WORLD CUP 2006

[Digifruitella]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/afp/20051209/i/1105811633.jpg

I think it's not secret that "soccer" as how you like to call it, isn't popular in United States, but in my country and in the rest of the world It's the number one sport.

So I'm anxiousely anticipating this year's BIG event in Germany.

I'm also glad that my country has made it into the event for the first time since our independence.

Match Schedule
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/schedule.html


I know that there are people from the rest of the world who post on JoBlo, so who are you rooting for this year? I'm not betting on their win, but I'm rooting for my country of course, to show my support.

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/fifa/20050903/i/801132527.jpg


and maybe somebody will be actually going to the event?

PS. USA has also made it to the event if anybody cares.

[ToRontoRon]

Well, both my parents were born in Germany, so

GO DEUTCHLAND!!!


We got a pretty easy group too.

Group A:

Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador



If not Germany, I'd like to see England win, or an African team, but that's highly unlikely.



There seem to be two groups of death to me:

Group C:

Argentina (Nuff said)
Ivory Coast (Quite possibly the best African team)
Serbia & Montenegro (They gave up one goal in ten qualifying games.)
Netherlands (Ranked #3 in the world)


Group E:

Italy (Nuff said)
Ghana (Weakest team in group)
United States (Almost good enough to be a seeded team.)
Czech Republic (Very strong contenders)


Should be fun.

[mindkiss69]

I'll be rooting for Nigeria, my families home country, that's if they're in, I wouldn't know though because I don't follow the sport. You know how bad soccer must be, though?-- I watch every sport, from College Basketball,to womens pool, badmitton, you name it, I'll watch every sport except soccer. It's that bad.

[jason statham]

Well, germany are the luckiest since they play against average and below than average teams.

Weakest group is definitely mexico`s.
Strongest match is no doubt Argentina against Netherlands.
England`s group is not easy as you know They couldnt beat Sweden for 20 fucking years, Paraguay arent easy at all while most of trinidad`s players play in the UK.

I aint british, but

GO ENGLAND !!!!!!!

[ToRontoRon]

Originally posted by mindkiss69
I'll be rooting for Nigeria, my families home country, that's if they're in, I wouldn't know though because I don't follow the sport.

Sorry mindkiss69, but they didn't make it. :(

That's ok, though. You hate the sport anyways.

[jason statham]

Originally posted by mindkiss69
You know how bad soccer must be, though?-- I watch every sport, from College Basketball,to womens pool, badmitton, you name it, I'll watch every sport except soccer. It's that bad.

well, 1 billion or so might disagree with you.

if you want a " Scientist`s " opinion, just wait a little longer and a certain member with a Bruce Willis avatar is going to reply.
Dont beleive most of what he says though :D

[Tayzlor]

So the U.S. has a pretty tough group. That should be fun. The Associated Press says if they make it out of the group, they'll most definitely face Brazil. EVEN BETTER<><<>.

[mindkiss69]

Originally posted by jason statham
well, 1 billion or so might disagree with you.

if you want a " Scientist`s " opinion, just wait a little longer and a certain member with a Bruce Willis avatar is going to reply.
Dont beleive most of what he says though :D

A Scientist on the blo board, well what do you know. I'm studying forensic science myself.

[daddiefatsacks]

england will win it all

[Scorpio24]

Um Yea scientist here.


Sorry mindkiss69 I'm not a scientist just statham being hilarious thats all.

He thinks of me as some kind scientist because I can type coherent sentances and........ ya know......make sense.;)

I'm another one who thinks England's group ain't as easy as everyone else seems to think. Paraquay are not a bad team and Sweden is England's bogey team. Trinidad won't efect anything.I'd be amazed if they score a goal.

The two big groups are obviously what everyone else has said.

Although I think the Aussies and USA will surprise a few people in this tourni.

If it goes as planned and England finish top they can expect to meet Brazil in the semi's and the winner will come from that. If they finish 2nd they will probably meet Germany in the 2nd round. Germany ain't the team of old but you can not overestimate the power of Home Advantage.

Player of the tourin will be either Rooney or Ronaldhinio imo.

Top scorer - Ronaldo(Brazil) They will fill their boots in the group stages and you have to stake money on the best finsher in the world.

Digifruitella.

I can see Ukraine doing pretty well. Any team that has Shevchenko up front has a good shot at making it deep into the tourni.

Anyways I think Brazil will retain but I would like to see England to win. Only thing is they are still bloody harping on about the 1966 win. God help us if they get this.

Statham you're not British??? I though you were from Manchester? Oh no you support them so you must be from abroad. :p

[Digifruitella]

Scorpio24

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/82/Andriy_Shevchenko_Champions_League_2004_flag.jpg

Shevchenko is considered to be Ukraine's David Beckham :D if that wasn't obvious.

I am so glad that they made it into the cup. This is so exciting to me. I really wish that they do real well this year. I wouldn't want them to be like Russia last cup. I don't believe they made it far in 2002. I want Ukraine to make an impression. Go as far as they can. Let's hope! :)

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Digifruitella
Scorpio24



Shevchenko is considered to be Ukraine's David Beckham :D if that wasn't obvious.
]


Dont ever compare Shevchenko to Beckham, he`s alot better than a cheap Pepsi commercial guy.

If you want to compare him with good English players, well there`s Lampard, J.Terry, Scholes or ( DIE SCORPIO ) Wayne Rooney.;)

[Digifruitella]

Originally posted by jason statham



Dont ever compare Shevchenko to Beckham, he`s alot better than a cheap Pepsi commercial guy.



there's no need to be offensive.

yea yea yeah, Beckham is the best :o . My point was to give you an idea that Shevchenko to Ukraine is what Beckham is to UK. Get it??

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Digifruitella
there's no need to be offensive.

yea yea yeah, Beckham is the best :o . My point was to give you an idea that Shevchenko to Ukraine is what Beckham is to UK. Get it??

No he meant that Shevchenko was the better.

Statham hates Beckham.

I think you would have been hardpushed to find somebody so stupid that they think Beckham is a better player than Shevchenko. No way.

Not even someone as dull as Statham.:p

I'm just playing with you Stath. Don't want to risk the chance of losing my handsome older brother part in the story of your life.;)

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
No he meant that Shevchenko was the better.

Statham hates Beckham.

I think you would have been hardpushed to find somebody so stupid that they think Beckham is a better player than Shevchenko. No way.

Not even someone as dull as Statham.:p

I'm just playing with you Stath. Don't want to risk the chance of losing my handsome older brother part in the story of your life.;)

I`m not sure you`re handsome enough to play my older brother. :D

[Digifruitella]

Oh, well i guess that's better :D

I got confused by jason's comment. I thought he meant Beckham was better. But then I also realized that beckham is the one who did pepsi commercials so i was perplexed why Shevchenko would be called "the pepsi guy" since he hasn't done any of that advertising crap.

Go Shevchenko! :D

edit: I'd just like to link you to a nice webpage here with all the info on groups and who's in it, and when each team plays.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_2006

here's group H, in which UA is in. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Cup_2006#Group_H

[bigred760]

I was born in Brazil, and lived in Uruguay for a while, so I follow and love the World Cup. I root for the United States, since it's where I live now, but if it's not the U.S., I go for Brazil. The U.S. has Italy in their group which means their in for a rough ride in the opening rounds.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Digifruitella
I got confused by jason's comment.

Don't sweat it. Everybody get's confused by Statham's comments.:D

Originally posted by Bigred760
I root for the United States, since it's where I live now, but it it's not the U.S., I go for Brazil.

Yea like I said even though the US got a tough draw I still fancy them to surprise a few people. The Yanks are like the Aussies. Hate losing in sport. Both countries harbour a huge will to beat the "Other Guy". It seems to be trained into kids from a young age which I wish happened over here more. We are more or less taught to apologise to someone if we beat them. :) Other than that though I do really feel it's either Brazil or England to win with Germany having a small outside chance due to the home advantage.


Digifruitella

Thanks for the link. I was going to post one myself but it wasn't as clear as the one you've put up.

[Katsumoto]

http://soccer.cplaza.ne.jp/tomikoshiwc/2002/020526ItalyTeam.jpg
GO ITALY!!!!

[Pulp_Joker]

I just hope Italy goes far enough to where they are playing while I myself will be in Italy for study abroad. That would be kick ass to be around that scene.

[Digifruitella]

Originally posted by Pulp_Joker
That would be kick ass to be around that scene.

you better be prepared then. We Europeans take football very seriousely.

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Digifruitella
you better be prepared then. We Europeans take football very seriousely.

oh, very VERY seriously.
Everybody might onyl know the the british are after all the football voilence, but during 2005, the turks have been going wild.


As for Italy, i really felt sorry for them in 2002 when they were disqualified against Korea because of the refree, but i wont feel the same for them when England kicks their asses, that is if they qualify.:D

[Clarkey07]

This is England's year

But I say that every 4 years.

[bob]

Ahem...South Korea represent.

They got 3rd four years ago...I know they can top that...

[CheekyShepherd]

Even though English bookies have us a 7/4 or thereabouts, I don't think England have a chance in hell. As always, we'll probably qualify from the group stages and be beaten on penalties in the last-16 or quarter finals.

I tip Brazil to lift the trophy once again, possibly in a final that sees them facing Germany again. I imagine Australia to be the surprise package of the tournament, possibly reaching the quarter-final stages. Spain, as always, are gonna flop and fail to qualify from their group.

My top tips for World Cup glory:
1. Brazil
2. Germany
3. Holland
4. Czech Republic

[TheMazVolta]

I am an AZZURRI fan through and through, and am going to admit that we have the second toughest group (Next to Group C - Argentina, Côte d'Ivoire, Serbia and Montenegro and the Netherlands! - yikes - the absolute Group of Death).

I really think that Italy has to come out of their group on top if they have a hope of advancing to the Quarters and beyond. If they come in second, they will most likely play the powerhouse Brazilians in the round of 16. Mind you if someone could knock them out in the early goings, its going to be a team like Italy or the Czechs.

With Paulo Maldini gone from International comp., Italy is going to find a new leader on the pitch. Its time for players like Del Piero, Nesta, Vieri and Totti (stop spitting) to step up and show that the AZZURRI has a timeless offence to match their stigent defence.

Keep an eye on June 22nd in Hamburg for the Italy v Czechs match. Should be world class play and the deciding factor for Group E. The other group matchs to watch are the England v Sweden, Argentina v Netherlands and Spain v Mexico matches.

Its good to see so many Football (yes football, not soccer) fans out here.

[Scorpio24]

Italy will as always do well this year.

There seems to be a few problems brewing in the Italian camp though.

Maldini gone is going to be a huge loss. Alos Vieri isn't playing much football at the moment.

But the big thing for me is when are Del Piero and/or Totti going to step up and deliver the match winning performances that everyone knows they can deliver on the big stage. My memory may be out but honestly can't remember either of these 2 setting the world alight in a World Cup or European Championship.

TheMazVolta

I know you wouoldn't be to happy about it but man I would love to see you take on Brazil in the 2nd round. That would be a heel of a game.

My favourite Italian player by a mile is Gattuso. I love this guy. Never stops running and he works his ass off for his team.

Also I will forever love him for bringing down Steven Gerrard in the final of the Champions League. :D

[TheMazVolta]

Scorpio24

I guess you must be a Liverpool fan if that penalty made you so happy. My Serie A team is AC Milan, and that game was the greatest breakdown/comback I have witnessed in Football of that high a level of play. Ah well...you cant sit around and wonder what if, when the game has been done for months.

My dad would agree with you wholeharted about Gattuso. He is his favorite player and always calls him The Bull. With that beard he sports and his style of play, that is no surprise.

I have to say that Del Piero hasn't had a great opprotunity to shine on the national stage. With Trapattoni and his defence minded mania gone, he might be able to put on a show.

His biggest goal was definetly against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup. Drawing even with four minutes left in regular time. Trapattonis' substitution looks like genius. Then substituting him in the Korea match when they should have tired for another goal instead of defending for another half an hour was just typical Trapattoni.

I think that your English team should fare well this summer. The only problem I see, is with a possible second round match against Germany. Could be interesting

[Scorpio24]

I'm not English myself but I would like to see them do well in the tourni as there is not much chance of my team making it through.:rolleyes:

Yea the big stumbling block could be the game against Germany if it works out that way. You'd expect England to win but home advantage counts for so much.

Me and your father must like the same kind of players. I love the Gattuso's, Roy Keane's Steven Gerrard's, Patrick Viera's of this world. Great battlers that never shirk a tackle and always work hard for their team.

I personaly wouldn't swap Steven Gerrard for any player in the world including Ronaldinhio.


I won't poke fun at you about THAT GAME. I think it is the 1st time that I have ever felt sorry for a team that lost to my boys. But I will say the second Schevchenko had those efforts saved by Dudek in the last minute I just knew that it was ours.

[Trifid]

All I have to say on this matter is....ARGENTINA!! ARGENTINA!! ARGENTINA!!

[Scorpio24]

Not long to go now......

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Not long to go now......

I know, man!!! ESPN is starting to promote it too and I'm getting antsy here!!

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
I know, man!!! ESPN is starting to promote it too and I'm getting antsy here!!


Haha same here.


This is the 1st time that I can ever remember going into a World Cup without a massive favourite. Obviously Brazil are most people's favourites but some of their players seem to be struggling for form.

And none of the other big teams seem to be in the right form leading up to this tourni.


Me wonders if we might have a surprise winner this year.

[bob]

Watching the Champion's Leage Final has made me completely re-energized for the World Cup....I almost don't care who wins (that is, if the Gods destine Korea to fail), I just want to see some world-class football...

[bigred760]

Originally posted by bob
Watching the Champion's Leage Final has made me completely re-energized for the World Cup....I almost don't care who wins (that is, if the Gods destine Korea to fail), I just want to see some world-class football...

I'm a Brazil and USA fan; if they play each other, than it's USA, but I was born in Brazil and have been rooting for them in soccer all my life. THREE WEEKS AWAY BABY!!!

[Mari]

I'm from Sweden and feel like I live way to close to Germany not to be there but well if you can't afford tickets you can't.

I'm looking forward to Sweden- England, even though we played 1-1 last time I'm not quiet as confident this time. England’s got a great team this year. Sure we are not bad, we have Larsson and Ibrahimovich and Ljungberg but I just don't think it will be enough this year. Still think we have a chance to make it to the round of 16 though.

What do you guys think?

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Mari


I'm looking forward to Sweden- England, even though we played 1-1 last time I'm not quiet as confident this time. England’s got a great team this year. Sure we are not bad, we have Larsson and Ibrahimovich and Ljungberg but I just don't think it will be enough this year.

I think Larsson stopped playing international matches after the 2004 european cup. Well, even if he plays England are going to kick quite a few asses this summer, including Sweden.:D

[bucket]

Go Japan

Go Brasil

[Mari]

Originally posted by jason statham
I think Larsson stopped playing international matches after the 2004 european cup. Well, even if he plays England are going to kick quite a few asses this summer, including Sweden.:D

No he's on the team. He played his last game in Barcelona when they won the CL-final a few days ago. He was a big part of the fact that they won. Now he's going back to the Swedish team he started to play for when he was young. He wanted his kids to go to school in Sweden so he decided to go home even though they wanted him to stay in Barcelona.

But yeah there's a chance you'll kick our asses anyway :)

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Mari
But yeah there's a chance you'll kick our asses anyway :)

You got that right.

[king_verhoeven]

Since I'm from the Netherlands the Dutch are definately my personal favourites. And yes we are in THE group of DEATH but I like it!!! The biggest problem with our national team is that it seems like they only are capable of playing good againgst the Big Countries aka Italy, Brazil, Argentina...when we play against little teams we always end up on the wrong side of the score.

So if we can survive that poule we should be on a roll for yet another great tournament since the last three tournaments Holland played, we always reached the semi-finals!! However we don't have such great players as a couple of years ago but that doesn't mean much these days since the fckng Greeks won in Portugal 2 years ago and who would have predicted that????

The team to beat is obviously Brazil, and my own surprise for this tournament are the Mexicans, very strong side.

And how is it possible that Ze Germans are in such a weak poule, AARGH can't stand it!!

[jason statham]

its the group of dead but no doubt the 2 teams that are going to qualify are netherlands and argentina.
Germany got luck, even back in 2002 they didnt play against a great team until the final.

[Luv_my_Movies]

GO AUSSIES GO!!
we need to beat japan to give us a boost of confidence to play brazil. if we make it to the groups of 16, we'll lose to italy. i just hope we dont choke, its our first world cup in 32 years and we HAVE to make an impression

[bucket]

lol Im going for Japan for that group.

Sorry Aussies

[Luv_my_Movies]

Originally posted by bucket
lol Im going for Japan for that group.

Sorry Aussies
no need to be sorry, i anticipate there will be alot of people who don't want certain countries to go through so their team can get into the round of 16.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by jason statham
I think Larsson stopped playing international matches after the 2004 european cup. Well, even if he plays England are going to kick quite a few asses this summer, including Sweden.:D



I'm not so sure about that young Stath.

England haven't beaten Sweden in quite a few years. And it hasn't been the smoothest of build ups to this World Cup to say the least.

Having said that there is one solution that will garuntee them the World Cup.

Make STEVEN GERRARD CAPTAIN!!!!!!!!!!!


The man is a god.



Anyway like I said earlier I think the Aussies will surprise a few people this year. And Japan are a much better team than they were 4 years ago. It just blows that Brazil happen to been in the same group.



Man i'm getting pretty excited for it now. In fact I just quit work. So in 2 weeks time I will have all the free time to watch it in a constant state of drunkeness.:D

[king_verhoeven]

Originally posted by Luv_my_Movies
GO AUSSIES GO!!
we need to beat japan to give us a boost of confidence to play brazil. if we make it to the groups of 16, we'll lose to italy. i just hope we dont choke, its our first world cup in 32 years and we HAVE to make an impression

Don't worry mate, you have the Dutch Savior by your side: Guus Hiddink!! He's our best coach, in my opinion. Here's why:
He reached the semi's 4 years ago with South-Korea, he's won the Dutch championship with my favourite side: PSV Eindhoven for 2 years in a row and last year we reached the semi's of the Champions League and almost beat AC Milan (we were the better side in that matchup). That's pretty impressive considering the difference in budget/stars/competition etc..

So have confidence in Gus, he's the Man!!

[Luv_my_Movies]

yeh your right about that mate, Guus had the team for a very short time (i think about two months) before we played Uraguay in the qualifier and we ended up beating them. hopefully the last seven months have made our team stronger in defence.

[Mari]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
I'm not so sure about that young Stath.

England haven't beaten Sweden in quite a few years. And it hasn't been the smoothest of build ups to this World Cup to say the least.



I think it's been around 38 years or so :) I guess we do have a chance. Englands playing tonight I think I'm gonna have to check out the competition.

Well no matter what happnes or who win it's gonna be a great game. I'm so excited! :)

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Mari
I think it's been around 38 years or so :) I guess we do have a chance. Englands playing tonight I think I'm gonna have to check out the competition.

Well no matter what happnes or who win it's gonna be a great game. I'm so excited! :)


Yeah that sounds about right. Apparently England are starting the team that they are going to start the World Cup with tonight. Carragher in midfield??:confused:


I can see it being 1-1 all between England and Sweden. In fact i'm going to bet on it. Sven just loves drawing against Sweden.:)


Anyway........Mari we must marry at once. You are Swedish and.......well..........that is all.:D

[Mari]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Yeah that sounds about right. Apparently England are starting the team that they are going to start the World Cup with tonight. Carragher in midfield??:confused:


I can see it being 1-1 all between England and Sweden. In fact i'm going to bet on it. Sven just loves drawing against Sweden.:)


Anyway........Mari we must marry at once. You are Swedish and.......well..........that is all.:D

England’s playing Hungary (sp??) tonight. Don’t know which players that are on the team tonight though.

I can see 1-1 too, I think the two teams are quite equal. As for Sven, the poor guy hasn’t had it easy over there but I think he’ll might get the job in Real Madrid after this. In my dreams that’s Zlatans new team too, cause that whole Juventus situation seems a bit messy. But I’m getting off topic here…

Anyway we are starting Trinidad and Tobago, England’s starting Paraguay.

As for the marriage I’m very flattered but I think my lovely boyfriend would mind a bit. :D

[Scorpio24]

Well Engand didn't play bad last night. They wern't brilliant either but some more questions raised than answers found.

Carragher did well in midfield but the answer?

Gerrard was good up front but again another player out of postion?

Owen is not fit. Not by along way. doesn't look in any kind of form. Crouch to start instead of him? Or should he banished for the robot dance?

Hargreeves. Why is he there?


And more importantly than anything else. Is Rio Ferdinand the most ugliest man on the entire planet?

[king_verhoeven]

Well tonoght we, the Dutch, practice against those crazy Mexicans. This could be a fun match since the Mexicans have a strong side and their my 'surprise' team in this year's World Cup. They could reach the semi's!!

It looks like Van Basten will give the most of the usual players some rest and give others a chance to prove themselfs so the result doesn't matter that much. I still predict a win though :D

[Export]

Being a Liverpool fan, I hope Gerrard lights up the World Cup for England. Yeah we've had some injury problems but we still have a squad of great players so I reckon we are in with a good chance.

In my heart though, I just have a gut feeling we won't win the damn thing. I can picture us getting to the final and then Sven making some godawful change like sticking Owen Hargreaves in goal. We'll get knocked out and Sven gets his last little "fuck you" to the FA.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Export
Being a Liverpool fan

My friend you are a great man.


I hope Gerrard lights up the World Cup for England. Yeah we've had some injury problems but we still have a squad of great players so I reckon we are in with a good chance.

I'd love to Stevie do the job i'm just worried that Sven is blunting his talent by constantly playing him out of posititon. If he were given a free role in the mid-field like at Liverpool he'd light up this World Cup. Lampard isn't in form drop him put an achor maybe Carrick with Stevie and take it to the oposition.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by king_verhoeven
Well tonoght we, the Dutch, practice against those crazy Mexicans. This could be a fun match since the Mexicans have a strong side and their my 'surprise' team in this year's World Cup. They could reach the semi's!!

It looks like Van Basten will give the most of the usual players some rest and give others a chance to prove themselfs so the result doesn't matter that much. I still predict a win though :D


I fancy the Dutch to very well in this competition. Having said that You will now lose every game without scoring a goal.:D

I would like to see them get to the latter stages just because of the football they play.

[paul calf]

well just over a week to go to the big kick off and most teams seam to be ready apart from england,i cannot for the life of me see them winning the cup,they have no real fit forward line and no team can win a competition like this without having top quality strikers firing on all cylinders.
brazil will be the obvious team to beat they have goals in them from every position and in ronaldo,ronaldinio,kaka and aidriano they have 4 players who can almost win games singlehanded,a couple of teams though with outside chances for me are italy as always well organised and in luca toni they have a real class forward who can frighten any defence,and argentina strong in midfeild and defence and in messi and crespo they also have a bit of magic going forward.

[king_verhoeven]

Last night the Dutch B-Team won 2-1 against the Mexicans. Should have been 3 or 4-1 but at least we won.

Van Basten brought in an almost entirely new team, replacing 8 players from the starting line-up against Cameroen. I doubt the Mexicans played at their full strenght since the possibility excist that these two teams meet in the second round of the WC.

Next sunday we play against he Aussies which should be a fun match, the Aussies are a team which doesn't have much technical baggage and depend more on their spirit/force so (from what I've seen in their match-up against Urugauy) this shouldn't be a problem for our national team.

After last night I do have a bit more confidence in the upcoming WC.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by paul calf
well just over a week to go to the big kick off and most teams seam to be ready apart from england,i cannot for the life of me see them winning the cup,they have no real fit forward line and no team can win a competition like this without having top quality strikers firing on all cylinders.
brazil will be the obvious team to beat they have goals in them from every position and in ronaldo,ronaldinio,kaka and aidriano they have 4 players who can almost win games singlehanded,a couple of teams though with outside chances for me are italy as always well organised and in luca toni they have a real class forward who can frighten any defence,and argentina strong in midfeild and defence and in messi and crespo they also have a bit of magic going forward.


Yeah see i'm not so sure.

I agree that England's build up as hardly been inspiring. but take a closer look at other big teams and all is not rosey in the garden either.

Germany have been booed off the pitch in the last few games.
France have been booed ON TO the pitch.
And then ther's all the problems Italy face with their coach and Goalkeeper under investigation. Along with major Italian officials.

Englands build up could be better but it could be alot worse too.

[Mari]

I think they are gonna make it through to the final 16 at least. The thing is don't know much about paraguay so I cant say that it's a sure thing. Although in the WC nothing ever is a sure thing I guess. But I say they win against, Paraguay and Trinidad&Tobago. Then 1-1 against Sweden. If they don' get Germany after that I think they have a chance.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Mari
I think they are gonna make it through to the final 16 at least. The thing is don't know much about paraguay so I cant say that it's a sure thing. Although in the WC nothing ever is a sure thing I guess. But I say they win against, Paraguay and Trinidad&Tobago. Then 1-1 against Sweden. If they don' get Germany after that I think they have a chance.

I think thats spot on. Paraquay are a decent team but they've lost their star player Roque Cruz for the 1st game so that will hurt them,

The winner of the group is going to be the team that scores the most goals before the Eng v's Sweden match.

Normally with the poor team Germany have i'd back Eng or Sweden to beat them any day of the week. But home advantage can do strange things to a team.

It's all getting very exciting now. 1 week left BABY!!!!!

[bucket]

http://www.singleabroad.com/pictures/brazilian_women_1.jpg

http://www.microkitten.com/images/c3ru/Brazilian-thong.jpg

[Luv_my_Movies]

Well Australia drew 1-1 with the Netherlands last night. I thought we played ok considering we had such tough opponants. For the first half we spent most of the time defending, it felt as though we were a bit nervous but it worked out good for us in the end. It should give the socceroos an extra boost of confidence for next monday when we play Japan.

Guus is dond a good job in the time he has had so far hopefully it would result in coming second in group F.

[king_verhoeven]

Yes, that 1-1 was a bit disappointing but you aussies defended well so I don't mind giving the aussies a confidence boost. Yes, Guus did a good job so far. However, most teams won't be playing as offensive as our Dutch team and than you Aussies have to participate more offensively which isn't your strongest side with only Kewell, Viduka and Cahill as capable offensive players.

It is disturbing that three players sustained injuries so let's hope they are ready when we play Servie this coming Sunday. One week left!!!!

[Scorpio24]

2 DAYS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
2 DAYS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm starting to get real antsy here. I'll be at work for the first match and for the first half of the second, but I'll be able to watch them nonetheless.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
I'm starting to get real antsy here. I'll be at work for the first match and for the first half of the second, but I'll be able to watch them nonetheless.


That's not to bad then. I'm working for the odd game in the early stages but luckily I can watch them at work also.

Everyone in the UK is putting T.V's up in the workplaces so people can watch the games. Last World Cup there was record number of people calling in sick.:D

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
That's not to bad then. I'm working for the odd game in the early stages but luckily I can watch them at work also.

Everyone in the UK is putting T.V's up in the workplaces so people can watch the games. Last World Cup there was record number of people calling in sick.:D

I work at a TV network; there are TVs EVERYWHERE!!! :D

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
I work at a TV network; there are TVs EVERYWHERE!!! :D

Haha. Yeah that would do it.:D

[daddiefatsacks]

england will eat your souls

[Corpse Candle]

ENGLAND and you won't shift me :cool: ;)

Germany are a shell of what they were so let's see how much home advantage gives them. The Italians are gifted but I don't think they have what it takes to last the whole way.

The French weeell there could be a little team dispute I am not sure how much this is hyped by the media but you need to have great team spirit to stand a chance in the world cup.
Brazil..yeah yeah...we all know Brazil I have a feeling they will be turned over as good as they are nobody is a God.
Spain now I think they will probably be against England in the finals in an extremly tough game I like Spain and think they are under rated.

The U.S will get past group stages but come up against a team that out performs them in the second round I am not sure they can repeat 2002.
Holland will be in the mix in the closing stages and give themselves a fair showing.

In the it's England what self-respecting Englishman would say anything else :)

[paul calf]

1 day to go and am as giddy as a 5 year old on xmas eve.

am starting to get sucked in by the england hype a bit now,but still am not convincede that a 6-0 win against jamaca makes them potential world champs.
but i shall be in the boozer watching hoping that they have a good tourny.

[Scorpio24]

1 DAY LEFT BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigred760]

Doesn't England have a couple of injuries to some key players? Saw on SportsCenter yesterday that one guy went back to England to have his foot checked out.

Tommy Smith (sp?) picked Italy to win it all yesterday.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
Doesn't England have a couple of injuries to some key players? Saw on SportsCenter yesterday that one guy went back to England to have his foot checked out.

Tommy Smith (sp?) picked Italy to win it all yesterday.



Yeah Wayne Rooney. He injured his foot at the end of the season. He is pretty much the most essential player in the England team. Everybody has been praying that he will make it back in time. Looks like he will make it in time for the 2nd round, maybe end if the qualifiers.

England have a squad packed with mach winners but Rooney is something special. It would be like Brazil losing Ronaldinhio or France losing Henry.

Even Pele is on record as saing he's the most naturally gifted payer he's ever seen. Everyone had written off England the moment the news came out that he had broken his foot that's how important he is to them.



Italy is a strange 1. With all this match fixing claims and investigations into their Coach and several first team players they really are under a cloud. But it is the kind of thing that might bond them closer.

I still think England should win this. Their 1st 11 is probably the best starting 11 in the World Cup. Unfortunately they have proven time and time again that they haven't got that spark yet.

[king_verhoeven]

I like the English side, they play with a certain speed, flexibility that's entertaining to watch. Plus everytime I hear God save the Queen shouted intensely by 30000 Englishman it makes me smile. I remember seeing Tony Adams singing so loud like his life was depending on it, such passion!! That was a truly great player for a national side.

However, the English team won't be the next world champion simply because they will be beaten by our Dutch side in the quarter-finals:D

Seriously though, they should have fired Ericcson 4 years ago after losing on the WC in Japan. He is a coward and with some more bravoure and risk England would have played much better. Plus to win you have to score goals and although the midfield is really strong without Rooney England has a problem. I mean, Owen hasn't played well for the last 3 years or so?? And who has to fill in for Rooney, Krouch?? Common that's not the player you want to depend on!!

If you want a killer striker, look at the Italian team. They have Luca Toni, the first player in 60-years to score more than 30 goals in the Italian Serie A. Even Marco van Basten can't say that. So the Italians have a good chance this year

[bigred760]

I'm rooting for Brazil and the U.S. I was born in Brazil and have rooted for them in the World Cup for as long as I can remember. But now that I live in the U.S., gotta go with the home country. If the two meet up, I always root for the U.S. (though maybe I should start rooting for the Brazilians since they always end up beating the Americans).

There's no doubt that England is looking stronger every second, but even if Rooney makes it back for the 2nd round, if he's not 100%, I have my doubts.

Is it just me, or is this the most up in the air World Cup in recent memory? Even though Brazil is the frontrunner, it's really anybody's to win right now.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by king_verhoeven
I like the English side, they play with a certain speed, flexibility that's entertaining to watch. Plus everytime I hear God save the Queen shouted intensely by 30000 Englishman it makes me smile. I remember seeing Tony Adams singing so loud like his life was depending on it, such passion!! That was a truly great player for a national side.



Seriously though, they should have fired Ericcson 4 years ago after losing on the WC in Japan. He is a coward and with some more bravoure and risk England would have played much better. Plus to win you have to score goals and although the midfield is really strong without Rooney England has a problem. I mean, Owen hasn't played well for the last 3 years or so?? And who has to fill in for Rooney, Krouch?? Common that's not the player you want to depend on!!


I agree. Englands chances could be ruined by one thing Erickson's negativity. The English have always had this raw passion and desire to win. Sven has replaced that with negative formations and tactics. It's a lets not lose this game approach rather than a let's win this game.
with the players England have got they should take it to every team they play and expect to win. And yes I include Brazil in that.


I agree Big Red. This is the most open World Cup in a long long time. I don't see Brazil as the clear favourites everyone else does. But I think when they come up against a good team they will be knocked out.

[Corpse Candle]

Originally posted by bigred760
I'm rooting for Brazil and the U.S. I was born in Brazil and have rooted for them in the World Cup for as long as I can remember. But now that I live in the U.S., gotta go with the home country. If the two meet up, I always root for the U.S. (though maybe I should start rooting for the Brazilians since they always end up beating the Americans).

There's no doubt that England is looking stronger every second, but even if Rooney makes it back for the 2nd round, if he's not 100%, I have my doubts.

Is it just me, or is this the most up in the air World Cup in recent memory? Even though Brazil is the frontrunner, it's really anybody's to win right now.

I think the U.S are on the right track to producing a future outstanding international side.
They have a really good youth system which is similer to the other U.S sport systems with college football(soccer) being a nursery for up and comming talents.
The older players like McBride will be invaluble in teaching the kids lessons from thier experence they have a solid skills base of goal keepers too.
It's just thier defence that needs to be matured a little players like Pope know how to play in the international set up but he playes in a medicore Major league. Then again the Major Leuage is improving all the time with my favourite U.S player Landon Donavan choosing to play there over palces abroad.

I would have loved to have seen Canada in the World Cup too but unfourtunatly they are streets behind the U.S even if football(soccer) is popular over there.

[Mari]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
I agree. Englands chances could be ruined by one thing Erickson's negativity. The English have always had this raw passion and desire to win. Sven has replaced that with negative formations and tactics. It's a lets not lose this game approach rather than a let's win this game.
with the players England have got they should take it to every team they play and expect to win. And yes I include Brazil in that.


I agree Big Red. This is the most open World Cup in a long long time. I don't see Brazil as the clear favourites everyone else does. But I think when they come up against a good team they will be knocked out.



Sven negative? Well yeah he is Swedish...so that's probably true. We'd rather say, let's just do our best then let's win this thing.

I've heard mixed messages about Rooney; some say he'll play from start some say they don't know, I think you need him though so let’s hope he'll play. However it would be better for us if he didn't....

At the risk of offending someone here I think England’s good at playing football, you know how to do it but that's all...there’s not that extra thing that makes it outstanding. That could on the other hand actually be Svens fault... But then again and now I'm closing in on rambling here, Greece didn't really have that either and they won.

As you said it's very open this year and I guess we are all gonna have to wait and see.

It's late, I'm tired and tomorrow we all be sitting in front of the TV. A month from now we will have been entertaind.

I just love the WC. :) Go Sweden!

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Mari
Sven negative? Well yeah he is Swedish...so that's probably true. We'd rather say, let's just do our best then let's win this thing.

At the risk of offending someone here I think England’s good at playing football, you know how to do it but that's all...there’s not that extra thing that makes it outstanding. That could on the other hand actually be Svens fault... But then again and now I'm closing in on rambling here, Greece didn't really have that either and they won.


Yeah that kind of prooves my point I think.

When you look at England you think "Good Team, hard to break down, solid, dependable."

But this is the team that as Beckham, Lampard, J. Cole, Owen, Rooney and in my opinion the best Mid Fielder in the world in Steven Gerrard yet they are always very negative. Solid without being corrageous. Dependable without being exciting. Hard to break down without playing football of high intensity and excitment.

Your view is one that is shared all over the world including the UK. And I don't think i'm the only one who can't believe that England don't go out and grab the game by the scruff of the neck and attack more often.

[Luv_my_Movies]

11 hours untill the first match. thats 2am australia time, im gonna be sleep deprived for the next month....:p

[Scorpio24]

Oh yes it's here BABY!!!!!!!!!!!


Trouble brewing in the German camp. Ballack claiming he's fit. Klinsmans saying he's not. Not the best build up. I don't care...........




HOURS TO GO BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[miguel_montes]

Sorry, you guys...

This time it's all about:

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6803/portugal8gd.png

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Luv_my_Movies
11 hours untill the first match. thats 2am australia time, im gonna be sleep deprived for the next month....:p

Lot like I was during the last World Cup!!! :p

This time around, the games will be played during the day, thank the Lord.

[jason statham]

Originally posted by bigred760

This time around, the games will be played during the day, thank the Lord.

yep, i remember i had to sneak out of class every at 8am in the morning and phone my friend asking him about the result the day England played against Sweden. Wont happen this time.
Dont really care about the opening match but i`m gonna watch it anyway.

But tomorrow, the English force is coming to the stadium, and hell`s coming with it:D ....... so everyone better take care.

[Scorpio24]

KICK OFF BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

[daddiefatsacks]

that didnt take long

[bigred760]

Great first half!! Three goals in the first 17 minutes, who would've thought?

Costa Rica doesn't look organized at all; not passing, not being able to cradle the ball when being passed to, only the one shot on goal (though it do go in). Germany's looking good though.

[Scorpio24]

Brilliant 1st game.

Cracking goals from Germany. especialy Lamm and Frings goals. I think we may have well seen the goal of the tourni already.

Germany looked great going forward and Costa Rica scored 2 nice goals too.

I will say this though. The Germans looked very dodgy at the back. I don't see them going past the 2nd round. No matter who they draw out of England and Sweden. They will lose.

[Mari]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Brilliant 1st game.

Cracking goals from Germany. especialy Lamm and Frings goals. I think we may have well seen the goal of the tourni already.

Germany looked great going forward and Costa Rica scored 2 nice goals too.

I will say this though. The Germans looked very dodgy at the back. I don't see them going past the 2nd round. No matter who they draw out of England and Sweden. They will lose.

Yes great game! But I also have my doubts about them making it through to the 2nd round. I think we can beat them, but have to see how we play tomorrow before I get to confident. :)

Some beautiful goals already though.

[bigred760]

Frings' goal was the sweetest of the game, no doubt. That thing was a missile. He hit it perfectly.

Good first game; hopefully it'll set the precedent for the rest of the tournament.

[Corpse Candle]

I know Germany WON 4-2 but I am far from convinced by that back line Germany can attack pretty well but Costa Rica are not titans yet they managed to put two past them.

Wanchope is well past his prime (I know he was pretty good in this game) and Germany struggled against him.
I look foward to how they deal with Poland...

[bob]

Living in America, the lack of enthusiasm for the World Cup is starting to piss me off...it's like people on Sports broadcasts go out of their way to talk about "soccer" not being an exciting sport, they don't care. THIS COUNTRY WATCHES FUCKING GOLF AND BIKE RACES. But they can't tune in for an event that has the pride of every country except the U.S. on the line. It just drives me up the wall. Just because MLS sucks, they assume it all does.

I just can't believe it sometimes...it and hockey have gotta be the only sports I know of that people TRY to dislike.

P.S. Costa Rica had NOTHING in that game. Without their one dynamic player Wanchope, that game would have been 4-0.

[bigred760]

Originally posted by bob
Living in America, the lack of enthusiasm for the World Cup is starting to piss me off...it's like people on Sports broadcasts go out of their way to talk about "soccer" not being an exciting sport, they don't care. THIS COUNTRY WATCHES FUCKING GOLF AND BIKE RACES. But they can't tune in for an event that has the pride of every country except the U.S. on the line. It just drives me up the wall. Just because MLS sucks, they assume it all does.


Amen to that. I like the golf and bice racing references too - it makes for an interesting point. When announcers talk like that, I don't consider them all-around sports fans (if they claim to be) since soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It's them that's missing out.

[bigred760]

Just saw that Klose became the 2nd player ever to score 2 goals on his birthday in a World Cup match. Niiiice.

[ToRontoRon]

Woohoo Germany!!! I only caught the first half because I had to get back to work, but I can't wait to see Frings' goal if it was actually better than Lahm's. As for Lahm's, I don't think I'd be able to place the ball more perfectly in the corner if I picked it up, walked to the goal line by the post, and threw it in from there... Just perfect. And 6 minutes in, what a way to start the tournament. We're in for a great month of football folks.


GO GERMANY GO!!!

:D

[Scorpio24]

Ok game 2 BABY!!!!! :D

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Ok game 2 BABY!!!!! :D

My parents live in Ecuador so I guess I'll root for them in this game.

[bigred760]

Ecuador was dominant in that first half. Not only did they score the only goal of the half, but had more scoring opportunities and had the ball on their half most of the time. We'll see what happens in the 2nd half.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
My parents live in Ecuador so I guess I'll root for them in this game.

Good result for your folks team there my man.

Ecuador deserved the win they were the better team by far. Only really seen the Poles towards the end of the match when they had to come out and have a go.

This result is not a big as a shock as most people would think in my eyes.

[lunatic]

Anyone out there who can not stand the German team like Lunatic does?
GO BRAZIL! GO ITALY! GO ENGLAND! GO SPAIN! GO HOLLAND! GO FRANCE (why not?)! GO USA! GO SWEDEN! GO PORTUGAL! GO CZECH REP!
DIE GERMANY!

[Double-Oh-Zero]

Having grown up in a very English house all of my life, I'll be rooting for England all the way. I just hope it'll be worth the 6 dollars and forty minutes I spent towards ordering the World Cup-specific channels on my satellite.

And Frings' goal was indeed very lovely. Not a hair out of place...aside from the majority of the German team's haircuts.

[jason statham]

well, less than 2 hrs. now and i`m really not in a mood for any fucking surprises, a 2 - 0 score would satisfy me..... NO SURPRISES PLEASE.

BTW, nice avatar Double-Oh-Zero

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Good result for your folks team there my man.

Ecuador deserved the win they were the better team by far. Only really seen the Poles towards the end of the match when they had to come out and have a go.

This result is not a big as a shock as most people would think in my eyes.

Aye. :D

I talked to my Dad a few hours after the game (instant message) and apparently there was a lot of celebration in Quito - even in the rain. Gotta love the World Cup!!!

Looking forward to Day #2!!! Starts in one hour!!

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
Aye. :D

I talked to my Dad a few hours after the game (instant message) and apparently there was a lot of celebration in Quito - even in the rain. Gotta love the World Cup!!!

Looking forward to Day #2!!! Starts in one hour!!


Yeah I seen the pictures on the news of the people celebrating in Ecuador. It was brilliant. The World Cup is amazing in how it brings all these different people togeather. And it's great to see the underdogs upseting the odds.


However......


I agree with Stath. No surprises today please. England all the way BABY!!! Also watch out for Gerards' performance today.


Great great game coming up tonigh. Argentina against Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast to win tonight. You heard it here 1st.

[bigred760]

Daaaammmmnn, I thought Paraguay was screwed to begin with; now they lose their goalie in the first 8 minutes of the game!!!

And would Beckham get credit for that goal - it hit off a Paraguayan player before it went in?

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bigred760
Daaaammmmnn, I thought Paraguay was screwed to begin with; now they lose their goalie in the first 8 minutes of the game!!!

And would Beckham get credit for that goal - it hit off a Paraguayan player before it went in?

So-so 1st half.

I can't ses Beckham getting that goal. Think it's gonna be given as an own goal.

[Mari]

Well you won...the first half was okay, not quite sure what happened there in the second one... Paraguay didn't impress me.

One hour to go until Sweden - Trinidad & Tobago. :)

[jason statham]

The 2nd half SUCKED..... good thing that Paraguay were not on form.
Man of the match, in my opinion, is definitely Joe Cole.

[bigred760]

Paraguay wasn't impressive, but in my opinion, neither was England. They could've (and probably should've) won that game by 2 or 3 goals. I'll give credit to the backup Paraguay goalie, he made some impressive saves.

And was it just me or were the refs picking on the English a little bit, especially that tall guy?

Hopefully, the 2nd and 3rd matches of the day will be a little more exciting.

[Puck Bond]

Well it wasn't pretty but I'll take the 1-0 win! 3 points is all that matters...I agree jason...Joe Cole was England's best player...he seemed to have the most energy and made some nice runs...Terry did a nice job in the back defending and clearing the ball and Lampard had a couple cracks on goal...so my Chelsea boys did alright...yeah bigred...poor Peter Crouch was having a rough day with the ref...I thought the game wasn't called that fairly either...but what can you do.

I watched both the opening games last night...I taped the games(I was at work)...great opening game Lahm's goal was sweet and Frings' was just awesome! Germany's off-side trap will be severly punished in the later rounds if they keep that up. Great effort by Ecuador against a pretty sluggish Poland side...I've been waiting and anticipating for this tournament for a while and I'm planning on watching all of it...should be great stuff...One sport/tournament that even if my team(England) is not playing i'm gonna watch!

Off to watch Sweden-Trinidad & Tobago

Go Tobogans!(Is that even a word?)

[bigred760]

Pretty exciting first half; although there were no goals, the Swedes had some pretty good shots on goal, allowing for the T&T goalie to make some great saves. While T&T didn't get much going offensively, they did pick it up towards the end of the half. We'll see if they can capitalize on it.

[Mari]

I'm to angry and depressed to write anything....


Oh god.. did not see that one comming...

[bigred760]

Wow!! Now that was an impressive showing in goal. I can't remember the guy's name (if you haven't already noticed, I'm horrible with names), but the T&T goalkeeper earned his paycheck in that game. Leading a team with a man down in the 2nd half.

The game may have been scoreless, but it was exciting nonetheless.

[daddiefatsacks]

Shaka Hislop and Dwight Yorke....two Premiership veterans played their asses off today....Shaka has to start the next game....

Congratulations to TnT....a tie with an even amount of players would have been amazing in itself, but with a man down? just insane....I don't think Sweden played poorly, although they couldnt finish for the life of them.....but TnT just played their asses off

England didnt look too hot

[Scorpio24]

Shaka Hislop was the GK for T&T. And he was supurb. What a performance. The best single showing of The tourin yet.

I have to be honest Sweden didn't play that bad. It's just T&T were so much better than anyone would have expected.

As for the England game. Poor 2nd half showing but it really is the result that counts at this stage. Ask Seden if they could have played much worse and still won would they have taken it? The answer would be obvious.

England are in a brilliant position now. A win in the week and they have qualified.


That's the 1st big shock of the night. Now for the next 1. Lets go Ivory Coast.

[Scorpio24]

Also I have to ask. Is anyone else finding the Referreing standards in this World Cup rubbish?


Some of the decisions in the matches have been mind bogoling. The idiot in charge of the England match was well up himself.

[ToasT]

What'd you guys think of the Sweden/ Trinidad game? I thought Sweden played exceptionally well, dominated on offense. They deserved to get the 3 points instead of the 1 they got but you gotta hand it to the incredible defense on T&T's part. Goalie Hislop was where he needed to be. Even 1 man down, the team maintained and stil were able to make tight shots in the second half.

[Puck Bond]

Well done T&T! Couldn't have been a better result as far as England is concerned! Sweden really should have and could have won by 3 or 4 goals...but great goalkeeping by Shaka Hislop and great defending by Yorke...surprising to see him defend like that after being known as a scorer in his EPL days!

Come on Didier Drogba and Cote d'Ivoire and beat those Argentine buggas!

(Actually truth be told I'd rather see all the powerhouses advance...will make for a better tournament...but as an Englishman and staunch home supporter I will and always hate Argentina football)

[jason statham]

The draw between Sweden and T&T is great, now all England has to do is win against T&T and at least a draw against Sweden and England wont have to face Germany ( even though they arent anything special ) so the next round is going to be easy for England ( poland or equador )......... Lookin` good baby, lookin` good.

Now i`m off to go what Drogba can do without his Chelsea mates.

[Puck Bond]

An entertaining game between Argentina and Ivory Coast...the best of the day...a valiant effort by IC and they probably deserved better on the scoresheet...but in the end the better side won.

[Zeems McSnatch]

Dammit! It's World Cup time and I can't watch the games. Some Pay TV channel got the exclusive rights for the Gulf Region and all other transmissions are blocked.

Now all I can do is watch the games in some hotal bars, together with some totally ignorant Americans, or go to the British Rugby Football Club and hope nobody finds out I'm german.

Have only seen the Germany & England games so far, both teams still have a lot of work to do if they want to advance. Germany's defense looked like crap and the Three Lions didn't get much of a flow going.

Let's see what Portugal can do tonight...

[Luv_my_Movies]

so far some not bad matches. lots of good match ups. its good when all the teams play good. a bit disapointed that england didnt get another goal or two. hopefully Ruud scores a few today (hes in my fantasy team)

[king_verhoeven]

90 minutes until kickoff!!! Go Holland!!

Haven't been impressed with the matches thus far. Germany is going through easy but when they play like this they go home (o wait they're already home!!) in the 2nd round.

England played BAD!! Owen, Krouch ouch!!

Trinidad against Sweden was a cool game, loved that T&T won especially since our very own Leo Beenhakker is coach.

Let's hope we can beat the Servs this afternoon

[bigred760]

Originally posted by king_verhoeven
Trinidad against Sweden was a cool game, loved that T&T won especially since our very own Leo Beenhakker is coach.

Well, actually they tied. But it was one hell of an impressive moral victory for them.

[jason statham]

Wish of the day : Watch Iran get their fucking asses kicked with 3+ goals today.

[bucket]

Holland > SeSerbia and Montenegro
Japan > Austrialia, Tommorow

[Zeems McSnatch]

Dude, seriously. What's with all the hostility?

[Puck Bond]

A good solid win for the Dutch...against the stingy S&M! Man is A. Robben a player! I love watching him play for my team Chelsea and he was great today attacking all over the place for the Orange and obviously getting the loan goal.

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
Man is A. Robben a player! I love watching him play for my team Chelsea

All i noticed about him at Chelsea is getting a yellow card nearly every single week of the PL.:D

[bigred760]

Was it just me or was S&M sloppy the entire game? They couldn't complete a pass, kept turning the ball over, and were making stupid fouls. I'm suprised the Netherlands didn't win by more.

And yeah, Robben was amazing.

[Puck Bond]

Yeah I'll say it...Bravo to Mexico!

The first half was pretty interesting and pretty even I thought...the 2nd half started out really dull though for 20 odd minutes nothing happened...I got the sense that Iran was playing for 1-1 draw...and you could tell Mexico and their fans had to come away with a win or face the consequences...Then one big mistake by the goalkeeper..and that was all she wrote...

[bigred760]

Viva Mejico!!!

Good game; I agree with Puck Bond that the second half was boring as hell to begin with, but once the scoring started up again, it got exciting. Two really cool goals, particularly the second one, made for a pretty good game.

[jason statham]

Even though i hate the fuckers, i gotta admit that Iran played well during the 1st half..... the reason they lost ( beside the goal keeper ) was because the coach took out that Bayern Munich Karimi guy out.
No complains from me though.

[Puck Bond]

Well Portugal wins as expected...a bright early start and dominated most of the play...but I wasn't all that impressed with their total performance...if you are a Portugese fan the result is all that matters, but I would be concerned...they should advance with Mexico in this group but they still have a couple tough games...Mexico obviously and Iran will be no push-over. Beyond that I don't see them getting by the 2nd round unless they improve their play a lot considering that Argentina or Holland probably awaits.

[X-Nightcrawler]

GodDAMN! BAM! 3 - 1.

Congrats to all mexicoan schmoes. Now that tasted sweet. I know, it's 'just' Iran, we still got Portugal [and Argentina/Netherlands in the next round], but that was divine.

[bob]

Originally posted by bucket

Japan > Austrialia, Tommorow

I would love to see Japan take out Australia...I cheered for them and KOR last time around, and despite both of their relatively strong showings, no one's giving them any credit this time around. I hope Japan can win...Australia seems to be wildly overrated on the ESPN2 broadcasts I've been watching.

[bigred760]

Damn, that's what you call a ass-kicking comeback. The first two goals scored in the game were basically the keepers' faults, but Australia's next two were just awesome. The final 15-20 minutes of the game were great!!

COME ON USA!!!!

[Scorpio24]

Great comeback from the Aussies. Had a feeling they were going to win even at 1-0 down.


Was Cahil on a comeback from injury? If no why the hell isn't he starting. He's the most potent weapon that the Aussies have that delivers time in time out.

[chiefxcel]

what a game by australia, didn't quit and just kept coming and it paid off, scoring 3 goals in just 6 minutes.. japan's goal shouldn't have counted, but it doesn't matter now.. japan's virtually finished now so it's between australia and croatia for 2nd.

cahill's still recovering from a knee injury, I wasn't surprised to see him play but sure was surprised to see him get 2 goals.

[Puck Bond]

Wow! What a finish for the Socceroos! Going into the game you figured the winner of this match had a good chance of advancing from this group...depending on what Croatia does and obviously Brazil as the favorite...Australia started out nicely, but that unfortunate goal seemed to give Japan a lot of confidence and the Aussies really didn't play that well for most of the game until the last 15 minutes when they were obviously pressing for the equalizer...The subs obviously made the difference! Cahill with 2 goals...the 2nd was a lovely strike...Aloisi with a nice run and finish...Japan let him waltz in though! And even Kennedy gave them something as he was a big target for the Aussies in the middle...a pretty interesting game overall and in the end I think the result was fair.

[Luv_my_Movies]

WE WON!!!!!!! what a victory, im still bloody shaking! my voice is offically gone.
what a spectacular last ten minutes, Cahill is australias knight in shining armor. yeh he was injured back in april while playing with everton.

this puts us in excellent position for goals, if second and third get the same amount of points, hopefully we will have more goals to go though to the round of 16

again, im speechless. we really shows our heart and i trurly hope the world took notice of the match, to prove that we are capable.

all i can say is BRING ON BRAZIL BABY!

[chiefxcel]

this is ugly and pretty at the same time... the czechs are just decimating the americans

[Puck Bond]

2 phrases for you...

Out-Classed and Clinical!

Oh my are the U.S. in a world of hurt after that...first goal by Koller was clinical...Rosicky had a great game, his first goal was gorgeous and his second was clinical too he could of had a hat-rick...had a similar rocket go off the cross-bar...Nedved and Rosicky dominated the midfield and that was it...the game could have turned if Reyna's chance had gone in instead of off the post...but beyond that the U.S. just couldn't get in the game...where was the energy, the enthusiasm?!

[Zeems McSnatch]

now that was nice. The US "Soccer" Team really got their behinds handed to them. 5th best team in the world according to the FIFA-Ranking? MY ASS!!!

[TheMazVolta]

Here we go...the Azzurri v Ghana ... oh man I got butterflies

[bob]

Japan's finished...to allow three goals in the last six minutes of a game is enough to mentally finish off any team...

And I'm not that upset about the U.S. losing like that...although it will only increase the game's obsolescence in America, the U.S. team isn't good enough to win. There are at least 20 teams I'd rather see win...

[king_verhoeven]

Great recovery from the Aussies, they had to win this game to keep their chances alive. Lucky for them it paid off and the referee doesn't give Japan a penalty when Cahill struck down a japanese player in the last 5 minutes!!

The Chechs proved they are a footbal machine, however losing Koller for the rest of the tournament (probably) is very bad news for them.

Italy should have no problems with Ghana, because they have Luca Toni!!

[Puck Bond]

Italy with a solid 2-0 win...but I have to say Ghana and Essien in particular played well...they just didn't finish their chances and looked disorganized at the back and their goalie looked lost on corners...in the end Italian class and experience wins out...and again another entertaining game...

What are everbody's thoughts on the tournament so far?! I think it has been pretty entertaining stuff all the way through...we've had 27 goals in 11 matches...and the only goalless game had plenty of chances and drama with T&T drawing against Sweden...we've had a little bit of everything some sweet goals...(they say the ball is great for those long range strikes from outside the box and we've seen that already)...lots of scoring chances...thats what I want the most...entertaining games end to end stuff...goals and lots of scoring chances...we've seen some good individual performances...Robben and Rosicky come to mind. We've seen a lot of early goals and a lot of late goals! Some terrific goal-keeping at times w/Hislop...There has been good sportmanship and pretty fair-play, some games got chippy at times...but nothing too nasty! I'm surprised we've had no penalty kicks...Ghana had a case for 1 or 2 I reckon...and to be honest I think the refereeing has been the weakest part of the tourney so far...

Closing notes...most if not all the heavy favorites are taking care of business early and there seems to be an interesting story behind and amongst every game so far on and off the field!

[chiefxcel]

Big win for Italy, keeping pace with the Czechs. USA is in serious trouble, they'll have to beat Italy to have a chance.

[bigred760]

You know, I realize that most Americans could give a shit about soccer, BUT YOU'D THINK THE GUYS PLAYING THE GAME WOULD!!!! I've played better soccer than that. I'll give props to Reyna, Eddie Johnson, and Donovan - they seemed like they gave a damn some of the time, but the rest were just standing around.

We were outhustled, outplayed, and outclassed. We should be grateful they only scored 3 goals.

Pitiful, simply pitiful. I hope like hell we wake up against the Italians. At least Ghana showed up against them.


Now, I just gotta hope the Brazilians are ready to play.

[Katsumoto]

Strong game for the Italia... lets keep it rolling

[bob]

I agree with Puck Bond, I think the tournament has been sensational so far, even better than the 2002 WC. We've seen every brand of drama and sensational play so far....

And Brazil has not even played yet...let's see what they do tomorrow against a (one would presume) overmatched Croatia team.

[Scorpio24]

It has been a good competition. The only thing it's missed is a big clash. Ivory Coast v's Argentina was closest we've been yet. Got some tasty oces coming up though. Especialy looking frward to Holand v's Argentina and CZE v's Italy.

I haven't seen any team stand out from the rest as of yet in this tournament. I know we still have franc Spain and Brazil to come but most the big teams have done just ok.

England - Did enough.
Germany - Looked good going forward. Dodgy at the back.
Argenina - Great in bursts.
Holland - Did enough.
CZE - Beat a very ordinary USA team comfortably.



From the beginning this as looked like a very open World Cup and I haven't seen anything yet to change my mind on that.

[Scorpio24]

Couple of points about todays matches.

Korea look far from the team that took the world by storm 4 years ago. Good come back against a poor Toga team.

France will probably be going home after the group stages again as they flatter to decieve and show no heart.

My point was proven tonight that Brazil are not the favourites everybody thinks they are. A great performance by Croatia.m Deserved AT LEAST a point. Kaka was good on occasions. Ron was good on occasions and um.........no that's it. Thje rest of the team is mediocre and the defence is terrible. Brazil will not win this cup.

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Ron was good on occasions

Are you kidding ? The only time i saw Ronaldo is when he was replaced by Robinho. I respect the guy but lately, all he cares about is banging supermodels.

Back to the tournment, the only team that was convincing is the Czech Republic, THATS IT.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by jason statham
Are you kidding ? The only time i saw Ronaldo is when he was replaced by Robinho. I respect the guy but lately, all he cares about is banging supermodels.

Back to the tournment, the only team that was convincing is the Czech Republic, THATS IT.


No man I meant Ron as in Ronhaldinio. Ronaldo was total shit. Unfit and uniterested.

[chiefxcel]

brazil wasn't very impressive, and they'll likely have to face italy or the czech republic in the opening round.. this could be a short tournament for the brazilians

[daddiefatsacks]

so far the only team i have found DANGEROUS is the Czech

Croatia played real well, too bad they couldnt muster up a goal

[bucket]

Korea for the win

[chiefxcel]

Great news for the Czech Republic, Jan Koller's injury is not nearly as serious as initially thought. Tests revealed he just has a minor thigh injury, so he should be ready to go for their last round robin game against Italy. As for Milan Baros, he'll be questionable for the Ghana game. If Baros and Koller are both fit for the medal round, this team could be unstoppable.

[Zeems McSnatch]

Great Effort by Croatia last night. I doubt we're going to see Ronaldo in the starting formation again. He sucked donkey balls. If Brasil don't reach the level they had during the 2005 Confed Cup, "Operation 6th Cup" could be over before they know it.

[bigred760]

Brazil got the win, that's all I care about. Croatia did look good though and had several opportunities to tie the game. But if Brazil can still get the win while playing half-assed, then I'm wondering how they'll look at full strength. Here's hoping Ronaldo can get himself going; he had a good shot-on-goal, but that's about it.

[TheMazVolta]

I thought the Spain/Ukraine match wouldve been alot closer...an absolute drubbing by Spain

[bigred760]

Originally posted by TheMazVolta
I thought the Spain/Ukraine match wouldve been alot closer...an absolute drubbing by Spain

No kidding. I think the PK was what deflated Ukraine. Already down two goals and then that. Gotta give Spain credit though; they took advantage of every UKR mistake.

[Zeems McSnatch]

QUE DIABLOS!!!! ESTOY HABLANDO ESPANOL!!! That was a really solid showing by Spain, and that against the supposed main rival in the group. Now they have to be careful not to get too confident and underestimate Tunesia & Saudi-Arabia....

[lunatic]

People are celebrating: dancing on the streets, smiling, hugging and singing! Fireworks! Flags! Happy, happy faces!

:D :D :D








That's how folks in Russia are reacting right now on the Ukraine's loss!:) :D

[bigred760]

Wow; Poland, Germany scoreless at the break. Poland is really sticking it to 'em. Though Germany should've scored late in the half. Will Poland get that first win over Germany??

[NightStalkerGtx]

Go Spain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I'm from Spain so I was going nuts watching the game:D )

[bob]

Wow, two great games today (three if you're a Spain fan)...

But the drama in that Tunisia-Saudi Arabia game was insane...when Al Jabar scored that goal, you could almost hear the entire country of Saudi Arabia explode. Then Tunisia freaking ties it in stoppage time. It was nuts. I seriously thought that was gonna be a boring game.

And Germany...you just can't stop 'em.

[jason statham]

Well, if England wins tomorrow, they`re gonna face Equador or Costa Rica ( mostly Equ. ) in the next round.... at least thats what i hope.

And the last 10 minutes of the tunisia / Saudi Arabia was fucking awesome.

[king_verhoeven]

What was it that Gary Lineker once said (great striker from England): Football is a game played by 22 players and after 90 minutes the Germans win!!

It was sad for Poland, going the distance, some great saves by the keeper but in the end the German goal was in the words of Agent Smith:
inevitable

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by king_verhoeven
What was it that Gary Lineker once said (great striker from England): Football is a game played by 22 players and after 90 minutes the Germans win!!

It was sad for Poland, going the distance, some great saves by the keeper but in the end the German goal was in the words of Agent Smith:
inevitable

Haha. Class post.


You've got to love the Germans. I really wanted them to win against Brazil in 2002. In all fairness they deserved to win. They were bombarding the Polish.

Still though I don't see them going any further than the 2nd round.

[bucket]

I hope Trinidad and Tobaygo - beat the English ...

TNT !!!!

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by bucket
I hope Trinidad and Tobaygo - beat the English ...

TNT !!!!


"I have a dream"

[jason statham]

Originally posted by bucket
I hope Trinidad and Tobaygo - beat the English ...

TNT !!!!

Where, in the third world ?

[Zeems McSnatch]

Originally posted by jason statham
Where, in the third world ?

No, in Nuremburg ;-)

[bigred760]

Well, it's official Germany and Ecuador are in the second round; who'll be first and second will be determined when they play each other.

Ecuador is just looking dominant in every game they play.

[Scorpio24]

What is interesting is that they now have a better goal difference than Germany which means they only need a draw to finish top.

With england likely to finish top in their group it could well be Eng v Ger in the next round after all.

[Puck Bond]

Damn have Ecuador looked impressive in their first two games...they could be the cinderella of the tournament if they keep that up!

I've been working the past 2 days...so haven't been able to post regularly...but I still have been watching and taping the games...

I watched Togo v. Korea...a nice effort by Togo but once Ahn came in and then the red card and the free kick goal and it was downhill after that...

I taped the Switzerland v. France game and boy must the French press and fans be worried...scoreless in 4 straight WC games they just didn't look cohesive and they looked slow...I don't see France getting out of the 2nd round at best!

I taped Brazil and Croatia...unfortunately I started watching the game at like midnight and fell asleep during the first half...waking up peridoically in the middle of the night and watching some more...manage to see Kaka's nice goal...but from what I gather Brazil weren't all that impressive...but I expect them to improve as this tourney continues...Croatia is a strong disciplined side.

I tried to get up and watch Spain and Ukraine...6:00am my time...but I was on like 2 hours sleep...so I slept through most of the game...but did manage to see their first 2 goals...and that red card and penalty(ridiculous call)...still Spain were obviously very impressive....I guess Ukraine really is Schevchenko and 10 other guys!

I taped Saudi Arabia and Tunisia...and watched it last night and what a great 2nd half and finish that was...I have to say Saudi Arabia deserved better in the end.

I taped Germany and Poland...and again tried watching it...but yet again I fell asleep during the 1st half...I decded to watch the last 10 minutes of it this morning during the Ecuador v. Costa Rica match...and so I saw the crazy finish and the Neuville goal...poor Poland fight that hard and that long...and lose like that...the amosphere looked great for that match

Anyway...on to England v. TnT...I'm hoping for a much better performance from the 3 lions...and lets face it it has to be better...because Germany or Ecuador will be a tough opponent in the 2nd round...I've got my Frank Lampard England Jersey on and I'm ready to go!

GO ENGLAND!!!!!!!!

[jason statham]

All i`m going to say is : Gotta love those Liverpool boys.:cool:

[Puck Bond]

Well that was just too close for comfort...its just not good enough for england to squeak by on performances like that...Crouch finally got a header down and Gerrard's strike was sweet...but I give all the credit in the world to T&T for their valiant effort...

[bigred760]

It's about freakin' time; Crouch should've had like 3 goals before he finally got one in. TnT did a great; I think they just ran out of gas. In the end though, England was the better team.

[Puck Bond]

Well Sweden finally break through with Freddie Ljungberg getting the late game winner...I fully expect England and Sweden to play to a draw on tuesday and both teams advancing like they did in the last World Cup.

[lunatic]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
Well Sweden finally break through with Freddie Ljungberg getting the late game winner...I fully expect England and Sweden to play to a draw on tuesday and both teams advancing like they did in the last World Cup.

Very possible: Germany - England next.

[X-Nightcrawler]

Loved Germany's game yesterday, very intense. What's everyone's speculation for U.S.-Italy? I'm saying 2-0, Italy winning.

Anyways. Mexico-Angola tomorrow, in which we must kick ass. Go Mexico!

[Scorpio24]

England were poor yesterday but i'm not to worried. Italians and German have been doing this for decades. You play your way into form not go gung ho from the first match.

In saying that that i'm still annoyed by a few things. Mainly Steve Gerrard being shackled. The man's passing was world class yesterday but he's being made to do it from to deep. Frank Lampard as been on record as saying that he and Gerrard can play togeather. RUBBISH. Lampard can't defend to anywhere near the level Gerrard can so Gerrard must sit and protect. Although Gerrard is the most dynamic mid fielder in the world and doing that to him nulifies his talent.

His goal yesterday was the 1st time he got forward and he scored. Drop Lampard bring in Carrick or Hargreeves and let Gerrard loose if you want to win this World Cup.

Good to see Rooney back yesterday although he looked rusty. Lennon was again supurb. Changed the game. Good on big Crouchy for getting that goal.


The Sweden game was a brilliant game. I was hoping they would draw so that would garuntee England going through top.


Argies, Ivory Coast and Italians to win today.

[king_verhoeven]

Ho ho not so fast Scorpio, me thinks Holland will be beating Ivory Coast this evening:D

I do expect a close match, hope for some spectacular goals, but in the end it will be 3-2 for Holland!! This could be a spectacular match between two very technical/capable teams, but only if a goal is scored fast..

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by king_verhoeven
Ho ho not so fast Scorpio, me thinks Holland will be beating Ivory Coast this evening:D

I do expect a close match, hope for some spectacular goals, but in the end it will be 3-2 for Holland!! This could be a spectacular match between two very technical/capable teams, but only if a goal is scored fast..


:D

You're right I think it will be a brilliant match. I really can't wait for it but I see IC winning because they badly need too.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by jason statham
All i`m going to say is : Gotta love those Liverpool boys.:cool:


Damn right baby!!!

[daddiefatsacks]

Argentina is just FEEEEEDING the serbs

[bigred760]

Ass-whooping. That's what that was. Three goals in the first, and three in the second. Argentina just simply DOMINATED!!! And they're on to the 2nd round. Congrats!! :D

[Scorpio24]

That was total football.

It was just football at the most highest standard. Every player was comfortable with the ball. That's the best i've seen a team play for a long time.

[Puck Bond]

Damn! Talk about a thrashing...Argentina look really good after two games...interesting they haven't been talked about as a favorite that much heading into this WC...but with all that talent and depth they will be a force!

[Scorpio24]

Here's something for you.


Argentina are rated 9th in the World behind USA.


Um..........


And people call FIFA a joke.

[Zeems McSnatch]

Scorpio, that is obviously because the CONCACAF is a much harder qualifying region than CONMEBOL...... NOT!!!!

That game was just amazing, haven't seen a team play together like that in a long while. Consider this: Serbia conceded just one goal during their qualifying campaign.

The gouchos officially scare me...

[ToRontoRon]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Here's something for you.


Argentina are rated 9th in the World behind USA.


Um..........


And people call FIFA a joke.


Well, the rankings are based on a mathematical formula as opposed to being voted on or anything. Having said that, I think someone forgot to carry the 1.

The formula should obviously be looked at and tweaked.

Now I'm kinda hoping Germany finishes 2nd in their group so they can avoid Argentina in the quarterfinals, should they make it that far.


Argentina sent a serious message today.

[AnnoyingQuestionAsker]

Yesterday at work, the watercooler talk surrounded how the rankings are computed. Does the fact that the US play as many friendlys as they do cause their ranking to go up?

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by ToRontoRon
Well, the rankings are based on a mathematical formula as opposed to being voted on or anything. Having said that, I think someone forgot to carry the 1.

The formula should obviously be looked at and tweaked.

Now I'm kinda hoping Germany finishes 2nd in their group so they can avoid Argentina in the quarterfinals, should they make it that far.


Argentina sent a serious message today.


Yeah I knwo how it works that's why it annoys me. USA play very very poor teams all year round beat them and fly up the rankings. They need to sort it out.

And no friendlies don't count in rankings.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Scorpio24



Argies, Ivory Coast and Italians to win today.


Nice to see my predictions are on the nose as usual


Argies did win Ivory Coast are losing and The Italians aren't even frigging PLAYING!!!!!

[bigred760]

Good game; Ivory Coast played their asses off but couldn't get the equalizer. I wasn't too impressed with IC's goalie - he could've (should've) stopped both goals, in my opinion. They went right over his head both times.

[Puck Bond]

What another good game that was...and despite Netherlands being the classier side you have to say they were fortunate if not lucky to win that game...its a shame Ivory Coast were in such a tough group because this is a team that can play and I would have liked to seen more of them...

Is it just me or we being treated to some terrific football and great goals this WC...its shaping up to be an awesome tournament!!

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
What another good game that was...and despite Netherlands being the classier side you have to say they were fortunate if not lucky to win that game...its a shame Ivory Coast were in such a tough group because this is a team that can play and I would have liked to seen more of them...

Is it just me or we being treated to some terrific football and great goals this WC...its shaping up to be an awesome tournament!!
#


Yeah I agree. The games and goals have been sensational. The only poor game as been France v's Swis

[bigred760]

Originally posted by Puck Bond
What another good game that was...and despite Netherlands being the classier side you have to say they were fortunate if not lucky to win that game...its a shame Ivory Coast were in such a tough group because this is a team that can play and I would have liked to seen more of them...

Is it just me or we being treated to some terrific football and great goals this WC...its shaping up to be an awesome tournament!!

I agree too. Lot of awesome goals being scored every day of the tournament. Here's hoping they keep it up the rest of the way.

[bob]

That England game was too fucking tense...and what made it worse was the ESPN2 commentator had some bizarre vendetta against England, and went on and on about how horrible they looked and how TNT were poised to break out, blah blah blah...who won the fucking game, huh?

I love this England team, although for nostalgia's sake I would've liked to have seen Sol Campbell out there a bit....

[Mari]

I really thought T&T would manage 0-0 against England but very well deserved goals.. and I'm not just saying that because I betted on 2-0... :)

The Sweden game was way to intense, but yet again you can't help but to love football after a game like that. 40.000 swedish fans screaming and Ljungberg deserved to score that goal. We are not through the the final 16 yet though...The question is can T&T beat paraguay and can we beat England?

I'm to tired to make any more comments I'll be back tomorrow for todays games.

[TheMazVolta]

Originally posted by bigred760
Good game; Ivory Coast played their asses off but couldn't get the equalizer. I wasn't too impressed with IC's goalie - he could've (should've) stopped both goals, in my opinion. They went right over his head both times.

That set piece goal by Van Persie was an absolute howitzer...you can't fault Titzie for that one...

I feel for whoever (Mexico or Portugal probably) has to play Argentine in the round of 16...they looked so fluid and confident today

My Azzuri play tomorrow...they need a win to probably keep pace with the Czechs..but im not counting out Ghana yet

[Puck Bond]

Well Angola draw with Mexico and along with the Sweden-T&T game this was the biggest surprise of the tournament so far...of which there have been few!

[Luv_my_Movies]

best goal so far: the second goal for argentinia last night, PURE CLASS!

[Puck Bond]

Portugal wins 2-0 in a pretty ho-hum performance if you ask me not very inspired play but solid defensively with two shutouts...a nice strike by Deco though...man gotta love those long range shots flying in left and right in this WC so far...

[miguel_montes]

Yeah, my Portugal played much better this time around than with Angola... it's getting closer to the team that played so well in Euro 2004 and in the road to the WC...

Let's hope we get to play Holland in the 8ths.

[daddiefatsacks]

that was the best match i think i have ever watched

Ghana!!!

[Puck Bond]

Ghana with a big upset and the first big one of this tournament...it really could have and should have been more than 2-0! That result really helps out the U.S....however based on their performance and the lack of team unity since the loss to the Czechs I really don't see them getting a result against Italy!

[bigred760]

UPSET CITY BABY!!! Go Ghana BABY!!! Kickass game!! The Czech Republic was hurting without their big game and then the ejected guy. Ghana took advantage perfectly!!!

[Puck Bond]

Well to put it bluntly that refereeing was atrocius...I really don't have a problem w/the De Rossi ejection but Mastroeni deserved a yellow at most but not a straight red...it took away from what could have been a great game...the players were just gassed in the 2nd half with only 10-9 and that is a shame...

Controversy...that's what this WC was missing!

[bigred760]

That was the WORST refereed game I've ever seen. I was rooting for the U.S., but even I felt sorry for the Italians at one point at some of the calls they were getting. I don't think either American deserved to be tossed; but the second was a second yellow, so it's hard to argue with that (I am biased after all :D). But the first . . . I've seen tougher tackles in pee-wee games for crying out loud. I agree with whoever the commentator was for ABC (in the US) when he said that he'd be suprised if that ref did another game.

I just heard on the TV that the ref was suspended in 1994 for "irregularities." He didn't cover the '98 Cup because of his suspension.

I'm proud of the US being able to hang in there a man down in the 2nd half. Casey Keller stepped up big time with some key saves, some good looks and close calls. Tell you one thing, that off-sides call almost caused me to have heartache. Those who watched the game know what I'm talking about.

Suspenseful game, for sure.

[chiefxcel]

USA will need to beat Ghana, and have the Czech Republic lose to Italy to qualify and play Brazil. Either way they're fucked.

[TheMazVolta]

This is why being an Italy fan is so damn frustrating...the own goal, the De Rossi red in a span of two minutes and about 11 offsides...yeeeeesh...I agree the officiating was painfully bad for both, mainly the US on those ridiculous reds

[X-Nightcrawler]

*grinds teeth*
*clenches fists*
This sucks.

[jason statham]

Wow ! This is one fucked up group.

I never liked Italy, but i sorry for those poor bastards because in the last 2 or 3 international tournaments, the refrees are always against them. So nothing new what happened last night.

[king_verhoeven]

I never liked Italy, but i sorry for those poor bastards because in the last 2 or 3 international tournaments, the refrees are always against them

I like Italy this tournament, their not playing extremely defensive (at least not as defensive as a few years back) but that elbow by De Rossi was a classic example of a great elbow!! If that wasn't a red card then what is?

I agree with the majority here that it was a shame for IvoryCoast to be in such a tough group but the same applied to us and we're going to the mext round and IC ain't!! However that second half against IC was pretty bad and we need to play better to give Argintina a run for their money. I'm not to worried about the next round since both Mexico and Portugal aren't impressive.

As for Van Persie's goal: that rocket was unstoppable, only if the keeper didn't placed a wall he could have stopped it but now the window of reaction-time is just too short.

[bigred760]

Well, Japan vs. Croatia wasn't the most exciting game, though it did have its moments. Great save by the Japanese goalie on the PK; few close calls by both teams, but when it comes out 0-0, it's rather uninteresting. At least both teams will get a point in their group.

[Puck Bond]

Originally posted by bigred760
Well, Japan vs. Croatia wasn't the most exciting game, though it did have its moments. Great save by the Japanese goalie on the PK; few close calls by both teams, but when it comes out 0-0, it's rather uninteresting. At least both teams will get a point in their group.

Yeah your right...it wasn't exactly scintillating stuff...a pretty slow game, obviously the heat was a factor. Japan did well to get a point but Croatia should be concerned-a saved PK and how do you manage not to at least convert one of those dozen odd corner kicks into a goal especially with their size advantage.

Let's hope for a better game between Brazil and Australia...I'm rooting for the Aussies but even if they lose I still like them to advance from this group.

[chiefxcel]

Looks like Japan's done, and Croatia will need a win over Australia to qualify.

[bigred760]

That's my boys!! :D Brazil's in again with a damn good looking win against Australia. Australia scared the shiite outta me enough to almost cause a heart attack. I'm glad Brazil was able to put it away in the closing minutes of the game. I'll say Ronaldo looked better, not great, but better this time around - he did get an assist on the first goal. Now they can relax for the most part in their game against Japan.

[Puck Bond]

Brazil get the job done...but Australia hung in their for the most part...Kewell has got to bury that chance he had after Dida made the mistake of coming out for the ball, and maybe the Aussies fortune could have turned...

[jason statham]

I dont know how many chances does Australia need more to score a single goal.

[bob]

That Italy-US game was pretty rough, but I disagree with the idea that the U.S. got screwed by the refs (a sentiment that has been all over US sports news). Last time I checked, they still haven't scored in this World Cup (Zaccardo scored for them). Until they get a goal, they don't get to make excuses...

And I'm also tired of all the critics of England and Brazil. They're playing about seventy-five percent of where they can and they're still guaranteed to a berth in the round of 16. As long as they win, I don't dig all the criticism.

And Ronaldo was personally insulted on ABC's coverage today, being called "a fat, bloated waste of space" by the fucking commentator. I thought that was disgusting, especially considering he assisted on the winning goal.

God, I love this tournament.

PICK IT UP, KOREA!!

[charliebobo]

Originally posted by bob

Ronaldo was called "a fat, bloated waste of space" by the fucking commentator.

He said what we were all thinking :D
No seriously, commentators really shouldn't say stuff like that.

As for my Italy, I knew the Ghana win was too good to be true. We always have to make things difficult for ourselves... I still think we'll get through, but I'm not sure we'll top the group and avoid Brazil - which I don't care about bad they're playing, I still wouldn't want to face them.
I'm liking our more attacking style by the way, although after that idiot Trapattoni anything would be more attacking.
Pirlo is brilliant! Finally, he started playing like he does for Milan.

...

Korea just scored. France really need to step it up if they want to get somewhere.

[charliebobo]

France totally blew it. Their coach is a fucking idiot thought, someone PLEASE tell me why Trezeguet is not playing. As a goalscorer, he's more lethal than Henry.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by charliebobo
France totally blew it. Their coach is a fucking idiot thought, someone PLEASE tell me why Trezeguet is not playing. As a goalscorer, he's more lethal than Henry.

Um quite possibly the most amazing thing i've heard.

Trezequet a better goalscorer than Henry???

Christ no.

Although I do agree he should be playing.

French players can only blame them selves. They just strolled through it. I hope they go out.

[Puck Bond]

That was a compelling game...France score 2 goals...Korea score 1 and it ends in 1-1 draw...go figure! hehe...France should just be happy they manged to score finally! They probably deserved a better result but you gotta give the Koreans credit.

By the way what is with all the yellow cards?! Its never a good sign when refereeing becomes the story...just too many cards for ticky-tack stuff and now key players will miss out on their 3rd game...Zidane won't play against Togo now...though they shouldn't really need him! I'm just worried it will effect the knockout stages...if teams that win and advance and their top players pick up silly yellow cards...they will miss out on semi-finals and the final and that will suck...could you imagine a Brazil..Argentina final without say Ronaldinho and Riquelme!?

[bucket]

Looks like my pick o the world cup is going through - ;) soon
Go Korea

[bigred760]

France got screeewwwwwwed. I don't feel too sorry for them though since the same thing basically happened to the U.S. four years ago. It still was an exciting game, especially when the Koreans tied it up with 10 minutes left in the game.

I agree that the yellow cards seem to be flying lately. Way too many for basic tackles.


And as far as the commentator's remark on Ronaldo . . . the guy's got two World Cup championships under his belt, and he had several scoring opportunities today as well as the assist on the first goal, he's still got something left in the tank. He may not be the Ronaldo of four years ago, but I still think he's a threat.

[jason statham]

Originally posted by Puck Bond

By the way what is with all the yellow cards [/B]

Yeah, i noticed this too and it really pisses me off, i think its the refrees own fucked up way of alerting the players that they control the damn place.
The WC refrees should watch the Premier League`s refrees and learn something. There are more ways to warn the players other than the fucking cards.

[bob]

Yeah, Trezeguet complained before the tournament about his lack of playing time, and the French coach has done nothing but prove him right. Every country seems to have a legit threat off the bench (England's Rooney, Korea's Ahn, Brazil's Robinho, etc.) but the other coaches put in their bench superstar with, say, 20 or 30 minutes left in the game, not in stoppage time of the second half.

Trezeguet's not as good as Henry, but on a team that is obviously looking for goals, it's ridiculous.

[Luv_my_Movies]

eventhoug in the back of my mind i knew we wouldnt win against brazil , im still a bit dissapointed. i had an exam this morning (the match was on at 2am here) so ill watch the replay this afternoon. im happy croatia drew with japan. if we at least get a drew against croatia then were in the group of 16.

[charliebobo]

Originally posted by Scorpio24
Um quite possibly the most amazing thing i've heard.

Trezequet a better goalscorer than Henry???

Christ no.

Although I do agree he should be playing.

French players can only blame them selves. They just strolled through it. I hope they go out.

As a player, no doubt that Henry is way better. But at scoring goals, at making the most of the one chance you get, you could argue Trezeguet is better.

Look at his stats:
182 goals in 273 games in club football (Henry is 214 in 342)
31 goals in 61 games for France (Henry is 35 for 80)

So yeah, as far as goalscoring goes, they're about equal, although you could make the case that Henry often plays full games while Trezeguet comes in from the bench more often with Juve, having to compete with DelPiero and Ibrahimovic now, and also Inzaghi in the past.
I may be wrong, but I think he has the highest goals per minute ratio in Serie A.

[Scorpio24]

Originally posted by charliebobo
As a player, no doubt that Henry is way better. But at scoring goals, at making the most of the one chance you get, you could argue Trezeguet is better.

Look at his stats:
182 goals in 273 games in club football (Henry is 214 in 342)
31 goals in 61 games for France (Henry is 35 for 80)

So yeah, as far as goalscoring goes, they're about equal, although you could make the case that Henry often plays full games while Trezeguet comes in from the bench more often with Juve, having to compete with DelPiero and Ibrahimovic now, and also Inzaghi in the past.
I may be wrong, but I think he has the highest goals per minute ratio in Serie A.

I don't disagree that trezeguet is not a goalscorer. You also have to take into account that Henry was used a s a winger for about 15 of his Fench caps at leas and it was only at arsenal when Wenger got hold of that he made him into this player.

He took a little while to settle in but in the last 3-4 years his goal ratio is better than 1.4 every 2 games. He is a more complete forward than Trezequet this is true but I believe he is a more complete finisher also. Fro the last 3 years in the Premiership he has been the leading assist creater also. That would indicate that he doesn't spend as much in the box as Trezequet and that he does more with the chances he has.

Like I said I don't disagree that Trez is a good/great goalscorer and that he should definitley be starting but I know who I'd rather have baring down on goal if my life was on the line.

[charliebobo]

Hey, I'm an Arsenal fan so I'm not going to say anything bad about Henry :)
And you make a good point about him often playing on the left with France.
(As for club, I only considered his Arsenal years BTW, otherwise his average would be lower, while for Trezeguet I also used his goals at Monaco)

Bottom line, I think we can agree that they should both be playing :)

[Puck Bond]

I don't think this should be a Henry-Trezeguet debate...why not just start Treguet instead of Wiltord? That would give 'em a better combo up front if you ask me...and if one doesn't perform or gets tired..then you can bring in Wiltord off the bench...anyway you slice it Henry is one of the best strikers in the world and Trezeguet goal scoring record speaks for itself...it amazes me they don't start 'em both.

Anyway Switzerland knocks off Togo 2-0 and puts a lot of pressure on France to even make it out of this group and I think they will struggle to do so...

[Scorpio24]

What I don't get is that France have an extremley solid base in Viera and Makele in mid feild. Why the hell would you then have only striker up front. Also Hnery is better with a target man or another striker along side him because he does tend to drift to the left and come in from there.

Get 2 up front and show some creativity. I hope they go out. I don't like the way they play and they always seem to be moaning over something or other.

Also the manager is a tit. Apparently he will never buy or play a player for a club if he is a Scorpio so the commentators mentioned last night. That would be me fucked then.


Tongo were a little unlucky due to the penalty that wasn't given but lets be honest they are no loss. They've threatned to not show up for both their games so far for money issues. Good riddance I say.

[Puck Bond]

Well Ukraine bounce back with a 4-0 drubbing over the Saudis...and they should be able advance to the next round along with Spain in what is obviously the weakest group of the tournament...its a shame that someone like Ivory Coast, Ghana or even the U.S. weren't in this group it would have made it more interesting.

Newman: I'm not beaten yet. I still have armies in the Ukraine.
Kramer: The Ukraine. You know what the Ukraine is? It's a sitting duck...a road apple Newman. The Ukraine is weak, it's feeble...I think it's time to put the hurt on the Ukraine.

Let's see Spain vs. Tunisia...
Spain beat Ukraine 4-0
Ukraine beat Saudi Arabia 4-0
Saudie Arabia draw Tunisia 2-2
carry the 2
Spain will beat Tunisia 8-0...you heard it hear first...:)

[bigred760]

That game got boring really quick. The Saudis couldn't do anything but watch the Ukraines score. Other than the second goal, I didn't think any were that exciting or impressive.

[NightStalkerGtx]

The Spain game was amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



(I'm from Spain) :D

[bigred760]

It was an exciting game; Spain should've won since they had the ball like 70% of the game. My only question: what the hell took so long? Great goals by all; the PK was right on - the right call was made. Nice effort by Tunisia, but they were overmatched in every sense of the word.

[NightStalkerGtx]

Originally posted by bigred760
It was an exciting game; Spain should've won since they had the ball like 70% of the game. My only question: what the hell took so long? Great goals by all; the PK was right on - the right call was made. Nice effort by Tunisia, but they were overmatched in every sense of the word.

Tunisia had a better defense in the 1st half, but started losing it after a while, Spain just kept getting closer and closer and Tunisia couldnt hold them off that long.

[Puck Bond]

Germany beat Ecuador 3-0 to top Group A...in a pretty convincing performance.

Poland manage to beat Costa Rica 2-1 in a meaningless game...

Now England has to beat or tie Sweden to not face Germany in the next round...Ecuador didn't look good today and that will be a better opponent for England...but in my view England usually plays to the level of their competition...they seem to take lesser teams lightly and usually step up against the bigger teams...of course I'd rather see 'em play Ecuador but I kinda want Germany...nothing would please me more if England could beat them as the host nation...it would be sweet revenge for 1990.

Go England!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Puck Bond]

Well as I said a few days ago England and Sweden play to a 2-2 draw in what turned into a pretty good game...I'm not happy that England gave up the late equalizer and their 2nd half performance was pretty poor, especially after a very good, strong 1st half...defending corners and set pieces was atrocious...and it led to both Swedish goals...everytime Sweden had a corner my heart was in my throat!!!

Great to see Gerrard score again on what I thought would be the game winner...for England Joe Cole was clearly their best player...again running down the left and creating chances...a lovely cross to Gerrard for the 2nd and his goal to me is the goal of the tourney so far!