the fifa world cup thread - Italy won, but Zidane had the best headbutt ever.

[racecar]

..iam on the brazil band wagon again this year:chimp:

[kobylka68]

I am Polish so I would like to see Poland be successful. It would also be nice to see a young german team prove all the critics wrong. England and Spain should choke again as usual.

[ray_7]

Brazil and England will be my favorites.

[gmw]

Go on Angola!

100% behind the Palancas Negras for this year. Can't wait to see big Pedro Mantorras knock em in against Portugal.

I can hope at least.

[racecar]

..i think a non european country will be the cinderella team in this turnament ...australia has a good coach.. africa has a few unkown teams and south america is the fun in the party

[DevilRedeemed]

world cup football has gone down the drain in my eyes. it's not that interesting anymore. maybe it's because world cup football has evened itself out, or european club football is so international and popular worldwide that there's no impact anymore when players play for their countries. I see very little fire in the eyes of the Argentine players that's for sure. too much money makes them fuzzy.
back when I where a lad it was about distinctive takes on football, serious rivalies, and definitive tiers in terms of countries. that's why football videogames where so cool back then, because they took these stereotypical qualities and translated them into gameplay (Super Sidekicks for instance). this is before the US was aware of this game - before or around the time the berlin wall was coming down, before players earned so many millions and wrold cup football was not called fifa world cup football by common folk.
meh..

[RAINBOW PONY]

world cup football has gone down the drain in my eyes. it's not that interesting anymore. maybe it's because world cup football has evened itself out, or european club football is so international and popular worldwide that there's no impact anymore when players play for their countries. I see very little fire in the eyes of the Argentine players that's for sure. too much money makes them fuzzy.
back when I where a lad it was about distinctive takes on football, serious rivalies, and definitive tiers in terms of countries. that's why football videogames where so cool back then, because they took these stereotypical qualities and translated them into gameplay (Super Sidekicks for instance). this is before the US was aware of this game - before or around the time the berlin wall was coming down, before players earned so many millions and wrold cup football was not called fifa world cup football by common folk.
meh..

How about back when a Team actually had 99% players that are from that Country? And not a team that is comprised of every other nation except the one they are representing.

[racecar]

How about back when a Team actually had 99% players that are from that Country? And not a team that is comprised of every other nation except the one they are representing.
like france:rolleyes:

[RAINBOW PONY]

like france:rolleyes:

Patrick Vieira = Senegal
Jean-Alani Boumsong = Cameroon
Claude Makélélé = Zaire

And 13 of them aren't playing for French Clubs.

[The Legendary LoneWolf]

who saw soocer aid yesterday,

Man the ROW had some great legends compared to England's ones.

Man Maradona playing 90 mins and if Ruud Guillt and Zola played the full 90, they would thrashed England

[sameh903]

italy alllllllllllllllll the way baby:buttrock:

my dream match is between germany vs. argentina, a classic re-match back from 1986 and 1990.

[Baseley09]

Patrick Vieira = Senegal
Jean-Alani Boumsong = Cameroon
Claude Makélélé = Zaire

And 13 of them aren't playing for French Clubs.

Quite, Zidane too, he's Algerian:emb: There's more too probably, if people identify with the country they play for then fair play to them, but i cant help feeling it dilutes things a bit.

[kobylka68]

Quite, Zidane too, he's Algerian:emb: There's more too probably, if people identify with the country they play for then fair play to them, but i cant help feeling it dilutes things a bit.

It's true that France sort of imported all of their players but they are an extreme example. Other teams might have only a couple of guys not born in that country. It's not a wide spread problem and the best teams in world still consist mostly if not completely of players born in that country.

[skam]

Zidane was born and rasied in France though so he's as French as foie gras and hiding in cellars.

[bloodhokuto]

I think Henry should play for England. After all London is his home.

I love that guy :)

Bloody Brazil though, I hope they self-destruct, I mean, on paper there is seemingly no way they can lose and they do have some great players, but if they do crash out, I will be soooo happy!

I am trying not to get too swept up in the World Cup, because Football gets me too worked up and I ask and speak like (even more of) an idiot.

I want to try and watch the World Cup purely just for the love of the game.

- But you wait, we will somehow get past the group stage and I will be goosestepping and hurling expletives about the rest of teh world.

Why does football, the beautiful game make monsters of it's fans? :(

[RAINBOW PONY]

It's true that France sort of imported all of their players but they are an extreme example. Other teams might have only a couple of guys not born in that country. It's not a wide spread problem and the best teams in world still consist mostly if not completely of players born in that country.

Except for choice teams, such as Australia.

Australia's Schwarzer, Zeljko Kalac & Mile Sterjovski were not born in Australia, while these guys may have been born in Australia, they are not of australian descent : Tony Popovic, Josip Skoko, Marco Bresciano, and John Aloisi.

At least the German Team is pretty dense with Germans, as I can see.

[sameh903]

and zidan is originally from Alegeria. based on his perants nationality.

[hanafuda]

Patrick Vieira = Senegal
Jean-Alani Boumsong = Cameroon
Claude Makélélé = Zaire


All old French colonies. Handy how plundering third world countries helps your World Cup efforts.

[racecar]

canada wants michael owen back:chimp:

[ray_7]

After seeing the Japanese play against the Germans, I think they will go a long way in this WC.

[skam]

canada wants michael owen back:chimp:


you mean Owen Hargreaves :kekeke:

PLEASE TAKE HIM.

[zapatistab]

Like I said in a previous thread.....Mexico is going to shock the world. :loco:

[cafu1982]

How about back when a Team actually had 99% players that are from that Country? And not a team that is comprised of every other nation except the one they are representing.

so what , nearly every country is made up of immigrants to some degree and those French players you mentioned are 2nd generation immigrants I believe ( parents immigrated, not them). Its not like the French Football Association is paying Angolans to come play for France, like what Qatar is trying to do unfortunately.


If you grew up in that country, speak the language, are of the nationality, and call it home = What else do you want? Should European teams only be made up of white people? US team made up of Native American Indians??

[Takumaji]

After seeing the Japanese play against the Germans, I think they will go a long way in this WC.

Yeah, the Japanese made our team run around like frightened chicken, specially defense was weak.

In an after-match interview, Ballack said they didn't play full power because of their "heavy legs" caused by the rough training of the past few months... yeah sure.

Ah well, I hope we will make it over the play-offs round...

[Argentina94]

so what , nearly every country is made up of immigrants to some degree and those French players you mentioned are 2nd generation immigrants I believe ( parents immigrated, not them). Its not like the French Football Association is paying Angolans to come play for France, like what Qatar is trying to do unfortunately.


If you grew up in that country, speak the language, are of the nationality, and call it home = What else do you want? Should European teams only be made up of white people? US team made up of Native American Indians??

This is true.

If it wasn't, then Argentina would be Italy's #2 national team.

[DevilRedeemed]

man.. Messi might not be fit enough to play every match or the whole 90 minutes - but he's by far our best chance of winning the world cup. can that kid play! and he's still a teenager.

[Fran]

so what , nearly every country is made up of immigrants to some degree

bullshit

italy team is made of 100 % italian players

yes,even players from the southern part of the country but what can you do eh

they're still ITALIANS and they play for the ITALIAN team

funny how french people are all fucking like oh yeah we're proud we're french we don't want foreign words in our wonderful language because we're french and blah blah blah

and then there isn't a single FRENCH player in their team,
or maybe 1 like the goalkeeper and he's a totally useless twat or something

haha,i find that soooo sad and funny at the same time


european club football is so international and popular worldwide that there's no impact anymore when players play for their countries

my team,technically,should be inter f.c.

i don't give a crap anymore because there are maybe TWO italian players in it

what the fuck

so what happens right ? it's not even about discovering talents anymore in a way

because all you need is loads of cash to buy the so called "best" players from the other european countries,or japan,or south america,or russia,etc

so basically you have players in your team and they can't even be interviewed

they can't even say

"oh fuck me,i'm so glad to be here"

because they don't speak the language

thanks global market of my fucking ass

[Fran]

and yeah,i'm in a bit of a shitty mode today

but what i just wrote in my previous post

FACTS / TRUTH

[racecar]

you mean Owen Hargreaves :kekeke:

PLEASE TAKE HIM.
on the side note... we'll take lennox lewis back too..

[Takumaji]

Yeah, the problem starts and ends with money. I mean, just take our first national league, a few of the bigger clubs like Bayern München went public and now are driven by shareholder interest, so they buy stars left and right and still have the nerve to call it a Munich football team... ridiculous...

Then they put all the money in damn pre-game shows and crap like that... football sort of turned into Muppet Show a long time ago, but what can you do.

I want less show and more sports.

[kobylka68]

Yeah, the problem starts and ends with money. I mean, just take our first national league, a few of the bigger clubs like Bayern München went public and now are driven by shareholder interest, so they buy stars left and right and still have the nerve to call it a Munich football team... ridiculous...

Then they put all the money in damn pre-game shows and crap like that... football sort of turned into Muppet Show a long time ago, but what can you do.

I want less show and more sports.

Thats a tad harsh. Bayern Munich put lots of money and effort into their youth development and try to sing a lot of young players that have potential to grow. It's not like they run around trying to sign the best players from each country. Aside from Ballack most of their players were nobodies before signing with Munich or very young guys waiting to prove themselves. They are a far cry from teams like Real Madrid or Chelsea or Man U who try to buy champion league trophies.

[The Legendary LoneWolf]

man.. Messi might not be fit enough to play every match or the whole 90 minutes - but he's by far our best chance of winning the world cup. can that kid play! and he's still a teenager.

whats ur opinion of Carlos Tevez and lastly what ever4 happened to the Japanese striker Wagner Lopes

[Takumaji]

Thats a tad harsh. Bayern Munich put lots of money and effort into their youth development and try to sing a lot of young players that have potential to grow. It's not like they run around trying to sign the best players from each country. Aside from Ballack most of their players were nobodies before signing with Munich or very young guys waiting to prove themselves. They are a far cry from teams like Real Madrid or Chelsea or Man U who try to buy champion league trophies.

Bayern München is like a money magnet, and some sort of black hole for every "better" player in the country.

Munich gets the stars, others have not-so-big stars, that's the problem. They get sponsored by the state, that's another problem.. sorry man, but a shareholder system should stay the fuck out of football.

Yeah, of course they do a lot for young players, but only if he is a promising enough for the club, not the sport/the league in general.

But I'm not against Munich per se (well... actually I am... I live in Nuremberg, that should tell you something... :) ) but the sellout of the sport in general.. I still enjoy watching matches and specially cup matches, as soon as the game is rolling I forget about all that bullshit that goes with it, but then the match is over and WHAM you will get flooded with beer ads, bullshit "expert" talk, money babble and whatnot... that's the part of football I really could live without.

Ah well, but that's kinda OT I guess...

[cafu1982]

bullshit

italy team is made of 100 % italian players

yes,even players from the southern part of the country but what can you do eh

they're still ITALIANS and they play for the ITALIAN team





WRONG. One word voids your whole argument: Camoranesi

[kobylka68]

Bayern München is like a money magnet, and some sort of black hole for every "better" player in the country.

Munich gets the stars, others have not-so-big stars, that's the problem. They get sponsored by the state, that's another problem.. sorry man, but a shareholder system should stay the fuck out of football.

Yeah, of course they do a lot for young players, but only if he is a promising enough for the club, not the sport/the league in general.

But I'm not against Munich per se (well... actually I am... I live in Nuremberg, that should tell you something... :) ) but the sellout of the sport in general.. I still enjoy watching matches and specially cup matches, as soon as the game is rolling I forget about all that bullshit that goes with it, but then the match is over and WHAM you will get flooded with beer ads, bullshit "expert" talk, money babble and whatnot... that's the part of football I really could live without.

Ah well, but that's kinda OT I guess...

Hehe like Lukas Podolski who Bayern signed today ;)

[Fran]

WRONG. One word voids your whole argument: Camoranesi

i don't consider camoranesi part of the team

i had totally forgotten about him,honestly

yes,i hope he won't play a single game

i hate his guts anyway

[CarlosZ]

Like I said in a previous thread.....Mexico is going to shock the world. :loco:


Agreed! :buttrock:

Yea...brazil looks really strong and their group is relatively easy for them.

[bloodhokuto]

Hehe like Lukas Podolski who Bayern signed today ;)


Silly question, when did Bayern Munich decide to call itself Munchen - or has it been that all along or something.

Why is it Munchen? What the heck is a Munchen? *

I'm sure there is another side that has done this as well.

* Ok so Munchen is the german word, but why do they alternate between munich and munchen? Munich sounds better anyways.



ohh yeah edit, the BM stadium totally rocks btw

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

Makes the new Wembley look like a piece of shite

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

Honestly the new Wembley despite being the most expensive stadium ever built can only old 90,000 and has a really useless looking loop around it. I hope it collapses ... again.

[Takumaji]

Bayern "Munich" is not correct, the club always was called Bayern München.

München is the name of the city and the name of the club, but for some strange reason German cities have different names abroad.

I never really got why, it's not our fault people can't pronounce the name. :mr_t:

Okay, the "ü" vowel AND the special "ch" is a bit much for Anglo-American tongues, probably that's why...

[bloodhokuto]

Bayern "Munich" is not correct, the club always was called Bayern München.

München is the name of the city and the name of the club, but for some strange reason German cities have different names abroad.

I never really got why, it's not our fault people can't pronounce the name. :mr_t:

Okay, the "ü" vowel AND the special "ch" is a bit much for Anglo-American tongues, probably that's why...


I see, it's a bit like how the French call London Londres.

Londres sounds awful actually.

Speaking about literal city changes, the Indians dropped Bombay for Mumbia - again that sounds shite. And China changed Peking to Beijing, now on that one Beijing does sound better.

Anyways, world cup, Rooney seems better, (till someone tackles him no doubt). Actually if he does play I imagine that he will be targetted.

Not that I am looing forward per se to the imminent heartbreak world cup that we will have no doubt. We have a strong squad, but it just doesnt seem to happen for us.

I so wish we hadn't won in '66, I get so sick of hearing about it.

How comes Fran is an ITI fan?

[ray_7]

You guys saw Crouch's dance celebration?

:chimp:

[Superfamifreak]

I'll be supporting Poland, but I know they won't get far :(

Other than them, other teams I'd like to see do well are the ones with Bolton players in the squad like:

Senegal: El Hadji Spit
Tunisia: Radhi Jaidi
Japan: Hidetoshi Nakata
Mexico: Jared Borgetti

[NeoCverA]

Is it over yet?
:kekeke:

[gmw]

You guys saw Crouch's dance celebration?

:chimp:

http://www.neo-geo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145484

[RAINBOW PONY]

Bayern "Munich" is not correct, the club always was called Bayern München.

München is the name of the city and the name of the club, but for some strange reason German cities have different names abroad.

I never really got why, it's not our fault people can't pronounce the name. :mr_t:

Okay, the "ü" vowel AND the special "ch" is a bit much for Anglo-American tongues, probably that's why...

You know what Americans call Köln? "Cologne".

[2point0]

I watched the last 40 minutes of the England - Jamaica game the other day and saw Peter Crouch in action for the first time. It is incredibly painful to watch him play. He works hard, but you can tell how hard he is working, which shows me a lack of athleticism. I suppose you can't argue with the results, 3 goals, but he looks so out of place and on top of that he got outjumped on long balls from the keeper.

I don't know how big the jamaican guy was, could've been 6'4" but looked small in comparison, and maybe it was late in the match, but I thought that he missed a lot of headers for a guy that tall. Goals are goals, I suppose, but I don't know that he's particularly directly dangerous. Maybe he's in the middle on corners and set plays as a distraction or the focus of attention.

I don't remember his first goal, but he mishit the second one and looks like he would have missed it if he wasn't already standing in the goal. I called his missed PK, which brought the best moment of the match was when the commentator said that the best thing about the miss is that we were spared of the goal celebration. And even Gavin has to agree that he gave a half-assed robot after the third goal. I thought his third goal was soft too. Good placement, but he struck it with the inside of his foot from outside the penalty area. Could be that the goalie didn't see it until it was too late, but I was surprised that it went in from that far out.

Granted, I haven't seen him play much, but those were my observations.

I still don't understand what's so good about the Neville Brothers. Will someone please explain to me why they get consideration for the national team.

And I didn't think Owen looked that good either. He looks like he's really relying on his speed, but he didn't look like he had it. Fortunately for England, their midfield is so strong and Lampard and Gerrard are capable of scoring. The defense is also pretty solid.

Groups C and E are the toughest, but at least group C gets to face group D for whoever makes it out of the group stage. Group E gets the Brazil group.

I'm hopeful for the US, but there's a real chance they can't win a game in the group stage.

I hear a lot about the lack of experience hurting the chances of certain teams such as Ghana and Ivory Coast from advancing. Those two teams happen to be in the toughest groups, but those two teams have players in the top levels of European Leagues. Does experience matter that much? I'm not so sure.

I'm going to have to get up early to watch these games.

[racecar]

...this WC belong to south america:chimp:

[jeff bogard]

Player wise, the reason I'll be rooting for the following teams:

argentina-tevez
mexico-kikin fonseca
Czchec republic-Baros/Nedved
Sweden-Larson (i believe its his final world cup)

those are so far my initial 4 ill be rooting for, i'll be making my further predictions after the end of the match for each group.

[complexs6]

Yes it does and it will belong to Argentina.

Chanting : "Argentina, Argentina, Argentina!!!"

[gmw]

It is incredibly painful to watch him play

I'm not really a big fan of Crouch, and I think that the Crouch lovefest of recent days is a bit funny. His goals against Jamaica weren't great, though he nabbed a cracking strike against Hungary.

I do think though, that people under-rate Crouch because of how awkward on the pitch he looks to the fans. That awkwardness is exactly what makes him fairly difficult to defend against - with his height you'd think he'd be an out-and-out target man in front of goal, but he plays in a quite withdrawn role from the center-forward usually. The entire "good feet for a big man" routine that media talking heads rehearse is quite mistaken, I think. He's got good feet and a nimble touch, period.

His height isn't really the thing - it's his weird gangly frame. It's hard to defend against because he doesn't behave on the pitch like you expect. He was quite a bit more impressive than any other forward this past season for Pool, mainly because he actually created space, unlike Cisse (apalling first touch), Morientes (needs perfect service through into the 6 yard box), and Fowler (doesn't work).

I like that Crouch knows that he's a peripheral player who gets shit on all the time by the fans, the media, and the pundits, but still works hard and tries to create. I loved the first Crouchatron celebration, because clearly no-one fancied his chances going into the match, and he rubbed it in the faces of the nay-sayers with a bit of self-parody.



I still don't understand what's so good about the Neville Brothers. Will someone please explain to me why they get consideration for the national team.


The Neviller gets a lot of stick, but I think he's been undeniably one of the better right-backs in the Premiership, and certainly around the England set-up. He's not a particularly good technical player, but he works hard, and plays well with El Golden Bollocks on the right channel. Phil's a different player, but he's versatile. Didn't have a terrible season with Everton. Can play a lot of positions around the back, and probably would have been better to take with the England set-up than Hargreaves.

Fuck all this talk about England though, I'm on the Angola bandwagon, bitches :cool:

[2point0]

Fair enough about the Nevilles and Crouch.

In Gary Neville's defense, he is a solid player and is able to make the overlapping run and cross often enough. Which is in contrast to our very own Frankie Hedjuk, who I think is the least skilled player to ever play in a world cup match. Sure the guy is fast, but he may be the world record holder for blocked passes in the history of all soccer above the grade school level.

I must be entertained with flashiness. Joga Bonito.



Fuck all this talk about England though, I'm on the Angola bandwagon, bitches :cool:

Angola? Shit, allegedly the unnumbered US team beat them. They had an early red card though...

The African teams are always fun to watch.

I want to see US results in Europe. We stunk it up in 90 and 98, 6 losses in 6 matches, I think.

[racecar]

Yes it does and it will belong to Argentina.

Chanting : "Argentina, Argentina, Argentina!!!"


...messi will continue to grow in the WC... and they'll DEFINITLY be better then last WC.. OMFG i was shock when the eliminated in the last WC.. time to bring out the old jersey


also i've spend $$$ in jerseys this week hope these team go a bit further like to the final16.. some i brought cause it looks good:emb:
germany( host)
englandx2( looks good)
brazil x2( my fav team)
argintinax2( one from the last WC.. never really got to wear it)

[skam]

Fortunately for England, their midfield is so strong and Lampard and Gerrard are capable of scoring. The defense is also pretty solid.



Centre midfield is probably our biggest problem area tbh, Lampard and Gerrard haven't yet really played well together and can leave us looking a bit soft centred when we play the top teams. Owen's only played a couple of games in about 6 months too so it's no wonder he's a bit off the pace. Still, my WC blinkers are firmly on so there's no point any else even turning up really.

Gary Neville's always been a bit of a figure of fun in England, but for all the ability he lacks I still think he's one of the best fullbacks around.

[ray_7]

So, is Rooney confirmed playing or not?

[complexs6]

Yea ray 7 yesterdays news is Rooney can play and he flew to be with his team, which I really hope goes against Argentina again.

[qube]

So....no talk of the USA team in this thread...

I don't follow football, like most people from the States, so excuse my ignorance, but, are we any good?

Does the USA team even stand to make it out of the early rounds? I plan on watching this year, but I know nothing about my team. I always root for the US in world events because it's where I live, but I know that historically we are not good at football/soccer.

Any chance in hell that we will make a decent showing?

[2point0]

So....no talk of the USA team in this thread...

I don't follow football, like most people from the States, so excuse my ignorance, but, are we any good?

Does the USA team even stand to make it out of the early rounds? I plan on watching this year, but I know nothing about my team. I always root for the US in world events because it's where I live, but I know that historically we are not good at football/soccer.

Any chance in hell that we will make a decent showing?

US has really improved since the world cup in 1990, but we're still middle of the pack when it comes to the World Cup Finals.

We have a few good players and most of them are young which helps. We even have players playing in the top levels of European professional soccer, which wasn't always the case. The US goalies are world class, but I'd rather not have them tested and prefer to have the defense make sure they don't have to show it.

At least now, the starting lineup doesn't have any gaping holes. We have capable options in defense and midfield and serviceable forwards. I'll be watching Bobby Convey, DeMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey and Oguchi Onyewu. Convey, Beasley and Dempsey are midfielders and Onyewu is a beast of a defender. If we had more of the athletes of Onyewu's calber playing defense for the US, we'd get a lot more respect and better results than we do now.

What sucks is that the team is stuck in a tough group. Italy is a traditional power, probably has the most recognizeable names and always in contention, but I think the Czech Republic might be the best team in the group. Ghana is an inexperienced team, but has a few very talented players. The reward for making it out of the tough first round, a possible match against the favorites Brazil.

The last time the US went into a world cup with such high expectations, France 98, they fell flat. In 2002, with low expectations, the US surprised everyone with a run to the quarterfinals and were able to play even with Germany for most of that quarterfinal match.

This team is better than both of the last two teams, but you just never know. It is possible that the US makes it out of the first round, but it is also very possible that the US finishes last in the group as well. On paper, unlike past world cups, we do have a chance against any team in the finals, that says a lot.

And we got a really good coach.

Writing this makes me a little more optimistic about our chances.

19 hours left.

[cafu1982]

Yea ray 7 yesterdays news is Rooney can play and he flew to be with his team, which I really hope goes against Argentina again.

i feel sorry for rooney, so much pressure on his shoulders, he's still young, he's not the best nor the worst player in the world. This is only going to end in disappointment. I blame the english media.

how many times will english commentators mention "1966" in each of england's world cup matches? :rolleyes:

[RAINBOW PONY]

USA is damn lucky they are even in the World Cup, because all they had in their group bracket was a bunch of jobber nations and mexico.

[2point0]

USA is damn lucky they are even in the World Cup, because all they had in their group bracket was a bunch of jobber nations and mexico.

What about the Asian countries and Australia?

What about the Germans...or any Euopean team that was in an easy qualifying group?

Every region has its share of crap teams.

Also, both Mexico and US made it to the knockout stages at the last WC, which means they were better than some of the teams there last time.

[complexs6]

qube, Yes the USA has a chance and I will watch every game. I think they made it to the Quarter Finals against Germany and only lost by one goal and they should have got a Penalty but the damn ref didnt give it to them and the US players were pissed. I was too.

Go to worldcup.com and see the 2002 Korea/Japan video highlight clip its good.

[skam]

how many times will english commentators mention "1966" in each of england's world cup matches? :rolleyes:

are you scotch?

[cafu1982]

are you scotch?

no, but I think the english media put an unfair amount of pressure on the team to win the tournament when they are a slightly above average team that will probably not win the WC rooney or not (he's good but ain't no maradona).

[cafu1982]

USA is damn lucky they are even in the World Cup, because all they had in their group bracket was a bunch of jobber nations and mexico.

the worst (best) example of this is Saudi Arabia - they make it every time yet they're utterly crap - watch them get thrashed again.

[Takumaji]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

it's friday June 9th, 5 minutes past midnight over here, in 18 hours we will see the opening match Germany vs. Costa Rica at the Allianz Arena in München (Munich)!

Ballack won't play the match but I guess that's not really necessary in this case... anyway, I hope we see some cool matches and lotsa goals, so...

...World Cup 2006, here we go!!

[complexs6]

no, but I think the english media put an unfair amount of pressure on the team to win the tournament when they are a slightly above average team that will probably not win the WC rooney or not (he's good but ain't no maradona).

Yep neither is Owen, like I been saying he aint even a twinkle in Maradona's eye lol.

[RAINBOW PONY]

What about the Asian countries and Australia?

What about the Germans...or any Euopean team that was in an easy qualifying group?

Every region has its share of crap teams.

Also, both Mexico and US made it to the knockout stages at the last WC, which means they were better than some of the teams there last time.

I have no idea why Mexico got in there, but come no, the US team is comprised of whatever people had no pride in their own nations, and could be bought out to play on the US team.

[norton9478]

I never understood the Draw of the World cup until I saw the Baseball World Classic Last year.....

[2point0]

I have no idea why Mexico got in there, but come no, the US team is comprised of whatever people had no pride in their own nations, and could be bought out to play on the US team.

name the players you're referring to on the US squad.

and didn't this come up with Italy earlier in this thread? what about France, Germany, Angola, Dutch, others?

[racecar]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

it's friday June 9th, 5 minutes past midnight over here, in 18 hours we will see the opening match Germany vs. Costa Rica at the Allianz Arena in München (Munich)!

Ballack won't play the match but I guess that's not really necessary in this case... anyway, I hope we see some cool matches and lotsa goals, so...

...World Cup 2006, here we go!!


that stadium is awsome just saw it on the preview show:chimp:

[gmw]

I have no idea why Mexico got in there, but come no, the US team is comprised of whatever people had no pride in their own nations, and could be bought out to play on the US team.

You have literally no idea what you're talking about.

As is evident in every single thread you show up in, you're a fucking moron living in Mom's basement with your alter-nerd-ego EVIL NICK (love all the caps, faggots).

I suppose you're still jerking it to still shots of Puskas....

[jeff bogard]

I have no idea why Mexico got in there, but come no, the US team is comprised of whatever people had no pride in their own nations, and could be bought out to play on the US team.

I used to think the same thing.

Except, considering intl. US relationships, the players have to deal with the rest of the world hating them every time they play outside the US, and even here @ home. So, trust me they love their country.

What do you mean by no idea why mexico got in there? were you referring to the general comment (by bringing up mexico)?

[norton9478]

I've got my Money on ArhenTina...

They have a super kick that goes all the way to to the back corner of the field, then straight for the goal...

All the USA has is a kick that deflates the ball and bounces across the field.... Sometimes it even bounces over the goal.

[norton9478]

I have no idea why Mexico got in there, but come no, the US team is comprised of whatever people had no pride in their own nations, and could be bought out to play on the US team.

I'm suprised that we couldn't just get the Mexicans to play for us....

[RAINBOW PONY]

I'm actually hoping Germany wins the whole thing.

GO GEERMANY

[RAINBOW PONY]

I used to think the same thing.

Except, considering intl. US relationships, the players have to deal with the rest of the world hating them every time they play outside the US, and even here @ home. So, trust me they love their country.

Hahaha I saw that once, Some Italian player on another nation's team got yelled at constantly by Team Italy, and some wanted to pick fights with him.


What do you mean by no idea why mexico got in there? were you referring to the general comment (by bringing up mexico)?

I mean how they got so far into the Cup. Who knew Mexico can play Footy that well?

[racecar]

I'm suprised that we couldn't just get the Mexicans to play for us....


..i think thats one thing the us can't buy... south american take pride into the fifa world cup it's like their olympic/sport...... it's all they have left

[complexs6]

Its all they have (Period). Every since the 1900 England introduced soccer to south american and it caught on big.

I do remember Argentina winning the Olympics in Basketball, lol.

[Takumaji]

I also hope Germany will win but that's not very likely.

And yeah, technically the Allianz Arena is an awesome stadium but to be honest I don't like the white outer ring, it gives the whole thing an almost claustrophobic look, even tho you don't have this impression when you're inside. I've been to several league matches there and it was cool, but I prefer the old Olympia Stadion with its web-like roof, it's more elegant if you know what I mean.

[RAINBOW PONY]

I also hope Germany will win but that's not very likely.

Germany has won before, even though back then they were juggernauts...bitch.

How are the Netherlands, Serbia & Montenegro, Ukraine, Croatia and Czech teams? Are they good?

[The Legendary LoneWolf]

I also hope Germany will win but that's not very likely.

And yeah, technically the Allianz Arena is an awesome stadium but to be honest I don't like the white outer ring, it gives the whole thing an almost claustrophobic look, even tho you don't have this impression when you're inside. I've been to several league matches there and it was cool, but I prefer the old Olympia Stadion with its web-like roof, it's more elegant if you know what I mean.

Th Germans have been runners up 4 times and winners 3 times, as I always believe you can never write of the Germans

Unless you watch V for Victory cause lets be realistic who could beat Sly Stallone when he's in goal

[SNKJorge]

Does anyone have a link to a website of the games to be shown
US's tv channels?

[Takumaji]

I don't write our lads off, the crowd will give them a big push, that's for sure... a cheering crowd of fans does wonders to the game of a team, so who knows, perhaps there will be another 2002-style final Germany vs Brazil... would be cool, the last one was a very nice game, even tho Brazil won.

The Dutch team is good, albeit not on the level they were a few years ago, at least that's my impression I got from their test matches. Still, they're a very strong opponent with good and very quick players. Germany - Holland matches always are special... and the Dutch know how to party, I was in Holland during World Cup 2002 and the soccer parties there were fantastic.

Serbia and Montenegro is powerful ("the stamina stars") but they aren't very good technicians, which will give them a hard time against technical teams like Czech Republic and the Africans. I rank the Czechs very highly, perhaps not on top position but they have excellent players and "player directors".

Hrvatska!! Heh, well, I like the fresh Croatian football... they don't seem fit enough for the cup, tho, statistics give them a big thumbs down.

Ukraine... well... they play Polish/Russian-style football, strong with lots of body contact, they suck at technical offense but have a good defense and keeper.

[cafu1982]

Does anyone have a link to a website of the games to be shown
US's tv channels?

http://www.soccertv.com/wc-us.cfm

[The Legendary LoneWolf]

I want to see Argentina vs Germany in the finals again, tag line would

Argentina won it in 1986 and Germany won it in 1990 but this time there wont be a next time

[RAINBOW PONY]

I don't write our lads off, the crowd will give them a big push, that's for sure... a cheering crowd of fans does wonders to the game of a team, so who knows, perhaps there will be another 2002-style final Germany vs Brazil... would be cool, the last one was a very nice game, even tho Brazil won.

The Dutch team is good, albeit not on the level they were a few years ago, at least that's my impression I got from their test matches. Still, they're a very strong opponent with good and very quick players. Germany - Holland matches always are special... and the Dutch know how to party, I was in Holland during World Cup 2002 and the soccer parties there were fantastic.

Serbia and Montenegro is powerful ("the stamina stars") but they aren't very good technicians, which will give them a hard time against technical teams like Czech Republic and the Africans. I rank the Czechs very highly, perhaps not on top position but they have excellent players and "player directors".

Hrvatska!! Heh, well, I like the fresh Croatian football... they don't seem fit enough for the cup, tho, statistics give them a big thumbs down.

Ukraine... well... they play Polish/Russian-style football, strong with lots of body contact, they suck at technical offense but have a good defense and keeper.

Thanks for the info, I hope S&M get a win or two. :)

[complexs6]

Kick off in a few seconds, I hope its going to be a great World Cup 2006

[complexs6]

Great goal by Germany, I still think they got an easy group, lol. I hope they go against the US and Argentina in this World Cup.

& a Great goal by Costa Rica, GO COSTA RICA lol.

[Argentina94]

Despite the victory and the score, Germany did not look very impressive. They have too many holes on defense, something the addition of Ballack won't remedy.

Costa Rica had a good chance but they are not elite competition. I don't like Germany's chances should they advance to the knock out stage.

[gmw]

Germany looked shaky at times, but those were cracking goals from Lahm and Frings. Wanchope looked offside for Costa Rica's first. Great match to start things off for 2006 though!

[complexs6]

Yea I also think Germany didnt play a great game. I dont think they will get to the Finals but who knows. I wanna se Argentina play saturdays.

[DevilRedeemed]

impressed with the long range shots (1st and 4th german goal) - it's good to see them being able to keep the ball down and on target.
as far as Wanchope being offside - probably marginally, and therefore, in my personal estimation, it was allowable if only because the ref called it as he saw it and it wasn't a gross mistake on his part, only a missjudgement. Wanchope showed his stuff though. quite admirable. who would have thought it? the way he moved the ball reminded me of the Colombians (Asprilla in particular - great player) all those years back, when they where a great team. I hope he continues to shine and gets back to playing european league football.
very nice pitches these btw. ball moves around quickly. it's going to be a great tournament, suprised to be saying this. great first match (if inconsistent).

[cafu1982]

ref was good apart from that painfully obvious offside (Costa Rica's 2nd goal), but thats the risk you take for playing offside trap.

6 goals in one match, wow, i hope thats a sign of things to come, exciting stuff, probably helps that this new "seamless" ball is so unpredictable for goalkeepers to deal with.

[Kirk Foiden]

I mean how they got so far into the Cup. Who knew Mexico can play Footy that well?

The US knew, that's who. :)

Then again, a lot of people look good when you're in the US.

But seriously, I never thought Mexico wasn't a contender. They definitely have some good achievements under their belt. They're more dangerous than some people make them out to be.

[racecar]

....it's 23:min into the poland and eccudor( game ... they just score..


POLAND IS PLAY LIKE SHIT.. can 't link pass's they are gonna loose

[racecar]

...how thw security in this tournament??

[racecar]

poland need to learn how to pass...( triangle.. then expand).. they are running into each others passing lane:oh_no:


.. the jpn ref is doing a good job .. he not calling the sissy dives by the polish players.. fuck diver should just get thew boot out of this turnament.... can't wait to see cristianado ronaldo's oscar performace:rolleyes:

[qube]

That 4th German goal was awesome!

I think that I would like footie more if all games were like the opener today. Keep in mind, I know absolutely nothing about the sport, but that was a fun game to watch. A decent amount of early scoring got me into it, then the long defensive holds, then more scoring near the end.

I have a question though. What constitutes an off-sides penalty? Is it when the attackers are near the goalbox before the defensive players are?

Sorry for the stupid question...but I can't seem to understand what exactly an offsides is :spock:

[racecar]

european football have turn many players into divers:kekeke:

[racecar]

That 4th German goal was awesome!



Sorry for the stupid question...but I can't seem to understand what exactly an offsides is :spock:

. What constitutes an off-sides penalty? Is when the attackers are near'er to the the goalbox then the defensive player befor the ball is being passed into the offensive player
.. it's a really close call to make.. it's up to the lines man with the flag( they usually stay/moving with the last line of defence )

[cafu1982]

. What constitutes an off-sides penalty? Is when the attackers are near'er to the the goalbox then the defensive player befor the ball is being passed into the offensive player
.. it's a really close call to make.. it's up to the lines man with the flag( they usually stay/moving with the last line of defence )

basically. if any attacking player is closer to the goal line than any defending player the moment the attacking team passes the ball is deemed offside.

Yes its true, the linesman was probably asleep on that one.

[2point0]

I have a question though. What constitutes an off-sides penalty? Is it when the attackers are near the goalbox before the defensive players are?

Sorry for the stupid question...but I can't seem to understand what exactly an offsides is :spock:

Generally, there must be two defending players between the attacking player and the goal before the ball is passed to the attacking player. It's usually the goalie and a defender. The rule discourages the attacking player "cherry picking" right in front of the goal.

There are some recent modifications to the rule as far as whether the player in the "offside position" is participating in the play or some other crap that I haven't kept up with.

Pretty much the guy can't camp out in front of the goal with the goalie and wait to receive the ball. The infraction doesn't actually occur until the ball is played to the attacking player who is in the offside position.

It is not a silly question, but I think I might have just confused you even more...

I think you could even google it for video examples and interpretations.

[sameh903]

two thumps up for germany, the last goal was soo impressive. even though, they had some holes in the defense, but they were good.

Poland, suck allll the way, they deserve the lose. very slow, i was expecting a lot from them, but they disappointed me so much.

England and Argentina, play tommorow, we will see how it goes.

so ready up :D

[racecar]

England and Argentina, play tommorow, we will see how it goes.

so ready up :D

will we see
- the hands of GOD- in this match:kekeke:

when ever i see egland and argintina in the same sentence ..i keep seeing that scene in my mind:tickled:

[complexs6]

WTF - Bullsh!t, I never knew some players werent even born in the country they play for what the hell is up with this crap. I made a very short list of two, one is a German and the other an Ivory Coast player. I cant believe this, can one say I want to play for another country because my roots were from there, lol? This made me disappointed I wouldnt want any player who aint from the US to play on the US team same goes for any other country like Argentina.

From fifaworldcup.com -
Germany - 11 KLOSE Miroslav - Born in Oppeln in Poland
Ivory Coast - 20 DEMEL Guy - French,born

[qube]

My wife is of Polish descent, so I watched the second game today too. Not near as interesting as the first game. I was hoping Poland would win...but apparently they are not very good :(

[RAINBOW PONY]

brasil bitches :drool:

[Takumaji]

That 4th German goal was awesome!

I think that I would like footie more if all games were like the opener today. Keep in mind, I know absolutely nothing about the sport, but that was a fun game to watch. A decent amount of early scoring got me into it, then the long defensive holds, then more scoring near the end.

That's the thing, most matches are not as scoring-intensive as this one. It was the opening match with the most goals in the history of the world cup, that should tell you something. :)

Football has become more offensive and faster over the past 20 years, it was a lot more technical back in the 1970s and 80s, and many teams (including the German team) still played a very defensive game in the 90s, this makes for not-so-hot matches to watch but if you grew up with football like me, you see these things with different eyes.

It's probably the same situation with me and American Football, I watched several matches and occasionally check out Super Bowl on TV (well, if I can find coverage of it on German TV that is...),but even tho I know the rules by now and got the general picture of the US leagues and all that jazz, I still have absolutely no clue about players, teams, all that background which basically makes the sport. That's because we live in different "mass sports hemispheres", you have full daily coverage of Football, Baseball and Basketball while on Euro TV, all you see is football, racing sports and athletics.

Ah well... yeah, Frings's goal as AMAZING, a very precise and unstoppable upper-right bomb.

The match itself was so-so, as mentioned by others, our defense was very weak and badly coordinated, and that's not because Ballack didn't play, it's a consequence of coach Klinsmann's overly offensive style. I mean, scoring is good and all but if you can't keep your box clean you won't stand a chance against better teams than Costa Rica.

Perhaps they should bring back Oliver Kahn, he wasn't as good in the last matches as he was before but he knew how to keep the defensive players together and on their toes, that's something Lehmann is not very good at.

yeah...

On thursday next week England will play vs.Trinidad-Tobago in my hometown Nürnberg! I have no tickets but will be there, there's a huge open-air screen where they show the game during a match party, will be great I guess... looking forward to meet some fans from abroad at the fan party... see you at the "house of 20 beers"! :drool:

.

A word on Miroslav Klose, yeah, he was born in Oppeln but his parents and grandparents where Germans, they lived in Schlesien/Ostpreussen which was part of Germany before WW2, so technically he's a German with Polish roots. "Oppeln" is the old German name of the now Polish city Opole, btw.

[2point0]

WTF - Bullsh!t, I never knew some players werent even born in the country they play for what the hell is up with this crap. I made a very short list of two, one is a German and the other an Ivory Coast player. I cant believe this, can one say I want to play for another country because my roots were from there, lol? This made me disappointed I wouldnt want any player who aint from the US to play on the US team same goes for any other country like Argentina.

From fifaworldcup.com -
Germany - 11 KLOSE Miroslav - Born in Oppeln in Poland
Ivory Coast - 20 DEMEL Guy - French,born

It's very common for people to play for countries other than the ones they were born and/or raised in.

A lot of the dutch players from previous world cups were from former Dutch territories like Kluivert and Seedorf, I think. There are a couple of Brazillians who play for countries other than Brazil. The French have a lot of players from former territories as well.

Prior to this world cup, especially in 94 and 98, the US had a lot of imports such as Earnie Stewart, Thomas Dooley and some other people I can't remember. It's only recently that we have enough home grown talent that we don't rely on the loose rules for national team affiliations. There are certain restrictions on playing for different national teams after a certain age though.

Ryan Giggs played youth international soccer for England, but now plays for Wales. There was some big deal about a player attempting to become a naturalized Dutch citizen in order to play for the Dutch in the world cup.

I don't think it's that big a deal. Espceially since the US is founded and made up by transplants.

If you were a soccer player and you had a choice to play for the US or Argentina, would it be that easy a decision for you?

[gmw]

Disgusting first half from Paraguay - diving, cheating, dirty degenerates.

The referee's comical too: absurd fouls called against Crouchie, no yellow for Paredes in that challenge on Stevie G.

Fuck this Paraguay team, I hope they get steamrolled.

[gmw]

Valdez looks like a fantastic player though - any Werder fans around who can comment?

[gmw]

Paredes = completely typical cheating cunt, can't stand this primadonna douchebag.

[Takumaji]

Well, that sure wasn't the best England can do.

Makes me wonder why they pay Beckham so much money, eh.

[kaos]

Disgusting first half from Paraguay - diving, cheating, dirty degenerates.


lol
that's not the Gavin that I know. Chill out man;)

to be honest, England played one of the worst matches of the last...umm...4 years
yeah they can do better, but without Rooney I really dont know how can they even score a goal.


Makes me wonder why they pay Beckham so much money, eh.

for the same reason why they still have the fucking Queen:D

[kobylka68]

Well, that sure wasn't the best England can do.

Makes me wonder why they pay Beckham so much money, eh.

The sad truth of it might is that england probably won't play much better in their other games. They didn't look good at all. They just took advantage of a couple of mistakes in the firs thalf by paraguay and in the second half they spent most of their time on their back foot trying to defend.

[zer0hue]

The England match was a snooze-fest. By contrast, the first half of the Sweden vs. T&T game has been surprisingly engaging for what was billed as a lop-sided match-up...

[racecar]

[QUOTE=Takumaji

Makes me wonder why they pay Beckham so much money, eh.[/QUOTE]


it's all hype

anyway i just won some money cause england can't win by 3 goals:kekeke: :chimp: ...c'mon argintina i will make some arcade gear dough$.. if argintina wins their match win the ivory coast by 3 goals: praying:

[kobylka68]

A 10 man Trinidad team beating Sweden would be a sight to see. Sweden can't seem to get their act together.

[racecar]

A 10 man Trinidad team beating Sweden would be a sight to see. Sweden can't seem to get their act together.

it's a upset in the making( even if it's a draw)

ok on the side note.. are those pollens or paper or bug's in the air in the stadium??:annoyed:

[kobylka68]

it's a upset in the making( even if it's a draw)

ok on the side note.. are those pollens or paper or bug's in the air in the stadium??:annoyed:


Thats very true. If sweden don't win it's their own fault. They had a lot of great chances.

I was wondering about that stuff floating around too. Looks a little like ash but there aren't any fireworks or flares going anywhere.

[Takumaji]

Wow, Trinidad+Tobago vs. Sweden 0:0... I'm mildly amazed by Trinidad to be honest.

Look out England, they won't give you an easy match! :)

[kobylka68]

Wow, Trinidad+Tobago vs. Sweden 0:0... I'm mildly amazed by Trinidad to be honest.

Look out England, they won't give you an easy match! :)

Oh yeah that just makes the tournament for them. T&T deserved that win. That goalie was phenominal too considering he found out he was playing just 10 minutes before the game. Sweden has a lot of improving too do because if they play that way that paraguay and england will just have their way with them.

[zer0hue]

Anyone who didn’t watch the Trinidad & Tobago match (as I almost didn’t) missed something pretty incredible...

[Takumaji]

Oh yeah that just makes the tournament for them. T&T deserved that win. That goalie was phenominal too considering he found out he was playing just 10 minutes before the game. Sweden has a lot of improving too do because if they play that way that paraguay and england will just have their way with them.

The Swedes play overly predictable and aren't the fastest it seems, they definitely have to improve their offense.

There will be a mega party on the Trinidad and Tobago islands tonight...

[RAINBOW PONY]

I was terribly disappointed in the Sweden team.

Even with 10 players on the Trinidad team they could not muster a single goal.

[zer0hue]

The Swedes play overly predictable and aren't the fastest it seems, they definitely have to improve their offense.
The odd part was, I didn’t think Sweden played that poorly. They had tons of great shots on goal and possession was overwhelmingly in their favor. I think T&T just came up big, especially with just 10 men. My hats off to them...

[deathknight]

T&T fan!!!
Of course the Dutch will win tomorrow.. I hope:chimp:

[kobylka68]

The odd part was, I didn’t think Sweden played that poorly. They had tons of great shots on goal and possession was overwhelmingly in their favor. I think T&T just came up big, especially with just 10 men. My hats off to them...

The problem was in the first half sweden tried to get a really pretty goal and didn't take the shots when they had them. Then in the second half they took whatever shots they could but by then T&T was in defensive mode due to losing a player and their goalie was amazing and saved everything and the swedes couldn't pick up a single rebound.

[racecar]

.. good half for argintina.:buttrock:

[kobylka68]

It was one of those halves were either team could have had more goals. Ivory Coast could easily come back the way they are playing. Best game of the day I have to say.

[racecar]

It was one of those halves were either team could have had more goals. Ivory Coast could easily come back the way they are playing. Best game of the day I have to say.


definitly.. i still think they should have a camera/replay on the goal by argintina that was clearly pass the line.... if the ivory coast come back in draw/win this games then i'll be pissed:cool:

[DevilRedeemed]

It was one of those halves were either team could have had more goals. Ivory Coast could easily come back the way they are playing. Best game of the day I have to say.

big difference is that Ivory Coast has no striker worthy of finishing what they start - Argentina has alot of goal hungry players. that's the biggest difference.
also take into account we actually scored a third goal (ball crossed the line, the goalie pulled it back - the linesman is fucking blind). still, would like Argentina to play far better than this.

[kobylka68]

big difference is that Ivory Coast has no striker worthy of finishing what they start - Argentina has alot of goal hungry players. that's the biggest difference.
also take into account we actually scored a third goal (ball crossed the line, the goalie pulled it back - the linesman is fucking blind). still, would like Argentina to play far better than this.

Ivory Coast might not have the big player names aside from toure and drogba but they do seem to be very hungry for the win. I expected Ivory Coast to play defensive but they really stepped up and took this game to argentina. This should be a great second half. If Ivory Coast step up and get a goal then it's anyone's game but if Argentina score the next goal then it's pretty much done.

[racecar]

...fuck .. argintina should keep attacking instead they are playing so passive:blow_top:
dammit hope they can score a few more

[kobylka68]

This is horseshit. This referee is so favoring argentina it's not even funny. Unlikely that ivory coast can score one more but I really wish they would.

I counted 3 dives by argentians that got free kicks for them and about 4 times that drogba was literally tackled without any call whatsoever. Before the world cup started Argentina was my pick to win it all and after seeing this game my hope is that someone just eliminates them as fast as possible.

[kaos]

AR-GEN-TINA!!!!!
AR-GEN-TINA!!!!!

:emb:

[DevilRedeemed]

This is horseshit. This referee is so favoring argentina it's not even funny. Unlikely that ivory coast can score one more but I really wish they would.

I counted 3 dives by argentians that got free kicks for them and about 4 times that drogba was literally tackled without any call whatsoever. Before the world cup started Argentina was my pick to win it all and after seeing this game my hope is that someone just eliminates them as fast as possible.

dude, do you watch the sport often? no offence ment, but that's how the sport is played - did you see the ivory coast player handball the ball in the first half when it was crossed in? or the ball that went across the line that the goalie pulled out - and the ref did nothing? it's just the way it goes.

[Takumaji]

Argentina - Ivory Coast was nice, the Africans sort of overwhelmed Argentina with their almost hysterical gameplay at first, then after the 2nd goal they cooled down a bit. The goal for Ivory was well-deserved IMO, it was really a piece of hard work.

If Ivory Coast had a tad more cup experience, the game would have ended differently I guess, Argentina played good but they weren't top, there still is room for improvement.

All in all a good day, wasn't it. At least it showed us some of those teams called outsiders aren't so far out as it seems, the Trinidad-Tobago match is a good example for that.

[kobylka68]

dude, do you watch the sport often? no offence ment, but that's how the sport is played - did you see the ivory coast player handball the ball in the first half when it was crossed in? or the ball that went across the line that the goalie pulled out - and the ref did nothing? it's just the way it goes.

Just because thats how the game is played doesn't mean it should be played that much. Teams dive when they are losing to help get field position or if there is a dirty player or the other team is playing dirty and the ref isn't calling anything then they try to get the refs attention. But Argentina was winning and Ivory Coast played a fair and solid match. There was absolutely no call whatsoever for the crap that argentina was pulling. Argentina deserved to win but Ivory Coast didn't deserve to lose that way.

[Mushiki]

Just because thats how the game is played doesn't mean it should be played that much. Teams dive when they are losing to help get field position or if there is a dirty player or the other team is playing dirty and the ref isn't calling anything then they try to get the refs attention. But Argentina was winning and Ivory Coast played a fair and solid match. There was absolutely no call whatsoever for the crap that argentina was pulling. Argentina deserved to win but Ivory Coast didn't deserve to lose that way.

The match could have ended 4 to 1, or at least 3 to 1.

[DevilRedeemed]

Argentina - Ivory Coast was nice, the Africans sort of overwhelmed Argentina with their almost hysterical gameplay at first, then after the 2nd goal they cooled down a bit. The goal for Ivory was well-deserved IMO, it was really a piece of hard work.

If Ivory Coast had a tad more cup experience, the game would have ended differently I guess, Argentina played good but they weren't top, there still is room for improvement.

All in all a good day, wasn't it. At least it showed us some of those teams called outsiders aren't so far out as it seems, the Trinidad-Tobago match is a good example for that.

I agree with you. I'm dissapointed with Argentina's output. around '92 when Batistuta started playing and upto the '94 world cup was the last time I felt Argentina was a great team.
I do blame the successive coaches Argentina has had though, plus the bs that is AFA and the man behind it, Grondona (president of AFA - Argentine football asociation) - to some extent.
I personally don't see why Argentina is rated so highly - they don't deserve to be, even though we have a couple of excellent players. people are still clinging on to Maradona's Argentine football. that was a veritable one off.
as it stands I don't see the team making it too far if they don't change some things around - and I doubt they will.
last world cup we didn't even make it out of the first stage - a joke - but it showed what we where about as a team. no spirit.

and to hear the commentators talk over here is so damn irritating. not only are they ignorant to the extreme - they are also full of shit and should try and be a little more objective. I prefer the brittish commentators by a mile, even with their bias and quircks.

[complexs6]

agree with you. I'm dissapointed with Argentina's output. around '92 when Batistuta started playing and upto the '94 world cup was the last time I felt Argentina was a great team.
I do blame the successive coaches Argentina has had though, plus the bs that is AFA and the man behind it, Grondona (president of AFA - Argentine football asociation) - to some extent.
I personally don't see why Argentina is rated so highly - they don't deserve to be, even though we have a couple of excellent players. people are still clinging on to Maradona's Argentine football. that was a veritable one off.
as it stands I don't see the team making it too far if they don't change some things around - and I doubt they will.
last world cup we didn't even make it out of the first stage - a joke - but it showed what we where about as a team. no spirit.

and to hear the commentators talk over here is so damn irritating. not only are they ignorant to the extreme - they are also full of shit and should try and be a little more objective. I prefer the brittish commentators by a mile, even with their bias and quircks.

Haha, Your part Argentinian and you dont know, lol. I think the reason why they are rated high is because how big soccer is down there at the club level. Argentina has done alot in prior world cups and is one of the few countries to have won it on their own home. They were in ther final in the first world cup against uruagy and they lost and one big thing is they have been champs in the U-20 level.

I think the game was great in the first half but Argentina should have played better in the second half. The ref did some bad calls but thats soccer look at the sweden and trinidad tobago game that asian ref was horrible. (I think he was asian) Argentina has to prove themselves in this world cup after getting kicked out for losing in the first round in the last world cup. One thing Argentina has is overall average players none of them are a Maradona or even a Batistuta, Requelme is great at doing assist and thats what Argentina needs to worry about but dont get me wrong he can kick goals from far as fuk away too. Everyone expects alot from Argentina because Argentina expects alot from their national team. Its just that simple. When your Argentinian you expect alot from them I know because I am one.

Cant wait to see Messi in action though.

[RAINBOW PONY]

I officially hate the Japanese Referee.

He completely disregarded blatant roughhousing by Ecuador players, not even stopping the game at times.

Ecuador was just plain shoving Polish players down with no disregard, but when the Pole got fed up and gave it back, he got a yellow card for that.

[complexs6]

Oh and the goal that Argentina was robbed was a goal if it wasnt a goal then that goal England did to Germany in the Final of 1966 wasn't a goal and Germany deserved to win. It went in the goal more than the england goal.

[DevilRedeemed]

just to clear things up - Argentina won in 76 at home - during a dictatorship. it should never have been played here back then, there was some crazy shit going on, even whilst the matches where being played above ground on the pitch, downstairs the military was holding people it would then torture and execute/dispose of their bodies. I don't count that world cup as legit personally so whatever.
I'm 100% Argentinian - I was born here, but grew up in the UK.
I expect alot from Argentina. I'm just highly critical of them because I can't say we are anywhere near as good as Brazil for instance - and we definetly should be.

[kobylka68]

just to clear things up - Argentina won in 76 at home - during a dictatorship. it should never have been played here back then, there was some crazy shit going on, even whilst the matches where being played above ground on the pitch, downstairs the military was holding people it would then torture and execute/dispose of their bodies. I don't count that world cup as legit personally so whatever.
I'm 100% Argentinian - I was born here, but grew up in the UK.
I expect alot from Argentina. I'm just highly critical of them because I can't say we are anywhere near as good as Brazil for instance - and we definetly should be.

I think argentina can be as good or better than brazil right now. They have the talent they just need the passion which was lacking today. But then again they weren't the only team that disappointed in their first game. Sweden, Poland and even England were very disappointing.

[complexs6]

just to clear things up - Argentina won in 76 at home - during a dictatorship. it should never have been played here back then, there was some crazy shit going on, even whilst the matches where being played above ground on the pitch, downstairs the military was holding people it would then torture and execute/dispose of their bodies. I don't count that world cup as legit personally so whatever.
I'm 100% Argentinian - I was born here, but grew up in the UK.
I expect alot from Argentina. I'm just highly critical of them because I can't say we are anywhere near as good as Brazil for instance - and we definetly should be.

Haha, They won at home in 1978 because the World Cup is every 4 years and the last one was in 1974 in Germany, go look it up if you dont know so I wouldnt talk if its going to be half assed. So what about the dictatorship? That was a World Cup and you better count that because FIFA does and I think they are the ones who make the World Cup, lol. You aint 100% Argentinian if you dont know Argentina beat Brazil to qualify for the World Cup and we are just as good as any other team and how cant you count the World Cup of 1978 personally lol it was one of the best of all time, next thing you will say is Maradona sucks and we didnt win in 1986. Oh sorry you think its 1984 hahahaha looks like you dont know the years the World Cup was played and who won. You can find all this information out at fifaworldcup.com go visit it and learn about 1978 which you obviously dont know sh!t about.

And the dicatorship and murder of thousands is horrible but it doesnt represent every Argentian thats only a few pieces of shit that were with Jorge Rafael Videla the dictator that did those things.

P.S. DevilRedeemed dont take it personally I'm just fuking with you I dont try to start sh!t it just happens, lol.

[DevilRedeemed]

Haha, They won at home in 1978 because the World Cup is every 4 years and the last one was in 1974 in Germany, go look it up if you dont know so I wouldnt talk if its going to be half assed. So what about the dictatorship? That was a World Cup and you better count that because FIFA does and I think they are the ones who make the World Cup, lol. You aint 100% Argentinian if you dont know Argentina beat Brazil to qualify for the World Cup and we are just as good as any other team and how cant you count the World Cup of 1978 personally lol it was one of the best of all time, next thing you will say is Maradona sucks and we didnt win in 1986. Oh sorry you think its 1984 hahahaha looks like you dont know the years the World Cup was played and who won. You can find all this information out at fifaworldcup.com go visit it and learn about 1978 which you obviously dont know sh!t about.

And the dicatorship and murder of thousands is horrible but it doesnt represent every Argentian thats only a few pieces of shit that were with Jorge Rafael Videla the dictator that did those things.

P.S. DevilRedeemed dont take it personally I'm just fuking with you I dont try to start sh!t it just happens, lol.
it's cool man. I was born in 76 that's why I got my shit the wrong way round. lol.
I know Argentine football from watching it, and I know football from playing it alot. but you got me. I don't know shit about 78 - but I stand by what I said - I don't care about the 78 world cup. sorry. you don't need to agree with me, it's just a point of view.

[Mushiki]

Haha, They won at home in 1978 because the World Cup is every 4 years and the last one was in 1974 in Germany, go look it up if you dont know so I wouldnt talk if its going to be half assed. So what about the dictatorship? That was a World Cup and you better count that because FIFA does and I think they are the ones who make the World Cup, lol. You aint 100% Argentinian if you dont know Argentina beat Brazil to qualify for the World Cup and we are just as good as any other team and how cant you count the World Cup of 1978 personally lol it was one of the best of all time, next thing you will say is Maradona sucks and we didnt win in 1986. Oh sorry you think its 1984 hahahaha looks like you dont know the years the World Cup was played and who won. You can find all this information out at fifaworldcup.com go visit it and learn about 1978 which you obviously dont know sh!t about.

And the dicatorship and murder of thousands is horrible but it doesnt represent every Argentian thats only a few pieces of shit that were with Jorge Rafael Videla the dictator that did those things.

P.S. DevilRedeemed dont take it personally I'm just fuking with you I dont try to start sh!t it just happens, lol.

Haha, lol.

Any Argentinian with half a brain knows that the 78 WC was nothing but a Kansas City Shuffle.

[complexs6]

Haha, lol.

Any Argentinian with half a brain knows that the 78 WC was nothing but a Kansas City Shuffle.

You know nothin it was extremely hard for them to win.

[fatal fury fan #2]

are you 2 fans of boca???

[The Legendary LoneWolf]

Peckerman should have brought Aimar earlier and Tevez instead of Placio

If Argentina lost or drew I wouldn't have been happy :blow_top:

[complexs6]

@ complexs6 and DevilRedeemed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

are you 2 fans of boca???
__________________
I am fatal fury fan #1!!!!

I am hell yea, Boca Campeon 2006

I dont think he is.

[complexs6]

Peckerman should have brought Aimar earlier and Tevez instead of Placio

If Argentina lost or drew I wouldn't have been happy

Your right I expect more out of Palacio but hes not used to it yet. Tevez has more experience and should have been brought in. Yea I would have been pissed off too watching it in my Argentina national shirt on, lol. They could have easly made more goals but they were losing alot of balls and didnt do sh!t in the second half expect some ok defence but they could have done more.

[qube]

Haha, lol.

Any Argentinian with half a brain knows that the 78 WC was nothing but a Kansas City Shuffle.

I actually just studied that WC in my Spanish class. Corruption yes?

[El_Duque]

Togo's head coach quits.

[ray_7]

S&M vs Netherlands tomorrow, don't forget to watch guys.

[racecar]

Togo's head coach quits.


no dough no go:kekeke:

[racecar]

I think argentina can be as good or better than brazil right now. They have the talent they just need the passion which was lacking today.



closed but .. still a few player/year shy of the brazil arsenal.... experience is the key to a championship run.. young player tend to fold and loose concentration argintina lacks that and leadership.. only if they have a stronger leader messi is still too young to lead a team.. maybe the the next WC he'll enmerge as the leader/player that maradona prais him to be( don't get me wrong messi is a awsome player)
brasil with the lights of cafu, carlos, ronaldo and ronaldinio .. can match/beat up to any team.. it's pure offence @ it's best
:chimp:


iam actually intrested in the french team theres supposed to be this 22 yr old guy who's getting some attention from the soccer media

[Takumaji]

I'm getting my pyrotechnics ready and then will stroll over to Mexico vs. Iran which will take place in our city stadium in the evening at 6... :D

Man, I must say it's really cool so far to have a world cup in your country, the FIFA organisation sucks but apart from that, there's party everywhere, out in the streets you see all kinds of national flags, people cheering and car corsos with hundreds of crazy fans honking away...

So, for those who are interested, here is today's menu of assorted football delicacies (all starting times are CET / GMT+1)

Current local time: 12:51 pm

- Serbia-Montenegro vs. The Netherlands (Leipzig, 3 pm)

- Mexico vs. Iran (Nürnberg/Nuremberg, 6 pm)

- Angola vs. Portugal (Köln/Cologne, 9 pm)

[gmw]

FORÇA ANGOLA -- COME ON THE PALANCAS NEGRAS!!!!

http://www.xs4all.nl/~augurk/Akwa-houdt-het-niet-droog.jpg

Get it right up that little bitch Ronaldo!

http://www.travel-images.com/angola.gif

FORÇA ANGOLA!!

[kobylka68]

the netherlands and serbia game just keeps getting closer. Serbia looks like they still have a lot of fight in them.

[gmw]

For a petulant, selfish little cunt who runs like Tinkerbell, Robben's a hell of a player. What a game he's had.

Zigic looks like Frankenstein.

[kobylka68]

For a petulant, selfish little cunt who runs like Tinkerbell, Robben's a hell of a player. What a game he's had.

Zigic looks like Frankenstein.

Haha thats a very interesting description of Robben, but I do agree he played a hell of a game. He was everywhere and he always seemed to find the ball.

[SNKJorge]

1-0 Mexico


Edit:

1-1 now....

[kobylka68]

1-0 Mexico


Edit:

1-1 now....


Iran is looking like the stronger team right now.

[jeff bogard]

well balanced game.

iran had clearer chances in first half.

Mexico can't get through the defense in the 2nd.

i think either team can win...

2-1 now!!! mexico...

edit:

3-1 now!!!

[kobylka68]

well balanced game.

iran had clearer chances in first half.

Mexico can't get through the defense in the 2nd.

i think either team can win...

2-1 now!!! mexico...

edit:

3-1 now!!!

Yeah Iran just really fell apart in the back in the last 5 minutes. The second goal was just a terrible giveaway.

[zer0hue]

The great thing about watching football in the States is that, at least once a match, the color commentators say something categorically insane. For instance, during the Mexico vs. Iran match, one of the announcers said something to the extent of:

“I wonder if the Iranian players felt the same chills I did when they saw the remnants of the Nazi statues/architecture (?) here in Nuremberg.”

After a period of awkward silence, he went on to elaborate upon this point, tenuously drawing some thinly-veiled parallel between the Nazis and the oppressive regime in Iran. Completely absurd? Perhaps not, but utterly out-of-line as far as football commentary goes? I’d say so.

Well, on the bright side, at least he didn’t make painfully languished American sports analogies every five goddam seconds...

[CarlosZ]

Mexico won this one :chimp:


Angola here we come. :)

[kobylka68]

The great thing about watching football in the States is that, at least once a match, the color commentators say something categorically insane. For instance, during the Mexico vs. Iran match, one of the announcers said something to the extent of:

“I wonder if the Iranian players felt the same chills I did when they saw the remnants of the Nazi statues/architecture (?) here in Nuremberg.”

After a period of awkward silence, he went on to elaborate upon this point, tenuously drawing some thinly-veiled parallel between the Nazis and the oppressive regime in Iran. Completely absurd? Perhaps not, but utterly out-of-line as far as football commentary goes? I’d say so.

Well, on the bright side, at least he didn’t make painfully languished American sports analogies every five goddam seconds...

That has to be the wierdest and most out of place comment I have ever heard from any commentator. I'm glad we get different ones here in Canada.

[zer0hue]

Angola vs. Portugal is shaping up to be a great physical match up. Looking forward to another lively half of football...

[kobylka68]

Angola vs. Portugal is shaping up to be a great physical match up. Looking forward to another lively half of football...

Angola is putting up a pretty good fight. I am very impressed. Why is everyone tripping and falling all the time? Is the pitch too wet or something?

[jeff bogard]

The great thing about watching football in the States is that, at least once a match, the color commentators say something categorically insane. For instance, during the Mexico vs. Iran match, one of the announcers said something to the extent of:

“I wonder if the Iranian players felt the same chills I did when they saw the remnants of the Nazi statues/architecture (?) here in Nuremberg.”

After a period of awkward silence, he went on to elaborate upon this point, tenuously drawing some thinly-veiled parallel between the Nazis and the oppressive regime in Iran. Completely absurd? Perhaps not, but utterly out-of-line as far as football commentary goes? I’d say so.

Well, on the bright side, at least he didn’t make painfully languished American sports analogies every five goddam seconds...

that's the reason i put it either on mute or very low volume to A. Make my own conclusions (since i rarely agree with anybody), and B. avoid stupid comments like that.

[Takumaji]

The great thing about watching football in the States is that, at least once a match, the color commentators say something categorically insane. For instance, during the Mexico vs. Iran match, one of the announcers said something to the extent of:

“I wonder if the Iranian players felt the same chills I did when they saw the remnants of the Nazi statues/architecture (?) here in Nuremberg.”

After a period of awkward silence, he went on to elaborate upon this point, tenuously drawing some thinly-veiled parallel between the Nazis and the oppressive regime in Iran. Completely absurd? Perhaps not, but utterly out-of-line as far as football commentary goes? I’d say so.

Well, on the bright side, at least he didn’t make painfully languished American sports analogies every five goddam seconds...

Typical braindead commentator babble. My home town Nuremberg has more to offer than rotten old Nazi buildings, and the Iranian players want to play football, not count goosebumps.

Ah well...

Serbia-Montenegro - Netherlands (0:1)... uhm, the Dutch team has lots of very good players but they have scoring difficulties except for Robben who played an awesome match, then S-M's game got a grip shortly before the end of 1st and during the first quarter of 2nd half, but that wasn't enough, still, the 1:0 for Netherlands was no decisive victory.

Mexico - Iran (3:1) was a good match, the Iranians played well but seemed a bit indecisive, so the furious Mexico offense led to three well-deserved goals. There were a huge crowd of Mexican fans in our stadium, the party afterwards was (or better is) really good, I wonder where all these people came from. I only saw a small handful of Iranian fans... invited one of those poor fellows to a glass of beer but he did not seem to enjoy it... :)

...and the Angola - Portugal (52th, 0:1) match is still running, doesn't look too good for Angola, even tho Portugal has some team-play issues it seems. Right now Angola plays better than during the first 30 mins., the early goal chance in the first minute and the following goal gave them a huge blow.

[gmw]

As I'm sure people could tell by my previous Força Angola post, I'm a big supporter of the Angolan national team.

Frankly, I though the scoreline was a bit unfair on the Palancas Negras - by the end of the second half, I think an equaliser wouldn't have been against the run of play.

In my mind, Goncalves made a mistake playing Fabrice Akwa as the only striker in the first half, and going with 4-5-1 (with Mateus playing close in behind Akwa). Playing 4-4-2 (or more like 4-3-1-2) with Mantorras and Akwa together would have been more effective.

Kali and Jamba had a monster game in the defence, and Delgado was fantastic down the wing. Loco looked good on the right, but knocked out some real howlers - not the best touch. I thought that Andre Macanga had a great battling game, especially that blinding strike that forced the Portugal keeper into a big save at the end of the first half, and Figueiredo was solid as a central engine player until he tired. Angolan man of the match has to go to João Ricardo, though - made some fantastic saves, especially that quick instinctual punch on the late Maniche strike from distance.

Overall, the Palancas Negras can take a lot of heart from their effort - never backed down, and didn't let Portugal impose their game.

Next up: some beatdowns for Mexico and Iran. (keeping fingers crossed)

FORÇA ANGOLA!!!!

[Atro]

Frankly, I though the scoreline was a bit unfair on the Palancas Negras - by the end of the second half, I think an equaliser wouldn't have been against the run of play.

You can only be kidding right ?!? :rolleyes:

you didn't ate 3 or 4 goals by nothing else than luck.
Angola players were all the time focused on hiting legs than to score for the draw untill the last part of the second half, thus it was hard to pretend a good match due to the nature of african style ( muscle ) of play.

They were indeed playing the match of their lives so... I hope they will have luck for the matchs against Iran and Mexico. Especially if Mantorras can score !

However, if you scored once it wouldn't shock me at all. this Portuguese team isn't 100% fit as of yet.

Btw, all of you keep an eye on Chec Republic... they have a super team

[complexs6]

I actually just studied that WC in my Spanish class. Corruption yes?

Bullshit, we won it far and square. FIFA doesnt say anything about curruption. Get over it. I seen the games and there was no corruption they play thier heart out in every game.

[Takumaji]

Btw, all of you keep an eye on Chec Republic... they have a super team

That's right, they're excellent. I really like their game.

Okay, another day, another round of matches, here is what we will see today:

Current local time: 11:10 am

- Australia vs. Japan (Kaiserslautern, 3 pm)

- USA vs. Czech Republic (Gelsenkirchen, 6 pm)

- Italy vs. Ghana (Hannover, 9 pm)

This will be a hard piece of work for the US team...

[kobylka68]

That's right, they're excellent. I really like their game.

Okay, another day, another round of matches, here is what we will see today:

Current local time: 11:10 am

- Australia vs. Japan (Kaiserslautern, 3 pm)

- USA vs. Czech Republic (Gelsenkirchen, 6 pm)

- Italy vs. Ghana (Hannover, 9 pm)

This will be a hard piece of work for the US team...

Australia vs Japan should b a really great match. Probably too close to call but I would give the edge to Japan. In the next match I think the Czechs can walk all over the USA and in the last match Italy should win it easily unless another surprise comes upon us.

BTW did you see any of this happening near your place? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5068514.stm

[Takumaji]

Australia vs. Japan - The Japanese team may have a better (and faster) style than the Australians but the Aussies are physically strong and quite passionate. I guess Japan will win this one but we will see a good match.

USA vs. Czech Republic - I would not write off the US team so early, they will have a tough time against the highly technical Czechs but they could score a goal or two if they concentrate on quick counters. Speed and power are the only things that will help them here.

Italy vs. Ghana - This one could be called "experience vs. passion". Ghana plays quite good but also a little rough... from an Italian point of view, this one HAS to be a high and clear victory for the Squadra Azzurra, but let's wait and see, so far the so-called underdogs have shown they're more than cup-worthy.


BTW did you see any of this happening near your place? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5068514.stm

Yeah, I went by the crowd of protesters and read some of their leaflets, they rallied against Ahmadinejad's holocaust denial and the National Democratic Party (they're actually Neo Nazis) march that took place earlier on. I also saw two NPD guys running around but they were not holding Iranian flags or wore their uniform.

Police forces in our city were scared of reports by Iranian journalists that Ahmadinejad or his vice-president may visit the Mexico vs. Iran match in my hometown, luckily he didn't come...

However, I don't agree with that "second Hitler" babble of the German Jewish community when someone mentiones Iran's prez, that sort of placative talk doesn't help the case at all.

[Takumaji]

Negras can take a lot of heart from their effort - never backed down, and didn't let Portugal impose their game.

Next up: some beatdowns for Mexico and Iran. (keeping fingers crossed)

FORÇA ANGOLA!!!!

They put lots of effort into their attack but a little too late for my taste. Had they attacked Portugal like that in the first 30 mins., we would have seen a goal by Angola before the end of the 1st half.

Angola has a good chance of winning the Iran match but I doubt they will beat Mexico if they play like last time.

[gmw]

You can only be kidding right ?!? :rolleyes:

you didn't ate 3 or 4 goals by nothing else than luck.
Angola players were all the time focused on hiting legs than to score for the draw untill the last part of the second half, thus it was hard to pretend a good match due to the nature of african style ( muscle ) of play.


:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

You obviously didn't watch the game too closely. Your group of nancy-boy stars got outplayed by Angola, plain and simple. Luck is some bullshit - did you see the saves that João Ricardo made?? That's skill.

Saying that it's down to an "African style" is just some racist shit. Portugal got played off the field in the second half, period. It's not down to muscle, not down to physicality - all African teams don't play the same just because of skin colour. It's down to playing with heart and effort, something the overpaid, overrated fairies on Portugal wouldn't know about.

Pretty sad when your most effective player in the first half was Christina Ronaldo with his purse full of lame-ass party tricks. He's got three men running into space next to him and he chooses to do 37 stepovers instead of passing the ball.

The primadonna douchebags of Portugal had a star-struck group of officials on their side the entire time - "I can't give Figo a card, it's his last World Cup, waaaah." There were so many bad calls made in favor of Portgual, it was unbelievable. For one example - the yellow on Loco???? What a clear dive. Nuno Valente and Chrissy should have been sent off. Figo should have been carded for diving.

Most of the Portuguese team with the exception of maybe Miguel (who looked sharp down the right), and Pauleta are either no-talent hacks who are overrated (Costinha, Maniche, Nuno Valente, Ricardo Carvalho), or Alice-band wearing / showboating idiots who think they can hang with Robinho for style (Chrissy Ronaldo, Tiago). Figo played one good ball - the assist to Pauleta in the 4th minute. Otherwise, he was diving, leading with his elbows, and generally showing that he should have retired after Euro 2004.

Boy did you guys need Deco out there.

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Portugal, but you have to respect that performance from Angola. Aside from conceding a soft goal during a nervy start, we matched your boys in the middle of the park, with solid play, and we didn't get a helping hand from the officials like Portugal did.

Rant over.

Bring on fucking Mexico and Iran - we've got nothing to lose!

[ray_7]

HT: Japan 1 - 0 Australia

[RBjakeSpecial]

HT: Japan 1 - 0 Australia

Hell Yeah, it was a wierd ass goal. God I hope they win this second half or everyone will be drepressed at work tomorrow.

The goalie had some great saves.... let's hope the aussies get tired.

[ray_7]

Pity they don't get a freekick near the goal, I wanna see Shunsuke do his shit.

[ray_7]

OMGWTF Cahill!!!

[RBjakeSpecial]

GODDAMNIT 3-1 loss.... damnit damnit damnit.....

Hope they can win against Croatia.... vs. Brazil will probably not even be worth watching...

Soooo upset. Hope the Americans can win a few. I'm cheering for America, Japan, England (in that order)

[zer0hue]

What a terrible performance by Japan, and I was rooting for them the whole time. I just don’t understand how a team that good can underperform to such a drastic extent...

[gmw]

The Socceroos really brought it back - great performance. The second goal by Cahill was fantastic.

The Nakamura chip was very weird - looked like Schwarzer might have been held a bit by Takahara.

I really can't wait for Italy-Ghana, though. Should be a cracking match, looks like Totti and Nesta were passed fit.

[Hidden Character]

/me is waiting patiently for USA-Czech Republic match and spent the entire weekend sleeping and watching WC '06.

[Takumaji]

Jan Koller just scored the first goal against the US after about five minutes, so USA vs. Czech Republic - 0:1.

The US team fights really brave, tho. Nice passing there.

[Takumaji]

36th minute, USA vs. Czech Republic 0:2 after goal by Tomas Rosicky...

The US lads have to speed up their game, their style isn't bad but they give the Czechs too much time and room for their explosive counters.

[Hidden Character]

It ain't looking too good US at halftime, but I still have faith. We just need to play w/ more energy and create scoring opportunities besides Reyna's shot that hit the post, really making it a game of inches (or centimeters).

[racecar]

...why is the usa team getting owned so hard:eye:

[ray_7]

Well they're playing against one of the world's best, and even a single little mistake will get punished.

[kaos]

3-0

I tell you what
Czech Republic will win this edition of the WC

[El_Duque]

Team USA is done.

[gmw]

Rosicky = legend.

What a buy for the Gooners.

[beelzebubble]

GODDAMNIT 3-1 loss.... damnit damnit damnit.....

Hope they can win against Croatia.... vs. Brazil will probably not even be worth watching...

Soooo upset. Hope the Americans can win a few. I'm cheering for America, Japan, England (in that order)

AUSTRALIA WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

:buttrock: :buttrock:

[Takumaji]

3-0

I tell you what
Czech Republic will win this edition of the WC

Just what I was thinking.

I mean, Nedved, Koller the Killer, Rosicky... they're unstoppable. Brilliant defense, excellent mid-field, top scorers/forwards. The Czech sports papers are probably right, this is the best Czech team ever.

I guess direct cover would be the only way to sort of break up their game, otherwise you will be killed by precision shots, high-speed counters and an almost impeccable defense...

The US team had some moments in front of the Czech goal, I liked Johnson's game. They need a more skilled mid-field, it's obvious they are able to attack but need a vehicle to move the ball forward, most parts of the match the US players could not escape from their own side.

[sameh903]

are u kidding me, Czech Republic is a good team, but as far as i can see, thier way of playing could not match at any aspect of the German team, or Holland. the reason of why Czech Republic played good today, is because the US team was disppointed and so weak. they were so flat, that gave the Czech Republic a lot of chances to score. but if Czech Republic played against Italy, that will be a way different view. i am not saying that the US team is bad, but they lost thier confidence and that's not good.

[DevilRedeemed]

what great football on behalf of the Czechs! I always love watching them play. Nedved has been a favourite player of mine for a while - and Rosicky was on fire! best goals of the whole tournament.
but I don't see them winning the cup - USA made it easy, but it will be harder to exploit a better team offensively.
thumbs up to Australia! good on them!!!

[Takumaji]

It's good to hear you people believe in the German team but they also had big troubles standing a chance against the Czechs, our defense is still too open to be a serious problem for the strong and very precise Czech offense.

Anyway, if the Czechs want to be world cup winner, they have to play against Brazil one day, and this is where we will see who's daddy... okay, let's wait for the match Czech Republic vs. Italy on June 22nd, will be a good test.

[DevilRedeemed]

Italian flavoured football is something I really enjoy - but I want to see what the Ghaneans have to offer. I want to see African football that suprises the world like Cameroon did in 1990 (incredible win over Argentina in the first match of the then world cup - taking it from the world champs - wow).

[Takumaji]

Well, the "soccer world" is getting smaller and smaller, many African teams have contracted experienced coaches to bring a bit of Euro-style to the African national league teams, this improved their game a lot during the last 10 to 15 years.

In the old days, African teams used to be cannon fodder but not anymore, they sure know how to play, and that with a good heart and lots of passion, at least more than many of those overpaid bench sitters in some of our clubs.

So... Italy vs. Ghana will start in about 10 mins., looking forward to a hot match.

[Atro]

Saying that it's down to an "African style" is just some racist shit.

Your coach own words... so don't spit words like that towards me ;)

As for your "fairies" statements, I'd like you to reconsider your thoughts, your team is comprised by players that even don't have a club... :lol:

Outplaying and doing fouls all the time are completely diferent things.

And finally, as for your keeper saves... Yeah, it's skill
However balls hitting the bar and near post shots aren't "luck" , it's just skill in your opinion... :rolleyes:

[Ruell]

Didn't expect the US to go very far anyway. Go Italia then

[Ruell]

Half time for Italy and Ghana. Pirlo makes a goal for Italy.:chimp:

[gmw]

http://www.talkec.com/photo/data/500/44cronaldo.jpg

:lol:

It's all just banter. Still can't stand the Portugal team, but who cares.

Italy-Ghana's been a good match, very end-to-end.

Ludicrous dive by Iaquinta followed by a nice goal. Pirlo's strike was a beauty.

[qube]

I guess my earlier questions about the US team were answered today :(

[kaos]

we made it!!

but what a shitty game

as of TRADITION, Italy don't really play the best football in their first 1-2 matches, and as of tradition they struggle against ANY african teams
anyway Ghana was at its first appearence in a WC and can be happy with the overall performance. Very solid players...also they're about 20-21 all of them

we can have a final thought about what Italy is really worth in their match vs Czech republic


@Tak
can you stick this thread?
It's just for a couple of weeks after all
I don't think anybody but norton would complain about it
what do you think?

[Takumaji]

Not a match, struggle!! :)

Italy won, but that sure was no 100% game. And Ghana was good yet plagued by scoring difficulties. They managed to punch some holes into the Italian defense (probably too many holes from an Italian perspective), but that was it.

[racecar]

.. i have high hopes for the dutch team... them neon orange uniforms look so hypnotic

also what happen to the black guy with them braids..and the sunglass( netherlands) ??:eye:

[Vlad]

.. i have high hopes for the dutch team... them neon orange uniforms look so hypnotic

also what happen to the black guy with them braids..and the sunglass( netherlands) ??:eye:

Edgar Davies. He doesn't play in the national team anymore

[Atro]

.

[kobylka68]

Japan eh... hahahahahahahahahaha :lolz: :lolz: :lolz:

Talk about dropping the ball. This is right up there with the Poland game for royal fuck ups of the tournament. I'm sure we'll see more as the tournament goes on.

The Czechs played a great game and it really went as expected. The USA did have a couple of close chances though so I'm sure the Czechs will learn to close up a little better in the back.

In the Italian game it was just good to see one of the old powerhouses of europe dominate and play consistantly well. Ghana put up a great fight but the Italians were a little too much for them.

Overall it was another exciting day.

[hanafuda]

Japan eh... hahahahahahahahahaha :lolz: :lolz: :lolz:

Talk about dropping the ball. This is right up there with the Poland game for royal fuck ups of the tournament. I'm sure we'll see more as the tournament goes on.


Japan's defence was sloppy the entire game. They pretty much let Australia do what they wanted and then relied on their keeper to do the hard work. He did a good job of that in the first half (but kicked most goal kicks straight off the pitch :kekeke: ). However, they decided on the same tactic in the second half when the keeper was clearly drained. As such, they got wasted. Australia deserved it.

I opted to skip the last 20 minutes and hit the ofuro instead. A wise move.

[kobylka68]

Japan's defence was sloppy the entire game. They pretty much let Australia do what they wanted and then relied on their keeper to do the hard work. He did a good job of that in the first half (but kicked most goal kicks straight off the pitch :kekeke: ). However, they decided on the same tactic in the second half when the keeper was clearly drained. As such, they got wasted. Australia deserved it.

I opted to skip the last 20 minutes and hit the ofuro instead. A wise move.

Japan just doesn't seem ready for international football. It's hard for them to improve when they spend most of their time playing teams at their level or below in asia. they need more games against european and south american compatition. Until then they will always be decent at best.

[gmw]

.

[Argentina94]

Like this pic better ? :rolleyes:

OK, this is getting a little out of hand, especially when both you guys resort to name calling.

Although there might be some deep seated resentment considering Angola was a portuguese colony up until 20 years ago, in the game itself you can at least agree to disagree.

But posting pictures like this can borderline on racist and you were never one to act like this before.

Especially with the African nations, each team has their strengths and after watching Argentina/Ivory Coast, IC had the most impressive of the newcomers. They truly did not deserve to lose.

Angola lost, fine. They played well, yes. Portugal had more scoring chances, yes.

Let's not degrade this to name calling.

Atrophyed is a long time member and never displayed a racist comment before, but I'd still remove the pic. It's hardly your level.

[Atro]

I don't really see why you need to be a racist. As I said, it's just banter.

This kind of crap - I mean, ape heads on Africans... be original - just isn't funny.

You should be ashamed of doing this shit - fair play to Portugal, you're one of the great teams around. Angola's just a tiny country with no athletes practically at all. What do you have to prove?

Anyway, back to sport itself.

AHAHA!!

You call me racist because of the ape heads ?


Just to let one thing clear, it was a BLACK friend of mine who thought it funny and sent it to me !

Anyway, just to let everyone know that I'm not going into any racist shit...
The pic was just to show how agressive Angolan players can be ! ;)
Bah GMW.. don't tell me it isn't true.. You ended that match with 3 or 4 Red cards ! ;)

Btw, Fair play is what we need :chimp:

Edit : Argentina94.. you know who you are ;)

[Argentina94]

Edit : Argentina94.. you know who you are ;)

Yeah, and I also know you. I guess the Angolan team is very agressive, reminds me of the Cameroon team that beat Argentina in '90.

I wasn't aware that it was their style of play.

[Atro]

Yeah, but Argentina made it to the final.

The dream just ended when Andreas Breme scored that PK...

[F4U57]

Rock on Australia!

YEAAAAHHHH!!!

I thought they were done after that controversial goal from Japan but what a comeback!!

That Egyptian ref was a bias twat and Japan played like a bunch of girly-boys milking fouls at any given oppertunity.

'ARGH, my ankle!!' Pffft... stop crying.

W00t, w00t, w00t!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!:chimp:

[Ruell]

Go Italia.:buttrock: I didn't get to watch the match though. I only caught the pre half time where Pirlo made the goal. Can't wait for the vs. Czech match. :multi_co:

[Takumaji]

And another cup day.

Today's games:

Current local time: 10:05 am.

- South Korea vs. Togo (Frankfurt, 3 pm)

- France vs. Switzerland (Stuttgart, 6 pm)

- Brazil vs. Croatia (Berlin, 9 pm)

Hey hey, the Brazil - Croatia match will be cool I guess! The Croatian colleagues of my girl can't wait for the match tonight...

[Takumaji]

Okay...

This thread is sticky now, I think it's in order to keep it stickied until World Cup is over.

[Fran]

everybody's praising italy now,
like all of a sudden they're the demi-gods of football or something

i thought they weren't very good at all last night

match could have ended 1-1

or 2-1 for ghana

it wasn't a completely overwhelming victory,that's what i'm saying like

[Atro]

everybody's praising italy now,
like all of a sudden they're the demi-gods of football or something

i thought they weren't very good at all last night

match could have ended 1-1

or 2-1 for ghana

it wasn't a completely overwhelming victory,that's what i'm saying like

Come on !

you know like everyone else that Italy is always a Powerhouse.
You have great players for all the sectors, it's just that "Catenaccio" that pisses off people that watch their matches.

For me, Italy figures in the top 5 contenders to hold up the trophy.
And those 5 are comprised by Chzec Rep. , Brazil, Italy , France, Argentina.
Then behind those teams will come England, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Holland.

[kaos]

And those 5 are comprised by Chzec Rep. , Brazil, Italy........France..........Argentina.


I will fucking kill you

[kaos]

PS
thanks Tak for having sticked it;)

[gmw]

everybody's praising italy now,
like all of a sudden they're the demi-gods of football or something

i thought they weren't very good at all last night


Definitely agree - Italy's performance was very uneven. Toni had a fantastic game, and was unlucky to not nab a goal with that early volley.

Pirlo looked great, obviously. Nesta and Cannavaro had solid performances too, but otherwise it didn't seem that confident a team. Totti looked very shaky (maybe still not that fit?), Gila didn't seem dangerous in the area, and Grosso and Zaccardo looked poor - Ghana got down both wings consistently.

Having Zambrotta back would really help, and if Totti can gradually return to full fitness, as Atrophyed said, Italy has to be one of 4-5 favorite teams to go all the way.

Italy may have a tough time against the Czechs, but they'll absolutely murder the US.

[gmw]

What a goal for South Korea off the direct free kick from Lee Chunsoo - great delivery, great strike.

The sending-off changed everything for Togo - they've been on the back-heel ever since.

[ray_7]

Korea played really well, better than Japan IMO.

Definitely the best team in Asia right now.

[Ruell]

Italy may have a tough time against the Czechs, but they'll absolutely murder the US.


No doubt the US will be slaughtered the 17th. The match to watch will be against the Czechs.

[Ruell]

hmm.. French vs Switz

[Takumaji]

France vs. Switzerland(30th, 0:0) is quite nice so far, some good chances for the Swiss players, they really play a good game.

Damn man, they will be dead after the match, currently the stadium thermometers read about 90 deg. shadow temp. and almost 113 deg. in the sun...

Crazy thing is, the FIFA does not allow the players to drink outside of the halftime breaks, that's not a very healthy decision.

[Ruell]

oh well halftime and the board is blank.

[Takumaji]

The Swiss team plays better than I thought, but I guess France will increase speed and counters in the 2nd.

Still waiting for a bit of Zidane magic.

[Ruell]

not too particular on this game. probably will be a french win. It'd be cool if the Switz could pull it off. But I really want to see the Brazil-Croatia match tonight.

[Ruell]

Well the second half has resumed with no switches. hmmm.. wish I could watch this.

[Ruell]

dang 2 yellows and 11 fouls in the second half so far.

[Ruell]

and it's full time and the game is scoreless. :oh_no:

Cant' wait for the next match. :multi_co:

[racecar]

fuck the the score should be 1-0 for france

that strike by henry in the first half hit a swiss player hand.. the fucking linesman was blind:annoyed:



also brazil is playing next hope they win:chimp: .. ronaldo will get the golden boots :glee:

[ray_7]

Brazil should be entertaining to watch.

This France vs Swiss match is boring...

[aria]

Okay...

This thread is sticky now, I think it's in order to keep it stickied until World Cup is over.

What? :spock:

Only if I can also sticky the NBA Finals, the World Series, the College Football Bowl Championship Series, the SuperBowl, March Madness, the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Olympics (summer and miscellaneous), the X-Games and Wrestlemania.

[Fran]

unregistered island for the insolent takumaji :kekeke: :emb: :mad: :loco:

[Argentina94]

What? :spock:

Only if I can also sticky the NBA Finals, the World Series, the College Football Bowl Championship Series, the SuperBowl, March Madness, the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Olympics (summer and miscellaneous), the X-Games and Wrestlemania.

C'mon, this event only happens once every four years.

Don't be a party pooper.

[aria]

C'mon, this event only happens once every four years.

Don't be a party pooper.

So do the Olympics and system launches (viva Wii!)

--and the number of Americans and Canadians (sorry, forgot the Grey Cup) outnumber everyone else by a lot.