The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Thread

[Marky Tee]

cant seem to see if there is one already, just ignore and redirect me if there is one please

and if not anyone fancy discussing this?

maybe even get a wee game of fantasy football going?

---

EDIT BY PSYCHOTIC:

McDonald's FIFA World Cup Fantasy (http://en.mcdonalds.fantasy.fifa.com/)

League info:
The EoFF Trophy
League Code is: 388738-92069

Spoilered 'cause we don't want random freaks joining like last time. But any member here is welcome to join. :) Just post here letting us know your team name and stuff when you do!

[charliepanayi]

I was going to start one nearer the time (and I imagine others had the same idea) - we could always make this the World Cup thread now!

[Jings]

Too early I say!

[Psychotic]

I'll make one nearer the time - with Fantasy Football in tow!

The World Cup thread has to have a poll! It's tradition! :colbert:

[charliepanayi]

Psychotic is right about having a poll - maybe once the European Cup final is done.

[Cuchulainn]

No Ireland, no world cup interest. Never liked international football anyway

[charliepanayi]

No Ireland, no world cup interest. Never liked international football anyway

Try being from Cyprus, we'll never make the World Cup :( - and the World Cup is great, even the worst World Cup (1990 by a mile) offers up some good memories.

[Jings]

I'm the opposite, I love international football. Club football just doesn't command my interest the way int. does.

[Mo-Nercy]

The club soccer in Australia is of a pretty sucky quality. I'm hoping that the Aussies can at least equal their performance from the previous World Cup.

[black orb]

>>> Its too early, better make a "FIFA World Cup Countdown Thread" or something..:luca:

[Cuchulainn]

I just hope France get destroyed in ever single game and Terry Henry gets both legs broke.

I would like Argentina to win but can't see it with the fat junkie in charge.

[charliepanayi]

I just hope France get destroyed in ever single game and Terry Henry gets both legs broke.

I would like Argentina to win but can't see it with the fat junkie in charge.

It is written. Henry will score a hat-trick in the final causing Ireland to declare war on France. Or do a mass boycott of Camembert. One or the other.

[Marky Tee]

we definetly gona do te fantasy football though?

ive got my line up already

will post it if others want to play too

[Rocket Edge]

I just hope France get destroyed in ever single game and Terry Henry gets both legs broke.

I would like Argentina to win but can't see it with the fat junkie in charge.

It is written. Henry will score a hat-trick in the final causing Ireland to declare war on France. Or do a mass boycott of Camembert. One or the other.
I can actually see this happen.

[Loony BoB]

There's no point in switching threads just because it's started or something. May as well keep the banter running throughout the buildup and then through to the end. *renames thread*

Go New Zealand! You can't win it!

[Jings]

I'm a little torn over who to support, seeing as my own team who shall remain nameless has continued its decade long tradition of not qualifying. I've been supporting the Netherlands since the tradition started, so I'll be keeping my eye on them. I support all the home nations too so I'll be hoping England can do something this year. And finally, seeing as my girlfriend is American, I'll also be paying lip service to the Yanks.

[Psychotic]

WHAT ABOUT THE POLL, DAMNIT TOWNS

WHAT ABOUT THE POLL!!?!?!?!?!??!?!!

[Aerith's Knight]

GO NETHERLANDS! ORANGE FTW!

[charliepanayi]

I foolishly predicted Holland last time, and then watched as they got beaten in that brawl masquerading as a football match against Portugal. Never again :(

[Psychotic]

Do you have to hate everything beautiful? That match was hilarious!

[Aerith's Knight]

What are you talking about?

Holland whooped both France and Italy in the last WC, then got beaten by freaking Russia, because the old Dutch National couch was couching them!

Bastards!

Oh, right, the butcher match. That was awesome.

[charliepanayi]

What are you talking about?

Holland whooped both France and Italy in the last WC, then got beaten by freaking Russia, because the old Dutch National couch was couching them!

Bastards!

Oh, right, the butcher match. That was awesome.

European Championships are not the World Cup last I checked!

And that Holland v Portugal game was rubbish, for a game to be hilarious has to require some football in between the fighting.

[Marky Tee]

you scottish too jings :D

[Aerith's Knight]

Well, at least we're in an easy pool. Japan and Cameroon, puh-lease.

It could only be easier if USA was in the pool too.

Oh yeah, I went there.

[Rocket Edge]

Seriously good men, we need a poll!

[Loony BoB]

WHAT ABOUT THE POLL, DAMNIT TOWNS

WHAT ABOUT THE POLL!!?!?!?!?!??!?!!
So add a poll.

[charliepanayi]

French FA finally see sense and supposedly install Laurent Blanc to take over from Domenech after the World Cup (though if they had total sense they'd replace him as of now).

And away from this World Cup, the Mail on Sunday does its very best to try and wreck England's 2018 World Cup bid.

[Loony BoB]

Damn, I was hoping he'd follow up SAF.

[charliepanayi]

Ballack to miss World Cup after getting injured on Saturday. German coach swears undying hatred of Portsmouth FC.

[Loony BoB]

He's not Germany's best central midfielder anyway.

[Psychotic]

Now it's a World Cup thread. :aimsun: I don't know whether to pick Spain, Brazil or Argentina yet!

ALSO ENGLAND ON OUR WAY!!!! YESSSSSS VICTORY OVER JAPAN!!!! TWO OWN GOALS!!!! R-O-O-N-E-Y!!!!! COME ON LADS LET'S HAVE IT!!!!!!! ...sorry, I can't keep that up for longer than a minute.

Looking forward to watching us scrape our way out of the group stages and limp out in either the final 16 or maybe the Quarter Finals. Whether or not it will be on penalties depends on whether or not the game is at night.

EDIT: Fuck it, I'll put my backing into the Argies.

[charliepanayi]

I don't know, I think Greece are a far funnier option than New Zealand!

I'm going for Brazil, the team is more pragmatic than 'classic Brazil', and previous teams like that went on to win in 1994 and 2002. I'd say Holland are a decent bet (though it looks like they've already started fighting with one another again), and Ghana could be dark horses. Germany and Brazil have the most evil groups, so those should be fun to watch.

And go North Korea!

[The Shoeless Hobo]

I think it'll be a South American team, and my money will be on Argentina.

[Loony BoB]

Definitely New Zealand. We beat Serbia the other day! SERBIA!!!

[champagne supernova]

Got some tickets to go watch. Portugal - Korea & round 16 in Cape Town. Exciting times. Reckon Spain or Brazil are going to win it. Argentina has been ruined by Maradona. No Zanetti. No Cambiasso. They just won trebles each and both are considered some of the best players in the World. But not good enough for Maradona :confused:

[Rocket Edge]

I could go with a team that's familiar winning the WC, but I think Spain have the best team, so I'll voted for them.

[Loony BoB]

FWIW, my realistic vote probably goes to Spain, too.

[charliepanayi]

The seven England players to miss out on a World Cup place are: Leighton Baines, Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, Scott Parker, Adam Johnson, Theo Walcott, Darren Bent.

Which leaves:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.
Defenders: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney

Leaving out Walcott? Shock as England manager shows common sense!

[Psychotic]

Leaving out Walcott? Shock as England manager shows common sense!On the other hand,
Michael Carrick:stare:

Would've preferred Parker. Although having said that, I'd take a fully fit Hargreaves over the pair of them.

Also want to say I'm made up for Stephen Warnock. It was a fucking joke the way Rafa treated him and we should've never let him go.

[Rocket Edge]

Seems like a fairly decent cut to me. However, how Mathew Upson is going ahead of Michael Dawson is beyond me.

[I Took the Red Pill]

Let's hope Gerrard doesn't trip and break a hip versus the United States, the undisputed, defending world champions of soccer and next to Slovakia, sure favorites to win this World Cup!

[champagne supernova]

Scott Parker being dropped is a bit of a joke. I would have taken Adam Johnson along. He actually showed the ability to beat his man and then do something with the ball. Not something Shaun Wright-down-into-a-dead-end-Phillips does often enough.

Yeah, and Darren Bent. 3rd top scorer in the Premier League. Playing for Sunderland.

[o_O]

First New Zealand beat the 69th ranked team, then they beat the 15th ranked team; by extrapolation we can determine that they will beat the -39th ranked team next. That's right New Zealand will be ranked <span style="font-style: italic;">better than first</span>.

But if New Zealand didn't exist, I'd have to put my money on Brazil this year, with USA as a dark horse. I'd also rank Spain, Argentina and England but out of spite would expect France to be slaughtered. It'd be nice to see an African nation like Senegal, the Ivory Coast or Cameroon make the semis at least.

[The Captain]

If I was Capello, I'd seriously hope Barry can be fit once the group stages are over. I don't think England will have trouble in the round robin set, but they need Barry to play the holding midfield role. Yes, yes, Capello thinks Lampard-Gerrard can work, same old story, but their best lineup, in my opinion, would look more like this:

Hart

Johnson Terry Ferdinand Cole
Barry Lampard
Lennon Gerrard J. Cole
Rooney

I think England may be able to make some noise this year. Their draw is looking very favorable. They wouldn't have to face a powerhouse team until probably the semi-finals (Unless Argentina doesn't win their group), at which point it becomes a bit of a crapshoot anyway.

As for my Yanks, I believe they too will advance out of the group stages and depending on who they play... probably Germany, could make it through to the quarters. Germany don't look as dominate as years passed, with Klose way out of form and no Ballack for stability.

My predictions To Advance:

Group A:
Mexico
South Africa (Suck it France!)

Group B:
Argentina
Korea

Group C:
England
USA, USA, USA!

Group D:
Germany
Australia (No Essien really hurts Ghana)

Group E:
Netherlands
Cameroon

Group F:
Italy
Paruguay

Group G:
Brazil
Ivory Coast (African home field boost)

Group H:
Spain
Chile

Which would put the round of 16 matches as:

Mexico VS Korea
England VS Australia
Netherlands VS Paruguay
Brazil VS Chile

Argentina VS South Africa
Germany VS USA
Italy VS Cameroon
Spain VS Ivory Coast (Awesome match-up)

Quarterfinals:

Mexico VS England
Netherlands VS Brazil (Juicy)

Argentina VS USA
Cameroon VS Spain

Semifinals:

England VS Brazil

Argentina VS Spain (Should be the final)

Final:

England VS Spain (Fernando Torres gets his wish).

At this point, a lot could happen, with injuries, cards and the like, so I will reserve my final pick until a few days down the road though I too am leaning on Spain at the moment. I'm very much looking forward to this! I'm hoping for some upsets, surprises, and overall, beautiful football.

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

That is a fairly decent line up, although to be honest I don't think Rooney can play as a lone striker. He gets isolated and frustrated, and it just leads to bad things (like in the last World Cup vs Portugal). In my opinion, Emile Heskey should always partner him, fighting the good fight against defenders, receiving little reward or credit, to create the space for Rooney. The media go on and on about how Heskey should be dropped because he doesn't score but they're totally missing the point - his job is not to score, his job is to maximise our best player's potential to cause damage. And it's one he does well.

[The Captain]

I have a feeling Capello agrees with you Paul, and since I doubt Barry will be fit for at least the first and probably second games, I would expect a standard 4-4-2:

Johnson Ferdinand Terry Cole
Lennon Lampard Gerrard J. Cole
Rooney Crouch

I think Crouch can do well up front, but should he be lacking, then they bring in Heskey and play the way you mention it. The two Mersey boys, Rooney and Gerrard have an obvious bond and they link up well, so maybe that could mitigate the lone striker = sulking Rooney problem also.

There is also a bit of a cause for concern about Glen Johnson... that he can't, defend. Mayhaps, he plays the first half and a la Pro Baseball, gets taken out later in games for a defensive replacement, probably Carragher?

I'm very interested to see how Capello plays his subs too. Since, the D could definitely be in flux at certain points and the strikers aside from Rooney could be on a merry-go-round.

And to get my American thoughts in quickly, they will play as well as their two big players, Donovan and Dempsey take them. If they are both in top form, I do think they could get to the Quarters. If not, they may not escape the group stages. They NEED to score goals.


Take care all.

Take care all.

[champagne supernova]

That is a fairly decent line up, although to be honest I don't think Rooney can play as a lone striker. He gets isolated and frustrated, and it just leads to bad things (like in the last World Cup vs Portugal). In my opinion, Emile Heskey should always partner him, fighting the good fight against defenders, receiving little reward or credit, to create the space for Rooney. The media go on and on about how Heskey should be dropped because he doesn't score but they're totally missing the point - his job is not to score, his job is to maximise our best player's potential to cause damage. And it's one he does well.

Rooney can play up front for Manchester United and do a great job. He should be able to do the same for England. And most likely will end up doing something similar in the World Cup (with either Gerrard or Joe Cole behind him).

I agree with you about Heskey. Crouch may be tall, but he's not great at holding up the ball or linking up play. But perhaps Defoe is lucky to be coming. Yes, he is a clinical finisher and an impact player, but him and Bent are similar and Bent scored more goals playing for a worse team. Maybe if Bent had been playing for England earlier...

[Marky Tee]

so we playing fantasy football?
i will post my team tonight if you guys wana play along

[The Captain]

I don't see Defoe playing much unless Rooney gets hurt or they want to rest him. He has pace and can finish but isn't anywhere as good as Rooney and doesn't offer the qualities that Crouch (Height) and Heskey (Physicality) do.

Take care all.

[Hot Shot]

I really think that England can go far in this tournament if they remain a cohesive unit. I'm fully behind them, but I'm afraid of the stronger teams. Engaland is in a relaitvely easy group so I just hope they don't get too complacent in the later stages. And I'm really happy that we have a few of our Spurs boys in the squad!

My girlfriend is from Spain and she's half American, but I'm trying to get her to support England. I really think she will support Spain all the way, and they seem to be the side to beat :(

[Jiro]

I really want Australia to make it through to group stage to face England. I don't think we have a chance in hell of beating England, but oh the sledging!

I'm not sure who to put my money on at this point. I haven't been able to catch any friendlies nor qualifiers because of various reasons.

[charliepanayi]

Rio Ferdinand injures knee in training. Mass panic in media ensues!

[Psychotic]

Wayne Rooney breaks nail in training. Mass panic in media ensues!

We're going to be relying on Matthew Upson (as I doubt King can play every game), aren't we? Oh god. :lol:

I see nobody fancies the west European powers of France, Germany and Italy. Interesting. Mind you, European teams never win outside of Europe.

[charliepanayi]

It's the South African winter though, and it's usually the heat that hampers European teams in World Cups outside Europe. And looking at those teams Italy seem too old, Germany are consistent at World Cups (a bad World Cup for them is making the last eight) but probably lack the quality to go all the way, and France are just crap.

[Psychotic]

France are just crap.Careful, you might just end up with me liking you!

Also folks I figured that we get Fantasy Football underway. Here's the link to the official FIFA site:

McDonald's FIFA World Cup Fantasy (http://en.mcdonalds.fantasy.fifa.com/)

League info:
The EoFF Trophy
League Code is: 388738-92069

Spoilered 'cause we don't want random freaks joining like last time. But any member here is welcome to join. :) Even if you don't understand football - just go crazy and pick whoever you think has the funniest names. Just post here letting us know your team name and stuff when you do!

Oh and yes, my team is named Carlton Palmer FC!

[The Captain]

Ivory Coast may be in deep trouble too if Drogba really is out for the Cup.

2010 World Cup: Didier Drogba has broken arm - ESPN Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/5250486/ce/us/didier-drogba-broken-arm?cc=5901&ver=us)

Ironically, I think Ferdinand being injured is the best thing for England, as it brings Dawson back into the fold, who I feel is a better player then Ferdinand right now. Of course, King will probably get the first start but as has been said, can he play more then once a week?

Also, will this be Steven Gerrard's moment, finally, for England? He's the Captain, almost be default.

EDIT: Added my team, American Cup

Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Had both Drogba and Mikel in my team. I'm an injury jinxer!

...hmm.

*picks Henry* :D

[Aerith's Knight]

Why is the Netherlands option italianized?

[I Took the Red Pill]

uhhh because that was your poll choice? :rolleyes:

[Rocket Edge]

Had both Drogba and Mikel in my team. I'm an injury jinxer!

...hmm.

*picks Henry* :D
ahahah

Oh and I had Robben in mine!

EDIT: Added my team. Buckfast FC! (I know, how original)

Will we mention our teams, or will that give away the element of surprise?

[Aerith's Knight]

uhhh because that was your poll choice? :rolleyes:

Goes to show how much I partake in polls. Nah, I ask because I wouldn't put it above paul to make a joke like with new zeeland. xD

[Pete for President]

GO NETHERLANDS! ORANGE FTW!

[Freya]

I don't even know why but for some reason I think Germany is going to do well. "We didn't win when it was at our own country? WELL smurf YOU GUYS! /wins"

As I posted on my facebook, I would die of laughter if the US is actually very successful this world cup. Just since everyone in the US is like "wtf is the world cup?" I'd lol so hard. A "We don't even care about this sort and we're kicking ass lol!" but I know it probably wont happen. I might get a little bit of lulz out of it but not too much.

[Loony BoB]

They'd get confused when it would be revealed that there are countries outside of Canada and USA in this World Cup, mind you.

[Aerith's Knight]

Netherlands

Most recent World Cup (result): 2007 (4th place)

It can happen. Nobody in the Netherlands even knows about baseball on TV, yet lately we nearly always make it to the semi-finals, sometimes even beating Cuba and the USA (not in the WC of course).

[Psychotic]

They'd get confused when it would be revealed that there are countries outside of Canada and USA in this World Cup, mind you.Be fair, BoB.

They know about Mexico too.

[Loony BoB]

But Mexico doesn't get to play when they declare their clubs world champions.

[Del Murder]

Where's Korea on the list!

[Psychotic]

They suck. Both of them. Sorry Hannah.

[charliepanayi]

So looking at yesterday it's probably 50/50 whether Wayne Rooney either is star of the tournament and wins the Golden Boot or manages to get himself sent off in a crucial game again (with no winking Ronaldo to save him from any flak this time).

It's a shame there's no Higuita or Chilavert at this World Cup, having an insane goalkeeper taking free kicks or getting dispossessed on the halfway life is always fun to watch.

[Loony BoB]

Eh, Rooney can control himself. He's managed to do pretty well at that this season, I reckon. I think that little reminder will be enough to keep him settled.

[Psychotic]

I don't think it matters about this season. He gets pissed off playing for England as opposed to United as United usually play decent football and flatten all in their path, whereas England limp to victory and struggle against most sides.

[charliepanayi]

Psychotic beat me to the punch. Rooney isn't so bad in the Premiership, but that's maybe because he has less to be frustrated about there (he does play for a rather successful team etc). Also, Premiership referees aren't World Cup referees (Howard Webb aside - great pick there). Still, better he lets off any steam now in a friendly than in the tournament itself.

Nani seems to be the latest player to be ruled out through injury.

[DK]

Holy :bou::bou::bou::bou: charlie agreed with Paul on something. Say goodbye to your families while you still have time because I am pretty sure the universe just started eroding.

[Psychotic]

does this mean I finally completed the challenge?

[DK]

250 exp and new title "Pacifier of Maltese Dissent" unlocked

[Old Manus]

team submitted :excited:

[Psychotic]

Haha Malta.

Also in case you're wondering, remember this? http://forums.eyesonff.com/lounge/128474-2010-fifa-world-cup-draw-2.html (it starts from post 60) Everyone thought I had gone absolutely round the bend, which I just may well have done. My dear fellow Dan here noticed that no matter what I said in a football thread, charliepanayi will always, always disagree. So he challenged me to get him to agree. And even though I spent a thread talking about how great Arsenal are, statements about whether or not a football should be spherical, and generic unoffensive things like Chile being underrated, he still would not do it.

Finally I have won. :)

[Crop]

I'm leaving this sheep loving country and crossing the bridge to England to watch the first game, out of fear of being smacked upside the head for supporting them here in Wales.

If anyone is in the Taunton area on Saturday, come on down. We have crates of booze and are going to be watching the game and partying hardy...ing.

[charliepanayi]

It all begins tomorrow. I'm guessing we won't have anything in the opening ceremony to rival Diana Ross' penalty miss from about five yards out in 1994 :(

Predictions for the opening day fixtures? I'm going for:

South Africa 0 Mexico 2
Uruguay 1 France 1

[Rocket Edge]

South Africa 1 Mexico 1

I think South Africa will do well as a host nation, and that they have some fairly decent players. Mexico are good going foward so I can see them score.

Uruguay 1 France 2

Hard to predict with France. I can actually see them being eliminated from this group. But I'll go with the safe option of a french win.

[Loony BoB]

South Africa 1 Mexico 2
Uruguay 2 France 1

Mexico like to score goals and are doing it a lot lately, South Africa get consolation "doing it for our fans" goal. Uruguay have in their two strikers potentially the most in-form partnership this season, so I can't see them scoring any less than two goals (of course, now they will!). France I know are good but I just don't see things working out for them this year. I don't know why, but they just don't seem like a side that are truly in sync and capable of beating top sides regularly at the moment.

[Aerith's Knight]

South Afrika 1 - 0 Mexico

France 2 - 0 Uruguay

[Psychotic]

I think I agree with Dennis.

Although maybe France will score a consolation.

[Del Murder]

1776, 1812, 1950, 2010!

[Aerith's Knight]

As if.

[Miriel]

They suck. Both of them. Sorry Hannah.

:mad2:

http://english.tour2jeju.net/template/eng/images/korean_flag.gif

[Aerith's Knight]

I'll be sure to make lots of pictures as the NL kick Japan's behind.

[Rocket Edge]

Why not name our Fantasy starting line-up. I don't think it's gonna show until the end of round 1 so screw that. Besides not as if you can change anything now anyways.

GK - Buffon (Italy)
DEF - Ivanovic (Serbia) Chellini (Italy) Pekarik (Slovakia)
MID - Snejider (Holland) Xavi (Spain) Kaka (Brazil) Hamsik (Slovakia)
FWD - Villa (Spain) Van Persie (Holland) Luis Fabiano [C] (Brazil)

Fabiano with a hat-trick :smug:

[charliepanayi]

Decent opening game, that Mexico goalkeeper is a disaster waiting to happen though. Great first goal, and pretty good first goal celebration too. But both teams will need to improve defensively against France/Uruguay.

Shearer, Hansen and Adebayor on BBC - argh!

[Psychotic]

They suck. Both of them. Sorry Hannah.

:mad2:

http://english.tour2jeju.net/template/eng/images/korean_flag.gifChanged my mind, North Korea rule! :cool: BEST KOREA! BEST KOREA!

smurfin' hate the vuvuzelas already, dear god make them stop. Also France have not been as :bou::bou::bou::bou: as I have been promised, I feel disappointed. :colbert:

[charliepanayi]

Adrian Chiles and the unholy trinity on the BBC for this game are far worse than any vuvuzela.

[Psychotic]

Well I guess that'll be seen as a failure for France, but I was hoping for a 3-0 hammering from the Uruguayans. Oh well. :shobon:

[charliepanayi]

Very flat game, pretty blunt attacking all round. Still, 64 games, there's always going to be some bad ones. And Group A looks wide open.

[Cuchulainn]

Really? That shower of :bou::bou::bou::bou: that is France cheated their way to the finals for THAT?

Woeful team.

[charliepanayi]

Part of me still wants them to turn it around just because it would wind so many people up, but they don't have a Zidane to really do that for them. They're just flat, no spark at the moment. Not surprising seeing as the players can't stand their own manager. Laurent Blanc probably can't take over soon enough.

Never mind, I'm sure South Korea v Greece will be better tomorrow...er...well, maybe Argentina v Nigeria will be. Predictions:

South Korea 1 Greece 0
Argentina 3 Nigeria 2
England 2 USA 1

[champagne supernova]

Well glad we played quite well against the Mexicans. Thought in the 5th minute that our tournament was already over, but Mokoena put in an amazing tackle and there is still not a clear favourite in this group. Hopefully now the first match is done, they won't make stupid errors like they did this game and might actually get through to the next round.

France - Uruguay was a dull match. Although France had more of the ball, I always felt that Uruguay were a greater threat (until the red card at least). But yeah, France's two new main men (Gourcuff and Ribery) didn't have any spark. Quite disturbing for the team. But let's be honest, with the whole under-age prostitution vibe and their coach being a bit mad, I don't expect them to do particularly well.

[Suikojowy]

Very disappointed with Gourcuff tonight, I put him in my fantasy team and had been singing his praises but he didn't deliver. To be fair he didn't seem to see too much of the ball outside set pieces, sometimes his team mates didn't want to pass to him when he was in good positions with oceans of space but when he did get the ball he either didn't do anything with it or just gave it away to the opposition.

I should have learned my lesson about young France prospects when Nasri and Benzema flopped in Euro 2008

[DK]

France were a sack of :bou::bou::bou::bou:e today, Domenech is a complete nutcase. Felt gutted for Uraguay when the substitute got himself sent off, they looked up for the finish until that point. Can't complain about the dismissal though, was a poor challenge. Great goal from the Saffie player as well, although I liked the Mexico goal more because it was the only moment in the day where those stupid kazoo things shut up for a minute.

Anyway, all decked out in my battle colours now and looking forward to us against the yanks. I will be wholeheartedly supporting the Whale because he is a beautiful and underappreciated man and if England get anywhere in the tournament it will all be thanks to him. I wish we could have 11 Heskey's on the pitch, we would destroy Brazil 15-0. But yeah, pretty nervous and excited about tomorrow, I knew before the draw that we'd end up getting the god damn yanks, as long as we trash them I don't mind what happens the rest of the tournament. Just please, let us beat the filthy Americans. Preferably with a Heskey goal, that would be the best thing ever. :love:

[Psychotic]

I think I had better post this now to prevent the deluge of "heh soccer sux :smug:" posts from dirty Americans tomorrow.

England are a very boring team. The USA are a very boring team. Therefore England v USA will be a very very boring game. Probably not as boring as the most exciting baseball game you've ever seen, but still pretty damn boring.

If you want to see some excitement, Argentina v Nigeria is on beforehand, so give that a watch instead.

looking forward to watching my country play like :bou::bou::bou::bou: and struggle against a team they should be easily beating. That's what the opening game of England's world cup is always about, after all. :) I wouldn't bet against the USA snatching a goal from a defensive cock up, and I wouldn't bet against England finally actually trying to do something worthwhile when there's just 10 minutes left on the clock, after having spent 80 minutes faffing about.

[Rocket Edge]

To me, what English people and media don't seem to recognize too well is that their team isn't actually that good. You go on about how easily you should beat teams yet in reality the level is closer than you imagine because your team doesn't gel awfully well. There is teams streets ahead of England on paper at the moment. That's at least what I think, don't kill me!

Was at the pub last night looking at the France game. Was of such low quality that my eyes had to work to look at the screen. They had a deal on that if France conceded everyone in the place would get a free drink. Damn you Diego Forlan. :(

I liked the Mexico goal more because it was the only moment in the day where those stupid kazoo things shut up for a minute.
haha this has to be the worst World Cup item in history. The whole arena sounds like a giant pack of bee's. My ears were still buzzing after the South Africa game.

Predictions for today:

South Korea 1 Greece 0

Argentina 2 Nigeria 1

England 2 USA 2

Looking foward to a good days worth of soccer. :spin:

EDIT: Go South Korea!

EDIT: It deserves to be said; I'm rooting of England tonight too!

[Suikojowy]

South Korea 1 Greece 0
Argentina 3 Nigeria 1
England 2 USA 0

EDIT - GAH. South Korea scored AFTER I typed that! I swear!

[Croyles]

I hate those stupid fucking kazoos, they should be banned from ALL FOOTBALL GAMES EVER! I miss the chanting and singing.

[Psychotic]

To me, what English people and media don't seem to recognize too well is that their team isn't actually that good. You go on about how easily you should beat teams yet in reality the level is closer than you imagine because your team doesn't gel awfully well. There is teams streets ahead of England on paper at the moment. That's at least what I think, don't kill me!*KILLS*

Nah I think you understood me there. England aren't great, but they should be given the resources availiable and the quality of the Premier League. England's players all perform well in a very good league, so they should be a very good team. But of course in reality, they're not. They're an alright team with a lot of wasted potential imho.

STILL BETTER THAN USA THOUGH smurf YOU YOU CHEESEBURGER EATING FATTY REDNECK YANKS. HOW ABOUT YOU SHOW UP LATE FOR THE GAME LIKE YOU SHOW UP LATE FOR WORLD WARS? sorry you guys are gonna get the brunt of this, as I don't think we have many Slovenians or Algerians for me to abuse.

Also I have taken Greece off the poll after that diabolical performance. I don't know what I was thinking when I put them on there. I guess I am still haunted by memories of Euro 2004. Anyway, if the evil Korea can beat them 2-0, logically the good Korea can beat them 10-0 and they have replaced them on the poll.

[Rocket Edge]

Yeah maybe I should have included that. They really do have a lot of wasted potential.

Oh and I literally lol'd at that paragraph about the americans. :spin:

[Shiny]

I have no idea what is going on, but I am aware that Argentina and Brazil are apparently really good, so I see them winning. It would be cool for a team like Nigeria to win though.

[Madame Adequate]

HOW ABOUT YOU SHOW UP LATE FOR THE GAME LIKE YOU SHOW UP LATE FOR WORLD WARS?

This part made me laugh more than it ought to have xD

Oh, and now that the poll is fixed, you can consider my joke vote to have been serious and gone to Korea instead of New Zeaalahahahalahalhahand

[champagne supernova]

Yeah, how could you have had Greece there instead of a team like Serbia. Honestly!

But I reckon there are 6/7 teams. Spain has the most ridiculous squad in the World at the moment (when Arteta, who would walk into most national teams, can't make it into the squad, you know your squad is ridiculous), but it comes down to the 11 men on the field, so it doesn't really matter if you have Reina on the bench.

Brazil look solid. Still immensely irritated that Kleberson is there instead of Ronaldinho, and I think that they might miss someone who has that X-factor. Kaka hasn't been great this season (albeit he has had injury problems) and Robinho has been playing in Brazil, so it might end up hurting them.

Germany. It doesn't matter how they play domestically. They're Germany. Podolski just becomes a quality player come tournament time. Klose was 2nd top scorer in '02 and top scorer in '06. And they have a player like Schweinsteiger, who can hurt a team. And they are Germany. They do World Cups.

Holland. Any team that has Robben, van der Waart, Sneidjer and van Persie in the same team is immensely dangerous. van Persie is also fresh and fully fit. The problem I see for them is their defence and the defensive side of their midfield. No name stands out as a quality defender or holding midfielder. But could hopefully make things exciting.

Argentina. Yes, they are coached by a mad man, but he is quite a cool mad man. And, like Holland, any team that has Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain, Millito, di Maria & Rodriguez in a squad, you're going to do well. The formation he played against Nigeria seemed to suit them a lot better and Messi showed some of his Barca form. However, not bringing Cambiasso and Zanetti was idiotic, especially when he brings someone like Martin Palermo, and his lack of midfield options might hurt him. Also, the defence again lacks someone world class (although some people with anger issues are there) and there aren't any full-backs, so there may be a lack of width in their play. So Argentina, who knows!

Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo. And some other good players like Simao. But they are my dark horses and their entire success basically lies on Ronaldo's shoulders.

And finally, England. Later on in the tournament, Capello will most likely play Rooney alone up front, leaving Gerrard to take that role behind him. That leaves Barry and Lampard to make up the central midfield, which is very solid. Joe Cole on the left aids quality, and Ashley Cole is great adding width going forward as well as solid at the back. King and Terry are solid, as are Hart and James (whoever gets chosen, although I would choose Hart - James makes me nervous). But England's problem lies in 2 areas. The first is the right flank. Aaron Lennon/Shaun Wright-Phillips have this tendency to run down dead-ends and/or provide no end product. Seriously thought that Adam Johnson should have made the squad because he actually has the ability to beat his man and then do something with the ball. And then, dum dum dum, Glen Johnson. If Landon Donovan runs down that flank tonight, be scared. And this is Landon Donovan. Imagine Messi running down that flank. Or Ronaldo. Or Schweinsteger. Or Silva. And then, they don't really have any depth. And if Rooney gets injured, goodbye World Cup.

[Psychotic]

Argentina look crazy going forward and a little bit vulnerable at the back, especially on their right flank. I expect games with them to be exciting end-to-end contests and well worth watching.
The first is the right flank. Aaron Lennon/Shaun Wright-Phillips have this tendency to run down dead-ends and/or provide no end product. Seriously thought that Adam Johnson should have made the squad because he actually has the ability to beat his man and then do something with the ball. And then, dum dum dum, Glen Johnson. If Landon Donovan runs down that flank tonight, be scared. And this is Landon Donovan. Imagine Messi running down that flank. Or Ronaldo. Or Schweinsteger. Or Silva. And then, they don't really have any depth. And if Rooney gets injured, goodbye World Cup.I think problem 1 is resolved by problem 2. The reason why Glen Johnson is a bad defender is because he is a good attacker and creates lots of attacking opportunities down the right flank. He really should've been a winger rather than a full back. I think against better opposition England should get someone more defensive minded in the right back position, but well, who else is there? Carragher is a good defender but not the most mobile of players, I can see him getting caught short too.

also btw, message to all the filthy yanks: if England lose and anyone who hasn't posted in this thread before shows up gloating, I will be taking out my rage on you by renaming you after 90's footballers. Just a warning so you can't complain when it happens. :love:

[champagne supernova]

I'm not saying there's someone better than Glen Johnson defensively (perhaps Gary Neville, but I'm an United fan, so huge bias); it's just that there isn't a world class right back there at all. And yeah, Johnson can get forward, but he can't play right-wing otherwise there will be acres of space behind him when a team counters. You can't rely on him covering up Lennon/Wright-Phillips weaknesses.

And problem two is the lack of depth. If Gerrard gets injured, then who will replace him? If Cole gets injured, then who will replace him? And most importantly, if Rooney gets injured, then what? Whereas a team like Spain has a player like Villa gets injured, just tweak the system, play Villa up front and add Fabregas to the midfield (as happened in Euro 2008).

Spain does have the most complete squad at this World Cup without a shadow of a doubt. But, as I said, it comes down to the 11 (or 14 men technically with substitutes) who are on the field. And the USA showed us last year that they can be beaten.

EDIT: Wait, Spain have one weakness. The lack of Senna. Busquets is decent, but why they called-up that Bilbao dude in front of him, I don't understand. Sometimes you need that steel that Senna gives you.

[Raistlin]

STILL BETTER THAN USA THOUGH smurf YOU YOU CHEESEBURGER EATING FATTY REDNECK YANKS. HOW ABOUT YOU SHOW UP LATE FOR THE GAME LIKE YOU SHOW UP LATE FOR WORLD WARS?

Your ambassador did it better (http://deadspin.com/5559377/usengland-trash-talk-reaches-highest-echelons-of-government).

[Croyles]

Im in two minds about the game, because really i dont want to give england OR the yanks anything to gloat about. Officially i'll be for england as i live here, but ill pretend to be for the US when i watch the game :)

[champagne supernova]

Now your left flank is messed up too. Reckon it'll go into half-time a goalless draw, then maybe Capello will make some cool substitutes and England might pull it out the bag.

But seriously, wtf? Milner. :confused:

[I Took the Red Pill]

I think I had better post this now to prevent the deluge of "heh soccer sux :smug:" posts from dirty Americans tomorrow.

England are a very boring team. The USA are a very boring team. Therefore England v USA will be a very very boring game. Probably not as boring as the most exciting baseball game you've ever seen, but still pretty damn boring.

etc

etc

etcidk what you're talking about, everyone I know is completely pumped for it, like they've been talking about it, arguing and making bets since the matchup was announced.


also btw, message to all the filthy yanks: if England lose and anyone who hasn't posted in this thread before shows up gloating, I will be taking out my rage on you by renaming you after 90's footballers. Just a warning so you can't complain when it happens.jesus you really feel the need to cover all the bases here. you really have to preempt everything don't you. you must be PRETTY insecure about yourself friend. I will surely come into thread and gloat if we win and will accept whatever butthurt lashback you decide to dole out. though I would not place money on us in this match, not by any means.

[Kirobaito]

There is no reason England should lose. England outskills the US at every position except keeper.

Sic 'em, Yanks.

[Del Murder]

also btw, message to all the filthy yanks: if England lose and anyone who hasn't posted in this thread before shows up gloating, I will be taking out my rage on you by renaming you after 90's footballers. Just a warning so you can't complain when it happens.jesus you really feel the need to cover all the bases here. you really have to preempt everything don't you. you must be PRETTY insecure about yourself friend. I will surely come into thread and gloat if we win and will accept whatever butthurt lashback you decide to dole out. though I would not place money on us in this match, not by any means.
It's ok, anyone who comes in to gloat about England's victory will have their name changed to US Revolutionary War heroes.

[Raistlin]

I approve of that plan.

[charliepanayi]

Greece and ITV are terrible at being a football team and covering football respectively.
South Korea look decent, and whoever finishes second in Group B (I'll assume that Argentina will top the group) might have a chance of making the QFs as Group A's teams hardly exceptional.
Argentina were sublime at times (Nigeria's goalie had to keep his team in it single-handed at times), but a few moments of fragility. Maradona is a hilarious presence on the touchline.

[BarelySeeAtAll]

One goal already within four minutes? :cool:

[charliepanayi]

Which ITV HD missed as they cut to an ad break just beforehand - whoops! :D

[Aerith's Knight]

Not even 5 minutes.. that's gotta sting.

[BarelySeeAtAll]

Which ITV HD missed as they cut to an ad break just beforehand - whoops! :D


xDDD fail for HD!

Goal's a goal - all looks the same....


It just makes a difference over who goes through or not :D

Update: how close was THAT? ;)

[Madame Adequate]

It is amusing to watch the capitalist imperialists squabble over second place!

[champagne supernova]

Which ITV HD missed as they cut to an ad break just beforehand - whoops! :D

You have ad breaks during sport?

I come from a developing country and we don't even have that. We also can build several stadiums on time with pitches that don't cut up COUGH COUGH Wembley COUGH COUGH :p

Anyway, the Americans lost possession cheaply in their own half and England took advantage. Good finish from Gerrard.

[Aerith's Knight]

Autch, that gotta hurt.

[charliepanayi]

Which ITV HD missed as they cut to an ad break just beforehand - whoops! :D

You have ad breaks during sport?

I come from a developing country and we don't even have that. We also can build several stadiums on time with pitches that don't cut up COUGH COUGH Wembley COUGH COUGH :p.

No we don't. That's the whole point! But we have ITV, which always manages to plumb the depths when it comes to their football coverage, including accidentally cutting to ad breaks and missing a goal. Twice in the last 18 months now :)

[Aerith's Knight]

OMG what a fucking moron. xD

Well, I had Eng 2 - 1 USA in my poule, so this is good. :)

[charliepanayi]

England shouldn't panic, they look like they can score again, but it's another England goalkeeping howler. Almunia might not have been so out of place playing for England!

[BarelySeeAtAll]

Daym!

My mother next to be has no faith.
Her: "BLOODY BUTTERFINGERS!! That's it for us, that's it"
Me: "NO IT IS NOT! It's not even half way through!"
Her: "..*shakes head*"

Tsh.

[Aerith's Knight]

Netherlands has been lucky the past decades, we had van der Sar, without doubt the best keeper in the world (in his best days), but now.. There is always a possibility for a mistake.

[champagne supernova]

Autch, that gotta hurt.

Haha, it just feels good when the foreign media kept going on how we wouldn't finish our stadiums in time etc etc and they'll send the World Cup to Australia. But I don't mean it seriously.

But has Capello broken or something? The choice was between Hart, the best English goalkeeper last season, or James, the most experienced English goalkeeper. How did Green get called up? And then Joe Cole was playing so well on the left. But he puts Milner there. And then substitutes Milner for Wright-Phillips. WTF?

[Madame Adequate]

Wikipedia has recently updated Robert Green's page with some vital new information:


He smurfing blows. Can't save :bou::bou::bou::bou:. Lets in soft goals in exchange for hand jobs...notably from Clint Dempsey.

Oh dear oh dear oh deary deary me (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWmUvAICoYk).

I've already lost track of how many times I have watched this.

[BarelySeeAtAll]

All these names...

haha I have no idea about football at heart. :jess:

Though I did ask earlier why Crouch wasn't in..I was under the impression he was good :s

[Freya]

The goal by Dempsey xD Green just let it slip out of his hands. I laughed.

[champagne supernova]

Though I did ask earlier why Crouch wasn't in..I was under the impression he was good :s

Because although Crouch is very tall, he's not very good at holding up the ball. Heskey might not be a goalscorer, but he complements Rooney better.


The goal by Dempsey xD Green just let it slip out of his hands. I laughed.

I laughed too. Not that I want England to lose. But the moment I saw Green in goal, I knew something like this was going to happen.

[Cuchulainn]

AHAHAHAHA Rob Green. And eh King is injured? How'd no one see that coming?

[BarelySeeAtAll]

I like Crouch's freaky length :D he reminds me of daddy long legses. :D

mother just switched over to Casualty. I am relying on you, EoFF.

[Chloe.]

Which ITV HD missed as they cut to an ad break just beforehand - whoops! :D

Ha ha, that was funny, my dad was pretty pissed off and me and my mum were just laughing :jess:

[BarelySeeAtAll]

..Daym? Where does this leave everyone now? T_T

[Aerith's Knight]

The outcome of this game was sooooo funny. xD

The goal against England was just stupid. :p
I'm glad I'm not Green right now.

[charliepanayi]

England making their customary patchy start, but that's nothing new from them. They need better finishing.

[Freya]

WOO we didn't win but we didn't lose! :D Howard was amazing though I do have to say. I was worried there at the end when rooney started to press since he was almost non existents in the first half.

[Del Murder]

So who gloats in a tie?

[Madame Adequate]

So who gloats in a tie?

Nobody. A drew is just a way to say everyone loses.

[Laddy]

Er, good job?

[champagne supernova]

You know how Maradona was the nuts coach pre-World Cup. It would appear he's swapped that mantle with Capello.

a) Gerrard & Lampard cannot play together as the 2 central midfielders in a 4-4-2. They couldn't in World Cup 06, they couldn't in Euro 08, and they sure as hell can't do it now.

b) Most experienced goalkeeper - James
Goalkeeper in form - Hart
Goalkeeper in goal - Green?????????

c) Wright-Phillips and Lennon have pace, but not the end product. Milner is an honest player, but as was seen at Aston Villa this season, he plays better in the midfield. The best wide player England have is Joe Cole. But he didn't start.

d) When one of the wide players was substituted, the best English wide player was not subbed on in their place.

e) Carragher had an average season for Liverpool. Dawson had an amazing season for Tottenham. Therefore, when you substitute your central defender, maybe put on Michael Dawson. That could've ended up just as nasty as Green.

That game could've gone anyway. A draw is probably a fair result. But England don't want to be in a knock-out game where it could have gone anyway. Serious work required.

[Psychotic]

Awwwww. Totally called the defensive error but too lazy to quote myself.

Johnson, Heskey and Gerrard own, rest of team are kinda lame.

Will say I was wrong about the game being boring, that was some good entertaining :bou::bou::bou::bou:

Best bit of the game: Emile Heskey nailing Tim Howard. :D
*furiously types post featuring a psychiatric evaluation and the word butthurt*you sure put me in my place! :shobon:

[Laddy]

Johnson is the best part of England.

'Cause he's hot.

[Fonzie]

http://i.imgur.com/UWAK5.jpg


fuck damn Rob Green!

[Freya]

I thought it was amusing right after the england goal they were panning over howard and you could hear him yelling "GET THEM OUT OF THE BOX!" Just funny he was yelling so loud you could hear it. :p

[Psychotic]

Yeah I fucking saw those two on TV and was like "oh god the Americans have seen them :redface:"

[Fonzie]

lol'd at the post kick, we almost had that >:l

[Laddy]

Hamburgers and Fries > Fish and Chips
Right > Left
Dudes > Chaps
Mariah Carey > Leona Lewis
DEMOCRACY > Monarchy Evil!

Therefore teh AMERICAZ is the true victor.

[charliepanayi]

To be fair, Cancer > Mariah Carey > Leona Lewis

England couldn't even avenge BP's honour!

[Laddy]

Cancer is an American invention!

[DK]

So who gloats in a tie?

Me, because The Whale was the best player on the pitch. What a god damn beautiful man he is. :love: I was properly heartbroken when he missed that sitter in the second half but overall he was a genius. Especially when he wasted Tim Howard that was awesome.

Pretty entertaining game with lots of interesting spots, Green is a god damn waste of space and Pual can vouch for my long standing disdain for the man, wish we had Calamity in goal. At least he has the comedy hair to make up for his clangers. Thought fat Wayne was a bit disappointing until he picked it up in the latter stages of the game. Lennon was alright, Shaun was an absolute sack of shiet. Thought Capello was a bit hasty pulling Milner off after only half an hour. Stevie G and fat Frank played well together in the centre, no complaints there. Our set piece defending was a bit dodgy at stages, wasn't liking that at all.

The yanks went pretty much how I thought they would, Clint is always a hero even though he got gifted his goal. Altidore was terrible though. Still, a draw is a fair result for both teams I think. I am looking forward to seeing how England go about their next two matches, definitely not ruling out the the chance of them completely ballsing up and getting smashed by Slovenia. Will be fun to see how it turns out.

[Psychotic]

I'd ask you all how much you bribed Robert Green for, but no, he is just that :bou::bou::bou::bou: all the time.

Still, we did better than in 1950, you're losing your touch, USA! :tongue:

[Fonzie]

This is a soccer thread, go be stupid some where's else lol

edit: god, America had a :bou::bou::bou::bou:ty offensive today though

[Laddy]

I'd ask you all how much you bribed Robert Green for, but no, he is just that :bou::bou::bou::bou: all the time.
He wasn't bribed, he just realized the futility of your tea-drinking, manpurse-wearing, scone-eating ways and decided GOD DAMN AMERICA is worthy of said win!

[champagne supernova]

I'd ask you all how much you bribed Robert Green for, but no, he is just that :bou::bou::bou::bou: all the time.
He wasn't bribed, he just realized the futility of your tea-drinking, manpurse-wearing, scone-eating ways and decided GOD DAMN AMERICA is worthy of said win!

No, he's just rubbish.

[Laddy]

RUBBISH BECAUSE OF THE POWER OF AMERICA!

[Psychotic]

No, rubbish because he's Robert fucking Green. :lol:

[Laddy]

RUBBISH BECAUSE OF THE POWER OF AMERICA!

[Fonzie]

quit making America look like America, Laddy lol

[Laddy]

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL! AMERICA THE GLORIOUS! AMERICA THE FREE!

[Fonzie]

http://www.abload.de/img/1276369830998sp5ar.jpg

lol

[charliepanayi]

And here's ITV HD's moment of glory:

YouTube - ITV1 HD misses first England goal in the World Cup (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6YHr7jZsxg&feature=youtu.be)

[Mo-Nercy]

http://static.funnyjunk.com/pictures/my_bad0.jpg

[Madame Adequate]

Haahaha what a pack of tossers

[The Captain]

Wow. Robert Green = Bill Buckner.

Still, I don't think too much can be read into this result, both teams should advance. What bothers me is that Capello made some really strange moves.

As others have said, why Milner and then, why not Joe Cole is a real head-turner. As was not bringing Dawson in for King. I love Carragher, but he is not going to be able to keep up with the pace and was lucky not to get a second yellow.

I believe Joe Hart MUST start the next match. He's by far England's best option and they need to get him in there right away.

I actually kind of like this radical idea put forth:

Hart

Carragher Dawson Terry A. Cole
G. Johnson Gerrard Lampard J Cole
Rooney Heskey

Though, it'll change again if/when Barry gets fit:

Hart

Johnson Dawson Terry A. Cole
Barry Lampard
Lennon Gerrard J Cole
Rooney

As for the Americans, I think two very important things have been proven:

Tim Howard is a top notch goalie. Maybe even a top 5 in the world. We already knew he was great, but this game backed it up. He will be the reason the US get as far as they do.

They don't fear anyone anymore. The US have constantly been a step-child in the World Cup, but I felt that they held their own tonight. Did they deserve the tie? Tough to say, but what I saw was an American team who wasn't awed as they have been in the past. The Defense was often challenged but held up and Altidore looked dangerous in spurts. Dempsey was good and lucky, though Donovan was quiet. I definitely see good things ahead for them. Anything less then advancement to the knockout stage would be an utter disappointment.

All eyes on Algeria - Slovenia tomorrow!


Take care all.

[Psychotic]

Good post. I think both Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips will have severely lowered their stock with Capello after that game, and it'd surprise me if either of them got the nod ahead of Joe Cole in future games. Although having said that, we'll probably see Barry come into the middle now and Gerrard pushed out wide.

As for whether or not the USA earned or deserved a draw, yes definitely. I mean yeah Robert Green gifted them that on a plate, and if I had to pick a better side I would pick England, but really, what did England actually do to earn a win? What did they throw at the USA after the 4th minute that they couldn't handle? I didn't come away from that game thinking "AAAAARGH WE'VE BEEN ROBBED :irked:" or anything.

If Slovenia win comfortably tomorrow, both England and the USA may start to sweat.

[charliepanayi]

Group D is up tomorrow, should be good:

Predictions:
Algeria 0 Slovenia 3
Ghana 1 Serbia 0
Germany 2 Australia 2

[champagne supernova]

Group D is up tomorrow, should be good:

Predictions:
Algeria 0 Slovenia 3
Ghana 1 Serbia 0
Germany 2 Australia 2

Serbia are my 2nd team after Saffa, so I reckon they'll beat Ghana. Especially as Ghana don't have Essien. Agree with the first scoreline. Third scoreline: can see the Germans getting 2 goals. Can see the Aussies getting 0 goals.

[The Captain]

To sum up: An English Spill America Can Be Happy About!


As for tomorrow, I think Germany and Serbia look good for wins, 2-0 each, while I could see Algeria-Slovenia drawing at 1-1.

Take care all.

[Kirobaito]

I recall saying that the only advantage that the US had was at keeper.

I believe I was proven right. :p

[Freya]

I'ma say Germany over Australia. But that's just cause i'm going for Germany. (and of course rooting for the US as well :p)

[Psychotic]

The European teams so far have had a poor showing, so I don't know if I can fully throw myself behind Germany and Serbia wins, but on paper they should triumph. We'll see.

[charliepanayi]

To be fair, the European teams so far have been France (all at sea and hate their manager), Greece (just not very good) and England (enough said really). No wonder it hasn't been too impressive.

[Psychotic]

Just wait 'til Switzerland play. Then there'll be trouble.

Also England 1-1 USA: England poor in possession, US get wide players forward well | Zonal Marking (http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/06/13/england-1-1-usa-tactic/) here is an interesting site for anyone who wants to learn more about the tactical/strategic side of football. It is a good read.

[Carl the Llama]

I cant believe how NOT offside Peter Crouch was... stupid ref, also COME ON ENGLAND!!!!!

[Suikojowy]

Algeria 1 - 0 Slovenia
Ghana 1 - 1 Serbia
Germany 2 - 0 Australia

[Psychotic]

Slovenia and Algeria didn't look like they had much to offer there.

[Madame Adequate]

Just wait 'til Switzerland play. Then there'll be trouble.

Also England 1-1 USA: England poor in possession, US get wide players forward well | Zonal Marking (http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/06/13/england-1-1-usa-tactic/) here is an interesting site for anyone who wants to learn more about the tactical/strategic side of football. It is a good read.

THAT IS NOT THE PROPER USE OF THE WORD STRATEGY :mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2::mad2:

[Croyles]

There really havn't been any exciting games yet. Shame. Hopefully Germany v Australia will be different.

[Psychotic]

Serbia can feel hard done by, I don't think they deserved a loss there.

As for Australia vs Germany, as an Englishman, both of these teams are my nation's sworn sporting enemies! Who should I support? :p

[Laddy]

Australia. If they win it makes it easier for England to advance.

But my dad's German... :(

[Croyles]

Germany doesn't see England as their football rivals but partners. Bit of a weird situation. :)

Go Germany!

[charliepanayi]

Obviously Germany doesn't see England as their rivals, it's like the way Man Utd don't see Man City as rivals :p

[Croyles]

I don't think it has anything to do with which team is better. Germany's main rivals are Holland.

[Jings]

We've had a few really dire games so far. Disappointing.

[Laddy]

Howard should be ok for the Slovenia game! =D

[Mo-Nercy]

Awake at 4:30am to watch the bloody Australia vs. Germany match. If the Formula One wasn't on right now, I probably wouldn't bother.

Anyway, I hope Australia can get up. But the media here's been quite realistic in saying that a draw would probably be a miracle in itself.



edit: Mark Webber 5th =( Two Brits 1st and 2nd. =(

[charliepanayi]

I do wonder why there hasn't been many goals so far - it's not like every team is playing cagey football. Some have talked about the ball, but people complain about the ball at every recent World Cup. Is it just a lot of poor attacking/finishing at the moment?

Well done to Ghana though, maybe my brave/stupid prediction that they would make the semis isn't so bad after all! Well OK it probably is.

[champagne supernova]

I think it's the opening game syndrome. Rule of doing well in a World Cup: Don't lose your first game. And many nerves on the part of the players too.

But reckon there will be a few goals tonight. Neither defence is particularly good. And with Podolski, Klose & Schweinsteigger, I expect good things.

[Aerith's Knight]

OMG those smurfing vuvuzela. I WANT TO KILL every piece I find.

All I want to do is study while watching soccer. WHY MAKE THAT SO HARD?

SCREW YOU SOUTH AFRICA. I HATE YOU.

I wish Psy would teabag you all.

[Psychotic]

Germans are looking fucking tasty. And it looks good for Ghana too, really, as I haven't seen the Australians offer anything threatening yet.

[charliepanayi]

Good start from Germany, though already some people are going somewhat overboard about their prospects for winning the whole thing. Remember Holland v Italy at Euro 2008? You don't win a tournament over one game (er...unless it's the final anyway).

I can't believe that Klose already has 11 World Cup goals.

[Freya]

4-0 right now lololol poor australia

[Mo-Nercy]

*dies of shame*

[Laddy]

A young man by the name of Dakoda was found hanged by the neck with a bolo in the Outback today. The local kangaroos have been cleared of suspicion and we have yet to interview the koalas and dingos. More tonight at 8.

[champagne supernova]

Yeah, Germany looked good, but Australia were PATHETIC! It'll be good to see Germany against Serbia next. Serbia will be a lot better in defence and definitely have a stronger midfield. German defence also looked like it might have some weaknesses (Mertesacker's pace).

[Psychotic]

I think I should change the poll to read Australiahahahahaha.

[Jings]

So Australia just got blitzkrieged. Best game of the tournament so far. Cahill should never have been sent off.

[Cuchulainn]

I team managed to score more than Korea Republic? They're bound to win the thing!


Deutschland were good though.


AND WHOEVER MADE THIS IF YOU LIKE KOREA DPR AS MUCH AS YOU CLAIM YOU'D KNOW THEY DONT LIKE TO BE CALLED NORTH KOREA

[Aerith's Knight]

We got hacked by NK.

[Psychotic]

AND WHOEVER MADE THIS IF YOU LIKE KOREA DPR AS MUCH AS YOU CLAIM YOU'D KNOW THEY DONT LIKE TO BE CALLED NORTH KOREAGermany prefer to be called Deutschland but I don't indulge them in that crazy whim either. :colbert:

[Aerith's Knight]

Du bist nicht bevucht um das wieder zu noemen. Wir sullen sie Kalt machen. Fur Bier, fur schnitzels, FUR DEUTSCHLAND!

Isn't German fun? :p

[Cuchulainn]

AND WHOEVER MADE THIS IF YOU LIKE KOREA DPR AS MUCH AS YOU CLAIM YOU'D KNOW THEY DONT LIKE TO BE CALLED NORTH KOREAGermany prefer to be called Deutschland but I don't indulge them in that crazy whim either. :colbert:

No, but you are not endorsing them either. You ARE endorsing KDPR

[Psychotic]

You know those plastic Man United fans in Surrey who wear United shirts with MESSI 7 and whatnot on the back? I am one of those, but replace Messi with DEAR LEADER and replace 7 with FUCK YOU IMPERIALIST PIGS. :monster:

[Croyles]

:D

[Croyles]

Du bist nicht bevucht um das wieder zu noemen. Wir sullen sie Kalt machen. Fur Bier, fur schnitzels, FUR DEUTSCHLAND!

Isn't German fun? :p

nearly there lol.

[champagne supernova]

You know those plastic Man United fans in Surrey who wear United shirts with MESSI 7 and whatnot on the back? I am one of those, but replace Messi with DEAR LEADER and replace 7 with smurf YOU IMPERIALIST PIGS. :monster:

I never knew there were any Man Utd fans that ignorant. Messi wearing 7!?!?! Everyone knows he prefers 10 ;)

[Rocket Edge]

Germany were awesome tonight and moved the ball so well. Ozil could be one of the performers of the tournament.

The Gerrard-Lampard deal, here's why I think the set-up doesn't work: Both are attacking midfield players and both mens main strengths are getting on the end of things and bossing the play just outside the box. They are NOT playmakers though, and can't graft the ball like a Xabi Alonso or a Darren Fletcher for example. This creates a complete lack of fluidity in the midfield, and possession levels go way down, movement is hindered and link up play is limited. No wonder Heskey started up front, because Capello must know that the long ball play is probably his best means to get something from the game.

It's a pity because if you had Scholes to go to South Africa I think your problems would be eased greatly. Even Scott Parker would have done. I agree with your comments on Joe Cole, the guy should be starting IMO.


Predictions for tomorrow:

Netherlands 3 Denmark 0
Japan 0 - 1 Cameroon
Italy 2 - 0 Paraguay

Could be way off with them. Holland might concede, but I see even Denmark who are decent in defense unable of stopping the likes of an in form Sneijder & Van Persie. Don't know too much about Japan. Italy should get a comfortable win over Paraguay.

[Aerith's Knight]

Du bist nicht bevucht um das wieder zu noemen. Wir sullen sie Kalt machen. Fur Bier, fur schnitzels, FUR DEUTSCHLAND!

Isn't German fun? :p

nearly there lol.

I admit it's been about 5 years since I last spoke it, but pretty good out of the blue, I'd say. xD

Although I may have used some dutch sayings in there. :p

[champagne supernova]

It's not that hard to fix the Lampard-Gerrard conundrum. You just change the system. Place Barry as a holding midfielder with Lampard & Gerrard in front of him (with Gerrard giving the more attacking/free role). Then play Rooney up front by himself.

Joe Cole on the left, Lennon (seeing that there is no other right wing of any use available - I'd rather have seen Bentley there, for goodness sake) on the right, back four of Johnson, King (Dawson when King is injured), Terry, Cole.

I'd go for Hart in goal. Prefer him to James. Scholes would've been great because he's become similar to a Pirlo as the legs begin to fail, sitting deep and controlling all the plays in front of him. But he said he didn't think it would be fair to play ahead of others who actually got England to the WC, so fair play to him.

Looking forward to see Holland and Italy play tomorrow. By the end of Wednesday all the opening games should be finished, so we'll have a feel for all the teams and hopefully opening game jitters will be gone.

[Psychotic]

I never knew there were any Man Utd fans that ignorant. Messi wearing 7!?!?! Everyone knows he prefers 10 ;)Well I'd struggle to call them fans, to be fair to true United fans. And I have also seen Chelsea shirts with Kaka on the back and I once, horror of horrors, saw a Liverpool shirt with Raul 7 on the back.

100% agreed with Donal. Although I simply cannot get behind "Have John Terry hoof it onto Heskey's head repeatedly" as a tactic, no matter how bad the alternative.

Also I don't know what your problem with Lennon is, cs, I thought he was one of England's better players against the USA. Not that that is saying much, mind you.

[Cuchulainn]

You know those plastic Man United fans in Surrey who wear United shirts with MESSI 7 and whatnot on the back? I am one of those, but replace Messi with DEAR LEADER and replace 7 with smurf YOU IMPERIALIST PIGS. :monster:

never been to Surrey. No smurfing idea what you're talking about. At least they're closer to engalnd than Norway though.




Also I don't know what your problem with Lennon is, cs, I thought he was one of England's better players against the USA. Not that that is saying much, mind you.

America were just tactically sound. They did their homework.

[champagne supernova]

My problem with Lennon is this. Remember when Ronaldo came to United originally. First season. Made people look like fools (put A. Cole on his ass twice in one game if I recall), but it never actually served any point because he would end up either crossing it badly, too late, or lose possession.

Lennon is like that, although with somewhat less raw talent. He's quick, he can beat a man, but all too often he either makes the wrong decision or his end product is completely useless. Same thing with present day Wright-Phillips (although before he left Chelsea he was really good). Same with Walcott. That's why I thought Johnson should have had a call-up (although there was a lot of risk involved). He could beat a man but he could also cross a ball, and he impressed me a lot at City. Beckham would probably be the ideal option, but that has been ruined.

And Ferdinand might have damaged England more than I originally thought. I forgot he actually was great at playing it out the back. With Terry & King/Dawson/Carragher, you just get a hoof. Defensively, England might be alright losing him, but offensively, strangely enough, it's quite a loss.

[charliepanayi]

Predictions for today:

Netherlands 2 Denmark 1
Japan 0 Cameroon 2
Italy 1 Paraguay 0

[Aerith's Knight]

Stupid Internet stream CRAPPED out of me just during the dutch (no apparently own) goal.

I almost raged as much as the smurfing kids on WoW.

edit: 2 - 0, suck it Danish.

[champagne supernova]

I expected more from the Dutch to be honest. But it's early days still.

[Aerith's Knight]

I agree, the first half was just unsuccessful wailing on the Danish wall.

But seriously? A constant 10 players on your side?

[Croyles]

Makes me think back to Germany vs Latvia durin Euro 2004 and Latvia's infamous 8-0-2 formation... lol

Im expecting better things from the Dutch. They SHOULD get better though.

Looking forward to Spain's match.

[Psychotic]

What a player Dirk Kuyt is, and very underrated too. He may not be the most skilful, but his positioning sense is world class, and he has a ridiculous amount of stamina, all of which he will give to the cause. He is very different from the typical Dutch player - very skillful but a moody bastard - a la Robben, Van Persie, etc. but tbh I'd rather have him than either. Which is fortunate, given who I support. :D

The Asian teams (apart from Australia, but they're not proper Asians anyway!) are looking very solid. Roll on the glory of North Korea, I say.

[Rocket Edge]

Japan 1 - 0 up and nearly full time. Fair play to 'em.

The asian sides look to be full of energy.

[Loony BoB]

NZ tomorrow. In the game we're most likely to score a goal in, I think! Maybe we will! I can hope! Or if not, maybe we can get a 0-0! I can hope some more!

[Psychotic]

As if you're going to get past Martin Skrtel. He is going to eat, literally devour, half your team.

[Suikojowy]

Predicting 2-0 Italy

[charliepanayi]

Japan looked decent, which is surprising as their build up was meant to be even worse than France's. But Cameroon were disappointing, and they wasted Eto'o somewhat.

[champagne supernova]

Italy are looking decidedly average.

[charliepanayi]

So on past form they'll be winning this World Cup then.

[Aerith's Knight]

No, Italy's in the past. It's been declining for years now. All the good players in their teams come from somewhere else, like England.

[Cuchulainn]

http://creative.ak.fbcdn.net/ads3/flyers/24/20/6002680667718_1_64a5525f.jpg

Tomorrow people.

[Laddy]

LOLOLOLOL.

Italy was meh but I was quite suprised with Japan.

[Croyles]

hahaha at italy

[Cuchulainn]

So, the most boring World Cup since Italia 90?

y/n

[Croyles]

So far, yes.

[Cuchulainn]

It is truely shocking, only saving grace has been Germany.

[Croyles]

im hoping it will be different on the second round. I dont know whats wrong...

[seiferalmasy2]

I have gone for Argentina, but I am finding it difficult to watch games because of the majority selfish African fans who keep blowing that annoying horn in every game for 90 minutes.

BBC - 606 - A Forum Conversation (http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/F17765008?thread=7565977&skip=1250&show=50)

posted 7 Hours Ago


Vuvuzelas:
This tournament has turned out a disappointment. It should have never been hosted in South Africa, seeing how insensitive they are to the rest of the world. They seem to have a chip on their shoulder. The World football tournament is as it says “world” not just for South Africa. We could understand if they play this traditional instrument when S.A. is playing but not at every match for a month. It is dreadful and we have to mute the TV and not enjoy the game. We are very disappointed with their indifference to the wishes of the majority of the world, the players and rest of the world supporters who travelled all the way there to support their teams but cannot be heard. It is a deliberate method.

Pretty much it. Also I am hearing it isn't even a cultural thing since this instrument was brought over from Mexico a decade or 2 ago. Any case, I don't mind them blowing it at African games but not at every single game and for 90 minutes. It is just selfish....even through national anthems.

Hopefully common sense will prevail with a ban.



Back on topic:

Argentina are my pick because I just feel it is their year. Brazil. Spain obviously are big favourites too. England don't have a prayer and nor do Italy from what i have seen so far....

[Rocket Edge]

It's the first round, it's bound to be cagey. And we haven't seen the likes of Portugal, Brazil, or Spain yet.

[Croyles]

The vuvuzelas are really damn annoying...

[Cuchulainn]

I see a lot of people with those things and they arent all South African. I've seen England fans with them too.

It is horrible though, i cannot abide that noise and Im only listening to a muted version on TV. Apparently it is a million times worse when you're there.

You cant even hear chants whats worse the natural roar when a team scores? Nothing it's te same noise all the way through.

Like oyu said if it was when South Africa was playing, fine, it can be their thing but EVERY DAMN GAME?


Still, are they more annoying than that Brass band England brings? Debateable.

[Laddy]

Vuvuzelas are indeed pretty smurfing annyoing, but selfish? Hardly. It's no more selfish than wearing a country's colors or shouting at a match. It creates a cool atmosphere.

EDIT: And if my country's people were treated like complete and utter :bou::bou::bou::bou: for the last few centuries, I'd have a chip on my shoulder too.

[Cuchulainn]

Vuvuzelas are indeed pretty smurfing annyoing, but selfish? Hardly. It's no more selfish than wearing a country's colors or shouting at a match. It creates a cool atmosphere.

Bollox. Wearing your colours is representing your side. Chanting your songs is representing your side. These plastic horns are played no matter who's playing. NOT FUCKING ON.

[Croyles]

These things are like 130 decibels, so they are ear damaging. They really should be banned. It could very well be the only thing the south africa WC is remembered by, and what a shame that would be.

The BBC and ITV should at least mute the sounds of the vuvuzelas. It should be really easy seeing as how its just b minor the whole time. Its not a very complex procedure to mute a specific sound like that.

[Laddy]

Wearing colors presents your pride for your country. Those mothersmurfing vuvuzelas annoy the :bou::bou::bou::bou: out of me and should be incinerated. But they represent an African pride. The most important sporting event in the world is being played in their home country. It's amazing for them and the vuvuzela represents that pride and elation that comes when a nation hosts something so important.

I don't at all find a symbol of pride selfish. Annoying, hell yeah, but not selfish.

Besides, the vuvuzela is so common to their football matches that not having one is the weird thing to do. And we need adjust to the vuvuzela, the vuvuzela shouldn't adjust to us.

EDIT: It's like if I went to France and said everyone should stop wearing shoulder bags. I'm the visitor, if I can't adjust, then I need to leave.

[Rocket Edge]

I was thinking that too. I'd hate for it to be called '2010, the WC with the Vuvuzelas'.

I agree with you all, they are incredibly annoying.

[Psychotic]

Still, are they more annoying than that Brass band England brings? Debateable.That brass band needs to learn more than three songs. I heard them trying to play against the USA and getting utterly swallowed by those god damn horns.

My favourite host nation ever was the Koreans. They'd have a whole bunch of people, mostly women, in the crowd that would scream in abject terror whenever the opposition team had the ball in their half, it was the funniest :bou::bou::bou::bou:. That and their Beethoven singing.

[Mo-Nercy]

http://static.funnyjunk.com/pictures/vuvuzela0.jpg