2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil

[Freya]

Wow France is super pushy. I'm surprised they aren't getting flagged more.

[Psychotic]

It's all kicking off!

[Mahad]

Penalty for France and red card for Honduras; game over for them.

[Psychotic]

Hahahaha goal line tech debacle, what a shambles.

[Jess]

That was hilarious :lol:

[Jess]

Goal! No goal! Wait! Goal!

[Psychotic]

I will explain what happened for those of you who did not watch the match. And if you didn't watch the match I pity you, because it's been hilarious. I never thought I would enjoy a 3-0 France win but the Honduras strategy of kicking the smurf out of anything in a blue shirt has been rather lovely. The sending off was tame compared to most of the nasty little digs they've gotten away with. They have full on wasted a couple of the French players.

Anyway, Benzema fires in a shot at the far post, it hits the inside of the post, goes across the line and the keeper at the near post fumbles it over the line for the briefest of moments before throwing it out. Ref immediately gets the signal on his fancypants watch and says goal. Honduras protesting. Big screen then shows the incident... and shows the initial shot hitting the post with goal line tech and then declares in big letters NO GOAL. Honduras flipping their trout, crowd are going ape too. France are like "well you gave the goal you can't ungive it!" And THEN they show the right incident of the keeper fumbling the ball over the line xD

Such a comedy game.

[black orb]

>>> Wheeew, looks like they finally got rid of Raymond Domenech (I thought they will never do it), way to go France..:luca:

[Old Manus]

Dirty cheating Hondurans. RIP Wilson Palacios

[Yellow_Magic]

Tell you what: Those guys would make a great rugby team

[black orb]

>>> I didnt want Argentina to win this :eep:..:luca:

[Mahad]

Argentina struggled more than I expected with Bosnia. Honestly, I hadn't seen much of Bosnia coming into the World Cup until I had a chance to see them on a friendly weeks before the kick off, then I realized they had some solid work going on in their team with a good, solid defense. Still, I expected much more from Argentina.

Now for the US debut today; bet they can't wait to take 3 points away from Ghana.

[Psychotic]

The same Ghana that beat them in the last two World Cups? ;)

[Quindiana Jones]

I called the exact minute for every goal after the first - including the disallowed one - in the Switzerland v Ecuador game. Will try to replicate this during the next match, because I could well be the next octopus.

Disappointed I didn't stay up for the France game now.

[Yellow_Magic]

Slept through the 2nd half of Argentina v Bosnia: Sad that I missed both Bosnia scoring, and Lionel Messi actually scoring :( :(

Germany v Portugal next....THIS GON B GUD

[Quindiana Jones]

Saw some highlights whilst at the gym. Fucking hell. xD

[AssassinDX]

Germany v Portugal next....THIS GON B GUD

Can't wait for this one, and admittedly I'm glad ITV have got it. I haven't followed this topic for a few days and don't fancy trawling through 18 pages of it to see if this has been mentioned, but my lord was Phil Neville's verbal dysentery... sorry, commentary atrocious for the England game the other night. Give me Andy Townsend's 'call it like I see it' approach any day, at least he might get excited for this game. Apparently the BBC received 445 complaints about Neville.

Mercifully the BBC have the alternative commentary option on the red button, Scott Mills or not I'll be listening to that from here on out.

[Loony BoB]

It's on at 5pm and I don't get home 'til 7pm. Boo. :(

[AssassinDX]

Gives you time to settle in for Iran vs Nigeria at least...

[Old Manus]

I haven't followed this topic for a few days and don't fancy trawling through 18 pages of it to see if this has been mentioned, but my lord was Phil Neville's verbal dysentery... sorry, commentary atrocious for the England game the other night. Give me Andy Townsend's 'call it like I see it' approach any day, at least he might get excited for this game. Apparently the BBC received 445 complaints about Neville.Christ, yes. Absolutely horrendous. "He took the player down to stop the attack. We call that a technical foul." I wanted to tear out my eyes with my cutlery.


Mercifully the BBC have the alternative commentary option on the red buttonThey do!? How do I access such -


Scott Mills57300

[Loony BoB]

Mercifully the BBC have the alternative commentary option on the red buttonThey do!?
They also allow you to mute the commentary altogether and just listen to the crowd. This is what I use. I struggle with commentary teams outside of Sky. They all bore me to death. Haven't heard BT Sport's yet, mind you.

[Psychotic]

My favourite Phil Neville moment was when he tried to blame Glen Johnson for the goal - a cause championed by our own Bubba because of Fizzer, no less. "Gary Cahill expects Johnson to be marking Balotelli" intoned our favourite Mancunian. Except if you watch Johnson he's marking Marchisio, who had been marking for the entire game and why on earth would a right back be marking a centre forward anyway Neville you tit. Of all the criticisms you could level at Johnson, that was not one. Amusingly Glen was the anti-Johnson, solid enough at the back (though he didn't have much to do with Italy utterly pounding Baines, seemingly having identified him as a weak link), ponderous and wasteful in attack.

I digress though. Who on earth thought it was a good idea to give Phil Neville his first gig in - from a British broadcaster's perspective in terms of audience figures etc - the biggest game of the World Cup? "Oh, he's a Neville and his brother's good at it - they're basically the same thing, right? Just like with football, old Phil has been overpromoted because of his brother's talent.
They all bore me to death. Haven't heard BT Sport's yet, mind you.I love it when commentators make mistakes. Michael Owen makes them non stop. I still can't even enjoy them because of how utterly banal both his voice and the things he says are.

[Loony BoB]

Yep. Gary surprised a lot of people with how good he was, both on the pitch and in the commentary box (although surprising me less so - I've heard him commentate on United's own channel for youth games and he was always good). Phil has not-quite-surprised people with how unfortunately inadequate he is with both coaching and commentating so far. He was a decent player, sure, but I agree with Psy particularly on the "thrown in at the deep end" kind of thing. His first ever coaching run was at United. His first ever commentary in an England game at the World Cup. I mean, what the hell?

My favourite commentators are people who actually sound interested in what they are talking about and excited at the match.

[DK]

JURGI LOEF UND KRAKOW PAUW

had to be done sorry

[Bubba]

I stand by what I said.

[Psychotic]

Well then who was Cahill meant to be marking if not Balotelli? And who should've been marking Marchisio - the Italian left-winger - if not the right-back? :p The smurf up was mostly Baines, forcing Jagielka to come out and cover him and creating space in the box, and then Cahill got suckered by an awesome run from Balotelli. Super Mario was a fucking beast.

Muller scores for Germany. All of my Fantasy Football strikers have scored now, smurf yes.

[Spuuky]

Apparently this thread became the 2014 FIFA England Cup in Brazil thread. Who cares, England sucks, who would spend this much energy talking about the games of any other random team that had no chance to win?

EXCEPT THE USA GO TEAM

It makes me a little sad that Bosnia had to open against Argentina, hopefully they will still advance.

[Psychotic]

Who caresEnglish people.
England sucksWe know.
who would spend this much energy talking about the games of any other random team that had no chance to win?I, too, am aggrieved that people are posting about a FIFA World Cup match in the FIFA World Cup thread and intend to write a sternly worded letter to the owner of this Web-Site.

Pepe sent off xD

hahahahahahhahha who could've predicted that!

(everyone who has ever heard of Pepe)

[DK]

oh dear, this could get to spain levels of embarrassing real quick.

[Spuuky]

Pepe is the worst, and the second biggest reason that Portugal is my least favorite team.

[Loony BoB]

I, too, am aggrieved that people are posting about a FIFA World Cup match in the FIFA World Cup thread and intend to write a sternly worded letter to the owner of this Web-Site.
STOP SENDING ME LETTERS PAUL

Also, I only popped into this thread before logging off and going home because I read about Pepe getting sent off and wanted to see the reactions. You guys do not disappoint.

EDIT: I love that Tony Pulis says it wasn't a sending off, if only because of his days at Stoke where he gifted them somewhat of a reputation.

[DK]

yes this is going to get really bad xD

[Psychotic]

I sort of view Thomas Mueller as the heir to Miroslav Klose. You're not quite sure what he does other than randomly score a smurfton of goals for Germany in World Cups.

Still, he was embarassing in his reaction to the initial face stroke from Pepe.

[DK]

also, Pepe is brilliant. he is the stupidest man in world football and I find him to be very entertaining. he's like a player from the 70's, when you'd get random ginger scottish midgets stopping games to just try and kill someone.

[DK]

adrian chiles is such a colossal tit.

also, not worried for portugal really. i recall the great game when city played spurs and were 3 goals and one man down at half time, but came back to win 4-3 after being inspired to victory by the heroic shaun wright-phillips, and ronaldo is at least as good as shaun was on his worst day so there is definitely a chance to save this game.

[Freya]

Go Germany. 3 in the first half. I picked a good team.

Haha I just saw the Pepe flag. This is so hard to keep up with at work.

[Psychotic]

ronaldo is at least as good as shaun was on his worst day so there is definitely a chance to save this game.bit generous to ronaldo there mate.

Don't get me wrong, Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now (Better than Messi that's for sure) but he's no Shaun.

[DK]

KRAKOW PAUW WHAT ARE YOU DOING

[Psychotic]

Arsenal ruined Krakow Pauw tbh.

[DK]

I'm also amused by portugal's kenwyne jones.

[Psychotic]

Seems like more of an Ade Akibiyi to me.

Also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhfOa7meupA has to be posted. Don't even care if none of the rest of EoFF gets it

[DK]

add raul meireles head to the list of things i'm amused by in this match as well

[DK]

no way man ade was a fucking tank

http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/00112/SNS2162A_112048a.jpg

[Psychotic]

Ronaldo's face ahahahahahahahahha oh shit xD i'm dying.

[DK]

hahahah he was making the same face as big andy in that picture

[Psychotic]

add raul meireles head to the list of things i'm amused by in this match as wellHe is exactly how steve imagines himself looking with the mohawk, beard and tattoos.

[Nicolas]

It's almost painful to watch this game.

[I Took the Red Pill]

Man, Portugal is just not in this at all. This game is like an IRL version of some douche-bro (Germany) inviting you (Portugal) to play FIFA on his XBox but "forgets" to tell you the buttons for lob pass, through ball, and completely neglects any mention of the power meter.

[DK]

kenwynho should have had a penalty there.

[Nicolas]

Haha. A little, yeah.

Well, this sets it up for the US possibly (if they can beat Ghana) advancing. Crazy.

[Psychotic]

Fuck yes Mueller, best fantasy football pick ever :love:

[Psychotic]

hahahah he was making the same face as big andy in that picture
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/ronaldo1_zpsf24dab24.png (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/photobucketamazingness/media/ronaldo1_zpsf24dab24.png.html)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/carroll_zps750e6e0d.jpg (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/photobucketamazingness/media/carroll_zps750e6e0d.jpg.html)

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e373/photobucketamazingness/ronaldo2_zps15dbb6fe.gif (http://s43.photobucket.com/user/photobucketamazingness/media/ronaldo2_zps15dbb6fe.gif.html)

[DK]

ahahahahahahaahah yes

[DK]

can someone explain the point of nani, i have no idea what he is supposed to do

[Psychotic]

He is useful in making limericks and you want something to rhyme with the word "fanny", hth

[Pete for President]

Germany vs. Netherlands final :shifty:

[Loony BoB]

Germany vs. Netherlands final :shifty:
Going by the colour of your smiley, I know who you'll be supporting.

[Pete for President]

Germany vs. Netherlands final :shifty:
Going by the colour of your smiley, I know who you'll be supporting.

:p

Seen right through my subliminal messaging :redface:

[DK]

That is a great chance for Iran. Great save from Vincent Enyeama though, quality goalkeeper.

Such hilariously typical dross from dire ex professionals who lack any eloquence. I wonder if his comments are this shallow and banal about everything in life.

"Peas are a pretty nice vegetable. Sugar is much nicer in coffee though, quality sweetener."

"That's a silver car. Red is much better for super cars though, quality ferrari colour."

"My daughters name is Jessica. I'd call my son Dave though, quality male name."

Tit.

[Psychotic]

I don't even know why I've kept Iran v Nigeria on. Dire commentary, dire football, and Victor Moses is just the definition of dire.

"Victor Moses takes the corner... oh, he doesn't beat the first man, he'll be disappointed with that." No he won't, Victor Moses is happy he managed to make contact with his foot. "That's something these footballers should be taught, that if you beat the first man your corner can do anything!" for smurf's sake just because they're Iranian and Nigerian why do you feel the need to be a patronising smug arse? They're still all professionals, many of whom played at just as high a level as you Kevin Kilbane, and it doesn't mean they need to be taught how to play football by a man from the football powerhouse that is Ireland - who, by the way, did not qualify for this World Cup - or any of the last three - unlike Nigeria and Iran.

[Shauna]

I got Nigeria in the sweepstakes at work. How are my chances looking :excited:

[Loony BoB]

I haven't been listening. Who is worse, Phil or Kevin?

[Psychotic]

I got Nigeria in the sweepstakes at work. How are my chances looking :excited::erm:

I haven't been listening. Who is worse, Phil or Kevin?Phil. Kevin Kilbane is a northern Andy Townsend without the catchphrases.

First goalless game, it looks like. They both play very deep defensive lines, don't commit numbers going forward and when they do there's a huge lack of finesse. It's sort of like a Pulis v Allardyce game without the long balls. They're both going to get battered by Bosnia, never mind Argentina.

[Old Manus]

CLINT DEMPSEY IS LIBERATING THE SHIT OUT OF THIS GHANA DEFENCE

I CAN'T HANDLE THE FREEDOM

[Freya]

Holy shit. One minute in? Apparently fifth fastest goal in world cup history.

[Pant Leg Eater from the Bad World]

CLINT DEMPSEY IS LIBERATING THE trout OUT OF THIS GHANA DEFENCE

I CAN'T HANDLE THE FREEDOM

FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDOOOOOOOM!

EDIT: I voted for USA, but I really don't think they are gonna win it all. Or even most of it.

[I Took the Red Pill]

Christ, this game is giving me anxiety. Ghana has been playing so much tighter than we have the entire game. Every time we break away, someone launches a ridiculous through ball to nowhere or passes it right to a Ghanaian foot. It's like a teenage boy blowing his load while looking at the thumbnails on a porn video site.

[Nicolas]

Wow. Ghana is cutting through their defenses like it's nothing. If Ghana wasn't channeling England's accuracy, this would easily be Ghana's game. o.o

EDIT: Holy cow. That was perfect. o.o

[I Took the Red Pill]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Raistlin]

U-S-A

U-S-A

U-S-A

[Freya]

Wow. Didn't watch the game as I was at work but I kept tabs and now I'm watching highlights. I'm impresses US. You don't have me saying that in reference to football but dang. I have some national pride going right now!

[Nicolas]

Wow. Didn't watch the game as I was at work but I kept tabs and now I'm watching highlights. I'm impresses US. You don't have me saying that in reference to football but dang. I have some national pride going right now!

hahaha. i feel exactly the same way.

[black orb]

>>> smurf I missed all the games today..:luca:

What.. USA football team have fans in their own country??

[Pant Leg Eater from the Bad World]

>>> smurf I missed all the games today..:luca:

What.. USA football team have fans in their own country??

I think there is about 17 of us, and 6 are on eoff.

But really. I didn't get to watch the game until the second half because I was showing off my house to potential next renters for my landlord. But I was listening from about six minutes in.
Omg, Ghana you scary. So many close calls. SO MANY. Thanks for defying gravity 70,000 times.

[Psychotic]

What.. USA football team have fans in their own country??Yes, the sport is very much growing in popularity. It's never going to be #1 (and tbh, who cares? "my sport is better than your sport!" pissing contests are lame) but I've noticed online a growing American presence of some very knowledgeable fans. Well, almost. For some reason Americans think Jozy Altidore isn't abysmal xD Sorry Americans, but he really is.

I don't know how popular the US MLS is over there, I think I have seen more American interest in European leagues - particularly the English Premier League presumably due to the language. I've also never really seen them care much about the US team in World Cup Qualifying or the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but then there are not many good teams in North America to compete with so I suppose both are gimmes and I assume not all that exciting.

Good result for the US. If they play for draws with Ronaldo and Germany and keep it nice and tight at the back they should be able to pull off an upset and qualify ahead of Ronaldo. On yesterday's evidence the rest of Portugal didn't turn up to the World Cup!

[Jiro]

I want to change my answer to the Netherlands tbh

[Psychotic]

Been saying all day that Belgium are overrated. :D

[DK]

I work with an Algerian guy called Farid, we went drinking today and were talking about this match. I predicted a 3-0 win for Belgium but I would be super stoked for him if Algeria won so I hope the scoreline stays the same and he can give me full on shit tomorrow for being wrong.

[Psychotic]

Andy Townsend is pro-Belgium. You can tell because he used his "Better" phrase which he usually only reserves for England or English teams in the CL.

EDIT: And his other variation, "That's better" followed in short order. Reckon Andy has a sly tenner on the Red Devils.

[DK]

how many times has he said "bit of quality"?

[Psychotic]

how many times has he said "bit of quality"?Too many.

Gutted that Belgium scored. Fellaini is a knob and after all the masturbatory MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM crap that has been spewed everywhere I would've loved to have seen them beaten.

[Bubba]

57364

[Psychotic]

wouldn't even get on the west brom bench

wouldn't even get on the england bench

belgium still grossly overrated, if you labour to a win over algeria you're not going to win it.

[Bubba]

True quality shines through. Belgium are going all the way this year. Fellaini is exactly the kind of world class midfielder that can drive them all the way to victory in the final!

MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM!

[Psychotic]

Just as I did with Glen Johnson, I will save this post and quote it at an opportune moment. :greenie:

[DK]

i only followed this game on auntie beebs live feed, on balance, did belgium deserve the win or did they luck out a la ivory jammy fucks vs japan?

[Psychotic]

Thought a draw would be a fair result, neither team were particularly impressive.

[Freya]

I didn't know this about the boyfriend but apparently he has connections with the Dallas FC and can get me tickets at any time :excited:

He didn't know I was that excited about soccer until i've been freaking out about the WC

I came home sick so I get to watch the Mexico v Brazil game live :excited:

[Mahad]

So three out of four Concacaf teams won their first games. This next round is a lot tougher for Mexico and Costa Rica. I think US can take a win from Portugal, and I don't think Honduras stands a chance with Ecuador.

I don't watch the MLS games, but whenever I browse around the tv and come across one I find that there are some teams with a lot of fans and support, some with full stadiums. LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders, for example. There is actually a lot of support for some of the teams out there. The culture's growing and while I don't think it will be number 1 sport anytime soon it's no longer a sport people turn their heads away from any more. And I don't think I have ever come across an American fan of non-English team.

[Psychotic]

So guys I wrote this goofy thing:

http://home.eyesonff.com/content.php/3153-2014-Blitzball-World-Cup-kicks-off-in-Midgar

Hope you enjoy :shobon:

[Psychotic]

Mexico v Brazil is a stormer. Mexico's keeper Ochoa is top quality and Marquez has been a rock, though it certainly hasn't been all one-way traffic. The 3-1 score v Croatia flattered Brazil and this is proving it.

[Mahad]

I'm honestly stunned at how well Mexico has played so far this World Cup. The coach Herrera took the team when they were in the brink of being left out of the World Cup and only got about seven games with the team and it wasn't looking like he had a solid team together. This team now is a group of dedicated, committed players and playing well.

The game was one of the best in the World Cup so far, fantastic game from Ochoa; to think he doesn't even have a team right now. I expected Brazil to be on top of Mexico, but when Mexico had the ball they played well.

With their current game, Brazil is far from taking the World Cup this year. Should they come across Holland when the group stage is over, I think that's as far as they go.

[escobert]

Alright so since there's no North Korea and South Korea is no fun to root for, go Iran!

The US game was awesome yesterday. I'm sad I missed the Mexico vs Brazil game. About to watch Russia beat some former commies.

[Freya]

Wow that Russian shot. The teamwork and push on that one. Nice

[Old Manus]

Wow that Russian shot. The teamwork and push on that one. Nice57414

[AssassinDX]

I decided to finally put some money on games as a lot of my predictions were correct, but Belgium vs Algeria should have been a warning as I put money on them to win and they barely scraped it.

I then decided to go for a Brazil win, both teams to score, Neymar to score at any time and Brazil to be winning at half time and full time. Yeah, didn't quite go as planned, although the Mexicans were outstanding.

[Old Manus]

I'm doing pretty well so far. Only a few bets not come in. Chile to make the semis and USA to make the quarters at 8/1 and 9/1 are looking better by the minute, and I need France to win tonight to finish off pre-tournament handicap accumulator. The big money one which was initially nothing more than a punt and I had no faith in is also slowly starting to make me believe:

BRAZIL v Croatia
CHILE v Australia
COLOMBIA v Greece
FRANCE v Honduras
ARGENTINA v Bosnia
BELGIUM v Algeria
JAPAN v Greece
BELGIUM v Russia
FRANCE v Ecuador
BELGIUM v South Korea
PORTUGAL v Ghana

£2 wins £711.76. Cash out now for £22...

[Psychotic]

Good choices, though Japan's lack of cutting edge will not go down well against the organised Greeks, and likewise Russia keep things very tight at the back and Belgium haven't shown to me they've got what it takes to break that down. I think they'll both be 0-0 draws.

[Psychotic]

smurf me! Netherlands v Aus! Robben dribbles from the halfway line and scores, then Tim Cahill scores a smurfing thunderbastard first time volley less than a minute later. I don't care, you guys have to find a replay of that, it is a smurfing majestic son of a bitch. Full on twacks off the underside of the crossbar as all ultimate shots should. Woof. My goal of the tournament so far.

BBC still says 0-0 xD

[Spuuky]

Also Ghana will complete Portugal and Ronaldo's 0-point shaming.

[escobert]

what the hell did you just say Psy? :p


Great game so far :)

[Psychotic]

I'm babbling because I am just so smurfing aroused by that goal.

For the past 10+ years I have disliked Tim Cahill for his poncey cheating Everton Aussie ways. Today is the day when none of that counts. Magnificent.

[Freya]

Just saw the highlight. Within a minute of each other? What is with this WC and surprising me!

[Psychotic]

Australia leading against Netherlands! See what happens when the Dutch play a team that actually attacks rather than pointless tippy tappy passing?!

I have both the Dutch and the Aussies in my work's sweepstake so I'm okay either way :shobon:

[DK]

this is insanity

[DK]

INSANITY

[Psychotic]

This game is the best of the World Cup so far.

Rooting for the Aussies now. Van Persie such a nasty little shit, should've walked for that "challenge" on Jedinak, could've caused a serious injury.

[DK]

yep van persie should be off, shithouse bastard

[Psychotic]

Tell you what, that Dutch fella in the crowd in a bright orange suit (and an inexplicably green tie) is a beast. I like to think it's EoFF's very own Aerith's Knight. YOU CAN FEEL IT, YOU CAN FEEL IT TOO!

[Psychotic]

Emile Heskey's strike partner is coming on for the Aussies! I tell you what, if even 1% of the great man's powers have rubbed off on this fella, the Netherlands are fucked.

[DK]

totally unrelated but

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/thats-a-rap-clint-deuce-dempsey-to-release-album-after-world-cup-9546297.html

oh dear. oh dear clint.

[Jiro]

I'm glad the Netherlands won. I would have been spitting chips if we won after that abysmal handball call got us a Jedinak penalty goal. But fucking valiant effort. Proud of my nation after that performance. We're straight up the lowest ranked team and just stuck it to the folks who thrashed the current title holders. That's an effort.

[Jiro]

Super bummed that Dutch defender got carried off, too. I hope he's not too badly injured. A couple of dodgy tackles and some general foul play but otherwise that was a thoroughly exciting match, even if it wasn't the most technically sound.

[Psychotic]

Hope Chile can win. For me they're the true dark horses. Whatever my opinions on Belgium's quality are not necessary relevant here, I don't consider them dark horses because the world and his wife have been talking about them - they're not an unknown quantity. Chile, on the other hand, certainly are. I had high hopes for the South American teams outside of the big two, but injuries to Falcao and Suarez have dented Colombia and Uruguay's chances. Alexis Sanchez is still going strong for Chile though!

[Psychotic]

Chile 2-0 up. Incredible play from them, particularly their pressing. Casillas poor again - said they should've dropped him! - but Xabi Alonso has been worst of all. Completely out of sorts, he has been absolutely atrocious. ...still looks damn sexy with that beard though.

[Freya]

Spain is just.... Come on Spain. You won it, this is sad.

[Nicolas]

I like Spain, but with how they've played this year, they do not deserve to advance.

Chile, on the other hand, is playing so well. It'll be nice to see them advance into other matches.

[Spuuky]

1 of my Hated Countries soon to be eliminated. Only a few more to go and I can be content with any remaining winner. Too bad the Netherlands had to advance, though.

[Bubba]

Breaking news! England last longer in the World Cup than Spain.

MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM!

[Loony BoB]

Hope Chile can win. For me they're the true dark horses. Whatever my opinions on Belgium's quality are not necessary relevant here, I don't consider them dark horses because the world and his wife have been talking about them - they're not an unknown quantity. Chile, on the other hand, certainly are. I had high hopes for the South American teams outside of the big two, but injuries to Falcao and Suarez have dented Colombia and Uruguay's chances. Alexis Sanchez is still going strong for Chile though!
Agreed for the most part, although I would still say Belgium are dark horses for the cup, if not dark horses for being a dark horse. ;) Chile are a good team when you look at them and they have a few top, top players in there. If I could pick any one player to buy this season for United it would be Vidal. He's my muppet dream. :shobon:

[DK]

FERGIE TIME

[Old Manus]

Loving every moment of Spain and Del Bosque getting mullered.

also shut up Psychotic I said I fancied Chile before you did :colbert:

[Bubba]

Spain look to me like a team still in shock after the first game. That's not to take away from Chile's performance. They have been excellent.

[Psychotic]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH smurf OFF SPAIN smurf OFF TIKI TAKA YOU BORING :bou::bou::bou::bou:S :bigsmile:

That was the best performance by any team in the World Cup so far - yeah, even better than the 5-1 and the 4-0. The intense pressing, the lighting quick transitions, the one-touch football and keeping possession, smurf yeah. Commentators saying how they might feel hard done by to face Brazil... balls to that. Chile'll smurfing muller them on this form.

[Old Manus]

NOW YOU'RE STEALING MY VERBS

[Psychotic]

Does anyone else fancy a Germany - Uruguay final?

[DK]

Fuck that noise, if both teams played like they did today chile will have holland as well. likely won't need to worry about brazil.

also, diego costa, you are a twat and a disgrace to the name diego.

[Psychotic]

Fuck that noise, if both teams played like they did today chile will have holland as well. likely won't need to worry about brazil.tbf, they'll probably both play their reserves.

[Dark_Valentine]

Does anyone else fancy a Germany - Uruguay final?
You know I would like an Italy - Germany final, but I wouldn't mind seeing this either.

[Shauna]

rip in peace spain

That was an unexpected twist. What an embarrassment for them!

[Mahad]

Good game for Chile. No matter who they face off against in the next round, they will make for a difficult side to deal with if they show up in this form, even Brazil should be sweating.

Well, good bye Spain!

[black orb]

Commentators saying how they might feel hard done by to face Brazil... balls to that. Chile'll smurfing muller them on this form.
>>> Chile fear Brazil more than anything, even more than God probably. Just like Mexico, who are Brazil's "black beast". Brazil are chile's "black beast", so they will do anything to avoid them..

Im Interested in the Spain vs Australia match.. They will Play for the GLORY!! :D:D..:luca:

[Perducci]

Hoping Australia thrash Spain. Watching them fail has been brilliant.

I'm still thinking Belgium will go far even if they didn't look great in their last match. Also thinking France are going to do well.

[Psychotic]

Yeah I'm talkin' 'bout England 'cause England are playing today. Deal with it. :cool:

Here's how I'd line up v Uruguay.


Hart

Johnson - Cahill - Jagielka - Shaw

Milner - Henderson

Lallana - Sterling - Welbeck

Sturridge

This is a revolutionary tactic I like to call "Drop all the scousers". Baines, Rooney and Gerrard were England's worst players against Italy (in that order. For all my abuse of Wayne, Baines was atrocious) and so I think we'll do a lot better if we remove all traces of men suggesting that we calm down while sporting a righteous perm.

If you play players on reputation rather than form in an international tournament you will always come unstuck. Look at Spain - De Gea should've started over the woeful Casillas and Fernando Torres shouldn't even have been in the squad. I remember Portugal in Euro 2004 and how woeful they were in the opening game when they played their ageing stars Luis Figo and Rui Costa. They then brought in talented, on form but inexperienced players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco and that got them all the way to the final.

Hodgson will still play the scousers though so I guess we'll never know. Gerrard and Rooney coming on as subs - with a point to prove - would be awesome though.

[Jiro]

If Australia get up over Spain I will laugh my goddamn ass off. I don't know whether Spain actually have the quality to beat us given their form. Given how well the Aussies rise to a tougher opponent, and given the utter no-stakes nature of the game, I reckon Australia will be relaxed enough to play at their peak and topple the Spanish.

[Loony BoB]

Psy: Didn't Sterling recently state that he prefers to play on the wing? If so, why not put Welbeck/Lallana, who don't prefer to play on the wing, in the central position? Or is Sterling just relatively bad at playing in the position he prefers to play in?

[Old Manus]

If Australia get up over Spain I will laugh my goddamn ass off. I don't know whether Spain actually have the quality to beat us given their form. Given how well the Aussies rise to a tougher opponent, and given the utter no-stakes nature of the game, I reckon Australia will be relaxed enough to play at their peak and topple the Spanish.I believe in Tim Cahill. David Moyes taught him everything he needs to know to play tournament-winning football.

Roo won't be dropped; I will put my house on it. Roy Hodgson is the Alistair Cook of man management (though I'm sure this comparison is lost on everyone but DK) and will not want to rock the boat, plus I reckon he might have spent a moment thinking about what happens if he drops Rooney and England somehow manage to get out of the group. Do we want a sulking Wayne for the rest of the tournament?

I really liked the way England played against Italy. It was the first time in years that they actually played keep-ball for a while and could string 10+ passes together. It's just a shame Italy are marginally better. If England keep it up and people like Barkley and Shaw live up to the hype we could see an interesting Euro 2016 Oh my God I sound like a Liverpool fan now

[Old Manus]

also

http://www.vidble.com/JaaHS7MU0M.gif

[I Took the Red Pill]

If Australia get up over Spain I will laugh my goddamn ass off. I don't know whether Spain actually have the quality to beat us given their form. Given how well the Aussies rise to a tougher opponent, and given the utter no-stakes nature of the game, I reckon Australia will be relaxed enough to play at their peak and topple the Spanish.I believe in Tim Cahill. David Moyes taught him everything he needs to know to play tournament-winning football.
He's received two yellow cards and is thus ineligible for the match vs Spain.

[Old Manus]

Obviously Moyes taught him the art of bottling out of big games too!

[Psychotic]

Psy: Didn't Sterling recently state that he prefers to play on the wing? If so, why not put Welbeck/Lallana, who don't prefer to play on the wing, in the central position? Or is Sterling just relatively bad at playing in the position he prefers to play in?He said he'd be happy to switch if that's what the manager wanted and he's used to playing on the wing as his normal position. "Anywhere in the attacking positions is my favourite, but helping the team score is what I try to do wherever I play." is what he said. If you look at the stats, he's played in the three spots (left, right, centre) about equally this season.

Either way, to be blunt: who gives a smurf about where they prefer to play? The manager picks the team and has put a lot more time and research into Uruguay and their weaknesses than they have. It's that sort of trout that's seen us indulge Rooney and try to play Gerrard and Lampard together over the years. Sterling might prefer to play in goal but tough trout because we don't need you there, we need you at no 10. He caused plenty of damage there against Italy and Uruguay's Centre Backs look suspect. Welbeck looks a damn sight better on the flanks than he does the middle too, fwiw.

[Bubba]

I agree with your back four but that's where it ends. Apart from Shaw at left back, I'd be shocked if Hodgson goes with anything else other than this.


Hart

Johnson - Cahill - Jagielka - Shaw

Gerrard - Henderson

Sterling - Rooney - Welbeck

Sturridge


I agree with you that Rooney is not in form and both him and Gerrard were poor. I still feel though that they are both game changers and can see them both improving vastly against Uruguay. Rooney will get on the score sheet tonight, mark my words.

[Psychotic]

I thought you, of all people, would approve of my "Drop all scousers" tactic xD

[Bubba]

Haha, not really! Baines can be dropped but that's it. Gerrard has been one of our most consistent players and Rooney, well...

- Wayne Rooney created more chances than any other player in the England v Italy game (three, including one assist).

[Quindiana Jones]

I thought you, of all people, would approve of my "Drop all scousers" tactic xD

Read this as "drop all trousers". World Cup vastly improved.

[Psychotic]

Haha, not really! Baines can be dropped but that's it. Gerrard has been one of our most consistent players and Rooney, well...

- Wayne Rooney created more chances than any other player in the England v Italy game (three, including one assist).
- Wayne Rooney blasted more corners to Mars than any other player in the England v Italy game.

[Bubba]

It was just one bad contact. You watch tonight... He'll get a brace and they'll be crackers.

[Psychotic]

I'll be rooting for him. Rooney, to me, is either a 4/10 player or a 9/10 player. If the 9/10 player arrives, fuck yes, hero. I just think in a World Cup match you can't risk it and it's better to have him off the bench.

[Madame Adequate]

Jiro,
Nicolas,
Raistlin,
Shauna

lmbo

[Shauna]

Look mate, my Spanish blood is already feeling the sting of that terrible failure. No need to rub it in further. :(

[Madame Adequate]

:aimkiss:

[Psychotic]

You'd think you'd be used to it, being Scotch and all.

[Shauna]

Failures on all sides of my family.

[Psychotic]

England so far not looking as good as they did against Italy. They haven't quite settled.

[Psychotic]

Godin should've walked. Ref bottled it.

[Jess]

Oh for fucks sake.

[Yellow_Magic]

My heart's in pieces RIP

[Old Manus]

Was going to say England were shading it on points before the goal happened. Jagielka is having a mare - ball watching for the goal. Sterling playing well. Sturridge is having a bad case of thinking he's Zinedine Zidane and just doesn't want to play the easy ball. It's going to have to be all out attack in the second half because the defence has shown they cannot handle either Cavani or Suarez. A bit tidier with the passes and through balls (what's this obsession with chipping the ball into the box all about?) and they're back in this.

[Bubba]

Well my prediction for a Rooney brace nearly came true in the first 30 mins.

We're definitely not playing like we did against Italy though which is a shame. Uruguay look like a different team though. The Suarez finish was good, nice movement. The ball to him was class though.

Still England to win 2-1 for me.

[Yellow_Magic]

A clearly weakened Suarez and we still can't handle him - it's almost embarrassing.

Still hope though! Just gotta bring on the Ox.

I won't say get rid of Rooney, though, because as Bubba pointed out he's been alright so far!

[Psychotic]

Was going to say England were shading it on points before the goal happened. Jagielka is having a mare - ball watching for the goal. Sterling playing well. Sturridge is having a bad case of thinking he's Zinedine Zidane and just doesn't want to play the easy ball. It's going to have to be all out attack in the second half because the defence has shown they cannot handle either Cavani or Suarez. A bit tidier with the passes and through balls (what's this obsession with chipping the ball into the box all about?) and they're back in this.Agree for the most part. Need Barkley and/or Lallana to add some impetus and drive to the midfield because it's a bit sterile right now.

[Psychotic]

Uruguay playing like they're the team who need a goal, not good, need to get a grip.

Also those Uruguay shirts are entirely too tight. I do not need to see their nipples in perfect detail xD

[Bubba]

Also those Uruguay shirts are entirely too tight. I do not need to see their nipples in perfect detail xD

Oh, is there a game on? I thought I was watching Avatar.

[Psychotic]

I dunno if Welbeck and Sterling would've been who I brought off. We don't need both Gerrard and Hendo. Last roll of the dice has to be one of them coming off for Rickie Lambert. Rooney and Sturridge are just being outnumbered here, a firmer presence up front will help with getting them some space. And for the love of god don't hoof long balls at him, he's good with his feet.

Hodgson will probably put Wilshere on :-/

[Jess]

http://i60.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/11llxua.jpg

[Psychotic]

I've been wanting to call Rooney trout all game but I resisted. :D See, Bubba? I backed the boys!

Sturridge and Johnson superb in that build up.

[Jess]

About time, Wazza.

[Bubba]

Glen Johnson is the man. Sorry I slagged him last game.

[Yamaneko]

England will still find a way to smurf this up.

[Psychotic]

Finish the job quickly boys, they're rocking.

[Nicolas]

Wow... Rooney finally made a goal. Wonder if they'll at least break the tie.

[Old Manus]

ENGLAND'S BRAVE ROO FIRES ENGLAND PAST SUAREZ' SAVAGES

[Psychotic]

ENGLAND'S BRAVE ROO FIRES ENGLAND PAST SUAREZ' SAVAGESSUA-ROO-Z. With Wayne Rooney's face photoshopped onto Suarez's nipples.

Speaking of, surprised El Pistolero is still going.

[Yamaneko]

I KNEW IT

[Psychotic]

ENGLAND'S BRAVE ROO FIRES ENGLAND PAST SUAREZ' SAVAGESSUA-ROO-Z. With Wayne Rooney's face photoshopped onto Suarez's nipples.

Speaking of, surprised El Pistolero is still going.

I KNEW ITI don't understand what's going on why aren't there penalty kicks??????

[Jess]

Stevie G. :(

I am so sad for him.

[Bubba]

Suarez is class. Fair play.

[Nicolas]

Well, that answered my concerns of England advancing.

[Psychotic]

Ref's been a homer all game tbf.

Also glad Roy listened to me in regards to subs!

[Yamaneko]

Stevie G. :(

I am so sad for him.

Nothing to be sad about. That was a fantastic pass by Stevie to Suarez.

[Bubba]

I hate Luis Suarez more than I've ever hated another human being.

[Yamaneko]

England should troll Uruguay and lose against Costa Rica.

[Psychotic]

I hate Luis Suarez more than I've ever hated another human being.I quite like him. Take that, bobbins England!

Suarez is better than Ronaldo and Messi, fuck the haters.

[Yamaneko]

Moral victory. Roo lifted the curse. He's due for multiple hat tricks in international play from now on.

[Old Manus]

Uruguay just better in the end. Same story as Italy.

[Psychotic]

Uruguay just better in the end. Same story as Italy.Exactly. Nightmarishly hard group, England always the weaker of the three.

PS: Hey, Bubba. Liverpool 2 Manchester United 1.

Just sayin'. :smug:

[Aulayna]

Highlight of the night
57496

Hodgson not pleased with the result
57495

[Yellow_Magic]

:(

I'm really glad we didn't hype England up before the World Cup - it's made this painful for a shorter duration of time.

[Psychotic]

:(

I'm really glad we didn't hype England up before the World Cup - it's made this painful for a shorter duration of time.This year England fans have been the only ones who said their team wouldn't win it, bar the odd nutter. I've seen quotes from even the Nigerians, South Koreans and the Americans saying they can do it. I enjoy saying England are crap a lot more than having any hope. It's like, well, of course we lost to Italy and Uruguay, we're bobbins. At least we're self-aware about it xD

[Jess]

I missed the beginning of Terminator 2 because of this crap. I am most displeased. :colbert:

[Bubba]

MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM!

[Raistlin]

Jiro,
Nicolas,
Raistlin,
Shauna

lmbo

Too bad you can't see the timing of my vote, which was only made well after Spain's original trouncing. For the record, my vote was for irony. :p

[DarkBahamut]

Wish I posted when this thread started so I don't look like I'm lying.

My top 4 before the tournament started were:
1. Argentina (My favorite team. Mainly because I'm a big Messi fan. He's basically the only reason I continued to watch soccer after Ronaldinho declined. And recently, I became a fan of midfielder Angel di Maria, due to seeing glimpses of what he did for Real Madrid in the last season. After the first match against B&H and picking him in my fantasy team, I've become fond of Marcos Rojo.)
2. Germany (They've consistently been doing well for their country, but haven't won the big one. I would love to see a team that can be so fundamental and execute such a tactical, old school play so well. They also have a bunch of stars. They're scary to go against.)
3. Netherlands (Love the Van Persie-Robben duo. Gained a lot of respect for them after the 2010 WC. They played well and it would be nice to see a team that comes back after losing; kind of like my Lakers after they lost to the Celtics in '08. :D
4. Brazil (No, I'm not band-wagoning just because they've won the most World cups ever or that they're the home team. They are just so DAMN fun to watch sometimes! With such exciting players like Neymar, Oscar, Dani Alves, Marcelo, etc. how can you not want to root for them?! But my main reason for liking them is because two of my top five favorite players, Ronaldinho and Kaka, played for Brazil. And that era with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho together, wow. I mean, that's what I'm trying to say! If they can still be exciting to watch compared to that 2002 WC squad, it's an amazing feat.)

But wow, this tournament has been great. 66 goals in 23 games. Upsets, almost upsets.

[DarkBahamut]

:(

I'm really glad we didn't hype England up before the World Cup - it's made this painful for a shorter duration of time.

I still think they'll beat Costa Rica and Italy will win their last two games...Meaning England should still go through. But obviously, they're defense looks too weak to survive esp. in the later rounds of this tournament.

[Psychotic]

Was going to make a long post about Gerrard, Rooney, the defence and how England are over-reliant on young players when it's our big names who need to step up, only to read this article which does it all for me in a much more eloquent way, a good read:

www.football365.com/f365-says/9355137/F365-Says

A final word on it
Before the game, too many people in England laughed about my attitude over the last few years. This is a very good time for me. I want to see what they think now.That's the one positive I will take from that match. Good for you, Luis. You deserved that.

...but I've been defending you in the football thread for years why did you have to go and hurt me too :crying2:

Meanwhile, an accumulator is at an end it seems.

Good choices, though Japan's lack of cutting edge will not go down well against the organised Greeks, and likewise Russia keep things very tight at the back and Belgium haven't shown to me they've got what it takes to break that down. I think they'll both be 0-0 draws.Sorry Old Manus. :shobon:

[Old Manus]

Sickener. Japan were all over the Greeks who played the most negative football I've watched It was worse than Chelsea, but they're just such tiny little people that they couldn't win any headers and kept getting crunched in the tackle. Didn't help that they COULD NOT FINISH FOR LOVE NOR MONEY. Should have cashed out.

Also BBC Sport front page this morning: WOY WONT WESIGN EVEN AS BRAVE ROO AND HIS ENGLAND FACE ELIMINATION

What is this shit? They're not even out yet and the media are already brewing up some completely unjustified resignation angle? Results aside, England have played the best football I've seen them play in a major tournament since the late 90s. Uruguay and Italy are just better teams, and in Suarez, Pirlo and Cavani they have players who could beat England on their own. England subbed on Rickie Lambert. What were they expecting?

[AssassinDX]

:(

I'm really glad we didn't hype England up before the World Cup - it's made this painful for a shorter duration of time.This year England fans have been the only ones who said their team wouldn't win it, bar the odd nutter. I've seen quotes from even the Nigerians, South Koreans and the Americans saying they can do it. I enjoy saying England are crap a lot more than having any hope. It's like, well, of course we lost to Italy and Uruguay, we're bobbins. At least we're self-aware about it xD

This is true, but the annoying thing is that this England team is reasonable and should have every right to progress quite far - the big problem is the fact that it's a very tough group they're in and as mentioned Italy and Uruguay are simply better teams. I don't like Roy particularly but there's not much he can do when both losses have at least two world class players on the opposing teams - two more than England have, the possible exception being Sturridge.

[Old Manus]

the possible exception being Sturridge. :lol: 2/10 thanks for playing

[Yellow_Magic]

:(

I'm really glad we didn't hype England up before the World Cup - it's made this painful for a shorter duration of time.

I still think they'll beat Costa Rica and Italy will win their last two games...Meaning England should still go through. But obviously, they're defense looks too weak to survive esp. in the later rounds of this tournament.
England have got to beat Costa Rica and Uruguay on goal difference, though, and I think that's a big ask. Honestly, it really is too hard to expect anything from England anymore, soooo

#ComeOnNetherlands

[Psychotic]

the possible exception being Sturridge. :lol: 2/10 thanks for playingYeah, Sturridge - and none of his team mates - are world class. Gerrard and Lampard used to be between 2005-2010 (ish) and you may have been able to make a case for Rooney at one point. Sturridge is still young, he, Sterling and others certainly have the potential, but then they also have the potential to go the route of Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips instead.

Anyway look, if Italy beat Costa Rica and it looks like England will do the same, why the smurf would Italy and Uruguay do anything other than play for a draw? Uruguay would go through, Italy would top the group, problem solved all round. It's over.

[Yellow_Magic]

......


aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrghhhhh

[Psychotic]

Costa Rica are going to fuck England.

[Yellow_Magic]

Not just smurf. Papa smurf

[DarkBahamut]

....Costa Rica

[Psychotic]

Would've been nice if that Italy (and indeed the Uruguay that faced them too!) had turned up against England! :p What a marked difference.

Utterly fucking chuffed for Costa Rica though. Nobody gave them a chance. Wonderful scenes.

[Freya]

I'ma laugh if the USA moves on cause england won't haha

[Alive-Cat]

Oh, too bad guys :( but we tried! There's always next time!

[Pike]

Mystery Scot who cheered Uruguay goal against England (http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-27939845)

[Shauna]

lol @ England fans not being happy that he was supporting Uruguay

How dare he not support England that awful man

[Psychotic]

To the Tower of London with him!
I'ma laugh if the USA moves on cause england won't hahaSeen Americans trying to bait the English all over the internet with stuff like this, and the English straight up laughing in their faces saying "yes we know we're trout, what's your point?" and "we're better at making fun of ourselves than you are!"

Sorry America, you're about as good as trolling as we are football. Nobody is taking the bait xD

[Psychotic]

smurf me, the French look decidedly tasty. I thought it was impossible to gauge how good they were against a woeful Honduras team. Not so against what is not a bad Switzerland team at all. Absolutely destructive.

[Crop]

Welp, that's England out. I was hoping they could make it until at least the last 16 to make it more entertaining (especially as an Englishman cheering them on in some US bar).

I was thinking of putting a tenner on a scrappy underdog team that has a very slim chance of winning, to make the tournament more interesting. Sadly I've been away the last week travelling and have missed most of the games so I can't really tell who would be a fun team to bet on based on current performance.

Any recommendations here?

[Psychotic]

Chile or Colombia could be worth a punt, France also as I say looking decent.

[black orb]

>>> Costa Rica beat Italy now??
What the hell..:lol::lol: :luca:

[Pike]

I am the most distraught about Spain being out because those guys are 100% hotties

[Perducci]

France vs. Germany final?

[Freya]

I wasn't baiting or trolling I will be laughing because the English constantly like to tell us fans that we suck. So the irony will be amusing.

[Psychotic]

Bollocks. If you re-read this thread you won't see any England fans talking about the USA, whereas you'll see a lot of USA fans crowing about England. I think I'm the only England fan to comment on them and lord knows I've commented on every sodding team because I'm trying to watch every match :p I think of myself as a football fan more than an England fan anyway tbh.

The USA is completely and utterly insignificant to England fans. They don't register. Your average England fan would struggle to name any US player beyond Tim Howard (and only because he's played in England for 10 years) because they simply don't care. xD There was a lot of trout in 2010 because we were playing each other, but we've moved on. You should too!

[Perducci]

I'm an England fan and I quite like the USA team.

Then again, Clint Dempsey has lost respect thanks to his 'rap album'.

[Psychotic]

Are you kidding me? That rap album is the best god damn thing. The best.

Anyone watching Honduras v Ecuador? Just me? I don't blame you. A crazy Honduran man with an afro in the crowd dancing like a madman has been the highlight so far. Utterly turgid football, hope Switzerland can go through at their expense. The South American teams all have a superstar - Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Sanchez, Falcao (I know he's injured)... Ecuador's is Antonio Valencia xD Says it all really, doesn't it?

Still have no idea how France did that. Shaqiri, Rodriguez, Xhaka, Inler... they are smurfing good players and Hitzfeld is of course a great coach. Think France have been grossly underestimated by many people, myself included. Their strength at centre back is absolutely insane - all four of theirs would get into any other nation's squad.

[Spuuky]

I love it when England loses because I just love watching the English self-deprecate well beyond the point of absurdity. Just like I love watching Spain lose because their style of play is an affront to the gods, and I love watching Portugal lose because Pepe and Ronaldo play for them. They are the three teams whose elimination I most relish.

The USA obviously has no shot at winning, so my hopes for the World Cup has always been those three being shamed (well on their way), the US advancing to the knockouts (possible), and Chile winning in an upset because they have Gary Medel and all their players are 4'10" tall. It'd also be cool to see the South Korean and Japanese teams do well (not looking great there) and an African team to really succeed, perhaps the Ivory Coast. Drogba is cool.

[Psychotic]

Anyone watching Honduras v Ecuador? Just me? I don't blame you.Tell you what, it's fucking kicking off now. 1-1.

A Costly error. Ho ho ho! :hahaha:

[Freya]

Paul, I didn't say YOU or people here were saying it but at other places online it is being said. Stop taking things so personal, geez so unlike you. Its that football fever huh

[DK]

http://vs.hu/focivb2014/i/2014/06/52179893_1500-800x533.jpg

the legacy of greatness will never die

[Psychotic]

Apparently he's with the Costa Rica squad as a coach!

[DK]

costa rica to win the world cup by a staggering margin, calling it now.

[Calliope]

Watching Argentina vs. Iran. Why do so many Iranian players have Chris' haircut?

[DarkBahamut]

Argentina and Brazil both look untrustworthy to me. Brazil struggled against Croatia and Mexico....
But omg Argentina playing horribly against B&H and Iran.

But Messi with two beautiful goals in each game really was the game changer.

[Pete for President]

Germany struggling versus Ghana :erm:

I think Croatia will go far.

[Psychotic]

Bosnia being eliminated so early has shocked me.

[Rocket Edge]

I seen the match with Spanish subtitle's but wasn't Dzeko's goal onside in the first half? Could have been a completely different game, feel sorry for them.

What's been your match of the tournament so far? Ghana vs Germany was a fantastic game last night. I enjoyed England's too. They played better than each scoreline showed but that's what can happen when there is only 3 games to play. I've been noticing a lot of teams trying to play counter attacking football and sitting very deep so far. I think that's what France & Germany have done well compared to other possession holding teams like Spain. They have been using the wings a lot which I think is smart.

So far the WC has had some appauling decisions. If video ref isn't in place before the next WC or the managers have challenge system like in tennis then it'll be just stupid.

I think Chile have a real shot of winning the WC. Columbia could do very well too. I backed Germany before the WC but I dunno. France and Holland have been great to watch too. RVP :love:

Lastly, USA! USA! USA! I want USA to qualify. I don't understand why many people put them down. They have some good players. Dempsey is a boss. America has the potential to be a footballing powerhouse in years to come if it became a more serious sport there, but there is still plenty of die-hard fans out there. Second only to Brazil to gets tickets for the matches.

Check out the fan reactions to Brook's goal - incredible scenes! (http://youtu.be/UAzwnmvpjqw)

[Psychotic]

Yeah I hope the USA fucks Portugal up the butt.

[Old Manus]

They have a good chance considering how poor Portugal look.

[Bubba]

MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM!

[Psychotic]

Three minutes away from my prediction being true! The jammy fuckers are still shite! Good players, poor tactics.

[Psychotic]

Christ, Algeria fucking putting Korea to the sword, did not think they were that good.

I enjoy seeing Korea being beaten after the shambolic biased refereeing of 2002 :)

And they're the false Korea anyway :colbert:

[Bubba]

U-S-A! U-S-A!

Bar one player, Portugal are garbage. I love Ronaldo but I really hope the Americans batter them tonight.

Also, what the fuck are the BBC doing? Bruce Willis is a great actor but he knows bog all about football.

MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM!

[Bubba]

The jammy smurfers are still troute!

Why can't you just come to terms with the fact that Belgium are now the dominant force in world football? Two comprehensive victories and already qualified with a game to spare. I can't see them struggling against anyone to be honest.

MMMMF MMMMF I LVOE BELGIUM!

[Calliope]

I've put it off long enough, but Psy's set change has sparked my own xD

[Bubba]

Calliope to win best sig Ciddies Dec 2014.

[Bubba]

57560

[escobert]

ARGH :mad2:

[Raistlin]

That was brutal.

Still, if I had been told at the beginning that the US would be 1-0-1 after two games, I'd have been happy. That was just a brutal way to draw.

[Aulayna]

Classic PT escape act.

[Psychotic]

USA will be fine. Neither them or Germany will play for anything above a draw and then you can go fuck Belgium's shit up.

[escobert]

I hope Dempsey kicks Ronaldo in the shin when he sees him next!

[Old Manus]

That's a long wait until Ronaldo joins MLS at 38.

[escobert]

maybe his knee will give out and he'll be shipped over sooner ;)

[Old Manus]

It's all so clear now. Silvia Wakefield has found out the secret. Cancel the World Cup, and ban all football. (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/23/world-cup-women-sexism)

[Yellow_Magic]

^Oh you gotta be shitting me