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

[Psychotic]

Okay, as I'm sure most of the world knows, the World Cup is coming soon. So here's a thread for all discussion. Talk about who you will support, who you think will win, who will be the shocks of the tournament. Who will flop? Which players will earn a reputation for themselves, and which ones will be forgotten forever?

When the matches start in a couple of weeks or so, they can be discussed too.

Group A:
Germany/ Costa Rica/ Poland/ Ecuador

Group B:
England / Paraguay / Trinidad and Tobago / Sweden

Group C:
Argentina / Côte d'Ivoire / Serbia and Montenegro / Netherlands

Group D:
Mexico / Iran / Angola / Portugal

Group E:
Italy / Ghana / USA / Czech Republic

Group F:
Brazil / Croatia / Australia / Japan

Group G:
France / Switzerland / Korea Republic / Togo

Group H:
Spain / Ukraine / Tunisia / Saudi Arabia

And now, onto the Fantasy Football section.

Even if you have no idea what you're doing, join up and pick people because you like their name. Go on, it'll be a laugh. ;)

http://en.fifaworldcup.fantasysports.yahoo.com/

I decided we may as well use the official one. Note that you have to pick a squad of 23 players, and then choose which ones you want to play in each match. It sounds good to me!

League ID: 17877
Password: bladen
(in lower case, just as it is written here)

Good luck...if anybody can be bothered to join (you don't want me to win by default, do you? ;))

Anyway, it is my personal belief that Italy shall win. They've been extremely impressive and efficient in warm up friendlies against big sides, and they have a lot of quality in Gillardino, Totti, Toni, Inzaghi, De Rossi, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Iaquinta and Gattuso among others.

That and Rooney's crocked, so y'know. :p

[Kirobaito]

So why isn't the 5th-ranked team in the world not given its own name in the poll? ;)

[Psychotic]

Because the 5th-ranked team in the world got its ranking because the only decent team in its federation (besides itself) is Mexico. As hard as it is to claim victories over the football powerhouses that are Hondouras, Guatemala and Canada, I don't think the USA will win it. Heck, I don't think they'll make it out of their group.

But if it makes you happy, I'll add them. And if that was your vote for another team, let me know if you want it changing to USA.

EDIT: Whoa never mind, I just heard that USA have toppled the mighty Venezuela. Watch out, Brazil, you are sure to be next.

[Kirobaito]

Because the 5th-ranked team in the world got its ranking because the only decent team in its federation (besides itself) is Mexico. As hard as it is to claim victories over the football powerhouses that are Hondouras, Guatemala and Canada, I don't think the USA will win it. Heck, I don't think they'll make it out of their group.

But if it makes you happy, I'll add them. And if that was your vote for another team, let me know if you want it changing to USA.
Yes, I voted for the US. Not necessarily because I think they'll win (because I don't - I'll be happy with a Final Eight showing), but because it's my obligation.

[Psychotic]

Whenever we say we think England are going to win it because of obligation, we get lots of abuse from Wales, Ireland, and particularly Scotland. I hope Canadians don't go around saying "I am going to buy an Italy, Czech. Rep and Ghana shirt!" like certain other bitter and inferior rivals from the frozen north that I could name.

(yes I love editing my posts)

[Russielloyd]

You voted for Italy, after whats happen in Italy at the moment, i doubt they would get past the 2nd round. P[lus out of all the Italian players, Toni is the only one who has really been playing well. The likes of Pirlo, Gattuso and Gilardino have had a par season to previous seasons.

I voted for England, not because it's my obligation, because i think they can do it and i'll laugh at Wales and Scotland whilst England attempt to.

Only 11 days to wait!! Hurry up!! Big Brother is killing me!

[Psychotic]

De Rossi had a fantastic season, as did Pippo Inzaghi. Still, a lot of the England players didn't have a good season either, like Owen and A. Cole, and Lampard and J. Cole seem to have burned off towards the end.

I think we'll be alright as long as we don't defend too deep, like we have in previous tournaments. Personally I'd like to see in games against good sides (ie, any featured in the poll) us revert to 4-5-1 with Crouch as a lone striker to hold the ball up, setting up some nice passes and balls for Lampard and Gerrard to come on to, with Carrick playing the holding role.

Otherwise we can stick with the traditional 4-4-2 in games against Trinidad and co.

[Russielloyd]

I just hope it's Carragher and Terry in the centre of defense, though knowing Sven he will start with Rio for Carragher :(

Also, just looking at the FIFA rankings, all i have to say is just that it's all bollocks!!(soz).

I mean, Mexico 4th????, USA 5th???? Spain joint 5th even, though they did well in the qualifiers but they flop almost all the time in the big competitions.

Czech Republic 2nd!! Okay there good but 2nd???? don't think so. I think England should least be in the top 6 maybe.

Only team who deserve there spot, is Brazil in 1st place.

Anyways, the England team i would start with would be....

---------------Robinson---------------

Neville--Carragher---Terry--A.Cole


Beckham--Gerrard--Lampard--J.Cole

-------------Rooney------------------- (Replaced with Crouch)
----------------------Owen--------

[Psychotic]

Haha, we all know he'll play Rio. Still, I'm not too irked about that. Carragher and Terry are both similar in style, and we'd probably defend deeper with Carra and Terry than if we had Rio and Terry. Carra is mostly for all-purpose defensive cover, which is a shame for a player of his quality, but it shows we have strength in depth.

Also, have you noticed how we always seem to lose in major tournaments after going ahead? Germany in Euro 96, Argentina in France 98, Portugal in Euro 2000, Brazil in 2002, and France and Portugal in 2004. I'm not too sure about who took the lead first in the two Romania games, but oh well. I think we really do need to learn how to hold onto a lead more than anything else.

I'm not too opposed to Mexico's rank as they're a good side. They deservedly beat Brazil in the Confederation Cup (Yeah, I know that's not worth much, but they were very impressive) They should do well in this World Cup, possibly reaching the Quarters or the Semis, and I've made Marquez the captain of my fantasy football team. :D

The others are all pretty iffy, yeah, (Nigeria and Denmark who didn't even qualify, for example...) but the tournament should sort them all out. :D

[Music]

Brazil is stacked... Rhonaldino, Ronaldo, what more do you want?

[Russielloyd]

Yeah but Carragher, 35 odd cleansheets says it all really and Rio's backwards header V Blackburn which gave Blackburn a lead they never let go of (which makes me happy when i see that "whoops" expression across his face, WOOO GO BLACKBURN!) says it all really! He's too prone to mistakes, shouldn't start imo.

Hopefully i'll get out of this dump they call Wales and find my way to an English pub(probably in Bristol) and cheer with the fellow countrymen. It's no fun celebrating whilst being surrounded by people who are still like "World cup?.....what's that?", therefore no one to celbrate with, so i think i'll be crossing the border. You got any plans where to watch outside of the house?

And in that Romania match, they took the lead, then we made it 2-1, then they won 3-2.

Also aswell, i'll make my fantasy team after some sleep, because i'm too tired to balance it all out.

[Cz]

I find it very difficult to go against Brazil. Every other world powerhouse does the same thing every World Cup, they go in looking fantastic on paper, and then underachieve horribly. While it's certainly conceivable that Italy, Spain or the like could win the tournament, none of them are reliable enough to be considered a safe bet in the way Brazil are. This goes for England too, by the way.

I'll register my fantasy football team later. Failure takes time, you know. :p

[Burtsplurt]

Cool, I've signed up for the fantasy football. I don't know half of the players that I've picked. Hmm.

I have no idea who is going to win the World Cup. If Brazil don't perform as well as they can, it could be a bit open: England, Germany, Argentina, Holland, France. Hard to say.

[Croyles]

Yay go Germany. Yes I voted for them because i'm a bit more than half German and I consider it my obligation ^_~ I hope they do well, and dont play the crappy kinda football they usually play! :hot:

[Old Manus]

I voted Mexico because I am one eighth cuban, which is close enough to Mexico. Fuck England.

[Cz]

My team's done. I'm amazed by how similar it is to my other fantasy football team, considering that this doesn't have a budget.


Even if you have no idea what you're doing, join up and pick people because you like their name. Go on, it'll be a laugh. That reminds me, I challenge you all to American Fantasy Football when their season starts up again. :D

[Old Manus]

I made my (completely unoriginal) team :cool:

[Shoden]

I got the best name for a team! The team itself aint that good but hope I don't come last.

[Spatvark]

Not been too interested in football for the last few years, so my team (Murphy's Traders) is probably not too good or imaginative. I expect to be trounced.

[DK]

That reminds me, I challenge you all to American Fantasy Football when their season starts up again. :D

I was thinking about doing that, too. xD

I'm signing up, should be fun. :} England got such a piss easy group, so lucky. :D

Edit: ahahahahah there's a goalkeeper called Quim xD that's going in my sportmans name thread

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

I tried to be as universal with this as I could possibly be so my team will probably end up sucking like hoovers at the end of the competition

[Psychotic]

I've always wanted to join their American football thing, but you have to get their permission to join, and I doubt they'd let any of us foreign scum join. :(

Does anyone else really hope that Ronaldinho flops at this WC?

[Cz]

Damn Yanks with their isolationist policy. Don't they realise we saved their ass in the Gulf? :mad:

EDIT: football football football topic topic topic

[DK]

I hope he flops when he isn't in my lineup. :D

[Spiffing Cheese]

I have no clue what I'm doing but I signed up and I have someone called BARRY Boubacar. :D

[Strider]

Oh, come on now, Psychotic. We accept everyone.

I've been doing my homework on this thing, and something tells me the Serbs can make a big run.

EDIT:

Also, I signed up for the fantasy league. Don't let an American win the whole damn thing, people!

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

hey the Serbs promised big things in the Olympics Basketball tournament and then looked what happened

[Psychotic]

Oh, I absolutely agree with you on Serbia, Stri. If they were in Group H instead of Ukraine, for example, I'd predict Quarter Finals at the very least. The problem is, they're in a nasty group with Argentina, the Netherlands and the Ivory Coast, all of whom are very good sides.

[Strider]

I'm not gonna profess to knowing very much about soccer like you guys do, but giving up only one goal in qualifying is pretty good, don't you think? I don't think anyone in that group is going to beat Argentina out of the gate, but a solid defense should give them a chance.

[The Soup Nazi]

My vote goes to Croatia.

[Psychotic]

Well yeah, I still think they could qualify from their group, possibly even at Argentina's expense. Argentina were one of the favourites in 2002 and didn't make it out of the group stage, and it really wouldn't surprise me if either they or the Netherlands imploded. But that is probably the toughest group in the tournament, so it's not easy to predict who will come out on top.

Croatia eh? Interesting. Croatia have always been my second favourite international team, so I hope they do well.

[Strider]

I notice everyone has that John Terry guy on their roster. Is he any good? :p

[Russielloyd]

I notice everyone has that John Terry guy on their roster. Is he any good? :p

lol, just the best centre back in the world. :P

[DK]

John Terry is a king. Also half of the teams aren't showing up for me, I think. :{

[Rusty]

You could of put Australia in the poll, Psy! I am offended >=[

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

You could of put Australia in the poll, Psy! I am offended >=[

I'm the only one with an Australian in my squad (so far) so feel obliged to support my team if you so wish

[Cz]

Group C is nearly impossible to call, and promises to provide some of the tournament's best matches. Argentina and Holland are both magnificent on their day, and Serbia's record speaks for itself. As for the Ivory Coast, while it may be their first tournament, to qualify from the CAF division is no easy task, and Senegal showed us in 2002 that 'new' sides are not to be underestimated.

Perhaps during the build-up we could go over each group individually. Here's my predictions:

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Germany are the obvious first choices from this group. Their national side may not be what it once was, but the home advantage has proved highly effective in the past at helping teams make progress, and none of these sides should pose a real threat to them. Second place is a much tougher call, though. I'm rather fond of Ecuador, but their pre-tournament form has been terrible, so my choice for second place would be Poland. They may not be the most exciting team in the world, but they're certainly more reliable than the other two. There's nothing to say that Ecuador or Costa Rica couldn't potentially make it, however.

Incidentally, tickets for Ecuador vs. Costa Rica are still available online. What do you say we organise an EoFF delegation to Germany to cheer on the mighty Ecuador? :D

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

First of all, let's discount Trinidad and Tobago straight away. They're not a terrible side (they beat Mexico in one of their qualifiers, although I think that might have been a weakened Mexican line-up) but any team that finishes fourth in the CONCACAF qualifiers is likely to struggle in this tournament. Paraguay are a reasonable side, but lack the spark needed to overcome rivals like England and Sweden. The outcome of the group will hinge on that last match between the two European sides, with the winner taking first place.

Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands

Gah, too close to call. Strong as they are, I don't think the Ivory Coast have quite what it takes to overcome opposition of this quality, but the other three are all likely qualifiers. I'd say Holland are the most temprimental side though, so I predict they'll choke and get eliminated.

On a side note, now that Montenegro have voted to split from Serbia and become an independant nation, who would get the World Cup if they won the trophy? It'd be an interesting basis for a war, at least. :p

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

One of the weaker groups overall, I can't see any of these teams going on to win this thing. Whethere there's any competition in this group or not depends on how Angola measure up. If they can take a point from Mexico or Portugal then they'll be in with a chance, but that's easier said than done. Chances are this will be a straightforward fight between the Mexicans and Portuguese for the top spot.

Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech. Republic

A horrible draw for the USA and Ghana, who would have great potential in a slightly weaker group. Sadly, they're matched up against a rejuvinated Italian side who are certain to go far in this tournament, and the Czechs, who rarely fail to exceed people's expectations. Interestingly though, both Ghana and the Czechs drew against Turkey in their warm-up matches, so they might be more evenly matched than we think. Still, it's difficult to go against the europeans in this group. But if there is going to be a surprise, it'll probably happen here.

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

It's all about second place here. Brazil are going to run away with this group, no doubt about it. Second is rather a tough call, though. Croatia aren't the side they once were, but are far from over the hill. Japan might seem to have a decent chance based upon their showing in 2002, but without a home crowd behind them they might not achieve the same level of success again. But surprisingly (and perhaps stupidly) I'm going to go for the Aussies on this one. Sure, it's a piece of cake qualifying from the OFC, but that doesn't change the fact that they've got a good side, and they've certainly got the potential to overcome Japan or Croatia. Plus, the whole thing just seems inevtiable to me. Cahill will score a last minute header against Croatia, and we'll be forced to spend the rest of the night watching drunk, tanned Australians waving rubber kangaroos in front of the BBC TV cameras.

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

Now, I know France aren't the same team as they were six years ago, but it would take something spectacular to keep them from qualifying here. Korea's astonishing luck in 2002 won't help them this time, and Togo and Switzerland are two of the weaker teams from their respective continents in this year's competition. Second place will be a fight between those two, and I can see Togo taking this one ahead of the Swiss.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

GROUP OF DEATH. I'm not even going to pretend I can predict the outcome of this one. :p

Go on folks, your turn.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech. Republic

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

that was easy!

[NM]

Well i've signed up for the fantasy league. Never done one before so i'm sure i'll fail horribly. :)

As for the actual World Cup. I'd like to think England can win it, but having watched enough World Cups/European Championships and seen us go on on Peneltys or for dubious disallowed goals, I can just see it happeneing again.

So my vote was for Argentina. They may have the toughest group but I think along with Holland they'll get through it.

[Loony BoB]

Every time I look at the group Ghana are in, I laugh. Seriously, how screwed up is that? #48 (Ghana) getting drawn with the teams ranked #2 (Czech), #5 (USA), and #13 (Italy) in the world.

[DK]

Incidentally, tickets for Ecuador vs. Costa Rica are still available online. What do you say we organise an EoFF delegation to Germany to cheer on the mighty Ecuador?

I am Costa Rica for life. Paolo Wanchope is my hero.

Double post but I don't care. I feel sorry for Jamie Carragher. :( Also, we should be at LEAST 1-0 up here D:

Edit: wtf Hargreaves no :(

Edit2: I love you steven gerrard <3333

Edit3: and you, John Terry <33333333

Edit4 by someone who will make themselves obvious by calling you a dingdong: I care. Don't double post, you dingdong.

[Cz]

A decent performance overall, with no real problems to speak of besides Sven's insistence on trusting Hargreaves instead of giving Michael Carrick a chance in the first team. Joe Cole was particularly impressive on the left, proving that he's come on in leaps and bounds over the past couple of seasons. Walcott did nothing to impress me, and with Owen not quite himself it was good to see Peter Crouch come up with an excellent strike. Awful celebration, though. :p

But yeah, with another warm-up game left to go, things are looking promising.

[Croyles]

The robot was so badly done that it was so good! ^^

might I also add:
Germany 2 : 2 Japan
was 0 : 2 for japan until germany got two in in a span of like 10 minutes. Germany gotta do better than that if they wanna get anywhere... :cry:

Group A:
Germany/ Costa Rica/ Poland/ Ecuador

Group B:
England / Paraguay / Trinidad and Tobago / Sweden

Group C:
Argentina / Côte d'Ivoire / Serbia and Montenegro / Netherlands

Group D:
Mexico / Iran / Angola / Portugal

Group E:
Italy / Ghana / USA / Czech Republic

Group F:
Brazil / Croatia / Australia / Japan

Group G:
France / Switzerland / Korea Republic / Togo

Group H:
Spain / Ukraine / Tunisia / Saudi Arabia

[Aphelion]

I voted for Brazil, but I don't partake on the "heh, we've won by default" opinion that rules on my country now. Overall, yes, we're the best team, but it's not rare for the best team to be kicked out by an inferior one (even if it's the referee's fault...Spaniards still have nightmares).

If Brazil doesn't win, it'll be because of Italy, which (if all goes well, that is) might meet us at the 4th or 5th match. Other than that, France and Germany will be great disappointments, England will perform quite the campaign (but no titles this year), and I wouldn't care if Argentina lost all three matches. Portugal, though...I can't predict its future. Scolari is at the helm, and we all know what he's capable of, but his team isn't that good, to be honest.

Oh, and Brazil 8x0 Lucerna. Sorry, had to say it, just like the Germans must've bragged over their 7x0. :p

[dragoonknight_kain]

Rofl, Ronaldinho fouled the referee in a corner kick, and that goalkeeper from Colombia scored a goal (first time I saw a goal like that):D. I hope the World Cup will be as fun to watch as this:D.

[Croyles]

btw, how do i get into the fantasy football thing? when i try to sign up in yahoo using that ID and password it just doesnt work...
nevermind that i found out how.

[Psychotic]

England v Hungary thoughts:

First, the bad. Little Mickey doesn't look sharp, does he? But I'll say more about that in a moment. And Frank Lampard, well, other than the penalty miss, just what did he do? He went missing. It's often the same in matches against good opposition (eg Barcelona and indeed my lovely lovely Liverpool) as well. He sort of reminds me of Luis Garcia - does absolutely fuck until he pops up and scores a vital goal. Watch what he does on Saturday vs Jamaica (goals not incuded ;)) and compare it to Gerrard. As for Owen Hargreaves, well...what more can you say on the subject that hasn't been said 10,000 times before?

The good. Gerrard looked lively, as did Joe Cole. Beckham was on fine form with his crossing, and it was good to see John Terry get his first goal. And even before he scored his goal, I thought Peter Crouch was having a great game, producing nice flick ons and passes for his team mates.

The okay. Ashley Cole and Gary Neville looked uncertain at times, but did alright. I thought Carragher did pretty well while being played out of position, as he allowed us to defend fairly high up the pitch, and we saw Terry and Ferdinand being allowed to go forward more. Carra would be fine in the holding role if we were defending a lead, but until then, no. Theo Walcott showed glimpses of what he's supposedly capable of, but he'll have to do more if he's to be our secret weapon.

This formation is based on England's second best player, and current best fittest player, Steven Gerrard. And rightly so, when you watch how he's dragged Liverpool (who are inferior to England, although not by much) kicking and screaming to victory. The main problem with it is Michael Owen. He looked lost, and absolutely does not fit this formation. If you're going to play like that, the ideal man to fill Owen's role would be Peter Crouch. Sure, Owen is the better player, but using Owen is trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole. It doesn't work. Also, Carrick for the holding role kaythanks!

[DK]

As for Owen Hargreaves, well...what more can you say on the subject that hasn't been said 10,000 times before?

Nothing, but that doesn't stop it from being fun to say he's <img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif"><img src="/xxx.gif">. :D

[Strider]

Okay, so now I'm curious. What's your take on the American team?

[DK]

All I know from the top of my head is that McBride is pretty good. And sometimes Brad Friedl is invincible. But I don't know if he's in the squad or not. (Tim Howard is crap.)

Edit: Duh, Claudio Reyna. He plays for Man City and that therefore makes him the best player in your squad. :}

[Strider]

Kasey Keller is still our starting goalie.

Also, don't forget about Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley. You can't sleep on the U.S., buddy. :D

[Psychotic]

Brad Friedel is not in the squad.

I think Landon Donovan is terribly overrated in the USA. Just look at his time at Bayer Leverkusen: He just wasn't good enough to play in Europe. Remember the Champions League game against Liverpool? I do. He was utterly terrible.

But yeah, McBride, Reyna and Beasley are good, and look out for Brian Ching. USA are in an extremely tough group, however, and it'll be tough, but not impossible, for them to progress.

[Loony BoB]

I don't understand how the US of A could be ranked #5 in the FIFA world rankings and not have a good chance of making the quarterfinals. They must be doing something right.

[DeathKnight]

MEXICO!

[DK]

I don't understand how the US of A could be ranked #5 in the FIFA world rankings and not have a good chance of making the quarterfinals. They must be doing something right.

Already been explained, they're dumping on the other teams in the north american group:

* Anguilla
* Antigua and Barbuda
* Aruba
* Bahamas
* Barbados
* Belize
* Bermuda
* British Virgin Islands
* Canada
* Cayman Islands
* Costa Rica
* Cuba
* Dominica
* Dominican Republic
* El Salvador
* Grenada
* Guatemala
* Guyana
* Haiti
* Honduras
* Jamaica
* Mexico
* Montserrat
* Netherlands Antilles
* Nicaragua
* Panama
* Puerto Rico
* Saint Kitts and Nevis
* Saint Lucia
* Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
* Suriname
* Trinidad and Tobago
* Turks and Caicos Islands
* U.S. Virgin Islands
* United States

Only really good team in that group is Mexico, everyone else is not that great. The FIFA ranking system is dum

[Russielloyd]

The US are ranked 5th because the only team they play teams like Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, all the time, which are the worst teams in the world and are easy to beat, the only challege the USA have is Mexico, which are a better team anyways. They also have a much better chance at winning the "Gold Cup" and which also places them in the "Confederations Cup" which raises their rank.

There are more great teams in Europe than in any other Confedertaion making Europe is the hardest place to compete for and higher rankings harder to obtain.

There's far superior teams in Europe than the USA, USA shouldn't really be in the top 10, nevermind top 5!

FIFA Rankings are false, except for top spot.

[Croyles]

Yeah Brazil is about the only rank i agree with!

[Cz]

I don't understand how the US of A could be ranked #5 in the FIFA world rankings and not have a good chance of making the quarterfinals. They must be doing something right. World ranking isn't really relevant as it includes the results of qualifying matches, and so an above-average team playing Guatemala and Panama once a year is obviously going to do well, whereas a team of the same quality playing in UEFA against the likes of France or Spain will have a much lower world ranking. That said, the US aren't a bad team, and you're right to suggest that in an average tournament they would probably qualify from the group stage. The trouble is that they've been drawn in a horrible group against Italy, the Czechs and Ghana. There aren't many teams that could qualify from such a group, and the USA certainly aren't one of them.

Still, that's not to say they're a bad side. They've got a top striker in Brian McBride, as well as the likes of Claudio Reyna and DaMarcus Beasley. But they'll really come into their own in the next couple of years, as Freddy Adu starts to establish himself in the side. He'll be a revelation for the sport in the US.

[Russielloyd]

Forget about Embrace's World Cup England song "World At Your Feet"

This is deffinately the song to be singing...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/realmedia/sport/worldcup/undercover.ram

:D:D

Quality!

[Croyles]

Forget about Embrace's World Cup England song "World At Your Feet"

This is deffinately the song to be singing...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/realmedia/sport/worldcup/undercover.ram

:D:D

Quality!

NO THANKS! :mog:

[Russielloyd]

Better than any song thats been released for this WC. Deffo better than the stupid Embrace song, who know sod all about football by the way.

[Resha]

Ivory Coast, clearly. I have great hopes for my beloved babies. :love:

[tomamar04]

Glad to see Eyesonff has caught World Cup fever.

This is the first time I truly believe England can win it since I've followed football. My dark horse is Sweden

This made me laugh...


If you're an England fan, with just over a week to go, you could be forgiven for having a touch of manic depression. We can't beat Belarus, then we win 3-1 after a tedious first half against Hungary.

Are England actually any good? Why does Peter Crouch look so much better than Michael Owen? Is Hargreaves even awake? Did Lampard just come on for the penalty and then go off again? It's exciting and worrying in equal measure.

But fear ye not. Every other country has got plenty to worry about as well.

This pre-tournament sphincter-tightening is all par for the course. Look at who we're going to play...

Paraguay are, according to the legend that is José Luis Chilavert, 'an old squad who will fail'. Nothing like a confidence boost before the big tournament is there. The defence are short-arses and the goalkeeper is a midget apparantly. Four of their best players are injured but they did draw 1-1 with Denmark recently, which is more than England could do of course, but could only scrape a 1-0 win against Georgia.

Sweden are also an ageing squad who are under-performing and rely entirely on that ever-so -Swedish-sounding Juve striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score goals. Except he hasn't been. Freddy Ljungberg, ever-conscious of following trends, has an injured foot and is barely even training to try and protect it for the opening games. Their keeper Andreas Isaaksson has just hurt his knee. Imagine if that happened to us. We'd might as well just leave the goal empty. They just drew 0-0 with Finland and were so bad they were booed off. But at least they have the compensation of having lots of lovely women with that nice blonde pubic hair to play with instead.

Did you see Trinidad play a Wales Under-11s team? They looked like strangers who had just met in a park. They were destroyed by er...Rob Earnshaw. Gosh. And they played Russell Latapy, who is officially 78 years old. Now they've just been spanked 3-1 by Solvenia. Fine form, eh.

So we're in a group of old blokes, cripples, small men and lower-league no-hopers. We should fit in well. But things are no better for any of the major nations.

Over in Germany, Goleo the official German World Cup mascot has gone tits up - no surprise when you consider the dummkopfs behind the little stuffed lion paid FIFA £18 million just for the rights to make it. With business sense like that they should be running a Premiership club.

Oh yes that 'official fifa licenced' logo is really worth having isn't it? Just like the 'you-can't-forge-these' official holographic tags on the 'official' England shirts that are, as I type, being made in factories in Chinese cities for less than a penny per thousand.

The Germans are worried Michael Ballack isn't going to make it after he injuring himself carrying large sacks of Russian money home. They just beat Luxembourg 7-0 but that doesn't count because they're ranked only slightly higher than the Blind Boys of Alabama on the world football ladder. They took a 4-1 tanking in Italy in March, though any result involving Italy does make you stroke your chin and narrow your eyes a little these days. Uli Hoeness is quoted as saying, "I believe, like the rest of the country, that the national team is a catastrophe." And they just drew 2-2 with Japan after going 2-0 down as if to prove him right.

Their defence is apparently very rubbish. That'll be Jens Nowotny who is 32. I mean, what top nation would have a slow, aging defender in his 30's in their squad? Oh.

He'll partner Per Mertesacker, a man who is described by one German football expert as "seems to hate to tackle anyone". Just what you need in a centre-half. Robert Huth was so very bad even in the 7-0 win against Luxembourg that he's unlikely to start a game and has conveniently twisted something. His melon perhaps.

France are falling apart. Their moral- boosting get-together ended up with everyone pouting and going huffy. They all hate each other and Fabien Barthez insists on being worshiped as a God and rides around on a golden swan. Their manager Raymond Domenech is also mad. He likes amateur dramatics and believes in astrology. So it must be like having Russell Grant manage your country.

All their best players are in their 30s and slower than a stoned tortoise. They got a creaky 1-0 win against Mexico which did nothing to inspire anyone. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse they'll probably be playing the balletic bumbling Jean-Alain Boumsong. Hurrah! Free goals for everyone!

Down in Spain things are a bit better but they're fretting over their fritatas at having to rely on Raul to score the goals, and he's had a rubbish season at Real. They just drew 0-0 with Russia as if to prove how short of goals they are. And if you can't score goals it's dangerous to rely on the opposition scoring enough own goals to win you every game now, isn't it? Spain also have their reputation for being bottlers on the big stage to carry like a huge potato and red pepper tortilla on their backs. And their olive oil isn't as good as Italy's. Fact.

Argentina look strong as long as long as Juan Roman Riquelme gets his game-face on and Lionel Messi performs consistently, but he's got a thigh injury likely to keep him out of the opening game against Ivory Coast and would you like to be in a group with Les Éléphants and Holland and Serbia/Montenegro? That's an early exit waiting to happen. Lose that opening game and it could be bye-bye Argie football gods, hello men with permed long hair crying.

Ivory Coast could be good but couldn't beat Switzerland this weekend, drawing 1-1 and in qualifying they managed to lose to Burkina Faso, which is like England losing to the Isle of Wight. With the referees supposedly ready to clamp down on simulation and any tackle that involves using your legs, we can expect to see Mr Drogba and Mr Eboue sent off a few times and a few eight-man finishes.

Ghana are an outside bet but could do well if only their supporters were not so distracted by trying to place online orders for t-shirts from fantastic UK-based rock 'n' roll websites using credit card information stolen by their mates in Royal Mail sorting offices and who just don't seem to twig that they will never receive their 200 Zack de la Rocha t-shirts even if they are called Prince Ngongo and claim to live in the United Nations building in New York with Kofi Annan. They do have the player with the best name though. Step forward Razak Pimpong.

Italy have just been busy trying to stay out of jail. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's World Cup preparation has involved being grilled like a wedge of mozarella on a slice of aubergine by the Italiano rozzers. How relaxed and focused are they going to be when an investigation into match-fixing and wide-spread corruption is rummidging around their privates and they can't even bank on a good payday at the bookies either.

They're relying on a 29-year-old striker, Luca Toni, who late in his career has had one good season. Francesco Totti is coming back from major surgery and Pip Inzaghi is offside. Already. Even if he's in bed. Or dead. A 1-1 draw with Switzerland was either a good bet or a bad result for them.

USA have Charlton new boy Cory (are all American men now called Cory?) Gibbs out with an injury and they just lost to mighty Morocco and just scraped a 1-0 win over Latvia. But the pressure's off them because only 48 Americans know they're even playing in a thing called the World Cup. I know because they all write to me and they're all ex-pats from Sunderland and Bolton who run vineyards, wineries and bars in California. Lucky buggers.

Portugal are so confident in their talent that they decided to have a rigorous test against Cape Verde Islands this weekend. They won 4-1 but considering the status of their where-are-they-on-the-map opponents (they're islands the size of Mark Vidukas head off he coast of Senegal in case you're interested), this was in effect, a defeat. Imagine if England played Alderney and only won 4-1. It'd be a national disgrace.

Ukraine are riddled with injuries and might even be without Andriy Shevchenko. Their manager says the mood in their camp is not good but it must be hard to be cheerful in the Ukraine at the best of times. Even during traditional pull-your-wife-with-a-tractor-and-win-some-cabbages week.

Holland just scraped a 1-0 win against Cameroon and it#s only a matter of time before they fall out with each other and someone is punched by Edgar Davids. Davids isn't in the squad of course but that won't stop him. Ruud is crying because Sir told him to pooh off and Arjen Robben continues to evolve into a brittle creature comprised entirely of glass and bone china tea cups.

And you might think Brazil are favourites but they've got two of the oldest full-backs in the tournament in Roberto Carlos and Cafu, whose collective age is 169. Ronaldo now looks like a man who works in a chip shop in Hartlepool called Big Chris and their only hope of getting him running at any speed is to starve him for a week and then drive burger vans at 60mph up and down the touchline. They're still deluded enough to think Roberto Carlos might score from a free kick just because he did once in 1968 and the entire squad are hanging onto Ronaldhino's headscarf thing, and even he was rubbish in the CL final.

They havent played a competetive game together since beating Uruguay in October and will play just one friendly against New Zealand before the tournament in order to give Ronaldo more time to eat wheelbarrows of feijoada and buckets of torta de banana.

They spend their time doing training sessions to crowds of 150,000 instead but they have a terrible defence. I mean, they would have chosen Roque Junior if he'd not been injured. That's how bad they are. And their goalkeeper Dida makes David James look calm and reliable. Adriano's private life is in disarray with stories of abandoned pregnant girlfriends in the press. He's playing so badly that TV show Controcampo suggested that it was because he spent so much time with prostitutes! Which as we all know can be exhausting, not least because of all the trips to the pox doctor you have to make afterwards. A career in the Premiership surely awaits the boy.

That being said they can probably beat Australia, Croatia and Japan with a zinc bucket on each foot and bag on their heads. Which would be an improvement for many of them, let's face it.

Some other countries like Angola, Togo and Nowheresville Island are also playing. But have already given up and just hope to get back home without being shot or having a large gourd inserted into them.

So you see England are no different to anyone else. Everyone is worried about not being good enough. Someone important is always injured. Pessimism always outweighs optimism and almost no country's fans thinks they'll win it except a few deluded drunks. There's no solution. Just get your brown trousers on now and keep taking the tablets.

[Croyles]

L0L! Too damn right! I'm so dissapointed with Germany against Japan. Barely drawing at 2-2 after being 0-2 down is a big dissapointed even though I sort of suspected it with the crap theyve managed to pull of in the last 8 years. Why do they bother to play against Luxemburg? Its like playing against Saudi Arabia. Might as well pick a tougher team. Ballack is a good player but is so up his own @~~ that he's dissing his bayern munich comrades and skiddadling off to Chelsea and getting injured from carrying off too much Russion money (as was mentioned). Jens Lehmann is quite overrated in my opinion and does some stupid mistakes (which was proven in the CL final against Barcelona). He did quite good in the game against Japan despite letting two goals in and a crappy defense. They should have kept #1 goalkeeper Kahn even though he probably has his pension now. He can still jump from one end of the goal post to the top part of the other end and catch the ball (yes im exaggeration :p). I dont care if he carries on drink driving he'll still be a better goalkeeper pissed than Jens.
I wish I was at this age at late 80's and early 90's to witness my teams top form!
Yet, somehow, against all odds, I still have hope.

[tomamar04]

Even though I'm English, it does sadden me to see the state of the German team. We used to fear you guys, now I wouldn't mind if we ended playing you in the second round. But I think Lehmann is a better keeper than Kahn now. He had a great season with Arsenal.

[Croyles]

:whimper:

[DK]

Yeah Jens > Ollie.

[Croyles]

I still disagree :p

[Psychotic]

I see you're a fan of John Nicholson and Football365 too, tomamar. :p

As Cz did it...

Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Other than their strikeforce of Podolski and Klose, I really don't rate the Germans. However, they do have home advantage, and this is a weak group, so I think they'll go through. Costa Rica are cannon fodder, and there to make up the numbers. Although who knows, maybe they'll pull off a Senegal-esque shock in the opener. I'm going to choose Poland over Ecuador, just 'cause!

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

I think England will take the lead against Paraguay, sit back like idiots, and then concede a late goal from a corner or something. We'll then destroy T&T. Fuck anyone who says there's an upset in the making (mainly the Scottish) this team is of League Two quality. No doubt there'll be a lot of buildup about how the underdogs are fired up when they take on the big boys, but come on, it's a World Cup, England are gonna be fired up too. As for Sweden, Ljungberg and Ibrahimovic have had poor seasons, but Henrik Larsson has been immense when he's featured for Barca, so I can see the two European teams making it through.

Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands

I fancy either Argentina or the Netherlands to implode in this group. Argentina might just do that, if Messi doesn't return in time, and if Riquelme plays badly. And then either Serbia or the Ivory Coast will be the other team to go through. Yes, I'm vague.

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

Only two games have any meaning in Group D. Mexico v Portugal: Who will come top? Iran v Angola: Who will come last?

Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech. Republic

Normally I'd expect the Italians to fall apart in a group like this, but they're not the same Italy that we've seen in previous tournaments. They're much more organised, hence why I am tipping them to go all the way. I can't see anybody else but Italy and the Czech Republic progressing in this group, but Ghana v USA will be interesting.

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Brazil are definitely overrated. Two of their "Big four", Ronaldo and Adriano, have been terrible this season. Still, when you can bench the likes of Robinho, Fred and Juninho Pernambucano, you know you have a good side. They'll progress for sure. The battle for second will be a close one. I'm going to discount Japan, as I don't think they have the quality or experience of playing in the top leagues of Europe that the Croatians and Australians have. Of the two that remain, I'm rooting for Croatia. Harry Kewell to limp off after 20 minutes!

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea Republic
Togo

If only England had got this group instead of France! Still, France might not find it easy, as Switzerland and Togo are both French speaking countries and will be desperate to get one over on the French. Still, despite most of their stars being over 30, I still think they'll progress, and Switzerland with them.

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

Now, this should be interesting. If Spain opt for Raul above Villa and Torres, it gives Ukraine and Tunisia a chance. I'm totally discounting Saudi Arabia. All of their players are from the Saudi league (the only other country that exclusively has players from its own league is Italy) which isn't renknowned for being strong. Tunisia are real battlers, similar to the likes of Bolton and Blackburn (and look how successful they've been recently) and I think they will surprise some people. Ukraine are the obvious dark horses.

And look at how well the USA are doing in the poll. Call me a cynic, but I'd say there are a lot of Americans with no knowledge of football voting for their own country. :D

[tomamar04]

I see you're a fan of John Nicholson and Football365 too, tomamar. :p

Yep, great site.

1 week to go!!!

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

is anyone watching goals galore on ITV?
The way that sarcastic guy says 'BYE' everytime Scotland concede cracks me up

[Croyles]

Yeah it was quite funny. Kinda war obsessive tho.
Just 1 week!

[Jings]

Whenever we say we think England are going to win it because of obligation, we get lots of abuse from Wales, Ireland, and particularly Scotland. I hope Canadians don't go around saying "I am going to buy an Italy, Czech. Rep and Ghana shirt!" like certain other bitter and inferior rivals from the frozen north that I could name.

(yes I love editing my posts)

Well thats the biggest lot of rubbish i've ever heard. Okay there are some in Scotland who are completely anti-English for no reason at all, however, the vast majority of Scots don't want to see England fail because they want to win the cup it's because throughout the entire World Cup our television is filled with adverts and programmes about how great and mighty England are. Why do we have to watch this rubbish? I highly doubt Canadian television is filled with adverts and programmes devoted to the USA and how they're bringing home the cup.

Be honest, how would you feel if for the entire world cup you had to watch television filled with the boasting and hysteric media of countries you had a rivalry with? Germany, Argentina and (heaven forbid) Scotland? It would never happen and i dont see why we have to suffer it.

Having said all that ill be rooting for The Netherlands to come away with the trophy. I've been supporting them ever since Scotland went out in France '98 and since we've failed to qualify for a major tournament since i'll be supporting them this year too. Cmon the Dutch!

[Heath]

Better than any song thats been released for this WC. Deffo better than the stupid Embrace song, who know sod all about football by the way.

Isn't Three Lions being re-released?

[Russielloyd]

Better than any song thats been released for this WC. Deffo better than the stupid Embrace song, who know sod all about football by the way.

Isn't Three Lions being re-released?

Not that i know of...

[tomamar04]

Yeah, it is being re-released, but the '98 version, so there are mentions of Gazza and Paul Ince, and Theo Walcott was only 9 at the time :D

[Malboro_Menace]

You know whats funny?

There's a MASSIVE thing going on here about how we made the cup (Australia).

Now I don't know anything about soccer except that brazil are good. But... can't help not to support the home team...

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!! OI OI OI!!!!! RAAAAAGH!!!!

Go Australia.

[tomamar04]

You know whats funny?

There's a MASSIVE thing going on here about how we made the cup (Australia).

Now I don't know anything about soccer except that brazil are good. But... can't help not to support the home team...

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!! OI OI OI!!!!! RAAAAAGH!!!!

Go Australia.

Too bad Australia have got Brazil in the group stages then :D

[Croyles]

Germany 3 Columbia 0
and dont you dare say anything :p

Here is the 'World Football Elo Ratings' which are often considered superior to the Fifa Ranking System

Rank / Team / Points
1 Brazil 2007
2 Netherlands 1964
3 France 1942
4 England 1939 -------- Thats 6 ranks up!
5 Czech Republic 1937
6 Spain 1924
7 Italy 1918
8 Argentina 1899
9 Portugal 1887
10 Denmark 1866
11 Germany 1864 -------- Thats 8 ranks up!
12 Sweden 1838
13 Croatia 1824
14 Uruguay 1819
15 Mexico 1818
16 Romania 1816
17 Iran 1814
18 United States 1812 -------- And most importantly this is 13 ranks down! :p
19 Republic of Ireland 1794
19 Turkey 1794

If you want to know how the system works. Head here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elo_football_rating#Top_20_ranking_as_of_June_2006

[Cz]

Well thats the biggest lot of rubbish i've ever heard. Okay there are some in Scotland who are completely anti-English for no reason at all, however, the vast majority of Scots don't want to see England fail because they want to win the cup it's because throughout the entire World Cup our television is filled with adverts and programmes about how great and mighty England are. Why do we have to watch this rubbish? I highly doubt Canadian television is filled with adverts and programmes devoted to the USA and how they're bringing home the cup.
Without trying to sound mean-spirited, that's because we qualified for the World Cup and Scotland didn't. In previous tournaments, when the Scots and Irish were present, those countries were given plenty (although admittedly not an equal amount) of coverage, but the fact is that at the moment the focus of British football is the team that's going to be in the tournament. The reason that sort of thing doesn't happen in Canada is that Canada and the US don't share their major broadcasting corporations like England and Scotland do. The BBC can hardly stop following football just because not every country in the UK qualifies, after all.

I don't mean to say that you should support England all the way; I don't see why the Scots should be obliged to do that. I just wanted to point some stuff out, that's all. :)


Fifa Ranking
Rank / Team / Points
1 Brazil 2007
2 Netherlands 1964
3 France 1942
4 England 1939 -------- Thats 6 ranks up!
5 Czech Republic 1937
6 Spain 1924
7 Italy 1918
8 Argentina 1899
9 Portugal 1887
10 Denmark 1866
11 Germany 1864 -------- Thats 8 ranks up!
12 Sweden 1838
13 Croatia 1824
14 Uruguay 1819
15 Mexico 1818
16 Romania 1816
17 Iran 1814
18 United States 1812 -------- And most importantly this is 13 ranks down!
19 Republic of Ireland 1794
19 Turkey 1794See, those are much better rankings, although there are still one or two odd positions (particularly Iran's placing). More weighting seems to have been placed on the relative strength of competition, and so teams like the USA are more realistically placed. This is definitely a better indicator of teams' ability than the official system.

Now, with regards to today's friendly, I have to say how absolutely chuffed I am that England managed to integrate Crouch into their scheme so well. This bodes extremely well for the World Cup, not only because we'll need him in the group stage, but also because it provides us with an effective plan B in the later stages of the competition if our normal set-up doesn't work. However, I am almost certain that if Peter Crouch wins us the tournament, and that stupid fucking robot dance is repeated endlessly for the next fifty years, I will emigrate. Hopefully it won't come to that, and he'll have the good sense to do the awesome-scoring thing without doing the stupid-dancing thing as well. Go on Peter, we believe in you!

P.S. Oh, and no way was that Gerrard equaliser Goal of the Season. :p

[DK]

Pft, that goal was awesome, and given the context of the goal in the match it was just amazing.

[Croyles]

The last goal Crouch scored he didnt do the robot dance, so im guessing even he knows that the novelty will wear off. He'll have to come up with some other moves ^^

[Psychotic]

Crouchaldinho is god. He always scores in bursts, and I hope that burst doesn't run out before the WC is over.

And my god what the hell has happened to Sol Campbell? He played terribly. If he's awful against Jamaica of all teams, I shudder to think what he'll be like against a good team. Please don't get injured or suspended, Terry and Rio. For some reason Sven seems to think of Campbell as our third choice centre back, above Carragher.

Other than the goal and a couple of flick ons, Lampard was anonymous. I thought Gerrard played great, doing all the standard cleaning up work as a holding player, as well as getting forward.

[Tifa_is_buff]

Did anyone see the England match? Awesome, Peter Crouch is the greatest cult player in the World Cup. A cross between a man and a ladder, brilliant idea. Who do u ppl think will win the World Cup? I'm gonna go for England but I reckon Argentina and Holland are due a good tournament. You can NEVER count out the Germans either, they always seem to pop up with the goods in the big matches.

[Dreddz]

I think England have a good chance, but it'll probably end up being Brazil, Italy or France winning.

[tomamar04]

I don't any reason why we can't win. All we need is a bit of luck.

[Russielloyd]

The luck is that Rooney is making an amazing recovery from his metatarsal injury and looks like he will deffinately feature, which will boost the whole teams morale.

[The Shoeless Hobo]

Netherlands 1 - 1 Australia

:D:D:D

[Strider]

http://www.healrooney.com/

I thought you guys would enjoy this.

[Old Manus]

That is awesome.

[Resha]

Is that really Rooney's foot?? I somehow...thought...his foot might have hair on it.

Edit: Aaah, Ivory Coast beat Slovenia 3 - 0. I know realistically speaking they don't stand much of a chance :p but I'm hoping they can do a Senegal and cause a few upsets, at the very least. They have some excellent players (that I know of) like Toure and Eboue and :( Drogba. They are in the same group as Argentina and the Netherlands, though -- and if van Persie keeps playing the way he did against the Aussies...maybe it is a foregone conclusion. I hope not, though. ^_^

And South Korea lost to Ghana 3 - 1, which they really shouldn't be doing. I'd have thought Ghana were the underdogs going into the match; I expected better of SK. o_O

[tomamar04]

I hope Holland can make it through their group, along with Serbia. As long as the Argies don't make the Quaters, I'll be happy.

[Psychotic]

So, what do we all make of France? First of all, there has been a lot of disharmony in the French camp, namely Coupet v Barthez, and the Giuly debacle. This will not help, as we've seen in the past.

As mentioned, Fabien Barthez is bizarrely their first choice keeper. Error prone and not as consistent as Coupet, but still competent enough to do a job for them in Germany. At the back, they have the creaking Lillian Thuram, and as for Jean Alain Boumsong and Mikael Silvestre, well, the less said about them the better. A lot of their midfielders are now aging, and past their prime, like Zidane, Vieira and Makalele, although they can still pull off good performances when needs be. They also have a lot of fairly new names, like Dhorasoo, Malouda and Ribery. Up front, they are probably one of the best teams in the tournament: Henry, Trezeguet, Saha, Cisse and Wiltord.

I can't see them getting beyond the Quarter Finals, really.

[Cz]

If they didn't have such an easy group, I wouldn't give them a hope of getting anywhere. As it is, they might just have time to settle and find their rhythm. The handicap of having Boumsong in central defence shouldn't be quite so crippling against the opposition in Group G, and the age of their midfield won't harm them too much there, either (and age isn't too much of a problem for a holding midfield player like Makelele anyway)

However, once they make it out of their group they've got a pretty tough run in the knockout stages (most likely playing Italy or the Czechs in the quarter finals). So yeah, I can't see them going particularly far either.

[tomamar04]

I can see them going out in the last 16. They'll manage to win their group, even though South Korea and Switzerland won't be easy, and then they'll lose to Spain or Ukraine in the next round. Just my opinion.

[Blitz Ace]

why would you not put Australia as an option!!!! they are clearly gonna win... well, i dont really believe that, but itd be awesome if they did. id prob go with brazil to win, simply because they are crazily good...

[Croyles]

No one wants brazil to win anymore.
Apart from a few people and some glory supporters.

[DK]

Rather Brazil than France or Germany. :D

[Croyles]

nah, even if i wasnt german, i would rather france or germany win it. brazil has now won it 5 times, thats more than both of the others.

[Resha]

The Swiss have seemingly improved over the past few years, and the South Koreans...well, 3 - 1 to Ghana. Though I shouldn't write them off coz of that. They have Gallas with Thuram in central defence, likely, and Gallas is great. There's still some speculation they might have Franck Ribery in the team -- I don't know who he'll replace -- Zidane? -- but as far as his last two performances have been, he seems brilliant too. But he probably won't be used. No one knows what the hell to expect of France after the last time round :p

[Croyles]

I felt sorry for France last world cup. They tried so hard, yet failed so miserably. Felt sorry for USA too! For the USA to get to the quater final is a great thing.

[Resha]

I felt sorry for France last world cup. They tried so hard, yet failed so miserably. Felt sorry for USA too! For the USA to get to the quater final is a great thing.
I don't know that they tried so very hard :/ to be honest, I don't know why things went so horribly wrong for them -- it shouldn't have. But I don't know the finer details. Senegal were quite the hotshots though. Beating Sweden on golden goals :mad2: bah humbug. Sweden owned England by a few points in the group stages last year, and they're in the same group this year. Doubt they'll emulate it, though. Hopefully Ljungberg will make it back to them in time to play a few matches at least; I think he missed the last WC too, and it'll be sad if he misses this one too.

[Croyles]

Im just watching something on telly about hooliganism, so ive been thinking:

Do you reckon the British will cause trouble over in Germany? I'm living in England at the moment, and I know from my own experience that England is still obsessed about the war, and a lot of the working and middle class people who welcome their trash culture (at least around here in Bristol) and when seeing a German, despite the high possibility that if you just talk to him/her, him/her will actually be a nice person, would just haul insults thinking that that person is still a bloody nazi (please remember that im not referring to everyone in England!). World War II has often come up regarding anything in football with the British and the Germans (especially The Sun, the biggest piece of crap trash-culture newspaper), do you think it will happen this time? English hooliganism has for a long time been dubbed 'The English Disease' but english football fans have done nothing for a long time and are appearing to be really well behaved and just enjoying the game, so I have a lot of faith, cause i dont have anything against the british as long as they dont have anything against me. What do you think?

Another question is: Do you reckon the Germans will cause trouble? The very small amout of skinheads that still plague my country might do. But other than that, I dont know. I hope not!

Anyway, if anything. I think the USA have more reason to get angry. If they could by having a larger amount of football fans, I reckon they wouldnt be too wrong in hooliganising the German media, which have been way too liberal about America lately.

[Psychotic]

I felt sorry for France last world cup. They tried so hard, yet failed so miserably. I disagree, their downfall was that they were so arrogant and over-confident that they were convinced they would thrash anyone. For example, before the tournament, Trezeguet and Henry had a bet about which one would be the golden boot winner. Neither scored a goal. Heck, France didn't score a goal, and I was pleased when they crashed out.

As for the England v Germany thing, extremely xenophobic "crap trash-culture newspapers" (to borrow a phrase from Croyles) are always going to drag up World War II, but really, I don't think there is any genuine hatred between England and Germany fans, just a bit of friendly rivalry after coming across each other so many times in important games (eg 1966, 1990, 1996, and I simply have to mention the 5-1 ;)) There will always be idiots on both sides who will harbour hate, but for the most part, it should be cordial.

[Croyles]

Its true that the French team was arrogant, but I still felt sorry.

As for hooligans, I dont really see it as hatred. Its a way for the British hooligans to once again try and prove that Britain is the uber-country of all countries and are still strong, and apparently single-handedly won WW2. Many hooligans believe they are a sort of second military force (i borrowed that comment from someone else), and need to prove themselves.
But I do agree thats its not very likely much will happen from either side, but its still a possibility. Ive had english, german and other hooligans around my area many times, since im nicely situated between 3 popular stadiums (for which i could not get any tickets, btw!).

The German hooligans would be stupid to do anything in the likely chance to just absolutely disgrace our country once again. If that happens, ill personaly go out with a big ass bat and personally give my own goddamn countries hooligans a beating!

EDIT: The 5-1 Incident comment was uncalled for, Psychotic! :p :D

[Doomie]

Did I read the first post correctly? WHO will win? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Psychotic]

Both the British and German police will be working on stopping any English hooligans getting into Germany, and I imagine there will be a mass police operation in Germany to stop any German hooligans causing trouble, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were one or two ugly incidents.
Did I read the first post correctly? WHO will win? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!:kiss:

Now you can't taunt me when it happens, because I called it. :cool:

[black orb]

>>> Germany 2006 has the worst mascot ever..

[Croyles]

>>> Germany 2006 has the worst mascot ever..

Goleo is a secret pedophile who kidnaps children by slipping them in his oversized head section of his costume when they ask to hug him.

Anyway, this one is better!
http://wm-blogger.de/media/goleokahn.jpg

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

isn't that Germany's mascot for 2002 world cup?
Crazy Jens is the new number one German goalie

[black orb]

>>> Pille is pretty creepy too..

[Psychotic]

If Pille is the football, he is definitely the creepiest. No mascot will ever beat Footix from '98 in terms of greatness.

[black orb]

>>> Yeah, Pille is the football..
My personal favorite is Orange Kun (1982 Naranjito) :D..

[Doomie]

Jean-Alain Boumsong reminds me of feet with fungus.

[Croyles]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/fifa/20041112/i/2345919002.jpg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OWNS: v ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.suedharz2000.de/Cartoons/Fussball-Maskottchen/Logos-Welt/wc-1998-Footix.gif

[Psychotic]

That's only because you found a really crappy picture of Footix. :(

Also, I agree with black orb that the orange from '82 was good too.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/fifa/20041112/i/2345919002.jpg


the guy has no decency

[Croyles]

That's only because you found a really crappy picture of Footix. :(

Also, I agree with black orb that the orange from '82 was good too.

I was joking, the german mascot sucks.
2 more days!!

Lol I used to watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBXxo30t3No

[Russielloyd]

Just over 12 hours left till the World Cup starts and my life stops.

[Psychotic]

Apparently Steven Gerrard only has a 50-50 chance of making the Paraguay game. Great, first our best player gets injured, and now our second best.

Still, hopefully it will see Carrick in the holding role if Stevie G doesn't make it.

[tomamar04]

Apparently Steven Gerrard only has a 50-50 chance of making the Paraguay game. Great, first our best player gets injured, and now our second best.

Still, hopefully it will see Carrick in the holding role if Stevie G doesn't make it.

On the other hand, they are now saying that Rooney will be fit for Trinidad & Tobago.

[Croyles]

6 hours and 15 minutes!

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

5 hours and 3 minutes...

[tomamar04]

4 hours 22 minutes

[Doomie]

3 hours and 32 minutes. =]

[Croyles]

2 hours and 10 minutes (an hour before kick off that is)

[Resha]

1 hour and 24 minutes -_-

[Doomie]

36 minutes! OMG LALALALALALALALALALA!

[Old Manus]

10 minutes

[black orb]

>>> lol, Jens got pwned with one goal.. :D

[Russielloyd]

Germany 4
Costa Rica 2

Two amazing goals by Germany, attacked but againt Costa Rica, who wouldn't?

Germany's defense is terrible, if they had played a good team, Germany will get destroyed.

If they do get past the group stages, i hope England play then, so England can better them, Owen will love their defence.

Although, saying that, 6 goals, 2 amazing goals...a great opening match to the World Cup.

Also, check out the Automated World Cup Chart, just fill in the scores and the groups and knockout stages sort themselfs out.

http://www.worldcup-2006-betting.co.uk/downloads.htm

[Croyles]

4-2 a beautiful opening game!! Germanys defence was awful as usual, but their attacking was brilliant, with one of the best opening goals in world cup history (opening games are usually quite boring) and a absolutely brilliant goal by Frings not to mention the brilliant goal by Klose but more importantly the passes that ensued before before that one with Schneider and co!
Russielloyd, dont get too cocky! I know the German team have a lot to work on their defence, which has been their weakness for many years, but at least we are getting there with the attacking, dont ruin the moment for me :D
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit!!

[Russielloyd]

:P It true though, Costa Rica split Germany open with ease. They had two chance the whole game and scored twice. Germany aren't going far if their defence doesn't get sorted. Their attacking was good but Costa Rica defensively were very poor.

[Croyles]

Remember what I said? Dont ruin the moment for me! I know myself that its true :p
Anyway, it was a good opening match and im pleased with it. Damn shame about the Lederhosen guys being there, the tradition is actually Austrian and it looks dumb!

[Russielloyd]

It was a good match, the best opening game in a World Cup i've seen. I don't like the ball used though, it flew all over the place.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Germany's attacking was brilliant because Costa Rica's defence was poor. Still give the Germans credit for making the most out of it. A crucial three points. Let's face it. They're not going to score many more long range crackers like that so barring those goals it could easily have been a 2-2 draw

[Psychotic]

A nice game to begin with. Costa Rica were a lot poorer than I expected, although you can't fault their two well-worked goals. As for Germany, they looked very efficient in midfield, with Frings controlling the play, and Podolski and Schweinsteiger always looked dangerous, and it seems Klose is in top form, which isn't good news for the other 31 nations. However, as Russielloyd said:
Germany's defense is terrible, if they had played a good team, Germany will get destroyed.Absolutely. Still, it means that Germany will be exciting to watch...for a change. ;)

[Russielloyd]

Reading my own quote there,..sometimes i type like a right moron :p

I meant 'would of' instead of will. Though still, if their defense doesn't improve, they will get battered by any good team they play.

Ok, i've got a 2nd match to record now, i'll be back after it.

[Resha]

Aw, I was intensely proud of Costa Rica! They fought pretty well -- by their standards -- till the very aend and that Wanchope was brilliant. Seemed like a one-man show to me sometimes, though; I think Centeno picked up a little in the second-half and that's how the second Tico goal was set up. :) I guess they'll be happy with two goals at any rate, seeing as how they went out at group stage last year on goal difference to Turkey.

[Croyles]

Go Poland! Or maybe i'll root for Ecuador, im not sure yet...
Poland is a better team, so I don't want to be a glory supporter, but well, I just like the Polish.
I kind of like the ball they use, then again im probably biased since Germany won it.

EDIT: Pol 0 - 1 Ecu!
noooooooooooooo!

[DK]

PAULO PAULO YOU ARE MY HERO I LOVE YOU PAULO COME BACK TO MAN CITY <3333333

I don't care about the end result, Paulo is a king amongst men.

[Resha]

HE IS! I'm convinced that Ecuador will slowly kill Poland off. 1 - 0 to them, C. Tenorio scores. Althought Poland seem to be playing pretty well -- they are attacking, somewhat. I forsee more goals :jokey:

[Cz]

A goal-packed opener was a nice treat, even thought it was so one-sided. Nice to see Paulo Wanchope grab a couple, but I think that's as good as things are going to get for Costa Rica. Poland and Ecuador look as though they should be able to keep them out. Ecuador don't look bad going forward either. Still, there's no-one in this group who should trouble England in the second round.

Anyway, this game looks a bit more competitive, if not as great a spectacle. We should see a goal from each side in the second half.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

Ecuador played brilliantly. Poland were sheer unlucky hitting the post twice but that's football. I was pretty sure the second goal should have been ruled out for offside, but they defended well and deserved the clean sheet. This is what's good about having many European sides in this World Cup - they are all decent. When a decent side goes down they will dominate the rest of the game even though the momentum isn't on their side and in this match it kept switching. This group will be an intriguing one to keep an eye on

[Russielloyd]

Poland 0
Ecuador 2

Quite a open in the first half, going back an forth, but with the first goal, the game went from Poland a bit untill a kickup the backside at half tiem.

Then basically, it was Poland's ball in the 2nd half, but luck was never with them, but still, Ecuador did well to hold on, with the counter attack seemed to be the beating Poland with the last goal.

Overall, that match wasn't great, but with this result i think Ecuador will finish 2nd.

[Psychotic]

Ecuador played brilliantly. I don't think "brilliantly" describes it. Efficiently is a better word. I'm rather disappointed with Poland's showing, and they're probably going to go out now. I think Germany v Poland looks like it's going to be a real snorefest, although Ecuador v Germany could be interesting.

[Bart's Friend Milhouse]

The beauty of the World Cup in all it's glory. One bad performance and it all seems screwed. It's a real pain in the ass for Poland not just three points behind but a -4 goal difference between themselves and Ecuador.
8 goals on the first day, not at all bad :)

[Blitz Ace]

Great opening game, im glad i stayed up till 4 am watching it... the result however is me now being damn tired... something which will no doubt continue for the next month... STUPID TIME DIFFERENCE!!!

[Croyles]

Will England be able to screw history and get a goal in the second half??

[Resha]

1 - 0 to England. Hah, completely deserved. Paraguay have had hardly any chances to breach England's seemingly rock-solid defence; they've not been able to do this even through their occasional set-pieces (few and far between anyways). Poor Paraguay went to pieces the first 16 minutes or so. I didn't expect Gamarra to score an own goal -- he's such a veteran, and he's their captain too, right? (Not sure.)

Well, I hope England convert more of their many chances into goals, and make this a real thrilling game. The ref. really seems to have something against poor Crouch, so I hope he scores too.

Edit: Croyles, at the rate both teams are going -- probably.

[Croyles]

Im rooting for England

[themagicroundabout]

I love Paraguay!

[Croyles]

Paraguay are slowly getting the hang of it!

EDIT: 1-0 was my prediction, but England really should have scored more!
Unfortunetely England ran out of steam on the second half.

It was hotter in Japan/South Korea, why use that justification l0l.

[Russielloyd]

Once again, Sven is an IDIOT!

There was no reason to take Owen off! and for a left winger. Stick Walcott on if you're going to take Owen off, you muppet.

Refferee was utterly useless, he didn't leave Crouch alone one bit.

Though our defence is stilll solid as ever and we played a better first half then they did of a second half, they should of been dead and burried by half time. The heat got the better of us i think, though J.Cole and Gerrard were great.

Deserved win in the end.

[Cz]

The Good:
We've won our opener, and that essentially guarentees our qualification already. The only matter of any importance now is whether we make first or second.
A great first half performance, particularly from Gerrard and Joe Cole. We closed down the Paraguayans well, and prevented their big players from creating any chances.
Paul Robinson hit the TV thingy. :D
The Bad:
Bringing on Downing for Owen simply made no sense, and the introduction of Hargreaves made it obvious that Sven was happy to pl for a draw. England showed no ambition whatsoever in the second half, and although we got away with it here, we won't be able to do the same in the later rounds.
Ashley Cole had a very poor first half, and was the only member of the team that looked off-form. However, he made a decent recovery after half-time, so I suppose it's forgivable.
Some terrible officiating has hampered us with two undeserved yellow cards that might prove inconvenient.
The Ugly:
Nelson Valdez really needs to shave that goatee off. :yuck:

[Psychotic]

Which junior Einstein had the bright idea of appointing a latin referee to a latin team's game? If Crouch so much as looked at a player in a blue shirt he gave a free kick. And not allowing players to take on water? ...what? Idiot. Complete idiot.

Paraguay didn't play well, and it was only because of their incompetence that we won, really. As for us, well, I can understand not going all-out to destroy Paraguay in such heat at the first game of a long tournament, even if Ian Wright can't. But honestly, is keeping possession so much to ask for? If we do that against a good team, we're going to get spanked.

Still, the first half showed glimpses and glimmers of what we're capable of, and I hope we begin to show more of it.

[Russielloyd]

Why they for once give us a bloody evening match, where it's not so hot and there's a breeze more likely circulating around. We never do well in the heat.

Still we're basically through now, just beat T&T and we are through and most likely playing Sweden for first place.

I still Think England will get better as they progress because seeing as we don't normally win our opening games it was a good result.

I have a slight feeling that Rooney might take play some part against T&T.

[black orb]

>>> I want to see Brazil, England must play better than that if they want to go to the final..

[jesteranimefreak]

Ok, being an American, whenever people say "football" I think the US type... but I know what this is. I watched the England v. Paraguay match... that was interesting.... Go England.... although if they have to wait for OG's (although, granted it should be credited to Beckham....) to win, they might not get out of group. Still, untill after the group stage I will support England, but if both USA and England make it out of group, I support USA 100%.

EDIT: SWE 0:0 TRI early second half.... TRI Avery John is red carded

[Resha]

I am SO fucking proud of Trinidad & Tobago. What with Marvin Andrews out with a knee injury, and Kelvin Jack cut out of the game 10 minutes before it began (a horrible spot of bad luck), and this being their first time in the World Cup ever, I'm pretty sure the majority had written T&T off. Add to that the fact that Sweden are fielding the likes of Ibrahimovic, Larsson and Ljungberg. (It is wonderful to see Rami Shabaan again, in the passing. ^__^)

Shaka Hislop is doing a great job as fill-in goalie -- I suppose this is to be expected, seeing as he is WH's first choice goalie. I don't know why Leo favours Jack over Hislop, but I have never seen Jack play, so nyah. Two great saves to his name already in this game, and hopefully more to come. Plucky is the word to describe the way T&T're playing; [I assume from the commentator's words that] everyone was expecting Sweden to come away with a rout -- and instead, it's 0 - 0 at half time, and towards the end, T&T looked increasingly threatening!

This game also has the greatest ambience ever. The T&T fans are so loud and happy, it's infecting even me. My favourite game of the tournament so far. I'm so proud of T&T, for reasons completely unknown even to me. :heart:

Edit: Poor little Resha presses the submit button, and Avery John gets a red card for his second tackle on Wilhelmsson. :( Aw, man. I can only watch and see -- but it seems pretty improbable (a win, at any rate -- which was a Senegalese-like dream) now. At most hope for a draw, 0 - 0 or otherwise, if they play stunningly.

[Cz]

SHAKA HISLOP YOU LOVELY LITTLE MAN :love:

Seriously, the best match of the tournament so far, and great news for England. Congrats to Trinidad and Tobago on a great result. :thumb:

[Russielloyd]

Trinidad &Tobago 0
Sweden 0

I think Trinidad &Tobago just made some friends.

Well done to them, they performed out of their skins. Given Sweden missed some great oppotunities, there defense was amazing.

Shaka Hislop, where the hell did that peformance come from, he was amazing, that other keepers injury was a blessing in disguise.

Dwight Yorke, i don't think he's run more than that in his whole football career.

Their team will go down in history, just for that result and performance.

Well done T&T.

[Resha]

YES! I am so happy. They played brilliantly, bravely -- good news for Engerland too :rolleyes2 BUT STILL. WITH 10 MEN. Amazing, brilliant, and I'm high. Trinidad and Tobago fans are seriously the best. xD

[Russielloyd]

We'll see about that in the next match v England, when the stadium is like 95% of England Fans singing "Football's coming home"

L0L

[Clouded Sky]

Call me a cynic, but I'd say there are a lot of Americans with no knowledge of football voting for their own country. :D
Oooh! Pick me! ME! Go USA! I love soccer.

[Cz]

Argentina 2 - 1 Ivory Coast

A spirited performance from the Africans, but the quality of Argentina showed in the first half. They're the best side I've seen so far in the tournament, and they deserved the victory. Still, the Ivorians exceeded my expectations, and could cause trouble for the weaker Dutch defence. A good show by them. :)

[Psychotic]

Shaka Hislop is doing a great job as fill-in goalie -- I suppose this is to be expected, seeing as he is WH's first choice goalie.Roy Carroll.

And from the basis of that game, it looks like if any of the big two in Group C implode, it's going to be the Netherlands.

[Resha]

Roy wha-? Hislop played in the FA Cup Final so I *assumed*.

Good show by Ivory Coast in the first half -- too bad they didn't convert their chances into goals, even during those lapses in Argentinian defence. Argentina were more accurate with the chances they did get, and I'm sure it's safe to say it was a good game for Saviola, in particular. Kinda died down for IC in the second half, even though they got their goal then -- Toure, Drogba and Keita made good showing. Would've liked to see more of Eboue but ah well. :)

[Russielloyd]

Roy Carroll is ex-man utd keeper, he's been injured since January, that's why Hislop had been in the starting line-up, including the F.A Cup Final.

[Resha]

Oh, I see. He's still awesome though :p After tonight I'm convinced he DESERVES to be there, although this stellar performance was much better than anything I saw for West Ham.

[Croyles]

I wanted IC to win that, damn it.

[DeathKnight]

Football/Soccer:

-Football/Soccer has the WORST referees I've EVER SEEN IN SPORTS history.

-The acting that goes on in soccer/football is amazing.

-I hope and I'm rooting for that NO European countries win

[Psychotic]

Yeah, those darned Europeans need to be punished for their blasted 16th Century colonisation, and the punishment shall be losing the 2006 World Cup.

[DeathKnight]

Yeah, those darned Europeans need to be punished for their blasted 16th Century colonisation, and the punishment shall be losing the 2006 World Cup.

Quoted for truth, but yet you still miss my point, did I ever mention the word "colonisation???" stop assuming.

[Psychotic]

I didn't say you said "colonisation". I was expressing my own views on the subject. Maybe you shouldn't assume yourself.

But enlighten me here, why do you think all the European teams should lose? Perhaps you don't like their style of play?

[DeathKnight]

I didn't say you said "colonisation". I was expressing my own views on the subject. Maybe you shouldn't assume yourself.

well, why referr to my post???

it would all have been great between us if you didn't referr to my post:choc:

[Russielloyd]

How about we just talk what the thread title sugests and should be reffered to as football.

[Psychotic]

I'm looking forward to Portgual v Angola and Serbia v Holland tomorrow. Both promise to be interesting encounters. I'll be rooting for the underdogs, Angola and Serbia.

[jesteranimefreak]

I've seen blinder refs in american football. these are the strictest refs I've seen.... granted some are biased (The ref for the England/Paraguay match comes to mind)

The acting is expected.... you want to draw fouls. Although all the cards I've seen, including TRI Avery John's second yellow card that resulted him hitting the showers, were all very deserved.

[Russielloyd]

It does look mighty tough for Serbia though, i don't think they'll pick up any points to be honest.

Anyone know what happened the last time England played a South American team as their first game in the World Cup? ;)

and we didn't even win that one.

[Psychotic]

I don't think I agree with you about Serbia. They were extremely impressive in qualifying, and I think they'll prove hard for the other sides to break down. I can't wait for their match agains the Ivory Coast.

I do believe it was Uruguay in 1966, and if I am right, it finished 0-0. Now, 1966, I'm not sure how well we did in that one... :p

[Russielloyd]

I'm not sure what happened either, didn't we get so far in the knock out stages? :D

The thing about the World Cup, is that there's at least one game almost every day untill the quarter finals, where there's a 3 day break till it resumes again.

[Cz]

A good result for the Dutch. Winning this tough game puts them in a strong position to qualify from Group C. However, they don't look as if they're going to go much further than that, since besides Arjen Robben (who was sublime in the first half) they looked rather pedestrian for the most part. Serbia and Montenegro weren't particularly impressive either, and having lost here they'll have difficulty qualifying, I think.

[Croyles]

Are you joking? Holland was really impressive in the first half. They played very fast with good passes (and this is not just Robben!), and in the second half Serbia and Montenegro were really pushing Holland, I was expecting them to score.

[Resha]

I guess I did underestimate S&M -- it was a pretty good game for them, and I wish they'd gotten a goal. That said, Dutch possession in the first half was smurfing insane -- 66%??? xD

I wanted S&M to win, but meh -- Robben was on fire, and van Persie didn't do too badly either, what with a good free kick or two and setting up the first goal. Van Bronckhorst had a pretty messy game, though. Group C has been classed by the pundits as the Group of Death along with Group F, but now the two favourites are sitting pretty on top with three points each. Good game for the sub., Koroman -- he threatened the Dutch at times.

Edit: Iran versus Mexico in a while -- I hope Iran win. I don't know that much about them, to be honest, but they are one of the best teams here in Asia, and 'twould be nice to have an Asian team progress. Granted Mexico and Portugal are the faves in Group D, but there's some talk of how Mexico's FIFA world ranking has been inflated -- a lot of them are, after all. Hopefully, Iran win. :D

[Russielloyd]

Ok, so im one, thrid right that Serbia wont win any matches, just two to go.

Only if it had been Argentina v Holland, as the first game of the group. Would of probably gone down to the last game for places.

Mexico 1-0.
Bravo, 28 mins.

[tomamar04]

Iran equalised. If Iran can get something out of this game, they have a good chance of getting out of the group

[Croyles]

3-1 for Mexico, it was deserved of them.

[Psychotic]

Netherlands v S&M
If you ask me, these two teams were equal, with one exception: Arjen Robben, who, as Cz said, was sublime. If Eboue can shackle him when the two orange teams meet, the Africans could be in with a chance...

Mexico v Iran
Iran put up a good fight, but Mexico were the deserving winners. Marquez and Zinha impressed me the most.

Portugal v Angola
As David Pleat said, just like England's game. Portugal started off well, and then burned off in the second half. Angola, like Paraguay, didn't seem to want to get anything back. C. Ronaldo, as per usual, tried countless tricks, and as per usual, they didn't pay off. Still, it makes it all the more excellent to watch when they do. Figo was their best player, and it's a shame he didn't sign for Liverpool in the Summer - it was very close, but then Inter got involved. :(

[Jack]

Netherlands v S&M
If you ask me, these two teams were equal, with one exception: Arjen Robben, who, as Cz said, was sublime. If Eboue can shackle him when the two orange teams meet, the Africans could be in with a chance...
Agreed. He seemed to be the real playmaker, and despite S&M's best efforts, he ALWAYS looked dangerous. If the Ivories pin him down, leaving him not much space to make those runs...It'll make a good game.
I will say that I felt S&M's attacks were good, there was something lacking in the finishing. If Holland had some of their opportunities, then the score might have been different. Their star striker MUST have been having a off day, before the game the pundicts were raving about Premiership bosses scouting him, and then: Nothing.... S&M remind me of a less good Croatia. Very good defence, but always seeming to lack a standout striker. David Suker used to do it for the Croats, but he retired ages ago and I haven't seen anyone as distinctive since.

As for the Mexico game... Iran in the first half were driven and it was quite tightly contested. As soon as the second half started, I don't know what happened but you could see it slowly going it away from them. The difference here from the England game is that they blew it. I think Mexico have a high rating because they are consistently qualifying and doing well in their region. However on the International scene they are not World Cup winners, but they are always surprising and CAN win games against giants IMO. However, like in the first half today, they lacked the focus needed to topple a giant like Argentina. I think it's lucky they are in this group, because if it had a real giant then they might struggle to get to the 2nd Round. All my opinion guys.


these are the strictest refs I've seen.... granted some are biased (The ref for the England/Paraguay match comes to mind)

The acting is expected.... you want to draw fouls. Although all the cards I've seen, including TRI Avery John's second yellow card that resulted him hitting the showers, were all very deserved.

Even Gerrard's on Saturday? Didn't even touch the player!!
In the 1st round, Refs always are strict because they are trying to inforce the rules early on so players will break them less later on. Plus, FIFA try and stamp out a particular thing each time and refs are looking out for it. You mention the England/Paraguay game, that was a good example of what most refs are doing this year. Cracking down on small things (Crouch's dissent (Meaning he probably gave a finger to the Mexican) and keeping the play moving (The Water thing...) is what I think FIFA is trying to do this year. Notice time wasting is being cracked down on (The ball holding by the keeper in Paraguay) because I think they want the pace flowing.
(Although I think the Mexican lost the plot in the 2nd half and slowed the game down with his late descisions, and made it a very disjointed game to watch and no doubt troublesome for the players on both sides.I'll be curious to see if he does it again, or was rapped for it after the furoue on both sides about the water)

As for England... Didn't we play badly! I'm worried because Sweden (Who we NEVER beat) drew against T&T. This means that it won't be as easy as anticipated. However, if Sven plays Hargreaves again... Another thing, does Sven care?

Weirdly enough, I'm looking forward to Japan & Australia. I don't know why, but Japan played some interesting games last World Cup and I REALLY think Australia are improving. Also, IMO It'll decide who comes 3rd since neither have any real chance of getting through to the second round.
(Oooooh I'm mean)

[Russielloyd]

Portugal v Angola
As David Pleat said, just like England's game. Portugal started off well, and then burned off in the second half.

Though the only difference there, is that Portugal are use to extreme heat, so they got no excuses, they should of beat them quite comfortably.


As for England... Didn't we play badly! I'm worried because Sweden (Who we NEVER beat) drew against T&T. This means that it won't be as easy as anticipated.

T&T wont be able to peform like they did Saturday, basically holding Sweden off for 90 mins and half of that with only 10 men, that would of deffinately taken alot out of them, plus England are a better team than Sweden so i see nothing but 3 points on Thursday and a place in the 2nd round already.

Sweden deffinately need to worrie, Paraguay will be alot tougher than T&T and morale with Sweden will be low after Saturday and i see a draw happening here, therefore England winning the group.

[Resha]

Australia 0 - 1 Japan. Aussies played brilliantly first 15 minutes of the game, and honestly, I don't know what to think about the Japanese goal. It was pretty controversial, from Nakamura -- was Schwarzer fouled/impeded? I thought he came too far forwards to save it, myself. Japan looked much better after their goal, and the Aussies are getting more aggressive. Viduka's shining, and I haven't seen as much of Kewell as I'd expected -- hopefully, some more in the second half.

(Haha I'm so happy ^___^ Kewell CUT HIS HAIR! He doesn't look so ugle anymore. It made my day.)

I hope Japan win. They've looked quite good with the fast breaks, and hopefully...more goals? :D

[Cz]

Australia are a goal down to Japan at the moment, and it's been an interesting game so far. The Aussies have been playing the better passing football, but they've been prone to counter attacks because their packed midfield hasn't been doing its defensive duties as well as it should. However, they've probably been the better side, and were unlucky to go a goal down, since Schwarzer was clearly impeded.

Also, Harry Kewell has sorted out his hair at last. His recovery from suckiness is complete.

[Resha]

Bah humbug. Cahill, Cahill. Aloisi. :( I am sad; Kawaguchi was amazing, stopping Viduka's free kick and Aloisi's, until Cahill shattered him. After that, Jesus, there was no stopping the Aussies. I wish Japan had converted more of their clear cut chances (and they had a fair few of these!) into goals.

Edit: I'm disappointed in Hiddink. Doubtless he's still a brilliant coach, and maybe his reaction to the Schwarzer incident is understandable, but why the fuck push away a Japanese official when Tsuboi was injured? That was unnecessary and I don't like Hiddink anymore. :mad2:

[Mo-Nercy]

YAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!!!11!!!!!!111!!!!!!!1111!!!!1111111111!!!!!!!!!111!!111!!!

This is a happy scream btw. xD

Admittantly, 6 months ago, I couldn't have given less of a stuff about soccer. But wow. I <3 Australia. :love:

Bring on Brazil! maybe

[jesteranimefreak]

ouch.... out of all the teams besides the US I wanted to win early, Japan was one of them..... major ouch.

[The Shoeless Hobo]

I screamed as smurfing loud as possible (in joy) when Australia scored...and it's 1 am in the morning. :D

[Croyles]

OMG, i really wanted Japan to win!
I wasnt there to watch the game, I had an exam, could someone tell me who played better? Possibly someone NON BIASED ^^

[Resha]

YAY! :D My day just got better after seeing Tomas Rosicky's a-mazing goal. I'm so happy he's coming to Arsenal. First time seeing him play, and what accuracy. He's great.

Edit: Make that TWO brilliant goals and one which hit the crossbar. :heart: I am stunned! USA 0 - 3 Czech Republic.

[tomamar04]

OMG, i really wanted Japan to win!
I wasnt there to watch the game, I had an exam, could someone tell me who played better? Possibly someone NON BIASED ^^

Australia.

Italy-Ghana next...should be good

[Psychotic]

Japan - Australia
Wow, what a game! This is one of the few games where I wasn't leaning towards one particular side (normally in the back of my mind I want one team to win). I think the Japanese goal was fine, because Moore pushed the Japanese striker into Schwarzer and you can't complain there, and yes, Japan deserved the penalty from Cahill on their #3...I think his name is Komano? But the Aussies did deserve to win, although that's not to say Japan deserved to lose.

USA - Czech Republic
And that, my dear Kirobaito, is why I didn't include the USA on the poll. Overrated by FIFA's ranking, and this game also showed why I think Landon Donovan is overrated. I was disappointed with the USA, as I think that's the worst performance I've seen from a team so far in this WC. As for the Czechs, well, what can you say? Lovely possession football. Still, a shame about Jan Koller. And bloody hell, doesn't it look good for Arsenal? Rosicky for Pires? Nice!

Ghana - Italy
The only Ghanans who really put in the effort were Essien and Appiah. The Italians calmly controlled the game, and I think it's pretty obvious which two teams will qualify from Group E. Still, wasn't too keen to see some of the Italian dirty tricks at the end, such as Pirlo diving and Iaquinta tossing the ball away.

[Old Manus]

The Italy - Ghana game was my favourite game today (read: only one I watched in full). Ghana had bucketloads of chances, but their ball control is pants, and Essien was the only player who really stood out.

And I lol'd at the passback before Italy's second goal.

[Russielloyd]

9 goals today, that's half of what the first three days produced, making it 27 goals we've seen. So far it's been a great World Cup and we've not even seen Brazil yet.

Kaka to shine at this World Cup, he's the one that going to be pulling the strings in the Brazil team, an absolute wonder talent he is.

[Psychotic]

I agree with you there. Although the hype is surrounding Ronaldinho, Kaka is the one I will be watching, and I can't wait to see him play.

[Doomie]

Go Italy go. Yay Pirlo. And Del Piero is bald. =]

[Psychotic]

Pro Evo would call that a buzz cut, Doomie. Darkness 2 or 3, I reckon.

[Yamaneko]

I watched the first half of the Italy - Ghana game during my lunch break. One of the better games so far despite the one-sided nature. Italy is interesting to watch because they have a habit of closing up once they've scored, putting all their effort into defense. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

[Croyles]

I watched the first half of the Italy - Ghana game during my lunch break. One of the better games so far despite the one-sided nature. Italy is interesting to watch because they have a habit of closing up once they've scored, putting all their effort into defense. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Yeah thats certainly true, they are famous for it, although they didnt do it that much this game.

[Russielloyd]

I agree with you there. Although the hype is surrounding Ronaldinho, Kaka is the one I will be watching, and I can't wait to see him play.

I've seen him play loads of times for Milan for the season just gone, he is true quality. The passes he makes to split open defensive is amazing, the third goal against Liverpool in the CL final, is an example of this, he's got a quality strike on him aswell and has the ability to run past 2-3 players.

He's always in my pro evo team and i always try to buy him on Football Manager, even it does mean i go in debt, i've only succeded in buying him once.

[Blitz Ace]

Things went wild in Australia last night... couldnt believe the result, 3 goals in 8 minutes was crazily more than i expected. Now that we have the confidence, maybe we can cause brazil some problems!! HAHAHA im so happy!!!!

[Doomie]

I don't know what to say about Totti though. He's got talent, but I just don't like him. And by the way Psy, Italy, like they've done so many times before, took out their best player (Toni) and replaced him with the aged DP. Much like WE9 likes to take out Ronaldinho and put in Diego.

[Psychotic]

Oh, I'm going to go on a Pro Evo tangent and I just can't help it.
He's always in my pro evo team and i always try to buy him on Football Manager, even it does mean i go in debt, i've only succeded in buying him once.In my Master League, possibly the most interesting transfer I have ever seen was when Liverpool and AC Milan traded Kaka and Gerrard.
Much like WE9 likes to take out Ronaldinho and put in Diego.I dropped Diego from the Brazil squad as soon as I could, purely because of his absolutely disturbing face on the game. Seriously, go into edit player mode and then Brazil, and then zoom in on the guy's face. Creepy.
Things went wild in Australia last night... couldnt believe the result, 3 goals in 8 minutes was crazily more than i expected. Now that we have the confidence, maybe we can cause brazil some problems!! HAHAHA im so happy!!!!I actually thought of you when Australia won. Congrats, but you'll be lucky to beat Brazil in the same way, although I hope you can ;)

[Russielloyd]

Also forgot to say, Kaka already has a World Cup medal, l0l. Thats some thing to have when your 20!

Have you got a patched version on Pro Evo, i got mine for the PS2. Every single correct kits, faces, chants, flags, logos, the lot, it's awesome.

[Psychotic]

Nah, I edited the entire thing myself. Took ages, but I enjoyed doing it.

But it looks extremely realistic so there we go.

[-N-]

I was simply stunned after watching the USA's horrific lackluster performance. I don't know how FIFA ranked them #5, and I don't know how those rankings work, but regardless of rank, that was simply the least energetic team I've ever seen. Jan Koller's 5 minute goal only succeeded because the man is huge, but Rocisky's brilliant strikes ensured the better team won. I still can't believe he made that shot from like 30 meters away. Simply astounding.

If the USA wants a decent crack at moving on, they need to pick up the pace of their game and consistently apply pressure. And maybe actually care about the game. And their first touches were absolutely terrible. The only reason they had ~60% possession was because they had to keep passing back to Keller because they couldn't even break past the Czech midfield half the time. The States had some good scoring moves in the late second half but the Czech defense was all too prepared.

I'm surprised there aren't that many posts slamming the States - the New Zealand commentator was over-critical of them (to the point of bias), in fact. I suppose it's to be expected, but hearing it defintely added insult to injury.

[tomamar04]

I was simply stunned after watching the USA's horrific lackluster performance. I don't know how FIFA ranked them #5, and I don't know how those rankings work, but regardless of rank, that was simply the least energetic team I've ever seen. Jan Koller's 5 minute goal only succeeded because the man is huge, but Rocisky's brilliant strikes ensured the better team won. I still can't believe he made that shot from like 30 meters away. Simply astounding.

If the USA wants a decent crack at moving on, they need to pick up the pace of their game and consistently apply pressure. And maybe actually care about the game. And their first touches were absolutely terrible. The only reason they had ~60% possession was because they had to keep passing back to Keller because they couldn't even break past the Czech midfield half the time. The States had some good scoring moves in the late second half but the Czech defense was all too prepared.

I'm surprised there aren't that many posts slamming the States - the New Zealand commentator was over-critical of them (to the point of bias), in fact. I suppose it's to be expected, but hearing it defintely added insult to injury.

They work the rankings out by how many matches a team wins, and how important that match is. USA is so highly ranked because the only decent side they play outside of the World Cup is Mexico.

Everything was poor about the USA performance yesterday, they had a left footer on the right and a right footer on the left! But a lot of credit has to go to Rosicky, two great goals.

There aren't that many posts slamming them because tbh, I think many European based fans never really thought they stood a chance in the first place.

[Resha]

South Korea 0 -- 1 Togo. This makes me glad; go tiny Togo! :D South Korea just didn't attack well the first half an hour at all, and they've only picked up a bit of pace after the Togolese goal. I think Togo have the potentially to be really dangerous is they sat back less and really drove forward in offence -- so far their free kicks and corners taken have been more threatening than that of South Korea's. But we'll see. It's a very physical game.

[Spatvark]

South Korea 2 : 1 Togo
A pretty poor game overall really, though what the hell the Togo coach thought he was doing with his tactics in the second half after the sending off. Togo had next to no midfield presence which made it a lot easier for S. Korea to get their equaliser, which was pretty good I'll admit. But still, neither side played particularly well, the passes and tackles were sloppy for both teams and the final distribution was poor too.

Still though, we should have two more interesting matches coming up today, France vs Switzerland followed by Brazil vs Croatia. I'm expecting a lot more goals =D~

[Doomie]

Go Klasnic.

[Croyles]

I want switzerland to win! :D

[Cz]

Right, here goes...

Australia Japan was perhaps the best contested game of the tournament so far. Japan's goal was iffy, but they were denied a clear penalty at the other end, so the decisions balanced out. Tim Cahill popped up with two well taken goals to seal it for the Aussies, but I think a 3-1 scoreline is somewhat unfair on the Japanese.

The Czechs were totally dominant from start to finish in their match against the USA. Anyone who wants to see why the USA are undeserving of their high ranking should look at their performance in this game. They were little more than a competent team unit, and were outclassed by the Czechs all over the field. I've always thought Rosicky was somewhat overrated, but he really impressed me here, and the Czechs as a whole put in the best performance of the copmpetition so far, for me. Losing Koller could be a huge blow, but if Baros is on his Euro 2004 form then it should stop them from going a long way. Let the records show that Jan Koller's 5th minute header was also the first goal I've missed of this tournament. School is mean. :(

Italy really didn't impress me in the first half, failing to really subdue the Ghanaians in midfield. Fortunately for them, Ghana suffer from the same difficulty as the other African nations in this tournament; they simply haven't got anyone who can reliably stick the ball in the back of the net. The contrast between Italy and Ghana in terms of finishing was astonishing, and meant that once Italy did go ahead the result was pretty secure. From that point onwards Itally controlled the game and were a much better side. Notoriously slow starters, I'd expect them to do a much better job against the USA, and realy get into their stride as the tournament progresses.

Togo turned the rule-book on its head by actually having someone who could strike a ball in their team, as exhibited by their superbly taken first goal. The Koreans were completely devoid of vision in the first half, and showed just how fortunate they were to make it to the semis last time. The sending-off (absolutely correct, by the way) was undoubtedly the turning point, and after that South Korea had the momentum. Sadly, I think that's Togo's hopes of qualification done for, but to be honest I can't see either of these teams going anywhere this year.

I'm very interested to see how the French perform against Switzerland. They're capable of just about anything at present, and this game will show us whether they'll be a force to be reckoned with, or crash and burn early on.

[Russielloyd]

Plus USA didn't have the mighty Friedel in goal, so they were bound to get stuffed! Thats what got them to the quarter finals four years ago.

[Spatvark]

France 0 : 0 Switzerland (HT)
Not a bad first half, though the Swiss are really unlucky to not be 1:0 up after the excellent free kick setting Fry up at the back post. France on the other hand, whilst looking dangerous up front, have lacked a decent final pass into the box. They've had a few good chances were Henry or Ribery could have scored, but have let their fans down so far. The second half promises to be good though.

[Resha]

Horrible heart-stopping shot that hit the post by Frei. France, too, have had a fair number of chances to score, and yet haven't done so. There's the one Viera muffed, and most of Henry's shot have (thus far) lacked conviction, so to speak, and so made easy saves for the goalie. Any critic of Zidane could be somewhat silenced, because he has put in some class passes and created some great chances for France around the box.

Is it me or is the French defence looking kinda messy at times? Once or twice they've managed to completely make a hash of things, clearing the ball with some difficulty, and one example of this is their reaction to the Frei shot.

[Russielloyd]

France 0
Switzeland 0

This match is the most boring match i've seen so far, deffinately not good!

They say Henry isn't as good for France as he is for Arsenal, that's because he has to play with these French moronic players, they do nothing to help him, no player can do it on his own, no matter how good he is.

Also people going on how Zidane is still great, he's way past it, along with Viera and Thuram.

The arguing between Zidane, Thuram and Gallas summed it all up really, France are useless, if anything Switzerland deserved to win!

Only thing good about this match was the final whistle.

[Spatvark]

France 0 : 0 Switzerland (FT)
I take it back, that second half was terrible really. Switzerland should have scored in their final attack to snatch victory, but Frei's use of his hand took the ball away from the Swiss player just behind him who couldn't NOT score. That was just bleh really; the first half was more enjoyable, but still not that great.

[Resha]

The arguing between Zidane, Thuram and Gallas was pretty nasty. They're not united, the French team. It's like they've swapped places with the Dutch, meh. Things are just not right with the team as a whole -- problems with Domenech, between the goalies, problems with the fans -- I thought I saw some restive French fans in the crowd, nasty -- and clearly they need something new, something fresh in the team; they're calling back players!

I'd expected that of Ribery, but he didn't dazzle me today either. I was kind of impressed with Vikash Dhorasoo and his mighty close miss, but all in all it was a very, very lacklustre performance from France. Henry's godly for Arsenal, but even he didn't impress me today. His shots just didn't convey he had conviction and drive. :/

Kudos to the Swiss defence, though. Great to see guys like Senderos and Djourou doing so well. They've come so far! :)

[Spatvark]

Part of Henry's problem is his role in the French squad is not the same as his role in the Arsenal one. For France, he's basically an out-and-out striker, but for Arsenal, he's usually all over the pitch, with heavy support from the midfield players, and they build their attacks around him. France instead rely upon Zidane to create the play, leaving Henry standing around up front, and even then, Henry's movement off the ball in the first half was pretty good, but he was looking pretty fed up during the second.

[Resha]

Meh, don't get me wrong. I love Henry beyond anything in the universe, and I'm not criticising him. I guess I just have too high expectations of him, sometimes. Who doesn't? :p Hopefully his next few games will be better. He'll be tired too, having been playing till the very brink of the WC, what with the CL and all.

[Russielloyd]

Come on Kaka! show the world what you're all about and that Ronaldinho is overrated.

HT
Brazil 1
Croatia 0

KAKA!! My man scored! told you lot he was brilliant! :D
The match was a bit dull, Croatia did well to hold Brazil off for as long as they did and had some chances themselfs but Kaka has ruined any chance Croatia had of picking up points, with an amazing goals.

Leonardo agrees with me, that he'll be the one to watch!

One thing though, take Ronaldo off, he's just completely useless, he's not doing anything at all, just totally not interested.

[Spatvark]

eh, the match is far from over in my eyes. Brazil have looked shaky at the back and, at least before the goal, Croatia looked confident going forwards. It'll be interesting to see how both sides start out the second half, but it's always risky to rule out the Croats.

[Russielloyd]

Brazil will play the way they always do with attacking flair and they won't change it, sure Brazil defense isn't the best, but their attack outways that, there's no way i think they'll lose or draw this match.

Croatia will come out now and be more open trying to find an equaliser, leaving them vunrable to attack, Kaka and Ronaldinho will find more space to run into and create more chances, therefore ripping Croatia apart!

[Cz]

France were atrocious from start to finish, and I can see them struggling to even qualify on that performance. None of the old guard are what they used to be (although Zidane still managed to deliver a few killer passes) and the likes of Ribery aren't going to replace them. The Swiss did very well, with an organised performance that recognised Henry as France's only attacking threat and dealt with him accordingly.

Brazil haven't been spectacular so far either, and Croatia have defended admirably. For forty minutes they looked as likely to score as the champions, with Prso looking dangerous out on the left. That Tudor free kick was poorly defended, and shows that Brazil can be beaten as easily as any team by a well-delivered set piece. Croatia are looking much better than they did in 2004, and they might just make some progress in this year's tournament. Nevertheless, Kaka's goal was nicely taken, and with the pressure now on Croatia, Brazil should now be able to dictate the pace of the game. I predict them adding to their lead in the second half.

Oh, and props to Mark Lawrenson for coining the phrase "Corridor of Uncertainty". :D

[Russielloyd]

Adriano has been non-exsistent.

[dragoonknight_kain]

Ronaldo did nothing, Adriano was useless too, but Robinho did well enough. Lucio and Juan were good too, but with this team we're going nowhere. And wtf is Parreira thinking? Keeping Juninho on the bench the whole game?

[Cz]

Hmm, looks like I was wrong. Brazil's second half showing was little better than the first, and they were rather fortunate to come out with the three points. They're still a great side and I'm they can go all the way, but this performance has certainly made their position as favourites somewhat shaky. They looked very much a beatable side today, and that can only be good news for England.

[Loony BoB]

If Croatia could put their shots within the goalbox but not DIRECTLY at the goalkeeper, they would have won that in a big way. Pretty even match in the end.

[Croyles]

I was with Croatia the whole way, and I reckon they deserved to win, especially the performance they gave in the second half.

Ronaldo is fat. :D

[-N-]

Plus USA didn't have the mighty Friedel in goal, so they were bound to get stuffed! Thats what got them to the quarter finals four years ago.Yeah, he was majestic in 2002. I remember almost quitting tennis to go back to be a soccer goalie. I love watching goalies in action, and I didn't enjoy watching the USA match much at all.

[Psychotic]

South Korea v Togo
It seemed to me that Togo were relying too much on star player Emanuel Adebayor, and he was just a useless lump in that game, to be honest. Good finish by Kader, though. As for the Koreans, first I'm gonna comment on their fans. They seem to have a lot of female fans that scream in a high-pitch whenever they or their opponents attack, which amused me. The team looked lacklustre until the introduction of Ahn Jung-Hwan at the start of the second half, but they deserved the win.

France v Switzerland
I was actually taking a...uh...siesta at the start of this game, and only woke up in the 35th minute. It seems I didn't miss much at all. They're relying too much on Zidane, and should instead base their team around Henry. A poor result against the Koreans would be the end of their World Cup, and I hope the Koreans can do it, really. Switzerland looked average. Nothing special, but nothing poor.

Brazil v Croatia
What a surprise, Brazil are not the all-conquering demi-gods that they were hyped up to be. They still managed to look casual and confident though, and that could be their downfall. I thought Croatia were unlucky not to come away with a draw, and poor finishing let them down.

Noticed how hardly any of the teams on the poll (ie, the favourites, a couple of dark horses, and, uh...the USA) have performed well in their first match? Germany looked dodgy at the back, England, Portugal and the Netherlands faded, Italy looked shaky at times against Ghana, France couldn't even scrape a win, and Brazil were fortunate to beat Croatia. Argentina are the exception, as they played quite well against tough opponents, although they didn't seem so confident in the second half. As for the dark horses, Mexico seemed slightly unsure against a poor Iran team, and really only the Czechs seemed fully in control of their match. Oh, and Spain haven't played yet, but I wouldn't bet against them going 1-0 up in the first half, before looking vulnerable in the second.The second matches shall prove interesting...

[tomamar04]

Spain vs Ukraine next. I'm looking forward to seeing what Shevchenko can do. And why are Spain such big favourites for this match? Ukraine qualified from a harder group than Spain, and they qualified easier.

[-N-]

Looks like Spain's in good form so far. Unfortunately I have to crash, so you all fill me in.

[tomamar04]

Spain vs Ukraine next. I'm looking forward to seeing what Shevchenko can do. And why are Spain such big favourites for this match? Ukraine qualified from a harder group than Spain, and they qualified easier.

Damn, they are 2-0 up :(

[Psychotic]

You're not the only one.
Spain haven't played yet, but I wouldn't bet against them going 1-0 up in the first half, before looking vulnerable in the second.Did I say that? It must've been a typo, I meant they'd give Ukraine a thrashing. :riiight:

Ukraine were extremely disappointing, although they were very unlucky with several refereeing decisions, notably the penalty/red card.

We haven't really talked much about the Spanish on here, but they do have a fantastic squad. Just look at the central midfielders they have: Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Senna, Fabregas and Albelda. Every single one of them is a top-class midfielder, and when you compare that to England's Gerrard, Lampard, Jenas, Carrick and Hargreaves...well...ouch. I don't need to say anything about their strikeforce, because Torres and Villa showed you what they're all about, and Luis Garcia also had a great game. Raul is the only weak link there, he's simply not what he used to be and has also been plagued by injuries. I rate their keeper, Casillas, as the best in the world. (Can you name any better? Cech? Dida? Buffon? Pssh, no, no and no) The only places where I can see any weakness are in the defence (and even then they still have Puyol) and out wide if they choose to play 4-4-2. Both Reyes and Joaquin are massively overrated, and very inconsistent, and frankly I don't know how either got in the squad ahead of Vincente.

Imagine a Spain v Brazil game. Both teams with potent attacks and slightly dodgy defences going all out to score plenty of goals. Bring it on I say. :drool:

[Skogs]

Spain just threw their hats in the ring as genuine title contenders. I was seriously impressed. Ukraine were woeful - they will go out in the round of 16, and that'll be a flattering result for them.

[tomamar04]

Spain just threw their hats in the ring as genuine title contenders. I was seriously impressed. Ukraine were woeful - they will go out in the round of 16, and that'll be a flattering result for them.

I don;t think they'll make it that far now. Tunisia for second place in the group

[Russielloyd]

I totally forgot about the fantasy league that was in here, i just signed up and i start last of course but that will soon change and i'll catch you all! mwuahahaha!

[Resha]

Tunisia 1 - 0 Saudi Arabia. A shame, I think the Saudis have been playing better and created more chances. I reckon though that yet another lousy refereeing decision has been made, when a penalty wasn't given in the first half.

I expected better of Ukraine, but Spain were brilliant. Efficient, accurate and almost mercenary. Red card = crappy decision, totally unfair to Ukraine. Spain have clearly lived up to all expectations and more; this is their 23rd consecutive win under Aragones. That Torres goal was a beauty. <3

[Loony BoB]

Germany vs. Poland up next! *resists black humour*

[Resha]

I think Germany'll do it, particularly if Poland haven't improved any from their game versus Ecuador. Hopefully, Germany have worked on that scrappy defence of theirs; could pose a problem if Poland play unexpectedly well. But all that aside, I expect Germany to win. :)

No black humour plz >=(

Edit: Ah, I forgot. Croatia seriously, seriously impressed me. It was a great game -- not one-sided, good ambience. I think Brazil and Croatia will get past the group stages.