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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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 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.

Oh, I'm going to go on a Pro Evo tangent and I just can't help it.

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Originally Posted by Russielloyd

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.

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In my Master League, possibly the most interesting transfer I have ever seen was when Liverpool and AC Milan traded Kaka and Gerrard.

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Originally Posted by Doomie

Much like WE9 likes to take out Ronaldinho and put in Diego.

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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.

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Originally Posted by 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!!!!

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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 ;)

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.

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

But it looks extremely realistic so there we go.

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.

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Originally Posted by Neel Hates Clout's Guts

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.

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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.

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.

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~

Go Klasnic.

I want switzerland to win! :D

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Adriano has been non-exsistent.

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?

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.

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.

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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...

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.

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

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Originally Posted by 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.

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Damn, they are 2-0 up :(

You're not the only one.

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

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.

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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:

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

Hey, look at me, I'm the only person to have voted for Spain to win it all. :D So far, so good.

go england

1-0
Late but fully deserved. Poland played much better than their last game against Ecuador, and their goalkeeper was on top form.
For germany, Lahm had another brilliant game, and created a lot of oportunities. He is right-footed and plays on the left wing! Schweinsteiger had a crap game compared to the last one and was fairly substitued. Odonkor when he came on played really well but unfortunetly did not get a lot of support further back. Neuville was really good when he came on, not to mention that the arrival of Ballack helped a lot. Still didnt see much from Jens, he didnt have to work too hard, which i am worrying about since he has not had an opportunity to 'practise' or so to speak. Frings didnt do all that much. Klose had some good chances but should have finished them off really. Finally we got to see more of Podolski's skill, because despite used to playing with a crap Cologne team (he is being transferred to Bayern Munich) has had a few good chances and he is a really good striker when you see the better of him. I'd say Lahm or Ballack as man of the match.
Germany's defence was tighter than their last game. They didnt try to do any offside tricks and our sweeper always went deep (if not too deep).
I am so happy that Germany scored, I couldnt believe that they might draw against Poland (although Poland did play much better this time around).

Black humour? Germany and Poland get on very well these days, so any jokes are outdated, 60 years to be exact. So get your facts right! :p

Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit!!!!


Im looking forward to the England match tomorrow, I hope they win, because England have a good team but have been slightly unlucky in World Cups lately. But TAT should NOT be underestimated!!

I am disappointed with Tunisia, as they had a golden opportunity to qualify. I think they're underrated and overlooked by most people...although judging from today, I can see why. They're gonna have to beat Ukraine now.

And Poland. Oh Poland. Poland, Poland, Poland. You've been another great disappointment. And you started so brightly tonight, and then let it all slip away. You're going to need a miracle to qualify now, and from the way you've played, it couldn't happen to a more deserving team.

It seems that the Neviller is out for England v T&T. I hope Sven picks Carra and not Hargreaves for the right back spot. If we lose with Hargreaves at right back, I don't think it'll be an upset :p I do think that guy gets slated too much at times for his performances in the holding role, but at right back he deserves everything he gets. Or, even better, Sven could play Stevie G at right back (Just like he did at the end of the CL final, and indeed at the end of the 3-2 friendly win over Argentina) and then throw a holding midfielder into the mix.

This will be our most dangerous game, if you ask me. I think there is a greater chance of losing to T&T than there is against Sweden, so we must be careful not to get a repeat of the Northern Ireland debacle.

Even so, nothing less than a win tomorrow will be a failure.

This World Cup fantasy football, i joined up today, and ive moved up one place already with 20.5 points. I'm coming for top spot!

0 - 0 at half time. (England - T&T :p)

Seems to me like T&T are just lying back; they wouldn't mind a draw, and so their initial defensive play seems to me like they're desperate just not concede and lose. If they draw with England and beat Paraguay, they will go through to the next round, regardless of the Sweden - England result. (They'll have 5 and Sweden either 6 or 3, England either 4 or 7). But Jesus Christ, some determined defending there -- good stuff. Not a great showing from Robinson especially when he left goal completely open for that Stern John shot -- thank god for Terry, aye?

If and when England score, I hope Crouch does it. I hope he scores an amazing, fabulous goal and shuts everyone up. They'll all be waffling on about the 42nd minute. :/

*It's so nice to see Crouch and Lawrence together in the box marking each other. They're perfect, it's so cute! Both tall, tall, talllll people.

Hahahahaha I turned the TV on just and literally the first thing I saw was downing pass to Lennon, to Beckham, to Crouch and goal. Ultimate timing :heart:

...Thank smurf for that.

2-0... I love Stevie Gerrard. :heart:

And England are through to the 2nd round, and in true England fashion aswell.

Inspired substitution for once! Glad to see Rooney back!

Come on Paraguay, beat the swedes!

I can't be bothered to say anything else now!

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Originally Posted by Resha

If and when England score, I hope Crouch does it. I hope he scores an amazing, fabulous goal and shuts everyone up. They'll all be waffling on about the 42nd minute. :/

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Y'heard it here first. :p

Great shots, especially Gerrard's. There was definitely more pace and life in the game once Rooney and Lennon came on. Gotta applaud Beenhakker's tactics though -- for 82 minutes, they worked.

T&T still have a chance. Sweden have to draw/lose their next two matches (which is a bit of a hope, with Paraguay!) and T&T have to beat Paraguay with a comfortable goal margin. I think they deserve to go through, I think. I hope they do.

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Originally Posted by Jess

...Thank smurf for that.

2-0... I love Stevie Gerrard.

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Jess, where have you been for this thread? We know you like football!:p

Yes, i think the whole of England loves Stevie G right now! :love:

Also Terry, the rock at the back, no one can break him!

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Yes, i think the whole of England loves Stevie G right now!

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Indeed! It was an excellent match :D Dont forget Crouchy!

Crouch missed a siitter but then scored, so he made up for it! so my opinion of him hasn't improved or got worse!

The game looked very edgy!
Well done though.
A remarkable similarity to the Germany vs Poland game.

England swung back and forth between playing well, and playing terribly. Trinidad and Tobago on the other hand, played terribly throughout except for about 15 minutes at the end of the first half. Yes, T&T will probably get a lot of credit for that performance, but why? Throwing 10 men behind the ball, in between occasionally breaking every 10 minutes? Terrible, and look what it got them: Nothing. Would've been more interesting if they'd actually had a go at us.

FAO Rio Ferdinand: STOP COMING UP FOR CORNERS AND FREE KICKS YOU FLAMING GREAT PILLOCK!
FAO Paul Robinson: You seem to have forgotten the reason why you are England's #1: You are not David James. So stop acting like you are.
FAO Michael Owen: Oh dear oh dear oh dear. "I want to be the top scorer in this World Cup." Do you, Little Mickey? Do you really? It sure doesn't look like it.
FAO Aaron Lennon: I love you.
FAO John Terry: I also love you.
FAO Peter Crouch: You know I love you, Crouchatron. And I'd love you even more if you had done your dance. :D

I hope this gives an incentive to drop Lampard for a holding player, either Carrick or Hargreaves. He played terribly, and wasted a lot of good chances. That's not to say Stevie had a blinder, because he didn't, but he played better than Lampard.

In other news, Ecuador are class.

EDIT: Oh, Sven? Can we play Beckham at right-back and Lennon as a winger from now on, seeing as the Neviller is injured? Pretty please? :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

FAO Rio Ferdinand: STOP COMING UP FOR CORNERS AND FREE KICKS YOU FLAMING GREAT PILLOCK!

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I'm not usually a massive Rio fan (I don't care what you guys say about him Wes Brown is better), but would that not be Sven's decision rather than Rio's?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

FAO Michael Owen: Oh dear oh dear oh dear. "I want to be the top scorer in this World Cup." Do you, Little Mickey? Do you really? It sure doesn't look like it.
FAO Aaron Lennon: I love you.
FAO Peter Crouch: You know I love you, Crouchatron. And I'd love you even more if you had done your dance. :D

---

I have faith that Mikey will do us proud. But I'm a Geordie, so I would say that. He won't be the top scorer though, but he'll still get us a couple. :cool:

Aaron Lennon. Wow. I never noticed how amazing he was.

RoboCrouch said he wasn't going to do the robodance anymore because he doesn't want to become a joke. :laugh:

Oh my good god. We played absolutly terribly. I can't actually believe we won that match. Were they all drunk or something? We were extremely lucky to squirm to 2-0. And I hope Sven realizes that. Lampard should be shot. (SPOILER)Yes that is exaggerating but you get the idea ;)

Go Italy.

Bah humbug. We are never going to win this World Cup if we play as poorly as that. We did almost nothing until the introduction of Rooney, who hardly changed the course of the game, but seemed to inspire the team to actually try to create something. Lennon was tricky going down the right, and Crouch got into some good positions, even if his finishing wasn't really up to scratch. However, I do think we were very fortunate to come out with a two goal victory considering the way we played. Our play just isn't varied enough at the moment, and our only consistent source of opportunities is the high ball in from the right. Without Rooney our ground play isn't what it could be, and usually results in speculative efforts from Lampard or Gerrard that are generally ineffective. Defensively we're much better, with John Terry in particular dominant in our own third of the field. But the lack of a dedicated holding player might cause problems on the counter-attack against a better side than T&T. But specific criticisms aside, what matters is that based on the two performances we've seen, our England team would collapse pitifully against the likes of Argentina. Unless I see a marked improvement against Sweden, I'll be feeling less than confident about our chances of taking the trophy.

And congratulations to Crouch on not doing the dance. Way to conduct yourself with dignity, Pete.

EDIT:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Paulchotic

In other news, Ecuador are class.

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Hell yes. Shock Group A winners? :D

Gerrard played better with two wingers, they exploited the wings(of course), creating space in the middle, where Gerrard can roam free in those spaces and play the way he does for Liverpool and score great goals, like he did! :)

I would say Lampard has basically been non-exsistant so far and should put Carrick in the holding role, though Lampard won't get dropped i don't think.

Beckham as a wing back, he linked up great with Lennon on the right and created the 1st goal.

Depending on the Sweden result, if they draw or lose, then start with Owen and Rooney, if they win, Crouch & Owen.

We play like that, things will get alot better!

Sweden took a late victory against Paraguay, but were rather unconvincing throughout, and should fall at the second round if they qualify. Of course, there's always the chance that, if England beat the Swedes on Tuesday, Trinidad and Tobago could sneak in and take that second spot, and advance to the knockout rounds :D

Third game in a row featuring a very late goal that won the game for the team.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Loony BoB

I'm not usually a massive Rio fan (I don't care what you guys say about him Wes Brown is better), but would that not be Sven's decision rather than Rio's?

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Well, whoever is responsible, make it stop. We need someone to stay at the back, and although Ashley Cole can just about stop a couple of T&T strikers, I doubt he'd be able to do the same against, say, Lukas Podolski.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by George Republic?

Hell yes. Shock Group A winners? :D

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Haha, maybe! In our long group-by-group analysis, you were leaning towards Ecuador, while I was in the Poland camp. Oh how silly I look! :whimper:

What the hell is wrong with Sweden? With their frontline consisting of players from Barcelona and Juventus, supported by a host of Premiership/ex-Premiership players, they really should be doing better than they have so far.

England needed to do more short passing I reckon. TAT's defence was very deep and this resulted in a lot of long plays in the first and some of the second half. Its difficult like that, but im sure England can manage to play better! Also, I doubt they'll meet anothe team that is that determined just to 'not lose' instead of win. TAT were all about defence.

The dilemma between Crouch, Owen and Rooney is a tough one.

Ever heard of a German partly supporting the English? No? Well then im a first. :p

"Bayern: We won't sell Chelsea Lahm" Now if that isnt good news after losing Ballack, I dont know what is ^^

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Russielloyd

Gerrard played better with two wingers, they exploited the wings(of course), creating space in the middle, where Gerrard can roam free in those spaces and play the way he does for Liverpool and score great goals, like he did! :)

I would say Lampard has basically been non-exsistant so far and should put Carrick in the holding role, though Lampard won't get dropped i don't think.

Beckham as a wing back, he linked up great with Lennon on the right and created the 1st goal.

Depending on the Sweden result, if they draw or lose, then start with Owen and Rooney, if they win, Crouch & Owen.

We play like that, things will get alot better!

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Whoa...you must be the first person I've met who shares my opinion about Lampard....useless in both games thusfar. We need Carrick to push Gerrard, who I believe along with Rooney and Beckham is the best player in the squad, further forward.

I hope the press don't lay into the team too badly, we didn't play well, but we still deserved to win.

Looking forward to today's games. Argentina vs Serbia and especially Holland vs Ivory Coast should be great games with attacking, and then tomorrow we can all enjoy Italy dumping the Americans out of the competition!

Long night ahead for Serbia & M. If they don't do something, they're going to get thumped (much worse than they're being now). Argentina are looking brilliant, and more convincing than they ever did against the Ivory Coast. Feel sorry for S&M, though, what with Vidic and those nepotism accusations and an incomplete squad. :/

6-0
Argentina are simply amazing. Such organisation and patient build ups.
Riquelme will win me the fantasy football! I havnt bothered with the Fantasy Football at all though, probably why im second last.

Agentina 6
Serbia 0

Amazing performance by the argies, and we just witnessed the perfect team goal in the World Cup imo. They totally destroyed Serbia.

Messi and Tevez, two players i both like, scored, so i was happy for them. Rodriguez with 2 goals, Crespo and Cambiasso. Requelme pulling the strings to pefection.

That's what i talk about, when i say "take your chances." *coughEnglandcough*

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Croyles

6-0
Argentina are simply amazing. Such organisation and patient build ups.
Riquelme will win me the fantasy football!

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Is that why i'm already above you in the league, after i've only been in it for two night? lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RussieLloyd

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

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:) two thirds right!

That Tevez goal was beautiful. But meh, the goals in the 2nd half became something of an anti-climax towards the end. Now, go Ivory Coast. :D

I did say that im doing crap in the fantasy football because i havnt bothered loggin in and changing my players around. But that was an edit in a post after you had posted but before i noticed that you did, so...
I actually had Ronaldo up front! What a mistake.

SERBIA & MONTENEGRO FTMFW

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Croyles

I did say that im doing crap in the fantasy football because i havnt bothered loggin in and changing my players around. But that was an edit in a post after you had posted but before i noticed that you did, so...
I actually had Ronaldo up front! What a mistake.

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Lol, so far ive only had points from the Germany and England players from the last two days. I also got another 31 points from the Argentina players today and stil got Van Der Sar and Marquez to play aswell. At the moment, its not official but i should jump up 6 places by the end of the night.



Also i forgot to say this in my other post.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ian Wright

SNM got whipped!

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lol, that made me laugh!

Ah oh my GOD what a brilliant game :D If the Ivory Coast keep playing the way they played in the first half, I'm convinced they can equalise. smurf, what a brilliant goal from Bakary Kone. I still haven't caught my breath. And that chance Drogba had (but muffed). I'm so so so so so so intensely proud of the dogged, determined, dazzling way they played on despite being two goals down so early. Brilliant free kick from van Persie, and well -- haha, Horse's goal was mainly due to a lack of marking him by the IC players, but whatever.

Arjen Robben booked for diving ^___^ Doesn't that just make your day?? He really had it coming. :) It's a fantastically thrilling game and I'm thrilled and YOU ought to be thrilled, and with any luck -- we'll come away with a draw (at least). The Netherlands have a fair few chances too, with the awesome pace and energy of van Persie and that simulator guy. It really depends on whether the IC come into the second half playing the way they just did. I can only hope they do. :)

More points for my fantasy team after only being in it 2 full days, in the league. I could go 6th tonight, depending how other people did.

Woooohooo!! i rule!

I told you lot, i'm coming for top spot! :D

Sorry, i've rigged the games, better luck next time! :D

Argentina are just fantastic, and they're very close to replacing Brazil as my tip for tournament winners. To break down a defence with a record lke Serbia and Montenegro's so comprehensively shows just how amazing they are gonig forward, and their defence is probably the strongest outside of Europe, too.

Holland and the Ivory Coast put on a good show too, and the Ivorians proved that they are the strongest of the African sides in this year's competition, and that had they been given a luckier draw they certainly wouldn't be out of the competition already. Lovely goal from Kone, and I thought that Romaric was great going forward at times, too. They should come back greatly improved in future tournaments.

Angola are holding Mexico at the moment, through a lack of Mexican invention more than anything. I hope the Africans get the result, since it would be unfair for them not to take anything from two spirited performances against Portugal and Mexico.

EDIT: Yup, 0-0 draw. Well done to Angola.

Some team not on there! It always turns out unexpected does it not?!

GO MEXICO, well Angola did pretty damn good.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tomamar04

Whoa...you must be the first person I've met who shares my opinion about Lampard....useless in both games thusfar

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I've been saying that about Lampard for a long time. And don't double post!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Resha

Arjen Robben booked for diving ^___^ Doesn't that just make your day?? He really had it coming. :)

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Someone else who has that coming is Emanuel Eboue.

So, I've tipped Poland to go through and possibly challenge Germany for the first spot in Group A, both Tunisia and Serbia to push for qualification from their two groups, either Argentina or the Netherlands to implode, and Mexico to be possible Quarter or Semi finalists. I suck :laugh:

However, I have decided to use my power for good. Therefore, I'm going to tip Germany, Ecuador, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, the Netherlands, Mexico, Portugal, Angola, Iran, Italy, the Czech Republic, USA, Ghana, Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan, France, Togo, Switzerland, South Korea, Spain, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia to win the World Cup. :) (it will be shared)

yay for sharing!

Angola hold Mexico and that is a 1st class example that Mexico don't deserve their 4th place FIFA ranking!

If anyone wants to see the goals again, you can download them from these links,

Group A
Match 1
Germany v Costa Rica
Poland v Ecuador

Match 2
Germany v Poland
Ecuador v Costa Rica

These goals i've captured by myself. Rest of the goals to come.

hehe, check out this video of some australians celebrating at home after we beat japan!!! its pretty funny... one of the guys just wont stop screaming...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdVtC...occeroo%20fans

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

However, I have decided to use my power for good. Therefore, I'm going to tip Germany, Ecuador, Sweden, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, the Netherlands, Mexico, Portugal, Angola, Iran, Italy, the Czech Republic, USA, Ghana, Brazil, Croatia, Australia, Japan, France, Togo, Switzerland, South Korea, Spain, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia to win the World Cup. :) (it will be shared)

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You're getting the hang of it! Now predict a dominant Chelsea to steamroller their way to a third consecutive Premiership title. ;)

A lovely strike from Deco to put Portugal through to the next round, but the real issue in Group D is second place. Since their last game is against Iran, it's quite possible that Angola could sneak through on goal difference if results go their way. Personally I don't see it happening, but stranger things have happened in the World Cup.

With Argentina dominating S&M yesterday, they're looking the team most likely to go on and win the whole thing. The Czechs and Italians will have to impress in their respective matches today if they're going to look competitive. If they can't do the business today, this is going to start looking very much likes the Argies' tournament.

Czech 0 - 1 Ghana
Wow, what a peformance from Ghana!

The Ghana - Czech Rep. game is one of the best I have seen ever. Ghana are AMAZING. They're quick, great with their tackles and it's all so thrilling. Gyan and Appiah are fantastic, and (naturally) Essien is pivotal in the middle. They're just so fast that their defence is hardly ever shattered -- Rosicky's shown some good pace for the Czechs, but even so, their defending has been pretty ace. They're really going for it, and I hope they continue on in this vein. Nothing'd make me happier right now than if Ghana win :D Czech Rep. looking a bit peaky without Koller and Baros, but Poborsky is doing well.

Ghana 2-0!!!
They have pretty much won!!! Well done Ghana!!
Amazing play, but the czechs have been weak!
Hail the underdogs!!!

Shock result of the tournament so far, and I doubt it'll be beaten either. It's not that the Czech's played terribly badly, but they really missed having a decent striker; Lokvents isn't even close to the quality of Koller or Baros. What Ghana excelled in here was quickly closing upon the Czech players, not allowing them to stroke the ball about the pitch, and did well to not give away too many cards and end up with players sent off, which was a worry I had at half time. It was fascinating to see how badly the Ghanians tore apart the Czech defence, especially in the last twenty or so minutes, though they were just enjoying themselves way too much to stay onside XD Really, if they had, they could have beaten Argentina's six goals against Serbia and Montenegro, but my hat's off to the Ghanaians. Well done lads.

lol, now Ghana has a great chance of qualifying. Brazil vs Ghana, it'll be a great game!

I hope Ghana qualify :) I think they have a fair chance, provided the Italy -- Czech Rep. game isn't a draw, and they don't lose to the USA. How the USA have recuperated and how they'll come back remains to be seen, and it might yet determine whether or not Ghana can beat them comfortably. I think, at the mo', they can.

They were smurfing brilliant. I'm so proud of them -- forget the gap between 5th ranked and 2nd, and look at how the 50th beat the 2nd. First African win of the tournament so far too, and another cause to be glad. ^_^

If not for Petr Cech, the scoreline could have been more embarassing for the Czechs. I don't remember the Ghanian goalie making any great saves until the last minute of extra time, which gave him a chance to show that he was as class as anyone else on the Ghanian team. Muntari -- smurfing brilliant and relentless. :heart:

Finally a team I'm cheering for win. o_o I was starting to feel jinxed.

Nice work from Ghana. The Czechs were poor, and clearly missed having a top striker to lead the line, but the Ghanaian defence did so well to close them down that it barely mattered. Going forward they showed some great invention, and although their finishing wasn't brilliant the sheer volume of chances they created made up for it. You have to wonder if the suspension of some key players might come back to haunt them in the final match, though.

Also, what was with the Israeli flag at the end? :confused:

What's fascinating now is what'll happen in the last three matches of the group; Italy vs USA (expect Italy to overrun the poor USA team), Czech Republic vs Italy and Ghana vs USA. If the USA team wins tonight (HAH!), all four teams will be scrapping for the qualification spots. More likely, Italy will win, leaving the USA only a remote chance of qualifying. The final two games are played at the same time to eliminate match-fixing, but even if Italy are already through, they'll still want to beat the Czech team, especially since they'll have Koller, Baros AND Lokvenc all out, plus the fact that since Brazil are likely to win their group, the second place team in Group E will face them in the next round, and nobody wants that (Or maybe they do; face Brazil before they really motor into form, rather than letting them get up a head of steam and facing them in the final). The Czechs have to beat the Italians come next Thursday, since with the form Ghana showed against them, I can't believe they'll fail to beat the US (HAH! That's what I said about the Czechs vs Ghana based on last week's matches!), but with Marek Heinz (Who?) as the only remaining Czech forward, it looks like Ghana may well qualify.

Rank	Country	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Italy	1	0	0	2	0	2	3
2	Czech Republic	1	0	1	3	2	1	3
3	Ghana	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
4	USA	0	0	1	0	3	-3	0

Ronaldo was poor yet again today, when is he going to learn that his tricks don't work!? Good players learn from their mistakes, yet Ronaldo keeps on doing them!

Anyways, Muntari claimed he's better than Ronaldo and Rooney, Ok, maybe Ronaldo but not Rooney, though he is a really good player, a great work rate and helps the team out alot. I've seen him play a couple of times for Udinese and is one of their main players! ManUre could do with a player like him, with the poor excuse of a midfield ManUre have!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cz

Also, what was with the Israeli flag at the end? :confused:

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It seems that player plays in Israel, but I'm not sure.

A little late, but jeez, the Argentina - Serbia and Montenegro was something to see. You could really see the change in SaM after the second goal by Cambiasso (which was absolutely beautiful). I was watching the game on the Spanish language channel, Univision, and the commentators described Argentina's style as a tango. It was dead on. I sort of felt bad for the Serbians and I'm pretty sure the ref saw this too because he ended the game early before the extra time could be finished.

Cristiano Ronaldo's problem is he doesn't play the simple ball often enough, but with a few more seasons at Man. United under his belt, I think he'll become an amazing player. Fergie is good at getting players to conform to a more team-based format; remember how Andy Cole used to play before he moved there? Sir Alex is the man to pull the young Portugese player into shape, I honestly believe that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spatvark

Cristiano Ronaldo's problem is he doesn't play the simple ball often enough, but with a few more seasons at Man. United under his belt, I think he'll become an amazing player. Fergie is good at getting players to conform to a more team-based format; remember how Andy Cole used to play before he moved there?

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44 goals in a single season? Yeah, I sure do. :p

It seems Daniele De Rossi will nto be content until he has completely wrecked my fantasy football team. What a bastard. Still, his dismissal should make this game very interesting. Italy 1-1 USA at the moment.

Even though the score is tied, the US is badly outplaying the Italians so far. In fact, this game is a pretty good example of why I can't stand soccer. The US dominates for the first 21 minutes, gets a weak foul on - what else, a flop - and scores on a set play, and after the first goal the game is pretty much over. Now, Italy does something stupid and ties the score again, so I suppose that evens things, but Lord, I wish these players would actually play the game instead of flopping non-stop.

EDIT: How the freakin' crap is that a red card? Way to completely ruin the US's advantage. It takes a brutal elbow to McBride's face for Italy to get a red card, and a late tackle is a red card for us? I call major BS.

The U.S. has pretty much owned Italy, with that one corner kick being the exception. I agree on Mastroeni's red card, though, that was highly questionable.

But we've got the edge, I think, and that will carry us through to the end. Don't forget Totti is already out of the game, too! You think if they'da known it was gonna be 10-on-10 eventually, they would've subbed him out?

Mastroeni's tackle was horrific, though I'd like to see it a few more times before saying it definitely wasn't a red. The legs weren't high, but he went with both feet and was nowhere near the ball. Not 100% certain on that decision.

Keller didn't have much chance of saving the goal, his back four utterly failed him with their marking, but USA's equaliser was richly deserved since they've been going forward very well. With ten men a-piece though, if Marcello Lippi gives a good enough team-talk at half time, the Italians should be able to wrestle control of the game back and take the victory. Still, after the Czech Republic vs Ghana match, I'm not ruling ANYTHING out XD

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spatvark

Mastroeni's tackle was horrific, though I'd like to see it a few more times before saying it definitely wasn't a red. The legs weren't high, but he went with both feet and was nowhere near the ball. Not 100% certain on that decision.

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Yeah, I think the replays mke it quite clear that it was worthy of a straight red. That sort of tackle is potentially dangerous, and there was no need for him to dive in the way he did. It's a shame really, since with the man advantage the USA had a good chance of pushing for the victory. Masteroeni's sending off will make things difficult for them again, althoguh like you say, after what we saw earlier today it would be foolish to rule out an upset here.

This is like 11 Manu Ginobili's at once.

Pope didn't touch the player, and he falls down, furiously grabbing his ankle. These are pathetic sportsmen.

DOWN TO 9??? WHAT THE....O___O

They must really like the colour red in Uruguay.

Edit: The red card happened just as I was about to type something. And after that there was no use saying it. o_o

Another sending off? I think the referee will have some pretty serious questions to answer after this one.

But it does make sense, in a fashion. Eddie Pope committed an awful drag-down foul in the first half, and was rightfully yellow carded. If his second foul -- which I missed -- was just as bad and another yellow card worthy, then it could be justified.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Resha

But it does make sense, in a fashion. Eddie Pope committed an awful drag-down foul in the first half, and was rightfully yellow carded. If his second foul -- which I missed -- was just as bad and another yellow card worthy, then it could be justified.

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Pope's red card was a result of a perfect play on the ball - the Italian player, after taking about three perfect steps after losing the ball, just furiously collapsed to the ground. But then again, that's all there is in soccer. Guys faking injury after injury just to get calls.

Now, that's 20 fouls on the US compared to 8 for Italy. This could either be an agenda against the US, or our players just might not be total pansies like the Italians are, diving every time someone gets within 3 feet. If anyone wonders why the US hates soccer, this is why.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Resha

But it does make sense, in a fashion. Eddie Pope committed an awful drag-down foul in the first half, and was rightfully yellow carded. If his second foul -- which I missed -- was just as bad and another yellow card worthy, then it could be justified.

---

To be honest, I think you're right. Pope's second challenge wasn't the cleanest, and certainly as deserving of a yellow card as some of the others we've seen in the tournament so far. That won't stop the Italians and Americans from complaining about their respective sendings off, though. And it really has had a negative effect on what was looking like an excellent game. Still, it would be rather unfair to fault the ref, I suppose.

Dammit. God forbid someone actually score in this dang-blasted sport.

I do like that the ref has stopped calling fouls every time the Italians fall down. It's been absolute crap so far how much flopping they've done.

EDIT: This ref is awful.

Hmm, not sure what to make of that offside decision. McBride didn't seem to touch the ball, but the fact that he was there in the first place (both because he was in a position to control it, and because he was blocking Buffon's line of sight) could mean he's considered active. Still, the US are looking threatening even with their numerical disadvantage, and with twenty minutes to go they could yet win this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cz

Hmm, not sure what to make of that offside decision. McBride didn't seem to touch the ball, but the fact that he was there in the first place (both because he was in a position to control it, and because he was blocking Buffon's line of sight) could mean he's considered active. Still, the US are looking threatening even with their numerical disadvantage, and with twenty minutes to go they could yet win this.

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It was for obstruction. I didn't know that was a rule.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kirobaito

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Resha

But it does make sense, in a fashion. Eddie Pope committed an awful drag-down foul in the first half, and was rightfully yellow carded. If his second foul -- which I missed -- was just as bad and another yellow card worthy, then it could be justified.

---

Pope's red card was a result of a perfect play on the ball - the Italian player, after taking about three perfect steps after losing the ball, just furiously collapsed to the ground. But then again, that's all there is in soccer. Guys faking injury after injury just to get calls.

Now, that's 20 fouls on the US compared to 8 for Italy. This could either be an agenda against the US, or our players just might not be total pansies like the Italians are, diving every time someone gets within 3 feet. If anyone wonders why the US hates soccer, this is why.

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Please, dont start assuming its an agenda against your country, thats un-sportsman-like and makes you look foolish. I'm not sure whether the last sending off of the american was justified, but theres no reason to say its a biased ref. If he really is a biased ref (which i very much doubt), since Uruguay is in South America, and is way closer to Italy, Id say he'd be rooting for the USA.

The americans seem to be falling down just as much as any other team including the Italians, so their equal pansies, as is every other football player then. I admit its awful how much falling and diving there is in football generally, but l0l god forbid that doesnt make football an awful sport :p
If you dont like football (and while your in this thread you should probably call it that :D), dont watch it.

Anyhow, even with 9 against 10, the USA are looking slightly stronger I reckon. But Del Piero has been getting a few chances.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Croyles

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kirobaito

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Resha

But it does make sense, in a fashion. Eddie Pope committed an awful drag-down foul in the first half, and was rightfully yellow carded. If his second foul -- which I missed -- was just as bad and another yellow card worthy, then it could be justified.

---

Pope's red card was a result of a perfect play on the ball - the Italian player, after taking about three perfect steps after losing the ball, just furiously collapsed to the ground. But then again, that's all there is in soccer. Guys faking injury after injury just to get calls.

Now, that's 20 fouls on the US compared to 8 for Italy. This could either be an agenda against the US, or our players just might not be total pansies like the Italians are, diving every time someone gets within 3 feet. If anyone wonders why the US hates soccer, this is why.

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Please, dont start assuming its an agenda against your country, thats un-sportsman-like and makes you look foolish. I'm not sure whether the last sending off of the american was justified, but theres no reason to say its a biased ref. If he really is a biased ref, since Uruguay is in South America, and is way closer to Italy, Id say he'd be rooting for the USA.

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The 20-8 foul differential (not sure what it is now) was my main focus about that. And my main point was not that there was an agenda against the US (though I think that both ejections were unjustified), but that we simply weren't flopping every time someone got close like the Italians have spent the entire match doing. Good for the ref, though, that since Pope's ejection, he hasn't fallen for them near as much.

Fair enough.
But I gotta give credit to the refs this world cup, because they really have been trying to punish diving more than in any other previous world cup.

P.S This "dang-blasted" sport is our sport, and we dont come into your American Football thread (assuming that is what you watch) and say how crap it is l0l.
Annnnnnyywaaaay, things are really taking surprising turns in the world cup lately.

*Has a minute of Silence for Fritz Walter*

Not the best football match you'll see in your life, but plenty of drama. A draw leaves the group nice and open, at least, and the USA played far better than they did against the Czechs, posing a reasonable attacking threat while continuing to defend well with nine men. I'd say that all three red cards were justified, but that the game would have been better off without them nevertheless. They overshadowed what was an excellent competition for the opening thirty minutes, and will hurt both teams in their final group games.

Still, a good result for the USA, and it keeps Group E interesting. We should see a great final round of games.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spatvark

Mastroeni's tackle was horrific, though I'd like to see it a few more times before saying it definitely wasn't a red.

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That's nonsense, his studs were showing his tackling foot was off the ground and caught Pirlo right in the ankle, it could of been a serious injury.

Deffinately a red card.

Pope was sent off because he picked up 2 yellow cards, his 2nd yellow card was a stupid tackle, he took the player from behind and didn't take the ball and 2 yellows make a red.

Deserve to have gone down to 9 men.

And it's FOOTBALL, not f**king soccer! call your own pathectic sports soccer. If you don't like how FOOTBALL is played then piss off, simple as...

As I said, I want to see it a few more times; not caught any replays of it since I posted that.

Group E table now stands as:

Rank	Country	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	Italy	1	0	1	3	1	2	4
2	Czech Republic	1	0	1	3	2	1	3
3	Ghana	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
4	USA	0	1	1	1	4	-3	1

[q]Hmm, not sure what to make of that offside decision. McBride didn't seem to touch the ball, but the fact that he was there in the first place (both because he was in a position to control it, and because he was blocking Buffon's line of sight) could mean he's considered active. Still, the US are looking threatening even with their numerical disadvantage, and with twenty minutes to go they could yet win this.[/q]

Well, the replays showed him trying to poke it in. He didn't make contact with the ball -- he didn't need to -- but he attempted it, from an offside position, and maybe that's why they called offside. He definitely attempted a swipe at it. A beautiful strike from Beasley, though.

All the red cards are going to be debated, hotly defended and controversial. But there's no denying this match was a very physical one right from the start, when Totti was yellow carded under five minutes of play, and a million free kicks given away.

Full credit to the USA -- they played brilliantly against all odds. Keller made some great saves; Landon Donovan, Jesus Christ, was amazing. They clung on, the USA, and surely no critic will deny that. A much, much better game than they had against the Czechs. If they continue on in this vein, they'll give Ghana a run for their money. Italy didn't shine overmuch, and the Czech Republic -- if they pick themselves up after their loss -- might provide a good match yet.

:D With so many teams confirmed a place in the 16, it's fantastic to have a nail-baiting last round of matches.

Even you have to admit you were somewhat entertained by that, KB. :p

As Spat said, those Czechs sure do miss Koller and Baros. Rosicky doesn't look so hot now, does he Resha? :p and he has terrible hair, and so I am going to mock him all season just like Cz mocked Harry Kewell.

Italy will be fuming that they couldn't beat a 9 man USA, and eh, they didn't deserve to anyway. I remember discussion in this thread about how the USA would miss Brad Friedel...based on this evidence, I don't think so. Keller more than made up for his mistake against the Czechs. Even Landon Donovan didn't play terribly, but for me the star was Reyna, who held everything together.

Mastroeni didn't deserve a red, he deserved a yellow for that challenge, and as for Pope, well, some refs would give either one of them as a yellow, some would give neither, and some would give both. Tonight's falls into the last category.

Group E is going to have a fascinating last game.

Oh, and two of my fantasy football players got sent off today. Yeehaw! :laugh:

I think Mastroeni did deserve his red card, he could of broke Pirlo's ankle, the studs were showing aswell and that's a number one example to give a straight red card.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

Even you have to admit you were somewhat entertained by that, KB. :p

As Spat said, those Czechs sure do miss Koller and Baros. Rosicky doesn't look so hot now, does he Resha? :p and he has terrible hair, and so I am going to mock him all season just like Cz mocked Harry Kewell.

Italy will be fuming that they couldn't beat a 9 man USA, and eh, they didn't deserve to anyway. I remember discussion in this thread about how the USA would miss Brad Friedel...based on this evidence, I don't think so. Keller more than made up for his mistake against the Czechs. Even Landon Donovan didn't play terribly, but for me the star was Reyna, who held everything together.

Mastroeni didn't deserve a red, he deserved a yellow for that challenge, and as for Pope, well, some refs would give either one of them as a yellow, some would give neither, and some would give both. Tonight's falls into the last category.

Group E is going to have a fascinating last game.

Oh, and two of my fantasy football players got sent off today. Yeehaw! :laugh:

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It was one of the better soccer games I've seen, I will admit (though, our victory over Portugal in the last world cup was better), but honestly, there were two goals in the first 27 minutes, both of which I missed, and then 65 minutes of nothing but flopping and more flopping and more flopping and more flopping.

After poor performances by todays players in my WC fantasy team, i still moved up one place. In 3 days, ive gone from 16th to 6th, lol, you lot suck! :p

And I hardly even know how fantasy football works, i didnt even know it involves how players do in the real world cup until 3 days ago, so yeah, YOUR PRIDE IS FULLY DESERVED MASTER RUSSIELLOYD :p

Cant wait for more World Cup action! :D

You got a calendar on the left, you select tomorrows date, then select the players you have, that are playing on that day. Selecting a captain gives you double points for that player.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kirobaito

If anyone wonders why the US hates soccer, this is why.

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...because you suck at it? xD Seriously, you guys have yet to score a goal on your own. USA is quite possibly the most overrated team that qualified for the World Cup, and would have lost the game had Zaccardo not handed them a birthday present.

EDIT: I can honestly say that Italy is the captain of missed chances. They had so many chances to score, and didn't capitalize. If it was anyone but Keller, the game would have been won.

Ghana was brilliant that was an awesome match...sometimes i was thinking if the team they were versing was the same team that beat the US but yeah Ghana played brilliantly!!

I can't believe I missed those games. >_<

Well, Czech has to lose to Italy and USA needs to beat Ghana to advance. Or Czech could draw with Italy and USA needs to make up for their terrible goal differential. If Czech wins, it's over.

Ok... I know that 2 yellows = red and sit next game. now a red on the first try, does that equate to a sit for the next game?

A straight red card means they miss the next game also, with the fact they cant play the rest of the match they got the red card in.

For the group stage though, if you pick up 2 yellows from any of the 3 games, you miss the next match.

For example, if you pick up a yellow card in the first match, then another one in the second match, you'll be suspended for the third match.

If you pick up one yellow card over the 3 matches and make it to the knock-out stage, then the yellow card will be wiped from the players name and they get to start with a clean slate.

Yup, but Rossi can get loads of games, because it was an aggression. I'd be surprised if he played again in this WC.

If I was Lippi, I'd send Di Rossi home. It was plain horrendous, and as good a player as he is, why carry that liability?

As for the Fantasy league, man I totally messed it up at the beginning, but I've shifted up to second now (yay for Cristiano Ronaldo playing badly but still gettign 16 points; picked him as captain so it doubled =D~), but there'll be days where I'm significantly weaker than other teams in the league, so it's gonna be a tough battle for me to keep second, or even to try and take the top.

Quote:

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Yup, but Rossi can get loads of games, because it was an aggression.

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No, he'll just miss the match v Czech Republic and will be fined. He'll be able to play n the 2nd round if Italy make it.

Quote:

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As for the Fantasy league, man I totally messed it up at the beginning, but I've shifted up to second now (yay for Cristiano Ronaldo playing badly but still gettign 16 points; picked him as captain so it doubled =D~), but there'll be days where I'm significantly weaker than other teams in the league, so it's gonna be a tough battle for me to keep second, or even to try and take the top.

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I'll catch you in the fantasy league Spatvark. I'll will win and if i don't i've got an excuse! :D

Considering the nature of the incident, FIFA might slap him with a ban, meaning he'll miss more than just one match.

So i missed all the games Fri and Sat, can i get a quick summary of it. I'm at my sister's house and she doesn't have TV :cry:

The Italy - USA game was a bloodbath. The De Rossi red card was warranted. That was criminal and one of the worst plays I've ever seen in all the World Cups I've seen. The Mastroeni foul was pretty bad and also warranted a red card. FIFA made it pretty clear it doesn't want to see tackles like that. He didn't even try to go for the ball. Pope already had his first yellow early on and you don't try your luck like that. It was well-deserved sending him off.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Psychotic

As Spat said, those Czechs sure do miss Koller and Baros. Rosicky doesn't look so hot now, does he Resha? :p and he has terrible hair, and so I am going to mock him all season just like Cz mocked Harry Kewell.

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Sucky though Rosicky's hair may be, don't you dare compare it to the bad-adjective-ness of Kewell's last season. Besides, Rosicky might have been ineffective in yesterday's game when his only target was Lokvenc, but somehow I doubt he'll have the same trouble when he's got Thierry Henry to link up with. :p

Anyway, Brazil have a lot to prove today. Unless they can dramatically improve on their showing against Croatia then their reputation as untouchable champions will be in serious doubt. And with the Czechs and Italians disappointing last night, that would leave Argentina pretty much unopposed.

The big game (Australia v Brazil) begins in only a few hours (2 am Sydney time)... all the hype, all the hope... can australia do it??? can we come away with a draw? or even a win?... well, im being optimistic and saying we can, but deep down i know that if brazil are in their element, we will probably go down... still, cant blame me for hoping... GO THE SOCCEROOS!!! ... im gonna be so stuffed tomorow mornin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Russielloyd

Quote:

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Yup, but Rossi can get loads of games, because it was an aggression.

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No, he'll just miss the match v Czech Republic and will be fined. He'll be able to play n the 2nd round if Italy make it.

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Really? And what about all that talk about fairplay and against violence? Shame on you, FIFA!

1 minute to the end of Croatia vs Japan, 0-0. Only a disaster will prevent Australia from qualifying.

Uhm, actually, assuming Brazil beat Australia, I wouldn't be surprised if Croatia then beat them in the third game as well, IF the Croats can start scoring. They don't seem to have an up-front talent to rival that of past heroes like Suker and Boksic which is a big shame, the main reason why they've failed to win either of their first two games, but if they start scoring against the Socceroos, they can come away with the victory and second qualifcation spot. But then, I guess I'm being kinda down on the Aussies here; they're not a bad side at all, but they lack any real depth in their squad, and I expect even an average performance from the Brazilians (that is, average for the Brazilians) can stump them. Still, the Aussies love a good battle, and I don't expect them to take this lying down. It promises to be a fascinating match.

half time: 0 - 0
Ronaldo is still fat!

This has been a pretty interesting first half, with Brazil still not blowing on all cylinders, but looking much more of a threat going forward. The star man of this half though has blatantly been Gus van Hiddink; you can see in Australia's formation shifts how well he's picked out the tactics they need for this match and has drilled them hard in it; the Aussie back four are doing pretty well, both Neill and Moore making great tackles, but going forwards, the Socceroos haven't been too inventive. Whenever they do get the ball out wide on the wing, they've rarely got a cross in, instead getting throw-ins or being dispossessed. If Australia are to score in the second half, it'll most likely come from a long range shot swerving past Dida, rather than some spectacular skill in the box. I'm looking forward to seeing Aloisi, and maybe Kewell coming on in this second half, but I'd also like to see Robinho and Juninho coming on to spark some more creativity in the Brazil attack.

I have to say, lookng at how van Hiddink has got the Aussies going in this first half, I'm revising my view of the Croatia vs Australia game; if the tactics are right (and Croatia ALWAYS play the same way), the Socceroos can pinch victory there and qualify. I think this may well become my favourite group.

You're horrible Croyles xD

The commentator said, in all earnestness, "What a riveting first half." :laugh: Brazil FAIL to sparkle; full credit to the Aussies, they have dug in for defence and are doing pretty well. They've had more shots on goal that Brazil, and honestly -- I don't remember Schwarzer making a save on shot at all. The critics are going to swarm all over Ronaldo for that shot he missed, and I feel awful for him. :(

I don't know what's wrong with this Brazilian team, touted to be the best in the world. And boy, they don't look it (compared to Argentina and Spain). Maybe in terms of individual achievement, skill and talent they have in the team -- but they haven't put any of that talent together to achieve something truly spectacular (yet), like people expected them to.

History will show you that Brazil has always started slow in group qualifying. They'll come around eventually.

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Originally Posted by Strider

History will show you that Brazil has always started slow in group qualifying. They'll come around eventually.

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Yep. Form is temporary, Class is permenant. I'm suprised a supposed cricket fan like you, Pooja "Farter" Bharat isn't more aware of that phrase. :mad2:

Aw. :(

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Originally Posted by Kyono

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Strider

History will show you that Brazil has always started slow in group qualifying. They'll come around eventually.

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Yep. Form is temporary, Class is permenant. I'm suprised a supposed cricket fan like you, Pooja "Farter" Bharat isn't more aware of that phrase. :mad2:

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Aw. :( I'm not saying they're playing badly (I'm not thaaaaat stupid geez xD) -- just that they could play better with what they have. =D

Anyways, better second half. Jinxed Robinho, much? I love the name Fred. In a team full of hos and dinhos, a Fred...is beautiful.

Australia were brilliant today. They deserved at least a draw in my opinion. Kewell missed a sitter :(

Neill had an amazing game and it's just Blackburn's bloody luck, because teams will want to sign him if he keeps playing like that, damn it!

It's incredible how the team gets better with Robinho. He's a faster player than both Ronaldo and Adriano, and Fred did well in the few minutes he was in the game. Ronaldo and Adriano won't work together. Besides, I'd like to see Juninho on the team.

I'd believe more in our team if we played with Rogerio (I just can't trust Dida), Cicinho, Lúcio, Juan, R. Carlos, Gilberto Silva (or Mineiro), Zé Roberto, Kaká, Ronaldinho, Robinho and Adriano (or Fred), and Juninho playing in the second half. With the likes of Cafu, Ronaldo (playing like this) and Emerson we'll have problems.

Brazil underperformed once again, but were still the better team overall, particularly after the addition of Robinho. They still don't look like world-beaters though, and Australia were given plenty of space to create chances as the game wore on. I'd back Australia to qualify now, since they're more than capable of holding the Croatians off for ninety minutes based on their performances so far. But the Brazilians have to find their form pretty sharpish if they're going to go all the way this year.

Well done to the Aussies!
I do feel sorry for Ronaldo, he seems to be so unfit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Croyles

Well done to the Aussies!
I do feel sorry for Ronaldo, he seems to be so unfit.

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Ronaldo's performance made me cringe, it was that bad. HE did set up the opener for Adriano, but other than that, it was a 4/10 performance at best.

Kaka was yet again their best performer.

France's first goal in 8 years by Henry. Nice goal too!

France 1 : 0 South Korea (HT)
I'm kinda annoyed by France's performance in this first half; for the first ten minutes, up to the goal, they were magnificent, and then they totally went into cruise mode. Henry should have tucked away his second of the evening but seemed to feel that he preferred to lie down on the job a bit, and Viera was horribly unlucky not to get awarded a goal for his header cleared from BEHIND the line; I can understand that neither the ref or the linesmen saw it, but it's still harsh. This is where video technology really helps, though in that aspect, it would have to be CALLED for by the ref, kinda like in cricket and rugby.

South Korea haven't really looked too sharp, and I think it's really down to their formation, as the BBC commentators have been saying; playing three men against Viera, Makelele, Zidane and Malouda is just insanity, which is why they've had next to no chances to score, though their inswinging free kick to the back post has been one I've seen a few times so far in this tournament to good effect. S.Korea definitely need to switch to a 4-4-2, whilst France need to stop taking it easy and really settle the game quickly, or they'll invite South Korea to get lucky.

OMG shock goal!
1 - 1

Come one South Korea! Beat the frogies!

FT: 1 - 1
I cant believe France screwed that one up!

i have a 10 euro bet on argentina to win, lookin good so far...

South Korea didn't deserve to equalise, their play was stodgy, but France deserved to concede, serving them right for totally easing off after Henry hit the back of the net. Let's face it, the French team are lazy. Any time they wanted, they could have jsut stepped up the pace and decimated South Korea, but no, they were too arrogant and paid for it with Park Ji-Sung's equaliser.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Croyles

FT: 1 - 1
I cant believe France screwed that one up!

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Sadly, I could have forseen that. I doubt we'll pass the first round :/

France are going home, there going home, there going home, there going! France are going home!

Oh Croatia. You just missed a golden opportunity. :(

As for the Aussies, other than as a defensive performance, I don't think they played all that well until Kewell came onto the pitch...and promptly missed a sitter. But then Brazil brought on Robinho, and it swung in their favour again. Brazil only looked like world champions after Robinho had replaced Ronaldo, really.

France, well...that really was an accident waiting to happen after their total complacency. Can't really feel sorry for them, because they should've put that game away a long time ago. Group F also looks like it will have an interesting finale.

I'm going to eat my hat if Ghana doesn't win. I don't have a hat so it's a win - win situation.

Omg, France can't beat S. Korea? It's going to be a bitter retirement for poor Zidane. Can't say I care, though.:p

i thought Australia was pretty unlucky not to get something from the game against brazil... it could have easily been 1-1 if a few things had gone our way... but oh well, we did have our chances (ie kewell) and failed to take them. still it was encouraging to see that we can mix it with the best in the world, even if they didnt play their best. now all we need is a draw (assuming japan lose) or a win against croatia to qualify... and i reckon they can do it

I'm creating a new EoFF group for people who have messed up (e.g. didnt know how fantasy football works, and would like to start new again, or anyone else that wants to start another one/again). The first line up will be for the final games of the group stages, so the Germany vs Ecuador and Poland vs Costa Rica games and further until the end of the World Cup.
I hope people will join, but wont be surprised if no one does.
Ill still be in the other one, but I only bothered to figure it out today, so im kinda behind :p

I am posting the ID and Password here now, But please dont put any players in your match line up until the 20th of June. Failure to comply will result in me removing you and I will only allow you back on on the 20th of June :p :D.
So remember, first line up is for the 20th of June: Germany vs Ecuador, Poland vs Costa Rica, England vs Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago vs Paraguay.

Here is the ID# and Password:
Group ID#: 47193
Password: eyesonff

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you want to know how the groups are standing at the moment this is the best place to go:
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/...dex.html?r=436

France should progress. Switzerland and France should both beat Togo, and Switzerland should beat Korea in the final group game, leaving Switzerland with 7 pts, France with 5pts, Korea with 4pts and Togo with nothing.

Lacklustre performance from Saudi Arabia. That second half was played with a defeatist attitude, and the moments of life were far and few between (although they became slightly more offensive after the substitutions). Shevchenko was brilliant :( and a good Ukrainian performance all around. Nice that they've eaten up the goal difference et al.

You go, Tunisia. You go to the max. :cool:

Lol, 1-0 for Tunisia in like the first 3 minutes. Early upset?

I got an idea:
!World Cup + Qualification Pub Quiz!

Which player tied with another for scoring the highest amount of goals in one single match? The match also happened to have the most amount of goals all around in a single match, EVER.
Give me the name of the player + his amount of goals, and the overall scoreline if you wish.

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Originally Posted by Cz

You go, Tunisia. You go to the max. :cool:

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:mad2:

Spain deserves to win. They are the better team and it's about time they win a World Cup. Tunisia is playing well, but that header to the net should have gone in. :(

Oh Tunisia, I bet you go on to take the lead against the Ukraine, too, before throwing it all away. A bit baffled by the decision to bring Luis Garcia off, as not only is the man a legend (and Raul is a bit crap these days) but also I thought he was one of the best, if not the best (Xavi and Sergio Ramos are also contenders) players on the pitch in the first half.

Still, Fabregas lit the second half up, so it's all good.

Hurray for Ukraine! I've been a fan of some of their players for a while now, like Tymoschuk, and especially Voronin (which is why he is in my fantasy football squad) so it was good to see them do well, and also, Kalinichenko has won me over too.

Good result for the Swiss. I reckon they and South Korea will draw, and then it's down to France to decide their own destiny. They'll need two goals...twice as many as they've scored in the past eight years. And you know Togo will be fired up for a game against their former colonial masters...

I'm going to have to watch the second half when I get home. I only ever get to watch the first half during my lunch break. :(

To all the atheists: God does exist! He's aka Cesc Fabregas. He is subliminally awesome. (And he's all Arsenal's.) :D

Edit: Germany's best performance so far, imho. >:o Two beautiful goals from Klose -- he's now the highest scorer in the World Cup (so far), ahead of Torres. Ecudaor made five changes to their starting line-up! I don't know if Luis made it for tactical reasons, or just to rest the players. They are through, after all.

Spain's second half performance was excellent last night, making up for their disappointing start. Fabregas was impressive, but what really stretched Tunisia was the introduction of Joaquin on the right, offering the Spaniards a wide option that they didn't really have in the first half. Raul was nothing special, but popped up when it mattered to score the equaliser, which is all you can really ask of a substitute striker. Besides, with Torres up front, he can afford to underperform. :p

Didn't see the first half of the Germany match, but the fact that Ecuador rested their strongest players means that this is hardly evidence of a dominant German side. The Poland score isn't that surprising either, and the final Group A table is a pretty accurate summar of the teams' respective quality, if you ask me.

Now, with regards to tonight's England game, I think that winning might not necessarily be the best option. While a first place finish might give us an easier match in the second round, we'd be pretty much guarenteed to play Argentina in the Quarter Final, and I don't need to tell you what's wrong with that. Much better to face a sub-standard German side and save the Argies for the final, if you ask me.

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Originally Posted by Resha

To all the atheists: God does exist! He's aka Cesc Fabregas. He is subliminally awesome. (And he's all Arsenal's.) :D

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And I would take Xabi Alonso any day of the week. :) Also, God is Robbie Fowler, and everybody knows that.

I sort of agree with Cz on Argentina, but then again, I'd rather lose in the Quarter Final than the Final itself. You can talk about progress or whatever, but I don't think there's anything worse than losing in a final.

But after the friendly in Geneva, who knows what result an England - Argentina game would produce?

Germany had 1 substitution from the start, made 2 substitutions at half time and another one not so much later on. So its not like it doesnt show evidence of the german team entirely. Klose went off pretty much at half time. Ecuador didnt have Degaldo and many other important players, but this is still a good victory.
Sub-standard German team? I would hardly call it sub-standard. The team hasnt been this good for ages. And the way england are playing at the moment, you do have reason to fear us!
Fair enough about the Argentinians though, I dont think anyone really wants to play them. But I do have to say that Argentina did not have a strong opposition when they got 6-0. Germany got 8-0 against Saudi Arabia last world cup but that didnt say all that much. They could easily become like spain and look more shaky again.

Congratulations on topping the group, Croyles. However, I am annoyed, because I just realised I forgot to put Podolski and Friedrich in my starting line up! :( I'm going to load my team with Group C and D players now, just in case I forget to later.

thats pretty much the same with me.. sucks:mad:

Like Cz said, the Ecuadorian team rested five of their previously starting line-up players. Including Delgado, I think. I don't think they were playing to win, and they weren't entirely outclassed either. They saw plenty of the ball and didn't use the opportunities they had -- the few times they did push forwards, Lehmann did have to make saves. Germany did field all their best players, on the other hand.

It's good to see Ballack back in form ^_^ He played much better today than he did against Poland.

Well im glad about the win anyway :p

Yes indeed! Congrats very much! Klose and Lahm were ace! :D

Thank you! :D
Im also happy because I had Klose on fantasy football as captain, 40 points from one player in one day!! I wont be getting them till the day is over though.

who does lahm play for

Joe Cole, I could kiss your face. :heart:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! OWEN!! :cry:

On the other hand, Joe Cole = God.

YES! come on England!!
Joe Cole's scores an amazing goal! Best goal of the tournament so far!

Lahm plays for Bayern Munich.

Paul "I'll take my full six seconds" Robinson
Jamie "He'll do" Carragher
Rio "Slip'n'Save" Ferdinand
John "I think I saw him for a couple of seconds" Terry
Ashley "That totally was not a handball" Cole
Owen "The first time I've noticed him doing well" Hargreaves
David "Why won't the strikers collect my crosses" Beckham
Frank "It's my birthday and I'll shoot if I want to" Lampard
Joe "Dan wants to kiss his face" Cole
Wayne "Oh, bugger, he lost it. Oh, wait, he's got it back!" Rooney
Peter "The commentators get surprised every time he does something other than a header" Crouch

and Michael "We're only allowed three fit strikers, you see" Owen.

Not a bad first half.

That's more like it. England have looked consistently threatening during this half, and with Rooney back in the team we've now got a number of routes to goal, making us far more dangerous in the final third. Cole's strike was amazing, and even Hargreaves has done a pretty good job. Sweden haven't done much, but that shouldn't take anything away from England's showing.

However, Owen's injury is extremely worrying. Not because he's critical to our success, but because if Crouch finds himself booked, or Rooney's fitness isn't up to scratch, we're left with very little option but to start with Walcott. Personally I'd rather see us start with a five-man midfield (with Aaron Lennon on the right) but I doubt Sven would try something like that. This is where the decision not to take a fifth forward could really hurt us, so here's hoping that Owen's injury isn't too severe.

There is the possibility of Gerrard getting a game as an all-out forward, a la the warmup matches.

I have to say, that goal looked like it had been coming from a Swedish Set Piece. However, why the arse was 3'7" midget Ashley Cole covering the back post? :(

Edit: YESSSSSSSS STEVIE G YOU ARE THE SEXIEST MAN IN THE WHOLE WORLD

Edit2: That was hot. I said "Henrik needs to score now :(" in chat and literally 3 seconds later he scored xD even though who the actual goalscorer was is up for debate. Anyway, I'm happy with that, we went through on top of the table. We're lucky we got Ecuador over Germany 'cause our team isn't anywhere near fullstrengh/on top form.