Official World Cup Thread

[Monarch]

Backam is out of form, too, it's obvious.

Depends by what you mean by out of form, IMO he was shocking at Euro 04, but IMO this is just the new way he plays, he's older now so he doesn't make blistering runs down the wing, get Lennon if you want that. But look who swung the ball in for Crouch, Beckham, look who basically scored the Paraguay goal, Beckham. To be honest I thought he'd jsut gone crap whilst at Madrid but I was pleasantly surprised with his performances, but then maybe I set my expectations very low.

Anywho, another three points, Rooney back, Rooney getting back to fitness, play him a bit in Sweden game, bit more for game vs Ecuador/Germany in last 16 and then he should be around his best for Argentina/Holland game (first test, which tbh I think we'll lose unless everyone, especially Rooney plays out of their skin).

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Wow, congrats to Trinidad and Tobago for the effort put in. England didn't play to full potential, but still, it was good fighting. Crouch's goal was long overdue and nice shot to Garrard.

Sweden should have scored so many times before the goal in the 89th minute. Good job to Sweden for getting first goal in the first round. They averaged 3 in prelims. Ha to Paraguay for getting kicked out.

[scotchedpommes]

England were poor today, and Trinidad and Tobago were unfortunate not to get
a goal at the very least. Also have to feel for Paraguay going out so painfully
yet again. At least it was not to undeserving Germans.

[Still have hope that Serbia can pull something out of the bag - and more
confident that Croatia can get out of their group.]

[Alexanderofmacedon]

England were poor today, and Trinidad and Tobago were unfortunate not to get
a goal at the very least. Also have to feel for Paraguay going out so painfully
yet again. At least it was not to undeserving Germans.

[Still have hope that Serbia can pull something out of the bag - and more
confident that Croatia can get out of their group.]

Just because Germany is the best doesn't mean they're undeserving.

[Kaiser of Arabia]

Deustchland! Ftw!

[scotchedpommes]

Just because Germany is the best doesn't mean they're undeserving.

If only we would have even half of their fighting spirit.

I hope France can improve. While I think Switzerland might have done enough to
even warrant getting 3 points from that match, it's worrying to see players like
Henry not performing.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

I hope France can improve. While I think Switzerland might have done enough to
even warrant getting 3 points from that match, it's worrying to see players like
Henry not performing.

I'll pay ten bucks to any team that takes France out of the cup. It's one less team I see seeded ahead of Germany. And there are 13 teams too many in front. Germany is seeded 19th.

SSNeo: I was messin around. I know they're not the best, but they have a shot and being my team, I have to support them no matter what.

Bastian Schweinsteiger
Michael Ballack
Phillipp Lahm
Lukas Podolski

My Fab4

[Louis VI the Fat]

I'll pay ten bucks to any team that takes France out of the cup.

I'll pay ten bucks to any team that takes France out of the world cup. Get it over and done with.

[Louis VI the Fat]

I thought England's performance was decent enough. Great crosses by Beckham, a belter by Gerrard.

Any team would've had difficulty breaking TNT's well-organised, defensive opposition. England need to diversify their strategy up front a bit, less long balls at Crouch. But with the return of Rooney that problem looks solved already.

My feeling is that England is gaining momentum. They could definitely go all the way.


Germany is gaining momentum too. They've done it again: when the tournament starts, they're there and they deliver. I've got to respect them for it.

Their mentality puts everybody else to shame. If only we would have even half of their fighting spirit.