Well, its here at last, starts in just over an hour. Use this thread for predicions celebrations. Declare your team alliegences and such.
I predict a Brazil win, with england argentina Brazil and France in the semis, France and Brazil in the final.
I am supporting england throughout. Hooray!
Just like in the EC, the Netherlands have a good chance of getting far. Though I'll refrain from making any predictions, since I'll look like an ass if they lose everything :P
Germany will win, and I support Spain, and whoever England are playing ;D
My top 5, well considered, but not in any specific order:
Brazil
Portugal
Czech
Netherlands
Wazzat... must add France here too, we'll se how it goes after the first games! And I hope much success to smaller teams, like Ivory Coast.
Finland wins.
That was eurovision, pete. :D
I support England.
Also, can we not have anyone bring up the whole football, american handball game thingy? We dropped 'Association', not Football :P
I'm glad I left Brighton before England meets Sweden. I would totally get beaten up after Sweden's victory.
What's the World Cup?
Unlike the so called World Series, it's a competition with countries from around the world, not just US and Canada :P
Im all anti-sweden and pro-Balkan!
Why anti-Sweden?
My favorite is England. Nuff said. :)
Because they beat us in the qualifications... and in the euro cup.. and ni the world cup before that...¬¬
Enngerrrrluunnd!
etc.
There are countries other than the US? I'm pretty sure the World Cup is a Nascar race.
You should see the excitement for the world cup in the united states.*
* doesn't exist. Hey, at least it's on the tele...
Quote from: SSH on Fri 09/06/2006 14:49:35
Germany will win, and I support Spain, and whoever England are playing ;D
What is it with you Scots, are you really so jealous of England's superiority that you have to make a point of supporting the opposition? :P
Anyway, having conceded 2 goals to Costa Rica, I'm not so sure about Germany's victory any more...
i hope germany gets kicked out soon so the stupid reborn nationalism dies again, i can't stand it.
btw, they're selling everything with footballs or players on it. and it works!
last weird thing i heard of was green (!) toilet paper that smells like grass.
>:(
Spain is not going to reach 1/8, as usual... I really hate them. Fuck Spain. I think I will support Brasil, and, of the non-favourites, Sweden.
Quote from: hajo on Fri 09/06/2006 21:24:28
last weird thing i heard of was green (!) toilet paper that smells like grass.
:P
Now I remember after 9 11 there was toilet paper with the face of Osama, for all the Americans to use ;D
I'd like to take the opportunity to apologize for our stupid world cup mascot.
I know, it's the stupidest animal germans created since the crazy frog!
yay huh I am not much of a football lover ( because of all the posers here ) but I will try to think positive for my team Serbia ( and montenegro )!
now go go go
And Anarcho ( you are not one to blame but ) I realy don't like that whole world series thing the american people are so arogant in some things.
lol @ Vel
The old Sweden vs. Balkan controversy.
Well, let's at least wait until we have humiliated England before we even continue this old quarrel :)
Alas, our primary goalie was injured recently, which is terrible news. Let's see what happens tomorrow...
After watching todays games I highly doubt Germany will get past the second round, their defence will not be able to withstand the better teams.Ã, They arnt as good as they used to be.Ã, I was enjoying Ecudor's performance though.
As for a winner, I would obviously like to see England in the final and i definately think they have a strong chance of getting there (as long as Rooney gets fit).Ã, Personally i hate Brazil, mainly because of Ronaldinho as he is the most overrated player in the world.Ã, I think an underdog will get pretty far in the tournament, like 2002.Ã, Maybe Ukraine will do well since Schevcenko has got a chance to play now.Ã, Who knows what will happen....
Good luck to England tomorrow and more importantly its a sporting event so everyone have a good time! :)
I only saw the opening game but golly, what gorgeous goals were made. I haven't seen that kind of eyecandy in a long time. Excellent entertainment indeed! :D
Have you seen the second match?
What a shame! POL : ECU (0:2). I don`t hide that I`m really disappointed,
and so are around 35.000 Polish people who went to Germany yesterday.
There are only two words to say: KURWA MAĆ! :(
Jo jo, kurva mac. Ale Polaci si to prohrali sami. :-) Well, performance of the Polish team was a great dissapointment, especially after they have dominated the game in the first 20 minutes.
Simon from The Cure must have been drunk or something yesterday night. He sent me a message saying "England 7 Paraguay 1 Nice one" but I hear they haven't even played yet??
I think everyones forgetting a very important team...
Anyone...
Anyone at all!?...
Oh and in case anyone didnt already know they mean:
(http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/9336/pop53vp.png)
http://anyoneden.com/
They're playing? I don't think they have enough players.
Quote from: ManicMatt on Sat 10/06/2006 12:43:50
http://anyoneden.com/
They're playing? I don't think they have enough players.
Hehehe...My brother probaly has their album.
Not a terribly convincing win for England, but a good 3 points. More to come (hopefully)
Quote from: LJUBI on Fri 09/06/2006 22:02:12
but I will try to think positive for my team Serbia ( and montenegro )!
Nothing personal, but I hope my team beats your team tomorrow ;)
Quote from: hajo on Fri 09/06/2006 21:24:28
i hope germany gets kicked out soon so the stupid reborn nationalism dies again, i can't stand it.
Hehe, that's what I love about the world cup... the rest of the time, nobody gives a crap about being patriotic, but suddenly as soon as the football comes on, flags and banners start appearing all over the place.
lol@Andail!
Sweden couldn't beat Trinidad and Tobago who were also with 10 men!
/me gloats
^_^
Yay Trinidad & Tobago! ;D (my family's from there ^_^)
@ Voh ;)
We have the same yet opposite hopes 8)
Quote from: MashPotato on Sat 10/06/2006 19:01:49
Yay Trinidad & Tobago! ;DÃ, (my family's from there ^_^)
Congrats on an amazing game! Though I gotta say, they were hella aggressive. And I gotta root for them to a certain extent, because their technical staff (Leo Beenhakker and that other dude) is Dutch :)
@LJUBI: I wish your team the best of luck, as I do my own team, and I hope it's going to be an entertaining game. Don't forget, Kezman's our homeboy too ;)
edit: Argentina vs. Côte d'Ivoire is starting in a matter of minutes. For me, as a Dutchie, very interesting, as they're considered the two strongest competitors in our group. I'm quite interested in seeing how this goes :)
Sweden played rubbish in my opinion,Ã, well done to Trinidad for a valiant performance with ten men.Ã, England had a good start, second half wasnt too great but i blame the ref for a lot of the game, he wasnt great.Ã, Just been watching the Argentina vs Ivory Coast game...pretty equal apart from the obvious.
Lets hope the Netherlands vs serbia game is a goodun, should be.Ã, I hear good things from the Netherlands (but I always do but that never helps them)
Hope everyone is having a good time! I am.
Isn't trinidad's FIRST world cup? Looks like the Swedes suck. But then again, we should know that by know because of Andail and 2ma2... :=
Heh, my hopes are with Germany as always (except when my country is playing, and that is never !). But I think Brasil will be victorious at the end...
Yeah, we played horribly. I'm ashamed.
We had practically all the opportunities, but failed to make something good of them. Pity.
Quote from: Edmundo on Sat 10/06/2006 22:39:04
Looks like the Swedes suck. But then again, we should know that by know because of Andail and 2ma2... :=
I dare you to assemble a team of any ags'ers to meet me and 2ma2 in a game of soccer!!!!1
oops sorry for double posting and all that
I hope for an Australian victory over Japan tomorrow so I can beat the missus by proxy.
Well Japan went rather ace last time. They have a strong team, but we seem to be playing a lot stronger this time ourselves, we've waited so long to get here I think we'll make sure we stay as long as we can.
You ozzies have Dutch power too :D
Indeed, and the wonderful mister Hiddink gave us the secrets on how to injure Dutchmen as well.
QuoteI hope for an Australian victory over Japan tomorrow so I can beat the missus by proxy.
If you were a real man you'd go at it directly.
And the Netherlands won 1-0 against Serbia & Montenegro. Amazingly enough, no horrible injuries, though I'm worried about Van de Sar's fitness, as well as van Nistelrooy being a goddamn showstopper.
What's wrong with that dude? He obviously wants to prove himself, but you don't prove your worth by passing the ball to the opposing team constantly.
Jerk.
Just watched Australia Versus Japan, really good match with a fantastic comeback at the end by Austrailia, final result 3-1 to oz. At last some decent footy!
Did i hear the ITV commo right?
QuoteAustralians celebrate as only Australians know how .... they come from behind
Best game so far!! Well done Australia!
AUS just beat Japan 3-1, it was 1 nil to japan until 8 mins to go, Australia had all the possession, played better all game and it paid off in the end.
Japans only goal was because they pushed the keeper out of the way, controversial, but it bit them in the but in the end, woo hoo, showing some good signs but will need to improve to beat Brazil next.
If Australia beat Brazil I will eat my hat!
Yay, the Czech Republic beat the USA. Quite some goals, too!
I missed the Australia game because of school, damn!
lol, and here int he USA, they're advertising the whole event as a new challenge for the USA. for example, the headline for when the czech republic won was "USA taught harsh lesso". There is a comercial with baseball music where the usa is not doing so hot and it says "it's a whole new ballgame", and so on.
The Ghana-Italy match is pretty exciting so far. No goals yet, though.
Edit: GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL from Italy.
The missus didn't take Japan's loss too well....there's a broken table in the bar we went to.
The rest of the two dozen or so Japanese fans took it well though. Just not my violent Kansai love.
Man, everyone at work today is depressed. ::) Stupid soccer.
Yes that foothockey game everyone is talking aout these days does get people depressed. My Prediction? One team will win and the rest will lose. By getting that ball over the line into the net, perhaps several times. Then those people who did that will pull their shirts over their heads and pretend to be an aeroplane. If they are lucky one will stop to do a hat trick and drink tequila. While people will wonder what an offside rule is and where is it kept? Will the robots be able to play this year? These sporting events never seem to allow robots, which I find rather disturbing. You see the Mexican robots are going to win this year. Unless Mexico aren't using robots, I'm not sure.
The US got shalacked. Oh well. I don't understand why you have to go to ESPN2 to see the World Cup here (in the US)...why can't it be on a normal station? I have to go to bars to watch it (which is fine, just inconvenient).
Quote from: Timosity on Mon 12/06/2006 15:58:38
AUS just beat Japan 3-1, it was 1 nil to japan until 8 mins to go, Australia had all the possession, played better all game and it paid off in the end.
Japans only goal was because they pushed the keeper out of the way, controversial, but it bit them in the but in the end, woo hoo, showing some good signs but will need to improve to beat Brazil next.
Doesn't it strike you as odd that these tiny japanese players, pushing no more than 100 pounds in average, can viciously tackle and mangle down your majestic, tall, rugby-playing brutes as if they were made of paper and porcelain? Never have I see so frail a team!
Well, it's true the aussies deserved to win anyhow.
Yay, quite a satisfying day, yesterday.
Too bad for Jan Koller and Francesco Totti, getting injured though. But that group's going to be interesting, since the runner-up (Czech republic or Italy, probably) will face Brazil the next round...
I'll keep my fingers crossed (but I can't decide for who...)
Quote from: Andail on Tue 13/06/2006 09:59:08
Doesn't it strike you as odd that these tiny japanese players, pushing no more than 100 pounds in average, can viciously tackle and mangle down your majestic, tall, rugby-playing brutes as if they were made of paper and porcelain? Never have I see so frail a team!
Yeah, that's their secret, act like wussy little guys, to hide the secrets of the ninja power within
the Czech got Nedved, who is just so ass-kickingly cool. I predict that he will win the world cup for his nation, and then go on and battle some alien invaders with a giant sword.
I got to watch a couple of games from the World Cup...
Sweden is awesome!!
How about watching the French team struggle, unable to score on the up-and-coming Swiss team? They had that on the TV at my gym, and I nearly laughed out loud on several occasions. You could see how angry the Frenchies were getting, too. Stomping their tiny feet and yelling fairy-speak at each other. :)
Made my day.
Quote from: big brother on Wed 14/06/2006 05:56:04
How about watching the French team struggle, unable to score on the up-and-coming Swiss team? They had that on the TV at my gym, and I nearly laughed out loud on several occasions. You could see how angry the Frenchies were getting, too. Stomping their tiny feet and yelling fairy-speak at each other. :)
Made my day.
Whoo, I hope there aren't any French people here on the forums... ;D
;)
Yay, cool World Cup so far.
I was quite surprised that the Americans were absolutely no match for our team. Rosicky showed a real world class and Nedvet seems to be back as we know him.
On the other hand, loss of Koller could have devastating impact on our performance, considering that other two main strikers are injured as well (Smicer and Baros), as it is now, our attack is in ruins.
As for other matches, Argentina impressed me, so has also Socerroo's comeback. Italy looks very strong.
French disappointed me a lot and Brazilians just lack their flair so far. Very good performance from Croatia though, they deserved an equaliser.
Sweeden vs TaT was a shocker, who could have guessed. I saw TaT on my very eyes playing a friendly against Czech republic last saturday and they looked totally hopeless, loosing 3:0 after 40 mins.
I am really looking forward to Germany vs Poland today as Poles just have to steal at least a point, but the most interesting match of the preliminary stage for me shall be ARG vs NED. Followed by CZE vs ITA and ENG vs SWE.
Aw, Croatia lost :(
And they played quite well, especially in the second half, when they outplayed Brazil. Unfortunately, they wasted their opportunities. I hope that they qualify though. And Brazil isn't quite what everybody expect, they sort of play like Italy.
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro!
I should report you to moderator for not speaking english! ¬¬
Quote from: SSH on Wed 14/06/2006 16:07:32
Uno, dos, tres, cuatro!
Good to see a solid game by Spain, probably the best they've played in the last two or three years. So far they've been the most impressive team I've seen on the field, together with Argentina and the Czech Republic.
But Ukraine had nothing to throw at them, with Shervcheko half injured.
In any case, Spaniards have seen enough good first round performances. Their real challenge is to overcome the first and particularly the second knockout round, anything else is old news.
Hmm,
I would leave today`s GER : POL match without a comment. If you have seen it, you can`t say it was bad.
Great play, great struggle and a great luck, which, unfortunately, left us in the 91st minute. Anyway, Thank you, Poland!
A Janas to chuj!
---
@ jaz: Congratulations Czech! Świetna gra, dobre gole i wspaniałe zwycięstwo! :-)
Damn...
Winning only 1:0 would usually be rather disappointing, but not after a match like that.
Look out, Brazil ;)
Phew. Not great but two goals will do nicely. Good to see gerrard bring some of his liverpool form to england, good to see rooney back and good to see lennon brought on (thought neither did much, just encouraging)
Good result, if only Crouch's comprehension streched to his far away legs.
Rooney does seem to be a great inspiration to the team and lennon seems to be tireless.
You call that game a "good result" for England? I don't want to offend you guys, the goals were well deserved, but overall it was quite an unsatisfying game considering your team called itself the "biggest favorite" before hand and most T&T-players come from the third and fourth english league.
Yes dkh, you might notice there's a difference between 'result' and 'performance'. The result was good, 3 points in the bag, to quote the news
Quotejob done, but well done? not yet
The performance wasn't great, wasted too many good chances and let T&T get close a couple of times.
No one said we played well, just an important result, keeps us at the top of our table and we qualifed and we can win the group tonight.
So, in the end a good
result but not a good
performance.. kinda like Germany yesterday ¬
¬
Well to be honest, Trinidad played pretty defensivly throughout, without ever having the chance of a goal (apart from just before half time).Ã, England, although not playing their best football, pretty much dominated the game and scored some well deserved goals, if not a little late.Ã, Why criticise them,Ã, Germany did exactly the same yesterday.Ã, I thought it was a good positive perfomance from England,Ã, lets hope we can build on our strengths for the knock out stages!
It was a misunderstanding. Me and Tom (Privateer Puddin') have sorted it out via MSN. In a very friendly manner. :)
I didn't realize that Zooty meant "result" as in the sense of result, but in the sense of performance.
And to compare the game with the last Germany game, although the situations were really close, I think England didn't really control their opponent quite as much as we did, but that's because Poland played way worse than T&T.
Yayness. Sweden beat Paraguay after an exhausting game full of almost-situations. The final goal was very pretty and well deserved.
If we can avoid losing against England we will advance.
I look forward to our clash with Sweden ... as the King, I presume you'll have front row seats for the match?
Don't worry DKH, I often experience that confusion myself.
I'm off out to see a result of Cats, the popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Ta ta!
The biggest game is on this Sunday at 5pm. Australia v Brazil. Should be interesting, especially if Australia pull out all the stops, and can manage to fend of the brazillians. I hope they at least draw. That would be a fantastic result. Even better would be to humiliate the Brazillians with a crushing defeat. They just need to play clean and play strong and they have a chance. After all, it's the world cup, if they are good enough to get there, who knows what is possible. They are on a huge hign after destroying Japan. Brazil just scraped by with that goal against croatia. Croatia have a loss in the bag. goal wise, Australia are on top. Bring it home boys!!!*
* and this is all coming from a non football fan!
The last 2 mornings, as I've gotten up for work at about 6.30am, I've caught the end of 2 close games, that were both 0-0 after 75 mins.
Germany v Poland & Sweden v Paraguay
And I got to see the only goals of the 2 matches before I left, I guess they are just waiting for me to wake up. I can't really judge who played better the whole of the matches but I did feel a bit sorry for Poland as it happened in injury time, so close.
But that's the thing with this game, you can't just try and hold out for a draw, or 1 goal up and try and shut it down, you need to keep trying to score. I hate watching games (in any sport) where one team just gets a lead and shuts down the game, really boring, bordering on bad sportsmanship, and shit entertainment value. (just talking in general, not about the 2 above games as I can't say that's how they were played)
I just came back home and realised, they show the first game of the day only via digibox and it's not even on radio! Now that makes me angry. Anyway, looking forward for Czechs to win the tournament, too bad on Koller, after being injured for a very long time and then having to deal with it again. But my guess is, Rosiscky will be the player of this tournament. He's one of the most wasted players, great talent that never came out in Dortmund, even though I'm a big fan of theirs and a hater of Arsenal, I'm glad for him for the transfer.
Quote from: Tuomas on Fri 16/06/2006 09:23:04
it's not even on radio!
Yes it is/was: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/fivelive.shtml
yeah, ok, I meant the radio in my car while I was driving home from one of my summer cottages, but anyway, thanks for the link if it's what I think it is and I manage to get it working
Okay, so Serbia and Montenegro have been thoroughly humiliated by Argentina, and we know the first fallout of the group. So now it's between Ivory Coast and the Netherlands to see who will go through.
Given that Ivory Coast has already lost one game, all we need tomorrow is a draw. If we can end the game in a draw or win, we're through. If we lose it's going to be interesting, because Ivory Coast may have lost against Argentina, but did get 2 goals, and we only got 1 from S&M. So that would be bad for us :P
I am SO nervous. Goddamnit.
I want Togo to win. No real reason, I don't even intend to watch any of their matches. I just think it'd be neat if Togo won.
I mean, they really don't have a chance do they? But everyone loves an underdog. I personally hope England doesn't win, because that means media exposure multiplied by one thousand, and there are more interesting things that I would rather hear about.
I was excited about Togo too, until I found out that the Romans actually wore Togas.
Quote from: Timosity on Fri 16/06/2006 07:57:06
The last 2 mornings, as I've gotten up for work at about 6.30am, I've caught the end of 2 close games, that were both 0-0 after 75 mins.
It has been quite opposite for me with having night shift and missing rest but first 20 minutes of both games. :(
There should be a holiday (or at least free time) for everyone when these games are. It's only every four years! :)
Tuomas: Same thing here. I was so looking forward to watch a AUS-JPN game at Monday just to find out this unkind decision by our broadcast network.
Good games so far what I've been able to see.
Aw, the Serbians are out with many goals in the bag. :(
Let's hope that Croatia beats the hell out of Australia and Japan and qualifies! ^_^
I'm away for like five minutes and when I'm back, what do I see? A pro-Croatia post! AAAAAAAAAARGH!
Anyway, this World Cup shows that just when you think there can't possibly be a worse team than Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro appear(s). (un)fortunately, that country doesn't exist anymore.
Trivia: Of all S&M (sado-maso?) players, only the goalkeeper is from Montenegro.
Now that my team is out, I expect the quality of football to improve dramatically. There are some really great teams there - Argentina, Brasil, Italy, Czech Republic, Holland, Mexico, Portugal, etc. For now, I'm rooting for Japan and Australia :) and then for my favorite teams - Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago. Yeah, baby! ;D
...PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY ROOTING FOR AUSTRALIA!!! ;D
Anyone who wears a brazil shirt in my pub on sunday will not get served.
ENGLAND 4 EVER! ;D
England To Lift The Cup
USA have no chance, sorry but it's true.
I've counted the odds. Czech screwed up big time, Ghana played a great game. I'm hapy for them, but I still believe in Czech Republic... I counted that if USA'd win Italy now, we'd only need a draw later onif USA could draw Ghana too... Or if Ghana lost to USA, we could lose to Italy fairly... So....
USA FOR THE WIN (even though I would never have dreamt of cheering for that team :P)
ALLRIGHT: This 1-1 doesn't make it easier, but it shows that Italy is weak and vulnerable. So Czech still has a good chance!
This group is probably the most underrated one. Four very very very good teams. USA are really improving, they played a good role last championship. Gana (with Serbian coach, yippe!) was fantastic vs Czech Republic. Too bad that only two teams can go further.
But before anything else - GO AUSTRALIA!!!
Croatia for TEH WIN!!!
Well, and serbia, harvester, but they don't have much chance now, do they.
Football is pathetic. I hate living in England during the world cup. Too many pissed up twats roaming the streets shouting abuse at anyone without an england top on and ranting about how their team are going to win the cup. Face it, we're shit. I hope England loose.
(http://www.steporg.com/step/ags/images/foozball.png)
We are SO gonna crush you on tuesday, England!! Muahahahaha!
Boo to Chicky! Anyway Australia were unlucky, they played very well! At least I dont need to eat my hat though woooooo (i really would have)....Poor Kewell :D
seriously, Fred?
I left my tv on all night to see if i would catch any of the match, I only woke at half time and it was 0-0, I heard the result in the morning and it was not as bad a result as I was expecting, as it would have been a major upset to beat Brazil.
Considering Croatia and Japan drew 0-0 it basically comes down to a decider between Australia and Croatia assuming Japan doesn't beat Brazil by more than 3 goals (if aus croatia draw)
Bring on Croatia, a draw is likely good enough for Australia to progress to the 2nd round, but a win for either side will get them through.
I just watched a replay of the Aus vs Brazil match, and it was a great attacking match, it so could have easily gone either way, and the 2nd goal in the 90th minute was a bit lucky. I was glad they made Brazil play hard to the end and it was a very competitive match.
I hope the Eng-Swe match on Tuesday can be performed relatively civilised, as neither of the teams is desperately in need of a win.
Of course, English supporters will behave uncivilised either way
If ecuador draw with germany, England might prefer to lose
That would be a comedy match, if both England and Sweden wanted to lose so that they wouldn't have to play Germany in the next round. Are there any rules against all the players just sitting down on the field and drinking beer?
Most likely there is. But even if there was no such rule I don't think anyone, especially not the English team, would like to face the wrath afterwards of all the supporters who paid to see the game.
Then, watch videos abot the latest F-1 race in the US. ;D
Talking a bit of all... This "racial" conception of the game (I hope teh slavs win, no mattah which team they ares!!!) is disturbing... :)
I support Australia and England, unless they play-off against each other. I hope brazil are knocked out along the way. I would like an Australia v England final, and the Australians to win. The English would never ever live that down...
We need to start our trophy collection again after losing the ashes...
Another nice display of attacking football by Spain, but it's clear that they suffer a lot when they're behind.
Quote from: Layabout on Mon 19/06/2006 18:50:23
I support Australia and England, unless they play-off against each other. I hope brazil are knocked out along the way. I would like an Australia v England final, and the Australians to win. The English would never ever live that down...
That's not a likely cross, is it? Both need to make the semis for that to happen.
Tuesday 01:27 Time left to joyous match, 20 hours and 33 minutes!
Iam seldom a patriot but there's just something about footy!
Pumaman, you might be interested to know that that's on a South Park episode.
Anyway, England will win the world cup! I know I'm an American, but our team sucks. England is the best!
I must admit, Germany is tough this year. 3-0 agains Ecuador...
Time to put 37 years to rest!!!
/me cheers
Why, are we about to land on the moon?
Yeah, Ecuador sucks today, but this team wasn't the original that won Poland. I think the team rest for the next phase. I hope so.
GO GO ECUADOR ;D
Strikers? We don't need any strikers! (Owen just got injured, 1 min in..)
Well well well, a draw! To be fair it was probably the right result, both teams played fairly well and neither stood out as the better side.
So, to the second round!
We had at least three more extremely good chances with shots in the crossbar etc. The corners were really dangerous.
Cole and Lampard shot at everything that moved which payed off every now and then.
Considering how many goals Lampard does score (normally for Chelsea, but he was our top scorer in qualifying), that's not really too surprising.
Argh.. England owned the first half, and I do think we owned the second. So yeah, a draw was fair enough but SOOO CLOOOSE for England there.. needless to say, I screamed like a madman at 2-2..
Haha 2ma2!! Yep - it was a good match!! I agree that England played best in the first half and Sweden the second. I was genuinly impressed with the England goals but not the Swedish ones so much, they just seemed to trickle in by "accident". But maybe thats a form of skill, or sloppyness on our behalf!!
Still, the corners were dangerous as Andail says, and that cross bar saved the day quite a few times - so close too! Hehehe!
Oh, and a Scottish guy screamed like a madman in celebration of Sweden's second goal in the pub and one English guy wasn't too happy & nearly started a fight :p It's a chilled pub, really!!!! :)
It's only a game! Bit of a laugh too :D
Onto Ecuador!
And today it's Mexico vs. Portugal. Now that one is going to be interesting. Mexico has to win to secure the first place, and if they lose they are in danger if Angola beats Iran. With a draw, Portugal is first, Mexico second.
Those two teams meet Holland and Argentina in the next round. Probably everyone wants to avoid Argentina now, but the Dutch are just as dangerous (they failed to score six or seven goals vs. Serbia, so no one is taking them seriously ;D ). It seems that Van Basten is going to rest five or six players in this game. The thing that goes against Argentina now is the pressure. Everyone already expected them to win the World Cup (in their country, I mean) and now after 6:0 vs. weak Serbia they are widely recognized as favorites (with Brazil). In reality, they are not that good (and neither is Brazil) and I think they will get beaten by the first really strong team they run into (of course, this doesn't mean that I'm rooting against them, or that I think their team sucks, they are great, one of the best teams, but in my opinion not THE best).
They're playing the Finals in berlin. THat I can understand, but the bronze game, in Stuttgart... Why? I mean, whyu not use Westfalen in Dortmund, it's got space for up to 69 000 spectators. I mean, what's the point in having them in a smaller stadium when they could sell more tickets to a bigger stadium? It's not like there's such a long way to travel :P
I do think Argentina could pose a real threat to anyone this year, they seem to play well and produce against lesser nations - not something you can say about Brazil.
Quote from: Andail on Tue 20/06/2006 22:27:13
Cole and Lampard shot at everything that moved [...]
I didn't know the nets moved. ;)
I think, that if Italy wins this game and Czech falls from the cup, I'll lose all my interest in the cup. I think I'll bet on Ghana then and wish someone beats the shit out of Italy. Damn I hate how they play, how they look, how they suck and especially how they play. Damn, I wish they lose, and I wish the Serie A gets into trouble with the money scandals. Nothing personal, just the fact that I'm Czech fan.
EDIT: There. All I have to say now is ,|,, I blame Polak. Bloody idiotic two yellow cards! SHIT! Football sucks! >:( >:( >:(
I say, Go Croatia!
Unfortunately, the bulgarian television will air the other match which has no intrigue in it. >:(
Ghana! The most entertaining team is the tournament.
Quote from: Vel on Thu 22/06/2006 16:52:16
I say, Go Croatia!
Unfortunately, the bulgarian television will air the other match which has no intrigue in it. >:(
Watch the Aussie's wipe the floor with their arses...
Australia will be triumphant!!! Hahaha...
Vel has the money on yet another team that fails to qualify!
If he goes for The Ukraine I'm going to bet all my money against them.
/me kisses Guus.
Awesome!!! I saw three quarters of the Japan vs Brazil match and was really impressed that Japan scored - and I was routing for them ;) When it became obvious Brazil were going to win it was over to the other game and man - all those yellow cards and incidents in the last 15 minutes or so were hillarious! I really enjoyed it, well done Australia for getting through :)
Well, who would have thought the Australians would have made the 2nd round? ranked 42nd or something similar, although are much better than that, they just don't get many games against decent sides to lift their ranking, I'm sure it will continue to go up after this tournament.
I wouldn't like to predict how far they can go, but when you're still in it you have a chance, especially when Australia is such an unknown quantity, teams can underestimate.
That curse that John Safran lifted with that witch doctor in Mozambique sure has come in handy.
It was an interesting match for the 2 countries cause there is some Croatian heritage in the Australian team and vice versa, not sure which guy but he decided to play with Croatia instead of Australia because he thought he would have more chance in the World Cup (or to even get into it), then to get knocked out by his birth country, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
also Surprising is Ghana going through and the Czech Republic being knocked out.
Every other group so far seems to be as predicted
Quote from: Oz on Thu 22/06/2006 17:02:08
Ghana! The most entertaining team is the tournament.
Couldn't agree more! Having recently come back from a trip to Ghana, I'm even more excited. It's a shame I had to leave one week before the World Cup started. Would have been soo much fun to be there during this time of success! Gooooooo Black Stars!
I could certainly see the Melbourne bred AFL influence in the Croatian box, some fine tackling and a few fists through for the behind.
Quote from: Las Naranjas on Fri 23/06/2006 10:43:25
I could certainly see the Melbourne bred AFL influence in the Croatian box, some fine tackling and a few fists through for the behind.
Yeah, I thought the exact same thing
I got up early to watch the game thismorning, left for work at half time, heard a score on the radio 2-1 and had no idea how it ended. I had a feeling of the result after I heard some car horns beeping round the place but was not sure if it was frustration or they were Croatian, but then one of my mates phoned and filled me in.
The US is officially out of the competition. Somehow, I knew this would happen (even though I'm American). Our football team stinks compared to everyone else's this year. :-[ Oh well. There's always next year!
Quote from: TheCheese33 on Fri 23/06/2006 13:44:52
The US is officially out of the competition. Somehow, I knew this would happen (even though I'm American). Our football team stinks compared to everyone else's this year. :-[ Oh well. There's always next year!
ROTFL
Bizzareness, I just got a cab home, and the driver was from Ghana, Australia and Ghana making the 16, coincidencenessmuthafukingstrange, I'll leave it down to 1337ness, may as well be lochness
Well, if no-one else is going to make fun of Sweden for being out, I guess I'd may as well do it.
Sorry guys :P
Having said that, there's only an hour to go before we go crashing out in a humiliating defeat to Ecuador, so I'd better keep my mouth shut.
EcuaDOR!
I'm sure we'll win :D
Quote
Oh well. There's always next year!
No, there isn't! The next World Cup is in 4 years! ;D
QuoteGooooooo Black Stars!
That's like totally racist! You should say "Gooooooo African American Stars!" ;D
When is the next match featuring the Aussie team? I want to know when to expect the next bunch of comments about how big and strong the Australian team is from coworkers.
Italy - Australia on 26th at 17:00 local time XD
Quote from: Harvester on Sun 25/06/2006 15:31:21
QuoteGooooooo Black Stars!
That's like totally racist! You should say "Gooooooo African American Stars!" ;D
Oh yes, of course. As we all know Ghana is part of America... ;D To keep my rep clean I need to clarify that "Black Stars" is their actual team name...
I don't understand how England manage to keep playing so badly and yet at the same time winning their matches. Well, long may it continue.
Quote from: Pumaman on Sun 25/06/2006 18:00:05
I don't understand how England manage to keep playing so badly and yet at the same time winning their matches. Well, long may it continue.
Funny that. The Italians discovered it sixty years ago, and they've won a couple of World Cups.
And the way things are going between Portugal and Holland, with all those players sent off and all those yellow cards, England is going to meet a heavily understrength side in the quarters.
You take a squad, so really you should be able to handle some injuries / sending offs, i'm sure 2 changes in the case of Portugal wont hit them too hard. Blimey though, 4 people off? Well, i guess the first yellow was in the first 2 minutes? Not too surprising then :P
Well, well, well. Netherlands are OUT. I dunno, the game was highly unfair (from both sides). There should've been more player receiving a red card right away for some of those attacks. Anyways, luck for the English team in the quarter finals, imho.
This svcks so much! The Netherlands (MY LAND), was so much better! it's unfair... way too much cards, dude!
Good luck to Australia, I hope our boys do us proud.
Well done to England for winning against Equador. Still, I think the German's may have a good chance...
The best team is Serbia&Montenegro, mwahahahahha!!!
By the way, Montenegro separated from Serbia not long ago, so from now on we will appear as Serbia, wearing red shirts! Yey! (our results will probably still suck, however)
Seriously, ugliest game ever. 16 yellows, 4 reds. Awful to watch. Now Portugal is missing Ronaldo, Deco and Costinha, it won't be easy for them.
Then England... Beckham seems to be the most important player in that team. Hah, shows the ones that were criticising. But I seriously doubt you'll win the cup. Possibly you might win Portugal, but further than that... nah. Besides, what makes me wonder is that I never saw Ecuador play worse than yesterday. It seemed like they weren't even trying. shame :(
Australia Italy 0-0 at half time, tight match so far, Aus has had the better of the possession, but haven't used their oportunities as well as the Italians so far. quite a friendly match so far, but if it is still close at the end I'm sure the players attitudes will change. Pity Kewell's out injured, came out to the bench on crutches before the match.
Just hope it doesn't go to extra time cause I'll get 4 hours sleep as it is.
Red card o_O he wasn't last man, so kinda harsh?
OMG, a penalty on additional time, clock shows 94:30... Totti scores... A terrible, terrible mistake from Australia. Terrible. And how much would I have wanted Italy to fail. Terrible.
Bad call by referee, he wasnt tripped. It was quite obvious he fell over. Gah. *cries like a man*
Fucking cheats. That should never have been a peanalty!! The replay showed it quite obviously. Fucking slimy Italian cheats.
Get fucked is all i can say, Italy won in the 93rd minute (5 secs to go injury time) a bad ref call for a penalty in the box, the guy just tripped over. 1-0 with a penalty kick.
Seemed really unfair cause Australia dominated the match, they weren't expected to go that far but Italy will feel very lucky to have made it through, lucky (very lucky) bastards
They played fairly dirty during the whole match. That giant bodycheck by Zambrotta was atrocious. There was another bad bodycheck. Can't remember who though. Just a bad game on Italy's half.
Best referee we had all cup, only made two bad decisions all match.
Unfortunately, they were both absolute utter shockers [the other being the red card], and were the two most important decisions in the match.
Still, Australia's inability to score says alot more about the Italian defence than about our attack. Some of the best zonal defence I've ever seen.
That's the way it ALWAYS goes with Italy. They just have to get their one little goal.
It's always bullshit, but they're always through.
The referee was spanish... You can yell at me if it makes you feel better.
We would, if we could only produce those upsidedown exclamation marks.
woohee, first penalties. 4 misses, 3 of them for Switzerland. Goalies were on fire, though one hit the post. Hehe, one would think it's the best chance to make a goal, but I for example know it's very hard for the players to score under a lot of pressure.
So Ukraine goes forward. Can't say I'm surprised, the game was a bit boring, and I don't think by such playing they'll continue very far...
Hopefully, the Australian team will win next year.
You mean in 4 years time?
Quote from: Las Naranjas on Mon 26/06/2006 18:12:22
Best referee we had all cup, only made two bad decisions all match.
Unfortunately, they were both absolute utter shockers [the other being the red card], and were the two most important decisions in the match.
Still, Australia's inability to score says alot more about the Italian defence than about our attack. Some of the best zonal defence I've ever seen.
Yes, I agree with all that in all aspects, although Australia's defence was pretty strong too, not as good but withstood everything they threw at them (except the penalty which is never expected to be saved)
Extra time was deserved and then it may have been decided more fairly, but oh well, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Spain or England will win, well that is my order of preference anyway unless Ghana pull off an upset tonight
Quote from: Farlander on Mon 26/06/2006 18:51:35
The referee was spanish... You can yell at me if it makes you feel better.
If you like.... you and your ref can go get fucked :=
Quote from: Andail on Mon 26/06/2006 19:31:52
We would, if we could only produce those upsidedown exclamation marks.
Here's a couple for you iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Quote from: [Cameron] on Tue 27/06/2006 06:15:23
You mean in 4 years time?
That's if it's not another 34 years
Ugh!
This is by far the worst World Cup as long as referees are concerned. More often than not the matches were decided not by great actions but by terrible decisions by referees, the match between Australia and Italy being the latest example. (On of the many others is the match between Ukraine and Tunis, when Shevchenko tripped in the penalty area and got the penalty.)
I can't say Australia deserved to win, the match was pretty much even, not many great opportunities, but that penalty was a terrible, terrible call. I'd like to point out that the teams that have most protection from referees are Spain and Italy (not meaning to offend anyone from these countries, of course).
About Portugal - Netherlands, well that was the match with least fair-play from both sides. Absolutely terrible. Speaking of fair-play, there's hardly any in this tournament (look at the aforementioned example when Shevchenko tripped, and he took the penalty himself and was like deliriously happy to score, the bastard!).
Today, Gana - Brazil. Gana will easily win, no doubt. France will probably beat Spain, and I expect it to be a very good match, with lots of shots, and running and of course - fouls.
Well it's over for Ghana, they played well and gave themselves every oportunity, but I still don't think Brazil played that well and still cruised through. The 2nd goal which was clearly offside was a bit annoying but you expect that in this particular cup, could have been the decisive turning point in the match though (I reckon they should have video refs for offside at least, get with the times) 3-0 doesn't really do the game justice, but you can still see a few touches of class from Brazil when they want to turn it on, great team to watch.
It's funny how the benefit of the doubt decisions seem to always go to the expected to win team, someone would think fifa want these particular sides further into the competition
I think it was unfair victory for Brazil. Ghana played better football. They did an unfortunate mistake in the beginning and the second goal was a clear offside. Yet, I'm not angry seeing how the players of Ghana took it. I think this was the best game so far. At least no useless tackles.
Though one thing bothers me. Asamoah was sent out because he dived. I don't think this was what he wanted to do. The fact that players do that more often makes the referee blow the whistle everytime someone falls, especially in the box. To me it seemed, that he was about to go after the ball, but seeing he could never make it and was leaning to the front so much, he just fell on his knees because of tiredness. I think it's silly how everytime someone tackles you get a card.
About the nights game. French is bound to lose. Why? Because they suck this year as well. They play through Zidane, who is old and hasn't done well at all. They've had some easy games, barely made it. Spain on the other hand has a great team and has become one of my favorites (as in to win the cup, not personally). They've played good games, they can score and defend. I think there'll be no question about who's going to win.
About the Italy game. At least now they can't complain how last year they lost to South-Korea with that hand-goal-thing.
I have been enjoying the mathces ive seen thus far. My only concern is that the next academy awards is going to be filled with these players!
Nominations include...
The best faked injury on screen. (This is going to be a tough one, cause more than half the players are nominated for this...)
Luckiest goal caught on camera.
etc...
Ok, seriously... None of the games so far has ebded the way I would have wanted. Bullshit. Apparently France can only play good teams :P
Awesome! France beat spain! ;D 8) :D Ribery was awesome!
now england just needs to lose to portugal!
Oh well, Spain lost. What a shame.
France was the better side through and through. No objections.
Aaaah! This is "my" national team! Ã, ;D Now my Spanish patriotism is back to 0 again...
Força Catalunya!!! Ã, ;D
Valdés-Oleguer-Puyol-Damià  -Capdevila-Xavi-Cesc-Iniesta-Luis GarcÃa-Corominas-Tamudo
1,000 times better than Spain...
Now go and do a few terrorist attacks in order to get separated from Spain, Farl.
"Terrorist"? Pfft.. a guy tries to liberate his brothers and ammediatly gets called a terrorist. What is that? :=
Germany - Sweden: Germany wins strongly, Sweden has nothing and starts playing ugly. Some rough bodycheck there. Crap game from our side - feel free tomock us further := Germany still impressing. Them vs Argentina will be interesting.
Suisse - Ukraine: A tight end game, neither one really impressing. I'd say it was a deserving end, Ukraine seemed sharper, but they will not survive the quarter finale.
Brazil - Ghana: I really had my hopes for Ghana, but alas. Brazil is simply better when playing badly. Ghana took the game almost into the box, but never further. Brazil had few chances but how they used them..
France - Spain: I dunno what to say really. France is not impressing, but I guess routine plays the dominant part in this one.
Ugh, after years of breakout cups where teams did unexpectedly well, last cup being Turkey and Korea, we now have 7 quarter finalists who are traditional powers, and an 8th that was part of a traditional power. In fact, 6 of the 7 countries who have won the cup are in the quarters. There's no explicit bias in bad refereeing, but it does tend to favour higher regarded teams [this was actually statistically proven last world cup in an article I stumbled onto in an economics journal].
None of this is so bad, but the fact that most of these powers have been mightily unimpressive through the group stages.
Vel, I am not going to reply harshly because I am not really sure if you are trying to make a joke or something... But saying that a national team is better than the Statal one is the previous part of "terrorism" is a completelly no sense...
I can only assume he can't tell the difference between Basques and Catalonia.
Euskal Herriatoak!
or something like that...
I'm sad that Spain are out as they did so well in the group. Also, I had two of their players in my fantasy league team and now have to replace them :(
Even though it hurts to say - considering I totally loathe the typical English football fan and would like to see them all suffer - I must still root for England.
Although my logical mind tells me to bet on Brazil or Germany.
I can well make a difference, Las. And yes, it was supposed to be a joke on how ardently you supported a possible Catalonian team, no offence.
No probs...
EDIT: Well, Las, "Terra Lliure" (Free land, in catalan) did put bombs and killed people some decades ago, but fortunatelly they realised how stupid it was before than the basques... :)
There's rumours that Lucas Neill [the bloke who was penalized at the end of the match] might be heading to Barca. The poor bugger will have to deal with Spanish refs every week then.
Phew, the Spanish sport press is crap. If everything they tell was truth, according to Madrid's press, the actual roster of Real Madrid should be something like Buffon-Cicinho-Chivu-Terry-Lahm-Kaká-Robben-Iniesta-Messi-Adriano and Henry.Ã, :) Same with the press in Barcelona, with Barça. I personally don't believe a word till I see the player with the t-shirt. :) Anyway, yeah, the spanish level of referees is poor, wristling every single contact between players, which makes our clubs and national team suffer when they go outside. (And make our referees to look rediculous when they performance in another country...) :-\
now THAT was an exciting game!
germany did well!
Germany through over Argentina, Pity it came down to a penalty shoot out, never a good way to end.
Thought Germany deserved to win though, with the way they battled on to come from behind. Argentina dominated the first half in possession but neither side looked like scoring (due to good defence). After Argentina scored the first goal they changed to defensive mode and shut up shop. That was their mistake as a good team will keep trying as the Germans did, and then seemed to dominate from then on.
The only dodgey decision which could have been decisive, was the yellow card on Rodriguez in the 88th minute for taking a dive in the box, which actually was a foul and should have technically been a penalty shot handing Argentina the match (pending a successful shot), but as if that would happen against the host nation. I bet they'll be talking about that in Argentina though.
YEEEEEESS!!!! :) Wow, my head hurts (and no, that's not from the alcoholic beverages). What a game. I have to say, Argentina did play great (as expected), in the end it was just luck and nerves. Both teams had great passages and both had bad ones. The German team made a lot of unnecessary mistakes, but they found new strength after the 0-1.
I must say I am very happy with this match... For first time in this world cup I really wanted a certain result, dunno why... But I preffer Deutschland better than Argentina.
Quote from: Timosity on Fri 30/06/2006 19:00:41
Germany through over Argentina, Pity it came down to a penalty shoot out, never a good way to end.
Thought Germany deserved to win though, with the way they battled on to come from behind. Argentina dominated the first half in possession but neither side looked like scoring (due to good defence). After Argentina scored the first goal they changed to defensive mode and shut up shop. That was their mistake as a good team will keep trying as the Germans did, and then seemed to dominate from then on.
The only dodgey decision which could have been decisive, was the yellow card on Rodriguez in the 88th minute for taking a dive in the box, which actually was a foul and should have technically been a penalty shot handing Argentina the match (pending a successful shot), but as if that would happen against the host nation. I bet they'll be talking about that in Argentina though.
Sorry but you are wrong about the penalty shoot, he simulated that fall, as I saw it in slow-close up shot, and he deserved yellow card, also Ballack should get one for acting his fall in penatly area. Althou I am with Germany all the way, i was sad to see that referee made some strange decisions to help Germany, allthou none of them really took any part in final victory.
Quote from: Sektor 13 on Fri 30/06/2006 19:31:35
Sorry but you are wrong about the penalty shoot, he simulated that fall, as I saw it in slow-close up shot, and he deserved yellow card
He may have dived but he was fouled as well, it was one that could have gone either way, for the match it was probably a good decision. Yeah, and to be consistant he should have given Ballack a yellow too.
Every time I see a game, the team I wish to win lose. Dunno why...Ã, ???
I had to look the last game in our town (Argentina vs Mexico). I wanted Mexico to win. But they lost...Ã, Ã, :'(
After that I had to be for germany: (http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6016/fussballdes0iz.gif) (http://imageshack.us)
To support them I didn't see the game... And they won... ;)
Now I'm thinking about the next game. What team may I wish to win? If I'll see the game it will loose... :)
(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/25/fussball00s6xi.gif) (http://imageshack.us)
Silly sending off, both due to Rooney losing his cool and the Ref. He shouldn't have had to fight off two players for so long though imo.
And.......
england is out!
A bit of a pity, but then again I'm not British to be really sad.
grats Portugal o>
o/
ENGLAND OUT = Huge amounts of joy! ;D not that there was any doubt.
Sad thing is, unlike when England normally go out, there's no one i want to win now
England v Portugal.
Well, you've got to hand it to England. At least they're consistant. :=
Ohh man :(
England played really well - I was impressed with their defence & the way they handled the second half without Becks & Rooney. Some of the Portugese players really stank with their "fake" fouls, I really don't think they deserved to win - but hey - maybe I'm biassed ;)
I'd just like to say to those poor gutted England fans...
HAW-HAW!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
England Gone in Penalty shots, I reckon golden goal after normal full time (or even after extra time) for as long as it takes should be the only way to possibly decide a game. Penalties just mocks the credibility of any close match.
Portugal did have the better opportunites and looked better on the field but as England were down to 10 men for much of the 2nd half, they really had to just concentrate on defence. I'm glad Rooney was sent off, whether it was deserved or not is irrelevant, he's just a dick head, not a bad player but he needs to do a bit of growing up.
If Brazil make it through later tonight, I think the previous game was irrelevant regardless of result.
Go Brazil
Things I hate about this game is the amount of diving, bad acting, and not using a video ref for some decisions, especially in close games where teams have trouble winning on their own merrit. It's been in the game forever (they even practice dives at training trying to look as convincing as possible) and it's time they started cracking down on it by using video footage.
The obvious way to tell if it's fake is if the guy goes down in agony and gets up fine a few seconds later, some act on a bit longer and then get the ball and forget they were limping. a lot of the time if they quickly got back up they might create an even better opportunity, fucking idiots.
And a nice rule just to change things tactically and promote attacking play would be to have a similar rule to the Backcourt rule in basketball. Which means once you've crossed the halfway line, you can't go back (with the ball) or pass the ball back into the other half.
Sorry to bitch about this sport but it can be a very frustrating game
And I'd just like to say to the Scots...
(http://images.quizilla.com/S/SX/SXE/sXeCaffeinePsychoX/1135867923_Middle_Finger.jpg)
:P
(We know you're laughing ><)
Just watch the tennis, now....
look, its only becuase you rant on about 1966 all the time that we get fed up with England. If you'd just shut up about that, we'd support you, but as it is we know if you win again we'll hear about it for another 40 years...
We have nothing else to rant on about!
and it's not like whenever Scotland comes up on something world cup ey, they don't rant on about that goal you scored against.. holland?
and also, this amused me:
Quote from: Timosity on Sat 01/07/2006 19:20:50Go Brazil
QuoteThings I hate about this game is the amount of diving, bad acting
Any french AGSer? No? Ok...
How I hate France!!!
I too hate france, but i hate them all the time so :P but i'm glad they knocked out brazil
Surely out of 60 million people, we must have a decent goalkeeper somewhere?
I caught a ball once, can it be me?
yay! france beat brazil too!
At least some other country will have a chance to win the World Cup. My money is on Germany (That is if I betted any money, not that I have...)
Bad Referee's, Bad Playing, Bad Acting, and Lack of Video Ref brings down the credibility of the sport. They really need to join us in the 21st century.
At least in any other major sport, a penalty is scrutanised with a video ref, who can watch a replay with detail.
Too bad to England. Rooney's dismissal was unfair. Cheating is far too prevalant in this sport.
Oh well.
Go France... (my best mate is having a baby with a french lady. He is in hospital right now. It's very possible the baby has arrived, but I don't know yet...) I am also good mates with his missus...
I really couldn't care now, the teams left aren't really that exciting to watch, Germany are the last team left out of my predictions, maybe that's a sign to say they cant win
Video refs simply take longer to make the wrong decision with less excuse for doing so. League should get rid of them, and football shouldn't consider them.
Damn you Portugese actors. Bring on FOOTBALL PLAYERS!!.
With all these fake fouls and useless refs you get plus the fact that England can't score a penalty to save the universe, i'm skeptical of watching Euro 2008 at all!
And all these lame football songs/remixes you get in the wake of a footie tournament don't help.
Maybe they should make a footie song that focuses on all the missed penalties/bad lampard strikes/missed crouch headers/ in our repertoir instead of how great we claim to be. At least that would be different!
I hope lampard is withdrawn! He sucks!
F**K THE FIFA!!! Seriously, they have been taking all the fun out of soccer for the last years and are corrupt as hell.
Italians (known for their own corruptness in soccer since that whole desaster surfaced about the clubs there) have successfully made the FIFA believe it was right to forbid Torsten Frings (best man against Argentina) to play against who - Italy. This is outrageous. Argentinian player's have started that mess after the game! The "victim" already said that he WASN'T FREAKING HIT ANYWHERE! How come they STILL do this to him even when the VICTIM says there was NOTHING? And seriously, Schweinsteiger and other people WERE HIT SERIOUSLY by Argentina-players, but there, they don't fucking investigate. Oh, and Netherlands against Portugal? They've been hitting, pushing and fouling each other both harder and more often and there again, they don't care for some reason.
This is really sad, and this is going to make it a lot harder against the good Italian team (who now claim to have not influenced the FIFA at all. Haha, And Clinton never had any affair with another girl, right?) and it's COMPLETLY UNFAIR and against everything the FIFA is SUPPOSED to be.
HA! And now those idiots have disqualified the whole team of GREECE for every international events (for example the upcoming Europe Cup and of course all greece clubs for the uefa cup, champions league etc.) just because they somehow didn't accept the FIFA enough or something.
That's not even funny anymore, somebody needs to seriously kick their asses.
Wha...what??? WTF???
Greece? Out of the European cup??? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! My hopes go to waste... :'(
Anyway, could someone fill me in on what happened??? Although I'm pretty sure that what GReece did a couple of years ago was pure luck, and now we didn't even make the 32... :S
2-0 for Italy O_o I guess I should vote for France in the next game to make Portugal win. Frankly: SHIT this cup is so FUCKING BULLSHIT. The stupidest, most despiseful teams win, I hate this!
Thank your highly unfair media and the corrupt FIFA for this win. We're just not good enough without our best man - Frings. And - although you guys are going to hate me, because Italy hit the metal twice - I do think we played better in the 2nd half.
The referee was a joke as well - he didn't favor one team, but he was wrong often. And he decided against two clear penalties for us. The first was pretty clear and the second one, he did give us a freekick but the foul had happened inside the 16-metre-box.
EDIT: Allright, the frustration's gone now. It was a good game.
I live in Dortmund, the city where the game took place. It was amazing. During the match, the streets were totally empty. I live right next to a very busy street, but there was simply no traffic at all. When Italy scored, there were disappointed screams and yells coming from almost every window.
I would have wished the German team to win , because they improved so much and played really well (not because I'm German). But today Italy was a tad better imho and deserved to win, though I agree to dkh that Germany had some good moments in the 2nd half.
Everything has a positive side. Italy's victory spares me the usual winning party of my neighbours and the terrible mix of techno and top40 crap that comes along with it ;D.
The more Italy beats these teams, the more we can claim we would have gone far but for lady luck. So I'm happy.
The game has been supperb... I was watching House with Lore in another channel, but I just had to go to the living room and watch the match every minute... She was not able to go back to house after the commercials, because the teams were constantly in one or another area. Germans must be proud, and Italians can be happy. Now I want Portugal to reach the final. Go Decuzinho!
That was a great game! Unbelievable goals in the last minute (or two) of double overtime! Hooray for Italy!
I have only one sentence: RIP Germany!
But todays game was preety good, as I expected!
I do think Italy won fair. They took control of the game early, lost it a bit but came through. And still superb defense. The game was overall the most entertaining this Cup I dare say, mainly because the referee let those sought out fouls slide. More gameplay, more fun, and those divers starting getting up quicker.
Now France Portugal, I hoped Portugal would win, but alas. France had not much of an attack, and Barthez gambled as usual, but the frickin' ball just bounced the other way.
Barthez was inexplicably whacky as usual, which is why I enjoy watching him play.
Quote from: Anarcho on Wed 05/07/2006 15:30:28
That was a great game! Unbelievable goals in the last minute (or two) of double overtime! Hooray for Italy!
Well there's no such thing as double overtime (unless you're meaning injury time in extra time), it was the 2nd half of extra time, but yeah, those goals were excellent, It's hard to believe there weren't more goals in the match with the quality of both of them.
I only saw the highlights so I can't really judge the whole match but Italy are riding their luck now.
It's a shame Portugal lost to France with a Penalty. France have just seemed to sneak up from no where, the quiet achivers of the comp (I'm sure it hasn't been as quiet or unexpected in France)
(EDIT: I just saw a replay of that penalty yesterday, that was another terrible decision by the ref, I feel really sorry for Portugal, he should have got a yellow card for diving.)
But France v Italy Final, That's just none of the teams I expected, I've been in a tipping comp and I've got 47 out of a possible 62 so far with 2 games to go and I'm in the equal lead, (but ahead by 1 goal on picking margins) with 2 matches to go it's getting tight
It's hard to know if France will just get the title without anyone noticing or Italy will just fluke another match, I just can't get excited about either team, a bit of a let down cup this time round
The way both these teams made the final you'd think it was the World Cup of Diving, they should just replace the goals with 10 metre platforms
1-1!
Ooooh!
Italy wins!!!!
No-one cares!!!!
I love football!!!!!!!!!!!
Zidane headbutts his way out of a football carreer.
Indeed, my god what was he thinking !??
ITALY JEEE !!!
His end was nigh, guess he just wanted to go out with a BANG! :D
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41867000/jpg/_41867144_zidaneheadbutt300.jpg)
Sektor, he was probably thinking of that disturbing mental image involving his mother and a pair of wild goats that the Italian player made sure to repeatedly drill into his head during the whole game.
Hahaha, Italy didn't deserve this...
That Zidane headbutt was fucking disgraceful. Shame on Zidane.
And well done for losing France since thats how you wanna play.
Congrats Italy!!!!
The rest of the team played exceptionally well. It's a shame Zidanne lost it at that point because he too had been playing very well. I agree with dkh.
My predictions were correct, one team did win. While all the others did fail, especially my team Obi United who didn't make it in due to musical differences of a certain kind. I cannot say entirely what happend myself as I'm not entirely sure. The ball was shaped liked a ball and I have to congratulate the ball for this, as I've tried making myself into a ball and have failed many times. People say FootBall has become boring since they disallowed cars to play. I have to agree somewhat to this statement due to a legal binding with my good fried Mr Sunday. Mr Sunday invented FootBall as a way to quickly move coal in coal mines and does not like seeing it played as a sport. He says it's "wrong" and "Football should be kept for the wizards" I'm not entierly sure what he's talking about, but then again he has a well kept beard and a brillian yellow suit, so who can blame him? I know for one that I cannot. What I mean to say is well done I hope to see you next time.
Just got back from Noho, where the people are going apeshit in the streets.
The best soccer team in the world couldn't beat the Americans!
Cause for celebration in my book.
Appart from all the bad decisions, one thing for certain is all teams in the last 16 (and some outside) are all pretty close, a lot of the games were decided by penalties or by one goal, anyone could have won, but the team with the most luck did in the end, Congrats to Italy. At least Australia can say they were beaten by the eventual winners, and played as good if not better than them.
I won my tipping comp, got 49 out of the 64 games, I won by 1 point, and got the last 2 correct, woo hoo, all I won was bragging rights though.
Weeeeh! Zizou, 13 years of carreer went to the flush because your stupidity! I am happy to see that you've had the worst possible goodbye! (I hope to never) see you! ;D Au revoire "le grandeur"! Viva Italia!
I lost all interest in the world cup after Brazil and Argentina lost, and even more interest after Portugal's farewell. France, Italy and Germany play boring football and I couldn't care less which one of them wins and which doesn't. I think this worldcup will be remembered for the acting-problem; players pretending to have been virtually beaten to death every time an opponent is within a 5 feet radius, and the consequental troubles the referees have had making good decisions.
Quote from: Farlander on Mon 10/07/2006 07:14:27
Weeeeh! Zizou, 13 years of carreer went to the flush because your stupidity! I am happy to see that you've had the worst possible goodbye! (I hope to never) see you!Ã, ;D Au revoire "le grandeur"! Viva Italia!
Zidane got a Golden Ball today, so STFU!
Italians are nothing more than a bunch of sissy actors.
Votes for golden ball are done at half time..
I don't think Germany played boring football. Did you see for example the 3-1 against Portugal? The 2-0 against Sweden? The 3-0 against Ecuador?
With Italy, I kinda have to agree. While they didn't play as boring as they are famous for, they still only managed to win with big, big luck in games against Australia (I think), Germany and the final against France, never where they really better.
What I find seriously stupid, is that they still made Zidane best player of the cup. What in the world? Even if we don't take his attack into account, he didn't even play that good! On the same team, Henry was way better. Lahm did play great for our team and there where lot's of other great players who did more than him.
Kahn won it in '02 and Ronaldo in '98, so I can only assume the golden ball is awarded to people who fuck up in the final.
Quote from: radiowaves on Mon 10/07/2006 12:02:48
Quote from: Farlander on Mon 10/07/2006 07:14:27
Weeeeh! Zizou, 13 years of carreer went to the flush because your stupidity! I am happy to see that you've had the worst possible goodbye! (I hope to never) see you!Ã, ;D Au revoire "le grandeur"! Viva Italia!
Zidane got a Golden Ball today, so STFU!
Italians are nothing more than a bunch of sissy actors.
Yup... But sissy actors with a world cup. Zidane just arrive to sissy (without the actor) because his last image as a professional football player will be of the one corresponding to the aggressive dumb and CRY BABY man. ;D F*ck him, and his golden ball (Which he can use to attack players more effectively) ;D
Italians are infamous for their defensive play and many diving stunts, but at this world cup they played some of their most offensive play yet. We can only hope that winning the title will lead them to even more offensive play in the future. Besides, the penalty for France was pure diving and it was only fair for Italy to win in the end. Throughout the entire World Cup, Italy has been the best and most solid team.
Portugal should never have reached the semi-finals (the game against the Netherlands was a disgrace), and I am glad Germany won third spot. Besides, Portugal is more or less a team of divers (except Figo).
Anyway, Zidane is one of the best players ever, despite him headbutting his way out of the match. Zidane's few "outbreak" of anger has never been committed as part of the game, unlike Rooney's insane step-on-the-groin stunt. It pains me to see a great player like Zidane stop with a ridiculous stunt like he did, but it would have been even worse if they had won (thankfully, the didn't win). At least give the man the credit he deserves. BTW, I agree that he shouldn't have been awarded the golden ball. Maybe Cannavaro should have gotten that one?
There was indeed a lot of acting on the fouls in the final at least. I wish it wasn't a valid technique to disrupt offensive play, but then again, football should not become a bloodbath. I especially don't like the foul that occurs when a player blocks an incoming player with his body, it seems to me, put your skills in use and dodge the man. It's one of these things like offsides. You'd think 'this rule is highly artificial and stupid' just as you'd think 'don't reward overacting!' but in the end, without touchy foul rulings and offsides the game degenerates to small area camping and violence. Which would make for more goals and more entertainment, but less skillful playing.
Zidane seems to me to be an amazing football player, regardless of the headbutt. I don't see why one has to discredit his skill on the grounds of what happened. After all, Maradonna, another amazing player, was as a person completely loathesome, a coke fiend and a disappointment to all outside the field. But that doesn't mean he was anything less than masterful inside it (for some years at least).
Panda, did we watch the same game? I am talking about the final. Do you REALLY think Italy was playing better than France? I am sorry, but it seems as if you're heavily on the side of your own country, I guess. That's just ridiculous, Italy had almost no chances in the entire second half and the following thirdy minutes. France played better, had complete control in the middlefield and Italy couldn't stand one chance - it was just pure luck that they didn't score.
I know how soccer can be a complete different experience for people all around the world, and everybody including me favors a team and usually sticks to them and sees them maybe a little better than they were really, but what you do seems to be quite childish to me, really. I don't mean to offend you, and certainly I have never been a great fan of France, but you just have to be honest enough to say that Italy didn't deserve to win atleast this final.
I'm not Italian, and I've never been particularly fond of Italian football. My favourite team this world cup was actually Argentina, but they didn't make it far enough, unfortunately. Argentina or Spain as champions would have been more to my liking, but that doesn't change my view on Italy.
Italy was best in the first half, France was best in the second half and in the extra time. However, they didn't score any goals (except the giveaway penalty), and therefore Italy deserved to win. I am still disappointed that the game had to be decided on penalty shootouts.
I cheered against France for a couple of reasons:
*They have played too defensively throughout the world cup.
*Disappointing forwards. Henry never played a single good match, unlike in the federations cup. Trezeguet barely got any playing time, because France played with only one forward. Had they given him more playing time throughout the tournament, I would have been friendlier towards the French team.
*Goalkeeper. Coupet is way better than Barthez.
*Domenech (the coach) is an arrogant bastard.
You cannot judge the final by itself when deciding the best team in the world cup - you have to judge the team throughout the entire tournament to decide whether or not they are the rightful owners of the title.
Allright, that's your opinion, which I accept. However, I personally don't agree. I think Henry played great (even in the final) and I think that Italy played more defensively than France.
Quote from: Farlander on Mon 10/07/2006 12:51:48
Quote from: radiowaves on Mon 10/07/2006 12:02:48
Quote from: Farlander on Mon 10/07/2006 07:14:27
Weeeeh! Zizou, 13 years of carreer went to the flush because your stupidity! I am happy to see that you've had the worst possible goodbye! (I hope to never) see you!Ã, ;D Au revoire "le grandeur"! Viva Italia!
Zidane got a Golden Ball today, so STFU!
Italians are nothing more than a bunch of sissy actors.
Yup... But sissy actors with a world cup. Zidane just arrive to sissy (without the actor) because his last image as a professional football player will be of the one corresponding to the aggressive dumb and CRY BABY man.Ã, ;D F*ck him, and his golden ball (Which he can use to attack players more effectively)Ã, ;D
If Italians like to call each other terrorist, then ok. I thin italians are jelaous.
Perhaps Zidane is looking for an acting career like Vinnie Jones.
"Here's my showreel": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am4q6jEJi4A
Has he explained why he did it? What did Materazzi say? It makes me which i could read french, so i could check out their newspapers.
I've seen a guy in LOCAL football to ask to another about his recently dead girlfriend. The guy did not react, scored 2 goals, and won the match. 10 times better than Zidane. No excuses. Shame on him.
I thought Henry was playing better in that match than Zidane anyway...
Only a word: CAMPIONI!!!!
EDIT:
opss...
CAMPIONI, CAMPIONI, CAMPIONI, CAMPIONI.
Quote from: Anarcho on Mon 10/07/2006 19:02:43
Has he explained why he did it?Ã, What did MaterazziÃ, say?Ã, It makes me which i could read french, so i could check out their newspapers.
Materazzi told Zidane that he (Zidane) is terrorist...
That made me hink that maybe Zidane had to do it -- todays bureaucracy in sports, all the moneys and deals and stuff, like in boxing. Zidane was indeed a bit out of shape in the last 2 games, like something was eating him...
For the benefit of others, the claim regarding the word terrorist came from a Paris based anti-racism group, and speculation from the french team [i.e, people within several hundred kilometres of the incident] relates to Zidane's family. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/france/5164094.stm
I think Zidane will stay quiet, if he does reveal what was said, it's only going to mkae him look more thin skinned, perhaps in his early 30s he can join that large part of humanity that learnt to ignore verbal bullying [and sap it of it's strength] when we were 10 years old.
Quote from: Panda on Mon 10/07/2006 14:33:11
Besides, the penalty for France was pure diving and it was only fair for Italy to win in the end. Throughout the entire World Cup, Italy has been the best and most solid team.
I guess you didn't see the match between Italy and Australia, Italy did the exact same thing in the 95th minute to get a 1-0 lead and through to the quarters.
But their defense was very strong throughout the comp, before the final they only let in 1 goal and that was an own goal against the USA, the only other was the penalty from France (plus the 3 penalties in the shoot out, but that doesn't really count) so they didn't really let in any legitimate goals.
But this is the trophy that should have been awarded
(http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/2892/judges0zr.jpg)
I've always admired Zidane and I've seen him take charge and lead his teams like no other, and I don't think his behavior in the final totally erased all that.
Maybe the other 13 red cards he has seen would? ;)
Zidane is a bit like Maradona... Great feet, little heads...
Hahahahahah.....Farl, I need to frame that quote and put it on the wall.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/mortalkombatzidane.gif)
:=
(http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5608/zcombo9em.gif)