The "OMG, Football World Championship in Germany!!!!" - thread

[Sewer Bull]

EDIT: I think it's hilarious that both our forwards are orginally from Poland.

That fact makes my heart bleed even more :cry:

...filthy traitors :evil:

Nevertheless, congratulations on Germany's performance, Barkworm. I watched their match against Costa Rica and it was very entertaining. Frings and Lahm scored some wonderful goals, Klose has a great chance to become the best scorer of the whole tournament. Something tells me Lehmann will lose his position in the German goal after this match and Kahn is going to play against Poland, tho'.

[Barkworm]

I made a new thread since at least two of us here care about this. I remember the thread for the last European championship where I basically talked to myself and Wingnut who didn't even watch the games. :lol:
Lehmann injured his foot in the Costa Rica match so he might not play against Poland. He won't lose his position permanently though. I don't know how much people outside of Germany know about this but after the horrible soap opera we had till he finally became #1, Klinsmann would lose all of his credibility if he changed back. The defence has to be re-organized though, I have no clue why they tried an offside trap all the time.
Ecuador's performance suprised me a lot, I always thought they'd be easy prey away from their mountain. Poland was really weak though, plus they had bad luck.
So how do you think will things develop?

[Sewer Bull]

Jolly good idea. I thought about creating a thread like this one too, but I was afraid it'd be totally ignored. I reckon there are going to be at least two-three more people to participate in it. But I don't want to call the names.

Yeah, we heard about that Lehmann-Kahn's rivarly, at least here. Lehmann did not play well yesterday, but he wasn't as bad as Friedrich - now that was what I call a terrible performance. But I should remain silent, as I support the team that screwed up yesterday really, really badly.

The said thing is, Poland played a friendly match against Ecuador last autumn in Barcelona. And they won 3-0. So we were all excited here after the Group A squad's been announced. That's why the yesterday's result is a full catastrophe. Of course they had terribly bad luck (2 posts, one bar and one goal scored from the offside) but they were extremely weak and totally unmotivated, unfortunately. And played a hilarious tactics - "4-5-1", something that might be good for the angrily attacking Germans and their weak defense of the counter-attacks - but not in the match where we should have scored as many goals as possible. But yeah - the Polish coach made a lot surprising decisions so far. For instance, he didn't call up Jerzy Dudek (F.C. Liverpool goalkeeper who won Champions' League last year), probably the most recognized Polish player. Oh well.

I suppose Germany and Ecuador are going to promote themselves to the next round. Poland's got a snowball's chance in hell to beat the Germans so my heart is going to bleed even more on Wednesday. But you guys definitely should do something with your defence line. Sweden or England in 1/8 round and The Netherlands or Argentina in the quarter-finals stage are going to be way more challenging than your group opponents.

Now I'm all excited with today's Argentina-Ivory Coast encounter. I hope the African team wins or at least draws.

[Anarky]

The first half of the first day wasn't that much of a surprise. Germany beating Costa Rica... Wow, what a surprise. And the game wasn't that impressive, if you ask me. But Poland - Ecuador was a surprise. I totally expected the Polish to win, but apparently Ecuador's better than anyone expected. Nontheless, I hope that both Poland and Germany will make it to the next round. Germany's out of the question, but Poland has to work now. I don't really root for Germany because they're annoying me for months now, but for the sake of the game, they need to go further.

Anyways, here's my guesses for today:

UK - Paraguay: The UK wins. At least two goals ahead of Paraguay.
Trinidad/Tobago - Sweden: Sweden. Although they're both not extraordinarily good, they just might pull this off.
Argentina - Côte d'Ivoire: Another joke of a match, just like Germany - Costa Rica. They might as well just call it a day and go drinking. Argentina wins.

But can we also talk about the commercial side of the WM (as it's known as over here)? I must say that I'm so glad that they're finally playing soccer. I mean, we have had commercial overkill for months now. Soccerthis, soccerthat, singing flowers, Ballack in every other commercial. I seriously stopped watching TV for a while just because I was so pissed at the whole WM-sh*t on TV. But it's not just the commercials that piss me off, no, all those WM-specials just were too much. Kahn this, Ballack that and that damned arrogance the Germans have towards everyone else. It's sickening. From that point of view, I hope all those companies who had WM-commercials would have to file for bankruptcy (like plushie-manufacturer Nici) and that everyone loses a lot of money. I really hate the whole commercial crap.

And Goleo plus the song are just terrible.

[Barkworm]

HERBERT GRÖNEMEYER FTW!!!
I have learned to ignore commercials so I wasn't really bothered by all the crap. I pity all those people in Germany who don't give a crap about football because I'm sure this must be torture for them.
BTW, is Germany really that arrogant? I honestly never felt that way. I think the most arrogant football nation has always been Brazil (they do have a reason for their arrogance though). :dead:
[...]The Netherlands or Argentina in the quarter-finals stage[...]
I got tickets for this!!!!! My brother actually won them. I coulnd't believe it. I had been trying to get tickets for months and he simply wins some.

[Anarky]

HERBERT GRÖNEMEYER FTW!!!
I haven't heard that song yet, and I don't care. I have heard the Sportfreunde Stiller and that terrible official crap-song. And what has a "love generation" got to do with Football?

I have learned to ignore commercials so I wasn't really bothered by all the crap. I pity all those people in Germany who don't give a crap about football because I'm sure this must be torture for them.
Normally, I don't care about it all, but this is big. But it's not that big since it's been blown way, way out of proportion.

BTW, is Germany really that arrogant? I honestly never felt that way. I think the most arrogant football nation has always been Brazil (they do have a reason for their arrogance though). :dead:
Yes, but it's not the players, it's everyone else. And it's not just limited to soccer. A prime example was the Eurovision song contest. First they were moaning about not winning, then they were accusing everyone of cheating and that they were all conspiring against Germany and so on... I'm convinced that the same thing happens when Germany finally gets beaten at the WM.

I got tickets for this!!!!! My brother actually won them. I coulnd't believe it. I had been trying to get tickets for months and he simply wins some.
That's so awesome! I would have gone see Switzerland - Togo if I had some money. Now my buddy's sister is going with him and another friend of mine.

[Dinny]

England's match with Paraguay just finished 1-0. England's second half performance was particularly dull.This is something that particularly annoys me about the World Cup, it just seems too easy for the bigger nations to make it to the knock-out stages. Even though England played poorly, there was never any doubt that they would win. That's why many managers and pundits agree that the European Championship is actually harder to win than the World Cup because the quality of the teams is much higher.
Just look at who Greece had to play to win Euro 2004: Portugal, Spain, Russia, France, Czech Republic and Portugal again in the final.
Meanwhile in 2002 Brazil played: Turkey (admittedly, they were impressive), Costa Rica, China, Belgium(!), England, Turkey and Germany (who surprised many in reaching the final).
I'm sure that England will pick up the pace now. They have to, afterall, as it is highly probably that England play Germany in the knockout stages which is a big deal to say the least. Having said that, I don't feel that England deserve to be ranked 2nd in the tournament.
About the whole naturalisation of footballers issue: I really dislike it. The associations of England, Portugal (even though they play Deco), Italy, Greece and Brazil have publically spoken out against it. Then you look at teams like Germany, France and Australia whose national teams consist of many foreigners. It's a real shame because France and Germany are certainly capable of fielding a strong team of home-grown talents.

[Sewer Bull]

I got tickets for this!!!!! My brother actually won them. I coulnd't believe it. I had been trying to get tickets for months and he simply wins some.

You lucky dog you.

I watched England - Paraguay. It all ended up pretty early, after Paraguay's own goal. Then, the rest of the game was rather boring, except for a few rare more exciting moments.

[Dinny]

I watched England - Paraguay. It all ended up pretty early, after Paraguay's own goal.
I think Beckham should claim that goal. The defender's touch did nothing more than confuse the keeper. The cross was already going on target and the flick from Garrera hardly changed the direction of the ball at all. If Beckham does successfully claim that goal, he'll become England's first ever player to score in 3 World Cups.


Argentina - Côte d'Ivoire: Another joke of a match, just like Germany - Costa Rica. They might as well just call it a day and go drinking. Argentina wins.
Sorry to double post.
That's not true. Ivory Coast has a very strong team with many players in England (Drogba, Eboue, Toure) and the young Yaya Toure who currently plays for Olympiakos is sure to make an impact. It's also a very young, athletic team. African football is no longer in the state it used to be. Teams like Cameroon, Senegal and Nigeria have all played well on the world stage and many newspapers here in Britain rank Ivory Coast as dark horses to win. While I do feel that Argentina may be a bit too much for them, the Argentinians are hardly going to have an easy game. This could be a very entertaining, fast-paced match.

[Sewer Bull]

Sorry to double post.
That's not true. Ivory Coast has a very strong team with many players in England (Drogba, Eboue, Toure) and the young Yaya Toure who currently plays for Olympiakos is sure to make an impact. It's also a very young, athletic team. African football is no longer in the state it used to be. Teams like Cameroon, Senegal and Nigeria have all played well on the world stage and many newspapers here in Britain rank Ivory Coast as dark horses to win. While I do feel that Argentina may be a bit too much for them, the Argentinians are hardly going to have an easy game. This could be a very entertaining, fast-paced match.

Amen to that.

And yay for Trinidad&Tobago for such a brave fight resulting in draw against the awkward Swedes. Hislop saved their asses quite a few times - his performance really cheered me up. Too bad that match was very boring in general and not worth watching at all.

[Dinny]

Hislop was sent in at the last second, too after their number 1 picked up an injury. Did you see at the end of the game he started crying? That's how much it means to them. Trinidad managed to squeeze out 1 or 2 chances in an otherwise disappointing game. Ibrahimovic looks poor. This will give Trinidad huge confidence going into the England fixture.

Does anyone have any idea what the odds were for a 0-0 draw in that match? Presumably they'd be very high.

[Sewer Bull]

Does anyone have any idea what the odds were for a 0-0 draw in that match? Presumably they'd be very high.

Well, presumably they'd be even more higher for Trinidad's victory.

And man... for the whole second half of that match, T&T had only ten players, as Avery John was sent away... that makes their draw even more breathtaking.

[Dinny]

If you were Trinidad's manager, what would you do with Hislop? Today he was a hero but they expect their number 1 to get better. If I had a keeper who had the form and confidence Hislop has right now, I'd stick with him.

[Anarky]

Hey, breaking news (from eight to ten hours ago): Togo's trainer, a Kraut, quit because of a money issue. I wonder if Togo will suck even more without a trainer.

[Dinny]

Hey, breaking news (from eight to ten hours ago): Togo's trainer, a Kraut, quit because of a money issue. I wonder if Togo will suck even more without a trainer.

I don't think it will severely affect their World Cup performance in any way, but it depends on how close he was to the players. They can't worry about that now, they just need a quick replacement, they need to concentrate on getting a new trainer as soon as the World Cup is over.

[Sewer Bull]

The clash between Argentina and Ivory Coast was very, very entertaining to watch. Definitely the best match so far, a fair spectacle for the end of the day after two rather moderate earlier duels. "Les Elephants" fought with passion, bravery and cunning - too bad they lost, they should have won this encounter. They totally pwned Argentinians who would have definitely lost if it hadn't been for Riquelme and his genius.

And I don't care much about Togo, they're a total outsider for me, a 100% candidate for the last place in a rather weak group. Too bad it is a team who stole the participation in this tournament from the more deserving one such as Senegal. Sheesh.

[Dinny]

The clash between Argentina and Ivory Coast was very, very entertaining to watch. Definitely the best match so far, a fair spectacle for the end of the day after two rather moderate earlier duels. "Les Elephants" fought with passion, bravery and cunning - too bad they lost, they should have won this encounter. They totally pwned Argentinians who would have definitely lost if it hadn't been for Riquelme and his genius.

And I don't care much about Togo, they're a total outsider for me, a 100% candidate for the last place in a rather weak group. Too bad it is a team who stole the participation in this tournament from the more deserving one such as Senegal. Sheesh.

Argentina - Ivory Coast was a great game. Do you think they should change the rules of World Cup qualification and just let the 32 best teams in? It is annoying to see teams like Togo make it when you know they would never have made it if they were in a European group. Teams like Turkey, Greece, Denmark and Ireland would easily have made it through another continent.

[Barkworm]

Nonono, absolutely not! This is the WORLD championship, the weaker teams have to be in there. What would happen to all the surprises? People probably said the same thing about Senegal in 2002 and they were awesome. And I'm more than happy that Turkey didn't make it after all the sh*t they pulled last year.
Then you look at teams like Germany, France and Australia whose national teams consist of many foreigners. It's a real shame because France and Germany are certainly capable of fielding a strong team of home-grown talents.
To be fair, there are five players in our team who are of foreign origin (Klose, Podolski, Asamoah, Odonkor and Neuville) and four of them grew up here and have had the German citizenship since they were children. They ARE "home-grown" talents.

[Dinny]

To be fair, there are five players in our team who are of foreign origin (Klose, Podolski, Asamoah, Odonkor and Neuville) and four of them grew up here and have had the German citizenship since they were children. They ARE "home-grown" talents.

OK, well that's fair enough, but what about teams like France who deliberately get their players French citizenship just so they can play for the French national team?
Also, in Britain I read in a newspaper that a young Greek player called Masmanidis (could be mispelled) played for the German youth team and said in press conferences that he didn't want to play for Germany, but for Greece. When I see a player play for England, I want to know that he truly cares about England so that he will play to the best of his ability. If a player stated that he didn't want to play for England but for his fatherland, I wouldn't want him in an England jersey because I would feel as though he didn't care, and was taking the place of someone who may not be as talented, but has dreamed his entire life of playing for England.

[Sewer Bull]

Argentina - Ivory Coast was a great game. Do you think they should change the rules of World Cup qualification and just let the 32 best teams in?

Well... I don't think so. You mean the FIFA ranking of course? Getting rid of the qualifications would just kill the football. The teams would try to play as many matches as possible - only to desperately better their rank positions and qualify for the TOP32. And the only serious matches would be played every two years (Euro+WorldCup) Besides, I don't find the FIFA ranking totally reliable in some details.

Plus, the surprise factor mentioned by Barkworm is also very important.

[Barkworm]

OK, well that's fair enough, but what about teams like France who deliberately get their players French citizenship just so they can play for the French national team?
Also, in Britain I read in a newspaper that a young Greek player called Masmanidis (could be mispelled) played for the German youth team and said in press conferences that he didn't want to play for Germany, but for Greece. When I see a player play for England, I want to know that he truly cares about England so that he will play to the best of his ability. If a player stated that he didn't want to play for England but for his fatherland, I wouldn't want him in an England jersey because I would feel as though he didn't care, and was taking the place of someone who may not be as talented, but has dreamed his entire life of playing for England.
I agree 100%. I'm glad Jürgen Klinsmann sees it the same way, his policy is that a player needs to have an emotional bond with Germany. We could have naturalised at least two great players in the last two years but Klinsmann disapproved of it.

[Sewer Bull]

I agree 100%. I'm glad Jürgen Klinsmann sees it the same way, his policy is that a player needs to have an emotional bond with Germany. We could have naturalised at least two great players in the last two years but Klinsmann disapproved of it.

Who exactly?

And even Poland has its own experience with football players' naturalization. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Olisadebe)

[Barkworm]

Who exactly?
Bayern's Valérien Ismaël and the infamous Ailton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailton).
I just learned that Klose and Podolski usually talk to each other in Polish on the field but aren't allowed to do so against Poland. :lol:

[Anarky]

Hey, here's my today's estimates.

From the look at the gameplan, there's three completely WM-unrelevant games. I don't expect any of them to pass on over the next round. Mexico maybe, with luck, but the others? Naw...

Serbia - Netherlands: The Netherlands win. Serbia might be quite good, but the Netherlands will win.
Mexico - Iran: Who cares? Mexico will probably win, but nobody will give two sh*ts about it. Also, I don't expect any real good football from this match, so I'll watch it in the sports journal and not live.
Angola - Portugal: Yeah, right...

Whoever put together Group D, and be it by luck, is an idiot.

[Dinny]

Angola - Portugal: Yeah, right...

You're right that Portugal will probably win, but boy are Angola hyped for this one! Angola was a Portuguese colony and last time they played the match had to be abandoned because too many Angolan players were sent off.

About the FIFA rankings: they are the most retarded thing in world football. Mexico 5th in the world? Yeah, right... USA 6th? Ahem... Poland all the way back in 26th? WTF?

And on Olisadebe: what a legend! Before his injuries he was a fantastic player! Nominated for European Player of the Year when he was at Panathinaikos, if I'm not mistaken.

[Sewer Bull]

Serbia - The Netherlands. Not the best match I've ever seen but definitely one of the most interesting encounters so far. Arjen Robben is a fantastic player yet very selfish at the same time - the whole Dutch team could have scored a couple more goals if he had bestowed his team-mates with passing the damn ball from time to time.

And yeah - Olisadebe was awesome, he scored 11 goals in 25 international matches and was the main author of Poland's presence in Korea four years ago. We definitely lack someone like him in our forwarding line. :cry:

[Dinny]

Mexico 3 - 1 Iran

Pretty good game, but it always seemed a matter of time before Mexico would win it. Iran lacked any ingenuity besides with set pieces.

[Barkworm]

I was afraid that Iran would fall asleep in the second half.

[Sewer Bull]

Iranian performance has positively shocked me from the very beginning. I mean - I supposed they were going to be just a background for the mighty Mexicans. And hell, they weren't. They deserved a draw for the first 75 minutes of their quite good game. But after that, two terrible mistakes occured and so did the Mexican victory.

Nevertheless, that match proved that Mexico's FIFA rank is highly over-rated.

Dinny - if not by means of the FIFA ranking, then how would you like to choose the best 32 teams? Looking at their past achieviements?

[Anarky]

Okay, today was excrutiatingly boring. I will no longer watch the games live. I can waste six hours a day better with other stuff. I might watch "Dead like me again" or I could go play soccer myself.

Here's my guesses for tomorrow:

Australia - Japan: All the australian japanophiles and anime idiots can rejoice tomorrow, because "kawaii nippon senshi" will beat "Foster's mate". But on the other hand side, the anime idiots (you know the kind of people who use "kawaii" and "nani?" in real life despite not being able to stutter a complete sentence in japanese) will be disappointed, since they won't see any of the great moves seen in "Captain Tsubasa".

USA - Czech Republic: The USA will probably win that one, despite the Czechs being quite good. Too bad nobody in the USA will give two sh*ts about it, because if the USA is not the best at something, it doesn't care about it.

Italy - Ghana: You gotta be kidding me. Seriously. That's just idiotic. The poor Ghanians (Ghanans? Ghanites?) don't stand a chance against the freaking italians. They're just too strong.

[Dinny]

Dinny - if not by means of the FIFA ranking, then how would you like to choose the best 32 teams? Looking at their past achieviements?

No, I just think there needs to be some room to accomodate those European teams that should be there and would be there if it weren't for geographical location. Mind you, I do enjoy the participation of teams like T & T and Senegal. The underdogs are what make the tournament more exciting, but something needs to be done about qualification. The big nations of Asia and North America have an easy job of making it to the finals every four years while better teams from Europe and to a lesser extent, South America have a much harder job. I have no idea how they would do this, and I don't expect them too, it's just a shame that the World Cup never represents the top 32 nations in the World because if they did, it would be full of European and South American teams (hardly a world affair).
I'm not sure I'd like the World Cup to change because it never fails to deliver, but I'd certainly like to see a competition held between Europe and South America where the top teams from each continent play each other (where they could find time for this, I don't know).

And Anarky - I don't see the USA getting a result against the Czech Rep.. In my opinion, the Czechs are the 3rd/4th strongest team in Europe and if they can get the sort of form they had in Euro 2004, they have a chance to win. USA would be happy with a draw in this one. USA probably won't qualify for the next round. The match between Italy and Czech Rep. will be the group decider.

[Sewer Bull]

Italy - Ghana: You gotta be kidding me. Seriously. That's just idiotic. The poor Ghanians (Ghanans? Ghanites?) don't stand a chance against the freaking italians. They're just too strong.

I wouldn't underestimate Ghana. They might steal the precious points from Italy, Czechs or the USA. However, they are going to stay in this group.

[Dinny]

Perhaps Ghana can sneak in a draw while the Italians are concentrating on matters going on in Serie A. Plus, in recent tournaments the Italians have been as disappointing as the Spaniards.

[Sewer Bull]

Angola - Portugal = BOOOOOORING! :ohwell:

The pleasure from watching this match was merely the same like watching England-Paraguay. Exactly the same scenario: BANG - the early goal is scored and then one of the strongest European teams starts to defend itself for the whole encounter. How... exciting.

But this match left me in some deep sadness too. Angola at least fought fiercely and with a style... unlike some European team, ranked much higher than Angola. :roll:

[Barkworm]

This championship definitely lacks surprises so far. The Portugal match felt like a re-run of the England and Netherlands match. Early goal, then boredom.

[Dinny]

The big European teams are being too cautious and are making sure they win their opening games. I expect the same to come from the Italy match today, Italy afterall are the masters of defensive play.
I thought the Netherlands - Serbia Mont'gro game was much better than England - Paraguay or Portugal - Angola. The only thing that disappointed me in the Netherlands first game was Arjen Robben's selfishness after he scored. He would never pass to team mates in better positions and he probably cost his team a goal.
And Barkworm - you're so lucky to be going to Argentina - Netherlands! That match will be incredible. Both teams need to win and have great attacking capabilities. Argentina wants revenge for France '98.

[Barkworm]

You got that wrong, I said I'd probably be going to see Argentina or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. ;)
If my masterplan works out it'll be Germany-Argentina.

[Dinny]

If my masterplan works out it'll be Germany-Argentina.

Germany will win the tie 7-6 at which point the world media will start to think that maybe this young, German team can win the world cup. Then they'll meet Brazil in the final and win 12-11, Owen Hargreaves making a surprise appearance for the Germans :P

You've got to get through England first... Although judging by our opening performance... I wouldn't worry about that too much :dead:

[Barkworm]

My guess is that we'll get Sweden instead of England since England is going to win group B.

[Sewer Bull]

My guess is that we'll get Sweden instead of England since England is going to win group B.

Yes, but you ain't gonna win Group A, so you're going to meet England anyway.

:P

*is overfilled with patriotism*

[Dinny]

Yes, but you ain't gonna win Group A, so you're going to meet England anyway.

:P

*is overfilled with patriotism*

I was very disappointed by Poland's performance. As an England supporter, I have seen Poland play well in the qualifying rounds but you just didn't seem to know what to do against Ecuador until it was too late. I think you'll easily beat Costs Rica and you may (dare i say it?) beat Germany.

[Sewer Bull]

I was very disappointed by Poland's performance. As an England supporter, I have seen Poland play well in the qualifying rounds but you just didn't seem to know what to do against Ecuador until it was too late. I think you'll easily beat Costs Rica and you may (dare i say it?) beat Germany.

I think the Poles have really underestimated their Friday's rival. That might have been caused by the fact we sparred Ecuador in a friendly match last autumn and we beat them pretty easily (3-0), before acknowledging they were going to be our group rival. And hence our shameful performance.

And my word - what a bombastic ending of Australia - Japan match. Three goals pulled out in the last six minutes. The Aussies might be heading straight for the second round as I think they should defeat Croatia as well, with that style.

[Anarky]

And my word - what a bombastic ending of Australia - Japan match. Three goals pulled out in the last six minutes. The Aussies might be heading straight for the second round as I think they should defeat Croatia as well, with that style.

What the heck? Don't tell me I missed something. The first day I don't watch because of utter boredom and this happens. Sh*t!

[Dinny]

What the heck? Don't tell me I missed something. The first day I don't watch because of utter boredom and this happens. Sh*t!

Japan went ahead in the 25th minute after a contraversial goal. 2 goals from Cahill and one from Aloisi in the last six minutes stole the match for Australia. The first half of this match was great.

[Sewer Bull]

Oh yes you did. The Japs were leading until the 84th minute, then two substitute Aussies scored three goals within six minutes. The Japs were devastated.

[Sewer Bull]

The Czechs completely devastated the US - and it was clearly visible that they weren't playing at their full potential. Nice and clever team-working combined with the football genius of such wonderful players like Rosicky, Nedved and Poborsky - I was very pleased to watch it all.

<-- still experiences the soccer orgasm

I'm worried about Koller's injury and so many yellow cards shown in this match. This may well weaken the Czech team later on in the tournament. With such a beautiful game played, they have a big chance to reach the semi-finals at least.

But I must admit that the showdown was "surprisingly" uneven if you know that both teams are the world's TOP 5, according to the FIFA rankings. And the US didn't show it deserves such a high position at all. They were ambitious yet terribly ineffective. Beating the crap outta Italians and promoting themselves further is going to be quite a challenge for them now.

Or maybe the Americans just have major difficulties with playing against the Slavs in general - four years ago in Korea, weak Poland beat them 3-1 in the final group match. By contrast, the US managed to defeat Portugal earlier on, so maybe they are not that bad after all.

[Anarky]

Well, F***. Sounds like I missed something today. But hey, I can watch the sports news tomorrow, they're reporting about the championship nonstop these days.

Anyways, my guesses for tomorrow:

South Korea - Togo: My money'd be on South Korea, because I think the lack of a trainer on Togo's side will make itself visible. Sure, they might have a backup trainer, but they're still getting used to each other. Also, South Korea's way better than Togo.

Switzerland - France: Hahahaha, the first game and Switzerland will be completely annihilated. Okay, they'll beat Togo lateron, but this game will make a huge dent in their confidence. Don't get me wrong, Switzerland has some good players and some good teams and in the matches here, you get to see some really good football from time to time, but they just can't compete internationally. If they win, it's sheer luck paired with the other team having a bad day. It's a shame, really. Also, the new uniforms suck. They're uglier than any of its precedessors ever were.

Brazil - Croatia: You gotta be kidding me. Another one of those joke-games? I mean, who's doubting that Brazil will win?

[Sewer Bull]

Italy - Ghana - it wasn't the most splendid match ever. In fact, it was very similar to Portugal vs. Angola. Does it mean all those European-African encounters are going to be so much alike? Then most probably I have to skip some of them. :|

[Dinny]

Switzerland - France: Hahahaha, the first game and Switzerland will be completely annihilated. Okay, they'll beat Togo lateron, but this game will make a huge dent in their confidence. Don't get me wrong, Switzerland has some good players and some good teams and in the matches here, you get to see some really good football from time to time, but they just can't compete internationally. If they win, it's sheer luck paired with the other team having a bad day. It's a shame, really. Also, the new uniforms suck. They're uglier than any of its precedessors ever were.

I really hope Switzerland can beat the French. France are still unfairly seen as one of the best teams in Europe. I was really annoyed by the way the European press spoke about a weak German team this time round,and never even mentioned the French who are old, past their prime, and not even French!

And Croatia - Brazil? Maybe Croatia stood a chance in France '98, but not this time. Although I still don't think Brazil will win it. You can quote me on that! :thumbsup:

[Barkworm]

I honestly don't see Brazil losing anything but I'd be glad if I was wrong.

[Dinny]

I can see Argentina winning this one, sure they didn't play that well against Ivory Coast, but for the first time in 3 world cups they honestly look like they can win.

If Argentina don't win it, Trinidad & Tobago will. You know it to be true.

[Sewer Bull]

France are still unfairly seen as one of the best teams in Europe. I was really annoyed by the way the European press spoke about a weak German team this time round,and never even mentioned the French who are old, past their prime, and not even French!


France ARE still one of the best teams in Europe. Not that I approve of that fact or something but that is true.

And my types for the final winner are: Germany (they may repeat the French scenario from 1998 ), The Netherlands (wonderful team and stuff yet not as strong as it could be - where's damn Makaay?), Brazil (no need to explain). Maybe Argentina, not sure about England or the Czechs - both teams are very strong and probably they will reach the quater-finals stage but they'd have to struggle very hard to reach the semi-finals.

... and Poland, of course. They're going to pwn everyone, starting from tomorrow's evening.

[Anarky]

I really hope Switzerland can beat the French. France are still unfairly seen as one of the best teams in Europe. I was really annoyed by the way the European press spoke about a weak German team this time round,and never even mentioned the French who are old, past their prime, and not even French!

The Swiss won't win, trust me on this one. I mean, sure, we have some good players like Barnetta and Vogel, but they just aren't world-cup-good. And that's the big trouble of swiss football. They are good, but they just can't compete with the bigger teams.

France is, face the facts, one of europe's top teams. And now you put a team which is mediocre at best against a top team... the result is pretty clear. Also, the Swiss are probably way intimidated by the French, despite the media going "Today we're going to beat France!"

[Dinny]

France is, face the facts, one of europe's top teams. And now you put a team which is mediocre at best against a top team... the result is pretty clear.

Not necessarily, look at Greece in Euro 2004, Denmark in Euro 92 and Trinidad against Sweden. Also consider the fact that France have been very disappointing since Euro 2000.

And by France "not being one of the best teams in Europe" I mean that I wouldn't place them in my list of top 5 European teams which would include (in no order) England, Czech Rep, Portugal, Netherlands and Italy. I would place France in the top 10 along with these teams and Spain, Germany, Greece and either Poland or Ukraine (I would have put Turkey in, but I was quite disgusted by the events of the play-offs, not to mention all the other times they have crossed the line).

[Sewer Bull]

And by France "not being one of the best teams in Europe" I mean that I wouldn't place them in my list of top 5 European teams which would include (in no order) England, Czech Rep, Portugal, Netherlands and Italy. I would place France in the top 10 along with these teams and Spain, Germany, Greece and either Poland or Ukraine (I would have put Turkey in, but I was quite disgusted by the events of the play-offs, not to mention all the other times they have crossed the line).

Hah, if you put it that way with France, then it's fine for me. I'm not their big supporter or something but I think they definitely belong to the TOP 10.

And funny you mention Poland or Ukraine and not Sweden. The Swedish team is packed with stars playing for the best European clubs, like Freddie Ljungberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Henrik Larsson. The Ukrainians have the goddamn Sheva but no one else. The same with us, apart from Jerzy Dudek of F.C. Liverpool (who is not present in Germany unfortunately) none of the Poles plays for the top European clubs.

About South Korea - Togo - it was a funny match. Togo surprisingly dominated for the first half but the game has utterly changed after they received a red card. And then the Koreans scored two nice goals. The End.

[Dinny]

S. Korea's second goal was super sweet. I'll be honest with you... I forgot about Sweden! However recently they seem very ordinary.
I put Ukraine in because they are in fantastic form. They qualified for the tournament by winning the group of death. A great team isn't just about the stars you have on your team.

[Anarky]

Okay, half time. So Switzerland is playing dirty (two yellow cards is ridiculous. I mean, who are they trying to convince that they actually want to play fair?) and France is kinda chilling. Also, the Swiss strategy is to play for a draw. They don't even intend to win. They're trying to go for a 0-0, which is really poor.

And that so was hands with the one Swiss guy.

[Sewer Bull]

France - Switzerland - no goals, helluva lot of ridiculous yellow cards. I have nothing more to comment on this poor match. The French managed not to score a goal in the fourth consecutive WorldCup match - the last time they did score something was eight years ago, during the final match against Brazil. Quite a streak, maybe they won't score anything against South Korea and Togo as well and will drown in the group phase, consumed by their own shame and grief. I wouldn't be unhappy with that.

[Anarky]

Okay, that was really, really, really boring. I mean, there was ninety minutes of nothing. And that's a lot of nothing. The only player that did well, according to me, was Barthez. He had the sun in his face and yet managed to get that one where he bumped his head. But other than that, the Swiss were weak, the French were weak and the Swiss comment-person said that Switzerland was aiming at a 0-0 which is, considering their way of playing, not only plausible but probably true. If you ask me, that's not football, that's procrastinating. But the final result of Group G is now painfully obvious. Switzerland and France will get into the next round and Togo as well as Korea drop out.

There were some kickass possibilities though... on both sides.

Also, I'd like to say that, whatever you do, do not watch the games on a German channel. Not only do they only babble nonsense (especially Beni Turnheer of Switzerland) but they also manage to make you fall asleep. The Austrian channels are unbearable because of the hardcore-austrian language they use and the Germans are just idiots, mispronouncing names like Ronaldinho ("Ronaleeno" instead of "Ronaldinyo") and Gygax ("Guuugayx" instead of "Geegahx"). So I ended up watching the game on a french channel, where there were two guys making fun of the game and calling everyone stupid as well as being bored out of their skulls. So that was quite enjoyable.

[Sewer Bull]

So I ended up watching the game on a french channel, where there were two guys making fun of the game and calling everyone stupid as well as being bored out of their skulls. So that was quite enjoyable.

Was that M6? I watched South Korea - Togo on that channel and I must admit, those two guys were hilarious. Maybe I'll watch Germany-Poland on M6 as well. It might be less painful for my soul.

[Anarky]

Nope, not M6, TSR 1. The swiss french channel. Maybe they're the same guys as on M6, but they were quite funny.

So, here's my guesses for tomorrow:

Spain - Ukraine: Spain wins, not a question.

Tunisia - Saudi Arabia: Ladies, Gentlemen, we have our final right here. Those two teams know neither mercy nor what a ball is. Their ways of playing will be very original and not centered around the ball. Also, their keepers will most likely use the "Keep all players inside the goal"-strategy to fulfill their mission as a keeper. This, ladies and gentlemen, is football. This is what it's gotta be like!

Germany - Poland: The Polacks should win. The Germans deserve to lose because they not only butcher the Championship for marketing purposes, make way too much commercials, think of themselves as the best, no, now they also think that every idiot can comment a game on TV without even knowing how the players' names are pronounced. Also, the Polacks gotta have their revenge for 1939.

[Kid A]

Germany - Poland: The Polacks should win. The Germans deserve to lose because they not only butcher the Championship for marketing purposes, make way too much commercials, think of themselves as the best, no, now they also think that every idiot can comment a game on TV without even knowing how the players' names are pronounced. Also, the Polacks gotta have their revenge for 1939.
Not to forget because of that twisted soccer-patriotism.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/Naturgewalt/WMRapportSmall.jpg

[Barkworm]

I say, patriotism is something this country totally lacks so bring it on!

[Anarky]

Ugh, Kid A's right, football fandom is among the worst fandoms around. It's not about patriotism (I couldn't care less about a healthy amount of that), but about the fact that many football fans see being a fan as excuse to permanently switch off their brains and act as if they were uncivilized monkeys.

[Barkworm]

This is all I have to say about that:
http://www.lion-nathan.com.au/our+brands/beer/australia/imports/becks.jpg

[Anarky]

Oh, you vile bastard! You know exactly how to melt my heart! :D

[Dinny]

Brazil - Croatia was... disappointing.

I'm really looking forward to Spain - Ukraine tomorrow. Should be a good contest.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3219386766071397128

Probably the best world cup advert in the world.

[Sewer Bull]

Not to forget because of that twisted soccer-patriotism.


I might take a pic of myself as a crazy soccer-patriot tomorrow. I have a scarf, a T-shirt and two flags. And I can wear them all. And ONLY them.

And Brazil - Croatia was quite good and had some really kickass actions - still, I expected more goals.

[iris]

Can someone tell me, what the heck is this all about (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ3XlpJqPt0)? Swedish people... yeh...

[Anarky]

It is obviously a music video, easily recognizable by the subtle use of music in the clip. Also, it's got people in it. They can be found by watching out for humans in the video. Furthermore, they're singing about football, probably understandable by looking at the word "Fussball".

Any more dumb questions?

[iris]

Thanks, Anarky, you're the helpfulest guy ever. :p

[Dr. Doom]

omfg in us we call it soccer lol

[Barkworm]

Doom, Latveria is not qualified, sorry.

[Kid Icarus]

We have the World Cup on TV at work all the time now.... and I've got to say, it's really interesting. And I normally don't care for sports either.

Like a couple days ago, I saw someone get kicked in the face with a soccer ball. SO COOL OMG!

Seriously though, interesting stuff.

We had the Brazil vs. Croatia match on.. didn't catch who won.

[Ryona]

Is it true in the World Soccer rules that when a country loses, they have to have a small piece of the country blown up?

[Sewer Bull]

omfg in us we call it soccer lol

...

No. I'm not going to bring any owl-related issues to this Holy Thread.

Is it true in the World Soccer rules that when a country loses, they have to have a small piece of the country blown up?

Yes. That's how the lakes are formed in general.

And OMG - what a day. Spain - Ukraine should be a good spectacle. Tunisia - Saudi Arabia should be amusing. Germany - Poland should make me cry, either from joy or despair.

*eats more sugar*

[Dinny]

A few stats as the first round of games draws to a close:
The top scoring teams so far are; Germany (4); Mexico (3); Australia (3); Czech Rep. (3).
The teams which have received the most cards are Togo (4 YC, 1 RC); Switzerland (5 YC); Trinidad (3 YC, 1 RC); Australia (4 YC).
The teams with the most tackles are Croatia (36); Sweden (36); Trinidad (36); Angola (34).
There have been 31 goals in 14 matches (including some really great goals).
It's shaping up to be the best World Cup ever. Well done, Germany!

[Barkworm]

I've just realized that most of my posts in this thread are spam.

DEUTSCHLAND!!!!!

[Sewer Bull]

The Spaniards totally pwnt Ukraine. They won 4-0 yet I'm pretty sure they could have won even twice as high, if they had been more lucky in some situations. Torres scored a brilliant goal after such a wonderful team action. The Ukrainians weren't even able to shoot properly at the empty Spanish goal (vide one of the very last situations). And as for Sheva... did he even play in this match? *sarcasm*

[Dinny]

Spain were brilliant. Make no mistake, Ukraine are a good team. Could this finally be Spain's year?
As for the red card? Incredibly harsh decision. I'm not sure that it was even a foul nevermind a red card.
And Sewer Bull, you're right. Shevchenko did nothing today but step on the ball.

[Sewer Bull]

Spain are definitely in shape. Might reach the semi-finals or even higher with such a form. But I agree, that red card was highly controversial.

Tunisia - Saudi Arabia. Boring match, nice goals, exciting ending. And that's all I can say about this "Arabic derby". None of those teams is going to play in the second round unless Ukraine screws really badlly in the next two matches.

But yeah, here we go... the most important match of the whole year... at least for me... is about to start...

POLSKA!!!!!

...



Beware, Herr Barkworm.

[Dinny]

About 20 minutes in and the match is really open. I can see a good few goals here. 3-2 would be a plausible scoreline.

[Sewer Bull]

Nil-nil.

So far so good.

[Gemma]

Germany win 1 - 0. A blinding goal in the 91'.

Hats off to Borac though, he did make some wonderful saves during the match.

[Anarky]

Oh joy, now we'll hear about the "phenomenal victory against Poland" forever.

See, this is why I don't like German media. Every little thing that makes them even a little better than the rest of the world is mentionned a thousand times, heroes are named, people keep on cheering for ages and ages. But if they're actually losing at something, they yell "Conspiracy!" and "Foul play!" all the time. It's disgusting.

[Sewer Bull]

It's very hard for me to comment on this match, as I'm emotionally attached to one of the participants. My heart's bleeding now and my eyes are filled with tears... We're virtually outta this tournament. But OK, enough of being a drama queen.

I'm not sure if I'm able to assess this encounter right. I was awestruck by my compatriots' performance. After all that running the gauntlet for the past few days (the press+the enraged supporters+even the government itself) and sh*tload of criticism, they played much, much better than against Ecuador on Friday. Even though there were only ten of them for the last fifteen minutes. Boruc was formidable, that was probably one of his best games ever. And he had lots of luck this time. The defense line (Bosacki, Bak, Zewlakow) played very reasonably and showed lots of committment, just like the rest of our team, like Smolarek, Krzynowek or Jelen (my personal favourite). Ballack and some other German players were hardly ever visible thanks to the defense struggling really hard. Too bad we rarely menaced the German goal yet we definitely had a few occasions to score.

The sad truth is - the Germans were technically better, more endure and stronger. In fact they wholly deserved that victory, as they were much better in general and worked out more occasions to score a goal. But the boys really managed to be a pain in the German ass till the very end, they fought well and bravely.

Congrats to the all German Drome members. It comforts my soul a bit that it was Neuville who scored the winning goal and not Klose or Podolski. I wonder what "BILD" is going to write about this showdown.

[Barkworm]

What I don't get is that a team which badly needs to win barely attacks at all.
All I can say is that I'm dealing with some personal sh*t right now and Germany winning is like medicine for me. Yesterday evening was so awesome, the streets were filled with people. That's something you simply don't see here that often.

[Kid Icarus]

Congrats to Germany... watched their win happen at work.

LOL

Gotta live that 50 inch plasma screen going to waste in a college dorm's dining hall. >_>.

[Dinny]

What I don't get is that a team which badly needs to win barely attacks at all.

I think Poland may have been somewhat satisfied with a draw. You have to understand how tough this match was for Poland. If they attacked and went for the win, they'd be defensively frail. It was a better tactic for them to play like Switzerland did against France, that is to defend well, and hope that they can get a goal.
I felt really sorry for the Polish fans in the stadium. For 91 minutes their team showed great organisation and determination. But football's a cruel game at the best of times. I believe it is still mathematically possible for Poland to go through, depending on Ecuador's result.
England play Trinidad & Tobago today. A win will put them through, but it's not as simple as that.The media has been putting pressure on the team after the performance against Paraguay. Anything under 3-0 or 4-0 will be seen as a failure. Especially after Spain's terrific performance.

[Sewer Bull]

I think Poland may have been somewhat satisfied with a draw. You have to understand how tough this match was for Poland. If they attacked and went for the win, they'd be defensively frail. It was a better tactic for them to play like Switzerland did against France, that is to defend well, and hope that they can get a goal.

You explained that well, Sir.

And yeah - Ecuador drowned both Costa Rica and Poland and is in the next round along with that other team. Well, they truly deserved that. The match wasn't spectacular - Costa Rica were just miserable.

I hope Paraguay pwns Sweden tonight.

[Barkworm]

F*ck, if Germany doesn't win against Ecuador my tickets are worth sh*t. :cry:
EDIT: The England match was similar to Germany's. Gerrard's goal was awesome!

[Dinny]

Gerrard's goal was awesome!

Too right! It was amazing! I think that England playing Gerrard as a holding player is a mistake. He needs to be free to get into areas like that and shoot because he's so dangerous from there. England need a defensive midfielder behind Gerrard and Lampard.

[Sewer Bull]

Yeah - England-T&T was so similar to Germany-Poland. Gerrard's goal was wonderful, tho'. And Beckham's still a key player.

[Dinny]

And Beckham's still a key player.

Agreed. His crosses are irreplaceable. I quite liked him at Right Back, I feel that Gary Neville no longer fits well in the England side. Against Paraguay he was all over the place, and not in a good way.

[Sewer Bull]

Damn. Another GER-POL and ENG-TRI match. Damn Swedes. I really hoped they were not going to made it through the first stage. But with Paraguay already outta tournament and T&T's slim chances to go further - I guess it's going to be England and Sweden in the second round. The clash between them should be very interesting and fierce, I hope. The loser is going to play against Germany for sure. The winner - against Ecuador. So, the last match will be still worth winning.

[Barkworm]

I'm not sure abut Germany winning the group anymore, the match against Ecuador might end in a draw. I'm not really afraid of England though.

[Ra]

Eh, thought I might join in since Australia pwned Japan.

GREEN AND GOLD! GREEN AND GOLD! GREEN AND GOLD! :D :D :D

[Dinny]

Eh, thought I might join in since Australia pwned Japan.

Which match were you watching?

Argentina - Serbia was a masterclass in football. Argentina had so much possession it was coming out the wazoo. 6-0! 6 great goals to add to the tournament's large collection. Serbia will feel hard done by due to the red card (referees have been poor so far) but no one would have beaten Argentina today.

Also, the prospect of facing Ecuador worries me more than Germany. They have been great so far. Although I'll reserve final judgement for when Germany play Ecuador.

[Sewer Bull]

Argentina totally pwned Serbian ass... HARDCORE! Serbia have really disappointed me - I thought they were going to perform much better in Germany. Meanwhile, they're very, very weak. They would have lost 6-0 in the previous match against The Netherlands if it hadn't been for Robben's selfishness. As for Argentina - I'm waiting for their final group showdown, against the Dutch team - it's going to show how good the Argentinians really are. Because they weren't that great against Ivory Coast.

[Dinny]

They would have lost 6-0 in the previous match against The Netherlands if it hadn't been for Robben's selfishness.

Even more examples of that today against Ivory Coast. In my opinion, Ivory Coast should have got at least a draw, and Robben is overrated.

[Ryona]

Hey, can someone here make a list of all the countries playing and show which ones have lost and which ones are still in?

[Dinny]

Hey, can someone here make a list of all the countries playing and show which ones have lost and which ones are still in?

Here (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/group/index.html) is a webpage with all standings, and here (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/schedule.html) is a webpage with all the results so far. All teams have at least one match left, most have 2.

[Barkworm]

Who else thinks that this World Cup is kind of boring so far? I mean, there are zero surprises, all the powerhouse teams win, the underdogs lose (except Ecuador). :|

[Sewer Bull]

Even more examples of that today against Ivory Coast. In my opinion, Ivory Coast should have got at least a draw, and Robben is overrated.

He IS overrated, but thankfully, he received a yellow card. That means Robben may receive another soon - against Argentina or in the 1/8 stage.

Poor Ivory Coast. I'm pretty sure they'd advance in any other group. Nevertheless, I think Drogba's overrated as well. He didn't do much in today's encounter and, to make matters worse, both of his yellow cards were just ridiculous.

[Dinny]

That means Robben may receive another soon - against Argentina or in the 1/8 stage.

I don't think it matters if he gets a yellow in the next game, because all yellow cards reset in the knock-out stages. Therefore, even if Robben does get a yellow against Argentina, he'll still be allowed to play in the next game.

[Sewer Bull]

I don't think it matters if he gets a yellow in the next game, because all yellow cards reset in the knock-out stages. Therefore, even if Robben does get a yellow against Argentina, he'll still be allowed to play in the next game.

Oh. I forgot about that.

Mexico-Angola. BOOOOOORING. :ohwell: I have to quit watching every single match on this WorldCup.

[Dinny]

Mexico-Angola. BOOOOOORING. :ohwell: I have to quit watching every single match on this WorldCup.

Hell no, man! This is what being a football supporter's all about! Watching the crap games as well as the classics! And that result throws the froup wide open, Iran are still in it now.

[Sewer Bull]

Hell no, man! This is what being a football supporter's all about! Watching the crap games as well as the classics! And that result throws the froup wide open, Iran are still in it now.

Yeah. At least there will be one group where everything is not known yet after four matches played only.

I wonder... if England beats Sweden 2-0... And T&T is going to win its match against Paraguay 1-0... Then who's in the next round? Sweden or T&T?

[Dinny]

Yeah. At least there will be one group where everything is not known yet after four matches played only.

I wonder... if England beats Sweden 2-0... And T&T is going to win its match against Paraguay 1-0... Then who's in the next round? Sweden or T&T?

Iran just lost to Portugal and it turns out that this group is also decided after the second round of matches :lol:

If worst comes to worst, the teams are put into a hat and drawn out. It's cruel, but something must be done.

[Sewer Bull]

Iran just lost to Portugal and it turns out that this group is also decided after the second round of matches :lol:


Yeah. Poor Persians.

Damn. The Czechs were ridiculously weak today. They should have lost 3-0. I'm quite happy that Ghana won - they fully deserved that and I'm always supporting the African teams playing in the World Cup. Damn, looks like Slavic football doesn't show its brightest side on this tournament.
And now Italy is drawing against the US... At least "the group of death" is going to remain exciting until the very last referee's whistle.

[Dinny]

Yeah. Poor Persians.

Damn. The Czechs were ridiculously weak today. They should have lost 3-0. I'm quite happy that Ghana won - they fully deserved that and I'm always supporting the African teams playing in the World Cup. Damn, looks like Slavic football doesn't show its brightest side on this tournament.
And now Italy is drawing against the US... At least "the group of death" is going to remain exciting until the very last referee's whistle.

Ghana could have won 6-0 but they were all too excites and became selfish towards the end. When I went out later on, a Ghanian... Ghanaan... Ghanan... a man from Ghana drove past in his car with the Ghanish (?) flag all over his car. Everyone cheered when he drove past and it was good to see.

Italy drew 1-1 with USA. Italy were down to 10 men and USA down to 9. The goal for USA was actually a quite remarkable Italian own goal. This group is currently the only one left wide open.

[Sewer Bull]

Italy drew 1-1 with USA. Italy were down to 10 men and USA down to 9. The goal for USA was actually a quite remarkable Italian own goal. This group is currently the only one left wide open.

Yeah - watching this match was like experiencing gladiators' clash. Two teams heavily bleeding and fiercely fighting. Especially the Americans fought well in the second half. They still have a good chance to go further if they show the same committment against Ghana.

Japan-Croatia = boredom. I thought both teams were going to perform better and yet they are terribly weak. It seems the Aussies are going to the second round, most probably.

[Dinny]

It seems the Aussies are going to the second round, most probably.

God help us if that does happen. Brazil just beat Australia 2-0, but I don't think this Brazil side will be able to beat any of the bigger nations.

[JameO]

http://www.tcnj.edu/~hofmann/Humor/Misc/Soccer/German%20soccer%20fan.jpg

Nuff' Said!

[Gemma]

That woman is standing there and the guys behind aren't even looking? Definitely full on football fans. :lol:

[Dinny]

Every match today was B-O-R-I-N-G!!!! Worst day so far. Let's hope that tomorrow makes up for it.

[Sewer Bull]

Every match today was B-O-R-I-N-G!!!! Worst day so far. Let's hope that tomorrow makes up for it.

Boring as hell. I seriously doubt in Brazil or France winning the WorldCup after today. Their football is neither pretty nor effective.

[Barkworm]

Brazil's performance was similar at last year's confederations cup but towards the end they showed all their tricks all of a sudden. I wouldn't count them out yet.

[Sewer Bull]

Brazil's performance was similar at last year's confederations cup but towards the end they showed all their tricks all of a sudden. I wouldn't count them out yet.

Maybe they are not motivated enough to fight fiercely against the pretty moderate teams like Croatia, Australia or Japan.

Oh boy oh boy. I sense many goals to be scored today.

[Dinny]

Maybe they are not motivated enough to fight fiercely against the pretty moderate teams like Croatia, Australia or Japan.

Oh boy oh boy. I sense many goals to be scored today.

I hope you're right, but Spain's group really annoys me. Ukraine lost 4-0 to Spain yet they will probably still qualify simply because there are even worse teams in their group. Ukraine's thumping loss to Spain will probably mean nothing because that group is so damn easy.

[Barkworm]

I'm still surprised by Spain's 4:0. They usually suck at tournaments.

[Anarky]

Switzerland - Togo 2-0

What a nice game. Not too many fouls, beautiful goals and a no "N*gger, n*gger, n*gger"-choirs (and yes, we did expect there to be racist behaviour among the swiss fans, but I think Djourou kinda spoiled that for Switzerland). Sure Togo deserved a goal or two because the moves were nice, but it really was nice football.

[Sewer Bull]

So, Togo's officially out of this tournament and can only steal some precious points from France - which I hope they'll do.

And their match against Switzerland was pretty boring. *yawn* Not so many good actions, just some ordinary kicking around. The clash between Switzerland and South Korea is going to be very interesting to watch, in my opinion. The winner of this match is going to lead this group and most probably encounter Ukraine in the second round. The loser is going to stay in this phase, unless Togo at least draws against France.

[Dinny]

The winner of this match is going to lead this group and most probably encounter Ukraine in the second round. The loser is going to stay in this phase, unless Togo at least draws against France.

That to me emphasises the low quality of Spain's group. Ukraine beat Saudi Arabia 4-0. This is the weakest group of the tournament by far. Hopefully Spain will display a masterclass against Tunisia which just started.

[Sewer Bull]

That to me emphasises the low quality of Spain's group. Ukraine beat Saudi Arabia 4-0. This is the weakest group of the tournament by far. Hopefully Spain will display a masterclass against Tunisia which just started.

Yeah, this group is ridiculously weak. Ukraine have demolished Saudi Arabia 4-0 with no actual resistance from the Arab side. It was a very one-sided match. I think this victory should build up Ukrainian confidence, damaged by the earlier loss.

But hey - Tunisia are playing astonishingly well right now... and winning! I wonder if they manage to save such a good result until the very end. That'd be a huge sensation.

[JameO]

Ut oh, Spain being outplayed? Could it be an upset? I hope so, down with Spain!

[Dinny]

Ut oh, Spain being outplayed? Could it be an upset? I hope so, down with Spain!

Not really, Spain have 64% ball possession which is very impressive, but they need to actually do something with the ball...

Although as I type, Spain just had a header cleared off the line :lol:

[Dinny]

Match ended 3-1 Spain and this group (the weakest of them all) has had 4 goals in every game so far! Tomorrow features England and Germany's deciding group games and we will see if Germany and England will meet in the 2nd round. Should be a good day.

[Sewer Bull]

Match ended 3-1 Spain and this group (the weakest of them all) has had 4 goals in every game so far! Tomorrow features England and Germany's deciding group games and we will see if Germany and England will meet in the 2nd round. Should be a good day.

The match was good. I hoped Tunisia would win, that might have made a situation in this group a little more interesting. But I really appreciate Tunisian play, especially in the first half. I do really think two last goals for Spain could easily be avoided. Oh well. That's just football.

And yeah. Tomorrow's going to be very exciting for me. We are going to officially acknowledge two pairs of 1/8 stage! Is Ecuador going to draw against Germany at least and condemn them to a hard encounter against England? Are the Poles going to score at least a single goal at this tournament? Is T&T going to beat Paraguay and luckily kick out Sweden? Are England going to break the infamous 37-year old streak of not defeating the Swedes? So many questions to be answered!

[Dinny]

I think the 37-year-old streak became 38 years about a week ago :lol:
But Sven Goran Eriksson is Swedish, perhaps he secretly wants England to lose... That'll be my excuse should the unthinkable happen tomorrow.

[Sewer Bull]

I think the 37-year-old streak became 38 years about a week ago :lol:
But Sven Goran Eriksson is Swedish, perhaps he secretly wants England to lose... That'll be my excuse should the unthinkable happen tomorrow.

I support England tomorrow. I don't like Sweden for some reasons - they lost the matches they should have won for Poland's sake and triumphed when they should have been defeated.

[JameO]

Germany did well against Ecuador, 3-0. Congrats to Poland on the 2-1 win, too bad they can't move on to the next round, Germany all the way! Now all I want to see is the tie game between England and Sweden! Way to go to Klose for putting two more goals on the board!

[Sewer Bull]

I knew that having two TV-sets in my home would come handy one of these days.

Yeah, Germany totally pwned Ecuador's ass, they played so nicely. Klose is awesome - he scored four goals so far on this tournament, nine in history. I especially liked his second goal today - required a bit of cunning to score, most of the attackers would just shoot at the goalkeeper in a situation like that. Also, Podolski scored something at last - he and Klose are my only reasons to support Germany, although only Poldi openly emphasizes his Polish roots. Ecuador were very weak, they're so going to be knocked out in the next round. I hate them for obvious reasons.

I'm so happy Poland won at last and scored two goals. Too bad we only fought for honor in this encounter - if only they hadn't screwed the match against Ecuador *sigh*. Anyway, the game itself wasn't anything spectacular. The Polish national football team has its own unique style... which is frigging stiff, boring, physical - and ineffective most of the times. I wouldn't watch them if it wasn't for the emotional reasons. The funny thing is, Bartosz Bosacki (the defender who scored two goals for us) wasn't even called up for the Polish World Cup squad when it was firstly announced. He was called up later on, as a replacement for another player who failed medical tests, after being diagnosed with severe asthma. Oh well. The late call-ups often create a marvelous performance at the international tournament.

[Barkworm]

Would it sound gay if I said that I love Klose a lot?

[Sewer Bull]

Paraguay - T&T - frigging boring. Two rather mediocre teams fighting just for honor. Nothing spectacular, nothing worth remembering
England - Sweden - damns Swedes! :ohwell: They pulled out a drawing goal in 90th minute. The game wasn't magnificent at all, safe for Cole's marvelous goal. Now that a sheer poetry. Owen's injury can be very significant for this team, tho', that weakens England a lot.

Anyway, we know the first pairs of 1/8 stage. Germany vs. Sweden and England vs. Ecuador. My types are Germany and England. The Swedes ain't gonna beat the hosting team. As for Ecuador - well, they used all their luck to defeat Poland and they can barely compete with England.

Today's not the greatest day. The only interesting match - Argentina vs. The Netherlands, theoretically a true classic - is going to be more a friendly encounter rather than a rabid clash. That's because both coaches are saving their top stars and the players who earned yellow cards before for the knock-out phase. Oh well. Nothing interesting in group D. Angola still has arithmetical chances to go further if they crush Iran and have Mexico defeated by Portugal. Possible but not likely.

[Gemma]

England - Sweden - damns Swedes! :ohwell: They pulled out a drawing goal in 90th minute. The game wasn't magnificent at all, safe for Cole's marvelous goal. Now that a sheer poetry. Owen's injury can be very significant for this team, tho', that weakens England a lot.

Cole's goal was impressive, his whole performance throughout the game was great and he surely was one of the best of the match. Gerrard's goal was just as good, I'm pleased that Sven chose to bring him on and let him loose.

As for Owen. I'm not sure England have been weakened at all, sure Owen's good but he's not really made an impression in the previous two matches. I think we can survive a while longer without him. *crosses fingers*

[Dinny]

As for Owen. I'm not sure England have been weakened at all, sure Owen's good but he's not really made an impression in the previous two matches. I think we can survive a while longer without him. *crosses fingers*

Owen's absence will cause Sven some major problems. He has only taken 4 strikers, one of whom is injured, one of whom he won't play (Walcott), one of whom is recovering from an injury (Rooney) and one of whom, in my opinion, just plain stinks (Crouch). Now Sven will have to change formations to save striker (e.g. playing Rooney as a lone striker). England are in trouble.

[Gemma]

Owen's absence will cause Sven some major problems. He has only taken 4 strikers, one of whom is injured, one of whom he won't play (Walcott), one of whom is recovering from an injury (Rooney) and one of whom, in my opinion, just plain stinks (Crouch). Now Sven will have to change formations to save striker (e.g. playing Rooney as a lone striker). England are in trouble.
True. I agree that Crouch isn't all that but I think with Gerrard, Cole and - at a pinch - Lampard we could still do it. A 4-5-1 might not be so bad if the midfielders can keep up the pace.

Sven should have given Walcott a chance to prove himself in the Sweden match, it's odd that he's taken on a player that hasn't really had much opportunity to show how good/bad he is.

But then what do I know? I'm certainly no expert, heh. :P

[Sewer Bull]

Owen's absence will cause Sven some major problems. He has only taken 4 strikers, one of whom is injured, one of whom he won't play (Walcott), one of whom is recovering from an injury (Rooney) and one of whom, in my opinion, just plain stinks (Crouch). Now Sven will have to change formations to save striker (e.g. playing Rooney as a lone striker). England are in trouble.

Yeah... their current situation should be enough to beat Ecuador but definitely not enough for Argentina/The Netherlands.

Group D.... Sheesh. Too bad Angola didn't make it to the next phase. Mexico is highly over-rated by the FIFA rankings - they should be an easy prey for either Argentina or Oranjes. The same with Portugal... most probably.

[JameO]

Upcoming matches

Germany VS Sweden - Germany: 1 Sweden:0
England VS Ecuador - England:3 Ecuador:1

Thats my guess, I am going for Germany all the way, but if they somehow get foiled, England all the way, got to cheer for both roots!

[Sewer Bull]

Very nice game played by Ivory Coast yesterday. They did nicely without Drogba. I'm pretty sure they'd go further in any other group. The Serbians have really disappointed me.
Argentina - The Netherlands sucked, just as I expected. Both coaches' decisions were tactically wise yet it resulted in rather poor showdown. Too bad, as the encounters between these two teams are true WorldCup classics (1978 final for example).

So, we have Argentina-Mexico and The Netherlands-Portugal. Argentina are going to pwn Mexico, no doubt about that. The second match seems to be much more interesting. Both teams met in the Euro 2004 semi-final. Portugal won, but they were the hosting team. And now Oranjes have a chance for a sweet, sweet revenge for that semi-final... Should be a good showdown, imo.

Today is very exciting, because of Group E. Damn, they are so going to fight till the very last second. Group F is boring - Brazil and Australia/Croatia. Possibly Australia, but it doesn't help them a lot, as they are going to be eaten alive by the winner of Group E... whoever would that be.

[Silent FOx]

Funny Website Pertaining To The World Cup.
http://www.championship-bet.eu.tt/

[Barkworm]

I'm proud that this thread has 8 pages.

[Sewer Bull]

Yesterday was the best day so far. Good matches in Group E and great clashes in Group F. Brazil finally showed some of its pure magic, with Ronaldo scoring two goals and keeping up with legendary Gerd Mueller. Japan wasn't much of a rival for them. Australia-Croatia was thrilling to watch but also damn horrific thanks to Graham Poll :roll: Three yellow cards for one player, not enough penalties for the Aussies... Poll looked as if he was bribed by the Croatians. :roll:

I'm happy Ghana plays in the second round - I like the African teams in general. They defeated the US after a good game. Too bad the Czechs were very very weak in the last two matches - against Ghana and Italy. They have one of the best squads in their history - and yet they didn't manage to promote themselves further. Pity, the whole team is going to disperse after the tournament, as they key players are rather old.

So... Italy vs. Australia and Brazil vs. Ghana. They latter is going to be much more interesting in my opinion. Of course Italy and Brazil are going to eat their opponents, tho' they won't be easy preys for them.

Today is boring. It'd be good if France at least drew against Togo but that's not going to happen. As for Group H... blargh. Spain - Saudi Arabia - get real, the Spaniards are going to completely devastate the Arabs. Fernando Torres has a good chance to score the first hat-trick on this tournament... or even more goals, if he wants to win the Best Scorer award. The chances are big.

[Sewer Bull]

Yesterday wasn't impressive at all. Four weak matches in two weak groups. Blargh. I expected Spain to score a few more goals, but I presume their yesterday's performance was strictly tactical. Ukraine play much below my expectations, Switzerland may not be as easy as Saudi Arabia or Tunisia were.

Congratz to Switzerland. Thanks to their victory, France is the second in that miserable group and is going to encounter the mighty Spaniards who are going to crush them well... at least I hope so.

[Dinny]

I really am annoyed by Ukraine, not because I feel they're a bad team, but because they seem to have ALL the luck. It was clear from their first game that they can't face the bigger nations, yet luckily for them, they don't have to play a big nation in the second round. But well done Switzerland for winning that group.

[Sewer Bull]

Germany totally pwned Swedish ass. The Swedes were damn weak, just as I expected after their performance in the group stage - they were no real match for the Germans. The Polish attack has scored 7 out of 10 German goals so far. That makes my silly national pride grow.

[Ryona]

I found this and thought some of you guys would like it. :)

Can anyone translate what it says?

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9173/soccer3pj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Sewer Bull]

Wow... Quite a sweet pic, Ryona. :)

And the text looks like an English text written in some weird Greek/Cyrylic font. It seems it actually says "Orange on the road to gold".

Watching Argentina-Mexico was interesting, yet very tiring to watch for me... two nervous hours. Argentina was much weaker than in the group stage. But the winning goal was awesome... pure magic.

The clash between Germany and Argentina is going to rock hardcore. Barkworm, I so envy you.

[Barkworm]

I can't believe I'm going to see Germany - Argentina, just as I hoped. This is too awesome!!! And judging from Argentina's performance yesterday we might actually stand a chance! There's no doubt about the fact that this match will be freaking HARD though.
Oh, and Sweden? Laughable. I think Larsson's penalty kick summed it up pretty well. We didn't even play that well (even though no one in Germany seems to care about that), the defense was pretty bad at some points. Argentina won't be as forgiving.
EDIT: I forgot to mention the greatness that is Miroslav Klose. What a player.

[Sewer Bull]

OK. England-Ecuador wasn't spectacular at all, safe for Beckham's awesome goal. It's clearly visible that the Lions definitely lack good attackers. Only Crouch scored a goal so far - and to make matters worse, it was a highly controversial one as he fouled T&T defender. The rest of the English goals was scored by the midfielders. That's not promising before the match against The Netherlands/Portugal.

[JameO]

Go Netherlands Go! Win me 200 bucks!

Edit: Ridiculous, they had possession alot of the game and the shots on net were garbage, but dang is the Portugal team dirty, they play sloppy and are out to injure. Ah well!

[Sewer Bull]

Damn. POR-NED was f***ing ugly. The worst match so far, maybe even the worst one in the whole WorldCup history. Almost no good actions, lots of play-acting and brutal fouls. Robben didn't show anything. Figo showed a good stage-acting. The Russian referee showed 12 yellow cards, 4 red ones - the ultimate record. Christ. That wasn't football, that was anti-football - even my boys showed better style. It's sad those two teams were in the Euro 2004 semi-finals. And I really hoped this encounter was going to be something good. and worth watching.

England - Portugal would look great in theory - two good European teams and the English seeking revenge for the Euro 2004 quarter-final. But after watching their performance so far - I really doubt this match is going to be any good. Portugal won't have Costinha and Deco. England has problems with its strikers. This match is going to be so much alike the showdown I've just watched. Boring and brutal. With lots of yellow and red cards, and only one goal scored. Or maybe even zero.

Something tells me there is going to be England vs. Germany in the final.

[Anarky]

Okay that game was just pathetic. It's not that I was really rooting for Switzerland, but the game was bad. Like really bad. Nobody seemed to make real effort to win the game. It was pathetic.

[Sewer Bull]

Two rather boring matches played today. The Aussies dominated the whole game, yet the penalty in the last second has drowned them. Tough luck, damn Italians.

Switzerland - Ukraine. Barely no actions, boring game, no goals. A very interesting ending, tho' - Switzerland didn't score any penalty at all and is out. The funny thing is, they didn't lose a single goal on this tournament so far. But it wasn't enough to reach the quarter-finals.

Italy - Ukraine. Judging after today's matches, they can cancel the match and organize the penalty shoot-outs instead. And Ukraine are going to win it, as they were terribly lucky so far. I was predicting they might even reach the semi-finals, before the World Cup started. It seems I might have been right, yet I expected that along with a draw against Spain, plus Tunisia and Switzerland totally crushed.

[verminator_x]

Spain - France 1-3. :D

Those dummies thought that Zidanes days were through, well he showed them. Spain always screws up when it gets hot around their feets.

But France has to thank Henry the diver for the 2-1 goal.
He got punched in the chest by Puyol and throwed down on the ground as a wounded animal, and held his hands over his face, tragic.

To bad neither Ghana or Australia got to the quarter finals, they did play much more attractive fotball than Italy and England, even Portugal.

Well, in 2010, Africa will have their revenge.

[Sewer Bull]

Oh. I sorta forgot to comment on the yesterday's matches.

Brazil showed they can play fabulous football for a short period of time. Spain lost to damn France, but to be honest - that could have been expected after their rather poor encounters against Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

Brazil - France. Mmm... It's going to be a great revenge for the 1998 final.

[verminator_x]

Brazil did play nice yesterday, but Ghana had alot of chances, but they were almost afriad to score. Brazil got good help from Ghanas Defenders, who had no control from the start to end.

Fun to see Zidane and Ronaldo in great shape, could be a thriller on saturday.
Hope to see fine fotball and alot of great goals.

[Dinny]

Germany beat Argentina in what was a very tense (if not very interesting) match, but I think we should wait for Barkworm's two cents on this one.

Italy - Ukraine: 3-0 for The Azzurri as I type. Ukraine were woeful in the first half. Picked up in the second half, but I am happy to see them out as they were lucky to get this far. Zambrotta has been fantastic today.

[Sewer Bull]

And no one wants my two cents? Sheesh.

Argentina lost because of the ridiculous substitutions Jose Pekerman made. Period. Introducing Julio Cruz in Crespo's place instead of Saviola? Not using Messi at all? Christ, it seems he started to defend that 1:0 result. And that did not pay off. Germany had lots of luck with Pekerman's unusual tactics.

And this match was very tense but not too nice to watch. German supporters throwing bottles at Abbondanzieri when he left the pitch, wincing in pain... The brawl provoked by Argentina after the penalty shoot-outs... I didn't like it all.

As for Italy-Ukraine... Good match and the Italians deserved to win. Zambrotta played nicely, he might be chosen for the Top 11.

Germany-Italy... a true classic. Germany are going to win after penalties again.

[Dr. Doom]

I love how that one blue face in the world cup logo is all like XD

[Dinny]

England out on penalties again... I would say more but I am heartbroken, Sewer Bull understands. I loathe Christiano Ronaldo.

[Dr. Doom]

I saw a little kid at the Library yesterday wearing a Ronaldo jersey.

[Dinny]

Probably Brazil's Ronaldo.

On the subject of Brazilians, what's your Brazilian name?
http://www.minimalsworld.net/BrazilName/brazilian.shtml

[Ryona]

My Brazilian name is "Ryonildo"??? *blinks*

[Sewer Bull]

England out on penalties again... I would say more but I am heartbroken, Sewer Bull understands. I loathe Christiano Ronaldo.

I know what you're feeling, dude. That terribly sucks. I really thought England were going to reach the semi-finals. I almost bet my money on them. I prefered England-France semi-final. Now that would be something, regarding the mutual relations between those countries throughout history and now.

The yesterday's matches were rather strange. The red card for Rooney might have been deciding for England not scoring anything in that match. Brazil showed all their mediocrity against France. They weren't awesome at all during the whole tournament and I'm glad they're out, even though I don't really support France.

Germany vs. Italy. France vs. Portugal. Wow. Europe has totally dominated the semi-finals, no South American team in this stage. The last time the similar thing happened was 24 years ago, in Spain... In the 1982 semi-final stage, the following teams played: Italy, Germany, France and... Poland. Yeah. And if only we managed to defeat Ecuador and then England and Portugal, the semi-final squad could have been the same. Damn irony.

Woe are us.

My types for the final stage: 1) Germany 2) France 3) Portugal 4) Italy.

[verminator_x]

The French Wizard Zidane strikes again.
No one could stop him or France yesterday.
Im glad Brazil and England is out.
All the socalled special fotball critics had listed Brazil and England as the two countries that would play best and go easy to the semi-final.
So long i can remember, the all time favourites always flop.
Laughed at in 2002, France is back. Nice attractive fotball, brilliant defense and they made alot of good chances against a weak and almost outplayed Brazil. They were never near as good as the expectations and their samba fotball. Not surprising, as they where run over by a much more willing and attacking team.



Now, i hope France whipe away the whining divas from portugal, and Germany knocks out Italy.

[Barkworm]

I'm back from my 3-day trip to Berlin. I guess it's needless to say that I can't say anything neutral or objective about the match. My vocal chords are completely ruined and I hugged a horde of human beings of my own sex whom I've never seen before. Man. That was the kind of experience you tell your grandchildren about. I still can't believe that I was there.
Don't cry too hard, Argentina.

EDIT: Italy - Ukraine: Boring. Nothing else to say.
England - Portugal: The first time ever I supported England. They fought bravely but shootout just aren't England's cup of tea. Plus Robinson sucks. Anyway, to hell with Portugal.
Brazil- France: Brazil finally got the bill for their arrogance and Zidane made Ronaldinho look like a complete n00b. Awesome.

[JameO]

Germany vs France is my prediction, Germany world cup champs this time, and my Brazil name is Jameerto, pretty freakin' wild if you ask me!

[Ryona]

I personally see it as Italy vs Portugal in the final tournament.

[Dinny]

I have never said this before but I really want Germany to win. I'm fairly sure that they will beat the Azzuri. France will almost certainly beat Portugal, especially if the referee doesn't fall for Portugal's dramatisms. Keep diving in the pools.

Germany's run is proof to me that a home crowd is as important today as it was 20 years ago. They can really help a team to perform and can get inside the opponent'e heads.

[JameO]

Germany is out, what a shame, good game played though, two really nice goals by Italy, Italy vs France final, should be good, im going France all the way now.

[Sewer Bull]

Wow... what a knockout in the final two minutes. But I saw that coming. This match was really nice to watch but nevertheless, Italy had more chances to score, including one post and one crossbar in the beginning of the extra-time.

[Kid A]

Today's morning I went to a gas station and saw old "Bild" newspapers lying out. The headline was "Today we're gonna slap their Italian noodles". Hahaha! Seems as we got slapped pretty much.
Now the world is guest at loosers'.

[Anarky]

Hopefully German media will now shut up about them being so surpreme and better than anyone else by default and blah... Well, they have to, actually.

[Barkworm]

Oh, f*ck it... :cry:

[Kid A]

Hopefully German media will now shut up about them being so surpreme and better than anyone else by default and blah... Well, they have to, actually.
The new headline is "You are heroes anyway." Oh well..

[Sewer Bull]

Speaking of soccer violence... (http://www.maxior.pl/?p=index&id=23985&0)

Some of those cuts are rather "ouch", yet some of them are just plain hilarious. I especially like the second scene with Maradona.

[Dinny]

Kid A, since when do Italians eat noodles?

I'm sad to see Germany out, but my Meditteranean blood is somewhat satisfied to see Italy through. Now France need to spank Portugal, and then in the 3rd - 4th play-off Germany can spank them even harder.

[Sewer Bull]

And once again, the day is saved, thanks to... The Powerpuff Zidane!

Damn, Portugal were incredibly weak tonight. Incredibly frigging weak. The hard encounters against the Netherlands and England certainly didn't pay off. Oh well. Now they are going to lose against Germany in the match that no one in the world really gives a **** about, safe for the interested nations of course. Oh well. I bet my money on Germany. They are going to win that bronze medal. After the penalty shoot-outs.

Italy - France. Mmm... Damn, I feel stupid now. I didn't really count on them. France was mediocre for the past four years and I was pretty sure Italy were going to be eliminated by the Czechs, Ghana or the USA - as "the favourite who didn't even make it through the group stage" (like France or Argentina in 2002... or Poland). It seems I know next to nothing about football. But the whole "revenge for the Euro 2000 final" context looks pretty tasty to me. Italy have a wonderful defence line, they did not lose a goal, except for that own goal against the US. By contrast, France have Zidane, the eighth world wonder. Something tells me this sucker will score the winning goal in the final. Damn him and his eternal awesomeness.

[Barkworm]

I want France to win but I don't see them breaking Italy's incredible defense. Plus France has the world's most awful goalie...

[Kid A]

Kid A, since when do Italians eat noodles?
Ok ok, they eat pasta.

[Ryona]

I hate to break it to you guys, but some pasta are noodles known as spaghetti.

[ThirdMarioBro]

:lol:, pwnd.

[Anarky]

Actually, if we're at "pwning" people, "Pasta" is just the italian word for "noodles". So there you go.

[Dr. Doom]

Oh, me next, me next.

Anarky is hung like a feild mouse.

[Sewer Bull]

Doom, this thread is holy. One more blasphemous remark and we are writing Doom/Richards yaoi slashfic.

[Dr. Doom]

How can you write WHEN YOU HAVE NO HANDS!? -=Chases him out of the thread with a butcher's knife=-

[Barkworm]

Yesterday's match was great. Especially since we watched it drunk. I hoped that Miro Klose would score at least one goal though.

[Sewer Bull]

Schweinsteiger was great yesterday. He totally pwned Portugal. Too bad he didn't score a hat-trick. Damn... none of the footballers has scored a hat-trick so far. This is just strange. And Portugal were weak as hell.

Am I the only one who thinks that Ballack played much below his skills and abilities on this tournament - and was rather weak in fact? Lahm, Schweinsteiger or Klose performed way better than him.

[Barkworm]

Ballack is simply over-rated. He always was.

[OA]

Wow tremendous game today....can't believe Zidane did that though...

[Dinny]

Ballack is simply over-rated. He always was.

I don't know, I think Klose's overrated :P

Final over. Italy won 5-2 on penalties. I went out with some friends and pretended to be Italian and started celebrating with other Italians. I suspect they knew we weren't Italian, but they were too happy to care. Unfortunately they may not be so happy tomorrow when the results of the trials in Italy come out.

Unfortunately this tournament failed to produce a truly classic match (besides maybe Italy - Germany) and will probably be remembered for Zidane's sending off in the final and the last match of his career. Still the Germans did a great job and it looks like the tournament won't be back in Europe for a while... ah well, who's up for making a Euro 2008 qualifiers thread for when they start?

[Barkworm]

As far as the quality of the matches is concerned this World Cup was probably the worst one ever. The overall mood was absolutely fantastic though. This was like a four week party.
I don't know, I think Klose's overrated :P HERESY!!!!!111

[Sewer Bull]

Oh yeah. My belated comment on the final.

What to say... This final was owned by two players... Zidane and Materazzi. The first one scored one of the most beautiful penalties (after the foul of the latter one) I have ever seen. The penalty kicks ain't pretty at all, they are all frigging boring and merely the same... except for the Zidane's one. Now that was something.

Then, that great Materazzi's goal. And then, that wonderful Zidane's shot defended by Buffon. That was truly magical.

And then that red card... I f***ing don't know what to think about that, to be honest. It's sad to see a legend shattered in the very last match.

The whole tournament showed clearly how the football teams depend on the corners, free kicks, penalties etc. There wasn't any match at all that would be remembered for decades because of some awesome game (except Italy-Germany). By contrast, we all are going to remember Rooney's red card, Zidane's red card, Portugal-The Netherlands raining red cards... Crap.

BTW - Leo Beenhakker, who coached T&T, is most probably going to train Poland in the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers. I'm not really sure if it's a good choice at all. Time will tell.

[Dinny]

I just read in the paper that Materazzi shouted at Zidane after the tackle "Don't chase that ball, dreg. You're the son of a terrorist whore" Zidane speaks Italian (probably from his days at Juve). Still, he's an experienced professional and is possibly the most technically gifted footballer in the world. He played straight into Materazzi's hands.

[Barkworm]

An interesting fact about this whole thing is that according to FIFA rules racist insults can lead to a team's disqualification. The FIFA is already looking into the case.

[Sewer Bull]

An interesting fact about this whole thing is that according to FIFA rules racist insults can lead to a team's disqualification. The FIFA is already looking into the case.

Really? That would be the biggest thing ever!

On a related sidenote:

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06282/mariosoccer.gif

[Barkworm]

Haha, awesome but I like this one even better:
http://selar.scimita.de/~bez/fun/zidane.gif

BTW, Materazzi claims that he doesn't even know what "terrorist" means...:roll:

[Sewer Bull]

Well... I read that today... and felt terribly sorry for him. Sheesh. That was just pathetic.

For all Materazzi haters and anime lovers:

http://remote.jettcomic.com/images/f0baced5fd5c87ddf0b698a40a0445e4c069f81d.gif

[Barkworm]

I believe him that he didn't insult Zidane's mother though. He said that he wouldn't do something like that because he lost his mom when he was a kid.

[Dinny]

I believe him that he didn't insult Zidane's mother though. He said that he wouldn't do something like that because he lost his mom when he was a kid.

If it turns out that he did insult Zidane's mother and is just using his dead mother as an attempt to look innocent... that's just low.

[Barkworm]

In other news South Africa seems to be unable to finish all the stadiums till 2010 so the FIFA is considering to take the World Cup away from them. Possible candidates would be USA (a football world cup tournament should never ever again be played in the US) and... GERMANY!!
It's also almost certain now that Klinsmann will leave. I somehow understand him, he's a family guy and wants to spend more time with them. Still, it sucks.

[Sewer Bull]

In other news South Africa seems to be unable to finish all the stadiums till 2010 so the FIFA is considering to take the World Cup away from them. Possible candidates would be USA (a football world cup tournament should never ever again be played in the US) and... GERMANY!!
It's also almost certain now that Klinsmann will leave. I somehow understand him, he's a family guy and wants to spend more time with them. Still, it sucks.

I've heard he might coach the US team...

Germany again? That wouldn't be bad after all.

New FIFA ranking! (http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,All-Jul-2006,00.html) And they changed the rules, thanks God, so the whole thing is a bit more relevant. Now the pretty overrated teams like the Czechs, the US or Mexico are not in the Top 10 anymore. And Ukraine really skyrocketed this time.

[Barkworm]

I've heard he might coach the US team...
In today's press conference he said that he won't take any job for at least half a year. Our new coach is Joachim Löw. Well, could have been worse.

[Dinny]

What I find amusing is the fact that before the tournament Klinsman was more popular in Britain than in Germany. I don't see them taking the World Cup away from S. Africa, and they simply can't give it to Germany again, it wouldn't be fair. And USA? Not for another 25 years at least.

I'm sorry, these rankings are still a joke. Guinea jumped 27 places and are now the 24th best team in the world! Cameroon who weren't even in the World Cup jumped 3 places and are 12th. The only thing these rankings have done is get USA and Mexico out of the top 10, and in my opinion they (particularly USA) are not back far enough.

[Barkworm]

I don't see them taking the World Cup away from S. Africa, and they simply can't give it to Germany again, it simply wouldn't be fair. And USA? Not for another 25 years at least.
The thing is that only Germany and USA are able to organise a tournament like this in only three years.

[Dinny]

The thing is that only Germany and USA are able to organise a tournament like this in only three years.

Surely Greece and Australia have infrastructure left from their respective Olympics? Although all stadiums need to be above a certain capacity and standard that is not necessary for the Olympics or even the European Cup... I'd certainly like to see the next one in Europe as it looks like either Dubai or Brazil are getting 2014, which would mean Europeans would need to wait until at least 2018 to hold the World Cup again.

[Sewer Bull]

The thing is that only Germany and USA are able to organise a tournament like this in only three years.

What about France, Spain or Italy?

[Barkworm]

I was just reproducing what the FIFA said. I also like the (absurd) idea that we might get another World Cup. :D

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

FIFA now have a rotation system, and in 2014 the Football World Cup will be held somewhere in South America (where will be decided in 2008). If the rotation system is still used in 2018, that Football World Cup will be held somewhere in either North America or Oceania.