The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread

[Psychotic]

Right, sorry. I kind of have this everlasting vision of Bolton as being the permanent manifestation of Sam Allardyce. I keep forgetting he's long gone.

[charliepanayi]

I reserve the right to revoke this opinion if he scores, but for England and Rooney substitute Spain and Torres. He's completely out of it at the moment and they might well be better off replacing him in this game.

[Cuchulainn]

Why isn't Torres getting the abuse Rooney got? He's been equally poor, if not worse.

[charliepanayi]

English papers don't really care about how big names on other teams are doing, especially whilst they're still carrying out loud, lengthy post-mortems into England's exit.

[Cuchulainn]

did i miss something or was that the biggest dive i've ever seen that got costa sent off?

[Old Manus]

Can't say a wry smile didn't creep across my face when I saw Ronaldo's face at the end

[Psychotic]

David Villa...best player on the planet? Possibly!

smurf Capdevila and his little theatrics. Diving for a pen or a free kick in a key area is one thing, but acting like someone decked you to get them sent off is something else.

Also I think this game, Spain specificially, highlights why England are so dire. They always had someone there, in space, ready to support the man in possession. I remember during the Algeria game and there was never any option for the man on the ball but to hoof it down field hopefully. Not that England's players are capable of stringing together accurate passes like that anyway.

Also, yeah, hahaha Ronaldo. Wink at that, mate.

[charliepanayi]

Spain pretty much bossed the game once they went ahead, though they'll probably have to play a similar waiting game against Paraguay now in the quarter-finals. Ronaldo wasn't given any decent service at all.

[Rocket Edge]

Spain deserved to go through in the end. My mouth waters at the prospect of a Spain V Argentina semi. :drool:

EDIT: David Villa is a smashing player. The thoughts of him playing with Barcelona scares me next season.

[Psychotic]

Spain deserved to go through in the end. My mouth waters at the prospect of a Spain V Argentina semi. :drool:
Shame it's not going to be the final, really.

[charliepanayi]

The Capdevila business was hilarious, I wonder if footballers ever think to themselves 'hang on, people are going to see me go down like a ton of bricks and acting like a pillock, and I might not be too popular as a result'. This incident is even funnier as the replay suggest that maybe Costa did try to clock him but missed (and the referee sent him off for the intent), so if that is the case, he would have gone anyway and Capdevila did his dying swan routine for nothing!

[Crop]

England - World Cup Champions 2014. You heard it here first, THE HYPE STARTS HERE!

I suppose Rooney can take some comfort in the fact that the 'best' players for a number of the other teams haven't been too hot either. That Nike advert about writing the future makes me laugh now.

[Psychotic]

To be fair, Rooney, Torres and Ronaldo all looked like they were suffering from injury hangovers.

[charliepanayi]

Plus in the case of Ronaldo, being stuck on a team of not that great players. Rooney's been a shadow of his usual self since the Man Utd v Bayern Munich game.

[Croyles]

Congratz to whoever just overtook me on the fantasy league by 10 points!

[black orb]

>>> How disappointing, CR7 is going home..:luca:

[charliepanayi]

My (woefully inaccurate) quarter-final predictions:

Holland 1 Brazil 3
It's hard to know what to make of Holland at the moment, and this is their first real test. They'll probably be more comfortable with underdog status anyway. But as one person said, a Brazil side who can defend and who can still score pretty good goals when they feel like it is a bit like a Dalek that can fly - really, really unfair. I tipped Brazil at the start and that's one prediction I feel like sticking with.

Uruguay 2 Ghana 1
Uruguay should have too much for Ghana, unless they make the mistake again of trying to sit back and defend a 1-0 lead.

Germany 3 Argentina 2
Having said they were going out in the last two games they played, I now do an about-face and say that I think Germany can shock Argentina here. I'll also stick my neck out further and say this could be the proverbial Game of the Tournament, with two free-flowing teams with slightly suspect defences.

Paraguay 0 Spain 1
I can see Paraguay trying to play for penalties in this one, especially as they seem to be taking the Ireland 1990 route to success (one win in four games, two goalless draws on the trot). Spain will have to be patient like they were last night, but one moment of magic can win them the game.

[Pete for President]

Even though I really want the Dutch to progress, I can't shake the feeling we'll indeed get beaten by Brazil =/

But if we get through, I hope the Germans will too. If we lose, Argentina may go on, just for the sake of rival clashes!

[charliepanayi]

If Paraguay manage a shock, they might wind up having to rename this World Cup the Copa America! :)

[Loony BoB]

I am very interested to see how well Spain perform when they are playing against a team that doesn't put ten men between ball and goal at every opportunity. People are lowering their chances of beating Argentina (the predicted semi) on a daily basis, but I think Spain will be a different side when they can actually have the opportunity to do something aside from trying to play through a defensive opposition. Hopefully. I have money riding on them to be in the top three (work sweepstake, money for 1st, 2nd and 3rd).

I can not understand for the life of me why Villa was playing on the far left through 90% of that game. Crazy.

[champagne supernova]

No football on for the first time in 18 days. A bit confused as to what to do. Actually do some work. No, impossible.

Watched the game from the media seats, and playing Villa out wide seemed to work really well, because it stretched the Portuguese defence (as they had to have someone on Villa the whole night). So, don't think it's a poor strategy. Portugal lost the moment they subbed off Almeida (that guy is awesome), because they lost a pivot to hold up the ball. And Llorente played really well. Spain have an easy enough game against Paraguay next round, so Torres might be given one more chance, but if he blows it, Spain will be stupid not to start Llorente.

[Loony BoB]

I think it was a poor strategy because it didn't work. They only started doing well when Torres was taken off, the other dude (Llorente?) replaced him and joined Villa as a striker pairing. Suddenly, Villa had strike after strike on target or close to it. The game opened up alarmingly. They have Silva, why would they need Villa on the left? They could have started Villa up front and put Silva on the left and left out Torres altogether. Villa is arguably the best striker in the world - why you would want to leave your most in-form star striker on the wing is beyond me, and while that system was in place, it didn't work. He can't cross for crap anyway, so stretching the defence meant little because it didn't open the game up for Spain, it merely meant that Portugal's defence was still unpenetratable and they had a quality striker with a poor cross on the win and an out of form striker leading the line. The mind boggles. Spain won Euro 2008 when Villa lead the line, and he did it well. You shouldn't need to stretch the defence with a guy like him on form - he'll do all the work himself (as he showed late in the second half).

[Psychotic]

No football on for the first time in 18 days. A bit confused as to what to do. I know, right. I feel lost.

[champagne supernova]

Villa has been playing on the left/support striker for most the tournament. Even in the game against Chile, he wasn't playing as an out-and-out striker.

What happened is that Llorente came on and was actually holding up the ball, instead of losing it instantaneously like Torres, allowing players like Villa and Iniesta to support him in and around the box. Villa's position wasn't the problem, Torres was.

[Cuchulainn]

PLEASE HOLD WHILE THE WORLD CUP TAKES A SHORT BREAK.

[Rocket Edge]

Cue the adverts...

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KvDFauTmm3g/SZmFXpiDxuI/AAAAAAAAAIo/b6cnwUzMXGU/s400/mcdonalds-funny-ad-002.jpg

[charliepanayi]

As expected, the FA has announced that Capello will stay on as England manager. Sensible decision from FA shock! Though one crap result now in qualifying for Euro 2012 and the papers will be insufferable again.

[Cuchulainn]

I AM EXCITED

[Aerith's Knight]

!!!

YES! YES! LOOK AT THE SIG, BITCH!

[charliepanayi]

Well that was definitely a game of two halves. Holland did very well to come back in the second half.

[Aerith's Knight]

Lot's of missed chances, hopefully due to tiredness, not ineptitude. It should've been 4 - 1, but WE WON BITCHES!

[Old Manus]

What a second half! I'm happy Holland go through, they're who I started supporting after England went out. And with them facing the mediocrity of Ghana or Uruguay in the semis, I can see the cloggies going all the way here.

[Aerith's Knight]

I <3 you, manus!

It'd be the first time we'd win, I can really believe we have a chance now.

[Loony BoB]

I hope Argentina don't win. If neither Argentina or Brazil make the final after they were hyped up so much prior to this match, then it would be neat. I like unpredictable winners.

[Cuchulainn]

Excellent. Football's Goodie Goodies Brazil are out.



I hope Argentina don't win.

smurf you

Viva La Albiceleste!

[Croyles]

I told you man, Germany v Holland final!

[Cuchulainn]

Hope not. Then everyone with be blathering on about 1974 and 'revenge'.

[Croyles]

Well anyhow, we have the argentina game and maybe the semi final to come.

[Crop]

Haven't been supporting them, but a nice shock win. I didn't expect it.

If it is a Argy v Holland final then I'm with Holland all the way, I don't want to see Argentina winning it.

[Cuchulainn]

Haven't been supporting them, but a nice shock win. I didn't expect it.

If it is a Argy v Holland final then I'm with Holland all the way, I don't want to see Argentina winning it.

Is it because you are English and are simply told how to feel about Argentine people and blindly follow party line?

I honestly don't know how anyone, based on footballing reason, cannot want to see Argentina win.


FUCKING EDIT: Marcel Desailly annoys the ever living hell out of me. Jumping about for Ghana like an idiot. Jumping on Ghanean joy. He chose to play from France not his home country! you don't deserve to jump up and follow them. You sold that right when you sold your soul to frogs. Sit down.

[Croyles]

Haven't been supporting them, but a nice shock win. I didn't expect it.

If it is a Argy v Holland final then I'm with Holland all the way, I don't want to see Argentina winning it.

Is it because you are English and are simply told how to feel about Argentine people and blindly follow party line?

I honestly don't know how anyone, based on footballing reason, cannot want to see Argentina win.

ermm, hello? Lol

[Cuchulainn]

You are permitted as your nation is still there AND they pretty pretty decent football too.

[Old Manus]

Jesus christ. If any of the BBC pundits and commentators mention the word 'Africa' or continue with their endless, ridiculous favouritism of a distinctly average team, I'm going to shoot somebody.

Or just put the TV on mute.

[Crop]

Is it because you are English and are simply told how to feel about Argentine people and blindly follow party line?


No. You're well off the mark.

[charliepanayi]

Jesus christ. If any of the BBC pundits and commentators mention the word 'Africa' or continue with their endless, ridiculous favouritism of a distinctly average team, I'm going to shoot somebody.

Or just put the TV on mute.

Isn't the game on ITV? Unless you mean Radio 5. And Uruguay are hardly average. Neither for that matter are Ghana.

[Old Manus]

Oh right. Well I include ITV in my statement. Both teams are still average though.

[charliepanayi]

How are Uruguay average? Suarez has been one of the best players in the tournament so far. And both are surely much better than Paraguay, who have won one game out of four so far.

[Cuchulainn]

Jesus christ. If any of the BBC pundits and commentators mention the word 'Africa' or continue with their endless, ridiculous favouritism of a distinctly average team, I'm going to shoot somebody.

Or just put the TV on mute.

I could not agree more. It's annoying the hell out of me. Pathetic.


HAHAHA YESSSSSSSSSSSSS What a goal.

[Aerith's Knight]

How are Uruguay average? Suarez has been one of the best players in the tournament so far. And both are surely much better than Paraguay, who have won one game out of four so far.

...

By what standards?

[charliepanayi]

By the standards of him (and Forlan) being very good, you act like I just suggested Rooney as Player of the Tournament.

[Cuchulainn]

"I'm sure all of you are either cheering for your home country of your adopted country Ghana" ehhhhh No.

[charliepanayi]

Gyan :(

Hilariously manic ending, and I loved that penalty to win it. Reminds me of Postiga against England at Euro 2004 (though that was to keep his side in it)

[Psychotic]

yeah I'm with the rest of you:

Fuck yes Holland I wanted them to take down the Brazilians and they did.

And fuck yes Uruguay. Fuck off Desailly, fuck off ITV. I don't give a fuck if they're *~AFRICAN~*, fuck them.

Thank you Suarez. I have always wanted to watch someone handball it off the line and get sent off in an important game and have that team go on to win it. It's like my footballing dream has come true. And what a fucking penalty from Abreu. I've always loved the chipped penalty.

[charliepanayi]

Thank you Suarez. I have always wanted to watch someone handball it off the line and get sent off in an important game and have that team go on to win it. It's like my footballing dream has come true. And what a smurfing penalty from Abreu. I've always loved the chipped penalty.

Unless that person is Henry or Ronaldo presumably :D

I don't know, I'd have been much Appiah if Ghana had won (OK I stole that from somewhere...)

[champagne supernova]

I hope Holland destroy Uruguay like Portugal destroyed North Korea. Actually, I hope it's worse. I hope Holland do to Uruguay what Rome did to Carthage.

[Jings]

So Adrian Chiles doesn't like that Uruguay avoided conceding a goal due to blatant cheating? Well considering the amount of blatant cheating that goes on during EVERY single game of football, I couldn't care less. I took a perverse pleasure in the outcome of this game.

[charliepanayi]

Not to mention the fact if if had happened at the other end, there would have been nothing but sympathy for the player sent off on ITV.

[Aerith's Knight]

Lol, their best player got a red card and is suspended for the Holland game. I know De Jong and one other player of ours got suspended, but we got plenty of backups. It's gotta suck to be them.

I know I shouldn't count my eggs until they are in the basket, but I'm really only wondering who we'll be playing in the finals.

[charliepanayi]

No overconfidence there!

[Psychotic]

Frankly Holland could play Dirk Kuyt, just Dirk Kuyt, and win 10-0.

In fact Dirk Kuyt could declare war on the rest of the world and win.

Uruguay will have to get 5 of their players to man mark him I think.

[Aerith's Knight]

No overconfidence there!

Not really... I'd actually find it pretty disgusting to lose to Uruguay without their best man after winning from Brazil.


Frankly Holland could play Dirk Kuyt, just Dirk Kuyt, and win 10-0.

In fact Dirk Kuyt could declare war on the rest of the world and win.

Uruguay will have to get 5 of their players to man mark him I think.

This guy.. I mean this guy, he actually outran Brazilians. The man is the next Overmars.

[charliepanayi]

Yeah, because teams never beat team A and then lose to team B who are worse than team A. And considering some of the surprises so far, I don't think you should automatically assume that Holland will walk the semi-final (though they will be favourites understandably), or that it'll be a terrible disgrace if they lose. Especially considering Holland's record in semi-finals! Plus there's no Suarez but last I checked Forlan is pretty useful.

[Psychotic]

The next Overmars?

Fuck that. He's the next Jesus.

[champagne supernova]

The next Overmars?

smurf that. He's the next Jesus.

smurf that. He's the next Eboue

[Psychotic]

Kuyt will probably only be as poor as Eboue when he's 94!

[champagne supernova]

Kuyt will probably only be as poor as Eboue when he's 94!

Mad Love for Emmanuel AHHHHBOOOOEHHHHHHH (Eboue) | You Are My Arsenal (http://youaremyarsenal.com/blog/?p=715)

[Psychotic]

Oh you found charliepanayi's blog!

[Cuchulainn]

I will just paste what I said on Facebook;


So fucking happy Uruguay won. The British press licking of Ghana's arse was the single most annoying thing of the World Cup. "I assume you're supporting your home team or Ghana". Nope. Ya Dick. Uruguay. And Now they're talking like this is a tragedy? Not to Uruguayans Ya Pricks. Or Me.

Oh and Marcel. Shut The Fuck Up. You don't get to follow Ghans. You chose another nation above your OWN for easier travel and more chance of a world cup. Sit down, shut the fuck up &* leave the tears to actual Ghaneans and not turncoats like you or condascending English twats like the staff of ITV.

[Aerith's Knight]

Yeah, because teams never beat team A and then lose to team B who are worse than team A. And considering some of the surprises so far, I don't think you should automatically assume that Holland will walk the semi-final (though they will be favourites understandably), or that it'll be a terrible disgrace if they lose. Especially considering Holland's record in semi-finals! Plus there's no Suarez but last I checked Forlan is pretty useful.

Well, I disagree. No matter how they played, Holland hasn't lost a game, ever, in this WC, including the preliminaries. And of the three goals against it, two of them were penalties.

To lose now to Uruguay would be to most Dutch people a terrible disgrace. And you can't say it's not, mostly because you're not dutch and the rest because you're just pissed your country sucked balls in this tournament.

READ THE SIG!

[Croyles]

Yeah, because teams never beat team A and then lose to team B who are worse than team A. And considering some of the surprises so far, I don't think you should automatically assume that Holland will walk the semi-final (though they will be favourites understandably), or that it'll be a terrible disgrace if they lose. Especially considering Holland's record in semi-finals! Plus there's no Suarez but last I checked Forlan is pretty useful.

Well, I disagree. No matter how they played, Holland hasn't lost a game, ever, in this WC, including the preliminaries. And of the three goals against it, two of them were penalties.

To lose now to Uruguay would be to most Dutch people a terrible disgrace. And you can't say it's not, mostly because you're not dutch and the rest because you're just pissed your country sucked balls in this tournament.

READ THE SIG!

We'll see.

[Old Manus]

Then again, this is perennial underachievers Holland.

[Psychotic]

You Holland-doubters are missing the bigger picture.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/322170250_ba195c7cc3_o.jpg

How can they possibly lose?

[Aerith's Knight]

Ugh.. not a picture I want to see while eating a popsicle.

*throws away ice cream*

[Psychotic]

what the smurf?!

Dennis you traitor, you absolute traitor :colbert:

DIRK LEADER IS BEAUTIFUL AND WILL LEAD GLORIOUS NETHERLANDS TO VICTORY. HAIL DIRK LEADER.

[Aerith's Knight]

Dude, it's not Kuyt, love the guy, but you can clearly see his... 'love' for the suit in that picture, standing nearly at attention.

[The Captain]

Wow. I am blown away by the end of the Ghana - Uruguay game. I was hoping Ghana would lose in the end because they knocked the US out. But, to lose it that way, OH MY.

I'm still shocked that Sneijder was able to head that ball in, considering he is about 6 inches shorter then every defender from Brasil. He has been fantastic so far and is a very real candidate for player of the tournament in my mind. Really shaky second half from Brasil's keeper too.

As for tomorrow, I am very excited for Germany - Argentina. I fully expect a lot of goals and in the end, my head is saying Germany while my heart is saying Argentina just because I want to see more Maradona man-hugs on the sideline.

I think Germany 3-2 Argentina.

I fully expect Spain to win their match as well, something like 2-0 and I'm looking at a Spain - Netherlands final, which is lovely as one of the two will FINALLY win their first Cup.

Take care all.


Also, sidenote, for all you English fans out there, what in blazes is going on with the press and this Gerrard - Terry thing?

[charliepanayi]

Yeah, because teams never beat team A and then lose to team B who are worse than team A. And considering some of the surprises so far, I don't think you should automatically assume that Holland will walk the semi-final (though they will be favourites understandably), or that it'll be a terrible disgrace if they lose. Especially considering Holland's record in semi-finals! Plus there's no Suarez but last I checked Forlan is pretty useful.

Well, I disagree. No matter how they played, Holland hasn't lost a game, ever, in this WC, including the preliminaries. And of the three goals against it, two of them were penalties.

To lose now to Uruguay would be to most Dutch people a terrible disgrace. And you can't say it's not, mostly because you're not dutch and the rest because you're just pissed your country sucked balls in this tournament.

READ THE SIG!

I resent the accusation. My country never gets to any tournaments! And if you think losing to Uruguay in a World Cup semi-final is a disgrace for Dutch people, what happened in 2002 when the Dutch didn't even qualify? Mass suicides in Holland?

[Aerith's Knight]

Yeah, because teams never beat team A and then lose to team B who are worse than team A. And considering some of the surprises so far, I don't think you should automatically assume that Holland will walk the semi-final (though they will be favourites understandably), or that it'll be a terrible disgrace if they lose. Especially considering Holland's record in semi-finals! Plus there's no Suarez but last I checked Forlan is pretty useful.

Well, I disagree. No matter how they played, Holland hasn't lost a game, ever, in this WC, including the preliminaries. And of the three goals against it, two of them were penalties.

To lose now to Uruguay would be to most Dutch people a terrible disgrace. And you can't say it's not, mostly because you're not dutch and the rest because you're just pissed your country sucked balls in this tournament.

READ THE SIG!

I resent the accusation. My country never gets to any tournaments! And if you think losing to Uruguay in a World Cup semi-final is a disgrace for Dutch people, what happened in 2002 when the Dutch didn't even qualify? Mass suicides in Holland?

First of all, unless you are lying or I am blind, you say you live in England, so that's your team for the moment, unless you declare otherwise.

Secondly, in 2002, we had a bad team then, most of us didn't even watch it. If you were going for examples, I would've used the game against Russia in '08. And yeah, people were pissed about that.

And thirdly, it's not the not-even-qualifying that's the disgrace, the disgrace is winning against one of the favorites of the cup and then losing to an increasingly mediocre team.

Although I rather agree with Old Manus, it'd be just like us to lose against Uruguay now.

[charliepanayi]

Thanks for telling me who I support. I live in England, I don't support England (neither do I actively support whoever is playing them) - last I checked it was a free country and I'm free to choose who I support. England is not my team, despite you foisting them on me.

And if you think it's a disgrace to beat a team and then lose to a team that isn't as good, you can't be much into club football or you have some bizarre logic. That's like saying Liverpool were disgraced by beating Man Utd and then not beating Hull City (sorry Psy, I can't use Arsenal as an example, as that requires us to actually beat Man Utd or Chelsea).

[Psychotic]

I swear we put 6 past Hull this season :colbert:

[Aerith's Knight]

Thanks for telling me who I support. I live in England, I don't support England (neither do I actively support whoever is playing them) - last I checked it was a free country and I'm free to choose who I support. England is not my team, despite you foisting them on me.


You are, but can you blame me for thinking that, seeing as you still haven't actually said who you support. I'm sorry, all this rational thinking must be confusing for you.



And if you think it's a disgrace to beat a team and then lose to a team that isn't as good, you can't be much into club football or you have some bizarre logic. That's like saying Liverpool were disgraced by beating Man Utd and then not beating Hull City (sorry Psy, I can't use Arsenal as an example, as that requires us to actually beat Man Utd or Chelsea).

I never said I was. I haven't even closely followed football for about 8 years now. But that says nothing about rationality. If Liverpool was beat by Hull city, I would be pretty embarrassed if I were them. Then again, that's just rational thinking again, and I am to assume from your stance this entire time, that such thinking is not in the spirit of the sport.

But can we stop this argument now? It's not changing anymore anyway. I say it is something to be ashamed of, then you say it's not, then I say I do think so, then you say I shouldn't, etc. etc.

I'm growing weary of this childish bickering. If you must continue this, I suggest you go to brazil, and see how long you can survive with such an argument there. I suggest you bring a bulletproof vest.

[Rocket Edge]

Although what you are charlie are debating has been unintentionally blown out of proportion, to say that if Holland were to lose against Uruguay you would be ashamed is completely out of line. Your talking about the semi-finals of an international tournament. 4 teams left, and you say you would be ashamed to lose to a team who have earned the right to be there.

[Aerith's Knight]

Although what you are charlie are debating has been unintentionally blown out of proportion, to say that if Holland were to lose against Uruguay you would be ashamed is completely out of line. Your talking about the semi-finals of an international tournament. 4 teams left, and you say you would be ashamed to lose to a team who have earned the right to be there.

First of all, these are my personal feelings, who the hell are you people to tell me how I should feel about my team of my country?

Secondly, you can say a lot, but all they did was scrap by in a bracket that had little to no severe resistance. I may not have watched a lot of football in the past years, but I've watched every scrap of this world cup. They were in a poule with two poor teams, France and SA, so it's no suprise they actually went through. Then, they came into a bracket with SK, USA and Ghana. I mean c'mon, compared to Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina, are you really saying that was a bracket that was hard?

Thirdly, they didn't deserve to be there. They got there because Suarez used his "hand of god" to play keeper. I actually wanted Uruguay to go through, but that was just the biggest load of bull.

And lastly:

http://www.motifake.com/image/demotivational-poster/small/0909/i-have-a-rocket-launcher-gi-joe-rocket-launcher-soldier-army-demotivational-poster-1252887936.jpg

[Psychotic]

Jesus christ the Germans are a machine.

...at least England only lost 4-1! (4-2 if you want to get technical :D)

The Quarter Finals: Europe Strikes Back.

[Aerith's Knight]

I hope Spain wins, because either Germany or Spain to the final, they deserve it both. Germany played great, a pleasure to watch.

[Psychotic]

Yeah Germany v Spain should be a corker if the Spanish get through.

I think the Netherlands v Uruguay will be pretty dull, but I'd be surprised if it ended without a red card.

[Aerith's Knight]

Yeah Germany v Spain should be a corker if the Spanish get through.

But should be a great match, maybe even better than the finale.



I think the Netherlands v Uruguay will be pretty dull, but I'd be surprised if it ended without a red card.

I just know they'll make fouls on Robben. The last two teams have made some seriously sick fouls, just to hurt him. The red card from Brazil, if they had found the injured leg, would've put Robben out of the tournament. Despicable.

[Croyles]

OMG!!!!! I am beside myself!!!!

[The Captain]

Miro Klose, one goal from tying the all-time World Cup goal mark. Mayhaps a team like Liverpool should see about signing him this coming season? He's been just wasting away in Germany this season.The man was immense, he holds well, is ruthless in front of goal, comes back to defend. Almost all the big name players have flopped this tournament save for David Villa and it's the overlooked players, the Forlans, the Kloses, who are driving their teams.

I expect Spain to advance but man alive, Germany look really tough to break. They defend well and on the counter-attack, they are lethal. The fact that Mueller got that yellow card and will miss the Semi-final is a real shame and could end up being a deciding factor to whether Germany play in the final or not.

Take care all.

[Croyles]

Klose would not feel comfortable in england, he is a very quiet and shy sort of guy I dont think he would fit well with the burly englishmen. Stay in germany, it makes it better for the national team too (see ballack who became crap).

[Croyles]

I still cant believe it!

Its now up to the team to celebrate, but not get arrogant! I trust Löw to be the one to bring them down again and bring all their concentration to the next match!

[charliepanayi]

Blimey Germany, I got the outcome right but I never saw that result coming. We clearly should have trusted the psychic octopus who called it correct again. Efficient Holland/Brazil, Germany scoring for fun, welcome to the Bizarro World Cup!

And comparing Suarez's handball to the Hand of God (even Suarez himself doesn't seem to mind the comparison) is ridiculous, I don't think every footballer would have done a Hand of God, but there isn't a footballer around who wouldn't have done what Suarez did (not least because it's a pretty instinctive thing to do).

[Rad Bromance]

I like the Shakira theme song.

The games themselves have been terribly boring though. :[

[Old Manus]

there isn't a footballer around who wouldn't have done what Suarez did
:|

[Psychotic]

Spain: Are you England in disguise?

[Croyles]

I like the Shakira theme song.

The games themselves have been terribly boring though. :[

What the??

[charliepanayi]

Well this game suddenly flared into life!

[Croyles]

Just what I was hoping for, Germany v Spain!

[champagne supernova]

Ugh, Spain are going to win this at a canter. No offence to Germany (and although I thought Germany had the potential to beat Argentina, I never expected it to happen), but the Spanish defence (especially) and midfield are way better than the Argentineans, so don't see the Germans scoring.

Holland - Spain will probably be closer, but the Dutch defence still looks slightly dodgy and the moment the Barcelona 3 + Torres get in the groove, it's tickets for the Dutch.

[charliepanayi]

Based on results so far, I'm not sure how you can say that Spain are going to beat Germany at a canter, even with their defence. Spain might well win (the game looks evenly matched to me) but I'm not sure it will be an easy win either way.

[Croyles]

Ugh, Spain are going to win this at a canter. No offence to Germany (and although I thought Germany had the potential to beat Argentina, I never expected it to happen), but the Spanish defence (especially) and midfield are way better than the Argentineans, so don't see the Germans scoring.

Holland - Spain will probably be closer, but the Dutch defence still looks slightly dodgy and the moment the Barcelona 3 + Torres get in the groove, it's tickets for the Dutch.

Huh? The Spanish played pretty poorly tonight...

[champagne supernova]

Based on results so far, I'm not sure how you can say that Spain are going to beat Germany at a canter, even with their defence. Spain might well win (the game looks evenly matched to me) but I'm not sure it will be an easy win either way.

Apart from some of the match against Chile, Spain have played against teams that have played very defensively. Spain play pass-and-move football and if there are 10 men behind the ball, then it makes the passing game very hard.

Germany on the other hand have played teams that gave it a go and were probably too attacking (Argentina had a goalkeeper, four average defenders, a defensive midfielder, and attacking midfielders and strikers - not balanced), apart from Serbia, who actually beat them.

Spain are probably the team most balanced between attack and defence and they are used to teams attacking them on the counter - German's biggest weapon. Hence why I think they should dispatch Germany.

[Loony BoB]

Form counts for more than one might think. I'm hoping Spain win this (mostly due to having drawn them in my work's sweepstake thing) but my head says that Germany will win the World Cup at the moment.

EDIT: Although I agree with the idea that Spain will play better against a team that doesn't live to defend and not much more. I've been thinking this for a long time, although I would back Germany to defend far better than Argentina (obviously) and would probably rather it was Argentina that went through for my money's sake. :p

[Croyles]

I agree it will be a much tighter match, but remember against Serbia we were 1 man down for most of the game and still looked like winning throughout (obviously we didnt, so emm, yeah), Ghana was also very defensive which was our lowest win, but we still pulled through. Even Paraguay had quite a few good chances against Spain.

[Loony BoB]

To be fair, England had a good number of chances against Germany, too, but yeah. Either way it will be a game that either side can win, absolutely. I hope Spain do for my money's sake, but wouldn't be shocked no matter what the result.

[Croyles]

True that. Well I don't know, I think the game will be unpredictable.

[Jiro]

I said Spain from the start, but Germany has been playing rather well. They might just have enough to topple Spain.

[Bunny]

I do not keep up with football as I should, so I don't know a lot about it. That said I got the chance to watch both the Uruguay-Ghana and Spain-Paraguay matches this past weekend. They were fairly decent as far as I can tell, despite suffering from a couple bad calls, overall missed calls, and some terrible acting on the part of the players.

That said, without a real knowledge of the game, I would say that Spain will go all the way this time. Germany is probably the biggest contender from what I have heard/seen through highlights, but I have not personally experienced them play so I cannot say for sure.

[Jiro]

That reminds me; judging from the rest of the World Cup, I think it's safe to say that a team's form is only worth half as much as it should be. The outcome of the match(es) largely depends on whether or not the referee decides to stop worrying about the inspectors and just referees the game properly.

[charliepanayi]

Semi-finals:

Holland 1 Uruguay 0
I think the absence of Suarez and Fucile will hurt Uruguay somewhat and though Holland have been more workmanlike than spectacular so far, they're getting the job done and if Sneijder (one of the best players of the tournament so far) is on form, they'll make the final.

Spain 2 Germany 1 (AET)
Germany are attracting all the raves at the moment, and Spain have been oddly staccato so far in their matches. But like with Holland this year, slow and steady (or at the very least peaking late in the day) often wins the day at the World Cup. A tight game going to extra time, and David Villa popping up to be the hero for Spain again. But maybe I should just wait to see what the octopus has to say...

[black orb]

>>> I think Spain will win this..:luca:

[Aerith's Knight]

I'm so exited for the game. :)

Come on Snyder (And Kuyt, for Paul), GET US TO THE FINALS! Keep them out, Stekelenburg, you've been doing great!

http://ger.nl/files/2009/04/nederland.jpg

[Old Manus]

I tried signing Stekelenberg for the Swans on FM. I'll give you 'no interest in joining your club at this time'! Dorus de Vries is better anyway :colbert:

[Croyles]

Paul the Psychic Octopus has said Spain will win (the real picture not the fake one). Well, during Euro 2008 he said Germany would win against Spain so maybe he is wrong :p

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs067.snc3/13453_121880984522666_119096408134457_141004_2671862_n.jpg

Everyone is either sure Spain will win or WANT Spain to win. God I hate you guys! :p
Well apart from the Dutch, who are already dreaming about beating us in the final!

[Aerith's Knight]

Dreaming might be the correct word, but look at Brazil, miracles can come true!

[Croyles]

I didnt mean dreaming in that it is unlikely. All im saying is, your the only guys at the moment who do not want us to lose to Spain.

[champagne supernova]

Dreaming might be the correct word, but look at Brazil, miracles can come true!

I always thought Holland would beat Brazil in the semi-finals. So, it wasn't that much of a miracle.

[tailz]

I didnt mean dreaming in that it is unlikely. All im saying is, your the only guys at the moment who do not want us to lose to Spain.

yes correct the final that almost anyone here wants.

and really i'm expecting germany to win. spain has been doing great this tournament but germany are in a league of their own at the moment.

so yeah, heres to hoping Netherlands-Germany final

[Loony BoB]

To be fair, the only reason I want Spain to win is because I drew them in the work sweepstake, so there is money on them getting 1st (and of course, if they don't, I can be satisfied with 2nd or 3rd at which point I'll still profit, but 4th is nothing). I don't think they'll win and, money aside, would prefer Germany in the final going on form.

[Rocket Edge]

Uruguay 0 - 2 Holland

Spain 0 - 2 Germany

Anything could happen from here on up though.

[Croyles]

Yeah you never know with semi finals! They are usually the most interesting games and also the hardest. Once a team gets to the final they usually play it very safe!

[charliepanayi]

Cracking goal there from Van Bronckhorst.

[Aerith's Knight]

I wouldn't be surprised if that turned out to be the best goal of the game.

[charliepanayi]

I wouldn't be surprised if that turned out to be the only goal of the game.

EDIT: Hooray I was wrong! Also, Alan Green on Radio 5 really is a miserable git.

[Aerith's Knight]

I can actually see the freaking hole in the dutch defense forming at that goal.

edit: Either a bomb just exploded near my house or we scored twice more!

[charliepanayi]

For a game that hasn't really been high quality we have four goals out of it so far at least. OK one was poor goalkeeping and one was a possibly bad onside/offside decision, but still.

[Aerith's Knight]

Those last minutes were fucked up.

[Psychotic]

Feel sorry for Uruguay, they fought hard. Holland won't be the favourites in the final, but they do have a knack for winning and shouldn't be bet against.

[charliepanayi]

Finally Van Bommel gets a booking! But some nice drama at the end. Holland deserved the victory but Robben must have been getting a bit nervous in those last few minutes.

[Cuchulainn]

van Bopmmel should have been sent off ages ago. He's a dirty bastard. Detest him.

[champagne supernova]

Spain will beat Germany. I've even put money on it now.

Looks like even a better bet now that there are injury scares in the German camp and a whole round of transfer talk to distract the players ;)

But mainly, it's because, unlike Australia, England & Argentina (with the exception of A. Cole), the Spanish have very quick and solid full backs in Ramos & Capdevila. They also have Busquets and Alonso who tend to sit back, which will prevent the potent German counter.

Spain might not have hit top gear yet, but they've still been capable of grinding out results. They also have as close-knit a team as Germany, but with better players.

[Psychotic]

charliepanayi is Clive Tyldsley in disguise.

I didn't find out if there was a reason for it, but I liked him being a solo commentator. Much better than having some muppet jabbering on about useless crap. Although having said that, Mark Lawrenson is a beast. I love it when you hear him doing things off mic in the background.

[Croyles]

Spain will beat Germany. I've even put money on it now.

Looks like even a better bet now that there are injury scares in the German camp and a whole round of transfer talk to distract the players ;)

But mainly, it's because, unlike Australia, England & Argentina (with the exception of A. Cole), the Spanish have very quick and solid full backs in Ramos & Capdevila. They also have Busquets and Alonso who tend to sit back, which will prevent the potent German counter.

Spain might not have hit top gear yet, but they've still been capable of grinding out results. They also have as close-knit a team as Germany, but with better players.

What injury scares are you talking about? The ones that have been fit since more than a day ago? And for your information the transfer talks are all outside of the camp (i.e. the media only).
Spain may win, but I find it ridiculous that you are so sure.

Congratulations to the Netherlands!

[Cuchulainn]

charliepanayi is Clive Tyldsley in disguise.

I didn't find out if there was a reason for it, but I liked him being a solo commentator. Much better than having some muppet jabbering on about useless crap. Although having said that, Mark Lawrenson is a beast. I love it when you hear him doing things off mic in the background.

I knew there was something wrong! No co-commentator! Surely that only happensw on Eurosport when it's some fat dude in his bedroom.

[charliepanayi]

Apparently Jim Beglin was ill, so he couldn't co-commentate on ITV.

[Aerith's Knight]

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8820/naamloosfx.png

Dirk Kuyt.

He owns your soul, why would he need a shirt?


I have to give it to them Uruguayans, they fought until the end. But I have to say, the referee didn't really know what he was doing, did he? First it seems like he's favoring the Dutch, then the Uruguayans, then the Dutch, and in the final minutes, the Uruguayans again. I couldn't get a fix on that guy.

[Psychotic]

Oh Dirk. :love:

I did love that ball he put into the box for Robben's goal. That was tasty.

[champagne supernova]

Yes, Kadeira and Friedrich. They are expected to be able to play, but will they be 100%? Muller is suspended as well. And unless agents are banned from speaking to their players, I am sure that the likes of Ozil and Kadeira will be aware of the interest in them.

[Jings]

I loved the commentators sarcastic comments towards van Bommel and the lack of yellow cards. Thank goodness he finally got booked.

[Croyles]

We had so called 'injury scares' and 'transfer talks' before the argentina and england game as well. I dont think THAT would beat us.

And yes im glad van Bommel finally got a yellow, I hate him and have always hated him (I like the dutch team in general though!)

[charliepanayi]

I imagine Ozil will be able to put any transfer talk behind him for 90 minutes tomorrow.

[Aerith's Knight]

I have Spain in the poule, so that's where my money is, but I'm kinda hoping Germany will win, at least if Holland wins after that. :p

Otherwise, Spain.

[Rocket Edge]

Congrats to the Dutch.

Question: What would be your England starting eleven after the World Cup flop? Fresh blood and all that...

Mine:

Joe Hart
G Johnson, Dawson, Terry, A Cole
A Johnson, Rodwell, Gerrard, Milner, A Young/Lennon
Rooney

[Croyles]

I have Spain in the poule, so that's where my money is, but I'm kinda hoping Germany will win, at least if Holland wins after that. :p

Otherwise, Spain.

Well last time (1974) Holland played better and Germany won, so maybe IF Germany gets to the final it will be Germany playing better and Holland winning! :)

[champagne supernova]

Sky Sports | Football | World Cup 2010 | Germany | Bierhoff plays down spat (http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12023_6246842,00.html)

Sky Sports | Football | World Cup 2010 | Germany | Neuer dismisses transfer talk (http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12023_6246311,00.html)

The first one is a little bit juicy. Germany's defence have exceed expectations (I expected Mertesacker to be shown up badly on the weekend), but against organised defences (Serbia - when will they stop hurting me), they are not as effective. Spain have a good defence, a great midfield (better than both Argentina and England) and a world-class frontline (whether it is good as the Argentinean one is debatable).

So I bet that Spain would win before these many reports started to come out of the German camp, so just hoping my money has become safe. I could be proved wrong tomorrow. But at this point in time, I can't see the Germans beating Spain.

[charliepanayi]

I think you're stretching here somewhat at trying to show evidence of discord in the German camp. Spain's defence, that could be a reason for Spain winning tomorrow. Non-existent transfer speculation, I very much doubt it.

[Croyles]

I think it's obvious that above all else you WANT Spain to win. Yes Spain could very well beat Germany tomorrow, but its obvious your looking for all excuses for as to why Spain will win tomorrow (other than their obvious class). Maybe just wait for the game, and stop speculating about so called 'camp trouble', usually reported by Bild Zeitung, which is as bad if not worse than The Sun.

[champagne supernova]

I think you're stretching here somewhat at trying to show evidence of discord in the German camp. Spain's defence, that could be a reason for Spain winning tomorrow. Non-existent transfer speculation, I very much doubt it.

First link is about some spat being denied. I didn't know there was a spat so first hearing of this, but cool.

And as I said, I bet before I read Skysports this morning and found this all out. The Spanish are, player for player, as good or better than the Germans, on form and talent (with the exception of Torres), they have been together as a team longer and 5 of the starting team play with each other in the same team weak in & weak out. The Germans are young, energetic, talented and Low must be one of the best international managers in the world, but their general inexperience should start kicking in around now.

And Low has admitted that Kadeira has been on a special training programme to get fit and that his medical staff has been patching up the team. The Argentina game was also a lot harder than Spain's game against Paraguay, where, although unconvincing in victory, the Spanish weren't exactly working themselves to the bone.

EDIT: And no, I don't particularly want Spain to win. My support has gone behind Holland so I couldn't really care who wins the match tomorrow. I'm just looking at the 2 teams and, unless the Spanish have a very off day, I cannot see the Germans beating them. But, even though I am of German descent, I couldn't really care what happens. I'm just giving a prediction.

[charliepanayi]

Germany's 4-0 win over Argentina (where they had the game won by about 70 minutes) was a lot harder than Spain getting a late 1-0 win over Paraguay? Eh?

[Croyles]

How about we just let the game tomorrow speak for itself supernova. If Spain win you can rub it in my face all you want, I really don't care, since im not a bad loser. :p

[Aerith's Knight]

YouTube - Wolter kroes - Viva hollandia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRBgdQe_rco)



I have Spain in the poule, so that's where my money is, but I'm kinda hoping Germany will win, at least if Holland wins after that.

Otherwise, Spain.

Well last time (1974) Holland played better and Germany won, so maybe IF Germany gets to the final it will be Germany playing better and Holland winning!


And after that, we're done, no more animosity, agreed?

[champagne supernova]

I don't really want to rub it in anyone's face. I'm just going with the facts. I had Holland as one of the teams in my final at the beginning of the tournament, so feeling good. Although I really expected an Argentina - Spain semi final (and couldn't really choose a winner), but that went horribly wrong. Maybe the Germans will prove me wrong. But I can't really see it. At least with Argentina, you still thought the defensive side was a little bit suspect. Can't exactly say that about the Spanish. But mostly, it's just that the formation the Spanish play (where Alonso sits back and Busquets is defensive but is more mobile) will provide more protection than Argentina's Mascherano or England's Barry.

And yes, the Germans may have won the game by a bigger margin, but they expended more energy in that match. Spain never seemed to get themselves out of 2nd gear.

[Croyles]

YouTube - Wolter kroes - Viva hollandia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRBgdQe_rco)



I have Spain in the poule, so that's where my money is, but I'm kinda hoping Germany will win, at least if Holland wins after that.

Otherwise, Spain.

Well last time (1974) Holland played better and Germany won, so maybe IF Germany gets to the final it will be Germany playing better and Holland winning!


And after that, we're done, no more animosity, agreed?

Its not like I ever had any animosity towards the Dutch in the first place, it's just something that a country will shoehorn you into without really knowing why, which i have always resisted.

But if you win, will there be chocolate sprinkles for everyone? :)

[Aerith's Knight]

YouTube - Wolter kroes - Viva hollandia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRBgdQe_rco)



I have Spain in the poule, so that's where my money is, but I'm kinda hoping Germany will win, at least if Holland wins after that.

Otherwise, Spain.

Well last time (1974) Holland played better and Germany won, so maybe IF Germany gets to the final it will be Germany playing better and Holland winning!


And after that, we're done, no more animosity, agreed?

Its not like I ever had any animosity towards the Dutch in the first place, it's just something that a country will shoehorn you into without really knowing why, which i have always resisted.

But if you win, will there be chocolate sprinkles for everyone? :)

And Wooden shoes for everyone!

[Pete for President]

Rotterdam, Holland is beside itself at the moment, I've seen people jumping in fountains and blocking the busiest roundabouts in the city. Looking forward to sunday, even though I remain sceptic! :choc:

[Peegee]

Wow @ thread

I have 20 bucks (office pool) or something like that on Spain. Yay Spain!

[champagne supernova]

Sky Sports | Football | World Cup 2010 | Neatherlands | De Zeeuw concern for Holland (http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12021_6249506,00.html)

Would be epic if he finished playing the first half with a broken jaw. Reminds me of some player who tried to run off a broken leg.

But van der Vaart's introduction did seem to galvanise the Dutch. I doubt he'll start in the final, but it's a good sign that Holland can bring quality like that on from the bench.

[The Captain]

Losing Muller is a big blow for Germany. He has been that vital to their play this tournament. I think that alone could swing the match to Spain. I equate it to Uruguay not having Suarez to pair for Forlan. They just weren't as balanced as they've been and while Germany may have another young gem to play, Muller has been beyond great. By the way, what a player Diego Forlan was in this tournament. Yeah, his goal against the Netherlands today might have been a combo of good player, bad goal-tending, but he's been All-world. Even if he did beat Liverpool a few months ago...

I could see a close game, hard fought with Spain edging Germany 3-2. Spain haven't hit full gear yet and keep turning in results. Villa has been nearly unstoppable and I think Xavi, Xavi Alonso and company will continue to boss the midfield. I expect Klose will get his 15th goal either tomorrow or in the last round, but in the end I think we get a new champion in either Spain or Holland.

Come 2014, I fully expect Germany to be the favorites though.

As for the next England lineup, I really would be shocked if Terry is still there. I think Capello won't forgive him for some of his breaking ranks actions.


Take care all.

[Pete for President]

Sky Sports | Football | World Cup 2010 | Neatherlands | De Zeeuw concern for Holland (http://www.skysports.com/football/world-cup-2010/story/0,27032,12021_6249506,00.html)

Would be epic if he finished playing the first half with a broken jaw. Reminds me of some player who tried to run off a broken leg.


It was one hell of a blow:

Check the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNsRePLnYmo)

[Croyles]

I hate this, I can't think of anything other than the game tomorrow!! Football is unhealthy!

[Psychotic]

Paul the Octopus says Spain. I believe in the psychic octopus's predictions.

[DarkBahamut]

I root Spain, although Germany's passing game this year has been outstanding.

[Aerith's Knight]

Referee's really seem to favor Germany until now.

[charliepanayi]

He clearly secretly craves a Holland v Germany rematch ;)

Are Spain going to let Germany have the ball at some point?

[Aerith's Knight]

I wouldn't recommend it. That's how you lose to Germany. You give a finger, they take everything south from your neck.

[Psychotic]

Spain need to take off someone like Busquets and bring on Torres. He hasn't been himself, sure, but unlike the players Spain has on the pitch, at least he's actually been getting in the box and shooting. The Spanish are the most frustrating nation ever.

[Old Manus]

Germany look rattled.

[Loony BoB]

Thought Boateng was doing really well, a little bemused at him being taken off. Germany haven't looked the same defensively since.

Spain looking much more like the team we knew in 2008 now. Great one touch football for a little while now.

[Aerith's Knight]

While the passing is great, you got to say that goal wise, Holland vs. Uruguay was more interesting than this.

[Croyles]

I think the game is in the bag for spain now

[charliepanayi]

It's been proven, the octopus sees all!

[Loony BoB]

Woohoo, guaranteed winnings at work now :D

[Aerith's Knight]

Spain played better, plain and simple.

[Psychotic]

so basically the World Cup final is going to be contested by two teams that do bugger all for 60-70 minutes before remembering that there's a match on and they better go and win it.

Tempted not to even bother watching the first hour of the final tbh :p

[Croyles]

Well, it was to be seen after the first 20 minutes. Germany had too much respect for Spain, and didnt dare anything.
Spain played a LOT better. It was deserved, and congratulations to them!
Its weird though that Germany used to be the team that, maybe with not as much ball confidence, but played in a similar result orientated fashion, and were booed by almost everyone in the world, now that Spain play like this, I have the feeling that everyone will be putting the up on a pedestal (like the Germany team did today).

But this should not be anything against the Spain team, you fully deserved to win today!

[Loony BoB]

To be fair to Spain, they could have won by a lot more than 1-0 if a couple of really good chances were taken.

[charliepanayi]

Germany will have other chances, they have a team who could do very well at Euro 2012 to start with.

[Rocket Edge]

Yeah I can see them doing so well in 2012. Spain deserved it, although I was rooting for Germany. Oh well, come on Holland!

[Pete for President]

Here goes nothing! GO HOLLAND!

[champagne supernova]

Well, people were telling me how foolish I was saying that Spain were going to win. Guess I'm right again. But, although I think Spain is going to win the World Cup, I'm still going to support the Dutch for the final. Even though I don't think they'll win, I will still support them. I hope that I am wrong.

[charliepanayi]

Well, people were telling me how foolish I was saying that Spain were going to win. Guess I'm right again. .

*bows to your vast knowledge*

No, they said some of your reasoning was foolish. I predicted Spain to win today as well, I'm pretty sure a few people here did.

[Croyles]

I dont think anyone said you were foolish for predicting spain to win, just as to how sure u were. I dont think even you could have predicted that spain would have controlled the game that much.

I hope the final is a good match (it usually isnt though)

[Cuchulainn]

Well, people were telling me how foolish I was saying that Spain were going to win. Guess I'm right again. .

*bows to your vast knowledge*

No, they said some of your reasoning was foolish. I predicted Spain to win today as well, I'm pretty sure a few people here did.

That doesn't make you Jesus. It simply means you tossed a guess at a 50/50 and struck lucky.

[Croyles]

So gutted! But the german team had too much respect for spain the entire game. I guess the team IS too young afterall, but i expect this team to come far in the years to come, PROVIDED all goes as well as it has so far.

[champagne supernova]

Well I predicted Holland in the final, beating Brazil in the quarters. So, I'm not saying that I'm awesome, but I could not see Germany beating Holland. I was proved right. I also think the Spanish are going to win the World Cup, but I'm still supporting Holland. Regardless of my predictions and what people were saying about it, I think it is really amazing that the final is being played between two sides that have never won the World Cup. It is going to be an amazing match. My friend & I are trying to get final tickets to see it. And I think both of us will be supporting the House of Orange.

[Aerith's Knight]

Well, people were telling me how foolish I was saying that Spain were going to win. Guess I'm right again. .

*bows to your vast knowledge*

No, they said some of your reasoning was foolish. I predicted Spain to win today as well, I'm pretty sure a few people here did.

That doesn't make you Jesus. It simply means you tossed a guess at a 50/50 and struck lucky.

It means you're on the same level as an octopus. Enjoy!

[champagne supernova]

It means you're on the same level as an octopus. Enjoy!

Apparently the Germans insulted the octopus and his mother. And they've been making octopus recipes. He's not very popular in Germany at the moment.

[Croyles]

Nope he's not, but damn you gotta hand it to Paul, he knows his :bou::bou::bou::bou:.

[Aerith's Knight]

I can't believe people are believing all this crap. This is the same as that odds involving scam. The basis of it is this:

1. You send a million people the outcome of the tournament, with every possible result, but leave out the finale.
2. 0.001% will have gotten the exact right results. This amazes the reader, and wants to know the finale prediction, so he can bet on it.
3. You ask for money in return for the prediction.
4. Profit.

This is merely the animal variation on it. There are probably hundreds of animals doing wacky stuff, the octopus is just the only one that has been right (and only 80% of the time).

You may ask, what do they get out of it. Well, as always, the answer is money. Do you really not think thousands will go to see octo paul for a small price?

[Old Manus]

You scoff now, clog-boy, but when Octradamus goes on to rule the world in an underwater palace where people wait on him hand and tentacle in return for filling in their football pools, you'll sit there in a darkened corner of your room, thinking 'I should have believed'

[charliepanayi]

Shame they didn't name him Ultros really.

[Del Murder]

I really need to start one of these scams some day.

[charliepanayi]

The octopus has spoken - Germany and Spain to win!

[Aerith's Knight]

I think I'll be having some Kalamari tonight. :mad2:

[Old Manus]

My money's on Robin Van Persie to headbutt Carles Puyol in extra time, causing instant internet fame and glory

[DarkBahamut]

I hope the final is a good match (it usually isnt though)
YOU are telling me this isn't good enough for you?!?!:

http://medicine.com.my/wp/wp-blogpics/Zidane.gif

[Aerith's Knight]

YouTube - A birthday telegram from Zinedine Zidane. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYN54NZqlcw)

[DarkBahamut]

YouTube - A birthday telegram from Zinedine Zidane. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYN54NZqlcw)
Hahaha! Not only was he a great player, he knew how to treat the pursuers of douche-baggery well :)

[Pete for President]

I just dreamed the Dutch would lose to Spain with 0-2. Not nice.

[charliepanayi]

The 3rd/4th place playoff may be pointless but it was a good game tonight (it's usually more interesting than the final turns out to be, mainly as both sides aren't scared of losing), both Germany and Uruguay have been good value during much of the tournament. And the octopus makes it 7 out of 7 ;)

I'm going for 1-0 to Spain tomorrow, though I hope it winds up being more exciting than that.

[Carnage-]

I'd be very disappointed if Spain won. They shouldn't even be here from all of their unconvincing one goal wins. They shouldn't even have beat Paraguay.

[charliepanayi]

They've won all their games bar their first one, why shouldn't they be there. And they deserved to win all their knockout games, they were at at their Euro 2008 best against Germany. And why should Paraguay have beaten them? It's ludicrous to suggest that either of tomorrow's finalists don't deserve to win the World Cup.

[Carnage-]

They've won all their games bar their first one, why shouldn't they be there. And they deserved to win all their knockout games, they were at at their Euro 2008 best against Germany. And why should Paraguay have beaten them? It's ludicrous to suggest that either of tomorrow's finalists don't deserve to win the World Cup.
Their wins were very unconvincing. They barely edged out a 10-man Chile in group stage play. They won from an offside goal against Portugal that was really sloppy to be honest, even though I'm glad to see Portugal out. Against Paraguay, Paraguay should have had their offside goal counted, and their penalty kick should have been retaken because Casillas jumped in front of the line way early and there were four spanish players encroaching. Against Germany...well, they shut down the Germans effectively, I'll give them that.

[Old Manus]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40802000/jpg/_40802268_forlan_empics300.jpg

My face when his free kick hit the bar.

[Carnage-]

Forlan's the best striker of the tournament in my opinion. He single-handedly carried his team every match.

[charliepanayi]

They've won all their games bar their first one, why shouldn't they be there. And they deserved to win all their knockout games, they were at at their Euro 2008 best against Germany. And why should Paraguay have beaten them? It's ludicrous to suggest that either of tomorrow's finalists don't deserve to win the World Cup.
Their wins were very unconvincing. They barely edged out a 10-man Chile in group stage play. They won from an offside goal against Portugal that was really sloppy to be honest, even though I'm glad to see Portugal out. Against Paraguay, Paraguay should have had their offside goal counted, and their penalty kick should have been retaken because Casillas jumped in front of the line way early and there were four spanish players encroaching. Against Germany...well, they shut down the Germans effectively, I'll give them that.

Portugal were very defensive against Spain, Spain had to do their best to break them down. You seem to have ignored the penalty Spain should have had against Paraguay immediately after their one was missed (the keeper brought down a Spanish player). And in the end, they won their games, a team who wins five out of six games (and if they win tomorrow within 120 minutes, six out of seven) deserves the World Cup. They started slowly but they've also shown why they're European Champions.

Plus I'd say a string of 1-0s show defensive solidity, which is usually needed to win the World Cup

[Croyles]

To be fair to Spain, each team was very VERY defensive against them precisely because they knew of their capacity to control the game.

Im glad we came third, although close. 3rd twice in a row, we HAVE to win next time, with the young amazing players we have and everything that the DFB has done to promote young players and the new direction of the Bundesliga its gotta work out. I have a feeling Brazil won't be such favourites next WC as they have to completely renew their team structure and philosophy.

Tomorrow will be 1-0 for Spain, maybe 2-1.

[Carnage-]

Portugal were very defensive against Spain, Spain had to do their best to break them down. You seem to have ignored the penalty Spain should have had against Paraguay immediately after their one was missed (the keeper brought down a Spanish player). And in the end, they won their games, a team who wins five out of six games (and if they win tomorrow within 120 minutes, six out of seven) deserves the World Cup. They started slowly but they've also shown why they're European Champions.

Plus I'd say a string of 1-0s show defensive solidity, which is usually needed to win the World Cup
Fair enough, maybe I was wrong to say they didn't deserve to be here. I was unimpressed with their offense is all. They've moved the ball excellently in the midfield and their defending has been great as well, much the same as Netherlands, who I think are very similar. Should be a very even matchup for tomorrow.

[black orb]

>>> I predicted Spain or Brazil to win the cup before it even started. Well, you dont need to be a genius for that, all I did was to take a look at the FIFA ranking..:luca:

[charliepanayi]

Yeah but Portugal were third on those rankings!

[black orb]

>>> Portugal was third?? Lol, I didnt even noticed. Sometimes I cant understand those people from FIFA..:luca:

I also cant understand why they refuse to put some sensors/technology in the important matches..

[Carnage-]

http://images.4chan.org/sp/src/1278870762186.jpg
I don't know why they're even playing this game. The Dutch are going up against destiny.

[charliepanayi]

I would imagine both sides could argue they have destiny on their side.

[Carnage-]

I would imagine both sides could argue they have destiny on their side.
Spain has a fucking psychic octopus on their side. There's no way they're losing.

[Aerith's Knight]

>>> Portugal was third?? Lol, I didnt even noticed. Sometimes I cant understand those people from FIFA..:luca:

I also cant understand why they refuse to put some sensors/technology in the important matches..

It loosens the amount of control they (FIFA board of directors) have on the outcome.

[Freya]

Go Spain just so dennis can't have bragging rights! WOO!

[Aerith's Knight]

I'm getting Portugal flashbacks. :mad2:

[Croyles]

Wow De Jong really deserved a straight red for that. That was abysmall and I hope he gets sent off soon!

[charliepanayi]

I think the polite word for the Dutch approach so far is 'robust', they really will be lucky to finish with 11 men at this rate. As cagey as I expected so far :(

[Aerith's Knight]

If they pull that crap again second half, I'm seriously going to support Spain. :mad:

[Aerith's Knight]

Could you stop with the 4chan.org logos?

[charliepanayi]

Hey, they gave the ball back at that corner, not many teams would do that. It was rather bizarre though to see them do it in light of what had gone before!

Right now I'm getting worrying echoes of the 1990 final :(

[Carnage-]

Could you stop with the 4chan.org logos?
Fine, sorry. Would it matter if I posted images from another site then?

[Aerith's Knight]

Could you stop with the 4chan.org logos?
Fine, sorry. Would it matter if I posted images from another site then?

It's not the site, merely that the only thing that showed was a 4chan logo, nothing else. (ergo, no picture)

What the smurf was that yellow card about?

[Carnage-]

Could you stop with the 4chan.org logos?
Fine, sorry. Would it matter if I posted images from another site then?

It's not the site, merely that the only thing that showed was a 4chan logo, nothing else. (ergo, no picture)
Oh, okay, my bad then. I can fix that. And I'll just leave this here...

http://i25.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/25ggg0j.jpg

[Aerith's Knight]

Like I said, if they pulled that crap again...

Luckily, they didn't.

[Croyles]

And Ineasta deserved a red as well!

[charliepanayi]

Like I said, if they pulled that crap again...

Luckily, they didn't.

Probably because a repeat of the first half would have seen them down to eight men by the end of the game! Footballers are daft but even they have a survival instinct that kicks in occasionally.

It got a little better in the second half (one or two good chances), but alas it seems we'll have to wait at least another four years for the first great final since 1986.

[Croyles]

I think all the referees of this world cup should get fired.

[Aerith's Knight]

What is it with this dude and yellow cards?

edit: wonderful, another offside bad ref loss.

This will go over wonderful.

[charliepanayi]

Iniesta! The octopus does it again!

And it's official, the only undefeated team at this World Cup are New Zealand! Well done guys :)

[Cuchulainn]

What is it with this dude and yellow cards?

edit: wonderful, another offside bad ref loss.

This will go over wonderful.

What was offside? The yellow cards were caused by fouls. The Dutch should have had 3 men sent off in the first half.

[Carnage-]

Typical Torres diving and faking injury at the end of the match in attempt to waste more time.

[Aerith's Knight]

What is it with this dude and yellow cards?

edit: wonderful, another offside bad ref loss.

This will go over wonderful.

What was offside?.

Not the last pass before the goal, but the pass before it, Iniesta was offside.

[Cuchulainn]

Typical Torres diving and faking injury at the end of the match in attempt to waste more time.

I hope you're joking.

[Croyles]

Spain are officially the murderers of the beautiful game, along with the referees. All in all, what a joke of a world cup.

But, you have to be stupid to think that was play acting from Torres, and the goal definitely wasnt offside (not even the pass before).

[Aerith's Knight]

Again, not the last pass, not by a long shot. It was the pass before that one.

[charliepanayi]

Typical Torres diving and faking injury at the end of the match in attempt to waste more time.

Don't be ridiculous, he clearly had cramp or something.

Also Thomas Mueller officially wins the Golden Boot I think (by the new rather daft rules), though four players wind up tied on five goals.

[Croyles]

Again, not the last pass, not by a long shot. It was the pass before that one.

Yes I know. I think it was still onside, although close.

What a horrible game that was.

[Carnage-]

Typical Torres diving and faking injury at the end of the match in attempt to waste more time.

I hope you're joking.
Maybe.

Spain are officially the murderers of the beautiful game, along with the referees. All in all, what a joke of a world cup.

But, you have to be stupid to think that was play acting from Torres, and the goal definitely wasnt offside (not even the pass before).
FIFA>Referees>Results


Typical Torres diving and faking injury at the end of the match in attempt to waste more time.

Don't be ridiculous, he clearly had cramp or something.

Also Thomas Mueller officially wins the Golden Boot I think (by the new rather daft rules), though four players wind up tied on five goals.
He was on the field for 10 minutes. If he got a cramp that quickly, he must really suck. And yep, Mueller gets it. Not sure why assists count towards it though.

I miss the 2002 and 2006 World Cup Finals. The ones with goals and teams who didn't sit back and attacked constantly.

[DK]

Spain the deserved winners, not a great game of football but I enjoyed watching it, lots of drama. Dutch were a bunch of filthy animals, usually appreciate a bit of filth but they were way over the line and lucky not to be down more men than they were. Was gutted David Villa couldn't go on to score, wanted him to pick up the Golden Boot. But yeah, glad Spain won.

[Breine]

I was rooting for The Netherlands to win. Oh well.

[charliepanayi]

I miss the 2002 and 2006 World Cup Finals. The ones with goals and teams who didn't sit back and attacked constantly.

I don't know what World Cup finals you were watching, 2002 and 2006 were better than this but they were still pretty average games. All anyone remembers from 2006 is the headbutt!

[Carnage-]

I miss the 2002 and 2006 World Cup Finals. The ones with goals and teams who didn't sit back and attacked constantly.

I don't know what World Cup finals you were watching, 2002 and 2006 were better than this but they were still pretty average games. All anyone remembers from 2006 is the headbutt!
Well true, 2002 was totally rigged as a whole. Either way they were much more entertaining to watch.

Oh well, good to have a WC in SA, the culture there is absolutely amazing. Too bad the tournament itself was mediocre in comparison to every other WC though.

[Croyles]

Rigged? Are you high?

[Carnage-]

Rigged? Are you high?
Korea Republic and Turkey making it into the semifinals? Well Turkey had rather easy opponents in Japan and Senegal, but Korea Republic beating Italy and Spain?

Also, grabbed this from an online article:


Just because you are paranoid does not mean they aren't out to get you. When host South Korea bounced Italy from the 2002 tournament, Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni cried conspiracy. The referee, Byron Moreno of Ecuador, seemed hell-bent on ensuring the Koreans progressed, disallowing a perfectly fine Italian goal and controversially sending off their star, Francesco Totti, for diving to draw a foul.


The Spanish newspapers belittled the Italian claims, but when Spain lost to Korea in the next round, the Spanish newspapers changed their tune, with Marca's headline screaming "Italy was right!" Referee Gamal Ghandour disallowed two legal Spanish goals and his linesmen -- one Ugandan, the other Trinidadian -- judged one Spanish attack after another to be offside. Moreno returned to a hero's welcome in Ecuador but was out of the game within a year after receiving two domestic bans for crooked refereeing. Ghandour retired shortly after Spanish newspapers accused him of accepting a Hyundai car as a "gift" on behalf of the Korean Football Association.

[BarelySeeAtAll]

Well, that's the end of that one.

[Croyles]

Ok well thanks for confirming my question! :)

[charliepanayi]

That rather ignores the fact an odd team often gets to the semi-finals (Belgium, Bulgaria, Sweden, Croatia, Uruguay). And why would Korea be allowed to progress and not Japan, who went out in the last 16? And why am I arguing someone who doesn't seem to understand the concept of logic?

[Cuchulainn]

Spain are officially the murderers of the beautiful game, along with the referees. All in all, what a joke of a world cup.

But, you have to be stupid to think that was play acting from Torres, and the goal definitely wasnt offside (not even the pass before).

What are you talking about you strange human? The Dutch tried to murder every Spanish player. Good grief dude. I'm glad Spain won. The Dutch were disgusting.