Self Editor

Forum: soc
Page 238
Subject: 2006 World Cup Action!!!

Posted by: THK - [2510332316] Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 12:37

The host, Germany, is looking pretty strong right now vs. Costa Rica other than than the one defensive lapse. Although they are easily favored in the game...looking pretty good. They are applying a lot of pressure on the CRican D. I wasn't really sure what home field advantage would be like for Germany but it will definitely be helpful moving forward.

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 13:42

I wouldn't say Germany looks strong, they are playing a weak opponent and still let 2 goals in. the german commentary is not very impressed with their play.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 13:44

Costa Rica should got a lot of confidence from this preformance. While they didn't possess the ball very well, their D help up under a lot of pressure. They also scored 2 goals in the Opening game vs the host country. Not a bad preformance. I thought Germany looked very good other than the defensive mistakes. Their possession of the ball was overwhelming and their pressure on the Costa Rican D was impressive.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 13:45

Well- I guess I am wrong then! ;-) I can't imagine anybody is upset with the German possession or offensive attack??? ---AS THEY SCORE ANOTHER GOAL--- Other than the 2 defensive mistakes I thought they played a very good game.

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 13:57

final: 4-2

I think Germany played their average game, showed some weaknesses in the defense, but got also 4 goals out of their chance. they have to be better to win against poland and win their group.

german tv is not very impressed with todays game. after the game they thought that Germany missed to repeat the 8-0 performance (against saudi arabia) from the last world cup.

StomoDotCom
ID: 1250817
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 14:16

That German defense is going to be the death of them. Especially when their oldest defender is Arne Friedrich whose 26? 27?

Not the best game Germany's played but a win is a win. They better fix that back line though.

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 14:18

I don't think they really have their offsides trap down (duh!), and if they continue to try and play a flat backline without perfecting it, they could be in trouble against someone who can really exploit it.

Costa Rica is not that good, especially not good enough to put up two goals against a top side. At best, I thought Costa Rica could pull off a 1-1 tie, or 2-1 loss. To put up two goals should give them confidence to possibly advance.

The right midfielder for Costa Rica is awful.

J
Leader
ID: 10171012
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 14:32

How many shots on goal did Costa Rica have? 3????

I don't know alot about Soccer, but its gotta be pretty tough to win like that! And their 2nd goal looked like they had 2 guys offside, no? (I was in a bar, hard to hear the commentary)

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 14:44

3 shots, but two on uncontested breakaways, which, I bet, teams would take over 10 contested shots.

The 2nd goal wasn't offside, the trap failed (again), with the right back staying even with Wanchope. Could of gone either way, but the trap failed another time in the first half where Wanchope was on, but they called offside, so, as usual, calls can go either way.

Costa Rica didn't really create anything, and against any team that can create, a poor offside trap will kill you. I have to imagine that if they can't shore this up the next few days in practice, they will change to a diamond in the back. If not, they could be in trouble.

barilko6
ID: 24419110
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 15:50

The crowd was chanting "Where's the defense" at one point of the game.

Needless to say, since the game was in Munich, they were referring to the German side.

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 16:59

first underdog win, 2-0 Ecuador. they played a strong 1st half and got lucky in the 2nd as Poland misses a lot of very good chances to tie the game.

this group will get interesting. Germany, Ecuador and Poland will compete to advance to the next round. Costa Rica was by far the worst team today.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 17:55

I had Klose in the Yahoo game, and as my captain, for twice the points. Nice start. I also had Lehman though, figuring I'd get a lot of save opps throughout the tourney.......which didn't occur, on top of the goals.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 17:59

Kahn to start?

Lehman says may not be fit for Poland match

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 20:56

Personally I think the German team did very well, as a supporter for Deutschland many years I can let you know they often win games by playing the boring technical no mistakes not very exciting brand of football.

This game they were shooting oustide the 18 and not making the extra pass, and for the first time in a while (including last world cup) I can say they were actually exciting to watch. The German media of course will slam them but without their captain and such a young team, and with the first goal way offside (2nd one was close but not) I think they did very well, and still have two games to work out their kinks.

Apparently 200,000 Polacks came over the border for their match today, that must have really sucked because I thought they looked awful as I said before I thought Poland would definately finish 2nd, because of the climate, proximity to home etc. Ecuador played a good game and it always amazes me how upsets often happen when a team has to play a different style of game (Europeans and North Americans tend to play more technical games) (African and South American very creative, fun styles).

Over-all a great first day, its always great to see an upset throw things around, and see some very nice goals scored. I leave in less than 24 hours, so excited!

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 21:59

Half way down the page, great video highlights of today's games. And you can make it full screen.

Day 1 highlights

Perm Dude
ID: 2152919
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 22:22

Damn, Poland had two brilliant goals go off posts instead.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 09, 2006, 22:24

Indeed. No way the keeper had a shot at either one.

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 08:42

Hey Mike D: Let me know your team name so I can follow your team with mine...maybe even join your group (I think you can join multiple groups).

I also had a good game yesterday. I ad Klose (as my captain) and Wanchope. If Lehmann hadn't put up a negative, I would be sitting pretty. For now, I have 51.5 points.

Got a bunch of guys going today: Toure, Terry, Lampard, Riquelme, and Ibrahimovic (Captain).

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 08:49

Twarpy, Germany's offense did look solid, especially without Ballack. If Poland lays another big egg, the Germans are likely through, given that Ecuador is probably going to dispatch of Costa Rica.

We'll see what happens in the later rounds, but I just can't get over letting two goals up against Costa Rica, especially watching the game and seeing how non-creative the Costa Ricans were. It just didn't look like the Germans back line were on the same page (after re-watching the goals, it was the right back both times that fell behind the stepping up central defenders to let Wanchope in)

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 08:55

leggestand, Extreme soccer is my team, and I also have 51.5 points (capt. Klose, Lehmann, and Schweinsteiger). North-Central-Carib. Zone.

Today I have capt. Owen, Beckham, Robinson, Riquelme, Sorin, and Ibrahimovic.........

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 09:06

Bummer----3 minutes in England scores, Beckham and Owen almost hook up....looks like own goal though. :-(

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 09:08

Shocked to see the Paraguay keeper leaving in the 7th minute....can't even tell what he hurt. You'd have to drag me off in that situation.

Twarpy
ID: 22104073
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 09:31

Typical Latin/Spanish style Mike D;)

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 10:04

Not when they stay off!

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 11:36

Sven Goran Eriksson is the king of the (as that total idiot Ian Wright put it on the BBC coverage) "mental" substitution. Why on earth would you take off your only goal threat in Owen after 60 minutes when he needs games to become properly match fit.

Good luck being an England fan if Sven continues to baffle us like this. When did playing Crouch up front on his own ever work? Maybe his new robot celebration has given him special powers that i don't know about.

Come on all the Scots based Trinidad and Tobagans (Russell Latapy, Marvin Andrews, Kelvin Jack and of course Jason Scotland) against England ;)

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 11:46

MikeD - I think I need your yahoo ID to check your team (in a box to the side it says: "To see a friend's team, enter his/her Yahoo! ID
in the box below. You will be taken to that user's team.").

I don't think I can join the North-Central-Carib zone as I am already in the Fans of the US Zone (can only join one public "zone?"). I am also in the private group:

Group: 13398
password: money

So, if anyone wants in, feel free to join. There are only 6 of us, and more competition would be welcome.

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 11:54

Swish, I was surprised as well at that sub. At that point Crouch's head was out of the game because the ref was whistling him for everything. And wouldn't you know it, 5 minutes after Owen is subbed out, Crouch gets a yellow card. I was actually hoping Aaron Lennon would get on late as a sub; I think he could of done some things with his speed (not even sure if he was on the dressed roster?).

They didn't look good, but should be able to easily get by T&T, pretty much putting them into the 2nd round.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 12:51

GO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO!!!

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 13:02

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 13:40

Owen has been battling injuries you have to remember too, I don't agree with the substitution but it could be more than what leads on, it seemed when they took Owen off it was a pure defensive effort at that point and keeping Crouch on was maybe only for corners/ through balls that Beckham could still feed him if they needed to counter.

Well off to an airplane, Ill catch up with this thread when I come back, I didn't know we had such committed soccer fans on this website:)

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 13:52

Trinidad And Tobago 0-0, impressive play with 1 man down for 45 minutes. Sweden tried their best but they took it too easy.

England beware of those caribbeans!

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 13:53

ONE GAME CHANGES EVERYTHING! What a great game!!! Trinidad and Tobago celebrating like they won, and really they did! Getting a point here is huge and really hurts Sweden. I LOVE IT!!!

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 14:05

Shock game. What it's all about. Agree on Owen, he needed the fitness in my opinion.

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 14:55

Great game, especially towards the end. Was anyone here even rooting for Sweden? Defensively, the work rate of T&T, particularly Yorke and Edwards, was astounding. Glen's shot of the post, three inches lower and wow, it would have been an even more nerve wrecking final 10 minutes...

Mike D - My team is doing alright so far today. Terry with 5, Lampard with 11, and Ibrahimovic at 10x2.

NEMESIS
ID: 65078
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 15:33

On the official FIFA World Cup website, they give the score and then more numbers in parentheses right after it. For example it was
GER:CRC 4:2(2:1). What does the (2:1) signify?

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 15:40

NEMESIS - that's the score after the 1st half.

best game so far between Argentina and Cote d'Ivore, Argentina leading 2-0 after 40 minutes

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 16:43

Make that 2-1!

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 16:45

leggestand, I just joined your group----doesn't look like it's giving me my points though in your group standings!

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 18:18

Cool MikeD, welcome to the group. The other guys in the group actually know a lot about soccer, but you can't tell by their scores!

Not too ecstatic about the games tomorrow besides Netherlands vs, Serbia. Maybe I will actually get some stuff done. Today I found a way to cut the grass between games, but that's it.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 18:57

Guys, anybody know where I can find overall ratings on TV of the WC and seperately the US ratings?

Thanks...just curious

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 10, 2006, 21:09

leggestand, my points came along a bit later----good stuff! Long way to go....thanks for the invite. 9am tomorrow the Dutch debut, Mexico at noon, and Portugal at 3. A good day ahead.

leggestand
ID: 104362916
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 08:37

THK, I wish I could help you out, but I have no idea.

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 08:49

THK - I can provide you with links to german ratings:
Friday (ZDF)
Saturday (ARD)

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 08:59

Wow, the stadium in Leipzig looks incredible. Looking forward to this Holland game. Go on the Dutch!

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 10:53

Dutch win 1-0, great game but the Dutch played it too safe in the 2nd half (like England and Argentina). I am a bit worried about the Dutch team because without Robben they are nothing. he was the difference today.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 12:01

I wouldn't say they are nothing. Van Persie showed flashes, van Nistelrooy a proven scorer.

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 12:16

Mike D - they have lots of proven players that can decide games, but today only Robben showed that he has that potential.

Mexico-Iran just started, lets see where these 2 underdogs are standing.

youngroman
ID: 34517911
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 12:33

1-0 Mexico, mexican commentary is going crazy. best commentary I heard to date. I wish I could understand a bit more than Gooooooooooooooool!

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 11, 2006, 14:09

My Yahoo capt. Borgetti left with a hammy, and got me -2........times 2 since he's my capt!

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 00:43

I am pumped for tomorrow! All three games will be fun to watch for me. GO USA!!!

Tree
ID: 1411442914
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 10:45

i'm at work, and can't watch the USA game. i can watch the yahoo "Matchcast", but i'm wonder if there's anyplace online to listen.

anyone know?

barilko6
ID: 24419110
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 10:52

Australia just beat Japan with 3 late, late goals...what an unbelievable finish!

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 11:57

World Cup Live says the fan support is 60/40 in favor of CR. That is great for the US I think and it sounds very loud. ONE GAME CHANGES EVERYTHING. We have to get a result here. I have been waiting since December! GO USA!

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:09

Yikes!! Were was our (US) backline?

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:18

It bites having to be at work during this game. Although I suppose I'd be pulling out my hair right now.

I just read an article on Jan Koller this morning, and how it would be difficult for the Americans to defend him since he's almost 6'8" and weighs 220 lbs. I guess we've already seen how they plan to do it. Crap.

Anyone actually watching the game: I'd appreciate any updates or your impressions of any really significant plays that might happen. Like goals or at least nice shots.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:22

Czech scored on a cross/header at 5 minutes.

Beazley has looked weak on several chances. Us Is controlling the ball but not getting any shots.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:24

US D is looking really weak when pushed.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:28

Great push by the US - Reyna off the post. No!

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:33

Nedved is outplaying the US backline

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:36

US with a poor clear of a cross - CZech goal from 35 yards out 2-0 Czechs

Species
Leader
ID: 07724916
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:39

UGH

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:40

I went to a conference room with cable TV and watched the last 10 minutes. We look clearly inferior on offense, and we have made several blunders on defense as well. Our fate will be sealed quickly if we play like this the next week.

Dammit. I had high hopes for this WC.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:51

The defensive lapses are pathetic but they are done with now. 2-0 is the most dangerous score in soccer as coaches have always pounded into me. Get 1, catch them off guard and upset and then get another. However, for that to happen the US needs to do something offensive. Their attack has been lethargic, putrid, insert your only negative adjetive here...

Ahhh, I am demoralized. Hopefully the 2nd half we can do something to get a result or else we have to beat Italy next week to have any hopes of even getting to play Brazil...SHIT!!!!!!

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 12:58

We've looked slow and low on energy. I expected better from this experienced of a team.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 13:26

If possible, the 2nd half has been more one-sided than the 1st.

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 13:35

Great.

Maybe the Czechs settled any nerves they had.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 13:42

Well, now we have to beat Italy.

Take Convey out of the starting lineup.
Put Donovan at midfield.
Put Wolff up top with McBride.
Put Eddie Johnson in the starting lineup for Cherundolo.
Kill scrub ass Lewis.
Light a fire under Beasley's ass.

Terrible preformance all around. I am completely demoralized. Gotta hope Ghana can shock Italy with a tie maybe, but if we can get 6 points I think we can advance. So that makes beating Italy crucial obviously after this poor preformance.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 13:44

Johnson was the only player with any life. He clearly should start against Italy

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 14:13

Kill scrub ass Lewis.

He had to of been the worst player on the field. Nightmare game for the US and brings me back to the 2002 drubbing by Poland. The US played non-imaginative soccer, and no dangerous balls in the attacking third of the field. Our crosses were worse than poor, as we probably had about 10 and won only one header (Pope in the 1st half). The best things about our team is our speed and risk taking, and we showed none of it today.

By the way, Rosicky's first goal was sick.

swami
ID: 75542011
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 14:24

Complete embarassment. The world is laughing now since we have been touting this as the best team we have ever assembled. Looks like the beginning of a 1998 repeat.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 15:21

What I am really worried about is that if USA doesn't even advance, those Americans that have tuned out soccer and shunned the 2006 World Cup...all the while the few have tried to sway them to watching and enjoying our great team...will have just another reason to laugh. It would be a big setback for American soccer, no matter if we weren't suppossed to advance or not.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 16:24

That was so ugly. Don't even want to talk about it now.

Italy is looking pretty good against Ghana so far and now Ghana is now starting to get tired--so the 1-0 lead could grow. Hopefully Ghana get get some goals. USA needs an Italy-Ghana draw so bad. The Ghana Goalie has played very well.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 16:48

I think Ghana looked pretty dang good against Italy. They put some series pressure on them using quick ball moving and their speed. Hopefully USA will do the same because Italy showed some weakness in the back.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 17:00

USA = No Energy Today

Disappointing effort, which is the hardest to take. Lack of shots---can't always make the perfect play or pass, sometimes have to make an agreesive attempt, like Rosicky's 1st goal. Johnson tried once in the second half and came close. More was needed.

StomoDotCom
ID: 485561022
Mon, Jun 12, 2006, 18:18

I agree THK, Ghana looked very strong today, regardless of the result. This is the group of death.

Australia too, what an upset. I don't even think I had them 3rd in the group. What a win for the group of guys playin together for along time.

As for the US, I was actually rooting for them, but they couldn't do it, nor did I expect them too. Look at the bright side...with Totti reinjured, this changes the picture a little bit. Now the US has to step up it's back line that seems to be German-esque (and that today seemed to be an overstatement), and get set for Italy.

barilko6
ID: 594351719
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 08:51

I have Australia moving on to the next round actually, primarily because of their coach, Guus Hiddink.

I was worried because they didn't look good until Cahill got his feet on the ball...

Teams I have been the most impressed with so far: Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Trinidad and Tobago!

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 09:24

Teams I have been the most impressed with so far: ...Trinidad and Tobago!

Maybe Sweden just sucks?

barilko6
ID: 21511310
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 11:01

Yeah...I agree. But I was still impressed! Playing with a man down, they held their own.

I don't expect them to move on at all, and I fully expect them to lose their next two games, but for that one fleeting moment...

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 13:55

France reminded me of the USA yesterday, only they had a tad more energy. Still not saying much.

J
Leader
ID: 10171012
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 16:47

I get to read play by play updates about the game, this sounds interesting...

77th minute - Robinho (Brazil) crosses from outside the box to Adriano (Brazil) who is alone in front of keeper Pletikosa (Croatia). But he thinks he is offside and doesn't shoot. But he wasn't! What a mistake! That had to be a goal!

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 18:01

Wow. That would be big if this wasn't Brazil and they may have to rely on goal differential. On the other hand that could end up being a big deal for Croatia. Anybody watch and can give an account of the play?

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 18:10

I watched the last 20 minutes over a blt, but don't recall it. I must have been salting my fries.

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 18:11

Croatia looked quite good, however. Not intimidated. Going right after them.

barilko6
ID: 21511310
Tue, Jun 13, 2006, 18:42

From what I can remember, I think the last two times Brazil and Croatia played each other, before today, both games ended in a draw.

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 04:29

Yeah, they played in Split a few months ago and it was a 1-1 draw. Croatia were decent. They never really looked liked damaging Brazil, but i still think they will be a threat to finish 2nd in this group.

Ronaldo was just terrible, totally disinterested. On the other hand, the best Brazil player was Kaka, IMO.

Been highly impressed with the Dutch, Czechs, Argies and Italians thus far. Will be interested to see how the Germans play against Poland tonight and if they can build on their reasonable start.

barilko6
ID: 21511310
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 10:41

Wow...Spain is looking like the most dominant team I have seen so far this tourney...

They are just handling the Ukraine team with ease.

Perm Dude
ID: 235131411
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 14:02

Yahoo headline: "The pain from Spain falls mainly on Ukraine."

ROFL!

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 14:25

lol

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 15:06

Dammit, that is pretty funny.

I don't even have anything else to say, but I felt that headline was good enough to make a post.

Those Yahoo guys have a nice sense of humor.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 17:00

Got home JUST in time to see Germany's stoppage time goal. The fans went nuts, and stayed that way even after the game. Cool scene, huge win.

THK
ID: 2510332316
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 17:27

Poland all but done now with Ecuador likely advancing barring a poor loss to Costa Rica and other factors. Just proves how big a game 1 win can be.

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Wed, Jun 14, 2006, 17:54

Yup. Great example. In technicolor.

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 10:59

Wow. Ecuador looks pretty good. Strong defense and potent offense. All they need is a tie against Germany to win the group and likely play Sweden/Trinidad/Paraguay rather than England in the 2nd round. Ecuador to the quarterfinals?

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 12:41

Trinidad & Tobago really frustrating England. Nothing would make me happier than another early exit for England.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 13:43

Shizen. Amazing pass from Beckham to Crouch gives England a goal at the 83 minute mark

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 13:47

whew.

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 13:53

whew

That sounds like the sound of a man in fear of losing some money. :}

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 13:56

uh huh.

100

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 13:58

My wife rooting for T&T this morning, and she noticed I wasn't.

"Don't you always root for the underdog?"

"Usually..."

I rooted for the US against my monied interests, but that didn't seem to help.

101

THK
ID: 2510332316
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 15:43

That would have been an amazing upset! I felt the goal from England coming though. Trinidad and Tobago still has a chance to advance though....a realistic chance. If Sweden doesn't pull out a victory over Paraguay here; T&T could advance with a win over Paraguay obviously. If Sweden does win, it could come down to goal differential which will hurt T&T because of that late 2nd goal...

What an intense game. I really wish T&T could have held on. It wouldn't have won them the 64 gallons of rum EACH but still! ;-)

102

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 16:05

If Sweden can tie Paraguay, England will have clinched first, which almost guarantees a win for Sweden against England when everyone sits; and sends Trinidad home.

What could be crazy is a Germany-England second round match up, which is currently how it stands. I got to think England is hoping for a Sweden win, then a Germany/Ecuador tie, so, it can tank against Sweden, play Ecuador, and be on the opposite side of the bracket as Brazil. Follow me???

103

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 16:11

Ecuador-Germany is the first match on Tuesday, so England will know who is in 1st before their match with Sweden. They can play it however they like against Sweden after they find out what is most advantageous.

104

THK
ID: 2510332316
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 16:51

Huge goal (FINALLY) for Sweden.

105

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 17:02

In Response to Post 103

I hardly doubt England will play to almost throw a game based on whether Germany or Ecuador finish in first. Sure Germany has won both its games (as expected) but Ecuador is not only the biggest surprise thus far in the World Cup but they look poised to make a run.

With that said, Germany should beat Ecuador in a close match, thus setting up Germany v Sweden and Ecuador v England (though we shall see).

106

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Thu, Jun 15, 2006, 18:00

I don't think they'll throw a game. Their personnel choices may be different, however. If they need to finish 1st to avoid falling into Brazil's bracket, we might see a little 20-30 min tune-up from Rooney. If a loss seems better, we certainly won't.

107

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 09:48

I just noticed we play Italy tomorrow (Saturday) at 2:30 EST. How considerate of the schedulers to ensure all of America is available to watch our hopes and dreams go down in flames.

Too bad we can't all watch it together. Is anyone pulling for Italy?

Maybe we could have an MSN chat room during the game or something?

108

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 09:56

My buddy's family is from Italy and they are having a US Elimination Party.

109

Twarpy
ID: 850169
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 10:00

Saw the Brazil Croatia game and it was amazing here in Berlin, fans went nuts and every third day a new group of fans come first set (Brazil, Croatian) 2nd set (Sweden and Paraguay). The past two nights I have stayed up until 6 AM partying with both the German and Swedish fans.

After the extra time goal for Germany it was utter chaos they have these zones set up called "Fan Fest" and its about 6 blocks of madness with about 10-12 massive screens setup, apparently there was close to 100,000 people there to see Germany and the party after was insane I will try and post some pics when I get home, overall its becoming quickly one of the greatest experiences of my life and I may have to make another trip like this in 4 years.

110

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 11:32

Holy smokes! 6-0. Argentina has looked good both games...can't wait for the Netherlands-Ivory Coast match up!

111

Species
Leader
ID: 07724916
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 11:40

SWEET update Twarpy! NICE! Enjoy, don't get alchohol poisoning and use a condom ;-)

112

Perm Dude
ID: 54521168
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 11:57

Hey Twarpy, Matt S is there too. Did you guys hook up?

113

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 12:23

Call me insane, but for some reason I'm convinced that the U.S. will win 1-0 tomorrow. Just call it a hunch.

114

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 13:08

re 41:

US:
ratings

Italy:
Italy-Ghana, Rai Uno, 21.216 mil viewers, 67.48% share

2nd highest viewers all time, highest is Italy-Austria in 1990 with 23.929 mil

France:
France-Switzerland, TF1, 14.7 mil viewers, 73% share

115

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 13:59

Thanks youngroman!

I feel bad for the Ivory Coast. Played their hearts out this World Cup and lost by a total of 2 goals in 2 games vs very strong sides.

Beezer-I also have a "hunch" of 2-1, but that "hunch" could be called "hope".

Eddie Johnson will be up top.
Landon in the MF.
Beasley should be on the left side but I hear he maybe coming off the bench which I think is a mistake no matter how he played vs. CR.

If a few other changes are made I really think US can take down Italy. However, US HAS TO SCORE THE FIRST GOAL. If they don't I will feel like it is over...
----
A few of those Argentina goals...WOW. Netherlands vs Argentina should be a good game. I think Argentina will edge (and look primed to make a BIG run) them but it should be very interesting.

116

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 14:42

World Cup trading cards

Be careful where you open the link. Don't stop scrolling 'till you get to my personal favorite, Saudi Arabia

117

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 14:53

I have a hunch we're going to get our ass handed to us.

118

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 14:57

wanna bet?

119

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 15:04

Not really, but I will. I'll even give you odds.

US wins, $20 to Guru from me.
Italy wins, $10 to guru from you.
Draw, $10 to guru from each of us.

120

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 15:10

Well, if you don't want to then don't.

If you do, you've got action.

121

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 16:36

It's been a while since I've given to Guru, and I doubt that amount will cause me to root against the USA (it didn't vs. the Czechs), so I guess I could consider it a win-win.

You're on.

122

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 18:39

Angola still in it. What a turn around it would be if they could sneak into the 2nd round?

123

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 18:45

I think Angola will lose on goal differential probably...

124

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 16, 2006, 21:52

Love the trading cards. I purchased some.....um, for the kids.

125

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 11:26

When it was the bottom of the 11st in the Tar Heels first game of the CWS last night I said that I would take a split of that game and the USA/Italy game.

Well somehow we managed to give Cal State Fullerton 5 outs in that inning, including having men on the corners with only 1 down and got out of it. We went on to win the game. GO HEELS GO.

However...a split is not okay anymore! :-(

America...F*CK YEAH! Comin' again to save the Mother F*cking Day YEAH! ;-)

126

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 11:50

Dear lord...World Cup Live before CR vs Ghana is a big big big mistake. Anybody else watching this?!?!

They have an Italian star from the '74 World Cup I gathered...not sure his name. Eric and him are about to start fighting. Obviously neither are experience being on camera in disagreement. The Italian guy is saying the US is buried they have no chance. Alexi is over there having a conversation with him about the '74 World Cup and Wynalda (spelling?) yells at both of them. Haha...this group won't be seen on television again. What a mistake. I sure hope somebody else saw this to laugh with me!

127

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 12:03

US is more buried than Ghana says the Italian...well maybe that isn't too bad....GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL GHANA!!!!!! GO GHANA!!!!

128

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 12:52

Halftime and the Italian was fired already! HAHA! :-) GO GHANA!

129

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 13:42

GHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CR 3 pts --- GD +1
Ghaha 3 pts --- GD EVEN
Italy 3 pts --- +2
USA 0 pts --- GD -3

If USA can get a W today vs. Italy they could realistically W the group and NOT play Brazil! What a wrench this is in the group. It makes USA winning the game that much more important.

Czech is now without Jan, their sub forward, the guy that got the terrible red card vs Italy.

Uh-oh! ONE GAME CHANGES EVERYTHING!!!

130

Tree
ID: 8541174
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 13:54

question - when celebrating, one of the Ghana players pulled out an israeli flag.

anyone know why?

131

amunoz
ID: 45515715
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 13:59

post 130.
I saw it also, He is jewish of course

132

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 15:03

Is it possible that I'm hearing right? Is it a pro-USA crowd in Eyrope?

Impressive for the US fans. My sis was tryinh hard to get tix.

133

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 15:31

USA too dumb to shoot goals. Italy defense is a disaster today. 2 goals scored by Italy, but 1 counts for the US. score is 1-1 after 30 minutes

De Rossi gets the red card for elbowing McBride.

134

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 15:50

Absolutely terrible red card. A late tackle and a yellow probably. Poor call.

I can easily see Pope or Onewuoadhflajkh (sp?) getting another yellow each. Pope would get a red this game and Oguchi wouldn't be able to play next game either.

USA is showing some attacking skills but their possession and passing isn't very sharp. Terrible make up call by the ref will even it out and not give any excuses to Italy if we are to win this game. GO USA...

135

Perm Dude
ID: 16531177
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 15:56

Man, terrible call. A yellow, at worst.

USA has to start shooting. Even some misses are better than just not shooting the ball.

136

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 16:05

speaking of Pope: yellow - red - gone

137

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 16:53

Absolutely terrible. I will post some comments after I cool down.

138

beastiemiked
ID: 36428317
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 22:43

After Pope got that 2nd red card I thought the US was done but luckily Keller came up with some decent saves. Beasley goal was pretty exciting for that brief second. We should've put Johnson in or another fresh body in for the end of the game. I have no clue why you wouldn't use your last sub. Can't wait for Thursday's game, hopefully Italy can take care of the the Czech's for us.

139

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 17, 2006, 22:50

Ok my thoughts:
#1) Obviously the first red card was a complete make-up call for Italy. Pablo was one of our best players too
---1b) I immediately thought Pope would get another yellow and be sent off sometime during the game

#2) The Pope tackle could be a yellow but I thought the ref my go easy on him as to not decide the game
---#2b) I later hear the ref had done this before...he is lucky we aren't an African nation or he would be shot

#3) Does DeMarcus Beasley want to be on the 2010 national team? Because right now he is making a case for leaving him off. He came in fresh and still didn't attack...even at his natural position. Poor effort overall.

#4) Great effort playing with only 9 men, but I don't know why everyone is so happy with the draw. Amazing effort yes, but we literally could have won the group if the ref hadn't put us out of the game. Now we have to rely on Italy to bounce back vs. a mad Czech Republic team that Reyna says is "easily the best team in the group". Or we have to win by 5 goals...YEA RIGHT.

I really just wanted this team to make the knockout round but I am skeptical now. Amazing effort for everyone except Beasley today and a great draw I guess, but the W should have been ours...along with possibly the entire group.

140

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 00:01

I didn't see Pope's 2nd yellow, but both Red Cards were indeed red cards. That elbow was just awful (I hope the Italian federation gets a fine for that) and the slide tackle was ugly (watch the replay, it looks like he gets him at the back part of his legs).

Otherwise a tough match. But this is still anyone's group. Maybe USA can stun Ghana?

141

Perm Dude
ID: 16531177
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 00:25

I watched the replay of the slide very carefully, but the feet were low and he very nearly got to the ball first. He wasn't intentionally taking out the Italian, and certainly not high. (video is here). The feet never got above about the ankle, at best. He came in from the side (not the back).

142

beastiemiked
ID: 36428317
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 04:33

Maybe USA can stun Ghana?

Umm, stun or beat them like they should? Ghana is probably riding high after beating the Czech but that was a huge upset and the US has to still be favored over Ghana.

143

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 08:27

It might be hard to believe, but USA is ranked 5th in the world. Ghana is #48.

The Czechs are #2, and Italy #13, fwiw.

FIFA World Rankings

144

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 11:38

Stomo-
Are you blind? Pablo came in a little late and CLEARLY got the Italian player from the side. That is yellow at best. We have seen 10 tackles like it per game at least.

Technically we hold our own destiny...win 5-0 (6-1, etc) then we advance no matter the outcome of Italy/CR. That said...we won't win by 5 goals. Italy needs to at least tie so they don't have to play Brazil...

However, say Italy is up 1 goal late over CR...what is to stop them from just letting CR put in a cheap goal to tie the game and screw the US? They would still win the group and make is virtually impossible for the US to advance. :-( Still upset we didn't win that game when we easily could have....

Also...DID ANYONE SEE WORLD CUP LIVE BEFORE CR/GHANA?!? Somebody needs to laugh with me!

145

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 11:42

141...Anytime you go sliding in SPIKES UP your gonna get red carded, it's as simple as that. That was a definite red.

142...US should handle Ghana? (Yea if you go by the genius FIFA rankings posted on 143). How much credibility are you going to give a set of rankings that has Argentina ranked 9th, Nigeria and Denmark 11th (how) Romania ranked 25th (that missed the WC b/c the Czechs and Netherlands were infront of them...and still kicked ass)?

I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't put the USA as the favorite against Ghana (for purely logical reasons)...and apparently neither would Vegas that currently has Ghana as favorites at 2.20 x 3.10 USA (Draw at 3.40). And this isn't your notoriously underachieving Ghana that your accustomed to seeing. I remember when they were 70th in the world, and now they shot up how many ranks (though FIFA rankings are more or less useless). This is a very strong team, and anyone that got to see them play their qualifiers (like I was fortunate enough to do) would know better than to put FIFA Rankings in the context of this game (LOL The USA is ranked above Portugal, Argentina, England, and Spain, amongst others...nice rankings).

146

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 11:57

The only sane person in the satadium who thought the slide tackle was a red card.....well, there wasn't one. If that was a red card, there'd be about 5 per game. It was a joke of a call.

The Uraguayan ref was just awful. He started the match handing out weak yellows to both squads on plays that should have been plain ole fouls. Pope's second yellow (you don't take a guy out of a match on a call that could have gone either way), Tuti's yellow, etc. were far too weak to change the course of a World Cup over. A joke. Wanna know why a lot of Americans are slow to warm to the game. The fact that grossly arbritrary call by a ninkinpoop can take away a team chance to compete, has a lot to do with it.

147

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:03

Lol ninkinpoop*

Don't get me wrong, I've seen worse NO CALLS. But considering the context of the match, the fact that it was a tough game, lots of tackles, even a red card, a lot of talking...was there anything less that could've been done?

I got to see Pope's two yellows. Eh. Both were questionable and cud've gone either way, but your right how a questionable call shouldn't be called to toss a guy.

148

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:10

An Aussie player just went cleats up to the knee of Ronaldo. Not even a yellow.

149

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:16

Should've been. Yet a showing up of the ref gets a yellow.

Also, keep in mind that Refs were ordered to dish out more yellows throughout the tournament, prior to the tourney beginning.

150

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:27

Also, keep in mind that Refs were ordered to dish out more yellows throughout the tournament, prior to the tourney

Yeah, they're going to have to revisit that decision. Combined with the yellows being carried over to the next game, people are going to be upset when top players happen to get 1 cheap yellow in consecutive games and have to sit out. FIFA can do better than that.

151

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:32

Yellow handed to Ronaldo for kicking the ball (softly) just after an offsides call. Ridiculous!

152

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:48

Lol. That made me feel like the yellow card the Dutch got guy for falling in the box.

How bout this Brazil-Australia match? Brazil is playing....pretty bad.

153

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 12:57

Hmmm. Ghana without their top 2 goal scorers Thursday because of yellow card accumulations. Dumb rule.

154

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 13:05

May be, but 2 yellow cards equating to a one game suspension has always been a rule...it's nothing new.

155

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 13:11

MBJ-
We are without Pablo and Pope, which I would say is just even as Pablo is one of our better players thus far and Pope is our best defender.

If we get lucky and advance...I can see Oguchi getting another yellow next game and having to sit out vs. Brazil.

Speaking of...Brazil finally scores.

156

Twarpy
ID: 555501813
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 14:51

Being a referee of many years and watching the game in Berlin with a fairly partisan crowd, I can tell you that the first two red cards were in fact correct.

The second red the US received 'was' the correct call by the letter of the book, as Stomo has pointed out. The problem being is that referees tend not to try and take the game into their hands, much like a basketball player getting a second technical takes a lot more than a first technical, and that throwing at a batter you are not tossed usually until you have been warned.

The bottom line remains that the foul is a red card, but the referee should have seen the flow of the game and realized in a tie game that Pablo was not intentionally trying to injure, nor being reckless right outside the box on an obvious scoring chance. Tough call against the US but they have to capitalize more on their chances, and have no one but themselves to blame for the first game.

157

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 16:05

Twarpy, also as a referee, I say it is not a red. What "by the letter of the book" rule are you referring to? It was a tackle from the side that missed the ball and crushed the ankle, easy yellow card. Tackling with your "Studs up" is not a red card, hence Figo getting spiked in the face and Deco spiking an Iranian in the chest yesterday, with neither player being ejected (that's just two examples of studs up not being a red card, there are many more this World Cup and in the history of the game).

I just don't see how that is a red card in anyone's book. It was a hard tackle, which was mistimed. It wasn't from behind, and he shouldn't have been ejected. It was a make up call, it is my opinion that the ref believed he had given the US 20 minutes at 10v11 and thought it better to re-level the playing field, thus the next hard U.S. foul was getting a straight red.

The Pope decision would of been fine, if hadn't just red'ed Pablo five minutes earlier. And you can tell the ref knew he messed up, because the rest of the game after ejecting Pope, the U.S. only had two fouls called on them, and there were some big borderline tackles around the U.S. box, all of which went unpunished.

158

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 16:21

I completely agree with leggestand in the fact it was a makeup call and the Pope decision wouldn't have been bad except for the fact he screwed Pablo a few minutes before. Oh yea...as a referee too! ;-)

This wouldn't be a discussion if so many yellows weren't being thrown around...

159

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 16:22

A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences:

1. is guilty of serious foul play
2. ...

FIFA law

A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

FIFA law

now you can start discussing if the safety of the opponent was in danger (potential ankle injury).

I guess if the Ref enforces this rule strictly he may need to show the red card a lot during a game because such fouls happen at a least a few times during any single game.

160

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 16:28

I guess if the Ref enforces this rule strictly he may need to show the red card a lot during a game because such fouls happen at a least a few times during any single game.

Youngroman, I completely agree. I have the rules up, too, and no where does it says "studs up" is a red as alluded to by Stomo. I am not saying it wasn't a dangerous tackle, but there is no "by the book" red for the Pablo call.

The safety of a player is always endangered when a direct foul occurs, and from my ref classes, the law you quote is more alluding to physical contact (punch, elbow, kick, stomp, etc), that has to do with fouls that are not supposed to be part of the game.

When we are saying that a slidetackle from the side is "serious foul play" and that's why he got a red, we have to all realize that it was a bad call.

161

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 16:46

Let's not forget this isn't the first time the ref has done this. He was not signed to ref in the 2002 FIFA World Cup because of irregularities such as this...

I mean this is a huge deal. I truly believe if it was 10 vs. 10 US wins that game AND possibly the entire group. That is the whole reason I am upset about it. Now if we don't even move on to play Brazil not only will I be devestated but it is a legit hit for American soccer.

162

Myboyjack
ID: 235581120
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 16:52

Silly Yellow on Zidane will cost him his next match.

You guys (Twarpy, etc.) who are claiming the first US red was "by the book" which book would that be.

The rules leave the refs wide discretion on those calls. There is no "textbook" example. Again, if that play was a red card, there would be 5 red cards a match. The Uraguyan ref exceeded that discretion. I doubt he officiates another World Cup

163

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 17:03

Can somebody explain soccer betting to me?! I am familiar with other betting moneylines...but how can something like this work:

Angola +150
Draw +230
Iran +155

So say you are a $100 bettor. No matter what you bet for, if you are correct you make over $100? That just doesn't make sense to me since I am used to football lines:

New England -230
Miami +300

Or whatever...just interesting to see. Clearly I understand but a little surprised...

164

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 17:07

I need to amend my 160...the rule I wis referring to with the "kick, punch, elbow, etc" is covered send off foul 2: "violent conduct."

I agree with MBJ, THK, and all who call this a cautionable offense.

165

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 17:17

FIFA laws 2006 / page 67

Serious Foul Play
A player is guilty of serious foul play if he uses excessive force or brutality against an opponent when challenging for the ball when it is in play.

Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.

France played an awful 2nd half. they had their chances but Henry failed to score. this will be an interesting group too. lets see how Switzerland plays Togo tomorrow.

166

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 17:23

lol, keep finding 'em youngroman! The term "excessive force" is the debatable point. I didn't think Pablo's challenge was excessive; if you've played soccer, tackling with your studs up is a pretty normal occurence, starting at 12-13 years old.

167

Valkyrie
ID: 313182621
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 18:20

What a sport- you can lose one or two men and still not lose the game- try that in football, basketball, hockey or even baseball and you get killed- soccar is the only sport I know where one or two players a side just doesn't even make that much of a difference????

168

Perm Dude
ID: 265451814
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 18:22

Great goal by the Koreans, in one of their rare pushes to the box. France just kept kicking the ball over the goal in the second half--they really only challenged the keeper once or twice in the second half.

169

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:02

So sliding spikes up (in the context of that specific match) doesn't constitute excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent???

Nice one.

170

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:26

What does "in the context of that specific match mean?" It is excessive force because Italy was a man down?

Spikes up is spikes up, and I don't know how you are trying to differentiate that in the US-Italy game in particular. As we have mentioned, Ronaldo get hit with spikes up today (no card), Deco committed a spikes to the chest yesterday (yellow card), which I thought was a direct retaliation for Figo getting a foot to the face.

Their have been numerous occurences of spikes up tackles this World Cup, yet Pablo has the only straight red. If a spikes up tackle is a straight red, then there would be 5 or so a game, yet their isn't. Why?

171

Perm Dude
ID: 265451814
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:38

Stormo: First of all, it was never "sliding spikes up." The slide came from the side, spikes were perpendicular to the ground.

Unless you are arguing that all slide tackles should be banned (some old man leagues have that rule) you are arguing against something that didn't happen.

Look at the video again. The tackler's feet never got above about the height of the ball (which is what is really what is meant by spikes up: Height of the feet and angle of attack.

Was it harder force than necessary? Sure--that's why it was a foul. But is wasn't a red card-worthy action.

172

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:39

PD, France is looking like the same France from '02. So far, I believe that the top teams are:

1. Spain - smoked Ukraine...didn't see that coming. Young guys look solid.
2. Argentina - I fell for the "South America stinks in the Europe WC's" but they look real good. 6-0 against a team that let up 1 goal in all qualifying???
3. Netherlands - Knocking it around like the best of them. Will be a hard out to get as their forwards should always keep them alive to the final whistle.
4. Brazil - Haven't looked great yet. If the US doesn't advance, I would love to see a Ghana-Brazil 2nd round...upset special!

Germany, Portugal, England, Italy, Czech, Mexico, and especially France do not appear, thus far, that they will be able to take those above teams down.

173

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:41

Stomo-
You have yet to comment on the fact that type of tackle is seen numerous times in each game. I would have given Pablo a yellow but coming in hard and late. However, it was from the side and didn't look like anything over malicious. It was clearly a make up call in my mind since the ref didn't want to have decided the game...meaning US would have likely won that game playing 11 vs 10 all that time.

Then he later regretted the red to Pablo because he gave the 2nd yellow to Pope.

All this fuss, even the Italian guy on World Cup Live...one of the biggest homers I have ever seen said the ref was horrendous. Yet you still won't concede the card was over the top? I have played, been and ref, and watched soccer my entire life...but never have I watched so much soccer the last 9 days. If a red was given everytime I saw a tackle like Pablos this World Cup would be a laughing stock.

What still kills me the most is look at Pablo after the card. There are normally 2 reactions to red: 1) walking off a knowing you did something wrong like the case when McBride was elbowed and 2) arguing because it is debatable

Pablo was just like...uh...are you kidding? He was in complete and utter shock. I don't think you see reactions like his and as dumb struck as he was after very many red cards given..

174

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:44

PD, that true about the spikes, but I think showing them can be construed as spikes up? Pablo's were certainly low to the ground, but they crushed the Italian's ankle upwards (heel on the ground), not sideways. I may be wrong, though. If the foot was parellel to the ground, that's an even more horrendous call.

175

Perm Dude
ID: 265451814
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 19:52

The video is still available in my link in #141. Is shows the spike parallel, as far as I can tell.

Now, I've played (high school and some college), reffed, and taught the game to kids. So I know how tough it is to make that call. But the ref was close and should have seen the difference in the play between a red card, yellow card, or plain foul. He was making a play for the ball (and nearly got it), and came in low from the side. He didn't: Go high, come from the back, come in very late, or make an obvious attempt to injure the opponent. Yellow him, and we move on.

176

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 21:19

170, read 156 cause I feel like I'm speaking in Italian.

Stomo-
You have yet to comment on the fact that type of tackle is seen numerous times in each game. I would have given Pablo a yellow but coming in hard and late. However, it was from the side and didn't look like anything over malicious. It was clearly a make up call in my mind since the ref didn't want to have decided the game...meaning US would have likely won that game playing 11 vs 10 all that time.

Ok. You give him your yellow, and I'll say the red card call was a good one. Do yourselves a favor and watch this other video (not in slow motion) from a different source, and tell me that didn't look over-wreckless, if not MALICIOUS at that. And what is up with that scissor motion? (KEEP READING)

YouTube Video

Break out your protractors big boys and tell me now that bottom foot was tilted downward when he came up.

What still kills me the most is look at Pablo after the card. There are normally 2 reactions to red: 1) walking off a knowing you did something wrong like the case when McBride was elbowed and 2) arguing because it is debatable

Pablo was just like...uh...are you kidding? He was in complete and utter shock. I don't think you see reactions like his and as dumb struck as he was after very many red cards given..

Seeing as those generally are the reactions given to red cards, I don't know how one can respond (unless we can read minds) but it looked like to me he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. And after that slide, before the card was issued, he just stopped, didn't even chase the ball like most players would.

Stomo-
You have yet to comment on the fact that type of tackle is seen numerous times in each game. I would have given Pablo a yellow but coming in hard and late. However, it was from the side and didn't look like anything over malicious. It was clearly a make up call in my mind since the ref didn't want to have decided the game...meaning US would have likely won that game playing 11 vs 10 all that time

AND

What does "in the context of that specific match mean?" It is excessive force because Italy was a man down?

From the early moments of this match, and even before this match, it was well documented that this wasn't just a game, but it was

WAR with both sides coming out and playing hard and physical. And no where did I say this is a red card anywhere...I could've sworn I said in the context of THIS GAME. So think about it...a buildup so big in a match that to many was the next coming of Hulk Hogan, in a World Cup where it has also been noted that yellow cards are meant to come out more often, what do you expect for even the most malicious-looking or over-excesive kind of foul? And saying it was a makeup call is overrated, because Pope's could've been a simple foul.

I'm not saying this was red card in itself in any regular game (The elbow certainly was). But given the referee's position, given the buildup to the game, given every single intangible possible and how powerful that slide was, it was the correct call in the book (for the match).

177

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 21:26

Lol----the war comments were made by Eddie Johnson, who unfortunately didn't even get in the game. I still can't believe he didn't come in for McBride, but oh well.

178

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 21:39

Me neither Mike D, DOnovan could barely moving the last five minutes. I could only remember two subs occuring, so, I was shocked we didn't put Johnson in to just run around and create havoc at the end.

I can't talk anymore about the red card. The bulk of the people commenting here, on tv (including RAI and Univision), and in newspapers say it was a bad red. I am going to stick with that majority.

179

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 18, 2006, 22:07

Man, if I could pick my captains right, my lead wouldn't be shrinking in Yahoo. Getting tight bro. Kudos.

180

coldwater coyotes
ID: 43171811
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 11:14

In one of the Joe +10 commercials Joe replaces a player after not
scoring and brings on a sub....Who is the goalie, the player
replaced and the sub????

181

Mike D
Leader
ID: 41831612
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 12:30

IIRC, the goalie is Jermaine Defoe, the guy Joe gets mad at is Kaka....I don't recall a sub though. So much happens so fast in those.

182

Catfish
Leader
ID: 035262811
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 15:32

Tree, #130, the Ghanain player is John Pentsil and he plays for the Israeli team Hapoel Tel Aviv. Just doing a little PR.

183

Swish City @ Germany
ID: 175121917
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 18:30

Was at Togo v Switzerland game in Dortmund today. What a fantastic game, and if this is what a game between 2 "smaller" nations is like for atmosphere, i can't wait to see what Portugal v Mexico and Brasil v Japan will be like later in the week.

Nothing but massive kudos for the Swiss fans - they truly know how to party and the support for their team was phenomenal. A great, great experience. For the record, Togo were really unlucky to get nothing from this game. They played their hearts out...

Hopefully more updates to come later in the week!

184

leggestand
ID: 345361321
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 21:08

Keep the updates coming Swish!

Mike D, I thought I was going to catch you today in the Yahoo game...but I didn't know you had Torres. Nice one...I wanted Raul to hit that penalty.

Anyone else up for a guessing how the groups will turn out now with the final games looming? Mine:

A: 1. Ecuador, 2. Germany
B. 1. Sweden, 2. England
C. 1. Argentina, 2. Netherlands
D. 1. Mexico, 2. Portugal
E. 1. Italy, 2. Ghana (I hate to do it)
F. 1. Brazil, 2. Croatia
G. 1. Switzerland, 2. France
H. 1. Spain, 2. Ukraine

185

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 21:47

Leggestand-
I am not even going to talk about the Ghana #2 in Group E but you have Italy #1. I am just curious do you think Italy is going to win or tie the Czech Republic, as either result could yield the 1/2 of Italy/Ghana.

Just thinking from an American perspective how likely an Italian win is...I know it is huge that CR doesn't have Koller and Italy is the clear favorite in Vegas. However, a draw would cripple the US' hopes.

How I see it:
A: 1) Ecuador 2) Germany -- on GD
B: 1) England 2) Sweden -- this crazy, but I seriously think T&T could be Paraguay. I think Rooney in the lineup will spark England to a victory
C: 1) Argentina 2) Netherlands
D: 1) Portugal 2) Mexico
E: 1) Italy 2) USA --- homer pick LOL but I want to hold out hope
F: 1) Brazil 2) Croatia
G: 1) Switzerland 2) France
H: 1) Spain 2) Ukraine

Man, I hope USA can pull it out/Italy pulling it out...I'll be devestated if we can't advance.

THK

186

barilko6
ID: 24419110
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 22:16

The only major differences I have from the above two predictions:

1: Germany 2: Ecuador
1: Italy 2: Ghana
1: Netherlands 2: Argentina
1: England 2: Sweden
1: Brazil 2: Australia

187

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Mon, Jun 19, 2006, 23:01

leggestand, ironically I made an early move to Torres before his first game from Borgetti after the thigh injury. Torres was a last minute deletion from my initial roster. Couldn't fit everyone. Nice to see Shevchenko with the buzz, goal, and assist. ;)

188

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 10:19

THK - I think Italy will win because they have to assume that Ghana will win (their worst case scenario). If Ghana wins and Italy ties, all of a sudden Ghana takes the 1 seed and Italy is stuck playing Brazil, rather than Australia or Croatia. So, look for Italy to come out flying. Gattuso should start because of the Rossi red, and I don't think Italy will lose much of anything there. The Czechs will have a tough time scoring with none of their top 3 forwards available. So, Italy wins, and gets the 1 seed.

The one thing working against the United States is if they get a 2 to 3 goal lead. At that point, Italy will know all they need is a tie, and my just sit back and condense the defense, take the draw with the Czechs and send both teams through. Eerily similar to the Portugal-South Korea game in 2002, where the Koreans broke some kind of "agreement" that both teams should tie when the Koreans scored late and sent the US in.

189

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 10:23

Mike D - Been running around all morning at work and just remembered to set my lineup...too late to put in Klose; that could seal the deal between our two teams.

190

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 10:29

Good point. I optimistically think about US winning...because frankly I'll be too upset if they don't. So I forgot about the possibility of Ghana getting the #1 seed.

I don't see US getting up by 2 or 3 goals allowing Italy to sit back. However, even if they hear US is up 1 goal late...it wouldn't be hard to make a "mental mistake" or something and let CR score. Hopefully Italy scores early and often!

191

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 10:49

Sheesh, Klose scores again. MikeD, I have handed you the championship on a silver platter.

THK, I definitely think the US can win, but it should be a very good game. I certainly think that the team with the toughest task ahead of them is Czech Republic.

192

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 10:56

I am only able to watch the Germany-Ecuador game on gamecast. What's up with Ecuador? Are they just playing for the 2 seed?

193

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 11:00

That last goal was a defensive lapse. It's on telemundo here.

The alamonde player just flipped it over the final ecuador defender, the goalie came out to get it, but Klose, taps in past him and walks into the goal.

194

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 11:05

It was a great goal...Ecuador just looks flat. Not sure why they would play for the #2 seed...

GO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO!!! What a great story that would be...

195

R9
Leader
ID: 02624472
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 11:16

What a goal! Germany all over Ecuador. I'm a bit of a soccer novice, but I thought Ecuador was a strong team?

196

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 11:19

Germany is looking much better than in their previous 2 games, while Ecuador looked terribly flat in the 1st half.

That third goal was great. Nice outlet pass, great cross and finish. Germany's timing is much better than they have showed earlier in this World Cup.

Germany with another solid chance...Ecuador knows it is over now. I assume Germany's top players will be coming out soon.

THK

197

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 16:50

and we got:
Germany - Sweden (tough matchup for Germany)
England - Ecuador (should be easy for England)

198

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 16:54

I just looked at the knockout bracket based on current standing for the first time. Potentially Argentina vs. Germany in the 2nd round... Interesting

199

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 18:43

That's one way to knock me from first.....someone crashed our league!

200

Dec
ID: 22572018
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 19:43

Argentina - Holland tomorrow for a free ride in the final.

Mexico won't stop them in the 1/8 finals.
Ok, Germany at home could be a pain in the 1/4 but they have to beat Sweden. Holland-Germany could be nice off the field.
The 1/2 will be a joke, they avoid Brazil and Spain, so who cares who gets out.

201

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Tue, Jun 20, 2006, 22:01

With both teams sitting guys on yellow cards----especially Argentina----the game could go either way. I like Argentina's depth though.

202

J
Leader
ID: 10171012
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 11:38

What happens if 2 teams finish tied with the same goal differential?
(and if the answer is head to head, lets say they tied)

203

barilko6
ID: 485142013
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 11:58

I just laid a bet on the Netherlands at +380. Was very happy to get that return!!!

204

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 12:16

J, it's probably goals scored.

205

THK
ID: 2510332316
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 12:45

Tiebreaks after Goal Differential is Goals scored, then H2H, then "drawing of lots"

206

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 13:58

That's crap. FIFA sucks. Not completely, but in some ways.

207

Swish City @ Germany
Dude
ID: 0931275
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 19:01

Another magnificent game today in Portugal v Mexico. I would not like to be playing either of these teams in the latter stages. 3 goals, 2 penalties, a sending off, and maybe the best half of football in the tournament so far. Maniche's goal was superlative.

And just to top it all off, i managed to go in with a Portugal shirt, and come out with a Francisco Fonseca (who was man of the match, by the way!) Mexico shirt after having swapped with a cool Mexican dude. Can't do better than that really. The Schalke Arena is the best stadium i have ever been to. The roof was enclosed tonight and it was breathtaking. Plus i got my Heart of Midlothian flag right behind the goal at pitch level which was amazing! If anyone can spot it in any highlights they see online, please let me know!

Now Brasil v Japan tomorrow for me. This holiday just gets better and better. More to follow...

208

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 23:33

I'm jealous, Swish. Very jealous.

209

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Wed, Jun 21, 2006, 23:41

Swish shirt swappin' like he just got done runnin' 90. He's clearly in the zone.

210

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 00:07

All right, it's prediction time again.

Czech - Italy: Italy plays to win because they need to make sure they win the group and they want to erase the way they played on Saturday from their minds before the next round. I just don't see them letting in any goals in this one with all those Czech forwards out, and I think they'll get a goal off a set piece, maybe 2. I'll say 1-0 Italy on this one.

U.S. - Ghana: I've got a feeling that the U.S. is going to be much more direct in this game than the first two and will be putting the ball on the goal whenever possible instead of making extra passes. Both teams will be looking for a win so I think this will be a fantastic, high-scoring game. Make it 3-1 U.S. and they advance with Italy's win to face Brazil.

Probably more optimistic than is entirely reasonable, but it makes sense to me. I guess we'll see what happens.

211

Myboyjack
Dude
ID: 014826271
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 09:33

Getting stoked.....who's watching?

212

Peter N.
ID: 255511919
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 09:53

Skipping class to watch here. GOOOOO United States!

Predictions:

USA 1 Ghana 0

Italy 2 Czech Republic 1

213

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:29

I am watching...but since The Netherlands isn't playing, my rooting interests lie elsewhere.

214

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:30

Italy and Ghana both up 1-Nil

215

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:34

Lol. Who called the US favorites in this game again?

216

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:41

USA is playing better now. But Ghana is keeping up wow. This is better than the Czech match so far.

217

Myboyjack
Dude
ID: 014826271
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:44

Beasley finnallywakes up!!!

218

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:45

Nice goal USA...crowd is definitely cheering them on! Great cross by Beasley after he snuck through a crowd of Ghana players

219

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:48

Ghana replied...they want this game bad methinks! Nice top corner shot from a free kick.
Not too many Ghana fans in the crowd.

220

THK
ID: 2510332316
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:49

Beasley FINALLY....

Then a f*cking PK...that is enough to get their spirits down for the 2nd half

221

THK
ID: 2510332316
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:51

Just looking at the players leaving the field I say Ghana wins 3-1...

I would love for us to go out and get one early to tie it up and get the spirits back up, but I really haven't seen anything thus far to think that will happen.

222

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:51

Wow what a bad PK call. And the entire team looks stunned. This USA coach is horrible.

You guys need Otto Rehagel.

223

ChicagoTRS
ID: 564292610
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:52

that PK was deflating...terrible call too...

224

beastiemiked
ID: 36428317
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 10:53

Another crap call by the refs. I guess you wouldn't be a favorite in any match when the refs are out to get you.

225

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 11:00

I've tried to keep Balboa's opinions out of it, but I can't see how that was a penalty.

226

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 11:03

The Canadian announcer and colour guy thought the call was crap as well. We always stand up for our big brother!

227

Myboyjack
Dude
ID: 014826271
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 11:05

The PK call was bad (but par for the course for the last 2 games); but we deserved it with Bocanegra's horrible clear

228

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 11:06

I think I can say quite positively, that only the diehard of Ghanese fans would have picked Ghana to come out of this group.

Maybe not even the diehard would have picked them.

229

Myboyjack
Dude
ID: 014826271
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 11:31

Ghana really looking tired, but the US just can't cash in

230

smallwhirled
ID: 43338280
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 12:10

What a joke. No firepower at all.

231

Perm Dude
ID: 2532229
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 12:19

Seven shots is just pathetic. Even given the questionable PK call, knowing they had to win meant they needed to pepper that keeper with shots.

232

swami
ID: 75542011
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 12:25

Embarrassing. Food for thought:

The best player our country has to offer (Donovan) had ZERO shots on goal in the WC.

The "best team we have ever assembled" can only currently say they are ahead of Costa Rica and Trinidad as the 32 are ranks currently.

How large of a step back was made today when we couldn't beat the assumed roll over team of our group?

There's a phrase in poke when you can't spot the fish at the table. I guess we were the fish in this group...

233

Peter N.
ID: 255511919
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 12:50

I skipped class for that!? I must say that Bruce Arena is a terrible coach. Why wasnt Johnson in earlier and why didnt he start Convey!?!? Geez, now we have to wait another 4 years. Get rid of Arena!

234

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 13:09

Agree with PD and the bulk of Swami's post. IMO, even the bad pk call wouldn't have changed things, as we just didn't show enough offense all World Cup to be dangerous.

As for a step back for US soccer, I don't really think it is except to the casual soccer fan. It was a tough group, and although Ghana was the assumed roll over team, they didn't play like it and deserve the 2nd round. Overall, I think the Czech's were the biggest disappointment to their fans out of Group E (especially after the first game).

I feel terrible that Ghana has to play Brazil without Essien. What a horrendous call by the ref 5 minutes in. A yellow card on a play that could easily have been "no foul." They have no shot against Brazil now. Too bad.

235

beastiemiked
ID: 18301915
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 13:36

Convey was a nice spark plug against Italy and played great in limited action today. Lewis played pretty darn well too, that cross to Mcbride was a great run for him. Donovan played mediocre at best and was never a threat. Our D was extremely suspect first half(what the hell was Reyna doing). 2nd half it didn't look good either but that's because we were pushing to score.

That red card against Mastroeni was not only a killer for the Italy game but it was big blow for this game as well.

236

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 13:52

What was up with Johnson today? He played at 2/3 speed it seemed like. He should have had extremely fresh legs after not playing v Italy and coming in during the 2nd half today. His effort didn't make me think Arenas should have played him any more than he did.

237

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 14:41

We sucked. We sucked so badly, that it hurt me inside. I am really upset with this performance.

The fact that we simply don't play offense well is beyond me. Don't Americans rank near the top of the most offensive people in the world rankings?

Seriously, what a sad time. I don't know if it's Arena completely. Our players whose job it is to score just never do! I think it's time for some fresh blood on this team. I don't want to hear in 4 years that McBride, Beasley, Donovan and the gang are our best players again. That simply cannot be the case. Those guys have had 2 chances now and haven't gotten it done. Jeez we even lost a friendly warm up game two weeks before the WC started. I just think we need to be an offensive-powered team next time around. We have a long way to go.

238

THK
ID: 2510332316
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 14:59

First I would say the US did get it done in 2002. Getting that far was getting it done. This year is far different.

Donovan will be the leader next WC too I assume, although he did nothing this World Cup. Beasley was horrendous besides the cross. Eddie Johnson was mediocre today but talented.

We just didn't deserve to move on (like everyone has said). Our gameplan was poor, as well as execution and HUSTLE. Seems like we will be losing a few very solid players...? I don't know much about the up and coming in American soccer but what about the prodigy Freddy Adu?!?! ;-)

This is depressing for the real USA fans. 4 years of waiting after that will be tough. Also this is a hit to American soccer...yes the casual fan, but that is the fan we were trying to draw to the sport this World Cup. This Cup gave that opportunity like none other because of the coverage and the fact we could have moved on in a hard group in the spotlight. Big hit.

240

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 15:52

Amazing first half in the Japan/Brazil game. Swish, that half alone makes your World Cup trip worth it brother!

241

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 16:52

what a game between Croatia and Australia. Australia deserved to advance. the refs were a disaster in that game:
1) they missed at least 2 more penalties for Australia
2) they haven't seen the offside position previous to the 2-2
3) they missed to show the red card to Simunic after his 2nd yellow. even the assistant nor the 4th man realized it.
4) the first time in world cup history a player (Simunic) sees 3 yellow cards in 1 game.

unbelievable!

in the other match Ronaldo gets 2 goals and ties with Gerd Müller for most goals scored in world cup history with 14.

242

Razor
ID: 47525714
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 17:01

Arena has done a great job building US Soccer, but one glaring error that is evidence of his weaknesses as an in-game strategist is him not using all three subs in the Italy game. Everybody on the field was just dead tired having to play two men down and one man down to Italy. How could you not throw in a spark plug, especially when that could've been the difference against an absolutely exhausted Italian defense.

243

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 17:21

And when you need to score, you start 1 striker. Makes sense to Arena.

244

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 17:38

I'm a huge Arena supporter, but I think it's time for him to move on. Thanks for showing that an American coach can lead the U.S. effectively, but I think it's time for Klinsmann to come aboard and take us to the next level for 2010.

Disappointing performance today. I'm not upset that we lost as much as I am upset that we deserved to lose. And Mike D is dead on when he talks about starting 1 striker in a must-win game. Where's the 3-5-2 that hammered Portugal out of the gate in '02?

245

THK
ID: 2510332316
Thu, Jun 22, 2006, 17:39

Does anybody know where I can find a list of all the players missing the first games of the knockout round? Thanks

246

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 16:19

France is back baby.

247

Valkyrie
ID: 25110210
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 16:44

Sorry correction- the French were threatened so they now surrender-to Iran?, Tunisia? Togo? er...Korea...
ur Algeria, Mexico (Cinco de Mayo), Viet Nam ...

248

Peter N.
ID: 255511919
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 16:52

I saw PTI yesterday and they were talking to Adu. I didnt realize it, but he was born and raised in Ghana. Tony Kornheiser asked him who'd he play for if he received offers from both USA and Ghana for the next world cup and he said that he couldnt answer that question right now. He also said that he was split on who he was rooting for in the Ghana/USA game. Man, that'd be a bummer if he picked Ghana over United States in 2010.

249

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 16:55

And yet....he'd probably be better off.

250

Perm Dude
ID: 10539239
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:01

Hard to tell. How much raising did he do in Ghana when he was in the US at age 13 or so?

251

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:03

One team no one is really talking about is Switzerland. They didn't have the toughest of groups, but still came in as one of the 2nd place teams, giving up only 7 and dropping 18 in qualifying? Pretty impressive. If they can keep their defensive play, they should go quite far.

252

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:03

Considering how young he still is, that is the majority of his life! lol

253

Perm Dude
ID: 10539239
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:04

Sure, but I guess my point is that he was probably quite young and didn't form the same attachment as someone who spent more years there.

254

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:21

Anybody know where I can find a list of players missing first round action?

255

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:36

No THK, sorry.

Adu turned down the chance to play for Ghana this year. By 2010 I think he'll play for the US.

256

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:42

Judging by his comments during the interview, I am thinking he will just take a look at the programs in the next 2 years and see who projects to having the better team.

Probably will be the US at that point...

257

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 17:55

Bariko-
Why the US? I mean I sure hope so but we are losing 4 of our top players, and Ghana is the very youngest team in the World Cup.
---
I think he will play for the US as well though because in the long run I think US has a better chance of success (although my above statement contradicts it) and more publicity....

258

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 18:19

I just think that with the amount of money the US program can get, long term, stable success can't be too far off. The American team has made some pretty good strides in the last 20 years in terms of their soccer program, and will provide much more stability for little Freddie than I believe that the Ghanese can.

259

Swish City @ Germany
Dude
ID: 0931275
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 21:25

Brasil v Japan a couple of days ago...holy crap!! What a game. Was at the right end for 4 of the 5 goals. And for Ronaldo equalling Gerd Muller's record of 14 goals in WC finals.

I cannot put it into words what being at a Brasil WC game is like. I watched Ronaldo and Ronaldinho goggle-eyed, and got full video of Ronaldo's second goal and wonder strike. Not to mention photos with the Japan fans, who were AWESOME, i hasten to add. 3 goals down to Brasil and they were still chanting "Japan, Japan, ra ra ra" like they were through the whole game.

I don't want to eat up bandwidth but i would be more than happy to post some photos if people are interested.

My tips for the best games in the round of 16...Portugal v Netherlands and Argentina v Mexico. France v Spain should also be an absolute corker.

Oh, and Twarpy, i hope you had a totally amazing time too. Sounds like it!

260

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 23:02

I am probably not the most qualified to write about the World Cup...but for American's I think I rank pretty highly in WC knowledge...

Anyway, that is what blogs are for right?

My knockout phase predictions

261

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 23, 2006, 23:04

also funny Swish calls argentina vs mexico one of the best games in the 1st round...i like argentina to win big in that one! ;-)

netherlands vs portugal should be a great game though...

looking to the 2nd round...argentina vs germany - WOW

262

Swish City @ Germany
Dude
ID: 0931275
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 01:56

THK I agree that the Argies will beat the Mexicans, but i don't think it's as clear cut as you might think. Mexico played really well against Portugal despite having 10 men, and on another day, could have levelled or even won that match. In Fonseca and Bravo they have some decent and pacy strikers, which is vital when playing in the knockout stages of the tournament. Any team without a prolific striker is going to be in serious danger of exiting at this stage.

As an outside bet for the 1/4 or 1/2 finals, i think the Swiss are in with a shout. They have impressed me a lot, and their run of form has been quite unexpected. Barnetta, Yakin and Frei especially are all decent strikers and they seem pretty locked down defensively.

It's getting good now. All the big guns into the knockout phase. To be perfectly honest, i just can't see past Brasil or Argentina at the moment. Brasil stepped it up and made a statement against Japan, and the Argies have been brilliant fuelled by Riquelme's incisive passing and bursts. Having said that, it's still wide open as a tournament.

263

Swish City @ Germany
Dude
ID: 0931275
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 02:10

As a final point on the Mexicans, i would also say that they have a massive support here, and that counts for a lot at this stage. They are certainly at least as fanatical, and i would say are here in greater numbers than Argentina or Brasil. Just my opinion with being out here. I would think they'll run Crespo and co quite close.

As a slight aside, i'm visiting Edgar in Holland for the day on Sunday to watch the England v Ecuador and (of course!) Holland v Portugal games. So i'll be rooting for Holland, especially since i don't have my Portugal shirt anymore ;)

264

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 07:26

Borgetti is back for Mexico, and he's a proven scorer. Could be a battle.

265

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 11:04

Quick Germany goal....that is devestating for Sweden.

266

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 11:12

Prince Poldi scores again, 2-0

267

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 11:13

I am worried Germany is going to knock out my Champion in the 2nd round!!!

268

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 11:47

Lucic gets a 2nd yellow (including the red card with a smile on the ref's face), hard decision. Sweden bay be better without him because he was the worst man on the field today. he couldn't handle Klose, who assisted on both Podolski goals. Klose plays unbelievable today.

too bad the quarter-final will be Germany-Argentina. these 2 teams could easily reach the final.

269

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 12:07

Jonson body-checking Ballack from behind and sees only yellow. even in the NHL that would have been a penalty. seems like a make-up for the hard red earlier.

270

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 12:10

questionable penalty for Sweden - Larsson misses - still 2-0

271

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 16:55

and the refs blow it another time. Messi scores but the assistant saw an offside position. no way this was offside. Argentinian commentary is speechless for the first time in 93 minutes!

1-1 after regulation.

272

Peter N.
ID: 395222320
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 23:11

What a game between Argentina and Mexico! Nice call Swish!

273

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jun 24, 2006, 23:52

And a heckuva goal to win it, even after the nice one earlier was called off.

274

swami
ID: 27230818
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 09:35

Amazing goal to finish the off the Mexicans. Great game, glad I ran the Tivo while I was out.

275

Species
ID: 295302411
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 13:43

As a soccer novice (although I did get to see Pele's last professional game - NY Cosmos vs. Seattle Sounders, "Soccer Bowl" in Portland, OR - was COOL) seeing these highlights of the goalkeepers I am extremely impressed. Most of the time they know exactly how much room to give between them and the post. I can hardly count how many quality saves they have made when upon making their dive their hand almost exactly covers up to the edge of the post. Plus of all of the close misses that slide only inches wide of the post, you see the keep's hand flying across just far enough to block a ball that could be going in.

I know that's their job and they spend years knowing their limits and angles, etc, but it's fun to watch.

276

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 13:48

Tell that to the keeper from Ecuador. ;)

277

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 14:40

England edges Ecuador like I thought...

This next game should be a thriller. I hope Netherlands can pull it out.

278

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 15:48

Netherlands is afraid to shoot! For some reason they are intent on taking an extra touch instead of shooting.

However, Portugal maybe up 1 goal...but they will be 1 man down and Ronaldo is off...

279

xpdurmind
ID: 365571222
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:23

All even now...10 on 10.Portugal's play has been great.I like their chances to move to the semi's.

280

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:25

This ref is horrific. That was not a malicious elbow at all. 9 cards in one game...what a joke.

Netherlands just can't capitalize and Portugal was advancing even a man down. Not sure how Netherlands will do now, but their passing is very good so this space could be good...although without a man advantage that can't be as good as it was haha.

Anyway, whoever wins this game beats England.

281

xpdurmind
ID: 365571222
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:37

He's trying to keep control of the game and doing a terrible job. Almost a fight on every foul. Holland should've played the ball back to Portugal on that last one.

Another red for Portugal . 9 on 10. It might go down to 7 on 7 :)

282

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:38

the first real battle in this world cup. they are both fighting for their lifes.

Deco is off, now it's a 10 on 9.

I think he is not the last one today.

283

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:40

I will comment more after this brutal game is over...but how much stoppage time will there be? 10 minutes?!?!

I want Netherlands to win, but that would mean 30 more minutes and both teams would die first lol

284

xpdurmind
ID: 365571222
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:46

Why does the commentator keep saying that Portugal is down to 8 men? Did I miss another red?

285

Species
ID: 295302411
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:48

Re: 276 - finally got the highlight online. Was the Equador keeper out of position though? Looked to me like the wall f'd up more than the keeper.

286

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:54

and there goes Van Bronckhorst.

first world cup game ever with 4 red cards.

287

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:57

game is over 1-0 Portugal.
seems like an easy game for England in the quarter-finals with Portugal missing Deco, Costinha and maybe Ronaldo.

288

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 16:57

A game that would have been good...turned into an absolute joke.

289

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 17:25

Pretty intense game though, 100 times more than the England game.

290

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Sun, Jun 25, 2006, 23:48

Re: 287 Figo could easily be suspended by Fifa also for his headbutt.

291

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 09:35

I loved that Portugal-Netherlands game. As youngroman said, both teams were fighting for their lives. As many cards as their were, I can't really fault the ref. I thought he called the game pretty consistently, and it's kinda hard to control a game when both teams are out there trying to kill each other. I'd like to hear some additional thoughts on the reffing, though...

16 yellows and 4 reds. Wow! But of those, how many were really undeserved. Off the top of my head, I thought the yellow to Maniche was harsh, and the yellow to Figo was lenient. Of the reds, I didn't think any were that debatable. Maybe the elbow, but even though it wasn't malicious, it was an elbow to the face, which usually draws yellow. A malicious elbow would draw a straight red (see Rossi).

I do think the Dutch lost a game they could have easily won. Offensively they went too much for the high ball into the box, even when they had #'s to play on the ground. I don't want to take anything from Portugal, but without a bunch of these players, I don't think they have much of a shot against England.

292

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 12:51

what a joke of a penalty in the 93th minute. that was clearly a make-up for the red card.

293

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 12:53

No way he gives a "make up" call inside the box in the 93rd minute. You are clearly just pissed off.

I think it was just a mistake by the ref. Not a make up but he thought the Italian was legitamately fouled.

Australia didn't gameplan very well while up a player. Italy shouldn't have even had that chance.

294

J
Leader
ID: 10171012
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 13:35

I was watching the 2nd half at a bar with no sound and that looked like by far the worst call I have ever seen. It looked like the australian guy went down to block the italian guy at least 3 seconds before he got there. The italian then went right over him. How can you call a penalty kick at such an important point in a match?

Horrible!!!!!!!!!!

295

swami
ID: 75542011
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 13:41

Horrible call on the red card.

Horrible call on the PK in the box.

What has happened to the officiating? Why don't we see more arguing on the calls in soccer? Does the presence of the language barrier make it useless?

On a side note, did you guys see the shot of Sydney and that huge fire they had going?

296

Seattle Zen
ID: 46315247
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 17:29

Penalty Kicks

297

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 17:36

Ukraine has 2 so far!

298

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 17:37

3 for Ukraine. It should be over.

299

J
Leader
ID: 10171012
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 17:41

did they really miss ALL of their penalty kicks??????????

300

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 17:42

They missed all 3. Hit the crossbar on the second.

301

threespleens
Leader
ID: 00795541
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 19:34

the ref hands italy the game on a platter and forgets to even give the aussie defender a card

pretty lenient for a "foul" in the box. oh wait, he just wanted to blow the final whistle and get the f*** out of dodge

302

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 20:23

threespleens you forget that Italians have this all rigged, and now that they are under scrutiny have to do it a little more undercover. By getting the ref to give them a red card, it doesn't look so bad when countless Pete Rose wannabes score tons of money betting on the game;)

303

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 20:45

Bullsh*t penalty call for italy.

304

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 21:01

Yea, the ref clearly wanted to help Italy in the game...giving a red card to an Italian in the what...55th minute?

I think he was just stupid and literally thought the player was fouled...

305

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 22:33

Watching live, I thought it might be a foul. It only took one replay to change my mind. Tough for the refs at "full speed."

306

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 22:42

And BTW, the Mexican ref went far to the other extreme today in that Ukraine game. But I loved that he didn't go for the diving, and eventually the players realized it, and actually played. Many times he was vindicated in his lack of calls by the replays.

307

THK
ID: 2510332316
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 22:57

Mike D-
I completely agree. I loved how the ref wasn't foul/card happy. A few he missed, but overall a better called game then most we have seen. The game itself left something to be desired though...

308

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Mon, Jun 26, 2006, 23:23

Is the Swiss team the first to ever go through an entire WC without allowing any goals? I'm sure someone already mentioned it but I hadn't seen it.

309

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 00:13

Yes Beezer it was.

310

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 12:44

Ghana outplays Brazil and loses 3-nil.

311

swami
ID: 75542011
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 13:58

I didn't see any of the game, but how can you outplay someone and lose 3-0? Any stupid red cards?

312

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 14:28

Swami-
The only red card was late in the game and a result of 2 yellows. Wasn't horrible or anything.

Ghana really did look very good on the attack. However, they played the off-sides trap and that pretty much resulted in all 3 goals for Brazil. The Ronaldo goal was very nice. Brazil's second goal was a hair offsides but wasn't called. The third was just a tack on goal late similar to Ronaldo's goal really. Playing the offsides trap left Brazil players 1 on 1 with Kingson... Overall though Ghana looked very good attacking Brazil and had a lot of good chances.

Brazil will have to step up if they hope to repeat.

313

Richard
Dude
ID: 204252420
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 15:04

Just got this interesting tic fact off the BBC website coverage for today's France vs. Spain match

The bad news for France is that Nostradamus has predicted Spanish success at the World Cup... well, maybe, you decide. The Frenchman's prophecy reads: "In the sixth month of 2006 the King of Spain will cross the Pyreness with his troops. The legions of Beelzebub will battle him in central Europe but the evil ones will suffer doom and destruction. The Holy Grail will then come, like the King, to Spain." We may as well all go home then.

Do you think old Nostradamus was a Spain fan?

Richard

314

Astade
ID: 57544126
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 16:30

Henry with 4 or 5 offsides already in the game.
Spain isn't doing anything amazing with their trap. I expect more from a world-class player like Henry.

If France doesn't win, he has to blamed for not converting on a couple of those chances.

315

Astade
ID: 57544126
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 16:44

Henry redeems himself.
Draws the yellow card which leads to a Zidane-Vieira goal off the free kick.

2-1 France. Late in the game.

316

THK
ID: 2510332316
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 16:50

Henry's flop leads France. Another game decided on a poor call in my opinion.

317

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 17:42

3-1 France outta nowhere stuns the world. I have them this far atleast (see other threads).

318

JCS
ID: 4154912
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 17:52

Still alive and kicking! Game vs Brazil should be interesting, last time we met it certainly was .

319

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Tue, Jun 27, 2006, 18:06

Both games sound like they were good today. Wish I could have seen them yesterday when I was off.

320

swami
ID: 27230818
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 00:36

Favorites heading to the final 8??

I like Argentina and Germany as the best teams remaining. Germany hasn't really been tested yet, but all they can do is beat who they play. The winner here could go all the way.

321

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 01:16

Argentina v. Brazil

322

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 01:18

Ukraine, baby. All the way.

323

Edgar
ID: 5803194
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 03:31

Well the Dutch are out of the tournament. Everyone here is still astonished. The second half was more of a play than football match. Only thing we saw were fould, lagging by Portugal, dives, unsportmanlike behaviour and a ref that totally lost it. It is a shame a game on this stage should end like this because it has nothing to do with the game of football. Most disappointing for me is again the behaviour of Luis Figo, headbutting Van Bommeld and then making a terrible dive to get Bouhlarouz get a red card. He has done this before and I think he was the main reason this game got out of control. On the other hand the Dutch only have themselves to blame and should learn from this. I have the idea that most matches are not decided on the football aspect anymore but on side aspects. Another example is the shameful dive of the Italian wingback to get a penalty in the final minute. Things like this are very bad for the game of football I feel because it seems like some very important decisions are the result of coincidences. FIFA should finally decide to get some video assistance, things are getting worse and worse and I see no way how refs and linesmen can decide on these events in a split second with their view often obstructed. Some more examples: the Messi goal (onside) that was given offside against MEX, the Adriano goal (clearly offside) against GHA, the Viera header (crossed the line) against Sout Korea. And the list grows. It gives me massive dissattisfaction to see all these mistakes decide matches with such a massive impact as in the World Cup.

Also yesterday after the Brasil game I noticed the terrible level of play so far in most of the Worldcup matches. The Brasilians should be ashamed of playing this kind of football with the players they have: this could be the best team they have put together since the days of Pele and Garrincha but they play uninterested, boring and static football without any clear offensive strategy. And please take out that fat boy Ronaldo and bring in Robinho: at least he looks like he still wants to play!

Other teams that have been awful include France (first two games), UKR (only defending), POR (playing with one striker and almost no forward intentions), ENG (actually the worst, letting Rooney work his a$$ of as a lone striker and getting the worst out of players like Lampard and Gerrard), ITA (their performance against AUS was a disgrace). All of the teams (except for France) play with a single striker and wait for that one lucky moment. This is no fun to watch most of the time.

Teams that I have loved to watch are Spain (out now), Australia (playing with hart and sould), Germany (easily the most dominating team so far), MEX (out as well) and ARG. ARG play a game that is a joy to watch with great positional build up play, I think their clash with Germany should be great.

So these are my observations. Into the quarter finals we go.

324

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 07:10

I don't think Argentina plays the same when Messi is out of the lineup, kind of like I feel about Barcelona, which means Messi is just that good and exciting. I agree with a lot of what you said Edgar. Someday I'll come over and watch a game and toast in person!

325

Edgar
ID: 5803194
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 07:51

That would be good Mike! Let me know when I can put the beers in the fridge. And I will buy some Amerian import because you probably dislike the European beers ;-)

Hmm Milwaukee's Best, or should I say Beast?

326

Razor
ID: 47525714
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 10:36

Robinho over Ronaldo? Even in the latter stages of his career (ha, at age 29), Ronaldo is still proving to be one of the best strikers in the world. What has Robinho ever proven except to be a good player that will never be the player Ronaldo was or even is right now?

327

THK
ID: 2510332316
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 10:53

Not to mention Robinho is nursing an injury that won't allow him to play until the Semi's....unless I mis-heard that...

328

JCS
Leader
ID: 020102934
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 11:05

Brazil is not going to the Semis anyway ;-)

329

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 12:24

biliruben I was at the Ukraine v Switzerland game, and believe me, they have zero chance of going all the way. Having said that, it's only Italy next up... ;)

I thought Brasil played really well against Japan (maybe i'm biased though), but apart from that have struggled to find any kind of form. I was very disappointed the Mexicans got such a tough draw against Argentina, as they had proved to be possibly the most exciting team in the tournament.

I still don't think there's any team that you can say has hit top gear, but at the moment it still looks like Argentina and Brasil as the main challengers. I will be interested to see how the French play (performance wise and tactically) against Brasil, as there's defrinitely weaknesses in that Brasil team at the back. I question if the French are playing at a high enough level to seriously test that theory, though. I guess we'll see on Saturday!

Also, must make the point that the refereeing has been pretty shocking so far, agree with most of the comments made. The pinnacle of which was the Netherlands v Portugal, which was an absolute embarassment for FIFA officials everywhere. I hope to hell that guy does not have another game to referee in this tournament, because he'll ruin it singlehandedly.

Man, it sucks to be back home and talking about this on forums, instead of with the fans out there in Germany. I want to go back!

330

biliruben
Leader
ID: 589301110
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 12:33

That was partially tongue in cheek, Swish.

However if I could figure out to put 10 bucks on 'em against Italy without risking a couple years in the clink, I'd do it (online gambling, including sports wagering, is now a class C felony in Washington State). 6 to 1? Hells yeah those are sweet odds.

Italy's over-rated.

331

THK
ID: 2510332316
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 13:03

Ukraine is yet to play well other than the one 4-0 win. I think they have looked mediocre in all their games and even-sub par in the drubbing to Spain. I think Italy wins 2-nil.

bili-I would be up for a Guru bet, but I can't quite give you 6-1 odds! ;-)

332

Razor
ID: 47525714
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 14:42

Henry vs. Brazil Defense = Trouble.

333

Dec
ID: 200262011
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 14:50

France vs Anyone willing to play = Trouble

334

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 19:52

Brazil's defense isn't exceptional by any means. Their goal scoring to goals against ratio was nearly 2:1 in qualifying (something to the tune of 9 wins, 7 draws and 2 losses). Take a look at European qualifying, and up and down the boards you'll see fewer goals allowed. France 14 scored, 2 allowed in qualifying.

Now given that Brazil has given up 1 goal so far, the teams in their group had many chances (including Ghana in the next round) if anyone happened to catch the games...they just suck to the point where they couldn't finish. I think France will test them a bit more.

Brazil's midfield is what carries them, and it should be a fantastic match between them and France. I had this match in the semi's actually but in any case, I still like France. It will be interesting to say the least.

335

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Wed, Jun 28, 2006, 23:25

Stomo, I like France a lot too and think theyre peaking at the right time, in football if you can peak just at the right time (depsite two shitty first games) you can beat anyteam and I think France is one of the most dangerous teams right now, laid some money on them versus Pain and have laid some more money on them versus France.

Germany vs Argentina - Im so torn here, I have Argentina winning it all in several of the pools I entered and was hoping they would be on the overside of my beloved Deutschland. Germany is finally playing exciting football and it should be a great match.

Italy vs Ukraine - I can't stand Italy with all the diving, their tight shirts last world cup, and the fact that they are by far the most arrogant, unknowledgable fans in Toronto (Sorry in advance to anyone from Italy who I have stereotyped;)) So I will definately be cheering for Ukraine, but the only way Ukraine wins is playing a Greece Euro 2004 style of play where you hope for a cheap goal on an counter attack and defend like mad.

England vs Portugal - The otherside of my heritage is actually English, and despite the rabid English fans we have over here I've never been the biggest English supporter despite half my family being one. They flat out have done nothing to deserve to be here and get another cake walk in my opinion with a Portugal team which will rely a lot on substitutions, unlike other teams in the final 8 I just don't think Portugals substitutes and depth will be able to handle England. How the bookies have this match at -165 England I dont know, unless they are purely riding on the England has played no one bandwagon.

336

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 07:31

Quarter Final predictions:

Germany v Argentina - This is a really tough one. Both teams are playing very well and scoring lots of goals. Ballack and Riquelme are running the show for their respective teams. Klose and Podolski are on fire for Germany, but Argentina have more options up front with Crespo, Saviola, Tevez and Messi all in great form. With that in mind, and the feeling that Argentina are a bit stronger defensively, i have to go with Argentina here, although i have a feeling it could take extra time or even penalties to decide this one. Score prediction - Argentina 3 Germany 2 AET

Italy v Ukraine - Ukraine seem to think they can win the World Cup now. I very much doubt that. They struggled mightily against Switzerland, and with the Italian defence being an even more solid unit, i can't see them doing much damage. In Shevchenko they have one of the most lethal strikers in the world, but it will be very tough with Cannavaro and Nesta doubling up on him to snuff out the threat. The Ukrainians have done a great job to get this far, but it's the end of the road for them i feel. Italy have been very shaky thus far and lucked out against Australia, but they should still have too much, and continue to be a defensive superpower. That, combined, with the craft of Francesco Totti, should be enough to see the Italians through. Score Prediction - Italy 2 Ukraine 0

Portugal v England - It pains me to say it, but i think this could be England's match. Portugal will be crippled by the loss of Deco and Costinha. Ronaldo is struggling to be fit, which would be a devastating loss, especially considering the roasting he gave Ashley Cole in the Euros in Portugal a few years ago. England have played very poorly so far, but they have quality in spades and Beckham's prescence in the side ensures that England are the top set-piece team on the planet. Questions remain though...a half fit Rooney as a lone striker? Owen Hargreaves over Jamie Carragher? The repeated non-use of Walcott after denying Defoe or Bent a seat on the plane to Germany? Eriksson needs to make the right selections and show some consistency in what he's doing. If those things happen, i think England will sneak this. There, i said it! Score Prediction - England 2 Portugal 1

France v Brasil - The French started off very slowly but seem to be finding some rhythm now. Maybe they have finally realised that Thierry Henry cannot be the only runner up front in this side. The Brasilian side is not as daunting a defensive unit as the Spanish, so there should be plenty of room for Ribery, Henry, Malouda etc to be on the end of those crisp Zidane through balls. There are bound to be gaps with the usual bomb-forward tactics of Cafu and Roberto Carlos still in evidence. The Brasilians are not in overdrive yet, but they'll need to be for this game. It helps them that Ronaldo seems to be hitting his stride (Becoming the greatest World Cup goalscorer in history will do that for you!), and we have yet to see the very best from Ronaldinho, Kaka, Adriano or Robinho. If the Brasilians are in synch, they'll get through this game. If not, and Viera and Makele can clamp down the midfield and limit Brasil's posession, a "shock" could be on the cards. Convinced this will be a high scoring close affair, with Brasil's amazing front line eventually pulling them through. Score Prediction - France 2 Brasil 4

337

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 08:01

Love the predictions Swish. Agree with them all, FWIW. Plus, they sound like great games. I'm gonna have to watch 'em.

;)

338

leggestand
Leader
ID: 451036518
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 10:28

My predictions -

Germany v Argentina - The home crowd will come through for the Germans. Ballack has to find the back of the net soon, as the bulk of his (8?) shots last game were inches away from goals. Germany wins 2-1.

Italy v Ukraine - Ugh. Typing "Ukraine" hurts just because of the crappy game I watched against the Swiss. But Italy wasn't dominant either. Shevchenko plays (and excels) in the Serie A, so, he should have a good game against the people he knows (all of the Italians play in Serie A). Whoever wins this game will probably win 1-0. I am taking the Italians, but wouldn't be surprised if Ukraine sneaks a goal in and sits tight in the back the remainder of the game.

Portugal v England - I think you have to take England here because of the cards and injuries to Portugal. Too bad, could have been a really good game. England wins 2-0, Lampard finally gets a goal.

France v Brazil - I can't wait for this game. Like Swish showed, it could easily have offensive fireworks. France looked good against a Spain side who probably looked like the top team in group play. I am going to go with France and ride the Zidane farewell tour a little longer. 3-2 France in overtime.

339

Razor
ID: 47525714
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 10:44

I also predict that no South American team will make the semifinals.

340

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 12:27

Argies one up via Ayala's header, but Germany scrapping ferociously for a way back into the game.

341

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 12:39

You really felt like Germany was going to score. Argentina hasn't played well in the last 20 minutes or so. No Riquelme, Crespo, new keeper = Germany wins in overtime.

...although I hope Argentina pulls it out somehow but I don't see it happening

342

Razor
ID: 47525714
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 12:43

You bring me Klose to God!

Best striker I've seen in the tournament so far.

343

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 12:43

It certainly looks like a mistake subbing Riquelme now. Sort of serves Argentina right for trying to defend a lead, that's not in their makeup at all.

Only listening not watching, was that a penalty - Ballack handball?

344

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 12:53

Just get the feeling Germany is going to win this one...

345

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 13:08

Agreed Swish. Big mistake. Did they not know Germany has been scoring a bit in this tourney? Sheesh.

346

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 13:27

If this does go to pens...who do you give the edge to?

Argentina: w/o Riquelme, Crespo and #1 keeper

Germany: Ballack hurting, no Klose, but #1 keep

Have to give the edge to the team with their top keeper I suppose? This game has turned out to be what it was expected to be...hope Argentina pulls it out, but I have new respect for Germany though...

PS-although a few misses (which is expected) this is the best ref we have seen so far

347

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 13:42

Argentina out. Wow. Cambiasso the unlucky one to miss the decisive penalty.

Who would bet against Germany going all the way now??

348

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 13:44

Great game. Bad job in PKs by Argentina and their keeper looked lost.

Then a fight afterwards? hmmm...anyway good game but argentina made some mistakes i think

349

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 13:50

A lot of mistakes from the Argentina point of view - taking Riquelme and Crespo off when the game was nowhere near won, No Messi or Saviola, and trying to defend when they should have been going for a killer 2nd. I mean, the script was written for Germany to come back and win it and they have. I have no sympathy for the Argies at all.

I have to say also that Klinsmann played it exactly right. He was brave enough to take Klose off, who scored but otherwise was punchless, and Neuville did the business in the shootout.

Lehmann is a bit of a penalty stopping specialist, so that was definitely a massive advantage when the penalties arrived. Well done Germany! At least i got the extra time and penalties bit right if not the result :)

350

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 13:55

Lol. Indeed Lehmann has a history of success in PKs. The 2005 FA Cup final when Arsenal beat Man U-----without Thierry Henry-----comes to mind, as Lehmann took over the PKs. Even the two Argentina made were close---Lehmann touched one, guessed correctly on all 4.

Riquelme takes the freakin' free kicks and PKs normally. Cambiasso actually was the sub for him earlier.

I'm happy for Klinsmann, I like the style Germany is playing, and the fun they are having. Having the home team stay in is always good as well ( I cranked my volume for the crowd noise in the PKs ).

351

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 14:39

Backup keeper, what do you expect?

Crespo was dead tired. Not sure why they subbed out their stud though.

Great match though. Best one I've seen all the way through this year.

352

THK
ID: 2510332316
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 15:06

Ukraine already down. This game isn't even going to be worth watching.

353

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Fri, Jun 30, 2006, 15:09

They didn't look real pumped before the game. Maybe just nervous. Hopefully they battle back.

354

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 13:37

Down to PKs in England vs. Portugal. It's 1-0 Por after the first round.

355

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 13:41

Now 1-1 after 3 rounds.

356

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 13:43

2-1 after 4.

This could be it.

357

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 13:44

Portugal wins.

358

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 14:02

4-4-2 for England anyone? Thought sure they'd come out in that today, after they failed to impress in their last game with the 4-5-1. Oh well. Gutsy performance for Portugal down a couple of key players today.

359

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 14:06

Man, Ricardo has screwed England in 2 major tourneys in a row now. Portugal showed nothing and i must give England credit for the rearguard action, but will they ever learn to win a shootoout?

360

Seattle Zen
ID: 46315247
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 17:26

Viva La FRANCE!

361

xpdurmind
ID: 365571222
Sat, Jul 01, 2006, 21:28

Les Bleus!...

If the Portugal/France game comes down to PK as it should since both defenses are solid, I'll take Portugal to advance. Their keeper was able to read the English players so well today!

362

swami
ID: 27230818
Sun, Jul 02, 2006, 00:15

Well now I have no idea who to root for:

Italy - got lucky with a crap ref vs the US.
Portugal - knocked out my other team AGAIN!
France - well, they're the French!
Germany - not gonna happen.

363

Species
ID: 295302411
Sun, Jul 02, 2006, 03:39

Again, a soccer novice, but even I could tell that France kicked Brazil's ass. As I was watching I thought of a hockey reference. It looked like France was the aggressive, checking and forechecking team while Brazil looked like the Russian Army team trying to make the spectacular play and set of perfect passes vs. keeping the pressure on.

364

JCS
ID: 4154912
Sun, Jul 02, 2006, 06:00

It was party all night long yesterday in Paris, not that you had any hope of sleeping with the car horns screaming until early morning. I was watching the game with 15000 other people in the Charlety Stadium on a giant screen. Incredible to see how this team is reborn after having played so crappy since 2002 and in the first round. Looks like they only needed confidence, and now that they have it, frankly I don't see them losing to anyone in this tournament.

365

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Sun, Jul 02, 2006, 11:19

France will shut down Portugal's attack and win again.

366

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Sun, Jul 02, 2006, 11:37

Well..

To help me with my soccer pool, I am now a huge Portugal fan!

367

youngroman
ID: 43441182
Mon, Jul 03, 2006, 14:29

Virtual Replay of all goals scored

368

Razor
ID: 323142521
Mon, Jul 03, 2006, 15:13

I agree that France should beat Portugal. The question is not how did France get this far, it's how did they ever play so poorly earlier? Zidane still has some magic left and was a huge key in their victory over Brazil. Henry, Makelele, Sagnol...France is loaded.

369

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Mon, Jul 03, 2006, 15:44

Rooney said to want to 'split Ronaldo in two'

Associated Press
Posted: 3 hours ago

LONDON (AP) - Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, criticized for his role in Wayne Rooney's sending off at the World Cup, won't be back at Manchester United and can expect payback from the star England striker in the future, according to a report.
Quoting an unnamed source, The Sun newspaper reported Monday that Rooney threatened to "split him in two" when the two next meet.

Ronaldo may be wearing a different uniform when that happens. The British tabloid says United will show Ronaldo the door "because of his World Cup shame."

Ronaldo, who has spoken of moving to Real Madrid, infuriated England players for his actions in United teammate Rooney's ejection Saturday. After Rooney stamped on defender Ricardo Carvalho's groin, Ronaldo rushed to the Argentina referee to complain. When Rooney was shown the red card, moments after shoving Ronaldo, cameras caught Ronaldo winking - apparently at the Portugal bench.

Citing a top Football Association source, The Sun reported Rooney's rant came one day after the penalty shootout loss to Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinals. Rubbing salt in the wound, Ronaldo converted the penalty kick that sealed the Portuguese win.

"At breakfast in the hotel this morning, Wayne said he would split him in two and smack him in the head. Who can blame him?" the source told The Sun. "He is determined to settle the score in his own way and there is nothing anyone can do about it."

The newspaper also said Ronaldo had apparently joked before the game with Rooney that he would get him sent off.

The Sun has joined the anti-Ronaldo bandwagon, printing a mock dartboard with a picture of Ronaldo winking.

"Here's every England fan's chance to get revenge on the world's biggest winker," the paper said.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has denied asking the referee for a red card and said he was "very sorry" for Rooney.

"The English press say the referee gave a red card because I spoke (to him), but this is not true," Ronaldo is quoted as saying on Manchester United's official Web site. "I said 'ref this is foul' but I did not say 'red card' because Wayne is my friend and I play at the same team as him."

Still the flashy Portuguese winger can apparently expect a torrid reception from other England players.

"I saw what Ronaldo did," said Steven Gerrard, according to English reports. "I saw him going over to the referee and giving him the card and I think he was bang out of order. If he were one of my teammates I would be absolutely disgusted with him.

"After Wayne was sent off he (Ronaldo) winked at his bench and his teammates and that just about sums him up as a person. If I were playing against a teammate from Liverpool and they were involved in a situation like that I would never try to get them sent off."

Added fellow midfielder Frank Lampard, "He's supposed to be a teammate of Wayne's at Manchester United and he does something like that. It's not nice, is it? A lot has been made of trying to promote fair play in this tournament and that was certainly not fair play. Unfortunately that's the way it is with some players. We were told that anyone who tried to get someone else a yellow or red card would get a yellow but it just hasn't happened."

Defender John Terry was reportedly upset at the behavior of other members of the Portuguese squad, including Chelsea teammate Carvalho. "It's really disappointing seeing that - players playing in the Premiership too. Teammates as well. It's disappointing to see them coming over doing that."

In other news, the Daily Mirror reported manager Sven-Goran Eriksson burst into tears in the England dressing room as he thanked his players for their service. Eriksson is stepping down as England boss.

370

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Mon, Jul 03, 2006, 18:12

Thanks for posting this article; I heard about this on Sky Sports. But stuff like this is never anything new. It is the World Cup, and it's always competative, one way or another. At this point, screw Rooney and screw England. Sounds like someone needs to rebuild.

371

Mike D
Leader
ID: 041831612
Mon, Jul 03, 2006, 22:59

Indeed, very competitive. Enough to end friendships in some cases.

Not exactly shocking when considering some club teammates aren't best of friends to begin with. They are brought in by owners or coaches who want them and given high praise. A lot of ego involved.

372

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 13:05

I imagine there might be a few interesting conversations at Chelsea at pre-season training also, given that Maniche (loan?), Ferreria, Carvalho are all Portugese and Lampard, Terry and Joe Cole represented England. Not as inflamatory as the Ronaldo v Rooney situation, i'm sure.

I'll keep my predictions short this time for the semis, since i severly screwed up the last lot.

Germany 1 (Ballack) Italy 0
France 2 (Henry, Ribery) Portugal 1 (Maniche)

Watch me get it totally wrong again now!

373

Dec
ID: 200262011
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 14:06

Wish you're not wrong Swish.

I'm afraid for the French, cause Portugal will be a much better challange on defense than Spain or Brazil and they are pretty dangerous on counter-attack.

Anyway, hope fair play will prevail and we will have a France-Germany on Fox.

374

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 14:49

Go Portugal!!!!!

375

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 16:04

I think that the Portugal/France match is basically the final (if it wasn't France and Brazil). By all odds, including career matchups (something to the tune of 15-5-1 with France winning the last 7 against Portugal) France is the favorite and I think they'll take Portugal out.

Right now however, this Italy and Germany game has the potential to become a one sided slug fest, in favor for the home team. It's remarkable that Italy has 58% of ball posession at the half, but it definitely does not seem like it. Germany's running the ball down their throats but they are just missing on finishing it. The taller and bigger German midfielders are also winning the 'air' game or so to speak, and they seem to be lightning-esque right about now.

All it's going to take is one Italian mistake, and one German goal to open up the flood gates. (Stay Tuned).

376

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 16:16

Totti deserves an academy award for his great acting. What a piece of sh*t.

377

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 16:32

In the last 15 minutes, it seems like the German offense has slowed down (almost by choice??), very odd. Like they're trying to run out the clock....like they're playing for extra time.

378

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 16:58

Holy crap, off the post twice in the first two minutes for Italy. Talk about destiny...

379

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 17:31

Unbelievable finish!

380

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 17:41

The second goal was beautiful, albeit the Germans had to be pushing the offense hard to make up for the first goal, so there weren't too many guys back.

381

StomoDotCom
ID: 365521515
Tue, Jul 04, 2006, 17:41

There you have it. Tough loss for Germany but Italy hung around just long enough to win it.

382

xpdurmind
ID: 365571222
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 00:59

#375, I'm not sure what game you were watching, but Italy played their style beautifully and even improved on it by keeping possession. I've been following Italy in the world cup since 1976 and this game is an evolution of classic Italian Football.
In any case, Germany still hasn't beaten Italy in World cup competition. And yes, the Germans slowed down being content to go to PK's and rely on Lehman to save the day. That was their major mistake!

The bad news for my Italians is that Portugal will beat them in the final!

383

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 01:10

I agree XP. Italy hasn't allowed a goal to be scored on them by their opponents yet in this World Cup. They are looking verrrry strong.

384

Razor
ID: 47525714
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 09:56

Should be expected of them. Italy is a traditional defensive powerhouse, and they have two world class defenders on their backline as well as possibly the best keeper in the world.

I'm rooting for France to advance, but this should be a heck of a ballgame today.

386

StomoDotCom@Work
ID: 1163959
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 10:45

Edited 385**

The first half of the game was a disaster waiting to happen for Italy. Besides the number of corners, they were put against the wall by the constant push of the Germans. And even with the corners Lehman literally shut that down every time.

But it doesn't matter. To me, the final is basically the match played today between France and Portugal; winner of that will take it all.

387

Razor
ID: 47525714
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 11:12

Perhaps you haven't noticed that no one has scored on Italy. Not Czech Republic with Nedved, not Germany with Klose, not Ghana with Essien, not Ukraine with Schevchenko... Italy has by far the best defense and goalkeeping of the three remaining teams, and you know what they say about defense winning championships.

388

Dec
ID: 200262011
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 11:19

Well deserved win for Italy. I'm really impressed by the way they play this game. They put a lot of pressure on the ball carrier and they cause a lot of turnovers.

I don't know what happens to the Germans, maybe they feel the extra time against Argentina while Italy had pretty a free ride so far.

Portugal-France: The fatigue factor favors the French. A lot of key players from the two teams are one yellow card away to not playing the finals. Maybe the offense could take advantage.

Anyway, another good reason to skip work this afternoon.

389

barilko6
ID: 16529229
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 12:35

re 387...read post 382. They heard it from me! lol

390

Myboyjack
Dude
ID: 014826271
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 15:05

I expect a lot of goals today...
Hope this one can live up to expectations, i expect a great match

391

Dec
ID: 49652516
Wed, Jul 05, 2006, 17:52

Generous penalty kick, good result, boring game.

392

JCS
Leader
ID: 020102934
Thu, Jul 06, 2006, 03:07

Euro 2000 all over again... France beats Portugal in the first Semi while Italy beats the home team in the other Semi. If we can get the same thrilling final, I'll be... well, thrilled.

Now I have to take Monday morning off.

393

Twarpy
ID: 374582911
Thu, Jul 06, 2006, 13:58

Sums Up What I think of Italy

394

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 16:29

WTF was Zidane thinking getting kicked out of his final game in OT?

395

R9
Leader
ID: 02624472
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 17:21

I'm only a casual fan, but how can hardcore soccer fans like the shootout? Seems like a crappy and random way to end the game. The Italian keeper wasnt even close to guessing right on any of the shots, and one slight crossbar miss decides the whole thing?

How about they make the shootout nets smaller? Or go with continuous OT? I'd love to see that game end with a real goal...

396

Great One
ID: 523121411
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 17:37

I think most would agree Golden Goal sudden death would be more exciting... look at hockey, I've sat through some 5 hour games and I loved every minute of it! lol... it leaves you on the edge of your seat.

We've probably all heard it - but seriously, its like playing one OT of the NBA Finals and then sending players to the line for a "Free Throw Shootout"

397

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 17:39

As a hardcore soccer fan, I can say that I despise penalty kick shootouts with a passion for exactly the reason you give. The problem is that there aren't many good options for resolving matches in a timely manner that don't fundamentally change the game. There just isn't enough scoring in soccer to make options that work for other sports work well here.

398

Myboyjack
Dude
ID: 014826271
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 18:04

Why not, at least, just move the PK out another 10 or 20 yards.

399

Swish City
Dude
ID: 0931275
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 18:18

Zizou, what were you thinking? JCS, you must be raging. Even i was rooting for the French, but Zidane forever tarnished his astonishing reputation with that unnecessary act of folly.

Just out of curiosity, if you move a penalty 10 or 20 yards back, how can it still be a penalty? You would be waiting there forever and a day for a player to score a freekick from that distance after 120 minutes.

As far as i am concerned, silver goal was a good solution, and forced teams to go for a winner. This "tactic" of sitting back and waiting for a shoot out has become a far too easy and commonly used tactic in this competition. The teams should play to a finish. Penalties are a farcical way to decide the World Cup final.

400

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 18:48

What about just continued overtime with unlimited subs? Not sure it makes much sense because the bests players would be off the field while the game was decided. I mean really what can you do?

What about a 2 man attack vs 1 defender and the keeper? I mean who knows...

Pens are exciting like a showdown kinda but deciding a game like that doesnt make much sense.

401

J
ID: 13443921
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 20:30

turn it into a hockey game...5 on 5!

402

StomoDotCom
ID: 363091
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 20:41

The good Zidane giveth, and the good Zidane taketh away. (Or should I say Trezeguet giveth and taketh away). Trezeguet, the same man that sent France through with his goal in 2000 botched a penalty kick. What a game.

It was a good game with plenty of chances for both teams. I know that Italy was the favorite for most people/experts/fans including the last betting lines I saw that had France at 2.90 where as a tie was a 2.60 (There was a better chance to them of France tieing than winning the match). They beat favorites Brazil, threw out a tough opponent in Spain, and took out Portugal, so to me they were favorites. As for the match itself, things seemed very odd.

Italy's defense got the job done, even though I don't think they had their best game (defensively that is). Unlike Italy, France couldn't afford to go to PKs; besides missing Zidane and Henry (im not sure that Ribery or Vieira would've shot), Barthez was the smallest guy on the field. All it took was top shelfers to beat him. Buffon, on the other hand, who happens to be my favorite player in the world, is a monster. He had a great game though, up to the penalties; but hey they won so it really didn't matter.

France fought and had lots of chances that they couldn't finish. The penalty France scored btw was not a penalty, but I guess the "No-Call" later on at one point when Malouda I believe it was again went down hard in the box, made up for it. These things happen.

Swish I agree with your opinion of the Silver Goal. No question it works, because it will really force teams to be on their toes.

But Swish, you say Zidane forever tarnished his astonishing reputation with that unnecessary act of folly. My only problem with that is did Zidane have a great reputation to begin with? I happen to love Zidane and think he is the greatest player of his generation. But he has a history of losing his cool a bit, especially when verbally provoked. Like in 98 when he stomped on the Saudi guy and got a 2 match ban for it. Or in some other isolated instances in the Primera where he's lost his cool (he is no Francesco Totti however). But even so, I don't think this would tarnish his career. It's not the best note that someone may have ended his career on, but I hardly think Zizou will be the Bill Buckner of soccer in my opinion. But a shame in anycase. I still love Zidane.

I hate to see the masters of deceptive slipping and sliding win the world cup. Maybe they'll all be part time pinch runners in the major leagues some day. But their defense did enough to win so nothing else to say.

Maybe in 2010 my Greece will be back. Hah.

403

The Beezer
Leader
ID: 191202817
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 21:22

The problem with unlimited subs is that it would take most of the current offense that exists out of the game, which is why substitutions are limited in the first place (and didn't even exist in the WC prior to 1970). You're more likely to see goals from tired defenders being on the field than from fresh offensive players IMO.

IMO, a fair resolution of a game should involve the whole team, be based on the same measurement that's used to decide the game (namely, goals), provide a relatively quick result, and not fundamentally change how the game is played.

To that end, I've thought of something that might work - I'm sure it's been proposed somewhere before but I haven't seen it. Have the teams alternate not penalty kicks, but corner kicks instead. Each team takes a corner which ends either with a goal, a goal kick, or the ball going past the line marking the edge of the 18 farthest from the goalie. Go until one team converts and the other one doesn't.

You'd probably get a result within a half-dozen tries or so, it's a part of the game, you'd see more goals, every player is involved (send-offs would still have an impact), and you'd just have to switch the goalies in between so it could go pretty quick. Am I missing something here or would this work?

404

THK
ID: 2510332316
Sun, Jul 09, 2006, 23:03

I don't think that really works...

Corner kicks are normally taken where 10 or 11 players are in the mix trying to score. That would just be an odd way...I don't know.

It doesn't matter, it won't change lol. i would like to see them at least change from PKs to end of the game kicks...from the 18. that would at least give the keepers more of a chance. i mean, i would love to see the conversion rate of PKs that are on net (not counting misses or crossbars, etc). 18 would at least give keepers more of a chance. of course, with how hard these guys can hit it the keeper would still have to guess probably, but more likely hood of missing the target i guess? eh whatever..lol...great world cup though, good ratings in america...GO US in 2010!

405

Perm Dude
ID: 5622108
Tue, Jul 11, 2006, 01:24

Funny UK newspaper "correction"

406

THK
ID: 2510332316
Wed, Jul 12, 2006, 21:46

Klinsman to the US! Yea yea I know what he says. I don't believe it. 51% he takes us to 2010!

407

Twarpy
Leader
ID: 386242821
Wed, Jul 12, 2006, 23:31

Matterazi

For those who don't get to see much Serie A (Not that those who watch normally will this year) this shows Matterazi at his greatest.

408

biliruben
ID: 535193010
Thu, Jul 13, 2006, 11:29

(Incidentally, the devil taboo does not mean that mother insults are unknown in Scandinavian countries: in Finland, for example, there is an expression "Äitisi nai poroja!" which means "Your mother copulates with reindeer!" Sweet!)
Unravelling culture and insults.

Warning: article not for the tender-eyed.

409

Motley Crue
Dude
ID: 439372011
Tue, Aug 01, 2006, 13:27

Coup de Boule

Zidane, the "hit man" inspires a jingle. #1 in France. Yay.

Forum: socPage 238Subject: 2006 World Cup Action!!!

Forum: soc
Page 238
Subject: 2006 World Cup Action!!!