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Ahhhhhh worldcup! I don't think the Dutch team will get very far, but it is a great worldcup for dutch football as a product. Of the 32 participants 4 have a dutch coach ~:cheers:
I will be hoping for what I always hope, a finale between Holland and Brazil.
.
*another old fart plug*
Gullit, Rijkaard and Van Basten were youngter players when I used to watch the world cups.
.
Those three you just mentioned are true legends, with Basten scoring one of the best goals ever in a final against the USSR in the euro chapionships of 88 and not forgetting Rik spitting in Voller's perm at Italia '90. Totally disgusting but for some reason extremely funny, for me anyway!
I remember Van Basten scoring for Ajax with a full volley.. One of the most memorable moments of soccer history..
Well.. Then he just stood up and jumped like a junior school student to celebrate it.. I think I'd run out of the stadium and take a marathon tour around the city if I'd score such a tremendous goal.. Time has changed ~:)
Kind of sad Turkey isn't playing, although the reaction on their defeat wasn't very chivalrous. Still a team that deserved to play the WC if you ask me, must be sour to win and lose at the same time.Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftEyeNine
I still remember that, too. Disgusting. After that I could never see him without remebering that scene. I never liked him afterwards.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Blind King of Bohemia
I just recently learned that I will actually be in Germany during the entire World Cup! Tickets are out of the question, but at least I can party in a country that apreciates soccer.
The draws been made!!!!!!!!
http://www.worldfootballnetwork.co.uk/
:knight: ~:joker:
that was great, thanks for sharing !
( on a side note.. I do hope germany draws an unbeatable group ~:joker: )
:balloon2:
~;) ~:cheers:
Good fun, and quite flattering, really, from my perspective. I mean that final draw to complete that group of death for Germany...
Oh, I do so hope to play the Germans and hammer them 4-0 on their own turf..:knight:
I'm happy, would have loved Togo or Angola though. Groups C and E are the groups of death, especially C.
So how does this work? 2 teams from each group advance?
Yo, Quid!!!
Check out the draw! Looks like France's first three points are in the bag indeed! ~;pQuote:
Originally Posted by Louis IV the Fat
Togo, Korea and Switzerland are ok teams, and I wouldn't underestimate any of them. But the draw could gone far, far worse for France. ~:)
Group C is definately the traditional Group of Death.
Yep.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro
Usa Usa Usa
Hmm looks like we haven't had any luck with our group...the only easy game we have is against Bosnia H.
Let's hope we don't get knocked out in the first round...that would be humiliating ...
:balloon2:
Oh this is gonna get painful... US is with Italy and the Czechs... that's going to be harsh :bounce: :netherlands:Quote:
Originally Posted by strike for the south
Do you really think the USA will have any chance with Italy AND the Czech Republic in their group? Dream off, SFTS...Quote:
Originally Posted by strike for the south
we shall fight you commie DONT TREAD ON MEQuote:
Originally Posted by TheSilverKnight
They're tiny, obviously their soccer teams can't be any good.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheSilverKnight
OMG, LMAO!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro
lol Sasaki Kojiro, that was brilliant.
As for England, I think we could of had a worse group - by far, but that doesnt mean we have the easiest of groups. Sweden will be incredibly tricky.
It's time for vengenace against the Netherlands....muhahahahahaha~D !!:devil:
Seriously if France doesn't pass the first round now, I don't know when...I mean it has a great team.
And this is to sweet to be real, there could be a final match, for the first time in history, of Argentina vs. Brasil...:jumping: of course if both qualify as first in their groups, but still... :jumping:
http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...lies/rofl2.gif http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...lies/rofl2.gif http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/...lies/rofl2.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro
Ahh, that was nice. Nice laugh.
Anyways, you Argentinians and your foul tactics will be pwnd this time >_<
Mmmmhmmm...I'm sure...*cough*Quote:
Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro
~D ~:joker: ~;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Sasaki Kojiro
Anyway, I wanna see the Dutch pwn the Argentinians again. lol
Things seem to be pretty easy for France, though.
*Goes back and waits to see the Czechs crushing the North Americans in about...7 months.* ~;p
We've been pwned last time if I remember correctly.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Wizard
And come on, we're not the only one using "foul" tactics, it's football for God's sake, a lot of mans in a relatively tiny camp with dangerous tennis, it's a formula for making "mistakes".~;)
It seems to be tradition that we're playing the French. In the last three draws we have had you now. European Cup, Qualifying, and now the World Cup. It's ok, though, we know we can win ~;). It's simple really, we need to beat Togo and South Korea and have a draw against France in order to be first or second in the group. All is possible. Germany, as usual, gets the 'easy' draw.Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis IV the Fat
Group C is a bummer...but will be very interesting to watch.
Quid
ah damn aussies are up with brazil... here's hoping for #2 in the group, then a win vs whoever wins in group E
A win against the winner of group E? Did you see the group? It's one of the heaviest...
Van Basten likes the draw Holland gots...
Think it will be though
group E only has Italy and Czechs to really worry about, the USA hardly can match the class of most WC teams, and Ghana is usually a wild card
Anybody seen in which group is Turkey seeded ?
:charge: :turkey:
Hey *ouch* that hurts AntiochusIII :san_sad:. I thought you were on my side.:san_laugh: :san_wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by AntiochusIII
Got this of another footy site ...
I'm not too sure myself about this, nevertheless it's an interesting proposition. :san_shocked:Quote:
have been claiming for a while now that FIFA rigs the qualification and the seeding to ensure that the "big countries" with money to spend and big TV audiences make it as far as possible. Now, it's apparent that the draw itself was fixed, and I don't know how anyone can deny that. I'm going to look through each group and expound upon how apparent the fix is.
GROUP A: FIFA has obviously gone into this World Cup with the intent of pushing hosts Germany as far as possible. We all remember some of the questionable decisions that put home team South Korea as far as they went in 2002, and it seems 2006 won't be very different. Germany probably did not deserve to be seeded in the first place. They did not have to slog through qualifcation, and their last tournament was a disgrace. They failed to manage a single win, scoring just two goals and even drawing 0-0 with 500 to 1 minnows Latvia. FIFA knows the lackluster hosts need a strong showing to keep tickets coming in. Unsurprisingly then, they have been dealt what I would consider the weakest qualification group. Germany only need to overcome Poland, Costa Rica, and Ecuador to move on. Hardly an epic task.
GROUP B: England had a bumpy road to qualification, but it seems FIFA have sought to ensure that it won't happen in Germany. While Sweden are a talented team and Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most dangerous players in the world, it seems unlikely that England would be unable to best Paraguay and future whipping boys Trinidad and Tobago. They've also dealt a rematch against Sweden, making for lots of "Swede vs. Swedes" headlines - yeah, that's a coincidence.
GROUP C: FIFA and UEFA sure don't seem to like Holland very much. They were in the "group of death" in EURO 2004 and got a tough qualification draw with the Czechs and Romania. Then they were not seeded, despite topping that group. They've been drawn in another tough group with Argentina, Serbia and Montenegro, and Ivory Coast. I think Argentina and Holland will still move on, but they will be weakened by tougher games than the other "favored" teams face.
GROUP D: The idea that Mexico would be seeded was about as foolish as the decision not to seed Portugal. Mexico are a poor team; Borgetti is the only one with any class. They only come to play football against tiny nations. If they think there is going to be an actual contest, they come to foul. There is no doubt they will be mugged by the Portugese, who steamrolled through qualification and led Europe (along with the Czechs) with 35 goals in the process. They were also EURO finalists. Of course, they also have only 10 million people, so FIFA did not seed them. However, FIFA has ensured Mexico is almost certain to go through by pairing them with Iran and Angola, ensuring Mexico's large population of 106,000,000 stays tuned.
GROUP E: This is the real group of death. Any one of these teams could go through. The Czechs were EURO semi-finalists and, if not for the loss of Pavel Nedved to injury, could have won it all. But FIFA hates them: their population is too small and too poor for them to make any TV money or ticket money. They got the group of death in EURO 2004 and a tough group with Holland to qualify. FIFA dislikes the US in a similar way: they don't think we'll watch the games on TV or pay for them in Germany. They've put those two talented teams against Italy and Ghana to try and make sure at least one will not go through, and that even if they do, they will be exhausted by the tough matches.
GROUP F: You could put Brazil in a group with Argentina, Holland, and Italy and they would still go through. FIFA have taken advantage of Brazil's talent to knock out Croatia, Australia, and Japan. They are all pretty good teams, and capable of causing an expensive upset. Now, two of them cannot do so.
GROUP G: FIFA doesn't want a repeat of 2002 when France was knocked out in the group stage, so they've given the fading 1998 champions a pretty easy go of it here. Togo doesn't have any experiece at this level, and without the friendly refereeing of 2002, Korea doesn't have much of a chance. France and Switzerland to go through with little trouble.
GROUP H: If you look at the teams who deserved seeding the least, you'd have to put Spain at the top of that list. They had a miserable EURO, failing to get past the group stages. Their qualifaction was pathetic as well. Despite being drawn in a suspiciously easy group, they still failed to come out on top, and only squeaked into the finals through the playoffs. Big surprise then that FIFA has sought to make sure they progress by putting them against Saudi Arabia, whose last World Cup appearance was marked by conceding 8 goals against Germany, and Tunisia. I have little doubt Ukraine will beat them and top the group, but it would take a miracle for Spain to go out in the group stages again.
In conclusion, I think EURO 2004 scared the crap out of FIFA and UEFA. By the semi-finals, the biggest, richest, and most populous nations were gone, and small, poor Greece won it all. When you look at the draw here, it's hard to see that happening again. And it's hard to see these groups which so perfectly fit FIFA's aims coming about by accident.
The top match of the first round - Argentina vs Holland will be here in Frankfurt ... and I didn't get any tickets :bigcry:
funny article, even find myself agreeing with him sometimes. though some of his arguments are very far fetched.
:balloon2:
I'm English and cant wait for the Sweden game. It will be the last game of the group, winner will most likely play Poland and the loser will have the much harder tasks of taking on the hosts. Should be a great game of football and England in my opinion will just have the edge.
Also T&T should be a fun match, I read in the Telegraph we've never played them before and I dont believe I have seen them play either. I've heard most play in England.
PS. My first post in the Tavern :D
:san_tongue: I'm a rabid Ajax supporter, so...Quote:
Originally Posted by Soulforged
Even though I'm not Dutch! :san_laugh:
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Article Above
Quote:
The Czechs
Quote:
the US
Quote:
They've put those two talented teams against
Funny. US more talented than Italy? Since when?Quote:
Italy
:P
I think this guy has a gripe with FIFA. Perhaps he's right or perhaps he isn't.
Oh still pissed of because our prince stole the only decent looking woman in Argentina huh :san_grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by Soulforged
great matches ahead, we dutchies got a hard group but it will be fun!
:netherlands: :netherlands: :netherlands:
Go Oranges GO GO !! HAIL TO THE TRICKIEST FEET OF EUROPE !! HOLAAAAAAA !!!!
:netherlands: :netherlands: :netherlands:
I don't think we will get very far, our current team is not of the same quality as Argentina. I would be VERY happy if we won, but prospects are grim; we have some nice new meat but the world championship is out of our lague for now, especially considering that damned C! If we don't make it, I hope the Czech Republic will. I have fond memories of the last Holland vs Czech dual, best match of the championship if you ask me.Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftEyeNine
But thx for your support :)
I like to think more Cumquat than Satsuma or Tangerine...
Go Cumquats Go!!! has a certain ring to it, don't ya think? :san_laugh:
I would say it's mostly paranoia - the guy who wrote this probably could have explained how the draw has been fixed with any combination of teams.Quote:
Originally Posted by InsaneApache
You can certainly argue about the motivation to seed certain teams ... but the rest is nothing more than a rant...
You severly underestimate, have you seen Argentina play recently? Against England they were nothing special, and from what i've heard van basten has got the Dutch playing as a team, he's got somer good youth in there but also people like Nistelrooy to add experience. Holland for the semi finals at least I say.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
World Cup Predictor...
enjoy...
clicky
Ugh, the US got put in a brutal group. Plus, if we manage to qualify for the next round but only finish second in the group, we will get to face, most likely, Brazil. Not good.
England appears to have an early cakewalk, so I guess I can revel in their success. Ahh, England: the last refuge of American soccer fans.
I had high hopes for the US this time (not championship hopes- I am a realist), but the draw is just too harsh.
Who will win the cup? I'd love to see opinions.
"Kickius Buttius" lmao
I'm sure FIFA doesn't rig the seedings:
Holland and Argentina have a lot of fans around the world. I don't see why FIFA would want to put them in a difficult group unless they want to see some exciting games.Quote:
...GROUP C: FIFA and UEFA sure don't seem to like Holland very much. They were in the "group of death" in EURO 2004 and got a tough qualification draw with the Czechs and Romania. Then they were not seeded, despite topping that group. They've been drawn in another tough group with Argentina, Serbia and Montenegro, and Ivory Coast. I think Argentina and Holland will still move on, but they will be weakened by tougher games than the other "favored" teams face...
Anyone who has watched Iran play knows that Iran is difficult to beat. Iran has a lot of great players including AFC Player of the year Ali Karimi. Iran's Mehdi Mahdavika and Hashemian are impressive midfielders. I consider Iran as the Brazil of Asia.Quote:
...GROUP D: The idea that Mexico would be seeded was about as foolish as the decision not to seed Portugal. Mexico are a poor team; Borgetti is the only one with any class. They only come to play football against tiny nations. If they think there is going to be an actual contest, they come to foul. There is no doubt they will be mugged by the Portugese, who steamrolled through qualification and led Europe (along with the Czechs) with 35 goals in the process. They were also EURO finalists. Of course, they also have only 10 million people, so FIFA did not seed them. However, FIFA has ensured Mexico is almost certain to go through by pairing them with Iran and Angola, ensuring Mexico's large population of 106,000,000 stays tuned...
Japan has a huge population who love football. You can tell if you watched their fans during the 2002 World Cup. If FIFA rigs the seedings, then wouldn't they want to put Japan in an easier group?Quote:
...GROUP F: You could put Brazil in a group with Argentina, Holland, and Italy and they would still go through. FIFA have taken advantage of Brazil's talent to knock out Croatia, Australia, and Japan. They are all pretty good teams, and capable of causing an expensive upset. Now, two of them cannot do so...
I wouldn't underestimate Togo. One of their players, Adebayor, made the most goals in the African qualifying. Plus, they have Nigerian players.Quote:
...GROUP G: FIFA doesn't want a repeat of 2002 when France was knocked out in the group stage, so they've given the fading 1998 champions a pretty easy go of it here. Togo doesn't have any experiece at this level, and without the friendly refereeing of 2002, Korea doesn't have much of a chance. France and Switzerland to go through with little trouble...
South Korea seems to be doing better after they replaced their coach. They tied with Sweden, and beat Serbia and Montenegro. I don't know how Korea will do in an away game, though. The funny thing about this group is that all of the four teams are happy with the group and they think they could qualify to the next round.
Today's Saudi Arabian team is very different from the Saudi Arabian team of 2002. They beat South Korea twice in the qualifying. I think they'll make an impressive show like they did in the USA World Cup.Quote:
...GROUP H: If you look at the teams who deserved seeding the least, you'd have to put Spain at the top of that list. They had a miserable EURO, failing to get past the group stages. Their qualifaction was pathetic as well. Despite being drawn in a suspiciously easy group, they still failed to come out on top, and only squeaked into the finals through the playoffs. Big surprise then that FIFA has sought to make sure they progress by putting them against Saudi Arabia, whose last World Cup appearance was marked by conceding 8 goals against Germany, and Tunisia. I have little doubt Ukraine will beat them and top the group, but it would take a miracle for Spain to go out in the group stages again...
Well essencially because Holland is not a header and it's by raffle.Quote:
Originally Posted by HunkinElvis
Nah...Mejor que siempre viejo!!!:san_laugh: It will be nice match, but Argentina has the advantage of replacement...well Holland has the advantage of terrain, proximity, eviorament and....maybe...just maybe of the referees:san_laugh: Oops I didn't say anything.:san_lipsrsealed:Quote:
You severly underestimate, have you seen Argentina play recently? Against England they were nothing special
I know. I was responding to an article that Insane Apache found. It claimed that FIFA rigs the seedings, and I was posting reasons for disagreeing with it. :san_wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by Soulforged
I just did that BBC predicter thing and Brazil won, Czech Republic 2nd and Holland 3rd. One thing thats interesting is Argentina won my group C ahead of Dutch because I gave them the same results as Dutch, not deliberatly and so 'lots' were supposedly drawn, Argentina won. Now, that gave the Argies a pretty easy run putting them against Mexico, Germany then they're in semis and i knocked them out them agsinst Czechs...but anything can happen in the semi. Also I think that the way the teams line up, we can beat Argentina but not Holland, so group in C its vital the dutch win it if not England will go out to them in the quaters most likely.
Try using Winning Eleven to predict the games. :san_cheesy:
:unitedstates:USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates::unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates: :unitedstates:
World CUP...not SERIES the only 'Worldthingymajig' you yanks are stitched on to win everyyear.Quote:
Originally Posted by strike for the south
:san_laugh:
the canadians could win...Quote:
Originally Posted by InsaneApache
but you forget one thingQuote:
Originally Posted by InsaneApache
AMERICA=Bastion of freedom=winners (becuase were americans we win at everything its in our contract)
Everyone else= Communists (people ment to serve us)
So inso facto America wins:san_laugh:
SFTS, I'm seconding that I adore your way of perception. You're my man ~:cheers:
And the World Cup is there just to keep the Communists happy. :san_wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by strike for the south
Let's keep our nasty nationalism and pugilistic politics under our ugly little hats, shall we?
Or else!
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...ilding_axe.jpg
Ugh, please no politics. Let's just talk soccer (or football as the rest of the world calls it).
Soccer...pleh...it is Football...American Football is just that 'American Football', besides British football makes much more sense, I mean how much use of the feet do superbowl champs actually do?:san_laugh:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kickius Buttius
You call it 'soccer' and you expect no politics??? 'Football' in the name of everything that is holy, it's f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l capice?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kickius Buttius
How about a little cultural understanding, gentlemen? I understand you call it football, but I grew up with a life dominated by a wholly different game called by that name.
Besides, does it really matter what we call it?
Geez, it's hard enough being an American "football" fan without being attacked by the rest of the world for terminology. You have no idea the blank looks a mention of the World Cup garners here in America (Oh, are they doing that thing again?).
We're probably a few world cups away from being a serious threat, which I suppose is a good thing, since it would no doubt cause great consternation if a country which barely cares were to win the sports championship valued most by the rest of the world.
I'll try to remember to call the sport "football" here, but I might need a little leeway for the slip-ups....
I was not serious mate, apoligies if I made it appear that way :)
No problem. No harm done.
What's your country of choice in the Cup?
Well being dutch, Holland. But I think Brazil has the best chance of winning. I also always love to see the Czech Republic and England play, anything that isn't Italy really :san_grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kickius Buttius
I was joking with you, seriously just having a laugh is all. I mean I'm sorry but it is not like a was posting 'wtf r u on, its football not soccer u weirdo' is it? I honestly thought I was posting in a sarcastic tone but it's pretty difficult to be sarcastic with just words ya know?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kickius Buttius
Apologies for any offence you may have taken, I guess I just will not attempt, sarcasm on here in the future, waaaay to difficult :san_cool:
No ....it's a GOAL!!!...footy footy...
England
(I know it's an old 'un...but it's the World Cup :san_smiley:)
Lets keep the politics aside boys and lets all just agree that England will win it by beating Brazil 3-0 in the final:san_grin:
Well that easily beats forever being just a penalty-shootout away from being a serious contender as in the case of England. :san_grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kickius Buttius
And there is no such thing as a little cultural understanding in (association) football, you yanks just don't get it, do you? We, America's cultural superiors, all understand that you're suppossed to shout insults, spit at and kick at each other before and during proper football matches.
That way, we can be all nice and happy in real life. :grin3:
I really couldn't care who wins the World Cup next summer. All I'm asking for from God is to see the Germans suffer horribly.Quote:
What's your country of choice in the Cup?
*Louis, not at all managing to keep nasty nationalism and pugilistic politics under his ugly little hat, tries to slipp off before Beirut returns...:creep: *
I just couldn't possibly comment on this.....:san_shocked: :san_laugh:Quote:
I really couldn't care who wins the World Cup next summer. All I'm asking for from God is to see the Germans suffer horribly.
Something to keep you lot busy whilst we await the main event..enjoy chaps..
this is "FOOTBALL":san_laugh:
It seems someone hasn't fully digested some semifinal losses yet :san_grin:Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis IV the Fat
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ser Clegane
Who the bloody hell invented penalty shoot outs anyway??? I bet it was a German.Quote:
Well that easily beats forever being just a penalty-shootout away from being a serious contender as in the case of England.
If we lose to Germany on penalties again I think I will eat my own head.
English Assassin is a Hydra !
And if he's a Hydra, England may see the semi-finals! ~D
What..like France did in 1998 when Brazil's previous match wore them down so much when they played against the Netherlands? :san_wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by The Blind King of Bohemia
penalties have been out worst fear for ages...so it has to be a german who invented it ~pQuote:
Originally Posted by English assassin
Our penalty fear suddenly vanished when we beat Sweden in the EC after playing 0-0 in regular play time.
:balloon2:
As penalties are our doom, I agree :san_angry:Quote:
Originally Posted by English assassin
//struggles to avoid politics
Of course if the Dutch and the English have to go to penalties against whoever it is, the chances are we will both go out, as when it comes to penalties we both usually suck at it.
The dream scenario for moi would be to get Germany in the final and then beat them 5-4 on penalties for all those past agonies. Infact anyone would do as long as we win a shoot out:san_laugh:
The Dutch are not too bad on penalties anymore, wasnt is at the last euro they won a penalty shoot out???
After the Euro 2004 debacle, we (that is my mates in the pub) decided that the solution is for Sven to have some cards printed before the match with "top right" "top left" "bottom right" etc printed on them.
Then, when it comes to a shoot out, he picks his five men and hands them each a card at random. All they have to do is put the ball where the card says. It would remove all the mind games about which way is the keeper going etc which are, presumably, the only reason why incredibly well paid football players are suddenly incapable of putting the ball on target from a distance of 12 yards.
Who doesn't believe in miracles isn't a realist.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sovereign