Official World Cup Thread

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Originally Posted by x-dANGEr

Currently watching Netherlands VS CIV.. Man, what's the matter with this referee? As far as I counted, he had 'ignored' a penalty kick for the CIV, given one of their players a yellow card for nothing and counted the 2nd goal for the Netherlands which was an offside (As far as I believe).

Edit: (For comments, had to go at those last lines)

Man.. The 2 first goals in the match were both awesome.. Really nice! Seems like a well game through the first half. Good job to both teams ;)

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The second wasn't offside. Their leftback (? or was it another?) made it possible for Van the Man to score because he made the difference between on and offside.

Anyways... What an unbelievable bunch of bull from the Dutch defense. Come on, how friggin' poor! If they continue to play this way Holland will lose. Very unsatisfied with the defense. Offense however does a quite a good game. Perhaps too many long balls are made though.

If there is any team I'd like to see win the world cup besides my own country, it will be without a doubt ARGENTINA!! Awesome team. WOW!!!!

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Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika

Very Dutch. ~;)

[6 - 0.]

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I know :2thumbsup:

Dutch, Cote d'Ivoire isn't going down without a fight. Getting lucky with Piercy (sp?) saving that goal line. :sweatdrop:

dutch were thuroughly outplayed. côte d'ivoire got very unlucky not only in this game, but being put in this group.

ref was pretty bad, but he probably didn't change the outcome that much. if the côte d'ivoire had a better goalie, they'd have won this game.

2010 WC in south africa.. will be interesting to watch how côte d'ivoire performs there.

'Robin Van Persie' AoM.

Netherlands did not win deservedly despite one great freekick and a nicely finished goal by Van the Man.
Cote d'Ivoire deserved a draw. Hell I predicted it would be 2-2 and it would have almost been that.

It's really, really too bad Cote d'Ivoire cannot go through. Nice team. Hope they get more luck next time and don't land in another killergroup.

I'm glad however, but still feel a little bad about how they won. I wish they could have played more dominately. At least they have a chance now to grow in the tournament and really am hoping the defense gets their act together, far too many mistakes. Bad covering, passive defense which gives their opponents to much room. Second half they improved though, but it still needs to be better if they want to win the World Cup.

Van Persie is really showing his worth, what a guy!

Also no more friggin' Heitinga, Boulahrouz all the way!

Argentina were absouloutly awesome, FIFA should take a good look at their rankings, 9th??? :inquisitive:.

I felt sorry for Ivory Coast though I think they deserved at least another goal they played very well, very unlucky.

Yes.. Unlucky 'cote d'ivoire'.. I think they also outplayed Argentina in their game with it.

Ivory Coast were really unlucky, they played very well and deserved at least a draw, I felt. It was a good match in general, although the second half was a little less exciting than the first.

Props have to go to Van Persie, he was everywhere!

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Originally Posted by cegorach1

Good there was no match between Serbia and Poland... our anthems have the same melody for some reason, jeez this would be weird...:inquisitive:

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Yes, it true. That's why everybody hate former anthem "Hey Slavs". That's anthem of communist's Yugoslavia and Serbia has anthem.

Argentina – Serbia and Montenegro 6 – 0

Argentina wasn’t better team. Argentina was DRASTICLY better team.

Roberto Rossetti is the worst referee so far in the World Cup without any doubts. He was referee in game Iran – Mexico where he judged bad and now he was much worse! I watched game (ARG – SCG) on Croatian state television (HRT 2) and co speaker was former Croatian national couch Ćiro Blažević. He said for Rossetti that he is a hoof at least 8 times in second half and added: “He is referee in World Cup only because he is Italian. He is total anti talent!” For Serbian defender he said: “Four balks”. I agree with him 100%.
Serbian defense without Nemanja Vidić is pathetic, weak and disorganized. In midfield there is no player who can well pass to strikers. We don’t have player who can shoot well free kicks or corners. Pathetic!

P.S.
When Crespo scored in first half there was no offside and Kežman didn’t deserved red card.

Netherlands - Cote d'Ivoire 2 - 1

Cote d'Ivoire has poor goalkeeper (Tissue) and poor realization of chances. On other hand, Netherlands had a lot of luck and referee was on their side. Columbian referee Oscar Ruiz is even worse than Rossetti. Rossetti didn’t impacted on match Argentina – Serbia, but Ruiz’s decisions had huge impact on this game. At least two penalties he didn’t give to Cote d'Ivoire and, to be honest, one to Netherlands.

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Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon

On the back I have DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES IN DER WELT! :2thumbsup:

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Deutschland hat gute Manschaft, aber sie sind nicht die beste.

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit! :2thumbsup:

That is the motto of Germany, and the part of the anthem now sung. "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" is for right-wingers, and doesn't do Germany justice.

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Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon

I'm making myself a Germany shirt right now. I will buy some replica jerseys later, but now I just got a white T-shirt, put the German flag on it, put DEUTSCHLAND on the front. On the back I have DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES IN DER WELT! :2thumbsup:


Clegane: what is a good chant for Germany other than that?

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Try 'Deutschland, Deutschland, alles ist vorbei...alles ist vorbei....alles ist vorbei!' :sweatdrop:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit! :2thumbsup:

That is the motto of Germany, and the part of the anthem now sung. "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" is for right-wingers, and doesn't do Germany justice.


Try 'Deutschland, Deutschland, alles ist vorbei...alles ist vorbei....alles ist vorbei!' :sweatdrop:

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Well you people have to tell me what they mean!

HAHAHA! All of Mexico is crying. Tremendous effort put forewards by Angola. Nice tie (might as well be a loss). All we can hope for is that Angola will beat Iran and some how advance instead of Mexico.

And BTW, Serbia is a good team and didn't deserve a 6-0 loss (of course they did play pretty bad, but they're worth more). And Duke of Serbia, Germany does have the best manpower, but they are the best.

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

To my untrained English ear this as always sounded like..

Deutschland, Deutschland ünter alles, ünter alles in der Welt.

Now. Isn't that better? :laugh4:

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Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika

Looking forward to seeing the Argentina Holland match now. I think some people
might just be looking for a little revenge for that day in Marseille.

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Oh yes.... :devil: I'll have to disagree with Favius here, I certainly expected this match since I suffered that match in 1998. It will be hard though, Serbia wasn't and easy team but an error in the defense at the start and morale goes down quickly, if the same happens to Holland then we'll see...

Well, what can I say ? I'm happy we made it to the next round.

Had we not won this match, then we would have had to get a draw against Argentina - or a win. Neither is very likely judging by our current defence which is horrible :juggle2:

We outplayed IC the first 40 minutes, scored twice and generally kept them on their half - of course not taking into account their goal, which was a great one.
The second half, well I don't know what van Basten told the team, but they started playing way to defensive, and gave away far to much room. The correct way to have played was to continue like we did in the first half, and score another early goal, thereby making it an almost impossible task for the IC team to win the match.

However we didn't and gave a way to much room on the midfield, giving IC a lot of chances which weren't at all necessary had we played a more attacking game.

All in all, because our team played a bit too defensive in my opinion, we gave away chances which could have led to a draw. It's sad that IC had to lose this way, I'd rather have them rewarded for their play in yesterday's match, but I am glad we're through.

:balloon2:

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Originally Posted by Soulforged

Oh yes.... :devil: I'll have to disagree with Favius here, I certainly expected this match since I suffered that match in 1998. It will be hard though, Serbia wasn't and easy team but an error in the defense at the start and morale goes down quickly, if the same happens to Holland then we'll see...

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And how I cheered then. I'm confident the Dutch will fight. [There is a good
chance that they will crash and burn now that I've said that. The only underdog
to put up a successful fight and win was Australia - excuse for an overly dramatic
clip.]

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Try 'Deutschland, Deutschland, alles ist vorbei...alles ist vorbei....alles ist vorbei!' :sweatdrop:

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:stare:

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Originally Posted by InsaneApache

Deutschland, Deutschland ünter alles, ünter alles in der Welt.

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:inquisitive:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Try 'Deutschland, Deutschland, alles ist vorbei...alles ist vorbei....alles ist vorbei!' :sweatdrop:

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He he he...I like...a lot! On the other hand, I suppose since Germany is the host we will let them proceed one or two more rounds. They have been very good so far with all the stadia filled and a wonderful atmosphere.

Quid

Grr, a decent WC day today, but I'm eagerly awaiting tommorrow's games:
JPN-CRO 15:00 - kamikaze goals please
BRA-AUS 18:00 - go Australia/Hiddink!
FRA-KOR 21:00 - hopefully French players wake up. If not, hopefully Korea will score 2-0 or something

:jumping:

Oh and Angola holding Mexico to a tie yesterday was a pretty entertaining game to watch!

Today is the match between Portugal and Iran here in Frankfurt.

I just came home from doing the shopping for the weekend in the city and it was really fantastic to see all the happy fans from both countries filling the streets of Frankfurt.
I particularly likes a scene when two small fan Portuguese and Iranian fan groups started a kind of chanting competition and then posed together to take some pictures of the combined group.
That's the spirit I love to see here during the Worldcup :2thumbsup:

I am already looking forward to the match between Argentina and Holland that will take place in Frankfurt next week.
I expect the city of Frankfurt to be orange ~:)

Iran vs. Portugal

In order for Mexico to get knocked out (which I would like very much), Portugal would have to win here to get first for sure. Than Angola would have to beat Iran more than 3-1 so I'm going to Portugal, but I really want to underdogs to win this game. I'm torn...:embarassed:

Iran is doing well. They don't have possession of the ball almost at all, but they are making their chances when they get the ball. Portugal just can't finish and it seems even with their possession numbers they can't even get a good look.

So how did the game turn out ?

Did I miss anything by missing the game ?

:balloon2:

Portugal 2-0 Iran. Was pretty good football (Portugal always is), but the second goal was penalty shot and Portugal wasn't in top-shape. Miguel, Deco and Figo played well though.

Wow, Ghana dominated Czech republic 2-0. Could easily have been 4-0 ~D

Now that surprised me a lot, didn't think Ghana would rip the Czech republic to pieces as they did...

Now it makes it a lot harder for the Czechs to go through to the next round, they have to beat Italy, whereas they would have been there already had they won todays match.

If they lose, and Ghana beats the US (likely) then Ghana's through.

That would be a surprise...

:balloon2:

Here goes the inability caused by a weak bench. Did anyone see some influential Czech forward on the pitch ?

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Originally Posted by LeftEyeNine

Here goes the inability caused by a weak bench. Did anyone see some influential Czech forward on the pitch ?

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The Beanpole up front wasn't very good. He is like a poor man's Peter Crouch.
He will not be playing against Italy now. Who else is there upfront?

The Czechs simply got out muscled by Ghana. They lost almost every 50-50 and they just couldn't get the ball off some of the players. A well deserved win though.

An excellent game

2-0 is by no means a reflection on this match.
Ghana missed a pen and could have had 10.
The Czechs seemed to struggle without 'The big guy' and Baros.

GO GHANA!!!!!!!!!
A huge upset, 2-0 victory over the Czechs!

The US is still in it! Now if they can just win against Italy...

Crazed Rabbit

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Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit

GO GHANA!!!!!!!!!
A huge upset, 2-0 victory over the Czechs!

The US is still in it! Now if they can just win against Italy...

Crazed Rabbit

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There's more chance of a creationist embracing Darwinism.

(oopps wrong board :laugh4: )

Ghana played well.

I don't quite understand why Ghana still played so 'enthousiastic' in the last few minutes though, they even missed a few goals by rushing in as they did.

It seems like US-Italy is truning into a bloodbath right now ...

Czech really missed their big boys..

Anyway, go USA!! (Man.. That red card was more than surely deserved.. Come on Italy, what are you playing; soccer or karate?)

I'm just watching, 10 Italians vs 9 Americans. Italian offensive players play terribly.

Whoa! Now that's soccer ~:)

Fantastic stuff. Well done US. I think if McBride had been a better player they might have even won.

I wonder if the game has converted any Americans to the beauty of draws?

That was fantastic! One of the most interesting games so far. The Americans in the audience didn't look all that enthusiatic, when all the foreign papers will applaud the American team. Maybe the old stereotype still applies, that Americans just don't have a feel for 'soccer', at least a different one.

The Italy/ Czech / USA/ Ghana group is the most exciting by far. Their final games last round should be two thrillers. Brilliant stuff. :2thumbsup:

That was a crappy game...are red cards for late tackles usual?

I liked the game, good play from the Americans. A little too violent a game perhaps though...

I can't believe Ghana beat the Czech Republic. Luck? Yes. Hard work? Yes.

On any given day though any team can win and the chances of that happening again in my mind are slim to none. Czech vs. Italy will be an amazing game. Ghana vs. United States will be an amazing game.

I just can't wait for Argentina vs. Netherlands and Germany vs. Equador.:2thumbsup:

That was quite the game, exiting really.

Must say the referee knew what he was doing, 3 red cards and each and every one of them was deserved, also props to the linesman for cancelling the late US goal. Would have been great had they won, but it really was offside.

I'd expected the Italians to eventually score the winning goal considering how each and every American was thoroughly exhausted, but the goal wasn't scored, mainly due to some great reflexes by the US keeper.

As said, this group is definitely the most interesting one, each team is still able to progress to the next round!

Looking forward to the Italy - Czech republic game, bound to be interesting !

:balloon2:

USA - Italy

One of the best games I have actually ever seen. Not in terms of quality necessarily but in terms of heart and intensity. Both teams really wanted the win. This game had it all. Red cards, yellow cards, blood, simulating Italians, goals, offsides, offside goal and a wholly open group...what else could you wish for? The only thing that was missing, I suppose, was a winner. Then again, after having seen the look on Lippi's face, the US definitely took it.

What a marvelous evening of football and what a joy to be alive to have seen it...

This, of course, is the view of someone that didn't favour any team in particular but just wanted to see an intense game and got what he bargained for...

Thank you football!

Quid

Italy was better. The USA's goal was pure luck. They'd be nothing without that. LUCK. Nothing more.

A great performance by Americans. Down a man for 40+ minutes, and they tied Italy.

Yes, Italy scored both goals, but Americans pushed hard the whole game. And the red for the late tackle was, to me, absurd.

Italy was a man up for 40 mins-and America was what-a 8-1 underdog? The Americans deserved this.

And now, if Italy beats Czech, and America beats Ghana, we can advance! A decidely heated group. Any team could advance. Heck, Ghana could be the group leader (though I certainly hope not).

Crazed Rabbit

Don't see the Americans getting past Ghana if they play as well as they did
today against the Czechs. Was willing them to beat the Italians after the
elbowing, almost as much as I wanted the Germans beaten four years ago.


[Also need to see France actually show up for the match tomorrow night against
South Korea.]

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Originally Posted by Dutch_guy

That was quite the game, exiting really.

Must say the referee knew what he was doing, 3 red cards and each and every one of them was deserved, also props to the linesman for cancelling the late US goal. Would have been great had they won, but it really was offside.

I'd expected the Italians to eventually score the winning goal considering how each and every American was thoroughly exhausted, but the goal wasn't scored, mainly due to some great reflexes by the US keeper.

As said, this group is definitely the most interesting one, each team is still able to progress to the next round!

Looking forward to the Italy - Czech republic game, bound to be interesting !

:balloon2:

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Well, being a fan of the team that received the smelly end of the stick I can't believe you're serious about the ref. Pope's two yellows, OK, if we're going by the letter of the law...but when does any ref go by the letter of the law? Mastroeni's was a yellow, plain and simple. Has been all tourney, why the sudden change in interpretation? And, I've seen Drogba take a swipe at a ball when he was "passive" and the goal stood... are you saying THAT ref was wrong:oops:

Do I sound biased:idea2:

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Originally Posted by Crazed Rabbit

A great performance by Americans. Down a man for 40+ minutes, and they tied Italy.

Yes, Italy scored both goals, but Americans pushed hard the whole game. And the red for the late tackle was, to me, absurd.

Italy was a man up for 40 mins-and America was what-a 8-1 underdog? The Americans deserved this.

And now, if Italy beats Czech, and America beats Ghana, we can advance! A decidely heated group. Any team could advance. Heck, Ghana could be the group leader (though I certainly hope not).

Crazed Rabbit

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Nope. America is seeded 5th and Italy 13th. Those seedings gave USA way too good a standing, but they were supposedly the favorites. I don't know how I want this to turn out though. I want the worst teams to come out of every group to help Germany's chances, but I don't who the worst two are!:help:

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Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika

[Also need to see France actually show up for the match tomorrow night against
South Korea.]

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Oh the princesses will show up alright. The question is, will the combined striking force of Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique Lyon and Juventus manage to break the record currently held by Bolivia: that of the team that went longest without scoring at a world cup?

Really, how can you have Henry and manage to field a team that can't score goals?
(well I know why: because Domenech won't play Trezeguet, the natural couple with Henry front. Because he didn't bring Giuly, champions league winner with Barcelona and whose goal kicked out AC Milan in the semis. Because Zidane is worried about his status as number one and refuses to have the team play in a manner that fits Henry. And blahblahblah)


Edit: the ref from the US-Italy game was truly excellent. All his major decisions were correct.

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Oh the princesses will show up alright. The question is, will the combined striking force of Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique Lyon and Juventus manage to break the record currently held by Bolivia: that of the team that went longest without scoring at a world cup?

Really, how can you have Henry and manage to field a team that can't score goals?
(well I know why: because Domenech won't play Trezeguet, the natural couple with Henry front. Because he didn't bring Giuly, champions league winner with Barcelona and whose goal kicked out AC Milan in the semis. Because Zidane is worried about his status as number one and refuses to have the team play in a manner that fits Henry. And blahblahblah)


Edit: the ref from the US-Italy game was truly excellent. All his major decisions were correct.

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I live in the USA and I think I'm the only American who wouldn't have a biased decision about the refs because I'm a German fan. As you can see though a French man and a Dutch man (men gaining from neither side) agreed to good refs. I'd agree with them. :bow:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Edit: the ref from the US-Italy game was truly excellent. All his major decisions were correct.

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He was suspended in 2002 and not allowed to ref in the last world cup...of course they play it up more on american tv but he was certainly inconsistant.

I don't think the game result would have been different, but it would have been nice. The game itself was poor to watch, set piece goals are boring and the US made a lot of bad passes which was a letdown after watching Ghana.

Mastroeni's red card was a poor decision by the ref, should have been a yellow at the most.

Hell of a game though. Even though their finishing was crap, at least the US showed up. Though if Arena plays Beasely against Ghana, he should be fired. With fresh legs and his pace, he just didn't do anything. All his teamates spent in the second half, and Beasely just stood around, didn't challenge any balls, didn't seem to put any effort in at all. Hopefully his last international performance, he doesn't deserve another.

Go Italy, go USA. Pretty entertaining group. :2thumbsup: Ghana looks tough though, wouldn't surprise me if they win the group outright.

I disagree, Mastroeni's tackle was mis-timed and two footed. He clearly played the man not the ball (he'd get a warning in the backroom for that :laugh4: ) furthermore it was completely unnecessary just in front of the Italian penalty box. What did he think he was doing?

Aside from that, a great game of footy. Lots of passion and commitment. The US had to run their legs off to stay in the game and rose to the challenge, kudos to them.

The Italians (much like the Portuguese) got more and more frustrated and it affected their moral as it became obvious that they were not going to break down the US defense. Keller, IMO, kept them in the WC with a cracking one handed save at the end.

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Originally posted by InsaneApache
There's more chance of a creationist embracing Darwinism.

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I'm glad I didn't say I'd eat my hat, I dont like bacon, eggs, fried bread and trilby.

Damn I missed Italy-USA... It seems like I missed out on a great game...

Ghana 2 - Czechs 0 was both a disappointment and a pleasant surprise. Ghana deserved the victory but I had hoped the Czechs would be better than they were. As it seems now, they aren't that good, and it's even doubtful if they continue to 2nd round - Italy and Ghana probably will instead (Ghana have USA left to play while Czechs have Italy left to play, Ghana has 3 points and Czechs have 3 points, plus Ghana won internal meeting between Czechs and Ghaha).

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Originally Posted by The Black Ship

Well, being a fan of the team that received the smelly end of the stick I can't believe you're serious about the ref. Pope's two yellows, OK, if we're going by the letter of the law...but when does any ref go by the letter of the law? Mastroeni's was a yellow, plain and simple. Has been all tourney, why the sudden change in interpretation? And, I've seen Drogba take a swipe at a ball when he was "passive" and the goal stood... are you saying THAT ref was wrong:oops:

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Well my friend, Pope should not have tackled from behind, with an outstreched leg and in front of the referee. That's asking for it. Also a referee likes to appear unbiased, meaning that when he gave a red card to the italians he was itching to give one to the Americans, to even it up again - it's what you usually see in a match, especially if a referee made a very bad call and thus appeared ill favoured towards a particullar side. It's no written rule,but it does happen quite a lot really.

Keeping that in mind I wasn;t surprised when Mastroeni got a red card, only moments before had the ref. given the Italians a red one, for that horrible elbow to the face :skull:

ALso I didn't really understand Mastroeni's intention...it was what, another 2 minutes to half time ? You don't take risks like that when you're almost there.

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Do I sound biased:idea2:

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A bit yes, but it doesn't matter, we all want our team to do well ~:)

:balloon2:

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Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon

And BTW, Serbia is a good team and didn't deserve a 6-0 loss (of course they did play pretty bad, but they're worth more). And Duke of Serbia, Germany does have the best manpower, but they are the best.

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Serbia good team?! :laugh4:

Nemanja Vidić is injured on training bz Mateja Kežman. Ognjen Koroman and Dejan Stanković had fought in training before game with Argentina. Yesterday, on press meeting couch Petković accused media for disastre! I just cant't believe.:wall:

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Originally Posted by drone

Mastroeni's red card was a poor decision by the ref, should have been a yellow at the most.

Hell of a game though. Even though their finishing was crap, at least the US showed up. Though if Arena plays Beasely against Ghana, he should be fired. With fresh legs and his pace, he just didn't do anything. All his teamates spent in the second half, and Beasely just stood around, didn't challenge any balls, didn't seem to put any effort in at all. Hopefully his last international performance, he doesn't deserve another.

Go Italy, go USA. Pretty entertaining group. :2thumbsup: Ghana looks tough though, wouldn't surprise me if they win the group outright.

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Mastroeni's red card was clear. He tackled with both legs. New rules say that is immediately exclusion


Italy - USA was one of the best game so far in World Cup, especially second half. http://www.sk.co.yu/forum/images/smi...1/alealeee.gif

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Originally Posted by Dutch_guy

Well my friend, Pope should not have tackled from behind, with an outstreched leg and in front of the referee. That's asking for it. Also a referee likes to appear unbiased, meaning that when he gave a red card to the italians he was itching to give one to the Americans, to even it up again - it's what you usually see in a match, especially if a referee made a very bad call and thus appeared ill favoured towards a particullar side. It's no written rule,but it does happen quite a lot really.

Keeping that in mind I wasn;t surprised when Mastroeni got a red card, only moments before had the ref. given the Italians a red one, for that horrible elbow to the face :skull:

ALso I didn't really understand Mastroeni's intention...it was what, another 2 minutes to half time ? You don't take risks like that when you're almost there.



A bit yes, but it doesn't matter, we all want our team to do well ~:)

:balloon2:

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So if I tell you that ref is going to control your game against Argentina...you're cool with that? Not worried by the way he interprets the rules of the game...I mean it's not as if Van Persie or Van Nistelroy have ever made a rash tackle, right?

Oh and BTW, Mastroeni's call was the make up call, so why did he feel the need to have another make up call with Pope's tackle from the SIDE?

Today is the great day - Brazil vs Guus Hiddink. To simplify a bit - will unmatched tactical skills beat unmatched technical brilliance ~:)?

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Originally Posted by LegioXXXUlpiaVictrix

Damn I missed Italy-USA... It seems like I missed out on a great game...

Ghana 2 - Czechs 0 was both a disappointment and a pleasant surprise. Ghana deserved the victory but I had hoped the Czechs would be better than they were. As it seems now, they aren't that good, and it's even doubtful if they continue to 2nd round - Italy and Ghana probably will instead (Ghana have USA left to play while Czechs have Italy left to play, Ghana has 3 points and Czechs have 3 points, plus Ghana won internal meeting between Czechs and Ghaha).

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You think the Czech's are going down? Did you see them play against the United States? They're amazing. They're one of the only teams, in my opinion that can take on Brazil. They will not lose out.

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Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon

You think the Czech's are going down? Did you see them play against the United States? They're amazing. They're one of the only teams, in my opinion that can take on Brazil. They will not lose out.

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Yes they're amazing, but now their top 2 scorers are injured - Koller and Baros. I saw them win vs USA, and USA then did a tie with Italy (which I didn't see), while Italy beat Ghana. So there might be a circle of incompatible tactics meaning that Czechs losing to Ghana doesn't mean they're worse than Italy even without Koller and Baros. But I must say the Czechs looked a lot weaker with Koller out. Even when Koller doesn't score in an attack, the threat he poses usually draws a lot of defensive strength away from others that it opens the paths for other skilled scorers. And Baros has the speed required for scoring in quick breakaways. The good news is that both Koller and Baros are back for quarter or semi finals, but the way there will be tough for the Czechs - they need to beat the spaghettis first ~:), then they'd need to take on Brazil in the 2nd round IIRC. Would be a shame if the injuries of Koller and Baros prevented the skilled Czech team from reaching the finals.

Edit: btw if Italy got many warnings and match penalties from the earlier two games it's possible the Italians won't be able to field a good army for the crucial encounter next weak, in which case even a by injury weakened Czech team will have good chances of wining the crucial victory needed to advance.

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Originally Posted by The Black Ship

So if I tell you that ref is going to control your game against Argentina...you're cool with that?

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Well yes I am, that ref. did a good yob in my opinion.

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Not worried by the way he interprets the rules of the game...I mean it's not as if Van Persie or Van Nistelroy have never made a rash tackle, right?

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Well no I'm not worried really, I found the ref. to be a good one yesterday and I do hope our players don't go elbowing other players or tackling for behind, also I'm a bit more worried about those players that already have a yellow card, if they get another one they're suspended for their next match - meaning against either Portugal or Mexico.

But as those players you mentioned don't have a yellow card at the moment, I'd say the chances they're getting one in a game with nothing at stake is pretty slim

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Oh and BTW, Mastroeni's call was the make up call, so why did he feel the need to have another make up call with Pope's tackle from the SIDE?

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Well I found Pope's tackle kind of a stupid thing to do with one yellow card already owned, and sliding in from the side in front of a referee who isn't afraid to send you off the pitch isn't the best thing one could do.

:balloon2:

Cool, when you quote it says "citaat"...never noticed that before.

I chose those two players because, having watched the EPL for years, I've seen them perform the Mastroeni tackle with great frequency. Ask an Arsenal fan if they believe Ruud would do such a thing:laugh4: Don't worry about the other players...yellows get wiped clean in the next round, unless those players get red they're safe.

Have you watched the Crotia/Japan match? By that (Larrionda) refs standards there should have been 4-5 yellows by now... and it's only early in the second half

I know I have to get over it...I'm trying.

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Originally Posted by The Black Ship

Cool, when you quote it says "citaat"...never noticed that before.

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Indeed, took me a while to notice that too.

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I chose those two players because, having watched the EPL for years, I've seen them perform the Mastroeni tackle with great frequency. Ask an Arsenal fan if they believe Ruud would do such a thing:laugh4: Don't worry about the other players...yellows get wiped clean in the next round, unless those players get red they're safe.

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I'm not surprised really, the EPL is a somewhat tougher league than the one here in Holland.

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Have you watched the Crotia/Japan match? By that (Larrionda) refs standards there should have been 4-5 yellows by now... and it's only early in the second half

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Well as it wasn't the best match I've ever seen I just watched bits and pieces of it, I saw the missed penalty, but I didn't really pay attention to the referee - as he wasn't too dominant from what I saw.

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I know I have to get over it...I'm trying.

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It takes time, it takes time. :2thumbsup:

:balloon2:

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Originally Posted by Louis VI the Fat

Oh the princesses will show up alright. The question is, will the combined striking force of Arsenal, Manchester United, Olympique Lyon and Juventus manage to break the record currently held by Bolivia: that of the team that went longest without scoring at a world cup?

Really, how can you have Henry and manage to field a team that can't score goals?
(well I know why: because Domenech won't play Trezeguet, the natural couple with Henry front. Because he didn't bring Giuly, champions league winner with Barcelona and whose goal kicked out AC Milan in the semis. Because Zidane is worried about his status as number one and refuses to have the team play in a manner that fits Henry. And blahblahblah)

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I'm struggling to understand why Giuly wasn't included, really. He's a pain in the
neck for anyone when he starts his runs and links up with passes for Barca. I
think he'd really bring yet another cutting edge to the French team. Maybe just
another princess though?

France will pull something off - if not, I think it'll be hard to deal with the
resulting fallout.

Australia better beat the pants off Brazil. :laugh4:

But seriously...~:pissed:

Croatia -Japan was rather lame, especially the second half...

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Originally Posted by doc_bean

Croatia -Japan was rather lame, especially the second half...

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How did it turn out ?

0 - 0 ?

:balloon2:

0 - 0, yes.

Aussies doing well against Brazil so far - had some bad offside calls against them,
and one of their players just stopped a run thanks to a whistle from the crowd.

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Originally Posted by SSNeoperestroika

0 - 0, yes.

Aussies doing well against Brazil so far - had some bad offside calls against them,
and one of their players just stopped a run thanks to a whistle from the crowd.

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Go Australia! If they win or even tie, I'll be so happy. :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping:

From what I've seen so far, Italy and Brazil are both overrated. Italy were particularly poor with the US dominating possession and the play before going down to nine men. The tackles that led to the dismissals for the US were really stupid and totally unnecessary. But the referee was correct, no doubt about it, and if I was their coach then I'd be mad as hell with those players.

Just watching Brazil v. Aus game and the ref seems determined to protect the Brazilians no matter what. Every 50/50 decision has gone their way so far, and god help you if you so much as breathe on Ronaldihno. Aus are playing well, and they potentially carry an attacking threat that the US so obviously lack.

I HATE BRAZIL!

Australia will come back. They'll tie it up. I hope...:help:

Brazil is a lot of fun to watch. When they got it together for a bit near the end of the game they just ran circles around the aussies. The reffing was much better in this game. One of the best games I've watched this world cup.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


~:pissed: ~:pissed: ~:angry: ~:mad ~:mecry: ~:mecry: ~:mecry: :furious3: :furious3: :wall: :sad2: :furious: :bigcry: :stare: :angry:

Oh well, the Aussies did what they could and had some great chances to tie the game, Brazil on the other hand played at about 60 % I reckon - they're capable of much more.

Hope they manage to grow into the tournament.

Well let's hope Australia beats Croatia next game !

:balloon2:

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Originally Posted by Alexanderofmacedon

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


~:pissed: ~:pissed: ~:angry: ~:mad ~:mecry: ~:mecry: ~:mecry: :furious3: :furious3: :wall: :sad2: :furious: :bigcry: :stare: :angry:

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GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! MUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I agree I don't like Brazil's play. It's static, slow and boring to watch, not anything like the speed and entertainment of Argentina or Portugal, or the tactics of Germany and Holland, or the mix of those that Italy can be from time to time. Brazil are just walking around in the field for 70 minutes, then they score a few lucky goals because they have the worlds best long-distance shots. And as a fan of Turkey last world cup I'll never forgive them for Rivaldo's simulation that incorrectly gave a red card, and in the same game some Brazil player's simulation incorrectly gave a game-winning penalty shot.

Brazil has great players, they just don't come together as a team. That pass by Ronaldo was a great move though, nice to see him not trying to score himself and ruining it for a change. I hope the Aussies go on, they certainly seemed better than Croatia...

Well, some people watched a different Brazil to me, very pedestrian. The first half was terrible, but it picked up a little in the second although it was hardly a gripping contest. Argentina and Spain have been the standout teams so far, but little can be read into World Cup group games and results.

I want Brazil to fail miserably.:skull:

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Originally Posted by Red_Peasant

Well, some people watched a different Brazil to me, very pedestrian. The first half was terrible, but it picked up a little in the second although it was hardly a gripping contest. Argentina and Spain have been the standout teams so far, but little can be read into World Cup group games and results.

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Indeed, Spain always manages to get out of the groups un damaged, but then never quite does what it's supposed to do - win.

As for Argentina, they usually do well and are therefore one of the favorites to win the cup. Personally I hope they win, as they've made the best impression overall in my opinion.

Of course I'd love it if we won, but it's still a long way to the finals...

:balloon2:

Fred saves the day. :laugh4:

What I predict is happening for the early stages of the cup. Though they are far behind of how they are expected to play, you will be stunned with Brazil's play in the further rounds. :2thumbsup: