Printable View
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by LegioXXXUlpiaVictrix
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Peasant
Ah well, GO DEUSTCHLAND:2thumbsup:
I for one, and I'm sure the English 'll agree, hope that too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rythmic
:balloon2:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rythmic
Come on Portugal!!! :duel:
You all still think France or Germany will win that trophy, huh ?
I'll be well proven 9th of July. :smoking:
:italy:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by King_Of_Portugal_2
But all is fair in love and war :wall:
:sunny: VIVA ITALIA! :sunny:
May the flying spaghetti monster be with you.
:bow:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiberius
:listen:...... :stupido2:
And, isn't it "Vive la France"?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
An honorable effort, but no.Quote:
Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika
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 !Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
But you're right, Portugal really is our Angstgegner...
:balloon2:
I 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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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..Quote:
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.
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:
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.]
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. ~;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Peasant
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.
What??? do you really believe that? like Dutch Guy said, you only beat usQuote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
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.Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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.
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.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
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...
I kinda agree, though I think that:Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
ok Louis I'm going to quote you on the following:
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.Quote:
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.
yes true, but that wink Ronaldo gave wasn't the best example of sportmanship now was it ?Quote:
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.
What did he think, that it would go un noticed ?
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...)Quote:
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.
Just so you know, we'll be rooting for you guys.Quote:
Already knows I'll come to regret this post wednesday night after France-Portugal
:balloon2:
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...Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
Thanks Louis for the spelling lesson.
Vive la France!
Did it make the Scottish team any less awful?Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke Malcolm
Oh, and before anyone says anything about the Welsh team, most of my family are English.
Is there any need for a comment like that?Quote:
Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax
Absolutely :2thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika
Well, Argentina's out so the guy to win is whoever beats Germany. Good luck.
I am just bitter :embarassed:Quote:
Originally Posted by King_Of_Portugal_2
I thought this was The Kingdom of Peace and Love. ~:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax
What are you talking about, the Welsh team is teh awesome! :balloon3:Quote:
Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax
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."Quote:
Originally Posted by Duke Malcolm
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.
This is so true. You can tell because he grunts when he whacks his balls......:sweatdrop:Quote:
Oh, BTW Andy Murray isn't British, he's Scottish. You are welcome to him. And he plays a girls game anyway.
I cried myself to sleep on saturday night. That's all I have to say...
Must you attempt to stir things up when his comments could have been soQuote:
Originally Posted by English assassin
easily ignored? Is it too much to expect better of you? Tiresome when this
descends into pointless bashing.
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.
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.
You're in good company, with the Scots. :laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
The only bitterness seemed to be coming from elsewhere. Sadly senior members.Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Peasant
Scots play football ?? WHEN ?? WHERE ?? HOW ?? ON FEET ?? ~:eek:
C'mon people, lighten up. It's just football. And we pwn you all anyway MUAHAAAHHAAAA :laugh4:
All together now!Quote:
Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika
Don't cry for me Bonny Scotland!
:laugh4:
:inquisitive:Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Peasant
Interesting mix.
I'm sure EA didn't mean it in a bad way at all, just some basic rivalry between football nations.Quote:
Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika
We Dutchmen always like to tease out Belgian friends about their football performances too, all well meant I assure you.
:balloon2:
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
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.
Hm. There was a win against Spain on penalties, at home. Although perhaps you can't draw
any positives from that.
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:
That is some prime ****-****!!!
They should not be allowed to do that!
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, ~;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ianofsmeg16
No, but seriously they deserve to lose after what they did in the Australia game, USA game and now this.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch_guy
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
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by Rythmic
Quid
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.Quote:
I'm sure EA didn't mean it in a bad way at all, just some basic rivalry between football nations.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Quid
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...
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:
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...
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..
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:
odonkur might make the difference when he comes in.. everyone looks a tad slow and deliberate out there..
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.
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.
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*
2-0 Italy
Germany didn´t really deserve to lose by 2 goals tough.
Those were awesome goals though.
wow. great game. what can you say? best goal of the cup? edit: grosso's, i mean.
:book:Quote:
Originally Posted by Big_John
:bigcry:
Congrats to Italy ... very good match and considering the extra time a deserved victory
:bow:
Two great goals. Bravo Italy !
The German and Italian teams both played very well, great game !:2thumbsup:
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:
And the goals were like two minutes apart! So damn close to penalties.
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
Wonderfull match, should have been the final...
That second goal was set up beautifully, with a great finish by del Piero, nicely done.
:balloon2:
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.
" ...absence of diving"?Quote:
Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax
Do you mean guys faking injuries to try to force a penalty on the other team?
Yes, the matches up to this point have been rife with it.
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
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:
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.]
Don't like Italy and never will!
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by Quid
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: