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I agree, with both statements.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ser Clegane
The Czechs played solid, subtle and were on the attack a lot, which isn't their usual style of play. enjoyed to see them play, and am looking forward to their match against the Italians.
Only downside of todays match was that they should have scored a goal less, would have predicted it correctly if that were the case....Oh well...
:balloon2:
A-ye. They are not likely to miss their injured strikers Baros and Koller as long as Rosicky keeps up with his terrific form. Their defence is like a pile of mountains and midfield is very productive. Very well deserved.
SFTS, USA should have called up Freddy Adu no matter what age he was. There was not a team on the pitch indeed. (You 're still interested in football after this defeat, huh? ~:) )
Let's see how Italy will crush Ghana :2thumbsup: :italy: :2thumbsup:
I have to agree with you all - Czechs are best team so far. Notice they got 10 offsides or so? It's a clear indication of that they were using the effective near-offside long pass + breakaway attempt tactics. Looking at the tournament, this tactic was the way Costa Rica scored their 2 goals vs Germany, the way Robben and Pauleta scored their goals for Holland and Portugal respectively, and the way the Czechs scored 2 of their 3 goals. With the solid defenses used in football today that is the most effective way of scoring IMO. Notice that it also pushed back the USA defenders in a way that allowed Rosicky to get further forward for his long shot that gave the 2-0 goal. The last few games have clearly shown that the long pass and breakaway tactics is effective and that a slowly built up offensive seldom works well.
Finally, the Czechs also deserve credits for keeping up the offensive even after scoring 2-0 and also to some extent after 3-0, so it was entertaining to watch until the end of the game. My prediction of Czechs vs Brazil in the finals might not have been way off after all...
Additionally, Czechs have a weak point: They lack quality bench. Yes I said that their midfielders will be compensating the strikers' absence, however a better set of substitutes are essential if they are to move to the final two.
Good point, Koller's injury today might be problematic... How long is it until Baros can play?
The point you make is valid LEN, put I didn't get the impression they needed their bench players, and I don't think they'll need them against Ghana and if lucky not even against Italy too.
The resting periods are fairly large, 5 days, so I'd say that's about enough time to get ready for the next match.
However, it is a good point, and may prove to be their doom as the tournament progresses.
PS: Barros I don't know, But Koller is out for approximately 4 - 6 weeks.
:balloon2:
Something tells me I shouldn't bother watching the game when I get home. Were the Czechs just really good, or did the US play like it was 1998? :no:
drone, really, don't bother.. :shame:
D'oh!Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftEyeNine
I'll probably watch it anyways, just to see the impressive Czech performance. Got to have pain, to make glory taste even sweeter when it happens...
HAHAHAHA!
Italy - 1 (what a goal)
Ghana - 0
We'll see how this pans out.
:jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping:
Oh and P.S: HAHA AMERICA YOU LOST 3-0!
Yea, i just saw them score, it was pretty sweet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon
Yea, the U.S. got kicked, but they started out slow and gave up an early goal. It wasnt so much the czechs won the game, it was the U.S. who lost the game. Hopefully this will wake them up and get them going.
The US were a real dissapointment. What were they doing passing the ball round the back and keeping possession when they were 2 down?
2-0
:jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping:
I won't celebrate for Italy, and I have to disagree with the the suggestion that
the Czechs are the best side so far - as much as it pains me, I think from what
we've seen, Argentina still looks to be the best side.
I disagree, many of those offsides occurred later on when they were playing long balls, yes, but they were aimed at Koller's replacement, their big man Lokvenc who was there to hold up the ball and pass it on, not to break quickly. It was actually due to his bad positioning much of the time that he kept being caught offside.Quote:
Originally Posted by LegioXXXUlpiaVictrix
As for the Italy-Ghana match, Ghana looked like a fast, powerful team but were unfortunately let down by a bit of defensive naivety. I was impressed how they really went at the Italians, and I feel the game could still have gone either way until Italy got the second goal late on.
:laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon
What a shame Koller is out for the rest of the tournament. The Czechs are awesome, and just as two years ago in Portugal, the most exciting team to watch.
They have taken over the spot traditionally occupied by Holland: a gathering of amazingly gifted players playing a thrilling game of attacking football.
The US had no chance. Italy will prove to be too strong too.
There should really be a pan-American cup. The way it is now, Mexico and the US only ever get tested against each other. They should play the likes of Argentina, Chili, or Uruguay on a regular basis if they ever want to really improve their game.
QUID!
Sleep well tonight - for you won't be able to get any tomorrow after the right good spanking we're gonna give Switzerland. :charge:
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Seems he might not be, according to recent news.Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
As for France, isn't Coupet your first choice keeper now?
Seems he might not be, according to recent news.
:2thumbsup:
As for France, isn't Coupet your first choice keeper now?
Only in my dreams.~:mecry:
He played most of the qualifying matches. Barthez was ruled out for a long time after a spitting incident. But Domenech cowardly has decided to rely on his old guard for this world cup again. You know, the ones that did not manage to score even a single goal four years ago because they were too tired and too old. :wall:
The French squad is good, the talent is there. But something doesn't feel right. There is too much friction, and too much denial there is any. If they don't manage too perform well, I think there might be a massive revolt in the team. Between Zidane and Henry, Coupet and Domenech, Domenech and Trezeguet, the old guard and the new players. The whole thing looks set too collapse.
Really, if the Swiss get at France the way they can, the tournament could be over for France within twenty minutes. :skull:
Then again, a good ol' thrashing of our Alpine brethren may be just the ticket.
It has been in projects. But 1) They play a different kind of elimination, like the one in Europe. 2) Many of them, powerful nations, specially USA, would not qualify. 3) America is big, very big, in comparission to Europe, and it's not a matter of team quantity, but a matter of organization. For intance travel times would be great, the same with the changes on envioraments and climatic conditions. 4) It's hard to break traditions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
Anyway, great games, I didn't see any since Argentina vs IC, until the one with Italy today so I cannot say much about them. However the result on USA vs CR did surprised me, I knew US will lose but 3-0... One more reason to fear CR, though they lost Koller, they got Varos (it's with "V" right, I don't want to spell it wrong), it would be interesting to see CR advance to quarters.
Go Germany!!!!!!!! Im amazingly dissapointed but I watched every single match. Even Aus-Jap at 8 in the morning which was the best soccer game Ive ever seen. I hope Brazil gets knocked out. Can anyone tell me about the Dutch? The guy who scored the goal Robben is he a little diva or something?
I thought I knew you and you say something like this...Quote:
Originally Posted by Strike For The South
...and totally redeem yourself!
I'm a 100% German backer. Then comes Italy for me. I could care less if the USA lost to the Czech's 3-0. Hell, if it were 6-0 I'd be happy.:laugh4:
Every time the team I like scores (which today was Aussies Usa and Italy) I take off my shirt run round my house yelling GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL
Im wearing a mexico jersey right now vhehe
Highlights of the second half of the Australia match with
over-enthusiastic Arabic commentary. [I like.]
Well I will not say anything about the Mexico jersey (ick), but let me tell you. I was home alone today and whenever Italy missed a shot or got a goal I went crazy. My throat hurts pretty badly right now. When Italy got the second goal the trashmen were outside getting the trash and they waited there for like 2-3 minutes after they heard me screaming. I looked out the window and two of 'em were looking at my house.:laugh4:Quote:
Originally Posted by Strike For The South
Now let's hope they weren't looking at my house for any other reasons...:embarassed:
Czech team annihilated USA which was to be expected, who can stop these guys? The most interesting match was Italy vs Ghana to me, great defence vs the armour piercing spear Ghana.
Robben is extremily talented, but he is only one of our great players. We have a pretty good team this time, I think only the Czech Republic and Brazil can beat us, but they will have to work.Quote:
Originally Posted by Strike For The South
ps, an american with world-cup fever??? excellent!!
Robben is a good player but he suffers from a disease, medically known as Nevercus Passecus Evercus. His greed really gets to me, the worst thing as that when he shoots he makes out that he came close.
I have no doubt holland and argentina will top the group, serbia and IC are good teams but don't have that extra bit of talent to see them beat the other teams. IC like Ghana and the other african teams have a good work rate but are not organised and couldn't score in a brothel
Nice analogy BKB:2thumbsup:
I'm american too and if you look at my posts, I've got fever coming out my ears. :2thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
Togo - 1 (awsome goal off the post)
Korea - 1 (awsome free kick)
Togo - 1
Korea - 2
What a goal for Korea. He takes a fabulous shot and the goalie had no chance.
:jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping:
I'm leaving to a friends house to watch the games, so you guys are lucky. No more obnoxious and excited posts from me for now. :-)
NO! Togo and Australia are semi-dutch teams now (both dutch trainers) and they should do well just because of that!
grrrrrrrrrrr.......... can't........watch.....me......jealous......
Fragony. South Korea --->>> Dick Advocaat ~;)
Has that Dutch assistent coach returned to Togo as the German coach has? As far as I've heard he hasn't.
I thought he went to Russia? So that means we have 4 dutch WC-teams, do we rock or do we rock?Quote:
Originally Posted by [DnC]
You're confusing Hiddink with Dick Advocaat, Frag.
Hiddink 'll be coaching Russia when this WC is over.
:balloon2:
Guus Hiddink is going to coach Russia after this World Cup has ended ~:)
At first I didn't know Togo had a Dutch assistent coach, so that almost (if he hasn't returned that is) made it 4,5 ~:D
3 wins and 1 draw, pretty decent performance by the Dutch coached teams so far. RAR!
Owwwww, did I just mix up dutch world-cup trainers, shame on me but there are so many of them! Do we rock or do we rock??Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch_guy
Well if you put it that way, I'd say we rock.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fragony
:balloon2:
Holland: Total Football. :laugh4:
Who said Oranges do not rock ?
:embarassed:
Oh dear Louis, I think France were very lucky to escape with a draw then :no:
France were really poor...why oh why does your manager choose too play Wiltord? Hes rubbish. Playing Veira, Makelele and Zidane in the middle does not work with Henry either, he needs some attacking pacey player making forward runs so he can drift off too the flanks like he does for Arsenal.
Why? Because it's written in the stars, that's why. :wall:Quote:
Originally Posted by Divine Wind
Domenech is an astrology freak, who openly admits he bases his decisions on player's horoscope's. :furious3:
My left arm for Arsene Wenger.
Deja vu pour le Francais? :inquisitive: :sweatdrop:
Well, that Brazil game was rather dull. They're either so confident that they decided to take it easy for the first game, or not quite as on form as they're cracked up to be.
Mind you, they did win, of course, and Kaka's goal was cracking.
Anyone got a link on the goal please.. I can't watch WC here.. If I want to watch it I must pay 300$.. (Though, I will pay that for my dear Brazil, but still the service hasn't come).. A link please ~;)
x-dANGEr, I can get you a Rapidshare link tomorrow.
By the way, I had predicted that Brazil would be a bit out of form as they are generally in the opening matches of these tournaments. The only difference today between Croatia and Brazil was that Croatia players directed all shots at Dida, while Kaka found the dead spot at once.
What I say for Croatia is a big GAH! however I still have hope that they will be qualifiying and progress through.
I'M BACK! :jumping:
Oh man, the France vs. Swiss game was amazing. I thought the Swiss (who I wanted to win) would come out on top, but no such luck.
Again with Brazil (wow Ronaldo sucks now), I wanted Croatia to win, but Brazil is good. I do think Croatia could have easily tied it up though.
Korea did real well to finish off Togo after going down. Good job Korea!
MY GERMANY PLAYS TOMMORROW AND THEY'RE GOING TO KICK SOME POLAND....WELL YOU KNOW
:jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping:
France vs Swiss was very entertaining.
8 yellow cards?! :dizzy2:
I also found the Brazi-Croatia match rather dull, so I stopped watching.
How could you find it dull? That was an awsome game I thought. Well, I did want Croatia to win so I liked the prospect of very easily tieing as well as only losing by one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kralizec
And if you quit watching, you missed the last 20 minutes where Croatia got like 10 chances on goal. You missed the VERY un-dull part. :laugh4:
Could be. Well, I don't have time to watch 3 games on one day so if it doesn't look entertaining for 15 minutes in a row, I lose interest.
Stay focus on the next two matches, if Ronaldo starts doing well, as I'm sure he'll, and Adriano follows, then you'll be dancing zamba instead of jumping.:2thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon
:no:
[Croatia should have won.]
I wanted Croatia to win too.
I'm getting my Germany colors on right now. I've got red shirt, black pants and all I need is something yellow. Hmmm...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon
Why? Don't go backing the wrong teams 90% of the time. ~;)
Was almost prepared to overlook support for the Italians
and more, but Germany is a step too far. Disheartening.
[Ah well, I shall shout for Polska all the more louder now.]
You think you can shout louder than I?Quote:
Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika
Good one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat
tough luck mate :shame:
nanananananaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanaaaa
I wonder whats wrong with Ronaldo these days. To me he just doesnt look match fit anymore. I remember back in the days when he was good, moving into space, picking the ball up and running at players, generally just getting involved with everything in attack. Now he just stands up front like the fat boy, who got told by his dad that hes coming off at half time.
He offers nothing!
I really thought Croatia deserved to win that game, they created more decent chances, although the game itself was a pretty dull affair.
What came from that though, is that Brazil are very vunerable at the back, and that will be a welcome sight too most teams.
Sitting on your arse for 2 years because of an injury that nearly threatened his football life to end devastated his fitness. He still has the ability but looks like a taller Maradona in his 40's -not a football in shape, rather like an american football ball. He definitely needs challenge and fan support in his football club carreer. I think stepping down a team in Primera Liga or move to Premiership will vitalize his last years, a happier end would it be that way.Quote:
I wonder whats wrong with Ronaldo these days. To me he just doesnt look match fit anymore. I remember back in the days when he was good, moving into space, picking the ball up and running at players, generally just getting involved with everything in attack. Now he just stands up front like the fat boy, who got told by his dad that hes coming off at half time.
He offers nothing!
Mr. rotund, corpulent, voluminous, chubby Ronnie boy ate all the pies.Quote:
I wonder whats wrong with Ronaldo these days. To me he just doesnt look match fit anymore. I remember back in the days when he was good, moving into space, picking the ball up and running at players, generally just getting involved with everything in attack. Now he just stands up front like the fat boy, who got told by his dad that hes coming off at half time.
He offers nothing!
As for a move to the EPL, who would take him on in that shape? Even 'big' Sam would have to wire his jaws up. (but then he'd only strain melted butter through his teeth) :laugh4:
It's just the strategy of Brazil.. Leave the 5 cities to the enemy, so he conquers them and stuffs his troops in them, to keep them in order. With that, the enemy forces will be stretched quite thin, so you take them out with a unit superior to it's opposite by a little more men.. What do you know about coaching.. ~:)
Am happy with the 0 - 0 of France and Switzerland. Could have won but at the same time we could have lost it in the last minute too. All is well. Most here were hoping for a draw anyway.
Poland - Germany is going to be interesting. Last chance for Poland and Germany under pressure finally facing real opposition. I am looking forward to their defense...
Quid
Also looking forward to the Poland - Germany match, Although the Spain - Ukaine match could be a stunner!!!
IMO Czech Rep. have looked the most promising so far! Rosicky is AMAZING. I'm so glad Arsene Wenger bought him before the WC, saved lots of money doing that.
x-dANGEr, boy, get your Croatia - Brazil highlight here !!!
Croatia - Brazil Rapidshare Link
Hoping Poland - Germany 'll be a good one !
Hope poland 'll be able to put up some kind of a fight, winning would surely make the group a whole lot more interesting - especially if Ecuador beats CRC !
As I only watched the first half of the Brazil - Croatia game, I have to say I'd overestimated Croatia, which isn't a good thing considering the fact that Brazil was probably playing at about 70 % of it's strength...
Luckily for them, they have players like Kaka who can turn the tide with one solo. Great shot by the way !
:balloon2:
I would still maintain that Croatia played better than Brazil. Considering their
only previous meeting [last year] was a draw, it was reasonable to expect them
to get more from the game.
Today though, the Ukraine have been on the end of some poor refereeing
decisions - and I'm glad to see that Spain just had what would have been their
fourth goal effectively ignored.
We've seen that Germany are nothing special in terms of their defence, so I
hope Poland can exploit their weaknesses.
ukraine never got off the bus. that was easily the worst performance of the WC so far. wow.
the red card PK was also the single worst call of the WC so far. that ref should be fined for that. not that it mattered.. spain was always going to win this one, since the ukraine seemingly fielded a bunch of goat herders instead of a football team.
yikes.
However that my be, the fourth spanish goal was excellent !
:balloon2:
speaking of excellent goals.. did you see the flying, twisting volley by jaziri?
tunisia is my sleeper pick. :wink:
edit: but the saudi's are looking pretty good.
edit2: so much for a sleeper pick.. saudis played a better game, though 2-2 is a fair result i think. very good game.. not as good as sweden/t&t but very entertaining i thought. great result for ukraine, interesting to see who gets second out of this group.
Wow! Injury time goal from Neuville in the Germany/Poland game! The Poles must be kicking themselves.
They should have won by a couple more though, missed a couple of great chances.
My hatred of the German national football team is now firmly cemented.
Damn, the very last minute....
But honestly the Germans were unlucky to score so late. At least they were almost, almost, almost good enough to wear the bloody Husaria wings on their T-shirts, almost...
As usual not enough and far too late, still it is much better than 4 years ago.:wall:
AHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH :jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa
THEY WON, THEY WON MY GERMANS WON!!!!!!:jumping::jumping::jumping:
NEUVILLE WITH THE GOAL!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH:jumping::jumping:
I CANT BELIEVE IT! I WAS SO MAD BEFORE!!!:jumping::jumping:
I ran outside screaming with my flag. Some maid was outside about to get into the car. I stopped her, asked her for a hug, and hugged her.:jumping:
I was watching the game with all my friends who wanted Poland to win (because they knew I was big time German fan).:jumping::jumping::jumping:
ON TO THE CUP!!!:jumping:
BALLACK IS BACK!!!:jumping:
I'll admit Poland did well, but that goal was long overdue. Germany hit two cross bars in one try. Insane. :jumping::jumping:
That's why I play the best sport in the world.:jumping::jumping::jumping::jumping:
At least there was a win then.Quote:
Originally Posted by cegorach1
Costarica shouldn't be a challenge... besides Polish football team is very good at winning when it doesn't matter:shame: ...
At least there will be less jokes about them after this clash.:2thumbsup:
DEUTSCHLAND ÜBER ALLES
Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der Welt.
First of all, thank you, you didn't have to have the trouble. ~:)Quote:
Originally Posted by LeftEyeNine
Though, am getting this message:
And no, am not DL-ing anything, and am the only one who's gaining internet from that modem.. Any idea?Quote:
You have requested the file Croatia-Brazil_0-1.rar (5403 KB). This file has been downloaded 380 times already.
IMPORTANT: Download-accelerators are only supported with a PREMIUM-Account!
Your IP-address xx.xxx.xx.xx is already downloading a file. You have to wait until it is finished.
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If you are not downloading anything, you are using a proxy-server or a shared IP-address. A Premium-account solves this problem as well.
Yay for Germany! Good game, Poles, really, twas a tough one. Had me on the edge of my bed (was watching it in my room) at times. Smashing work.