Zidane's Headbutt Discussion and also some stuff on that FIFA World Cup 2006 thing

[Shoden]

Wait til the training sessions start again, Rooney is going to kill Ronaldo badly. If we had Michael owen still we'd maybes have won. wait til tonight's riots

[drunkymonkey]

Allow me to say: LOL.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

OUR GOALKEEPER IS THE BEST


You lost fair and square no pack your bags and say goodbye

[Aphelion]

Why does this always smurfing happen to us, again we get punished for hard work and better overall play. :mad2:
The thing is "hard work" and "better overall play" are worth nothing if the team doesn't score goals. Losing Owen, Beckham and Rooney must have been quite a blow, but 1. if the team doesn't have proper replacements, it's their own fault and 2. good players like Gerrard and Lampard did nothing except losing a penalty.

It's a shame to see the English team go home, but this is the World Cup, where the best team does not always win.

On a totally different note, if getting past France isn't enough, we'd have to beat Scolari's team and Italy/Germany past that. I don't know if Brazil can manage it, after all.

[Owen Macwere]

I really can't beieve that Ingland is out. they played really well.

[Odaisé Gaelach]

That's a sickening way to go out... I feel sorry for England.

But, at the end of the day, the best team won.

[Russielloyd]

Rooney's never stepped on carval*i'ma*ho on purpose and as it's been said, if he sent him off just for pushing that prick Ronaldo (for who was given the red card motion), then it's an absolute diabolical decision.

England put in so much hard work, determination and courage after being down to 10 men for near enough for 60 mins. They deserved to go through.

[Croyles]

Is it just me, or is it that every time an "English" team loses, it's because the other team cheated. :p

England did play more fair, but I slightly agree with you. Rooney didnt get fowled, he had his arms rapped around both of the portuguese's legs. He then accidently stepped on one of the players' balls, and pushed someone else over. Red wasnt really deserved, but you've gotta put some of the blame on Rooney for losing his temper, it looked like he was shouting at everyone as well, something which is hard to tell when they dont have microphones attached to their shirts, but it looked like it anyway.

I said to my mates before the game started, if England lose, they'll blame the ref, so looky here. England played better with 10 men, or so it looked like to me, so I dont think having Rooney would have automatically won England the game.

Yes england put in a lot of hard work, but I wouldnt say they deserved to go through, Portugal still had more attacking opportunities, and IN MY OPINION played better, but i'll hand it to the english for putting up a good fight.

Poor England though, I wanted them to go through.


wait til tonight's riots

Yeah well lets god damn hope not, cause that will just make England look like bad losers. If they cause any trouble in Gelsenkirchen (which is pretty much where I live) they should be ashamed. Correct me if im wrong but you sound like you want that to happen!

[Strider]

I lost twenty bucks on this game... and made a YTMND to convey my disappointment.

http://emodavidbeckham.ytmnd.com/

[Outer Heaven]

But, at the end of the day, the best team won.

I definitely agree. Maybe next time guys.

[Shoden]

FAIR!? YOU CALL THAT FAIR? And I thought I was bad at noticing things. Ronaldo was pushing and shoving most of the time, Rooney's arms were grabbed to stop him moving in that incident and the Beckham incident too. Portugal should of at least been down to 9 men. I hope they lose and that Ronaldo gets tortured beyond recognition of humanity. Give him the Iron maiden torture. *laughs* Well the ref was Argentinian, and made so many bad calls and a lack of calls. He isn't the worst we've had but nowhere near best.

[dragoonknight_kain]

Ricardo stopped 3 penalties, and almost caught the fourth one. How can you say it was luck? Penalties are all about training, and keeping yourself calm. Robinson was awful, he jumped to the wrong side in almost all shots.

But, as it was said, England will never win anything with this predictable football. Rooney was alone in the field, Ferdinand uses too many long passes, and Beckham always crosses to the same part of the goal area. England's midfield was probably the best of the WC, but they didn't take advantage of it, so it meant nothing. Better luck - and tactics - next time.

[DK]

Portugal weren't the best team at all. They couldn't put one goal past 10 men in an hours play. If England had been able to take their chances they would have won, but they didn't. Portugal didn't even have a striker on the pitch for about 20 minutes, so saying "the best team won" is pretty much a lie. Neither team were excellent, but England played far better than Portugal did, except for finishing, and except for Ricardo in the shootout.

[Resha]

OUR GOALKEEPER IS THE BEST


You lost fair and square no pack your bags and say goodbye
Did they?

Portugal had more shots on goal, slightly more possession (I think; can't remember) and maybe all the stats went in their favour, but I swear, for all the shots and possession they had, few of the shots looked threatening (most of them went wide) and all the possession must've come from passing round the box so much. :/ Bah, I mean, seriously.

England were really unlucky at times (if you believe in luck). Terry, Beckham, Rooney -- whatever the reason. I just really wished that Eriksson (who's...well, I hate him. More woe for the English!) had used Walcott, at least for 3 minutes. :/

That was miserable, losing Rooney and Beckham, two potential penalty-shooters. Great game from Hargreaves, though. That for the critics :p

[f f freak]

I can't beleive england lost I might go and cry. And also that ref was out of order because we should have had a penalty when I think it was lennon went down in the penalty box but no we didn't because the ref was from argentina. also go rooney for pushing that ****ing ****er ronaldho... the ****er. oh well I hope whoever portugal go against next wins like 1000000000000000000000000000-0

[Shoden]

What was the point in bringing Theo Wallcott?

[DK]

The Lennon incident was never a penalty, the defender got the ball perfectly fine.

[Croyles]

FAIR!? YOU CALL THAT FAIR? And I thought I was bad at noticing things. Ronaldo was pushing and shoving most of the time, Rooney's arms were grabbed to stop him moving in that incident and the Beckham incident too. Portugal should of at least been down to 9 men. I hope they lose and that Ronaldo gets tortured beyond recognition of humanity. Give him the Iron maiden torture. *laughs* Well the ref was Argentinian, and made so many bad calls and a lack of calls. He isn't the worst we've had but nowhere near best.

Now you just sound racist. Dont get me wrong though, Rooney didnt deserve to go off imo. If england lost because the ref was Argentinian, then your just as bad a sore loser as those few Argentinian players that started scrapping the other day.

[Resha]

The Lennon incident was never a penalty, the defender got the ball perfectly fine.
Quoted for truth. The ref got that decision spot on. The defender got the ball, if you looked at it from the right angle, and so it wasn't a direct foul on Lennon.

What was sad was Maniche...or someone...clutching his face and writhing in misery after being literally untouched there. Pafhs.

[Aphelion]

Portugal weren't the best team at all. They couldn't put one goal past 10 men in an hours play. If England had been able to take their chances they would have won, but they didn't. Portugal didn't even have a striker on the pitch for about 20 minutes, so saying "the best team won" is pretty much a lie. Neither team were excellent, but England played far better than Portugal did, except for finishing, and except for Ricardo in the shootout.
Knowing Scolari as much as I do, though, that's exactly how he wants his teams to play. He doesn't care as to whether he has ball possession or not, or if he just got close to scoring: as long as the team remains calm, it's fine, because he's going to find a way.

Oh, and Scolari proved that choosing Ricardo over Vitor Baia was a wise decision.

Brazil x France coming up, and finally, Juninho is in the starting team!

[Russielloyd]

You lost fair and square

You know nothing about football.

Only thing come good out of this, is that idiot Sven has gone a week early.

[f f freak]

no the defender didn't he tripped him up. the ref was unfair. I also agree with shoden what was the point in bringin Walcott. and portugal handballed it but obviouslythe ref just happened to be looking the other way and portugal were offside too many times too count.

[Shoden]

Hating Ronaldo isn't racist though. It's just common sense.

[DK]

If it was just for 15 minutes at the end of Extra time then yeah, sure, I'd buy that. But where is the sense in sitting back for an hour against 10 men to go to penalities which you could have potentially lost, when you could just take the game against a weakened opposition? Quite frankly Portugal didn't press the advantage at all.


no the defender didn't he tripped him up. the ref was unfair. I also agree with shoden what was the point in bringin Walcott. and portugal handballed it but obyiously the ref just happened to be looking the other way and portugal were offside too many times too count.

No, he didn't. Watch the replay before you make any more silly comments.

Edit: Yes, Portugal were offside. They got a goal disallowed because of it. So why are you complaining about it?

[Odaisé Gaelach]

Brazil x France coming up, and finally, Juninho is in the starting team!

Hopefully that'll be a good game too. :D

[f f freak]

okay so lennon tripped up over what thin air

[DK]

The defender got the ball. It's not a foul, therefore a penalty can't be given.

[Croyles]

Hating Ronaldo isn't racist though. It's just common sense.

Who said anything abour Ronaldo? Read my post and the part of your post that I highlighted.

Anyway, no doubt my family will be out but by now have to go inside again just to make room for hooligans. Gotta call them.

Looking forward to tonights game.

[drunkymonkey]

Ronaldo was a prick during that game to be honest. Even before the match he was trying to piss Rooney off, going right upto him and putting his forehead right into Rooney's head, and looked at him horribly. Not really very good sportsmanship from him at all.

[f f freak]

Right and lennon tripped up at the exact same time

[SaintDave]

i hope brazil or france beat there ass the cheating beep beep
im gutted as you can tell.

[Spatvark]

Rooney's sending off was harsh, but he didn't react at all well, which probably helped set the referee's mind.

For the penalty shootout, it was a woeful performance by us. I mean, Gerrand and Lampard both miss, and OWEN FUCKING HARGREAVES scores? Admittedly, Hargreaves was supposedly the best penalty kick taker in the squad, but still... From what I've seen of this tournament, most penalty misses have been because they've been too low and not far enough to the sides, and we went and did the exact same thing.

Overall, England didn't really start playing until Rooney got sent off. Portugal didn't deserve to win, but neither did we. Not once during this tournament have we really stood up and said "Hey, we're a world cup winning team!" Instead, we played pants. Owen's injury in the Sweden match was a pivotal moment, but still, even before that we weren't playing as well as we should have been. Despite all the talk to the press, the players never showed any real self-belief out on the pitch, and that's why we went out of the World Cup without ever really performing as we can. Not since Euro '96 in England have we looked like an impressive team in a major tournament. I'm gutted we're out, but I'm not surprised.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

You lost fair and square

You know nothing about football.

Only thing come good out of this, is that idiot Sven has gone a week early.

Yeah whatever but i can see when the ball enters and that´s all i have to say to you:rolleyes2

[DK]

Yes, that's kind of what happens when someone uses a slide tackle on you and takes the ball from in front of you. Their leg is there in front of you, you are running forward, so you are highly likely to trip over it. But, when a defender uses a slide tackle and connects with the ball and clears it, it is a clean tackle and not a foul. Is it so hard to understand that?

Edit: I love you, Pete. :heart:

[Aphelion]

If it was just for 15 minutes at the end of Extra time then yeah, sure, I'd buy that. But where is the sense in sitting back for an hour against 10 men to go to penalities which you could have potentially lost, when you could just take the game against a weakened opposition? Quite frankly Portugal didn't press the advantage at all.
It's okay, I know where you're coming from, but I was just stating Scolari is that way since he coached Brazilian teams (1995-1998, mostly). He lectures his players to irritate the other team, and not to lose serenity. You can tell he's pretty unusual by his expressions during the game.

And Pekerman tried to do it yesterday against Germany by putting Cambiasso, and look at what happened. Luckily to Scolari, it worked this time.

[Croyles]

Right and lennon tripped up at the exact same time

The defender got the ball by sliding in front of Lennon, of course he was gonna trip up, that doesnt make it a foul, read the rule book.

[Russielloyd]

have to go inside again just to make room for hooligans. Gotta call them.


You can't talk, seeing as the fighting from the other week was started by Germany fans.

[dragoonknight_kain]

Yes, cut the crap. Blaming the ref and saying it was because he is Argentinian is just plain ridiculous. And about the 10 man against 11, do I need to remind you of 2002?

[Russielloyd]

Yes, cut the crap. Blaming the ref and saying it was because he is Argentinian is just plain ridiculous. And about the 10 man against 11, do I need to remind you of 2002?

Your comparing the best team in the world who were playing amazing football at the time, to an England team, who never really found form?

[drunkymonkey]

Yes, cut the crap. Blaming the ref and saying it was because he is Argentinian is just plain ridiculous. And about the 10 man against 11, do I need to remind you of 2002?
Partly, it was the referee. He definitely made a few terrible decisions, and didn't do anything about Portugal's constant running up and complaining. He was actually the same guy that sent Beckham off in 1998 (make of that what you will), and he was definitely (which is all too common in this world cup) trigger happy with yellow cards.

[eestlinc]

let's keep the discourse civil in here.

[Dreddz]

smurf.

[Spatvark]

He was actually the same guy that sent Beckham off in 1998 (make of that what you will)

Bull<img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif">. Beckham was sent off against Argentina. The referee today was Argentinian. Ergo, that referee could not have been in both matches.

[DK]

Yep. That was Kim Milton Nielsen from Denmark.

[drunkymonkey]

He was actually the same guy that sent Beckham off in 1998 (make of that what you will)

Bull<img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif">. Beckham was sent off against Argentina. The referee today was Argentinian. Ergo, that referee could not have been in both matches.
You sure? Fair enough.

[Old Manus]

smurf.
QFT

[dragoonknight_kain]

Yes, cut the crap. Blaming the ref and saying it was because he is Argentinian is just plain ridiculous. And about the 10 man against 11, do I need to remind you of 2002?

Your comparing the best team in the world who were playing amazing football at the time, to an England team, who never really found form?
Nope, I'm just comparing the games. Portugal also has great problems when it comes to scoring. I think their players play to far away from each other, but it's just my opinion. England has a great defence, so it's no wonder Portugal didn't score (as someone said, they didn't have a striker for 20 minutes). I think Portugal should be criticized if they had conceded a goal, what they didn't.

[Shoden]

It was because the ref was Argentinian in an England game that biasm and taking sides comes into play, there's been so many bad refs in the World Cup, they've missed so many dives. I think Portugal found their new Olympic diving team.

[Russielloyd]

Anyways, if it wasn't for the English....

http://www.thepublandlord.com/world_cup_song/


And by a Blackburn man, i might add.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

Talk about bad losers...how can a team that misses three penalties be superior?

Yes you put up a fight but you lost critics are more than welcomed but they won´t change anything England can´t beat Portugal and that´s that.

[Croyles]

have to go inside again just to make room for hooligans. Gotta call them.


You can't talk, seeing as the fighting from the other week was started by Germany fans.

Hey hey hey, was I blaming the english in general? NO! So dont assume things. Although 500 englishmen were arrested, im annoyed at hooligans no matter what country they are from, and the Germany ones have already caused some of my friends trouble, so please dont assume im blaming you! Okay?! I'm sure the portuguese will have their turn too.

[Shoden]

I support riots that have reason. They're fun, lively and a good way to socialize. If you hate them then you make me sad.

[Croyles]

Alright smurf it then I guess you can go visit my uncle in hospital and tell him that yourself Shoden! (No, my uncle is not in hospital, im trying to put a point across!)

Saying that their a good way to socialise is just stupid.

EDIT: There you go Shoden, I edited my post, you happy?

[Russielloyd]

have to go inside again just to make room for hooligans. Gotta call them.


You can't talk, seeing as the fighting from the other week was started by Germany fans.

Hey hey hey, was I blaming the english in general? NO! So dont assume things. Although 500 englishmen were arrested, im annoyed at hooligans no matter what country they are from, and the Germany ones have already caused some of my friends trouble, so please dont assume im blaming you! Okay?! I'm sure the portuguese will have their turn too.

We've been going on about England now for like 2 pages now, i think i'm right to assume you meant England.


EDIT: Shoden, you're a tit!

[Madame Adequate]

lol england

[Psychotic]

I don't think England deserved to lose, and I don't think Portugal deserved to win. England went out with a whimper in '02 and '04, but at least this time we went down fighting. I don't know how any Portugese fans can gloat, to be honest. All they seemed to do was play for penalties against 10 men, and smash shots over the bar.

As for the sending off, I dunno. If it was a deliberate stamp, then yeah, red card. Otherwise just a yellow. It was hard to see if it was intentional, and Rooney should probably have been given the benefit of the doubt.

Owen Hargreaves, I am truly sorry for every single bad word I have said about you. Sven, why no Walcott?
Hey Psychotic, I believe you have to cross England off the poll. :cool:Yes, this has come as a complete shock to me. :weep: I haven't said "England are going out in the Quarters on penalties" once.

PS: I had to cross Spain off first. ;)

PPS: I hope Cristiano Ronaldo breaks his leg the next time he dives.

[drunkymonkey]

Talk about bad losers...how can a team that misses three penalties be superior?

Yes you put up a fight but you lost critics are more than welcomed but they won´t change anything England can´t beat Portugal and that´s that.

England cannot beat Portugal and that's that? Capital! What an excellent and highly successful conclusion!

Actually, I feel it's very narrow-minded. Just because a team loses a game against another team, it doesn't mean that they cannot beat them another time. What you are basically saying is that if one side beats another side two times, it is undisputed that they will always, always win. There is over-whelming evidence to prove that theory wrong.

And you're talking like penalties being the be all and end all, which is totally not true. Penalities is whether you have the nerve to put it into the back of net. It does not incoporate all the other things that footballing is about. Again, it is a very narrow-minded thing to say.

[Croyles]

have to go inside again just to make room for hooligans. Gotta call them.


You can't talk, seeing as the fighting from the other week was started by Germany fans.

Hey hey hey, was I blaming the english in general? NO! So dont assume things. Although 500 englishmen were arrested, im annoyed at hooligans no matter what country they are from, and the Germany ones have already caused some of my friends trouble, so please dont assume im blaming you! Okay?! I'm sure the portuguese will have their turn too.

We've been going on about England now for like 2 pages now, i think i'm right to assume you meant England.


EDIT: Shoden, you're a tit!

Russielloyd, the game will cause riots like it probably would with any other team, and therefore my family over there will feel uncomfortable, that is the point im trying to get across. I said it after the England game because they played where my family lives. If you think ive taken to england bashing, then call me a hypocrite or whatever, but that wasnt my point.

Oh, and Al Murray is the biggest tit, he's funny, but he's a tit, although Shoden is too.

[drunkymonkey]

have to go inside again just to make room for hooligans. Gotta call them.


You can't talk, seeing as the fighting from the other week was started by Germany fans.

Hey hey hey, was I blaming the english in general? NO! So dont assume things. Although 500 englishmen were arrested, im annoyed at hooligans no matter what country they are from, and the Germany ones have already caused some of my friends trouble, so please dont assume im blaming you! Okay?! I'm sure the portuguese will have their turn too.

We've been going on about England now for like 2 pages now, i think i'm right to assume you meant England.


EDIT: Shoden, you're a tit!

Russielloyd, the game will cause riots like it probably would with any other team, that is the point im trying to get across.It was a real shame to see Polish and German fans fighting. I hope you don't mind me saying. Why humans can't forget things and get on with enjoying sporting events that are meant to unite people is beyond me.

[Russielloyd]

What you are basically saying is that if one side beats another side two times, it is undisputed that they will always, always win. There is over-whelming evidence to prove that theory wrong.

It's like saying, if a team beats another team, doesn't make them better. Blackburn beat Chelsea at the end of the season, doen't make us better than them.


Oh, and Al Murray is the biggest tit, he's funny, but he's a tit, although Shoden is too.

Was just to point out, that if it wasn't for the English, life would be pretty boring for football fans around the world. l0l

[drunkymonkey]

What you are basically saying is that if one side beats another side two times, it is undisputed that they will always, always win. There is over-whelming evidence to prove that theory wrong.

It's like saying, if a team beats another team, doesn't make them better. Blackburn beat Chelsea at the end of the season, doen't make us better than them.


Oh, and Al Murray is the biggest tit, he's funny, but he's a tit, although Shoden is too.

Was just point it out as a fact, that if it wasn't for us, well life would be pretty boring for football fans around the world. l0lExactly. It's basically who's better on the day, not who's better in general. That comes into it, surely, but for two teams as balanced as England and Portugal, it's hard to say.

And Al Murray is a tit for fun.

[Shoden]

Riots should be a sport themselves, no matter what you think of them they just always happen, there's always some that riot and some that walk away, oh and personal attacks to people on this forum are against rules you know, so I'd edit that out before a mod sees. Most riots are presumed to be a result as drunkeness but they just happen anyway.
The riotees on your side may not be people you know, once it's over you've mad a friend, so there is some benefit. Riots are cool but when it comes to people getting killed then it's stupid and over the top. Smashing windows and angry mobs is the cool and funny part. Without the riots then there's no action or anything to get heated up on after a match, happens all the time in the EPL.

[Croyles]

Was just to point out, that if it wasn't for the English, life would be pretty boring for football fans around the world. l0l

Arrogant :p
Al Murray is pretty different in real life, im glad to know. If every one in england was like Al Murray's pub landlord character I probably wouldnt be alive.

Shoden, saying that riots are fun is as much an attack. Its offensive, especially after I said that theres a possibility it will affect me, and quite frankly it really pissed me off. The fact is that injuries and deaths DO happen in riots.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.

[drunkymonkey]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.
How many games have England had with Portugal? Considering they hardly ever meet, it isn't really that huge of a deal if they haven't won in 40 years.

[Owen Macwere]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.

yes, that made me think they'd get it this time.

[Shoden]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.
You know you're going to be the most hated member on the forum soon, I'd start running for the hills. What, I can't be pro-riot or pro-violent? Is communism in football now? :( I feel sick.

[Psychotic]

For the rest of this World Cup, my allegiance shall be with Italy.

Oh and you've all been warned to keep it civil. Just a reminder.

[Shoden]

Itallians or Germans for me. Go Hitler go Mario!

[drunkymonkey]

Either Brazil or Portugal for me.

[Russielloyd]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.

Last time Portugal won it ahhh.............never!


You know you're going to be the most hated member on the forum soon, I'd start running for the hills. What, I can't be pro-riot or pro-violent? Is communism in football now? I feel sick.

I repeat, you're a tit for you comments.

[Shoden]

I have the source to Ronaldo's so called skill. It's his hair. Shave him bald and he'd be pretty bad. Same with Beckham though.

[f f freak]

my allegiance will probalbly be with france. I don't know why so don't ask but I want France to win and all the portugese players to die horrible deaths.

[Russielloyd]

By the way, we still ended Scolari's winning streak.

Brazil all the way.

[drunkymonkey]

my allegiance will probalbly be with france. I don't know why so don't ask but I want France to win and all the portugese players to die horrible deaths.
That's not nice. They showed some excellent sportsmanship after the match, it was just that damn Ronaldo...

[DK]

Owen Hargreaves, I am truly sorry for every single bad word I have said about you.

Yeah, me too. Played his heart out today.

Edit: P.S, I'm for the Gerries. Jens is a Hero.

[Psychotic]

Itallians or Germans for me. Go Hitler go Mario!Shoden, calm down. Seriously now, chill out. Don't associate Germany with Hitler. That was a long time ago, and Germany is a different place now.

I don't know Italians hate being compared to Mario, but y'know.

[Russielloyd]

I don't know Italians hate being compared to Mario, but y'know.

Italian players don't look overweight and crawl down giant sized pipes.

[drunkymonkey]

I don't know Italians hate being compared to Mario, but y'know.

Italian players don't look overweight and crawl down giant sized pipes.
And they don't normally say 'IT'SA ME [INSERT NAME HERE].' Not to my knowledge anyway.

[Owen Macwere]

I will start to support germany now, better than Brazel anyway.
Brazel just won more than they desirve.

[Croyles]

Itallians or Germans for me. Go Hitler go Mario!

Obviously im not welcome.
You know what, screw it, theres no point.

I want France to win against Brazil, but that should be difficult.

[Psychotic]

Ignore him, Croyles, he's just over-excited. Everyone else here values your opinions, or at least, I certainly do.

[~SapphireStar~]

England cannot beat Portugal and that's that? Capital! What an excellent and highly successful conclusion!

Actually, I feel it's very narrow-minded. Just because a team loses a game against another team, it doesn't mean that they cannot beat them another time. What you are basically saying is that if one side beats another side two times, it is undisputed that they will always, always win. There is over-whelming evidence to prove that theory wrong.

And you're talking like penalties being the be all and end all, which is totally not true. Penalities is whether you have the nerve to put it into the back of net. It does not incoporate all the other things that footballing is about. Again, it is a very narrow-minded thing to say.
Agreed. I personally think our lads were beyond tired, I mean they have been running round for 90 minutes, plus extra time and then some take the penalties. Poor buggers. But yeah you cant just say England will never beat whoever over one match. Ridic.

But now that England and Argentina are out (someone up there doesnt like me) my faith is being placed in Brazil. I'll never cheer for Germany or Portugal. Never have, never will.

[Shoden]

Oh, I'm so hurt from all this name calling. Well If you're all about peace and love AND keep calling me a tit then you just mey aswell be a sort of incarnation of irony, I can be pro-violent if I want to you know, it isn't a big deal. So I'd shove a sock in it and stop. Well then again Hitler was Austrian but Mario is good, his games rocked so why do the Itallians hate him? =(. Well then there really aren't any media representitives to go for to refering to Germany and Italy. Or are there? That reminds me, I haven't eaten anything for a while today.

[Croyles]

Whatever man. Can we get back to posting normally?

So Brazil versus France, who do you think will win?

[drunkymonkey]

Whatever man. Can we get back to posting normally?
Just ignore him. He'll find a convenient bridge to crawl under later.

[Shoden]

Whatever man. Can we get back to posting normally?

What's the status with the Frenchie game?

[Russielloyd]

It's a shame, Rooney, one of the best players in the world already at age 20, and wasn't really allowed to shine on the biggest stage.

[Psychotic]

The France - Brazil game is 0-0. Not sure who I want to win this one, but I suppose I'll go with Brazil.
It's a shame, Rooney, one of the best players in the world already at age 20, and wasn't really allowed to shine on the biggest stage.He's still got plenty of time. I fear that this was the last tournament for the Neviller, and hopefully the last one for Beckham, or at least Beckham as #1 choice.

[drunkymonkey]

It's a shame, Rooney, one of the best players in the world already at age 20, and wasn't really allowed to shine on the biggest stage.He is far too short-stringed to be relied on like the press were doing.

[DK]

Yeah I'm for Brazil in this one. I will never cheer for France.

[Endless]

Go France!

[Russielloyd]

He's still got plenty of time. I fear that this was the last tournament for the Neviller, and hopefully the last one for Beckham, or at least Beckham as #1 choice.

It will be Beckhams last i think. I think Luke Young can be Neville's replacement with the right approach.

Also i've locked myself in my room, i punched my door completely shut when Ronaldo scored and it has no handle on it....

[drunkymonkey]

He's still got plenty of time. I fear that this was the last tournament for the Neviller, and hopefully the last one for Beckham, or at least Beckham as #1 choice.

It will be Beckhams last i think. I think Luke Young can be Neville replacement with the right approach.

Also i've locked myself in my room, i punched my door completely shut when Ronaldo scored and it has no handle on it....Self-owned. Jump out the window or summit.

[Psychotic]

It will be Beckhams last i think. I think Luke Young can be Neville replacement with the right approach.Luke Young has never really convinced me, to be honest, and he's no spring chicken at 27, either.

If you ask me, our current best bet is Anton Ferdinand. Yes, he's primarily a centre back, but he has played at right-back several times for West Ham. But who knows, maybe a new talent will emerge? I hope so.

[Russielloyd]

L0L yep, if you're gonna be owned, let it be by yourself.

I'll bash my way through the door or something.


Luke Young has never really convinced me, to be honest, and he's no spring chicken at 27, either.

If you ask me, our current best bet is Anton Ferdinand. Yes, he's primarily a centre back, but he has played at right-back several times for West Ham. But who knows, maybe a new talent will emerge? I hope so.

Didn't think he was that old.

Anton has played that part, but he has said he doesn't like playing there.

[drunkymonkey]

We definitely need another striker.


L0L yep, if you're gonna be own, let it be by yourself.

I'll bash my way through the door or something.
Post pics and videos!

[Russielloyd]

l0l i meant 'owned' instead of 'own'. I sound like a idiotwhen reading that back.

I'll make a video on my phone trying to get out. L0L

Oh crap, i need a pee.

[Yamaneko]

I'm not liking how Brazil is playing the game so far. Hopefully they regroup for the second half.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.
You know you're going to be the most hated member on the forum soon, I'd start running for the hills. What, I can't be pro-riot or pro-violent? Is communism in football now? :( I feel sick.

So...i can´t change my country, you can hate me all you want it won´t change anything so bring on the hating:rolleyes2

[Resha]

Nice ending for the French. Wish they'd scored. Juan :nonono: Such a lousy tackle.

[Endless]

0-0 so far. We're doing pretty good, even though we didn't score. Yet.

[Yamaneko]

Nice ending for the French. Wish they'd scored. Juan :nonono: Such a lousy tackle.The yellow was warranted, a red wouldn't have been. Roberto Carlos was also defending. The Red is only given in those situations if it's the last defender trying to stop a goal.

The hand by Ronaldo was inside of the box. It should have been a penalty.

[Shoden]

No actually last time England won was like ahhhh...some 40 years back.
You know you're going to be the most hated member on the forum soon, I'd start running for the hills. What, I can't be pro-riot or pro-violent? Is communism in football now? :( I feel sick.

So...i can´t change my country, you can hate me all you want it won´t change anything so bring on the hating:rolleyes2
That's the spirit. Nice game for the Frenchies.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Boo-hoo, England suck, this was their chance and they blew it. They can't handle the Portuguese who were seriously understrengthed. Why not give Rooney the same treatment as the same Beckham got in '98 or will he throw another tantrum? Good for Cristiano Ronaldo, he doesn't have to stick up for Rooney just because they play for the same club

Come on Les Bleus

[Psychotic]

Boo-hoo, England suck, this was their chance and they blew it. They can't handle the Portuguese who were seriously understrengthed. England, with 10 men, were a match for the Portugese, hence why it went to penalties.
Why not give Rooney the same treatment as the same Beckham got in '98 or will he throw another tantrum? Because it was in entirely different circumstances, for one. Rooney was in the middle of a game and trod on a guy, whereas Beckham, lying on the ground after a foul had been given, kicked out very deliberately.
Good for Cristiano Ronaldo, he doesn't have to stick up for Rooney just because they play for the same clubThere's a difference between sticking up for someone and appealing for them to be sent off, and then smirking and winking when it happens, especially if you profess to be their friend. If Rooney had done that to Ronaldo, my opinion of him would have been significantly lowered, although I do admit it would please me to see Ronaldo sent off.

[drunkymonkey]

Boo-hoo, England suck, this was their chance and they blew it. They can't handle the Portuguese who were seriously understrengthed. England, with 10 men, were a match for the Portugese, hence why it went to penalties.
Why not give Rooney the same treatment as the same Beckham got in '98 or will he throw another tantrum? Because it was in entirely different circumstances, for one. Rooney was in the middle of a game and trod on a guy, whereas Beckham, lying on the ground after a foul had been given, kicked out very deliberately.
Good for Cristiano Ronaldo, he doesn't have to stick up for Rooney just because they play for the same clubThere's a difference between sticking up for someone and appealing for them to be sent off, and then smirking and winking when it happens, especially if you profess to be their friend. If Rooney had done that to Ronaldo, my opinion of him would have been significantly lowered, although I do admit it would please me to see Ronaldo sent off.
Ronaldo was also taunting Rooney before the match actually started, trying to get him annoyed then. He knows that Rooney has a short temper, and he indenfensively used that against him.

[Resha]

Nice ending for the French. Wish they'd scored. Juan :nonono: Such a lousy tackle.The yellow was warranted, a red wouldn't have been. Roberto Carlos was also defending. The Red is only given in those situations if it's the last defender trying to stop a goal.

The hand by Ronaldo was inside of the box. It should have been a penalty.
I never said it should've been a red! Yellow was fine.

The stats (at halftime) seemed to lie with the French. Brazil had, amazingly enough, had a measly two shots on goal. France more possession. No cards for France.

I agree about the Ronaldo thing -- he got booked, and it was inside the box, so why was it a FREE KICK? :confused:

GOAL!!!!!!! HAQHAHA JUST AS I TYPED THAT!!!!! HENRY! <3 YAY!

[Russielloyd]

How the fuck are France doing this? The team who coudn't beat South Korea or Switzlerland are beating Brazil. :(

[drunkymonkey]

How the smurf are France doing this? The team who coudn't beat South Korea or Switzlerland are beating Brazil. :(By conserving their energy, I gander.

[Old Manus]

Come on France!

[Owen Macwere]

France is alot better than Brazile. I hope they win.

[dragoonknight_kain]

ROFL, that's what you get for being a f****** arrogant, Parreira. France is loads better, and deserves another goal. Parreira should find another country to live, he will be kicked to death here.

What? It took you 4 games and 75 minutes to find out that Cafu can't play anymore? And that Robinho shouldn't be in the bench. Dumb Parreira!

[Russielloyd]

He takes Kaka off, why? Take Ronaldinho off, he's done fuck all, all tournament.

[Resha]

AH RONALDO. Diver! In the 87th minute, I hardly saw any contact between Thuram and him. Also, I'd say he took Kaka off coz Kaka's been pretty ineffective this game -- France closed in on him pretty well.

France. Have. Beaten. Brazil.

Holy hell. :) :heart:

[Endless]

Hahaha!

VICTOIRE!

[drunkymonkey]

ROFL, that's what you get for being a f****** arrogant, Parreira. France is loads better, and deserves another goal. Parreira should find another country to live, he will be kicked to death here.

What? It took you 4 games and 75 minutes to find out that Cafu can't play anymore? And that Robinho shouldn't be in the bench. Dumb Parreira!
Me thinks you take football a bit too seriously...

[dragoonknight_kain]

Well deserved. France was the better team the whole game.

ROFL, the commentators are already blaming Parreira. I'm telling you, the guy's gonna be killed!:p

And, Drunkymonkey, since the beginning I said I thought Italy would win. Brazil had no chances of winning this WC with Parreira. And, btw, you know what I mean by killing him:p.

[Resha]

I agree with dragoonknight_kain. xD I would hate to be in poor Parreira's shoes tomorrow morning. Media major blast. I'm sure Ronaldinho'll come in for his fair share, and people are going to go nuts over the stats. Brazil -- 1 shot on goal.

But France. Oh my darling Henry and France <3

Edit: I am for Germany - France in the finals. I don't particularly want Italy or Portugal to go through. xD

[Aphelion]

That was well-deserved. Now we'll have a new coach, the young players like Robinho and Cicinho will grow stronger and take the place of the oldbies, and we'll be ready to be a team again, not a bunch of players thrown together. Well done, France!

It's kind of depressing losing to a bad team like France, but they were more organized than us. I was thinking Brazil'd lose in the semifinals, though.

I'm all for Italy x Portugal in the finals.

[drunkymonkey]

Well deserved. France was the better team the whole game.

ROFL, the commentators are already blaming Parreira. I'm telling you, the guy's gonna be killed!:p

And, Drunkymonkey, since the beginning I said I thought Italy would win. Brazil had no chances of winning this WC with Parreira. And, btw, you know what I mean by killing him:p.Yeah well, lol. There's been plenty of unnecessary riots because of this World Cup, so it really wouldn't surprise me.

[Psychotic]

I must admit, the French were mesmerising at times, and in the end I was happy to see Brazil go out. It seems the pressure of being labelled as "The Greatest Team Ever Who Will Crush All In Their Path" got to them, as they've been, well, sad at times.

I hope the French beat Portugal now, although I'll be rooting for the winner of Italy v Germany in the final. I can't cheer for a team with the loathsome Patrick Vieira in it, really, and Thierry Henry isn't in my good books either after his Spain antics. But yeah, Portugal are even worse.

[Croyles]

I reckon England will do much better under Steve McClaren, it was unlucky that they went out.

I am happy for France, I did not expect them to win at all, and I completely forgot about the game and only saw the last 10 minutes! I dont have anything against the France football team, and Brazil usually play excellent football, I didnt REALLY know who I wanted to go through, but now that France is, im happy with it ^^

So its:
Germany v Italy
Portugal v France

Im nervous as hell I can tell you that much :p

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

England, with 10 men, were a match for the Portugese, hence why it went to penalties.

I was referring to the start of the match when there were 22 men on the pitch and Portugal were missing two first-team players.


Because it was in entirely different circumstances, for one. Rooney was in the middle of a game and trod on a guy, whereas Beckham, lying on the ground after a foul had been given, kicked out very deliberately.

Rooney has let teammates down before with his uncontrollable loose-cannon-like attitude and maybe he is paying for it all now. I don't think it's fair to make somebody's life so hectic just because they get sent off in a football match. Rooney unlike Beckham needed to be disciplined severly and taught how to control his attitude. I certainly think he is more befitting for such treatment if any, let's see how he would react. And just before anybody criticises any other outfield players performance just remember that it wasn't they who were sent off.


There's a difference between sticking up for someone and appealing for them to be sent off, and then smirking and winking when it happens, especially if you profess to be their friend.

yeah guess I was in a rush to finish off that sentence since the second half was starting. But just because he plays for the same team he doesn't have to back out and keep his mouth shut. There is no way Rooney can be sour for his reactions after that little incident. The pre-kick off headbutt however is another matter. Anyway several Portuguese were unfairly dished out cards in their last match so he may have still been feeling a little upset after that.


If Rooney had done that to Ronaldo, my opinion of him would have been significantly lowered, although I do admit it would please me to see Ronaldo sent off.

Isn't one United player getting sent off good enough for you? :p

[Rainecloud]

I'd just like to say that as an Englishman, I'm glad England lost to Portugal. The amount of shirt-tugging, pushing, falling over and acting I saw from the England squad was just disgraceful, and it makes a mockery of 'the beautiful game' that I enjoy watching so much. I'm a casual football fan, so I'm not overly bothered that England has lost, even though they're supposed to be 'my' team. I don't watch football to see a bunch of grown men cry and whinge and feign being punched/hit/kicked. I watch it to see skill, magic and, well, Zidane!

Congratulations to France. They played excellently, and deserved to win the game. Plus, the match was nice and clean (despite a couple of dirty tactics), and was a refreshing change from the short tempered, arrogant England squad.

I'm looking forward to the next matches in the Cup. They should be very interesting and very entertaining. :)

[Psychotic]

I was referring to the start of the match when there were 22 men on the pitch and Portugal were missing two first-team players.And England were missing one. The thing is, though, you said they couldn't handle the Portugese, which is very flattering to Portugal, if anything.
Rooney has let teammates down before with his uncontrollable loose-cannon-like attitude and maybe he is paying for it all now. I don't think it's fair to make somebody's life so hectic just because they get sent off in a football match. Rooney unlike Beckham needed to be disciplined severly and taught how to control his attitude. I certainly think he is more befitting for such treatment if any, let's see how he would react. And just before anybody criticises any other outfield players performance just remember that it wasn't they who were sent off.I absolutely do believe that he should get his attitude problems sorted out, but I still don't think what he did was as bad as what Beckham did.

yeah guess I was in a rush to finish off that sentence since the second half was starting. But just because he plays for the same team he doesn't have to back out and keep his mouth shut. There is no way Rooney can be sour for his reactions after that little incident. The pre-kick off headbutt however is another matter. Anyway several Portuguese were unfairly dished out cards in their last match so he may have still been feeling a little upset after that.He should keep his mouth shut anyway. Rooney fouling Carvhalo was absolutely nothing to do with him, but I can understand that if Ronaldo thinks that appealing for a card is part of the game, he should do it to everyone and not hold back because someone is his friend. The two are, or were, clearly friends, as you could tell by their friendliness before the match in the tunnel. But if I were Rooney, I'd be absolutely infuriated the way that Ronaldo was visably pleased with himself for getting Rooney sent off, by, as I said, winking, smirking and laughing.

Ronaldo has upet both Van Nistelrooy and Rooney (And Ferdinand and Neville didn't look to pleased either). Maybe United will have to get rid of him. I hope so, even if it means they get a better player.

Isn't one United player getting sent off good enough for you? :pNo. More, more, MOOOOOOORE!! :D
I'd just like to say that as an Englishman, I'm glad England lost to Portugal. The amount of shirt-tugging, pushing, falling over and acting I saw from the England squad was just disgraceful, and it makes a mockery of 'the beautiful game' that I enjoy watching so much. I'm a casual football fan, so I'm not overly bothered that England has lost, even though they're supposed to be 'my' team. I don't watch football to see a bunch of grown men cry and whinge and feign being punched/hit/kicked...What? I didn't see a single incident of England acting like that (if you could provide examples, that'd be great) but the Portugese were doing it in abundance.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Yeah the French did play at a pretty exhilirating tempo for a brief but wonderful period. I'm happy for ZiZi since he is guaranteed two more games.

EDIT: What I meant by not being able to handle the Portuguese is a way of expressing the fact that they simply cannot beat them given many a chance, a bogey team if you will, like the Swedes which I mentioned somewhat earlier in this thread.

[Russielloyd]

If there was one team in the World Cup who don't call for red cards, play to dive and do just get on with the game, taking no nonsense, it's England. It always seems to be the latin countries who play to dive and milk every foul. Portugese probably being the best example of that.

[charliepanayi]

If there was one team in the World Cup who don't call for red cards, play to dive and do just get on with the game, taking no nonsense, it's England. It always seems to be the latin countries who play to dive and milk every foul. Portugese probably being the best example of that.

I don't think any team with Joe Cole in it (and Michael Owen had he played) can claim to be diving-free. The fact is every team does it to differeing degrees, and claiming England are innocent of it is rubbish. Yes Christiano Ronaldo is a git, tell me something I didn't know before today. All this moaning about the Portugese players diving is as usual people trying to pave over the fact England lost (yes they played well, but penalties are a lottery, and England's were awful largely) - it's always the other team to blame, never England it seems. They havn't gotten out of 2nd gear in this tournament, and talking about how heroic they were today won't change that.

[DK]

I'd just like to say that as an Englishman, I'm glad England lost to Portugal. The amount of shirt-tugging, pushing, falling over and acting I saw from the England squad was just disgraceful, and it makes a mockery of 'the beautiful game' that I enjoy watching so much. I'm a casual football fan, so I'm not overly bothered that England has lost, even though they're supposed to be 'my' team. I don't watch football to see a bunch of grown men cry and whinge and feign being punched/hit/kicked.

Yeah I agree with Paul, I'm not sure what game you were watching but the Portugese were the ones diving all over the place and clutching their faces in agony when the defender grazed their shin. England were pretty well behaved today.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

If there was one team in the World Cup who don't call for red cards, play to dive and do just get on with the game, taking no nonsense, it's England. It always seems to be the latin countries who play to dive and milk every foul. Portugese probably being the best example of that.


Every player despite the country always tryes to dive a bit it´s not just the "latin people" as you call us...saying that England players are litle angels that don´t try to win fouls where they don´t exist is totally false. They do it just as much as any other team.

[Shoden]

I changed my mind, GO FRANCE You can do it.

[Croyles]

Hmmm, ill make a video tribute to all the world cup teams of 2006 after the final and post it here.

[DeathKnight]

Portugal! YES! :kaocheer::D

Robinson(England's Golie) sucks ass lol. He kept jumping around like a boxer pfffft!

I hope Portugal wins it all.

[Shoden]

Portugal! YES! :kaocheer::D

Robinson(England's Golie) sucks ass lol. He kept jumping around like a boxer pfffft!

I hope Portugal wins it all.
The teams left totally outclass Portugal but then again in a class competition France vs Brazil was unexpected... Wait til the M United training sessions start again there's going to be sparks and bombs everywhere, no doubt about it, the players didn't look too pleased with Ronaldo, I hope they kill his hair at least. That'd be enough for revenge.
I want any of the teams left to win. EXCEPT Portugal.

[Russielloyd]

England players do it sometimes, though did you see any English players staying down on the ground faking injury? nope. How many times did Portugal do it just in tonights match? Lost count...

It's mainly Latin countries, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Italy, have done it and constantly do it every match. Other countries other than Latin countries do it, but that's what those countries are known to be like.

I mean i wouldn't be surprized if Rooney went in to tackle Ronaldo, training for ManUre and Ronaldo goes down crying like the girl he is and then walks off normally to be examined.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

England players also do it! I remember two occasions when it happened during the game.

[DeathKnight]

England players do it sometimes, though did you see any English players staying down on the ground faking injury? nope. How many times did Portugal do it just in tonights match? Lost count...

It's mainly Latin countries, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Italy, have done it and constantly do it every match. Other countries other than Latin countries do it, but that's what those countries are known to be like.

I mean i wouldn't be surprized if Rooney went in to tackle Ronaldo, training for ManUre and Ronaldo goes down crying like the girl he is and then walks off normally to be examined.

Hey hey, don't blame the players, blame the DAMN game ;P.

Like I said before, Football/Soccer has the WORST referrees EVER and the rules are pathetic too.

That's why Baseball's better. Anyway, I hope Portugal wins it all.

[Psychotic]

Robinson(England's Golie) sucks ass lol. He kept jumping around like a boxer pfffft!Yeah, what an idiot. Can you believe this tool managed to concede 0 goals in 120 minutes of football, and managed to save a penalty in football? What a joke! :rolleyes2

Oh, DeathKnight, did you see the anti-racism campaigning before each Quarter Final? I was hoping you were watching.
England players also do it! I remember two occasions when it happened during the game.Care to name them? If you're going to name the Lennon incident, that wasn't a dive, and it wasn't a penalty. It was a good tackle and the momentum from it took his standing foot out.

[DeathKnight]

Robinson(England's Golie) sucks ass lol. He kept jumping around like a boxer pfffft!Yeah, what an idiot. Can you believe this tool managed to concede 0 goals in 120 minutes of football, and managed to save a penalty in football? What a joke! :rolleyes2

Oh, DeathKnight, did you see the anti-racism campaigning before each Quarter Final? I was hoping you were watching.

Yeah..I watched it. Sorry to all football fans here if I sounded like a jackass with the racist thingies...but yeah. It was something that needed to be addressed and I think FIFA really took it seriously this time around.

And England/France are VERY respectful with these kinds of things too, so hey very good.

Oh! and Robison's good, I just think Portugal got lucky, they didn't feel pressure during the penalty kicks. I just think Robison jumping around made him all nervous(making him dive to the wrong side or miss his timing). Anyway, my favorite team(Mexico, and no, I'm not Mexican)didn't make it either, so it's all good.

[ljkkjlcm9]

I'm standing by my Germany vote with Home Field Advantage, trust me, it does make a huge difference.

You can say, the home team hasn't always won, bu they've always done extremely well by their countries standards when they host, and considering Germany has won before, doing extremely well would be winning, in fact I think the last time they won is the last time they hosted it....

THE JACKEL

[black orb]

>>> Man.. this guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlfLx1HrOz4&search=peter%20crouch) is too funny!.. My fav england player so far, no joke..

[Neo_Bahamut]

Everytime England loses they blame everyone else but themselves...
It's funny that we beat you in 2000, 2004 and now without our best player(deco) so take the loss like your team took, with dignity...

By the way:
http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/73463/200.jpg
This is what you need, take some and chill out...

[~SapphireStar~]

Neo_Bahamut you cant blame us fans for being passionate and upset. Theres no need for the chill out remark. When people are passionate about something its only natural we get upset and annoyed. We will chill when we're good and ready.

[DK]

Everytime England loses they blame everyone else but themselves...

Actually I blamed us. So stop generalizing. :)

[Shoden]

Everytime England loses they blame everyone else but themselves...


Half true, what makes you think all of England blames everyone else? This time it was Ronaldo crying and whining like a spoilt brat and a dumbass referee who couldn't make a decision himself. Aswell as a crap manager and a very dodgy team. They just don't work well as a team, sure they're all solid players but as a team they fail. Bring on the bottles of piss. =D.

[Russielloyd]

It's fair to say that England had the most world class players in it's starting 11, but with a manager who didn't have a clue, it all went obviously wrong.

[Resha]

It's fair to say that England had the most world class players in it's starting 11, but with a manager who didn't have a clue, it all went obviously wrong.
As opposed to Brazil?? No.

[Shoden]

Do world class players lose to the French?

[DK]

Do world class players lose to the Portugese?

[Russielloyd]

It's fair to say that England had the most world class players in it's starting 11, but with a manager who didn't have a clue, it all went obviously wrong.
As opposed to Brazil?? No.


Um yes, none of their back four are world class anymore, Dida ijust sucks, Kaka, Ronaldino, Robinho and Ronaldo and Adriano on their day.

England:
Terry, Ferdinhand, Neville Carragher, A cole, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole, Rooney, Owen, Beckham, (starting to lose that status though i think)

Yeah, Brazil have more don't they! :rolleyes2

Aslo, some other news.

David has stepped down as England captain, with John Terry most likely to be his succeeder.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5138288.stm

[Resha]

Do world class players lose to the French?
Since when did world class players win World Cups anyways? World class teams do. :) Brazil have an amazing team full of world class players, moreso than England! But France gave it a sublime team effort, and they won. So yes, world class players do lose to the French. Are you telling me Ronaldinho and Kaka and Adriano and Cafu and Roberto Carlos aren't world class players just because their team lost to France??

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

EDIT: Didn't see Russie's post there.

Um yes, none of their back four are world class anymore, Dida ijust sucks, Kaka, Ronaldino, Robinho and Ronaldo and Adriano on their day.

England:
Terry, Ferdinhand, Neville Carragher, A cole, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole, Rooney, Owen, Beckham, (starting to lose that status though i think)

Since when was Paul Robinson the greatest goalie on earth? He might be better than David James, but he's not exactly ace himself. I might put him slightly above Dida, but I don't consider either of the two to be anything special. And just because Ronaldinho had a lousy tournament and Ronaldo's not as good as he once was, I cannot believe you're quite casually dismissing them. If we're going by performances this tournament, then note that Rooney didn't get any more goals than Ronaldinho, and that Lampard got less than Ronaldo. :barf: Cafu and Roberto Carlos not world class?????!??!?!?!?!



...?!?!?! ?!?!!!????

[Russielloyd]

Do world class players lose to the French?
Since when did world class players win World Cups anyways? World class teams do. :) Brazil have an amazing team full of world class players, moreso than England! But France gave it a sublime team effort, and they won. So yes, world class players do lose to the French. Are you telling me Ronaldinho and Kaka and Adriano and Cafu and Roberto Carlos aren't world class players just because their team lost to France??

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

EDIT: Didn't see Russie's post there.

Um yes, none of their back four are world class anymore, Dida ijust sucks, Kaka, Ronaldino, Robinho and Ronaldo and Adriano on their day.

England:
Terry, Ferdinhand, Neville Carragher, A cole, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole, Rooney, Owen, Beckham, (starting to lose that status though i think)

Since when was Paul Robinson the greatest goalie on earth? He might be better than David James, but he's not exactly ace himself. I might put him slightly above Dida, but I don't consider either of the two to be anything special. And just because Ronaldinho had a lousy tournament and Ronaldo's not as good as he once was, I cannot believe you're quite casually dismissing them. If we're going by performances this tournament, then note that Rooney didn't get any more goals than Ronaldinho, and that Lampard got less than Ronaldo. :barf: Cafu and Roberto Carlos not world class?????!??!?!?!?!



...?!?!?! ?!?!!!????

Okay, where in my quote did i say that Paul Robinson was world class?

And where did i say Ronaldinho wasn't world class? The players i mentioned are the ones that i consider world class, you think i'd say Kaka wasn't world class?! your mad! l0l

I'm not going by World Cup performances, Cafu is like 37 is not world class anymore, Carlos got famous off one free kick and suddenly he's a amazing player?! He was good, not great.

Did you actually read my post? Sure as hell didn't look like it.



Do world class players lose to the Portugese?

Technically, England didn't lose to Portugal, official results will go down as a 0-0 draw.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Cafu and Roberto Carlos not world class?????!??!?!?!?!



...?!?!?! ?!?!!!????

I think the term world class is dished out a little too generously these days. I don't think Cafu or Roberto Carlos are world class. I don't know too much about their careers pre-1998 but they both seem like pretty lame defenders.

[dragoonknight_kain]

One of the reasons Brazil lost was because of its side-backs. Both of them can't cross and can't defend either. In France's goal, R. Carlos was lookig at his socks! I mean, WTF!? So, no, they're not world class.:(

[Resha]

Okay, where in my quote did i say that Paul Robinson was world class?

And where did i say Ronaldinho wasn't world class?

I'm not going by World Cup performances, Cafu is like 37 is not world class anymore, Carlos got famous off one free kick and suddenly he's a amazing player?! He was good, not great.

Did you actually read my post? Sure as hell didn't look like it.

Unfortunately, I did. :)

You didn't say anything about Robinson, but I was just using him as a comparison to Dida.

And I never said you said Ronaldinho wasn't world class -- I think I was talking to Shoden, then? What you did say was that Ronaldinho (& co.) is only world class "on his day". Now, what is THAT supposed to mean? Every player has off days and every player has off tournaments, like Ronaldinho just did. Either you're world class or you're not. You're not just world class on Monday and sub-par on Tuesday. :p

I don't know much about Cafu pre-2002, to be honest. But I'll be frank (this was a blatant assumption) -- he can't be all that bad if he's been in three World Cup finals, can he? If Gary Neville is a world class player, then so is Cafu, imho. I agree that Roberto Carlos didn't have a great tournament though. :(

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

One of the reasons Brazil lost was because of its side-backs. Both of them can't cross and can't defend either. In France's goal, R. Carlos was lookig at his socks! I mean, WTF!? So, no, they're not world class.:(

When the free-kick leading to the goal was taken Roberto Carlos was a yard or two off his marker. I think he was getting ready for a sprint in the opposite direction for a counter attack that never happened.

[Russielloyd]

On their day, i meant that just for Ronaldo and Adriano. I'm giving these two players the benefit of the doubt, they can be great, it's just they can't be bothered to, it seems.

Neville actually defends aswell as flying down the flanks and does a great job at both, making him a quality player.

And also, i think it be fair to mention Owen Hargreaves, in my eyes now i rate him greatly, even though i did critisize him and rightly so before, but it was his hard work and determination that England held out to Portugal. Not only was he working extremely hard to defend but doing exceptionally well attacking trying to make something happen for England.

A move to England would do him greatly.

[Croyles]

A move to England would do him greatly.

Not happening :p
Although, I dont really support Bayern Munich, im more of a Werder Bremen fan ^^

[Russielloyd]

If he wants to command a place in the England team, it would be for the best. It probably would be a tough decision.

[Shoden]

Hargreaves still has a long way to go to the top. Same with Rooney, once they're about 30 that'd be their peaks (and our world cup).

[Resha]

I didn't need another reason to hate Cronaldo, really. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylMqeyMgsxs&mode=related&search=ronaldo%20rooney%20england)
Well, me, I missed the headbutt bit at the start of the match. But there's this here video which shows it, if anyone else missed it.

[Russielloyd]

They showed it right after the match finished last night. It would be best for him to move to Spain before that cry baby get seriously hurt!

[Resha]

Not on our broadcast. =(

Yes, he's such a whinging little whiner. I never liked the greaseball, but that wink...eurgh. I hadn't even see that last night. As someone on another forum put it (quite spectacularly!!):

Portugal are 80% sure the crying little ponce who is old enough to know that crying in public makes him look like a giant loser will play.

Most footballers will shed a few tears if they are eliminated from a tournament, and that is understandable. They may never get a crack at it again. Fair dues.

But with Ronaldo this isn't shedding a few tears, this is booing like a little baby. He even gets that little chin wobble thing going on that babies do when they cry. And it's over everything. He cries all the time.

If his Mum burns his toast in the morning I'm sure he cries too.

After Portugal lost to Greece he was wailing like a whipped cur.

And I couldn't sum it up any better than that.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

All that video shows is a holligan prototype called Rooney being stupid and brutal, litle phreak.

The cry babies are still in the game get over it.

[Russielloyd]

Something i whipped up, short be sweet.

http://img280.imageshack.us/img280/552/02ronaldocryingcopy3rs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[dragoonknight_kain]

One of the reasons Brazil lost was because of its side-backs. Both of them can't cross and can't defend either. In France's goal, R. Carlos was lookig at his socks! I mean, WTF!? So, no, they're not world class.:(

When the free-kick leading to the goal was taken Roberto Carlos was a yard or two off his marker. I think he was getting ready for a sprint in the opposite direction for a counter attack that never happened.
Maybe, but it was a mistake anyway. But it wasn't only him. Only Lucio, Juan and Gilberto Silva tried to stop the goal. That's what happens when a team doesn't have one single tactical train before and during the WC. So it's not only his fault, I guess.

[Croyles]

At least look again how Rooney skillfully twisted right before stamping down on the guy.
But what worries me is the fact that the ref didnt really look like he was gonna give it in the first place, or maybe he was just waiting for things to calm down. I guess we wont know until we hear from the ref himself.
Theres no doubt that Ronaldo provoked him, and thats exactly why I dislike Ronaldo, but Rooney let it get to him as well. I hope the sending off wasnt just because of the push however.

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

It was because he stomped on Ricardo Carvalho balls on purpose.

[Russielloyd]

He was trying to get his balance and Carval"ima"ho just happened to be in the way.

He wasn't even looking where he was putting his foot but yet you think he's so precise to purposly stand between his legs.

[Shoden]

He was trying to get his balance and Carval"ima"ho just happened to be in the way.

He wasn't even looking where he was putting his foot but yet you think he's so precise to purposly stand between his legs.


Exactly. Ronaldo was whining to the ref to send Rooney off, the ref got pissed off and let him have his own way, the spoilt little brat. I hope He gets a good TITTY TWISTER when he's back at the Man U training ground. Rooney showed some amazing skill, especially for someone BEING GRABBED AND PULLED BY 2 OPPOSITION PLAYERS ON BOTH ARMS. It was a bit harsh though, if Ronaldo wasn't such a spoilt whiny little prat Rooney would of at least been spared. Everyone is using Rooney as the scapegoat.

[Croyles]

Rooney was leaning forward, and yet he lost his balance, you definitely can see him trip a bit, but he still managed to do a 45 degree turn and stepp backward. The guy to Rooneys left as he is fighting through is touching his shirt while the other defender grabs his shirt a little more, though Rooney has his arm thoroughly rapped around the guy to his right. The fact that its 2 guys on one is definitely unfair, but im still not sure about that step.

Still, its a dodgy decision, while not even being sure for what it was, we dont even know if it was justified.

[Owen Macwere]

personally I think germany would get the cup. just look at it.
1998-in france> france got the cup.
and I don't remember more dates but difietly the teams win when they are playing on their ground.

[Psychotic]

England:
Terry, Ferdinhand, Neville Carragher, A cole, Lampard, Gerrard, J Cole, Rooney, Owen, Beckham, (starting to lose that status though i think)World Class means one of the best 10 in the world in that position, I'd say.

Beckham and Owen are DEFINITELY not world class.
I love Carra, but his lack of pace puts him outside of world class.
Joe Cole looked like world class in our first few games, but then faded in the last two, with unnecessary tricks and flicks. I'd say that he isn't.
Ferdinand and Neville...hmm...borderline really.
Lampard...well...he was a joke this tournament. But his achievements with Chelsea can't be ignored just yet.

As for the others, Ashley Cole, yes. Gerrard, definitely. Rooney, yup. Terry, certainly.
Kaka, Ronaldino, Robinho and Ronaldo and Adriano on their day.Add to that Juninho Pernambucano, and Fred is certainly better than Michael Owen. As Resh' says, if the Neviller is world class, then so is Cafu. Also, I'd like to make a case for the substitute keeper, Rogerio, who should be their number 1.

As for the Rooney incident, nobody can accurately judge whether or not it was deliberate, although I will say that he deserved to win a free kick before it happened.

Regarding Owen Hargreaves to England, yeah, it probably would happen. First of all he's said on numerous occasions that he wants a Premiership club, and second of all, the Premiership is a better league than the Bundesliga or however you spell it.

I think Stevie G should be the new England captain, but we all know it's going to be Terry.

And finally, thank you, Sven. A lot of people will criticise you, but three Quarter-Finals is much better than what we've had before (Hi Glen Hoddle! Well hello there Kevin Keegan! Oh, Terry Venables (semi-final on home soil? Poor, no matter what anyone says), I didn't see you there! Graham Taylor! Good morning to you!) and you've given us some really memorable results, such as the 5-1 vs Germany, and the two Argentina victories. Thank you. :)

[Shoden]

Anyone remember that earlier in the match rooney was kicked in the head and only a free kick was given, that's how bad the refereeing was. Hargreaves was the man of the team this world cup.

[Psychotic]

Oh, one more thing that I forgot to say:

How absolutely fantastic were the England fans in that match? They never stopped singing. The World Cup organising committee has even said that they were the best fans in the tournament, even though there were a few idiots.

I'd say they were even better than the Koreans, largely because you don't hear a series of high-pitched screams and squeals whenever England (or indeed, their opponents) have the ball over the halfway line.

[Shoden]

It seems as if Owen's injury was lucky, it was only an anterior cruciate ligament rupture so that means he's out til new year. Well guys, you better be this hyped for the intertoto cup it's getting juicy already, there's always Euro 2008. =(

[Russielloyd]

Of Course Owen is world class, don't judge because he plays or tries to play for Newcastle, :p lol

Real Madrid never gave him the chance, infact whenever he played for Madrid he scored like evey other match and played better than what Madrid had at the time.

Have you seen Beckham play for madrid, he's there for the quality passing and makes absoltue perfect passes of a 60-70 yard range. Everyone just judges him when he's in an England shirt.

Terry hasn't got pace either, still the best in the business. Ferdinand showed what he is capable of last night and made some great challenges.

I will say though, the only players who are worth paying an exceptional amount for is Terry, Lampard, Rooney and Gerrard.

For me Gerrard is the best player in the world, a hard working, energetic perfect midfilder. Kaka behind him, he would of been amazing if he didn't have shaby team mates around him in the Brazil squad, like Gerrard.

[Croyles]

the Premiership is a better league than the Bundesliga or however you spell it.

:grumble: I doubt you've ever watched the Bundesliga. :p

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

the Premiership is a better league than the Bundesliga or however you spell it.

:grumble: I doubt you've ever watched the Bundesliga. :p

Of course, we get four Champions League spaces and you get one less
:):):):) >:mad: :mad: :mad:

[charliepanayi]

I think the Spanish League just has the edge over the Premiership - as for Hargreaves, he'll be in everyones' good books now anyway after his performances in the World Cup so I don't think it matters where he plays.

[Shoden]

The player who got his bollocks decimated plays for Chelsea so err, we get some benefits from the bustup =).

[Polaris]

Well What can I say? Brazil is out like I said it would be out and Ricardo is the best and don't say it's not because IT IS! Evidences!

The game with Neetherlands was terrible I was gonna die almost!

But well now I want Portugal to win France because yu know it's France and I haven't forgotten what Zidane made last time (I think it was in 2000) he played against Portugal. I?m afraid that he'll score, because that goal against Brazil was 'defendless' to the brazilien goalkeeper.

POrtugal is 7th now in FIFA ranking I guess and the 4th best team in the World...

[Russielloyd]

Ricardo is the best
Speaks the nonsense.


Also this sums up C.Ronaldo's abilty.

http://www.ihateronaldo.com/images/ronaldodive.gif

Thats all he's good at.

More on the conspiracy at www.ihateronaldo.com

Whoever made the site, sure did work fast on it.

[Shoden]

That has to be the greatest thing in this thread so far.

[Polaris]

Rooney kicked Ricardo in his intimate parts, that could make him powerless, it was fair it was really fair, he did it on purpose, or did he thought it was grass? Anywy i don't know why english are so upset it's just football, there was no need to create a site against Ronaldo! Why did you want him to do? Clap and say 'hey nice kick'?

[Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer]

Only a bunch of holligans and bad losers with lack of common sense would enjoy.That just shows why there´s no progress in the world cause there´s still stupid people.

[Shoden]

Ronaldo was the crying and moaning til the referee sent off Rooney, if you look closely he was being pulled by ricardo and another player, Ricardo somehow fell over leaving himself open for some sort of injury, Rooney regained his footing in the wrongest of places and Ricardo got a little sense knocked into him. Even before Rooney hurt Ricardo there should of been a foul to Ricardo for grabbing, pushing and pulling Rooney, a free kick should of been given that would of stopped crybaby Ronaldo from being the ponce he is.

[Croyles]

Torsten Frings will not be playing for Germany on Tuesday against Italy because he is banned:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991640.stm
Serves him right, really.

I just hope Borowski does as well as Frings does, without the foul play.

[Psychotic]

:grumble: I doubt you've ever watched the Bundesliga. :pWrong. Hurray for my Chinese streams. ;)

Can we lay the England v Portugal issue to rest, please? Let's all just accept that both Rooney and Ronaldo are both evil, (in fact, let's include the entire Manchester United team in that) and are plotting to destroy humanity by kicking people in the groin and diving.

I think Germany v Italy will be a boring game, but France v Portugal will be one to watch.

[Russielloyd]

Roberto Carlos has retired from international football.

Just Cafu left now to follow him.

[-N-]

Haha, I knew you people would <img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> yourselves when you saw England lose. They haven't beaten Portugal since like 1998, man. What did you expect? :p

If there was any team that could ever beat Brazil, it would be France, and they've done it again in a less embarassing version of the 1998 Championship match. Beautiful football - I plan on watching that game over and over again. :p

[Psychotic]

Haha, I knew you people would <img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> yourselves when you saw England lose. They haven't beaten Portugal since like 1998, man. What did you expect? :pHaha, I knew you would try to troll these guys into more Portugal bashing when you saw them "<img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> [them]selves". You haven't successfully trolled someone since like 1998, man. What did you expect? :p

Juninho Pernambucano has also retired. It will be interesting to see the Brazil team of the future, now that all of the veterans are retiring. Perhaps Robinho will be the new star.

[DeathKnight]

What do you guys say to a World Cup every 2 years? SOMEHOW I've become interested in Football/Soccer................so I think it would rock to throw football in our faces (United Statiens mostly) so we could tune into it more and hype for it ever 2 years...........Not sure if it should go in this thread...but it's a good idea.

[charliepanayi]

Every 2 years? God no! - every 4 years is good enough as it is, in Europe we have the European Championships in between World Cups to keep things going on the international scene.

[JaytodaP]

Europe is also lucky they dont have to watch the MLS. And if you want to watch European football/soccer, you gotta order it cuz it only comes on ESPN once in a GREAT while. But I really hate the Portugese team. They dive as much as Italy. That non existing hit doesnt hurt until they lose the ball.

[DeathKnight]

Europe is also lucky they dont have to watch the MLS. And if you want to watch European football/soccer, you gotta order it cuz it only comes on ESPN once in a GREAT while. But I really hate the Portugese team. They dive as much as Italy. That non existing hit doesnt hurt until they lose the ball.

I've got ANOTHER BRILLIANT idea for football/soccer. How 'bout they BAN diving and as soon as someone DARES to do it, they'll get a red card:D ah yes! fairness is awesome.

[black orb]

http://www.ihateronaldo.com/images/ronaldodive.gif

>>> lol.

[Doomie]

I especially like how Italy's votes more than doubled. Though it's not saying much considering they only had three votes to begin with. =D Go Italy!

Note: I want Portugal to win, but Ronaldo breaks his neck or something. He's such a girly girl.

[Raebus]

I want anyone besides portugal to win.

[Owen Macwere]

I want anyone besides portugal to win.

Yes, I don't care who wins now, any of the remaind teams is ok for me.
but I guess it is Germany's turn to win.:p

[black orb]

I want anyone besides portugal to win.
>>> Well, with Filipo Scolari as the coach they still have a chance to win..
I dont know why that guy quit with Basil..

[Doomie]

I would just like to note that England's only penalty shot goal was scored by a Canadian. Yay Canada!

[charliepanayi]

I think Italy might surprise Germny tonight, people seem to have forgotten about them amidst raving about Germany and France and hating Portugal. I hope France win tomorrow (because of Henry) and they should do unless Portugal step up a gear or two. Interesting stats for tonight that Germany have never lost at the stadium in Dortmund but have never beaten Italy in the World Cup or European Championship.

[-N-]

Italy carries more momentum into the half. As much as I hate them, I may have to root for them because the Germans need to lose and hate Klinsmann (more) and then he might become the USA coach.

Battle of the Fascists!

[Resha]

But Klinsmann said he's not interested in coaching the USA! If the Germans go into the finals, I highly doubt the Germans would let him go xD I dunno. It's been a pretty upbeat first half despite ending at 0 - 0. Gooo Germany. :D

[charliepanayi]

Italy have been impressive so far, best they've been in the tournament up to now maybe.

[-N-]

Really? Their second half performance was terrible.

[charliepanayi]

I don't know what game you've been watching, they've been pretty good throughout I feel.

[DeathKnight]

Italia! :p :mog: :evilking:

[Russielloyd]

HAHA 1-0 Italy!!

What a pass and what a goal!
Pick that one out Lehman!


OMG! 2-0!! AS i type!
The legend DEL PIERO!!!

It's full time! what a game! Best game of the tournament! a real great match.
Italy deserve it to be honest.

[Outer Heaven]

OHH NOESZZZ. Italy won :D .

[DeathKnight]

HAHA 1-0 Italy!!

What a pass and what a goal!
Pick that one out Lehman!


OMG! 2-0!! AS i type!
The legend DEL PIERO!!!

It's full time! what a game! Best game of the tournament! a real great match.
Italy deserve it to be honest.

Haha! crazy huh? I NEVER liked Germany(the team), so this is great:D ALL MY teams are winning.

Portugal VS Italy (I'm sure of that).

[Croyles]

I dont believe it! I am so distraught!
In the dying minutes!

[Resha]

That was awful and sad :( Grosso and Del Piero! Bad men! Urgh, in the last few minutes -- and I was so convinced it would go to penalties. Of course, there was no guarantee that Germany would ace the penalties either as Buffon is pretty nifty.

No denying the first goal was gorgeous though :p and the counter-attack that led to Del Piero's goal....poof. The German defence was always kinda holey throughout the match o_o even though I thought the Germans played better in the second half.

But aw. :(

[charliepanayi]

On balance Italy deserve it, great goals to win the game, and I always like teams with a defence as strong as theirs - it's cruel on Germany but they've done excellently in the tournament overall considering what people thought of their prospects at the start. I'm hoping now for an Italy v France final.

[Russielloyd]

Italy played better most of the match. Cannavaro and Materazzi had brilliant games at the back and Blackburn are linked with Materazzi, that would be amazing if we did buy him.

With Italy winning, at least 1 Englishman will be in the final! :)

[Croyles]

Italy did play better. But I can proudly say that we put up a fight. I think Italy deserved to win 1 - 0, the 2 - 0 brought tears to my eyes.
Im going back to Germany on Saturday, and I was hoping it would be in an uplifted mood, but I guess i'll just have to bottle it up.
Im glad it was a fair game, both sides treated each other pretty well!
Best thing for me now is to be good loser on not get too upset!
I'll see you all on this thread before Sunday.


I'll leave with a quote from the Fifa website:
"Only a couple of superbly-executed Italian goals could separate these two very evenly-matched teams on a high of high drama in Dortmund. Once again, Marcello Lippi’s side defended magnificently and the superb Gianluigi Buffon has still to concede a goal at Germany 2006 from an opposition player. However, while it is the Azzurri who march on to the Final, Germany - beaten in Dortmund for the first time ever - can reflect on their FIFA World Cup™ campaign with pride, having played throughout with spirit and skill in abundance."

[Rocket Edge]

Man, im bet after that

[Resha]

The Italian defence certainly was impeccable. The Germans never had half as many shots saved by Buffon as Lehmann had to, I think. Lippi also made quite a few smart substitutions -- Iaquinta's coming on made wondrous differences to the Italian offence, I thought.

P.S. *hugs Croyles* They played really well, and to reach the semi-finals without a single loss -- great stuff. :) You should be proud, because that's two consecutive brilliant World Cups they've had.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Italy are in the final much to the delight of this eoff member. What a climatic finish. Two goals in the last two minutes to dump the hosts out in their own backyard. Grosso's shot was inch-perfect, a beautifully struck curler most fitting to end this tense game.
I agree Iaquinta played his part as did Lippi (has he stopped smoking or something?) and his cunning changes.
Italy pushed Germany up to the 120th minute and thoroughly deserved the victory.

[Croyles]

dump the hosts out in their own backyard

Your just cruel.


The Italian defence certainly was impeccable. The Germans never had half as many shots saved by Buffon as Lehmann had to, I think. Lippi also made quite a few smart substitutions -- Iaquinta's coming on made wondrous differences to the Italian offence, I thought.

P.S. *hugs Croyles* They played really well, and to reach the semi-finals without a single loss -- great stuff. :) You should be proud, because that's two consecutive brilliant World Cups they've had.

Well, last world cup we were lucky to get to the final and didnt deserve it. This time, we deserved to get to the semi-final, the nature of the exit is the most painful though.
I wont be rooting for Italy, I never root for them and never will, the game obviously just sealed the deal.
I want France to win it.
Bye again :cry: :rolleyes2
I'll be missing the game for third place cause i'll be travelling, damn it!

[-N-]

Sucks for the Germans. Italy looks stronger than ever. Their OT performance was :up:

That was also the best officiating job I've seen this World Cup.

[Russielloyd]

Think we can all agree, that's what you call football and why it's known as "The Beautiful Game".

This is why it's the most watched sport in the world.

[Old Manus]

I've got ANOTHER BRILLIANT idea for football/soccer. How 'bout they BAN diving and as soon as someone DARES to do it, they'll get a red card:D ah yes! fairness is awesome.I thought this was the rule, except it was a yellow

[DeathKnight]

I've got ANOTHER BRILLIANT idea for football/soccer. How 'bout they BAN diving and as soon as someone DARES to do it, they'll get a red card:D ah yes! fairness is awesome.I thought this was the rule, except it was a yellow

Yeah, but smurf the yellow! ANYONE and I mean ANYONE who dives(even if he doesn't hit anyone's legs) WILL get the yellow card, simple as that. Just make it allowable if one is at a certain distance(5ft).

[Doomie]

Didn't Russielloyd HATE Italy, like last week? :p

Anyways, we have returned to the World Cup finals, as predicted by me!

[-N-]

I grudgingly admit they're better than France/Portugal, but I still hate them. :\

[Psychotic]

Anyways, we have returned to the World Cup finals, as predicted by me!Man, remember when Italy had just two votes, courtesy of you and me? And everyone wasn't convinced by my prediction of Italy. Oh you silly, silly people.

1) The World Cup is in Europe. European teams always win in Europe, the only exception being 1958 if I recall correctly.
2) Italy always reach the final once every 12 years. 1970, 1982 and 1994. It was obviously gonna happen.

Although I also thought Daniele De Rossi would be the new big young star. Hahaha, oops. :D

Fantastic game, the only thing that annoyed me was the near constant whistling from the German supporters whenever they didn't get a free kick (and they usually didn't deserve them anyway) or whenever an Italian took a knock, but I had to feel for them, especially when they started singing YNWA.

[Doomie]

Yeah, De Rossi. :mad2:

[Prior to the Fantasy World Cup]

Me: I need one more Italian player.

Psy: Oh go ahead and take De Rossi! :D

:mad2:

[Croyles]

Congratulations for your team Doomie. It was a great game. And surprisingly, both teams were playing very fair.
I at least hope people appreciated staying in Germany for the world cup, of course no one here was lucky enough to get tickets though, and a shame I couldnt be there.

[Russielloyd]

Didn't Russielloyd HATE Italy, like last week? :p

Anyways, we have returned to the World Cup finals, as predicted by me!


Yes i did for their antics, but they were my favorite team out of the remaining four. Plus i like AC Milan, which are obviously Italian.

[escobert]

It was great gmaehad fun watching it.,

[Cz]

I'm not going to try and reply to 8 pages worth of stuff, so I'll cover everything in a few bullet points:

Argentina are a bunch of sore losers, and while their excellent football may have earned my respect, their behaviour after the shoot-out (Yay Jens!) has put them right back at the top of my jerk list.

Italy - Ukraine was a poor game, but the result was fair in the end. Italy are simply much, much better than the Ukraine, and that was evident in every single second of the match. The Ukraine were the last of the dark horses in this competition, and I think it's very interesting that there weren't many surprises in the quarter-finals, particularly as international football is becoming more competitive all the time.

Typical England quarter-final showing. We were definitely the better team, especially considering our numerical disadvantage. Rooney's foul didn't warrant a red card, but he was bloody stupid to go and shove Ronaldo all the same. He must have known he was in danger of getting sent off, so why go and do something like that to make the situation worse? Ricardo did well when it came down to penalties (although Gerrard's attempt was poor, and Carragher was unlucky to have to re-take) and while I feel we were the better team, I don't feel we were unjustly eliminated. Better luck next time, maybe? :D

Thierry Henry is the best man in the universe, and it's for him alone that France are my adopted World Cup team. Who'd have thought that the French would play as well as they did against Brazil before the tournament began? Provided they don't lose it, they should coast past Portugal in tonight's game, and that'll set us up for a great final.

The first semi was a great game, and it's a shame that the Germans had to go out in the way they did. The right team probably won in the end though, and at least this will give us a more balanced atmosphere in the final. I'd really have liked to see this go to penalties though.


Only a few days until it's all over. I give it three days before my soul begins to eat itself through lack of leather-kicking goodness. :(

[Psychotic]

Thierry Henry is the best man in the universeWill SWP regain his crown when he simulates being hit in the face to get an opponent sent off? :confused:

[Cz]

Thierry Henry is the best man in the universeWill SWP regain his crown when he simulates being hit in the face to get an opponent sent off? :confused:No, that'll only happen when he signs for us like he was bloody supposed to. :D

I won't call you on the Henry thing, because if I started I would never stop. Plus I imagine we're going to on the same side for the next couple of hours, so we might as well act like it. :D

[DK]

The best man in the Universe? More like a little girl. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTGfyV_mgUk)

[Cz]

A little girl? More like the best man in the universe. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj-vmgYmPig&search=Henry%20Goal)

[DK]

Lets not forget his involvment in the greatest penalty of all time. Anyway on the list of best men of all time, Henry is just below Pol Pot.

[Russielloyd]

France winning 1-0. Portugal finally punished!! HAHA
Zidane penalty from a stupid challenge Carvalho tried to make on Henry,

Also loving the booing of Ronaldo, he deserves it and if he thinks thats bad, wait till he's back in England,

He's also still not learn that diving is bad, MORON!

EDIT: Just watching and, OMG, Ronaldo f**king diving bastard trying to play for a penalty, what a asshole!

[Cz]

Lets not forget his involvment in the greatest penalty of all time. Anyway on the list of best men of all time, Henry is just below Pol Pot.No, you rank just below Pol Pot. I think, oppressing intellectualism is a slightly greater achievement than singing R Kelly songs off-key. :p

[-N-]

Cz for the burn!

It's about time Portugal learns to stop blaming <img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> on the refs and learn to play. I love the booing of C. Ronaldo and I gloat at the possibility that he will never get to play professional football again (at least in England). All of Portugal's antics and bull<img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> aside, the game is still very close, and if Portugal keeps the pressure up I can see France's defense giving way. However, Lillian Thuram is my hero and he would never allow such a thing, so looks like things are going well so far.

[charliepanayi]

Cz for the burn!

It's about time Portugal learns to stop blaming <img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> on the refs and learn to play. I love the booing of C. Ronaldo and I gloat at the possibility that he will never get to play professional football again (at least in England). All of Portugal's antics and bull<img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"> aside, the game is still very close, and if Portugal keeps the pressure up I can see France's defense giving way. However, Lillian Thuram is my hero and he would never allow such a thing, so looks like things are going well so far.

Portugal blame stuff on the refs? Sounds like a lot like England to me - and plenty of teams beside. And I think C. Ronaldo enjoys the booing anyway, he's the sort of person who thrives on it - just look at his penalty on Saturday.

[Resha]

I too love the booing of Cronaldo. :D Not because I hate him or anything (LOL) but because I immediately know who exactly has the ball. :p That being said, he's been the best Portugese player on pitch so far as I see. I've heard a lot of booing, so he must be playing a pretty big part! :p

(But that was such a dive in the 34th/35th minutes!)

Yay for Ribery. I hope he scores, and Henry too. It's been a pretty close game though. :/ That Maniche man, he is a pest.

EDIT: Also -- Ricardo. I find it totally cool the way he always dives the right way, as he has for every singe penalty taken against him this WC. :p

[DK]

Lets not forget his involvment in the greatest penalty of all time. Anyway on the list of best men of all time, Henry is just below Pol Pot.No, you rank just below Pol Pot. I think, oppressing intellectualism is a slightly greater achievement than singing R Kelly songs off-key. :p

And Singing R. Kelly songs off-key is a greater achievement than being a filthy diving cheat with a head shaped like E.T's. :D

[Shoden]

Lets not forget his involvment in the greatest penalty of all time. Anyway on the list of best men of all time, Henry is just below Pol Pot.No, you rank just below Pol Pot. I think, oppressing intellectualism is a slightly greater achievement than singing R Kelly songs off-key. :p

And Singing R. Kelly songs off-key is a greater achievement than being a filthy diving cheat with a head shaped like E.T's. :D

Win. I don't think Crybaby Ronaldo will be allowed back at Manchester United. majority englanders want his head.

[Russielloyd]

Can't wait to see Ronaldo cry like a little girl when they hopefully get beat, i'm gonna capture it and do a little bit of photo manipulation! hehehe

[charliepanayi]

You don't need to wait for them to lose here, just find vids of when he lost the 2005 FA Cup Final and Euro 2004 final and was crying then!

As for him leaving Man Utd, I wouldn't mind, though not for the sanctimonious reasons spouted here - as an Arsenal supporter, a Man Utd team minus Ronaldo and Van Nistelrooy is easier to beat, and that suits me fine XD

[DK]

Ricardo is a legend. Italy vs France now.

[-N-]

Agreed on both counts. Vive Les Bleus!