope no ref calls decide this match.

I agree to both points. Plus Ukraine despite not being top class play really entertaining football. It looks so unstable, yet it's not at all that inefficient. The guy who put in the second penalty shot in the shootout vs Switzerland was impressive to watch - so cool despite the stakes, just lobbing in the ball with a gentle touch.

[Dutch_guy]

Odonkor was a splendid substitution - he is really one of the most important German players alongside Ballack, Klose and Podolski IMO. Even though he wasn't involved in the goal directly, his fast running, feinting and breaking up of Argentina's left flank defenses maybe was involved in opening up the middle and German left flank for the actual tying goal.

I disagree, I didn't find him one of the most important players of the team. He was praised for his ability as a fast runner ( 100 meters in 10.8 s. :yes: ) and yes he is fast, but what else ?

He didn't give the winning pass ( Ballack did ) nor did he score a winning penalty.
If he really is as good as people make him out to be, then he didn't show it today...


Got my money on the Ukrainians, tired of the Italians. Let's hope no ref calls decide this match.

Well knowing the Italians, they've probably bribed the ref. already ~;)

:balloon2:

[Red Peasant]

What was that all about really, anyone know ?

:balloon2:

Just bad losers the Argies, always have been. Professional dummy-spitters. Compare with 1990 final. Well done Germany, but a poor game only made compelling by what was at stake.

[Red Peasant]

Did no-one else see Lehmann off his line for the first penalty he saved?

Grrr, I just lost a bet :furious:

Didn't notice that. Compared to Dudek in last year's Champion's League final he was a mannequin.

[Dutch_guy]

Didn't notice that. Compared to Dudek in last year's Champion's League final he was a mannequin.

Well he did try to copy Dudek...

On a side note, what do you guys think, does it have any effect whatsoever on the penalty kicker ?

:balloon2:

[Hurin_Rules]

Fun game to watch.

Shame it had to end on penalties though. Maybe I'm too much of a North American, but it just seems unfair to end it that way, to only focus on one aspect of the game. It seems to me basically to be saying, 'Defense doesn't matter'. Bring back the Golden Goal!

[Rodion Romanovich]

I disagree, I didn't find him one of the most important players of the team. He was praised for his ability as a fast runner ( 100 meters in 10.8 s. :yes: ) and yes he is fast, but what else ?

He didn't give the winning pass ( Ballack did ) nor did he score a winning penalty.
If he really is as good as people make him out to be, then he didn't show it today...


- assisting the 1-0 goal in Germany vs Poland with a perfect pass
- the only player capable of breaking through Argentina's left flank defenses during the entire game - and he did it not once but dozens of times. Notice how most other players seemed to attempt to play the ball forward instead of running up to the corner flag or line and making passes backwards-inwards? Odonkor has several alternatives - he can go towards the line, he can go backwards, he can go inwards etc.
- he runs fast even WITH the ball under own control. He has same or better control than the others when he runs quickly
- he feints better than most other players on the team, but he doesn't use that capability too much like many players with such skills tend to, so it's an asset rather and not a burden

BUT - his speed and flexibility, with the ball control (which is good but not excellent) might not be enough to breakthrough as effectively unless the opponents are tired. He's probably most effective as a substitute entering the field after 65 - 80 minutes have been played. I doubt he would do that well as player from start. So I hope Klinsmann keeps using him the same way he has used him so far - as a substitute. Certain players are a lot better as substitutes than having in from start, but still not less important even though they are substitutes. I've seen many cases where good substitute players are made starting players with the result that the team capacity is weakened.

[Red Peasant]

Well he did try to copy Dudek...

On a side note, what do you guys think, does it have any effect whatsoever on the penalty kicker ?

:balloon2:

I saw him jumping up and down and moving around but he stayed almost on his line. Lateral movement along the line is allowed, whereas Dudek last year came out almost to the six yard line .... cheat.

[Big_John]

Fun game to watch.

Shame it had to end on penalties though. Maybe I'm too much of a North American, but it just seems unfair to end it that way, to only focus on one aspect of the game. It seems to me basically to be saying, 'Defense doesn't matter'. Bring back the Golden Goal!i agree. PKs are kind of exciting (imo, their excitment is ruined by the recognition that they're kid of a crap shoot), but going to golden goal would be a better measure of which team deserves the win.

[Dutch_guy]

- the only player capable of breaking through Argentina's left flank defenses during the entire game - and he did it not once but dozens of times.



Well okay, he got through a couple of times, but to what end ?


- he runs fast even WITH the ball under own control. He has same of better control than the others when he runs quickly

I don't doubt he is fast even with the ball, Klinsman put him in the team for that reason I reckon.


- assisting the 1-0 goal in Germany vs Poland with a perfect pass

I'll believe you, as I forgot that - rather unexiting - match.


Certain players are a lot better as substitutes than having in from start.

We are in agreement.

:balloon2:

[Ser Clegane]

A lucky victory in the end - I would not call it undeserved, considering the second part of the second hal and the extra time.
In the end Argentina played better from a technical point of view - but one did not really have the feeling that they did too much to actually win the game, i.e. they did not turn their superiority into any serious chances.


] Now the wretched, undeserving beasts have gone through. Ugh.
Nothing against some healthy rivalry and competition but that was a comment that just shows complete lack of character. :no:

[InsaneApache]

Originally Posted by [DnC]
Now the wretched, undeserving beasts have gone through. Ugh.

No. I won't have that. Argentina lost. :laugh4:

[Rodion Romanovich]

Damn spaghettis winning... For once they play well but they shouldn't have gotten to the quarter finals in the first place. Australia - Ukraine would have been so much more fun...

[Mount Suribachi]

Just bad losers the Argies, always have been. Professional dummy-spitters. Compare with 1990 final. Well done Germany, but a poor game only made compelling by what was at stake.

Don't forget Rattin in '66. Or their sporting celebrations after knocking us out on pens in '98....

Still, surprised to see you come out with summat like that mate, just goes to show that football related emotion trascends the spirit of socialist internationalism ~;)

And with your comments on Dudek, I take it you're a bluenose?

Anyway, not going to gloat too much over the Argies, England still have to play their game.....

[Red Peasant]

Don't forget Rattin in '66. Or their sporting celebrations after knocking us out on pens in '98....

Still, surprised to see you come out with summat like that mate, just goes to show that football related emotion trascends the spirit of socialist internationalism ~;)

And with your comments on Dudek, I take it you're a bluenose?

Anyway, not going to gloat too much over the Argies, England still have to play their game.....

I've not forgotten their many past indiscretions and lack of class, but I didn't want to appear bitter ~;)

Yes, I'm a bluenose (despite the misleading forum name). I was in Rome when Liverpool won and I think that I was the only person in the city that wanted the Gobshites to lose. The Romans hate Milan and Berlusconi with a passion. I'm still stunned to believe that an Italian team, and AC Milan to boot, surrendered a 3-0 lead. :no: I smelt a Mafia gambling fix straight-away, but how do I prove it?!

As for England, yes we'll have to wait and see. I'm convinced that they can beat anyone, but are they? I doubt it somehow, except for young Rooney who knows no fear it seems.

[[DnC]]

Nothing against some healthy rivalry and competition but that was a comment that just shows complete lack of character. :no:

Indeed it was a bit harsh and uncalled for, I was just a tad angry at the time. I apologize.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

A lucky victory in the end - I would not call it undeserved, considering the second part of the second hal and the extra time.
In the end Argentina played better from a technical point of view - but one did not really have the feeling that they did too much to actually win the game, i.e. they did not turn their superiority into any serious chances.


Nothing against some healthy rivalry and competition but that was a comment that just shows complete lack of character. :no:

What a game. I got too excited even. Things that I broke during game:

-Phone (when Argentina scored)
-XBOX-360 Remote (when Germany couldn't put one in)
-Pillow (it ripped when I hit the TV with it)
-Lamp (when I threw the pillow when Lehman saved the PK.

I went beserk...:laugh4:

ONWARD TO THE DEFEAT OF THE ITALY :evil:

[whyidie]

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:

I needed some way to make a distinction between American Football and Football as the rest of the world knows it. Oops. Forgot about soccer.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I needed some way to make a distinction between American Football and Football as the rest of the world knows it. Oops. Forgot about soccer.

Yeah, I want to do that sometimes too, but that's more for the mexican - south american audiances.

[Soulforged]

']I'm glad Saviola wasn't in, however Messi should have gone in instead of Cruz. You could see the argentinian play completely drift off course with high longballs instead of the passing they showed in the first half and beginning second half. Messi could have brought so much pressure and danger to the german team, I'm sure of it.
It's almost cliche to say this after you are out of any tournament, but the changes were wrong. Why take out Riquelme in this match, why not in the others, against Mexico he played really bad... but no it should be on this one and winning...:no: And I'm with you, all Argentina, except the parents and relatives of Cruz, is with you. Cruz is a tree, not a football player, he's stiff, he cannot play, and I don't know why coaches and some players like the way he plays... ufff... Messi in the bench...wtf?!!!! Cruz enters and Messi stays on the bench!!!! What was happening on Pekerman's head:wall: .
Odonkhor made Sorin crazy and there was no variation on that flank, Sorin persued him for the rest of the match without any clue and there was no change?
Well I could go on. In the World Cup winning is important not playing well, you get the prize by winning not by playing well... Not that Germany played bad, but it surprised me that they didn't look for the match since minute 0...

The penalties were amazing. Europeans are so used to be cold and concentrated that they know, from the young to the old, what to do in that moment. They shooted well, the goalkeeper did all well anticipating every move, and the argentians felt the burden... I feared penalties the most, because I knew that this was going to be the outcome...

And finally the referee...uffffffff.... whatever... :rolleyes:

Anyway it was good while it lasted. 20 years of illussion crumbled again before argentinians eyes, 16 years of illussion for me personally... No one here is satisfied with being between the first 8 teams... Yes that's how we live fútbol here, that's how we feel it, it manifest itself in the stadium, in the players and in the fans, in the whole country, and you can actually see people sad for the rest of the day waiting another 4 years for that prize alone...

Just bad losers the Argies, always have been. Professional dummy-spitters. Compare with 1990 final. Well done Germany, but a poor game only made compelling by what was at stake.No. The germans are bad winners. If I'm not mistaken some german player went directly to the face of the argentians to rub the match on their faces... That's called a bad winner... You can call me biased if you want...

[Alexanderofmacedon]

No. The germans are bad winners. If I'm not mistaken some german player went directly to the face of the argentians to rub the match on their faces... That's called a bad winner... You can call me biased if you want...

I think you are biased, but so am I, so don't take this too seriously. I'm pretty sure the Argentinians started a little something, but I think I saw some arguements within Argentina. One or two players were yelling at the assist coach for Argentina.

If I were Argentina I would too. No offence, but I was loving the stupidity of the coach. It made it easier for Germany :bow:

I think that was the world cup match itself, but unfortunetly both teams can't advance. Argentina is better than Brazil. :bow:

[Louis VI the Fat]

I agree with most of what you wrote, Soulforged.

Cruz is teh suck. Not playing Messi is a crime against football fans everywhere. And that German shouldn't have provoked the Argentinians indeed. Argentina still has a responsibility of its own however. Neither showed much class there.

I wonder what refereeing nastiness tomorrow will bring, I have a bad feeling about it. It is too early to have an Argentinian referee at an England game. Not because the ref will be biased against England, but because he'll be too eager to show he's not. With the refereeing being under fire already as it is, I fear he will be under too much pressure. It could lead to costly mistakes, or to him being being too focused on being impartial.

And Fifa is a Brazil cheerleading organisation indeed, which doesn't bode well. I wonder if our referee will be actually wearing that Ronaldo shirt he asked for after Brazil's game last week...



The penalties were amazing. Europeans are so used to be cold and concentrated that they know, from the young to the old, what to do in that moment.Hehe, somehow I don't think we'll see the English being cold and concentrated at the penalty spot tomorrow. :laugh4:

It's the quarter-finals already. Penalties, a traditional early exit and Scolari outwitting Eriksson yet again all loom for England. Which we can't have. England must progress - I want to see our boys rough 'em up in the semi's.

[scotchedpommes]

Well he did try to copy Dudek...

On a side note, what do you guys think, does it have any effect whatsoever on the penalty kicker ?

:balloon2:


Lehmann was a statue compared to Dudek and his Grobbelaar dance.
Observe (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x19CG1xdu3Y) the shootout clips at the end of this video.

All keepers should take up such movements in shootouts, especially in a World Cup
- it could easily be enough to put the penalty taker off in such a tense situation.

[Full shootout (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAKp5jVPxTU).]

[Ser Clegane]

Indeed it was a bit harsh and uncalled for, I was just a tad angry at the time. I apologize.
Thanks, and accepted :bow:

[Soulforged]

Cruz is teh suck. Not playing Messi is a crime against football fans everywhere. And that German shouldn't have provoked the Argentinians indeed. Argentina still has a responsibility of its own however. Neither showed much class there.Is there an special meaning for "the" written this way "teh"? Seriously...:inquisitive:
And I agree with you on Messi. There's no need to put him from the start, but why, why do you've to make him stay on the bench and put Cruz to play, I don't want to put all the blame on the coach, Cruz has something, not sure what, because it seems that only coaches and people that know him personally actually know what's that... Perhaps Messi and other young players before him are and were suffering from Maradona's curse, "Maradona was the best player and there is no possibility that other surpasses him... so don't put him to play..." About the provocation, is something of fútbol, I was expecting the argentinians to do it at some point (the fans sure did... :rolleyes:), I mean we're the best of the world so we should rub it in the faces of others :rolleyes:, it's very typical of latin american fútbol, but I didn't expect the germans to do it :shrug:


And Fifa is a Brazil cheerleading organisation indeed, which doesn't bode well. I wonder if our referee will be actually wearing that Ronaldo shirt he asked for after Brazil's game last week...France will win, and I want them to win. My mother is brazilian, but I don't care, if we're not the ones who will throw them out of the World Cup, then France will be the one, and France will get the Cup. That's what I hope, I'll not be happy, but at least I can realize my anger in secret while Henry fills the net...:2thumbsup:

[Ser Clegane]

The germans are bad winners. If I'm not mistaken some german player went directly to the face of the argentians to rub the match on their faces... That's called a bad winner... You can call me biased if you want...
From what I have gathered there were provocations from both sides during and after the penalty kicks.
Argentinian players were verbally addressing the German players that went up for the kick and a German player made gestures asking Argentinian players to stop that - both probably not very sportsmanlike and unfortunately in line with a lot of little attacks we have seen during the game (again from both sides).
These are things that (should not but do) happen in such games were a lot is at stake for the teams.
What then happened went far beyond verbal attackd and gestures.
One Argentinian player kicked a German player after the the PKs and got the red card for it.
https://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9238/cufre1nr.jpg


Maxi Rodriguez went as far as running up to a German player (Schweinsteiger) to hit him from behind on the head.
https://img450.imageshack.us/img450/2317/maxi0ot.jpg


Not acceptable :no:

[spmetla]

Rooting for England and France.
Don't think Portugal got a chance, so many yellow cards already and those players missing the game to red cards will hurt them. Meanwhile England is strong with not injuries and only some cards.

I don't have high hopes for France but hope for the least that they play well against Brazil. I want at least a respectable match for even just one half if it has to be only that. Hope they win though!!!

Go former Empires but not Portugal!!!

[Mount Suribachi]

It's almost cliche to say this after you are out of any tournament, but the changes were wrong. Why take out Riquelme in this match, why not in the others, against Mexico he played really bad... but no it should be on this one and winning

Exact same thing happened in the friendly against England - he took Riquelme off to "protect the lead", the game changed, and England came back from 1-2 to win 3-2


No. The germans are bad winners. If I'm not mistaken some german player went directly to the face of the argentians to rub the match on their faces... That's called a bad winner... You can call me biased if you want...


You're biased. Argentine taunted England after they won on pens in '98. England did not respond with violence. Instead, they internalised their anger, remembered it, and used it as an additional motivation to beat you guys in 2002.

Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a trend....

[naut]

You're biased. Argentine taunted England after they won on pens in '98. England did not respond with violence. Instead, they internalised their anger, remembered it, and used it as an additional motivation to beat you guys in 2002.

Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a trend....

Agree completely. Argentine team just couldn't handle losing.

[Divine Wind]

You're biased. Argentine taunted England after they won on pens in '98. England did not respond with violence. Instead, they internalised their anger, remembered it, and used it as an additional motivation to beat you guys in 2002.

Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a trend....

Totally agree, Argentina are real sore losers. Which is why i had a huge grin on my face after the final whistle ~D

I dont like either team whatso ever, but after the '98 incident, they have always been top of my hate list. Good riddance, we dont want pathetic players like that winning the world cup.

Cufre, the player that kicked Mertesacker in the leg...twice, should be BANNED from international football for a bloody long time. But have FIFA got the balls to do it? I doubt it. Sepp Blatter is all talk and no action, i bet he'll just give Argentina a fine, a slap on the wrist and that will be it.

[InsaneApache]

Did anyone see how Maradonna reacted? :inquisitive:

[naut]

Cufre, the player that kicked Mertesacker in the leg...twice, should be BANNED from international football for a bloody long time.

I couldn't agree more, and also Maxi Rodriguez for his cheap shot to Schweinsteiger's head!


Did anyone see how Maradonna reacted?:inquisitive:

Maradonna, no doubt he hit some German's using that Hand of God of his.

EDIT: In my posts I mean no offense to you Soulforged, and I am sorry if I have offended you. :balloon3:

[InsaneApache]

Argentina coach resigns (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/argentina/5122304.stm)

Seems he's going to move into all-in-wrestling and boxing as a coaching career.....:laugh4:

[Ser Clegane]

Today it's France vs. Brazil here in Frankfurt (I wish I had tickets...)
We already saw the fans fraternizing in the city this morning:
https://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2083/footie12gi.jpg


https://img307.imageshack.us/img307/3686/footie23jd.jpg

looking forward to a hopefully great match ~:)

[Rodion Romanovich]

Argentina coach resigns (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/argentina/5122304.stm)

Seems he's going to move into all-in-wrestling and boxing as a coaching career.....:laugh4:

To be completely honest, I think what Argentina needs isn't Pekerman resigning, but Pekerman getting an appropriate co-coach. Pekerman has improved Argentina's TACTICS well, but his sense of strategy is lacking. I doubt many coaches are able to achieve so much in terms of tactical abilities of a team. The 1-0 lead and complete domination of the first part of the game was as much caused by his positive sides as the equalizer and loss was caused by his shortcomings... Ah well...

[Rodion Romanovich]

France vs Brazil will be amazing, because France, as I explained before, will win with 5 goals to 0, the amazing team from 1998 will come to live again like never before! Or not... We'll see...

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I'm taping both games (we're leaving in a few minutes out on the river). As for the Argentina vs. Germany game yesterday, Maxi Rodriguez is a disgrace to soccer and Soulforged: you need to teach him a lesson in sportsmanship when he comes home...

Go England.

Go France.

(ironic)

[naut]

Go England.

Go France.

(ironic)

Very! :laugh4:

[Dutch_guy]

Today it's France vs. Brazil here in Frankfurt (I wish I had tickets...)
We already saw the fans fraternizing in the city this morning:
https://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2083/footie12gi.jpg


https://img307.imageshack.us/img307/3686/footie23jd.jpg

looking forward to a hopefully great match ~:)

I enjoy seeing pictures like that, makes me wish I were there - and of course that we were still in, but that's out of the question...


The penalties were amazing. Europeans are so used to be cold and concentrated that they know, from the young to the old, what to do in that moment

Well to be fair, I think the Germans are the best PKickers Europe has, and I think it was unfortunate that you guys had to face them with Penalties. Although be comforted, no team is able to beat the the germans with Penalties - especially when the Germans play on their native land.


Lehmann was a statue compared to Dudek and his Grobbelaar dance.
Observe the shootout clips at the end of this video.


Yes it seems you're right, Dudek was quite a bit more active than Lehmann.

Oh and thanks for posting the link to the full shoot out, enjoyed watching it.

:balloon2:

[Soulforged]

You're biased. Argentine taunted England after they won on pens in '98. England did not respond with violence. Instead, they internalised their anger, remembered it, and used it as an additional motivation to beat you guys in 2002.

Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a trend....
All pretty, except that I was talking about the match against Germany... Pardon me if this was sarcasm...

Thanks for correcting me Ser... :bow:


To be completely honest, I think what Argentina needs isn't Pekerman resigning, but Pekerman getting an appropriate co-coach. Pekerman has improved Argentina's TACTICS well, but his sense of strategy is lacking. I doubt many coaches are able to achieve so much in terms of tactical abilities of a team. The 1-0 lead and complete domination of the first part of the game was as much caused by his positive sides as the equalizer and loss was caused by his shortcomings... Ah well...Nah...We've better coaches here, like Bianchi (dispise all his failures in Europe), and I hope they take his place. Though many people here support your position.

Maxi Rodriguez is a disgrace to soccer and Soulforged: you need to teach him a lesson in sportsmanship when he comes home...I cannot give such lessons to anyone: 1- I suck at fútbol 2- I think I would have reacted in the same way. Nothing excuses what they did, but there's a simple explanation that everyone could understand. Put yourself in their shoes, with the match in their grasp, and then losing it in penalties, with all the illussions that they had... I cannot say nothing to them...


I dont like either team whatso ever, but after the '98 incident, they have always been top of my hate list. Good riddance, we dont want pathetic players like that winning the world cup. There's a lot of examples like this through history, it's not limited to the argentinian football team... And if you call them pathetic players, now I know that either you're joking or you didn't watch any of their games (or you don't know what pathetic means)... Anyway, I'm not looking to start a flame war here... :bow:

[Dutch_guy]

I dont like either team whatso ever, but after the '98 incident, they have always been top of my hate list. Good riddance, we dont want pathetic players like that winning the world cup.

What incident is that ?

All I still remember of that WC is that we beat Argentina by scoring a late goal in the last minute ( Bergkamp's goal ), and what is more, I don't remember the Argentineans reacting in a bad and inappropriate way.

:balloon2:

[Crazed Rabbit]

Ooh, Rooney sent off after groin stepping and pushing right in front of the ref, and Beckham's off with an injury.

Still 0-0 in 65th minute.
This might get a wee bit ugly.

Crazed Rabbit

[Big_John]

There's a lot of examples like this through history, it's not limited to the argentinian football team... And if you call them pathetic players, now I know that either you're joking or you didn't watch any of their games (or you don't know what pathetic means)... Anyway, I'm not looking to start a flame war here... :bow:feel like quoting this for truth. it's not even in the worst category of things to happen in this WC. i don't know why, but brazilian, argentine, and italian teams seem to attract a lot of hatred.. it's as if people don't know that this sort of thing happens in football all the time, in every country. :shrug:

[InsaneApache]

Lost to pens again....:no: :wall:

[Big_John]

portugal - england


oh good grief. is there a way the winner of brazil/france can just get a bye? neither of these teams deserved to advance after today's showing. i guess portugal had something of an excuse, being without a couple of starters. but still.. a man up and they barely did anything.

of course next to england, portugal looked like superstars. wow england.. wow. here's a hint, if you're not going to bother playing until lennon comes in, try starting him. as badly as they've looked this WC, they should be happy having gotten this far.

i guess ricardo did his lehmann impression, which was kind of cool. and getting deco and costinha back, they'll be a better semifinal matchup for france/brazil than england would have been anyway.

[Ianofsmeg16]

of course next to england, portugal looked like superstars. wow england.. wow. here's a hint, if you're not going to bother playing until lennon comes in, try starting him. as badly as they've looked this WC, they should be happy having gotten this far
I tell you what, you go out, sprint around for 120 minutes, try and kick a ball into a goal, get your best player sent off, your captain injured and THEN lose. I'll start taking your, at the moment, worthless opinion into account. England, to me, played like hero's and if you want to insult my country, my team, do it somewhere where i cant see it because i am not having some random guy say we played bad, cos we didnt, the england team were hero's out there.

congrats to portugal

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

portugal - england


oh good grief. is there a way the winner of brazil/france can just get a bye? neither of these teams deserved to advance after today's showing. i guess portugal had something of an excuse, being without a couple of starters. but still.. a man up and they barely did anything.

of course next to england, portugal looked like superstars. wow england.. wow. here's a hint, if you're not going to bother playing until lennon comes in, try starting him. as badly as they've looked this WC, they should be happy having gotten this far.

i guess ricardo did his lehmann impression, which was kind of cool. and getting deco and costinha back, they'll be a better semifinal matchup for france/brazil than england would have been anyway.


What the hell are you on about? Portugal did nothing to deserve the win, they fell over and got rooney sent off with that twat ronaldo getting involved. Did you watch the match? We played out of our skins, if you can't see that you have problems. Portugal playing well against france or brazil? Do me a favour. They couldn't even break down 10 men. If you know nothing about football don't comment on it

[LeftEyeNine]

well England seemed more competetive rather than Portugal. However -that's my very personal point of view- angels of football cut out the charges again and England has been disqualified. I hope a coach that will be able to handle that generation will evaluate his chances after Sven's departure. But this way, England does not deserve much -regarding their overall performance through WC '06.

Edit: And, lads, please take it easy. I know how British fans are feeling right now, so please cool down for some time before you post something. :bow: ~:grouphug:

[Big_John]

I tell you what, you go out, sprint around for 120 minutes, try and kick a ball into a goal, get your best player sent off, your captain injured and THEN lose. I'll start taking your, at the moment, worthless opinion into account. England, to me, played like hero's and if you want to insult my country, my team, do it somewhere where i cant see it because i am not having some random guy say we played bad, cos we didnt, the england team were hero's out there.

congrats to portugalif you think saying that a country's football team played badly is insulting that country, you need to get out more. if you don't share my opinion, fine. good even. no need to get chippy about it, simply disagree.

in this whole world cup, england played mediocre at best. they won without looking good, and today they lost without looking good.. it was bound to happen. if that makes them heros in your book, good enough, i suppose.



What the hell are you on about? Portugal did nothing to deserve the win, they fell over and got rooney sent off with that twat ronaldo getting involved. Did you watch the match? We played out of our skins, if you can't see that you have problems. Portugal playing well against france or brazil? Do me a favour. They couldn't even break down 10 men. If you know nothing about football don't comment on ithey man, sorry your team lost, but i'll share my opinion when i feel like it. and seeing as i do know something "about football", i'll keep commenting on it. but thanks for your concern.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

I thought England played well, best they've played this tournament. They had better chances at goal than portugal but just couldn't quite connect. Shame about the penalty kicks, they really lacked confidence and it hurt them.

They were still making chances even in over time...after two hours...I don't see how you can say they weren't trying.

[[DnC]]

Too bad England, too bad ~:(

England even when down to ten men was the better team. Best game England played this whole World Cup in my opinion. It's sad to see them go.

Although I think the referee did a good job overall, the red card seemed somewhat out of place. The referee should have whistled for England and not for the Portuguese in the first place. Rooney was being fouled upon first. Rooney stepping on the guy's nuts seemed accidental if that was the reason he was given a red card. He just seemed off balance and when his foot hit the ground the portuguese's nuts where beneath it. Heh. Or was it because he pushed Ronaldo for asking the referee for a card? If that is the case it should have been yellow at the most. Or was it because he started spouting obscenities? Still I'm puzzled about the red card.

Sadly enough the portuguese dived and overreacted way too much for my liking. The best example of this is when Maniche, whom wasn't even hit in the face, grabbed to his face as if he was and let himself drop... It ruins a game i.m.o. Had a good laugh though when Joe Cole acted as if he was in a world of pain when tackled a minute after Rooney being sent off. He must have been thinking "if they're diving and overreacting, why not us?".

I can see a good future for Lennon, he's very enjoyable to watch. Crouch made an excellent substitution. He disappointed me with the matches I've seen him play before this one. Hargreaves also played a very important role. I can go on and on, but I better quit now, except for one last thing. Robinson seemed to have it very hard catching certain balls at times, it could have been disastrous, but luckily nothing came out of those times he let the ball slip/bounce off.

[Rodion Romanovich]

Interesting game, though a bit killed by Beckham, Rooney and Deco not being part of it. England played better than Portugal and it was really the red card that lost them the edge that would otherwise IMO have given 1-0 or 2-0. With hindsight it might have been better to keep Rooney as a substitute and insert him at about 60-80 minutes. He's a bit too hot and gets hotter by the minute, especially when his team is unable to score, so perhaps not suited to play an entire game. As substitute he has been able to score plenty of goals and IIRC never gotten any red cards, plus he's fast and effective at breaking through and his speed really comes in handy if he's inserted by substitution when the opponents are a bit more tired...

[spmetla]

Well I'm bummed. It was a great game to watch but I felt like I was rooting for the US team instead of England. They had opportunity after opportunity but just couldn't connect it. Although Portugal deserves their win I feel they've been taking acting lessons from the Italians:furious3:

Alrighty, let's go France let's go!!! :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Not again. :wall:

I wish I could dig out my post from about a year ago, where I already predicted England would go out of the Cup in the quarter-final, on penalties.

This is cosmic injustice. It's unbearable. Even for non-English fans. It's got nothing to do with football anymore, no team should have to go through this. Five times is too much. :no:

[The Blind King of Bohemia]

hey man, sorry your team lost, but i'll share my opinion when i feel like it. and seeing as i do know something "about football", i'll keep commenting on it. but thanks for your concern.


Mate if you know about football but think portugal deserved to win that game they way they played with their diving mentality and not even troubling us even when we went down to ten men, how can i take what you say seriously?

[Big_John]

']Although I think the referee did a good job overall, the red card seemed somewhat out of place. The referee should have whistled for England and not for the Portuguese in the first place. Rooney was being fouled upon first. Rooney stepping on the guy's nuts seemed accidental if that was the reason he was given a red card. He just seemed off balance and when his foot hit the ground the portuguese's nuts where beneath it. Heh. Or was it because he pushed Ronaldo for asking the referee for a card? If that is the case it should have been yellow at the most. Or was it because he started spouting obscenities? Still I'm puzzled about the red card.yeah, i was expecting a yellow when the ref called him over (for the push.. that was dumb). the commentators over here on american TV almost all thought the red was called for.. but unless rooney said something out of line to the ref, it should have been a yellow.


I can see a good future for Lennon, he's very enjoyable to watch. Crouch made an excellent substitution. He disappointed me with the matches I've seen him play before this one. Hargreaves also played a very important role. I can go on and on, but I better quit now, except for one last thing. Robinson seemed to have it very hard catching certain balls at times, it could have been disastrous, but luckily nothing came out of those times he let the ball slip/bounce off.yup, lennon was the best thing england had going for them. someone called this earlier (maybe it was you), england should have started lennon, without him they were a plodding, knock-it-down-and-back sort of team. imo, that tentative mentality cost them today vs a depleted portugal team that didn't do much themselves.

lennon's problem is that he has a bit too much pace.. he outruns the attack sometimes (maybe that's more his teammates' problem). but you could see how much more dangerous england became when he came on.


Mate if you know about football but think portugal deserved to win that game they way they played with their diving mentality and not even troubling us even when we went down to ten men, how can i take what you say seriously?


oh good grief. is there a way the winner of brazil/france can just get a bye? neither of these teams deserved to advance after today's showing.feel free to reconcile your quote with mine. take me seriously if you wish, or not.. up to you.

[Dutch_guy]

Wow guys cool down, no need to bash Big J. just because he has an opinion regarding your team. I - personally - was hoping the English would beat the Portugese, and after Rooney got sent off, I put my hopes on the PK series.

Not a very exiting match, but it was made exiting by the fact that it was such an important one.

England got it's share of chances, but failed to score the winning goal. Lampard didn't play his best, and same of course counts for Beckham and even Gerard didn't play as good as he did before. A shame, because player wise, I deem the English midfield to be a better one than the Portugese midfield. And as we all know, controlling the midfield wins you the game - most of the time.

Again, Figo got on my nerves a couple of times, and was quite surprised the English didn't try to take him out - as the fans clearly supported such an action.

Well, to be fair, I do think the portugese 'll give the Germans a run for their money - although they most certainly won't win if they play the same way as they did today.

:balloon2:

[Big_John]

Well, to be fair, I do think the portugese 'll give the Germans a run for their money - although they most certainly won't win if they play the same way as they did today.eh? the germans would crush the portugese i think.. but they won't see them until until the final, right? and then porutgal would have to get through brazil or france.. or did i get my bracket mixed up? maybe BKB was right.. :stupido3:

[[DnC]]

Well, to be fair, I do think the portugese 'll give the Germans a run for their money - although they most certainly won't win if they play the same way as they did today.

:balloon2:

The portuguese have to either beat Brazil or France first and Germany has to beat Italy in the semi-final ~;)

PS. Note to Louis; Don't predict anymore ~:p

[Red Peasant]

Well proud of the lads. The better team even when down to ten men, again. Just a shame, from our point of view, that we can't go through. Oh well, that's football.

BTW.

Rooney: never a red card
Carragher: how dare you score a penalty. Re-take it
Referee: Argentinian. Louis, you were wrong mate.

Remember, it's the taking part that matters and the manner in which you do it.
I'm glad that the lads didn't try to start a fight with the Portuguese. Although, I wouldn't like to be C. Ronaldo in the Prem next year. Move to Real Madrid next year I think. Gobshite.

[Dutch_guy]

Big John:

You misunderstood me Big J. The Portugese have no chance whatsoever against the Germans, but I think they can give the Germans a harder game than the English could - although now we'll probably never know.

EDIT : DnC heh you sure ? that I didn't realize ! ~D

:balloon2:

[Big_John]

You misunderstood me Big J. The Portugese have no chance whatsoever against the Germans, but I think they can give the Germans a harder game than the English could - although now we'll probably never know.

:balloon2:ah, gotcha. mm.. but watchout for the italians, i smell an upset. :wink:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I would agree that England in the first half were really rather poor, left Rooney isolated, and tried the long balls too much. However, after the sending off, which was really a bit dubious, as I'm pretty sure he didn't intentionally stand on the guy's balls, England gave it their all, and it's a shame that they didn't get anything for that.

The penalty re-take was a bit naff as well. Oh, and I've decided I really don't like C. Ronaldo.

As an aside-everyone cool down. If there's any heavy-duty swearing, or insults, I'll have to warn people.

[Dutch_guy]

Well I'd say the Italians might be able to bribe the referee, but otherwise they won't win against the germans I reckon. Germany is playing better and better each game, and they're not going to be satisfied with anything other than the Cup.

Italy on the other hand, hasn't been tested yet (as the Czechs weren't playing their best tournament.... ), that's something we can all agree on.

So, it'll be an interesting match, but in the end I predict a German win.

:balloon2:

[Red Peasant]

Well, with us out, my team is now France! Allez ZZ!! ~;)
They're the best team left in it if they realise it.

[Big_John]

Well I'd say the Italians might be able to bribe the referee, but otherwise they won't win against the germans I reckon. Germany is playing better and better each game, and they're not going to be satisfied with anything other than the Cup. i occaisionally have a compulsion to predict wild upsets. it never pans out, but it's like playing the lottery.. the one time it happens, i'll feel like nostradamus!

but yes, i imagine everyone will keep both eyes on the ref in that semifinal. :brood:

[Quid]

A very tense match, England - Portugal.

I think Portugal deserved the win not based on this game but all the previous performances. They simply did better and played a much more attractive and positive football. This is not to say that the English didn't try but I think a 4 - 5 - 1 constallation is simply not running in England's favour. Somehow, I always see the English as a purly attcking side. This was direly lacking this World Cup. So much potential in a side and hardly any worthwhile scenes I can recall from all of their matches.

Red card could have been given for a number of reasons. Stamping, pushing, swearing...it was always going to happen with Rooney very frustrated up front. He never found his game and was always left alone with no one helping him.

I sort of suspect Portugal were also playing for a penalty shoot-out for resons being blatantly obvious...

Men of the match:

Ricardo - penalty killer

Lennon - speed and part of two good chances for the English side

Hargreaves - if anyone really wanted the win - he did - all over the place.

Just a little side-note: I think it's rather telling that a defensive midfielder would be voted for the man of the match in a game where Portugal did not make any effort to score or get any coherent movement going up front. Very un-English indeed. Time for new management. Hopefully, McClaran will get them into an attacking side again. All the talent is there; might as well use it.

Quid

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Wow, Zidane is on fire tonight. He's toying with the Brazilians.

Why is he retiring again?

[Quid]

!!! YES !!!


!!! Vive la France !!!

Well done, boys!

Zizou is back!

Quid

[Big_John]

france - brazil

much better game. though brazil looked so lackadaisical. didn't seem they noticed they were down until the 86th minute.

kind of lame to have 4 european teams left. doesn't look like anything can stop the germans now.

[Crazed Rabbit]

FRANCE 1 BRAZIL 0
France Wins!

And they played wonderfully! They dominated Brazil, who didn't really have any good shots until the last 20 minutes. A beautiful goal, too. Great play by Zidane, too. Perhaps we should call France the Brazil-killers (when they get out of group).

A definate contender for the Championship.

I think Portugal deserved a win, if only for their goalkeeper's marvelous perfomance in PKs. They both played good, especially England, though it seemed to take a while to get started, and Rooney was stupid. Shoving in front of a ref? I think England would have won otherwise.

So now, probably Germany-France in the final.

Crazed Rabbit

[doc_bean]

Allez les Blues !!!


Well deserved, Zidane outclassed any other player on the field tonight, followed by henry probably (this match anyway). WTF was Brazil doing keeping Ronaldo in ? They should have put in Robinho much sooner, he looked like he had a decent day. Kaka was terrible, not his usual form. Again, well deserved France !

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

A well earned victory by France. Time to collect my money...:2thumbsup:

[mercian billman]

france - brazil

much better game. though brazil looked so lackadaisical. didn't seem they noticed they were down until the 86th minute.

kind of lame to have 4 european teams left. doesn't look like anything can stop the germans now.

I agree, I predicted a France vs Argentina final with France coming out on top, even though Germany defeated Argentina I'm going to predict that Italy will end the German fairy tail.

I'm still predicting France will win the world cup.

[edyzmedieval]

Vive la France!!!!!!

Great job by Zidane, Henry and Ribery. :balloon2:

[GiantMonkeyMan]

NOOO!!!! england are out... :hide: and my brother cried which made it a little better cos i had some reason to laugh... i didn't however, to busy hitting the TV in rage! gah! that ricardo was one lucky goalkeeper

now the whole of england will want to hunt down c ronaldo which will be funny come the next season... gah, i feel really down but at least brazil aren't going to win again but i really thought this was our year, i think that every world cup...

[Red Peasant]

Bravo ZZ, Bravo!! And the great man smiles now as well. :laugh4:
Well done France, I knew you could do it.

[Al Khalifah]

I've given up on football. I was happy to let it slide while England were still in the competition, but now they're out I don't know if I care who wins.
The tournament has been completely spoiled by terrible refereeing decisions and the tactic of many nations now to abandon trying to win through skill and talent and instead to cheat at every available oppurtunity.

It's disgusting and I can't imagine the self control some of the players must have not to stamp on diving scum.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

Well, I don't like portugal or italy so hopefully one of them will win their next match.

[Quid]

Well, I don't like portugal or italy so hopefully one of them will win their next match.

Sasaki, am I misreading or does this comment just defy all logic? I must be getting tired. Time for bed.

Quid

[naut]

I just saw the result now, and

Vive la France

Its about time someone beat Brazil!!!! :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2:

[Big_John]

It's disgusting and I can't imagine the self control some of the players must have not to stamp on diving scum.it's a type of quid pro quo, they hope the player that dives in front of him doesn't stomp on him when he dives at the other end. ~;)

honestly, i think the australians were the only team i never saw dive. maybe japan too.. i'm pretty sure i saw a korean player dive, but they weren't bad either. the americans are pretty good about not diving also, though they are getting worse about it.. hard to ignore how effective it can be.

[naut]

honestly, i think the australians were the only team i never saw dive. maybe japan too.. i'm pretty sure i saw a korean player dive, but they weren't bad either. the americans are pretty good about not diving also, though they are getting worse about it.. hard to ignore how effective it can be.

Yes most of the "Underdog" teams tend not to dive, and

Vive la France

[scotchedpommes]

France played an excellent game, and Zidane out-played the Brazilians. France
are my only hope now. They can win this if they continue to believe, and I don't
see why they shouldn't after showing us all that they are back on the world
stage - if only for the rest of this tournament.

As for the England match, I thought Hargreaves and Lennon were the only
positive aspects at times, and I couldn't see anything good in Crouch's
performance.

All I can really say with regard to the Portuguese is that I never liked Cristiano
Ronaldo before today, and I despise him now. The referee had not been going to
even book Rooney for the incident, and Ronaldo went up and called for him to be
sent off. [Also note the sickening satisfaction he displayed afterwards.]

I hope he gets the treatment he deserves when he returns to Manchester.


Allez les Bleus.

[naut]

I never liked Cristiano Ronaldo before today, and I despise him now.

I share your feelings, :hanged:.

[Divine Wind]

Theres obviously a lot of soccer fans who have NO ideals about sportmanship, whatsoever, so dont bother talking to me, if your one of those fans, your no better than Sepp Blatter, and his bunch of ignorant toss pots.

It was NEVER a red card, yellow at worst.

Re-take penalty? Your having a laugh.


There's a lot of examples like this through history, it's not limited to the argentinian football team... And if you call them pathetic players, now I know that either you're joking or you didn't watch any of their games (or you don't know what pathetic means)... Anyway, I'm not looking to start a flame war here... :bow:

Please give me some definitive examples. Id love too realise what ive obviously been missing for the whole of my spectating football career. Im not talking about history, im talking about present, modern day football.

Im not saying they played badly, im saying they are a bunch of sour grape, sore losing tossers. Against England in '98 they sang in front of the england team on the coach back too there hotel, clearly having NO respect for their opposition, which worked fine for us when we beat them in '02. And then they have the dignity too kick off with the whole German national side, Fifa officials, ex professional footballers etc. Kicking fellow professionals when theyve already been kicked on the floor. Oh yeah BIG respect for Argentina, what a well respected, and professional team they are.

....

Yes, England were crap all competition. Its actually embarrassing for me too think that we needed a player of calibre to be sent off before our team started performing to the tempo all english fans now we can play at. But for anyone to say that Portugal outplayed us, is having a laugh. Both teams were rubbish, if anything England looked more dangerous on the counter attack with 10 men, and a 6'6 striker providing the offensive play.

Oh and Quid makes the best comments of this thread. Its refreshing too see someone with a clear football brain, thank god.

Good luck France, you have one more english fan backing you.

[naut]

wow, Divine Wind thats quite some post, and simply.

Agreed.

[scotchedpommes]

Now, how long before Louis recovers?

[naut]

Now, how long before Louis recovers?

:laugh4:

[Sasaki Kojiro]

Sasaki, am I misreading or does this comment just defy all logic? I must be getting tired. Time for bed.

Quid

Well I don't care very much if it's Germany vs France...having a team I don't like in the final makes it more interesting :2thumbsup:

Germany beating Portugal would be ideal.

[Big_John]

i'm pulling for a portugal/italy final, just because it would make everyone so angry.. i'd love it.

[naut]

i'm pulling for a portugal/italy final, just because it would make everyone so angry.. i'd love it.

You flamer, you! :laugh4:

Neither of those teams are good enough to get to the final.

France, in form and brilliant.

Germany, playing amazing attacking football and great finishers.

Italy, haven't really proved themselves yet, they've only played weak opposition, and when playing someone better than them they've won rather dubiously.

Portugal, GAH!!! I'll say no more because no words can describe how bad they are.

[Louis VI the Fat]

Allez, allez, allez les Bleus!
Allez, allez, allez les vieux!


*repeat indefinately*

Go blues!
Go oldies!
(that rhymes in French)




Now, how long before Louis recovers?I'll never recover again! Six o' clock and more alcohol than I can bear. Wot a nite!!!! :2thumbsup:
Had to check up on you guys

[Louis VI the Fat]

RonaldinhoWho's Ronaldinho? ~:confused:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Oh, and:

ZIZOU!!

He was so good it makes me weep. http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys2/cry.gif

[naut]

Well its definitely time someone beat Brazil, and it was certainly appropriate that it was France.

Allez les Bleus!

[Soulforged]

Please give me some definitive examples. Id love too realise what ive obviously been missing for the whole of my spectating football career. Im not talking about history, im talking about present, modern day football.I won't comment on your first paragraph because I believe it wasn't directed at me. I'll not bring them forward (the examples)because I don't want to discuss it, in fact after answering this one I'll just shut up about the subject. If you've any doubts, however, you can look at the history of national football in any country and between nations, even better if there was something at stakes.

Im not saying they played badly, im saying they are a bunch of sour grape, sore losing tossers. Against England in '98 they sang in front of the england team on the coach back too there hotel, clearly having NO respect for their opposition, which worked fine for us when we beat them in '02. And then they have the dignity too kick off with the whole German national side, Fifa officials, ex professional footballers etc. Kicking fellow professionals when theyve already been kicked on the floor. Oh yeah BIG respect for Argentina, what a well respected, and professional team they are.Not all of the players did that... But then again I suppose that being what they're they cannot avoid for some people to take the high moral ground and judge them. You can say that their actitude was poor, but that they're pathetic??... Ups...I thought you were american, you're english, well I suppose there's no point in making you see the difference, in regards to Argentina, between a bad loser and a pathetic team.

Anyhow, have a good life. I look forward to meet England in four years...

[Incongruous]

I hop Cristiano Ronaldo is raped back in england, figurativley.

But seriously I though Svens formation decisions were all crap.
The fact is that England could not have won it, they were all amazing players but they never gelled as a team. All I can hope is that Portugal lose next game mwuhahahahaha...
Oh yeah and the rugby world cup is next year we could still win that.

[Mount Suribachi]

Man, I so hope France whip Portugal.

Watching the replay, Rooney was clearly sent off for pushing Ronaldo - the ref had given England the free kick, and was just sorting it all out. The second Rooney pushed Ronaldo, he ran over and whipped out the red card. Yellow card offense at worst ~:(

Its a shame that it took the sending off to bring us to life.

But losing on penos....meh, could see it coming. Mrs Suribachi even got up to hang the washing out. Foregone conclusion.

After Portugals shameful behaviour the last 2 matches, I hope France give them a spanking.

France v Germany final would be great ~:)

[Rodion Romanovich]

France - Brazil - AWESOMEST GAME EVER!!!!

Notice how the refs as usual helped Brazil? The obvious yellow card tackle that deprived Vieira of a scoring chance should have given red card, and the ronaldo diving towards the end should have given him his second yellow = red card, plus there should have been a yellow card when a Brazil player ran away with the ball when France were to throw the ball and had a chance of a quick counter-attack that they were deprived of because of that. Furthermore the refs gave France 2 yellow cards they shouldn't have had, plus the first French goal was removed due to incorrect offside (by the new offside rule it wasn't offside, however by the old rule it was). But LES BLEUS still won!!! Though I'd still like to give credits to the ref, most refs fall for all of Brazil's diving tricks and are scared to give any freekicks or cards against Brazil - unclear why.

[Fragony]

Allez les blues! Way to go mia muca's, sorry if I ever said La France don't bounce anymore!
VIVA LA FRANCE

Shame about Portugal, no I am not bitter.

[Banquo's Ghost]

As a relatively objective observer, who wanted England to do well for all his English friends' sakes, my opinion is that you were always going to lose once you hit a decent technical team - because Sven is the worst manager you could have had for a competition environment.

He can't motivate. He can't adapt. And he makes very dumb decisions before and after matches. OK in qualifying, but not when the chips are down.

Two of your best strikers suffering injury, but he brings an untested kid (who is then forced to sit on the bench and be humiliated) and one other recognised striker. Four in total, with no idea if two of them are going to be ready. He ignores another good player in Michael Carrick, who when he did get to play did very well. Substitutions universally badly timed and too late. Rinse and repeat.

The formation he chooses is not only alien to most Premiership players, but wastes his best players - one of whom, known to be short -tempered, finally flips. (A manager is supposed to know his people, know how to ensure their shortcomings are not exposed - or in the case of Scolari, knows how to manipulate his enemy into mistakes).

England didn't show what they were capable of until the last half of their last game when they were down to ten men. Too, too late. Championships are all about confidence, imposing yourself, making the other guy worry. England had the easiest route to the final they will ever have, but couldn't use it.

And could someone tell me the tactical advantage of playing for penalties when they knew they would probably lose? Why do England still allow a chap to 'volunteer' for a penalty even though he has taken two competitive ones in his life (JC)? Surely preparation would help? Why were they talking about sorting out set-pieces in training after the Sweden match? Surely this would be good to get right before the World Cup Finals that include France and Brazil etc?

Sadly, way too much hype and not enough doing. And a manager that if you paid him a lot less, might have been easier to fire a world cup ago.

Or, as Sven might put it in a moment of crisis requiring inspiration:

"Er...." *blinks into the distance looking like Stan Laurel*.

BTW: Allez les Bleus!!!!

[naut]

Well put, Banquo's Ghost, well put.

[Red Peasant]

Yes, well assessed BG. Agree with Carrick, and he should have been in for Lampard who had a shocking tournament.

I would also like to mention Hargreaves who sweated blood for the cause last night. Those who booed him recently should be ashamed of themselves.

[naut]

Yes Lampard was horrible, Carrick should have played in his place. Hargreaves was amazing. Lennon should have started the game, not as a sub. Crouch and Walcott should have played from the start up front, with an 4-4-2 formation. Then if things were dire bring Rooney on at 60 minutes, his temperament can not really handle 90 minutes.

[Al Khalifah]

This might sound very strange coming from an Englishman... but I hope Germany win the tournament now. Of all the teams left, I respect them the most in terms of their attitude. They seem to cheat the least. Also, of the countries remaining, I like their people the most.

GO GERMANY!

[Ronin]

Man....still can´t believe that we won on penalties....again!

Ricardo is really a penalty stopping machine :2thumbsup:

Also loved to see Brasil go out. :2thumbsup:

Now I don´t think we can beat France....but what the hell.....getting this far ain´t bad :book:

[Fragony]

Now I don´t think we can beat France....but what the hell.....getting this far ain´t bad :book:

Pfffffffffffffft, your team go with the legs up easier then Paris Hilton after a bottle of champagne.

no I am not bitter.

[naut]

Pfffffffffffffft, your team go with the legs up easier then Paris Hilton after a bottle of champagne.

no I am not bitter.

:laugh4:

France will demolish Portugal like a rampant rhino.

[doc_bean]

Though I'd still like to give credits to the ref, most refs fall for all of Brazil's diving tricks and are scared to give any freekicks or cards against Brazil - unclear why.

I thought he wasn't so bad throughout, until the very end where I suspected a slight bias for Brasil. It's partly due to the new fifa regulations/orders though, refs have got to give cards for minor offenses, and since they don't like giving red (usually) there's a world of difference between one yellow card and another.

[Ianofsmeg16]

I would also like to mention Hargreaves who sweated blood for the cause last night. Those who booed him recently should be ashamed of themselves.
Hargreaves behaved like no-one expected. He was everywhere during that match, he even organised attacks and counter-attacks, fantastic player, Sven's greatest achievment.

Ah well, GO DEUSTCHLAND:2thumbsup:

[Dutch_guy]

:laugh4:

France will demolish Portugal like a rampant rhino.

I for one, and I'm sure the English 'll agree, hope that too.

:balloon2:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

:laugh4:

France will demolish Portugal like a rampant rhino.

I'm not so sure! However, France is far better than England or Holland, but we still have our chances. Besides, against England we play without 2 starting eleven players - Deco and Costinha and they are back with France. No doubt it will be hard to beat them because they are a very experienced side.

Come on Portugal!!! :duel:

[LeftEyeNine]

You all still think France or Germany will win that trophy, huh ?

I'll be well proven 9th of July. :smoking:

:italy:

[Fragony]

I'm not so sure! However, France is far better than England or Holland

Hmmm I don't think France is better then Holland, shame we didn't get to play them as I am pretty sure we would have trashed them. Portugal is always hell for us, can't remember us ever beating your team, but that is more because Portugal likes to disrupt rather then actually play.

But all is fair in love and war :wall:

[Avicenna]

:sunny: VIVA ITALIA! :sunny:

May the flying spaghetti monster be with you.

:bow:

EDIT: Frag, isn't France's flag B-W-R?

[Fragony]

EDIT: Frag, isn't France's flag B-W-R?

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht, someone stole my edit button and I hoped nobody would notice. For the time being I will just say I can only read hebrew.

[Avicenna]

:listen:...... :stupido2:

[scotchedpommes]

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht, someone stole my edit button and I hoped nobody would notice. For the time being I will just say I can only read hebrew.

And, isn't it "Vive la France"?

[Fragony]

And, isn't it "Vive la France"?

An honorable effort, but no.

[Dutch_guy]

...Portugal is always hell for us, can't remember us ever beating your team...



We beat them once, IIRC Richard Witschge scored the only goal ( 1- 0 ). The year that happend I know not, but it was probably quite some time ago !

But you're right, Portugal really is our Angstgegner...

:balloon2:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Hmmm I don't think France is better then Holland, shame we didn't get to play them as I am pretty sure we would have trashed themI don't know, Fragony. Unlike previous tournaments, the Dutch didn't field a traditional amazing collection of talent. They looked a bit weak this time, especially in midfield and at the back. Of all the Dutch players, I think only Robben and Van der Sar are better than their French counterparts.

Van Basten swapped individual prowess for team spirit, which is applaudable but which also comes at a price. In the end, you need both. Brazil showed that skill alone doesn't suffice, Holland that teamspirit alone doesn't either.

Off-topic:

http://ultrasdu19.football.fr/images/coq%20bleu%20blc%20rge.TN__.jpg

Blue - white - red. And: vive la France!

It's vive la France. And viva Espagna and viva Italia. The soft 'e' at the end of the words smooths them out, it softens the sound as the words gently fade out. That's how French achieves its civilized sound and near sensual softness, in such stark contrast to the closely related, but harsh, loud sounding other Latin languages. :book:

[LeftEyeNine]

That's how French achieves its civilized sound and near sensual softness, in such stark contrast to the closely related, but harsh, loud sounding other Latin languages.

I can't like French anymore since the day I heard some English speaking French guys pronounced "explode" as if it was "explöd" ( ö = as it is in the word "girl", "bird" or "third" ). Oh and I can't forget about how that "L" was "gently" sounded. It gives me the creeps..

Oh my..I love my mother tongue..

P.S. Man I still love Edith Piaf and Kent. I can handle French when it is going along with some tune. :2thumbsup:

[scotchedpommes]

Was almost worried that my French had deteriorated to inexcusably low levels.

~;)

I thought Brazil showed a distinct lack of skill, at least compared to what pundits
usually expect. [Yes, that may well say far more about the pundits.]

[Red Peasant]

That's how French achieves its civilized sound and near sensual softness, in such stark contrast to the closely related, but harsh, loud sounding other Latin languages. :book:

It's a matter of opinion I know but I can't agree with that! Italian is the most musical and loveliest of the Latin languages, the language of love and the opera. I just can't appreciate their style of football, and in this respect the French are better. ~;)

[Mount Suribachi]

I would also like to mention Hargreaves who sweated blood for the cause last night. Those who booed him recently should be ashamed of themselves.

Well, to be fair, this is the first time he has been played in his proper position. Instead of coming on for the last 10 minutes at left midfield, running round like a headless chicken and everyone going wth? Prior to this tournament he had done nothing in an England shirt that said he might be an international quality player.

Fair play to him for never doubting himself - he comes across as very self-confident - and for grasping his his chance with both hands. In my eyes he's certainly won himself a starting position in the England team for the Euro qualifiers.

[Afonso I of Portugal]

Portugal likes to disrupt rather then actually play.

What??? do you really believe that? like Dutch Guy said, you only beat us once in ten matches. We won 6 and there were 3 draws. How do you explain that? i guess you also believe that when we lost thats because we don't disrupt right? well thats ok, but it is your oppinion.

[AggonyDuck]

What I found rather strange in the England-Portugal game was that Eriksson didn't use that last substitution when it could still make a difference in the game.

I wished that Eriksson would had substituted either Lampard or Gerrard for Walcott at overtime. The problem in my opinion with the english tactic was that Crouch could get and hold the long passes, but he had noone to actually pass the ball to at most points before most of the portuguesians were below the ball. Walcott could had caused a lot of problems for the tired portuguese defense.

[Louis VI the Fat]

What's with all that anti-Portugal sentiment btw?

What I saw, was that Dutch defender nearly breaking C. Ronaldo in half after only five minutes, followed by another Dutch player kicking him again ten minutes later. Both in a deliberate attempt to cause an injury and rob Portugal of their best player. Both only received a yellow card.

In the England game, Rooney put his full - rather impressive - weight behind a kick in the n### of a Portuguese player who was already down. The red card was more than deserved.

And then they both complain about Portuguese unfairness. :no:
England and Holland should take their complaints to their respective managers, not to Portugal. What with Van Basten not playing Van Nistelrooy and Eriksson playing first Rooney, and then Crouch, as sole attackers. Both were simply outwitted by Portugal and Scolari.
Well England's effort at least was heroic.

Not to mention, Germany has 80 million people, France and Italy 60 million. England, Argentina, Ukraine 45-50 million. Brazil 190 million. Portugal has 10. And they play the semi-final. I can only applaude them for it.


*Already knows I'll come to regret this post wednesday night after France-Portugal * :wall:

[Duke Malcolm]

I must say that although I haven't been following the WC much this year, my friends and I drank to Portugal's victory last night. And we drank again. And again. and again and again and again and again and again, until we ran out and had to run to the shop for some more cognac...

[Rodion Romanovich]

What's with all that anti-Portugal sentiment btw?

What I saw, was that Dutch defender nearly breaking C. Ronaldo in half after only five minutes, followed by another Dutch player kicking him again ten minutes later. Both in a deliberate attempt to cause an injury and rob Portugal of their best player. Both only received a yellow card.

In the England game, Rooney put his full - rather impressive - weight behind a kick in the n### of a Portuguese player who was already down. The red card was more than deserved.

And then they both complain about Portuguese unfairness. :no:
England and Holland should take their complaints to their respective managers, not to Portugal. What with Van Basten not playing Van Nistelrooy and Eriksson playing first Rooney, and then Crouch, as sole attackers. Both were simply outwitted by Portugal and Scolari.
Well England's effort at least was heroic.

Not to mention, Germany has 80 million people, France and Italy 60 million. England, Argentina, Ukraine 45-50 million. Brazil 190 million. Portugal has 10. And they play the semi-final. I can only applaude them for it.


*Already knows I'll come to regret this post wednesday night after France-Portugal * :wall:

I kinda agree, though I think that:
Zizou will dominate the midfield and give France an easy 2-0 victory against Portugal :2thumbsup:

[Dutch_guy]

ok Louis I'm going to quote you on the following:


What I saw, was that Dutch defender nearly breaking C. Ronaldo in half after only five minutes, followed by another Dutch player kicking him again ten minutes later. Both in a deliberate attempt to cause an injury and rob Portugal of their best player. Both only received a yellow card.

Well, common Louis, we're talking about Boulahrouz here....had he deliberatly tried to kick C Ronaldo out of the game, he would have, and Ronaldo would never be able to kick a ball again...ever.


In the England game, Rooney put his full - rather impressive - weight behind a kick in the n### of a Portuguese player who was already down. The red card was more than deserved.


yes true, but that wink Ronaldo gave wasn't the best example of sportmanship now was it ?

What did he think, that it would go un noticed ?


What with Van Basten not playing Van Nistelrooy and Eriksson playing first Rooney, and then Crouch, as sole attackers. Both were simply outwitted by Portugal and Scolari.
Well England's effort at least was heroic.

Nistelrooy is a name, you don't go for names *cough Ronaldo (Brazil) cough* when they're not performing well, he scored a goal, yes, but he wasn't in his true form. And yes, I won't deny that Portugal out witted us, they were simply more experienced than us, and showed it (thinks of Figo's dive, which I still find disgusting, great players like himself shouldnt need to degrade themselves like that...)


Already knows I'll come to regret this post wednesday night after France-Portugal


Just so you know, we'll be rooting for you guys.

:balloon2:

[Afonso I of Portugal]

What's with all that anti-Portugal sentiment btw?

What I saw, was that Dutch defender nearly breaking C. Ronaldo in half after only five minutes, followed by another Dutch player kicking him again ten minutes later. Both in a deliberate attempt to cause an injury and rob Portugal of their best player. Both only received a yellow card.

In the England game, Rooney put his full - rather impressive - weight behind a kick in the n### of a Portuguese player who was already down. The red card was more than deserved.

And then they both complain about Portuguese unfairness. :no:
England and Holland should take their complaints to their respective managers, not to Portugal. What with Van Basten not playing Van Nistelrooy and Eriksson playing first Rooney, and then Crouch, as sole attackers. Both were simply outwitted by Portugal and Scolari.
Well England's effort at least was heroic.

Not to mention, Germany has 80 million people, France and Italy 60 million. England, Argentina, Ukraine 45-50 million. Brazil 190 million. Portugal has 10. And they play the semi-final. I can only applaude them for it.


*Already knows I'll come to regret this post wednesday night after France-Portugal * :wall:

Totally agree with you Louis! We always win against the English and Dutch (maybe thats why they are so disapointed) and loose to the French! but, who knows? maybe this time will be different...

[naut]

Thanks Louis for the spelling lesson.

Vive la France!

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

I must say that although I haven't been following the WC much this year, my friends and I drank to Portugal's victory last night. And we drank again. And again. and again and again and again and again and again, until we ran out and had to run to the shop for some more cognac...

Did it make the Scottish team any less awful?

Oh, and before anyone says anything about the Welsh team, most of my family are English.

[scotchedpommes]

Did it make the Scottish team any less awful?

Is there any need for a comment like that?

[Mount Suribachi]

Is there any need for a comment like that?

Absolutely :2thumbsup:

[Zalmoxis]

Well, Argentina's out so the guy to win is whoever beats Germany. Good luck.

[Fragony]

What??? do you really believe that? like Dutch Guy said, you only beat us once in ten matches. We won 6 and there were 3 draws. How do you explain that? i guess you also believe that when we lost thats because we don't disrupt right? well thats ok, but it is your oppinion.

I am just bitter :embarassed:

[naut]

Did it make the Scottish team any less awful?
I thought this was The Kingdom of Peace and Love. ~:)


Oh, and before anyone says anything about the Welsh team, most of my family are English.
What are you talking about, the Welsh team is teh awesome! :balloon3:

[English assassin]

I must say that although I haven't been following the WC much this year, my friends and I drank to Portugal's victory last night. And we drank again. And again. and again and again and again and again and again, until we ran out and had to run to the shop for some more cognac...

Funny, my immediate thought after we were beaten by Portugual was "They'll be dancing in the streets of Dundee tonight" Followed by "Lets hope there's no seven year olds about for all those rufty tufty bravehearts to beat up and show how tough scotsmen are."

You know what? I don't care. Off you go, back to supporting whoever's playing against the big boys next. Must be really annoying for Scots not to have any internationals scheduled, I guess you guys just don't know what football team you support until you have the England fixture list?

Oh, BTW Andy Murray isn't British, he's Scottish. You are welcome to him. And he plays a girls game anyway.

[InsaneApache]

Oh, BTW Andy Murray isn't British, he's Scottish. You are welcome to him. And he plays a girls game anyway.

This is so true. You can tell because he grunts when he whacks his balls......:sweatdrop:

[Taurus]

I cried myself to sleep on saturday night. That's all I have to say...

[scotchedpommes]

Funny, my immediate thought after we were beaten by Portugual was "They'll be dancing in the streets of Dundee tonight" Followed by "Lets hope there's no seven year olds about for all those rufty tufty bravehearts to beat up and show how tough scotsmen are."

You know what? I don't care. Off you go, back to supporting whoever's playing against the big boys next. Must be really annoying for Scots not to have any internationals scheduled, I guess you guys just don't know what football team you support until you have the England fixture list?

Oh, BTW Andy Murray isn't British, he's Scottish. You are welcome to him. And he plays a girls game anyway.

Must you attempt to stir things up when his comments could have been so
easily ignored? Is it too much to expect better of you? Tiresome when this
descends into pointless bashing.

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Erm, perhaps I should have put a smiley after my comment about the Scottish team. There's always been a bit of friendly rivalry between England and Scotland in footballing terms, and it was just meant as a bit of banter.

[scotchedpommes]

Then I misinterpreted it - it seemed more like you were attempting to provoke,
or at least anticipating a hostile response. I am, of course, fully aware of the
rivalry, and none of the banter here looked to be in any way friendly.

[Red Peasant]

I am just bitter :embarassed:

You're in good company, with the Scots. :laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

You're in good company, with the Scots. :laugh4:

The only bitterness seemed to be coming from elsewhere. Sadly senior members.

[LeftEyeNine]

Scots play football ?? WHEN ?? WHERE ?? HOW ?? ON FEET ?? ~:eek:

[A.Saturnus]

C'mon people, lighten up. It's just football. And we pwn you all anyway MUAHAAAHHAAAA :laugh4:

[Red Peasant]

The only bitterness seemed to be coming from elsewhere. Sadly senior members.

All together now!

Don't cry for me Bonny Scotland!

:laugh4:

[scotchedpommes]

All together now!

Don't cry for me Bonny Scotland!

:laugh4:
:inquisitive:

Interesting mix.

[Dutch_guy]

The only bitterness seemed to be coming from elsewhere. Sadly senior members.

I'm sure EA didn't mean it in a bad way at all, just some basic rivalry between football nations.

We Dutchmen always like to tease out Belgian friends about their football performances too, all well meant I assure you.

:balloon2:

[Louis VI the Fat]

somehow I don't think we'll see the English being cold and concentrated at the penalty spot tomorrow.

It's the quarter-finals already. Penalties, a traditional early exit and Scolari outwitting Eriksson yet again all loom for England.In an original meaning of the word as the Greeks used it, a 'tragedy' refers to a sequence of events which are unfolding, events whose outcome is both tragic and unavoidable, and whose tragic outcome is already known to the audience, but not to the players on the stage.

That England lost, that a great generation is wasted owing to a lack of options up front and a manager who could not come up with a solution to that, that they lost on penalties for the fifth time in a row - none of that is what this tragedy is about for the outside observer.

For the audience, the somewhat neutral observer, the tragedy is that we were aware of what was going to happen all along and that we despite of that, or because of that, were compelled to identify with them - the more so the nearer the unavoidable outcome drew closer.

The tragedy was to have to watch them fight their bitter struggle against a fate that was already decided for them. To see them put up a heroic effort with ten men, not against the odds, but against unsurmountable fate.

[scotchedpommes]

Hm. There was a win against Spain on penalties, at home. Although perhaps you can't draw
any positives from that.

[Dutch_guy]

Hmm I read something intersting in the paper today...

It concerned the suspension of Torsten Frings, a veteran and very important German player.

As you all know, after germany beat Argentina, a fight ensued. Now somewhere in the fight - Frings supposedly fought (back?) too.

Now this deserves to be punished yes, but Fifa decided to suspend Frings after the Italian delegation (Germanies next adversary in the semi-finals) wanted Fifa to put some more research into Frings' role in the fight.

Now instead of tearing the request in half, like they should have, Fifa decided to hone the request. Leading to the suspension of Frings.

:no:

That's just horrible... and coming from germanies greatest rival (football wise) that should at least mean something !

:balloon2:

[naut]

That is some prime ****-****!!!

They should not be allowed to do that!

[Ianofsmeg16]

You're surprised? This is the Italian football team...a team of what can only be described as professional divers

[naut]

You're surprised? This is the Italian football team...a team of what can only be described as professional divers

Last time I heard they won gold in Athens, ~;)

No, but seriously they deserve to lose after what they did in the Australia game, USA game and now this.

[Quid]

Hmm I read something intersting in the paper today...

It concerned the suspension of Torsten Frings, a veteran and very important German player.

As you all know, after germany beat Argentina, a fight ensued. Now somewhere in the fight - Frings supposedly fought (back?) too.

Now this deserves to be punished yes, but Fifa decided to suspend Frings after the Italian delegation (Germanies next adversary in the semi-finals) wanted Fifa to put some more research into Frings' role in the fight.

Now instead of tearing the request in half, like they should have, Fifa decided to hone the request. Leading to the suspension of Frings.

:no:

That's just horrible... and coming from germanies greatest rival (football wise) that should at least mean something !

:balloon2:

This is not unusual, Dutch. Perhaps some of you still remember the spitting incident involving the Swiss striker Frei. He was only held accountable after the SWISS TV STATION provided pictures (from their own cameras) where the spitting (on Gerrard, I seem to remember) was clearly visible. He was then suspended for something like 2 or 3 matches; and rightly so.

The suspension of Thorsten Frings is just as justified, irrespective of where the actual pictures came from. The Argentinans can also look forward to some hefty suspensions on their part.

The fact that it came from the Italians is perhaps a little dubious, yes, but still not reason enough to be complaining of someone else's wrong-doing. Frings did what he did and now he is paying the prize. Where the actual proof came from is not really relevant. It's about time that such behaviour is stopped on and off the pitch.

Rythmic, what did they do in the Australia and the USA game that you so disapprove of?

Quid

[naut]

Poor sportsmanship, this is meant to be the World Game, not "lets imitate Wayne Rooney"!

[Quid]

Poor sportsmanship, this is meant to be the World Game, not "lets imitate Wayne Rooney"!

I'd almost have to agree with that. Poor sportsmanship, yes, but then weren't both teams punished accordingly? And weren't both teams involved in it?

Quid

[English assassin]

I'm sure EA didn't mean it in a bad way at all, just some basic rivalry between football nations.

Actually, I did, but thanks for the back up. I am pretty fed up with a nation who can't support their own team or just get on and enjoy the game, but have to drag everything into negative England bashing. When they do it and pretend its all bonny Scotland's local colour and aren't they a lovable tartan army it annoys me even more. I don't see why casual England bashing has to go without comment, and more than bashing any other nation. I don't mind when its in fun, but go and walk through Dundee city centre this saturday evening in an England strip and then tell me if you think its all done in fun.

I'm just glad I will be able to watch Germany in the final and enjoy a good game of football instead of spending 90 minutes wishing they lose. (Especially since they will probably be playing France and I can't very well hope they both lose.)

However I probably shouldn't have risen to this in a frontroom thread, so I apologise for having bitten.

[Ser Clegane]

The fact that it came from the Italians is perhaps a little dubious, yes, but still not reason enough to be complaining of someone else's wrong-doing.
AFAIK, the Italian team/delegation claims that they did not instigate the investigations gainst Frings - I think the whole thing just came up in the Italian press and the Fifa then reacted to it.
I'm not happy about the Fifa's decision and in the end it's probably fair and we should probably be glad that Frings is only off for one match and could potentially play again in the final.
In the end the team will just have to win without him - if you want to win the Worldcup you should better be able to replace a single player...

[Dutch_guy]

Yes I agree with what you said Quid, however it did appear that the Fifa made their decision under pressure from the Italian delegation, they should have handled the situation better; taking the current situation in regard..

That said, I do hope Germany wins...


... I can't believe I just said that ~;)

:balloon2:

[Ser Clegane]

Very entertaining first half ~:)

Italy seems somewhat better so far, however, my impression is that the German team grew better during the last 10-15 minutes.

Looking forward for the second half ... this is going to be another nail-biter...

[Big_John]

mm very interesting 1st half. italians look like the better side, atm, though the german attacks look more dangerous.

germany seems too rushed on the ball, while the italians look relaxed. the italian build-up has been better once the switched to going out wide instead of those predictable through-balls.

reffing has been very good, too. weird. :wink:

i just hope we don't go to penalties..

[Dutch_guy]

Yes, agreed. Enjoyed watching the game.


Must say that the ref. is doing an excellent job! That has been different this tournament as we all know.

:balloon2:

[Big_John]

odonkur might make the difference when he comes in.. everyone looks a tad slow and deliberate out there..

[IrishArmenian]

I want France to go all the way. I just found this thread, why wasn't it stickied? Anyway, it would be great to see Zidane go out with a World Cup. That guy is great.

[Big_John]

hmm, first really bad call there.. point blank free kick that ballack flubs.

odd thing was the non-foul occured in the box. the ref needs to make up his mind, either it's a foul and a penalty.. or it's not a foul. making ait a free kick from the top of the box is a cop-out.

guess we're going to extra time. let's see if odonkor can make a difference.

[Ser Clegane]

What a game - after the second half I would say the 0 - 0 is a fair result (although it should rather be 1 - 1).
None of the two deserves to lose tonight...

So, we have extra time again ... this is too much suffering for me *returns to biting nails*

[Ronin]

2-0 Italy

Germany didn´t really deserve to lose by 2 goals tough.

[Zalmoxis]

Those were awesome goals though.

[Big_John]

wow. great game. what can you say? best goal of the cup? edit: grosso's, i mean.


ah, gotcha. mm.. but watchout for the italians, i smell an upset. :wink:

:book:

[Ser Clegane]

:bigcry:

Congrats to Italy ... very good match and considering the extra time a deserved victory

:bow:

[cegorach]

Two great goals. Bravo Italy !

The German and Italian teams both played very well, great game !:2thumbsup:

[Banquo's Ghost]

Magnificient, magnificent, magnificent.

What a game, what a result. I feel for the Germans - neither side deserved to lose, but what goals!!! Good ref too!

:balloon3: :balloon3: :balloon3: :balloon3: :balloon3: :balloon3: :balloon3:

[Zalmoxis]

And the goals were like two minutes apart! So damn close to penalties.

[Crazed Rabbit]

Wow, and at the very end, too. Great shots, to be sure, though my goal of the cup is still the amazing goal by Argentina against Mexico.

Must hurt to be Germany now.

Crazed Rabbit

[Dutch_guy]

Wonderfull match, should have been the final...

That second goal was set up beautifully, with a great finish by del Piero, nicely done.


:balloon2:

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Wow, just wow. Fantastic match, best of the tournament so far I feel.

Well done to the Italians, they seemed to just be more hungry the whole night, and the two goals were spectacular. It was also refreshing to see some good refereeing for a change, as well as a marked absence of diving. A good spectacle all round.

[Beirut]

It was also refreshing to see some good refereeing for a change, as well as a marked absence of diving.

" ...absence of diving"?

Do you mean guys faking injuries to try to force a penalty on the other team?

[Big King Sanctaphrax]

Yes, the matches up to this point have been rife with it.

[Quid]

The Italians deserved the win in the end, I feel. Lippi risked more in order to avoid penalties at all costs (I hate watching penalties; just seems such a waste to end a game). Plus they did have the better chances in the end.

The Germans played better than anyone would have thought at the beginning of the tournament. Well done. I think no one had them in the best four to start with. And I am pretty sure even the players would have been happy to get this far at the start. To lose in the semis is always tough.

As much as I don't like the German football team (it's genetic) I can only applaud their effort throughout this tournament. They have been (and hopefully will be in the game for thrid place) invigorating and actually fun to watch. They always scored goals (with the exception of today) - by the way, the first time that they didn't score under Klinsmann at home - and played progressive and positive football with lots of attcking elements in it. Mehr Glück nächstes Mal.

I will actually root for Germany for third place (hopefully, there is no one here that knows me). I think they and the excellent crowd deserve it.

Quid

[edyzmedieval]

Bravo Italians. :balloon2: Too bad for Germany, I was with them.
But my favourites are France. Vive la France!!! Kick Portugal out!!! :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2: :balloon2:

~:cheers:

[scotchedpommes]

Great game, although I would have actually preferred penalties as I enjoy the
drama when I'm not overly concerned about who goes through. That said, the
goals were excellent, and they did still deny me the final I would've liked to see.

[Was going to insert some pictures for a Grosso vs Tardelli comparison, but
couldn't find any good ones of the former mid-celebration.]

[naut]

Don't like Italy and never will!

[Soulforged]

The suspension of Thorsten Frings is just as justified, irrespective of where the actual pictures came from. The Argentinans can also look forward to some hefty suspensions on their part.
Am I the only one surprised that the suspension is to be issued after the match against the italians? This is something new to me... politics anyone?

I cannot lie and say that I didn't scream the two goals of the "tanos" against Germany, and also say that Germany didn't diserve the cup... But talking about bad refering, what the hell was that free kick near the area of the italians in the second half? If it was foul (wich wasn't) it should have been penalty... again, politics anyone? The refering was aweful in general and it escalates as we reach the final...

I liked Germany for just one thing though, they never surrender, never... That's what we call "huevos" (guts, balls, etc.).:2thumbsup:

[naut]

I also enjoyed watching Germany, and my complicated ancestry allows me support numerous teams, and they by far were the most spontaneous and gutsy of the teams I was going for. But I'd have to agree that the refereeing has be appalling to say the least.

[Louis VI the Fat]

As much as I don't like the German football team (it's genetic) I can only applaud their effort throughout this tournament. They have been invigorating and actually fun to watch. Ah, this saves me a lot of typing work. :2thumbsup:

Much as I like to see Germany lose, for once perhaps I did not. I can indeed only applaud their effort. Good football, great fun to watch, fantastic crowds. Heute war ich auch ein Berliner and all that. Sorry to see you go and thanks for a very welcoming world cup.


That was the civilized post.


...................................................................................................


Teh uncivilized:

:furious3:

My ultimate fantasy of prying the World Cup from the cold dead hands of a defeated, ruined, devastated Germany, in Berlin, is now forever shattered. :wall:

[Louis VI the Fat]

Portugal:

My new arch-enemies. :skull:

They couldn't resist making a fool of Ribéry. Yes he doesn't speak English, he's a kid from the banlieues, eh? And yes he's ugly, he was involved in a nasty car accident when he was a small boy. And no for a moment he didn't remember who Scolari was, he's a shy 23-year old put in front of the spotlights when giving a press-conference to the international press.

The guy comes from the most unfortunate of social and personal backgrounds, yet dragged himself out of it. More than that, he's a great character, more polite and kind than anybody could expect for a person of his circumstances.

And then they have the nerve to call him an idiot. :furious3: :furious3: :furious3:

I hope Ribéry scores six goals against them.

[naut]

Portugal:

My new arch-enemies. :skull:

They couldn't resist making a fool of Ribéry. Yes he doesn't speak English, he's a kid from the banlieues, eh? And yes he's ugly, he was involved in a nasty car accident when he was a small boy. And no for a moment he didn't remember who Scolari was, he's a shy 23-year old put in front of the spotlights when giving a press-conference to the international press.

The guy comes from the most unfortunate of social and personal backgrounds, yet dragged himself out of it. More than that, he's a great character, more polite and kind than anybody could expect for a person of his circumstances.

And then they have the nerve to call him an idiot. :furious3: :furious3: :furious3:

I hope Ribéry scores six goals against them.

Wait what happened?

[Big_John]

Am I the only one surprised that the suspension is to be issued after the match against the italians? This is something new to me... politics anyone?you mean after the match against the argentines? or before the match against the italians?

or did i miss something?
I cannot lie and say that I didn't scream the two goals of the "tanos" against Germany, and also say that Germany didn't diserve the cup... But talking about bad refering, what the hell was that free kick near the area of the italians in the second half? If it was foul (wich wasn't) it should have been penalty... again, politics anyone? The refering was aweful in general and it escalates as we reach the final...

I liked Germany for just one thing though, they never surrender, never... That's what we call "huevos" (guts, balls, etc.).:2thumbsup:actually, i thought this was one of the best officiated matches of the WC so far. the foul you talk about was the only bad call of the game, iirc.. but it was pretty bad.

[naut]

Personally I thought that the two yellows given to Germany were bollocks!

[Taurus]

Very good game I thought and although I thought Germany were unfortunate I think Italy deserved to win.

[Fragony]

Hmmm I really wanted germany to win this cup this time :no:

[Rodion Romanovich]

The Italians should make movies, not play football! I hope they suffer the most humiliating defeat they've ever suffered against France in the finals!

actually, i thought this was one of the best officiated matches of the WC so far
are u kidding? The Italians were diving at least once every minute, and judging from how long they were turning with their supposed pains after each such situation, you'd think there would be at most one or two players standing at the end of the game. But what happens? Well, 2 minutes before the end they score 2 annoying goals and they don't seem the least injured! The ref always stops the game when the Italians (or Brazilians as it often is in so many other WCs) lie down and play hurt. Then the opponent must play the ball over the line and thus loses a good chance for attacking. The Italian/Brazilian team then gets refreshments, drinks, massage etc. while the other team isn't prepared for the break. Then when the game begins the Italians/Brazilians have the ball in their possession and can attack again... They're cheaters and if the ref had done his job they should have had around 10 yellow cards by half time for all their diving, instead the opponents gets 2 yellow cards and 10 free kicks against him... I thought Brazil with it's disgraceful diving being out of the tournament was enough, but then I find the Italians doing the same thing still being left, and going all the way to the finals. They should have been kicked out already in the second round against Australia. I think Italy and Brazil are both a disgrace to the sport, and this year I'd say the Italians have been the worst.

Italy deserved to win
They didn't deserve to win the 2nd round game against Australia, so any victory they get after that, whether tactically deserved or not, is IMO a disgrace to the sport. ~:( They should have retroactively been kicked out of the tournament and replaced by Australia after the refs had a look at the replay and found out that the game-winning penalty shot shouldn't have been given in the first place. It's to spit tacticians like Guus Hiddink in the face that the Italians went this far.

And yes, I'm bitter too... :wink:

===

I think Germany made a mistake too by not playing with Schweinsteiger from start, secondly they should have waited a bit longer before making the first substitutions. Thirdly, I got the impression they were putting all on getting a quick goal to end the game before full time, rather than trying to survive until penalty shootout. I think that if they hadn't been so eager in their attacks at the end of the extra time they could have had a more solid defense and wouldn't have lost, but instead gotten the game to penalty shootout, which would have been to their advantage. Too bad the Italians, with the help of their cheating, had just enough strength to end the game before the end of the extra time...

[Rodion Romanovich]

Well not much that can be done about the Italian victory (well except for retroactively correctly replacing them by Australia in the finals), so it's time to concentrate on the next game. I'm putting my hopes on LES BLEUS. Portugal haven't been anywhere near their class a while ago, and aren't as entertaining nowadays as they once were (though Holland-Portugal was a nice game, but for other reasons than entertaining playing-style), so I'm putting LES BLEUS as my favorite tonight.

[Quid]

And yes, I'm bitter too... :wink:


Mate, you're very bitter!

Quid

[English assassin]

My ultimate fantasy of prying the World Cup from the cold dead hands of a defeated, ruined, devastated Germany, in Berlin, is now forever shattered. :wall:

Join the club mate. However, France now has diving cheating Portugal to dispose of, and then I will actually be in France on Sunday, so, and may god (who, as we all know, is English) forgive me for saying it, Allez les Bleus! :france:

How Italy can be in the final after their performances against Australia and the USA I do not know, still, "that's football". Bad luck Germany.

[naut]

LegioXXXUlpiaVictrix, I agree with you! Finally someone you thinks along the same lines as me!!! :balloon3:

So I'll have to suffice with a hearty:


Allez les Blues

[Fragony]

Join the club mate. However, France now has diving cheating Portugal to dispose of, and then I will actually be in France on Sunday, so, and may god (who, as we all know, is English) forgive me for saying it, Allez les Bleus! :france:

And I hope they will! A final between these two referee-manipulating anti-football teams would be the most unexiting thing ever.

Allez les Bleus, france=class.

[Mount Suribachi]

Great game last night - tremendous pace and intensity to it, no play-acting, played in a tremendous spirit, and a dramatic finish. Congrats to the Italians for coming out and going against the national stereotype, I hope they do the same in the final.

Whats this about Ribery? He's had an excellent tournament, reminds me of a young Freddie Ljunberg.

[Dutch_guy]

I cannot lie and say that I didn't scream the two goals of the "tanos" against Germany, and also say that Germany didn't diserve the cup... But talking about bad refering, what the hell was that free kick near the area of the italians in the second half? If it was foul (wich wasn't) it should have been penalty... again, politics anyone? The refering was aweful in general and it escalates as we reach the final...

Oh well, it must be me but I didn't find the refing awful at all ! And I didn't find the Italians to dive after every foul as well, which for them is pretty exceptional.

And yes you're right, if you decide it's a foul, then it had to be a penalty - as it was in the penalty box. But, as it wasn't a foul, I'm glad he didn't call it.


They're cheaters and if the ref had done his job they should have had around 10 yellow cards by half time for all their diving, instead the opponents gets 2 yellow cards and 10 free kicks against him... I thought Brazil with it's disgraceful diving being out of the tournament was enough, but then I find the Italians doing the same thing still being left, and going all the way to the finals. They should have been kicked out already in the second round against Australia. I think Italy and Brazil are both a disgrace to the sport, and this year I'd say the Italians have been the worst.

Wow Legio, calm down mate ! I don't know If we watched the same match, I'm getting the impression we haven't. The ref. knew what he was doing and since the Germans made more fouls, he gave the Italians more free kicks, no conspiracy at work here. Now I agree the Italians knocked out Australia with a lot of help from the ref. and that was also the reason I was rooting for the Germans yesterday...however that doesn't take away the fact that the Italians were better yesterday. It was Pirlo that dominated the midfield, not Ballack. The Italians, albeit scoring very late, took risks and that paid off.

This was no lucky win, they were better. Not by much, but better still.

Oh well, Looking forward to France kicking Portugal out of the tournament.

:balloon2:

[DukeofSerbia]

Italy deserved to win
They didn't deserve to win the 2nd round game against Australia, so any victory they get after that, whether tactically deserved or not, is IMO a disgrace to the sport.



I agree that Italy deserved to go into final. Last night referee was slightly on German side.

Tradition is not broken.

Italy played in WC final 1970, 12 years later they won (1982), again 12 years later they played in final (1994) and now Italy will win again according to this tradition.:book:

And one more tradition is not broken.

Germany (I count former West Germany, too) never beat Italy in WC games. So far, Italy won twice and two games were draw.

German tradition is broken.

Germany is defeted first time in history in Westfallen stadium in Dortmund! So far, they have only one draw, and everything else were wins.

[Fragony]

I still think Serbia was the best.

[DukeofSerbia]

:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:

We are the last 32th team on tournament. :2thumbsup:

[Fragony]

:laugh4: :laugh4: :laugh4:

We are the last 32th team on tournament. :2thumbsup:

I know, I said it just to annoy you, am I not a little rascall ~;)

[Husar]

I couldn´t see much of the game yesterday as my TV Card made a dia-show out of it...:wall:

But I agree with Legio that Italy should not have won against Australia that easily. Yesterday I really wanted Germany to win, but had it been Germany vs Australia, I´d probably have been on the side of Australia.

Now I hope the French will survive the Portuguese nastyness and we will gladly give them the Cup after beating Italy 5:0 or so.:2thumbsup:

And Louis, did you really want your team to act like most of the Portuguese(yeah, most, their goalkeeper is great) in your dreams? ~;)

[Fragony]

Germany doesn't seem to take the loss very well, lots of nasty incidents against italians...... this is a bit dissapointing :no:

[Husar]

I scored 12 Italians today, another dozen yesterday, got them on the way home...:2thumbsup: :oops:

Now seriously, I didn´t hear or read of any incident so far and beating people up about such a thing is just inane. This is one reason I´m not that proud about our nation winning a soccer championship, it´s not really my work, it´s the work of those players. If I say bad things about the Portuguese players, that is only about those players, I have nothing against the Portuguese people. apparently, some (drunk?) people can´t really get that into their minds.:no:

[doc_bean]

I thought the ref was pretty good. He didn't blow his little whistle every time someone took a dive, The game had tremendous pace because of this. This is vastly different from all previous games. he also didn't give yellow cards for 'minor' mishaps that FIFA apparently insisted on, like kicking the ball after the whistle was blown. While he didn't call everthing correctly (that free kick was very strange) I thought we got a good match out of it.

Italy deserved the win, if Germany had won they would have deserved it too. Both teams played very well.

[English assassin]

Oh No. Its just occured to me that France already won the six nations. Now they will win the world cup too (with any luck) .

Thank god they don't play cricket.

[Big_John]

I thought the ref was pretty good. He didn't blow his little whistle every time someone took a dive, The game had tremendous pace because of this. This is vastly different from all previous games. he also didn't give yellow cards for 'minor' mishaps that FIFA apparently insisted on, like kicking the ball after the whistle was blown. While he didn't call everthing correctly (that free kick was very strange) I thought we got a good match out of it.

Italy deserved the win, if Germany had won they would have deserved it too. Both teams played very well.spoken like a true cutie quake champion.

[Quid]

Yes, lucky you. What is it with England and alleged English sports...?

Quid


Oh No. Its just occured to me that France already won the six nations. Now they will win the world cup too (with any luck) .

Thank god they don't play cricket.

[Ronin]

Portugal:

My new arch-enemies. :skull:

They couldn't resist making a fool of Ribéry. Yes he doesn't speak English, he's a kid from the banlieues, eh? And yes he's ugly, he was involved in a nasty car accident when he was a small boy. And no for a moment he didn't remember who Scolari was, he's a shy 23-year old put in front of the spotlights when giving a press-conference to the international press.

The guy comes from the most unfortunate of social and personal backgrounds, yet dragged himself out of it. More than that, he's a great character, more polite and kind than anybody could expect for a person of his circumstances.

And then they have the nerve to call him an idiot. :furious3: :furious3: :furious3:

I hope Ribéry scores six goals against them.


what the hell are you going on about?

I watched the portuguese press conference and nothing of the sort was said.....were exactly did you see or read this?

P.S.-Just to point out that the "great character, more polite and kind than anybody " fellow kicked ronaldo when he was already on the ground during a play in the France-Brazil game.....and should have seen a red card....none of those guys in there are angels.....let´s not kid ourselfs.

[Craterus]

:italy: :italy: :italy:

I've backed them from the start and although they may not deserve to be there, they are! ~D

Great game last night too! :2thumbsup:

Hoping for an Italy - France final.

:italy: :italy: :italy:

[Fragony]

P.S.-Just to point out that the "great character, more polite and kind than anybody " fellow kicked ronaldo when he was already on the ground during a play in the France-Brazil game.....and should have seen a red card....none of those guys in there are angels.....let´s not kid ourselfs.

Oh common, if there is anything positive to say about portugese sportmanship it would be my inner wish for the ladies to lay theirselves down just as easily after a mild pet on the head. The portugese have talent no doubt, I suggest running for the WC-oscars next time, anti-football at it's worst I say.

[Avicenna]

:sunny: VIVA ITALIA! :sunny:

May the flying spaghetti monster be with you.

:bow:

WOO! :medievalcheers:

Go go pasta cookers!

[Louis VI the Fat]

were exactly did you see or read this?This (http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,AA1228687-5202,00.html) is the polite Portuguese press. This is the unpolite Portuguese press calling him a 'French idiot':

https://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9144/clipimage0013xn.jpg


P.S.-Just to point out that the "great character, more polite and kind than anybody " fellow kicked ronaldo when he was already on the ground during a play in the France-Brazil game.He didn't kick Ronaldo when he was down, he simply couldn't evade that massive whale. :sweatdrop:

[scotchedpommes]

He didn't kick Ronaldo when he was down, he simply couldn't evade that massive whale. :sweatdrop:

Wasn't it Roberto Carlos he kicked in the derriere? I found that quite amusing.
One serious point though: Zidane must not get a yellow card tonight.

[Ser Clegane]

Germany doesn't seem to take the loss very well, lots of nasty incidents against italians...... this is a bit dissapointing

Could you be a bit more specific? I did not notice anything in the news here so far - so I have the feeling that "lots of nasty incidents" might be a bit over the top (although considering the large number of Italians in Germany, I do not doubt that there were individual incidents caused by German "fans")

[Ronin]

This (http://globoesporte.globo.com/ESP/Noticia/0,,AA1228687-5202,00.html) is the polite Portuguese press. This is the unpolite Portuguese press calling him a 'French idiot':

https://img198.imageshack.us/img198/9144/clipimage0013xn.jpg

He didn't kick Ronaldo when he was down, he simply couldn't evade that massive whale. :sweatdrop:


first.....the site that you provided a link for is not of a portuguese newspaper....It´s of a BRAZILIAN one...learn the diference....also, I don´t recognize the newspaper clipping....it´s not the cover of any main portuguese newspaper.....so I see 2 possibilities here:

1- It´s taken from some Brazilian newspaper.....I always tough that the editorial quality over there was kind of shady.

2- If it´s from a portuguese newspaper it´s some sort of tabloid....there are 3 big sports newspapers over here and none of them printed such crap.....if it was a tabloid...well....we all know how they represent "quality journalism" :wall:


-BS he didn´t kick the man.....he lifted his foot and stuck the spikes of his book straight into the brazilian guy´s backside.....that´s an agression were I come from....and you get a red card from it...


not that it makes any diference.....the french got us beat today almost without any doubt.:skull:

[LeftEyeNine]

So, anybody placed some bet regarding my predictions ? If so, happy spending.. :smoking:

I can't hear you..Whaddaya say ?

ITALIA ITALIA ITALIA !!!

[Dutch_guy]

So, anybody placed some bet regarding my predictions ? If so, happy spending..

I lost a lot of money thank you !

:laugh:

:balloon2:

[Zalmoxis]

Nice penalty goal vs Portugal. Still could turn.

[scotchedpommes]

Hear the crowd when Cristiano Ronaldo gets the ball. And they cheer him when
he dives. Excellent.

France need to get another goal in the second half, Portugal have been moving
foward more, though fortunately relying on dramatics.

[A.Saturnus]

Congratulations to Italy for their victory. Well played. Now I hope France guts them like fish in the final...