Larsson is mah hero.
Larsson is mah hero.
Big up the Swedes. Who didn't see that coming? England just can't beat them :D
Things of note:
1) I love how every time ITV's commentators mention Walcott, they sound disgusted at the idea of him playing at all, at any point. He's spoken of like a 12th player for the other team. It can get kind of amusing after you get through the phase of finding it annoying.
2) "England are contendors" - ITV's last words before the ads. Yeah, they're as good as Sweden.
3) All this talk about avoiding Germany just kind of shows that England aren't very big favourites at all compared to what they used to be before the tournament, regardless of the fact that everyone is still hyping them up. Fact is, if England play Ecuador, the jump in class that they're going to have to make if they get to the semis is going to be insane. Right now they've faced a whole lot of decent sides but not a single great one. I'm not sure if they'll be able to make that giant step up at this rate.
4) Oh, poor Lampard. You want a goal so badly, don't you? Kicking the ball into the net after the goal was scored, the subdued celebrations before looking down with an almost sad look after a very quick pat on the back to Gerrard... he's visibly jealous. xD I really, really want Lampard to get a goal, because once he does, hopefully he'll be able to put more concentration on just playing his game.
5) Does anyone not like Larsson? I don't think it's possible to not like the guy. I don't know anyone that doesn't, and I know a lot of Rangers fans, too.
I can not, F**KING wait till Sven leaves and pisses off back to Italy, i'm fed up of these defensive tatics
Saying best defense in the f**king world and they had no clue at all on how to defend their 2nd goal.
We're not going to get far if "i'm a moron" Sven doesn't realises we're not a defensive team!
Sweden had trouble scoring past Paraguay and T&T, yet they can easily put 2 past England.
We take the lead 5 mins left, and can't even hold on, useless.
I'm furious!
You call that covering the back post!?!?! i call that, stood behind the goal line!! he could have stopped the last goal, but he was stood behind the line!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyono
Because he is awesome and much sexier than you. :mad2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyono
Disappointed that we didn't get the win, but aside from our weakness at set pieces we didn't do that badly. Gerrard's inclusion worried me at first, and I was hoping he'd stay out of trouble rather than risk getting a yellow card. Instead, he got right into the thick of it and saved us, twice. Joe Cole did an excellent job to play him in for the goal, and between them I think they've been our players of the tournament so far. We're still not good enough to win it, but we'll do for now.
Oh, and Sol Campbell makes me sad. :(
Oh hello, my name is Frank Lampard! I'll blast from 20 yards out and miss, and then contribute absolutely sod all to the team! As Clive Tyldsley or Jon Champion or Peter Drury (all the ITV commentators sound the same) said, he has had more shots than anyone else in the tournament, and 0 goals. Frank, knock it off.
Joe Cole is England's player of the tournament so far, and would be even if he hadn't scored that.
Oh god, Sol Campbell. I don't care how the commentator started orgasming over a block for a minute. He played terribly against Hungary and Jamaica, and was at fault for the second goal with his air kick. Rio, I know I've said bad things about you, but come back. Oh, if only Ledley King hadn't got injured. :(
To be honest, it wasn't as bad as people will try to make out. We looked solid at the back except for at set-pieces - that was the only way they cracked us open - and Owen Hargreaves did alright. Not to mention the fact that all three of our substitutions were injury/fitness related, as normally we'd throw on Downing and Lennon, who can help push us on.
Quite why we fell apart at set pieces when we have Terry, Ferdinand/Campbell, Carra and Crouch I don't know.
As I said, I hope Rio's injury isn't serious. We all know what happened when Terry-Campbell were played in Euro 2004. We defended too deeply, and Portugal and France spanked us for it. Rio pushes the defensive line forwards.
Drop Lampard for Hargreaves/Carrick, Sven. Please. I won't ask you again.Correction, WAS awesome. Undoubtedly the best left back in WC 2002 and Euro 2004, he doesn't look as sharp in this World Cup.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cz
He'd have to pretty bloody spectacular to match his career-defining showing against Portugal in 2004, so I suppose you're technically correct. I thought he did a good job today though. Joe Cole's tendency to cut inside and shoot means he doesn't get as much of the ball in the final third as he used to, but he's still solid in defence. He did a better job than Carragher, who really should have been moved into the centre of defence where he's at his best, instead of bringing on Campbell and leaving Jamie out of place on the right. I'm glad we're agreed that Ashley is sexier than Dan, though. :thumb:Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
P.S. You'd better have just been watching University Challenge. :D
A good game with a somewhat fair outcome. England was the better team in the first half and Sweden played a really good second half. Joe Cole's goal was amazing, but Allbäcks goal wasn't a bad one either.
He's still our best left-back, even if Sven does have a bizarre infatuation with Wayne Bridge. He's improved with each game in this tournament, so I still have hope he'll climb those heights once again, but I won't hold my breath. Yeah, Carra does look awkward at right back, but with the Neviller injured, he's all we've got, and I'd take him over Luke Young and Owen Hargreaves. When the Neviller retires, we're going to have a huge hole at right back that will need filling. (Oh my god, I typed "Philling". Freudian slip...and oh dear god please no)
One has Loony BoB and the other has Cheryl Tweedy. C'mon. :p
P.S. ...why?
Carrick Carrick Carrick Carrick I don't care if Hargreaves played better than usual his mere presence in the team is surely enough to lower the whole teams game by at least three notches.Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
Plus I'm sexier than Psy so it doesn't matter that he thinks. :D
One of the best goals so far, by Joe Cole, not THE best, I'd say second place behind Torsten Frings :p
Well done to England for getting to the top of the group.
A question came up about a certain final involving a certain red team, and there was cheering involved. I thought you might've enjoyed it, since I think I overheard you say that you watched that match on TV or something. (A question just came up about Dennis Bergkamp too, oddly enough. Honestly, the standard of television these days!)Quote:
Originally Posted by Psy
Now, I'm sure most of us are confident of an England victory over Ecuador, but what does everyone make of a Germany vs. Sweden matchup? I'd go for the Germans personally, but it should be one of the closer second round matches.
Only by one vote. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan
Which match? I actually thought it might've been because my university, Leicester, were on it. If they are, I hope they fail miserably for not inviting me onto their team. :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Cz
The Germans have really got their act together since that shaky start, and the Swedes have only looked threatening from high balls into the box, something which the Germans don't seem to have any problem with. With Klose scoring the way he is, and Podolski getting a goal to boost his confidence, I'm going to agree that the Germans are the most likely to claim a win.Quote:
Now, I'm sure most of us are confident of an England victory over Ecuador, but what does everyone make of a Germany vs. Sweden matchup? I'd go for the Germans personally, but it should be one of the closer second round matches.
Oh, I forgot.
5) Rooney's football today: 8 or 9 out of 10. Rooney's sulking today: 10/10.
:whimper: (Tears of joy) :hyper: :ty:Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
Thank you so much! l0l
Of course, it will still be a hard match, Germany cant and will not (Im sure) make the mistake of growing complacent.
I was SOOOOOO glad that Lukas Podolski scored, I was mored glad for him than I would have been if Klose scored a hat trick. Its kind of like the situation with Frank Lampard, except Podolski is new and really needed that goal so maybe he can start finding his rythm!
I did laugh at the look on Rooney's face when he came off. 'Petulant 10 year old' springs to mind. :p Can hardly blame them though, least he lasted for longer this time. Fingers crossed for 90 mins next match.Quote:
Originally Posted by Loony BoB
Lol yeah, Rooney was quite funny. I can understand why he must be so annoyed though.
I noticed a while ago that Lahm has a really funny run. He's short, and he runs with his arms bent forwards :eep:
Apparently Torsten Frings stole the football from the first game lol. He had to give it back but he managed to steal it again :rolleyes2
Some bbc reporter said this:
"The England squad have just arrived here and I have rarely seen them quite so angry. Remember 40 years ago when they ran off with the ball, well they are up to it again. What a scandal. Torsten Frings has dissapeared with the match ball, and I think, this tells you everything you need to know about the nature of the german team."
Well done, you well and truly managed to show that the German team is truly evil for this scandalous deed. No words about the brazlinians stealing the ball too though... Hmmmmm fishy.
l0l I just found it funny.
Here is one of the many links, the video is in german but has the bbc reporter talking in english at the end:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhSsE...rch=summertime
Oh and Russielloyd, I am now in front of you in fantasy football, even though I only started on Sunday! :p
This has been quite an entertaining World Cup thus far, with more than a few surprises and lackluster performances to even it all out.
I think Argentina seems the favorite thus far as they look so in sync with one another and seem to be gaining momentum. It remains to be seen how they play their last game of the opening round, but from what I've seen, they look good. Boy, are they deep too.
France, England and Brazil have all been sort of underwhelming to me. They need to pick up their play if they want to really do damage in this tournament, France especially since they won't have Zidane for the final game of their opening round.
Germany has played well, but I don't think I'm ready to declare them a title favorite yet. Klose has been wonderful, but as others mentioned, the match today was a sort of mirage since they were facing a team that wasn't fielding its best lineup.
Still, what's important right now is just getting to the knock-out phase, so all the teams that have done so should at least be pleased by that result.
I'm crossing my fingers about the USA. They played a very good match against Italy, good enough to win in my opinion and came away with a respectable draw. However, they need to move forward from this, not think that they've figured it all out. Ghana, even without their two best goal scorers for the upcoming game, has played inspired as well and can't be taken lightly. I'd like to see more Eddie Johnson and O'Brien in this game as well as Dempsey as those three are fast and creative and the USA MUST, MUST actually score a goal.
Take care all.
Owen is "injured" and Rooney isn't on form. Ouch.
P.S. Go Italy.
Agreed. I can't believe we conceded another goal after being handed that beauty by Gerrard. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyono
I feel terrible for Owen, the poor injury ridden soul - Hopefully it won't be that bad. :)
We really do need to improve dramastically if we want to get anywhere in this tournament. For example - Lampard. Pur-leaaase, stop being so goal hungry and play skillfully. Joe Cole has been amazing, and I think that Rooney did well today considering he's been out - there were little glimpses of his talent.
I hope Sven gets a swift kick to the face for bringing Walcott instead of Defoe.
:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Jess
Mind you, I'd take "One goal in sixteen internationals" Defoe over Jenas.
But seriously, what the crap was the point in taking Walcott as part of a group of 4 strikers, when one was injured and the other had just returned from injury? Especially as Sven seems to have realised, after watching him train, that he isn't good enough for international football, and refuses to use him.
Isn't it obvious what Sven has to do wfor the knockout stages?
Play Gerrard and Rooney up front with Becks, Lampard, Hargreaves and Cole in midfield. Hargreaves was one of our only decent performances last night.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - because he can't lose. I mean, the English already hate him. So if it doesn't pay off, they keep saying the same old thing about him. If it does, suddenly, Sven will be considered a genius.Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
Of course, that's only if he plays him.
EDIT: And I agree that Gerrard up front is a great prospect. He's done better there than other strikers have lately. Assuming England don't get another injury, the playing XIV should be...
Gerrard, Rooney, Crouch for strikers.
Lampard, J Cole, Beckham, Lennon, Hargreaves for midfield.
A Cole, Terry, Ferdinand, Neville, Carragher (Campbell should Neville stay injured).
Robinson for keeper.
Those fourteen should still give England agreatdecent chance of victory.
Right now I can't pick between Hargreaves and Carrick. I normally would say Carrick, but he hasn't had much gametime, and Hargreaves did everything right in the last game. Actually, yeah, I'd say Hargreaves. No reason to replace someone if they are indeed doing everything right.
There we go, the offical word on Owen's Knee, ruptured his Cruciate ligament in the knee. He's out for a long time. Poor scouser. :(
How much did FA insure him for? I wonder if Newcastle will get any money out of this. I know the maximum is something like Ģ20m, although I don't know if they'd shell out that much unless the guy died.
EDIT: Things looking good for a Neville return, though. Should be okay for the semis if England get through.
I think 5 months was the final verdict.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loony BoB
Insurance doesn't pay out unless is career is ended normally, but seeing as he's going to be for about 5-6 months, i think the F.A will pay his wages for those 5 to 6 months, which would be about 2.4 million.
I'll take back every horrible, nasty thing I said about the poor man if only he miraculously heals well. :( Injury after injury, and he hadn't even had a chance to return to form properly. (Will he play after this? :/ Ever?)
[q=DELUDED!!!!]5) Does anyone not like Larsson? I don't think it's possible to not like the guy. I don't know anyone that doesn't, and I know a lot of Rangers fans, too.[/q]
I loathe Larsson! :D:D:D:D He's a dreadful man and I was very sad when he scored.
Eriksson's put everyone in such a lose-lose situation; Walcott doesn't get to play, and England have to rely heavily on Rooney (just back from injury) and Crouch. What the hell was the point of bringing him if he's not going to use him? Why not Dean Ashton or Darren Bent, both of whom played brilliantly during the season and are experienced lolol? If Eriksson undermines Walcott's confidence and blights his youthful expectations and ruins his chances of performing well at Arsenal...
Mexico 1 -- 2 Portugal at the moment, and Mexico are looking considerably threatening yet, because much like Ingerland, Portugal are having muchas difficulty dealing with the set-pieces. Every single Mexican corner has looking threatening so far, and if it weren't for some awesome Ricardo saves, Mexico could well be level or ahead.
I can't wait for the Argentina -- Holland game.
This injury is pretty serious, up to 6 months out of action, goodbye intertoto cup. It's mostly the midfielders that score the goals anyway, put Gerrard up front, give it a wizz. The Sweden match was a perfect oppurtunity to test out Walcott and experiment with formations, wasted oppurtunity. Argentina vs Holland is going to be one hell of a match.
You just took that off ITV didn't you? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Shoden
Yahoo actually. The FA says it will leave it it up to Newcastle to take care of the recovery and Fat freddy says it's still too early to determine how long he will be out for. One paper says 6 months, other news say 5, some say undetermined.
So you just happened to post it, straight after it was said on ITV?
Coincidence.
If the fame doesn't raise in portuguese football players we'll even defeat brazil!
:confused: I'm not sure I understand that sentence, sorry. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Sweet_Angel
Portugal lacking without the help of those that are currently carded.
EDIT: Perez sent off for a second yellow in the game. For diving! I like that they actually card people for diving these days.
Angola have just scored against Iran...if Portugal can score another against Mexico or Angola score again...Mexico could be going home early!
Come on Angola!
Portugal is the best team on that group and if they keep their head cold and play as they know, we can be in a great place! Portugal already defeated Brazil once, it can happen gain! Thinking that just because Brazil is winning for a few years and it's the current World Champion (if I'm not worng, if I am plz correct me), that he'll win again, aw man that's not giving fight! Only at the day of finl we'll know who are the best!
Mexico muffed way too many chances. I reckon Volpe should've subbed Bravo towards the end; today wasn't his day and everything that could stop him from finding the back of the net...did. I wanted Angola to go through, but meh. 1 - 1 there. Angola needed to win 3 - 1 to go through, at any rate. Goal difference.
I was expecting Portugal to dominate. Mexico really did miss way too many shots to the net. I guess it doesn't matter since they're advancing to the next round regardless, but they have to step up the next round because it's only going to get harder.
I don't have a problem with him being taken, I just have a problem being taken as a part of a four when two were not fully fit. Would he really be hailed as less of a genius if he picked Ashton (or even Bent or Defoe) instead of Jermaine Jenas? Heck, I'd hail him as a god for not picking Jenas anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Loony BoB
And Stevie G, while a fantastic player, is not an out-and-out striker. His best position is a free role, so he can get all over the pitch.
Mexico played some good football, especially after going down to 10 men, and were unlucky not to get a draw. I predict Netherlands v Argentina will be boring. :)
I'm going to lunch soon to watch the game. Hopefully it won't. Two very different styles of football. We'll see.
I called it.
Also, :( at Serbia losing to the Ivory Coast. Oh well, at least the loathsome Drogba wasn't playing.
You go die in a ditch. Right now. :mad2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Resha
So, four in the midfield, Beckham, Lampard/Carrick/Hargreaves in the middle, Joe Cole on the left, Peter Crouch/Rooney up front and stick Gerrard inbetween the two and let him roam around? Give him lisence to go forward and attack or to charge into the midfield and get stuck in.Quote:
Originally Posted by piekotik
i wanted holland to win that match
I thought Argentina v Portugal would be a very interesting second round encounter
Netherlands vs Argentina was so lame....0-0. What a waste of time.
Argentina - Mexico! This will be good!
I'm glad Mexico lost against Portugal.
and I'm glad it wasn't as boring as last timeQuote:
Originally Posted by Outer Heaven
HAHA I remember that.:D
Hate to say it i told you so, no wait, no i don't.Quote:
Originally Posted by Russielloyd, 11th June, 2006
I TOLD YOU SO! :p
[q]I predict Netherlands v Argentina will be boring.[/q]
Gesundheit. It was as boring as hell.
Yay Ivory Coast 3 - 2; considering S&M had to play the whole second half with 10 men 'tis understandable. ^_^ 'Twas good stuff from Dindane!
I actually fell asleep watching the Argentina-Holland game.
yeh, i thought it was pretty boring too... geez, after what argentina gave us last time, i was looking foward to something special. guess neither team went all out cos they had both already qualified.
I wanted Holland to win so we can play our old rivals in the quater-finals and avoid Argentina if we win against Sweden :p
Marco Materazzi puts Italy ahead!
Go Ghana! And this Italy-Czech match has been fun to watch so far. Campernezi is a total poof, though.
Edit: And now that Jan Polak is sent off 'cause of that dirty dive he pulled.
Edit: boo USA
Edit: YYYYYYAY GHANA
Camaronesi.*
Pollack has been sent off. Two really bad challenges. Let's hope Italy keeps their...umm...touch.
Man, Materazzi is like a giraffe.
Bad Challenges my arse, alright the second one was dumb but he was nowhere near him on the first one, Campernezi(I know, it's on purpose.) is just a turd. :D
Pollack is dumb. Oh, imagine if the Czechs score an equalizing. We can already have a Brazil-Italy game! Go Ghana! Go Nedved!:D
Italy is the only team that can really beat Brazil. *nods*
That should never have been a penalty for Ghana.
Gah. I want the Czech Rep. and Ghana to go through -- Ghana are 2 - 1 up, which pleases me greatly. (I haven't been watching the game!) It was pretty dumb of Jan Polak to get himself red-carded though, and now the Cz. Rep. are at a huge disadvantage for the second half. No man is an island, 'tis said, but looking at Milan Baros submerged in a sea of Italian defenders, I think otherwise. Maybe a formation change?
Boy i can already feel it Portugal is going to kick Netherlands ass once again.
Letīs face it three victories in a row...thatīs a lot of memento to go to the semi quarter finals.
memento xD
Czech R. are trying really hard but any time they get forward italy have about three players just shutting one player down. Not that Italy are setting the world alight of course. Although, Inzaghi has JUST finally scored as I type this. He's looked sharp going forward but he botched those two chances before. He REALLY should have scored that header.
Inzaghi just sealed the deal. We're off to the round of 16!
EDIT: Yes, plenty of memento if you ask me.
Yay, Ghana <3
I wanted Cz.R to go through with Ghana, nothing against the Italians, I just dont often like their style of play, even if it does give them the wins.
QFT.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kyono
Yay Ghana -- subliminally awesome. I think they deserved it, and the Ghanian people are so happy. :) Can't imagine how ecstatic these Ghanians would be! I'm so happy for them!
I don't know whether they deserved that penalty or not, but even if they hadn't gotten it, 1 - 1 would've taken them through. *happy* But the odds are that they'll face Brazil in the next round :/ But anyways, we'll see.
I wanted the Czech Republic to go through too, but meh. *Rosicky is still the greatest thing ever so shut up!
The most unjustified PK I've seen. If anyone was watching the Ghana match, you'd probably want Ghana to win it less than if you didn't. Their pathetic dives were almost as foul-smelling as Italy's. Oh, I guess that's why they're advancing, because there's really no other reason going for them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
*sigh* I need finals to be over so I can watch some decent football instead of only having time for the crappy matchups in E-H. There isn't a single match I'm looking forward to until Round of 16, or possibly even the quarters.
2nd best and 5th best teams in the world my arse.
Disappointed that the Czechs didn't put up more of a fight, really.He had one good game, and in the other two he was mediocre. You're an attacking midfielder, and your team is 1-0 down and about to go out of the World Cup, do you:Quote:
Originally Posted by Resha
A) Spend your time in your own half, running around like a headless chicken.
B) Actually go up and support your lone striker who is isolated and clearly still feeling the effects of an injury.
C) There is no C.
B) is what a good player would do. It doesn't matter that the holding midfielder got sent off, leave that type of thing to your defence, mainly because: YOU'RE GOING TO GO OUT UNLESS YOU SCORE TWO. And what did he achieve by it? Nothing. Italy comfortably played their possession game as per usual, and the Czechs were no more than a small annoyance. The most impact he had was when he actually went forward.
(C) is the choice of a world class player)
Anyway, it seems like the gods of football were simply against the Czech Republic and the USA, what with all the unlucky decisions that have against them in this World Cup. But that's football, and it happens to everyone at some point, really.
I'm happy for Ghana, even if they do have Michael Essien. :p
*eagerly waiting to get a screenshot of Essien on his backside looking over his shoulder at Ronalindho with the ball at his feet so I can use it as my signature*
It's a shame that he's been suspended, then, just like in the Chelsea v Barcelona games. Fourth time lucky, mobiletype. :p
Poor Czechs. Without a recognised striker up front they simply didn't have enough firepower to qualify from such a tough group. If Koller hadn't been injured, or if Baros had been fit, they could have been a force to be reckoned with. Still, their elimination did allow Ghana to sneak through, so I suppose that's a plus. They're the only really surprising qualifier so far though. Maybe Australia will have something to say about that.
I wouldn't say Australia qualifying as opposed to Croatia would be that much of a shock. It would be as much of a shock as Ecuador qualifying in place of Poland - if you had to back one, you'd back Poland/Croatia, but you wouldn't be surprised if the other team qualified in their place.
Well, maybe you wouldn't back Poland. :p
Actully, I did back Poland; I just didn't dismiss Ecuador immediately like most people did. I wouldn't be too surprised to see the Aussies qualify either, but they're not World Cup regulars in the way Croatia are, so to see them in the second round would be a bit unusual.Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
Oh, okay, now I can stop cruelly mocking you for being correct. Anyway, it's not unusual to see a Hiddink team in the secound round, or the semi finals for that matter...
Is...it it me or are some of the countries on the poll struck out??? How do you do THAT? xD
Brazil 1 - 1 Japan -- I wasn't watching this, sohow the hell did the Japanese score*? I saw the Ronaldo goal. Fairly simple -- he shouldn't have missed that one.
Australia 1 - 1 Croatia as well; excellent game, Aussies are brilliant! If they keep hammering the Croatian defence this way, they'll definitely win it. That should have completely been a penalty for Mark Viduka at the beginning there -- it was a drag-down foul -- but they got one anyways. Great free kick from Croatia too, but they haven't really been on the offensive, have they? ^_^ But there's one thing about them; they're very quick and very dangerous on the counter-attack, and then they could pose a problem or two to Aussies.
I dunno which game to watch. O_O Damn this same timing.
EDIT:*Okay, I saw it. Gorgeous.
Brazil's defence sucks. It's the first time we face a team that really wants to win, and guess what happens? Anyway, the team is better, manly because of Robinho, Juninho and Cicinho, but Ronaldinho is playig in a position that keeps him from showing his best football. And it was about time Ronaldo did something.
They only focose on atack and their defense is rubish nice memento from Japan though.
I now hate bruce arena. Worst Case scenario the us had to win by 4.
what formation to use.......... 4-5-1? you have to be kidding me. It was obvious US didnt know what they were doing and DOnovan sucks at free kicks. how abput using more strikers and some attcking midfielders. YOU NEEDED GOALS. Im a usa fan but they did not deserve to win playing the way they did. It was the CZE game all over again.
Haha, USA fail. Us Englishmen have anothet thing we can use to point and laugh at the petty Americans and their failures. =). I watched the Italy match in a pub down in York, so I was up to date with the wins and fails.
That Australia - Croatia game descended into the pits of insanity and confusion towards the end. What the hell was wrong with them? A pile of men lying inside the goal (and as far as I saw the ball didn't cross the line, either). Some of the Croatian players were handling the referee and Simunic managed to receive three yellow cards; a goal after the final whistle -- Jesus Christ. :laughing: Tomas is such a happy guy -- always jumping with his arms in the air.
Congrats Soccccccerrooos! :heart: (Especially YOU, gor-gor!!)
Hahahaha, Simunic's three yellow cards. Hahaha Graham Poll you twat. :laugh:
Glad I watched Australia v Croatia instead of watching Brazil spank Japan. What a game, and good to see Harry Kewell finally perform in a big game!
This tournament has confirmed my belief that Dario Srna of Croatia is the best right wing-back in the world (it's a different position to right back, in case any of you want to dispute that) and there were rumours that Liverpool had been inquiring about him, and I hope they turn out to be true. :D
I was desperate for Simunic to score after he got his second yellow. That would've been absolutely hilarious, although his third yellow made up for it. :D
An excellent finale to Group F. Controversy aside, Australia and Croatia had a great game that could easily have gone either way. I didn't see the Brazilian game in full, but four goals is a good sign that, regardless of how they perform, Brazil can get results. Graham Poll's temporary insanity will be the talking point, but there was plenty of good football played tonight too.
I think Japan deserve a pat on the back for that first goal, it was really good. So far no one who saw it even mentioned it! Something called glory supporting :p
I'm so sad I missed the three yellow cards. It would have been well worth missing my moms birthday dinner for that. :(
that does it, tomorrow I'm watching ukraine/tunisia, switzerland/south korea. I always get to see the lousier games. The Australia/Croatia match seemed to have more tension, incidents, entertainment and a better pitch than Brazil/japan. Brazils masterful display in the early second half would've got me excited in the highlights anyway but tense all-or-nothing football is best served live
I want to see if Ronaldo can go one better than his game against Japan tonight, and score a goal without moving at all, unless it is to get into position (from kick-off) or to stay onside. Because I honestly think he is the only person in th world who can stay so still for so much of the game and still get two goals. Sneaky bastard.
I got 55 points in fantasy football today :p and could have gotten 80 if i had chosen a higher point-getting captain ^^
Pay attention Russielloyd!
25 points from Ronaldo! Haha what a joke.
I watched the Croatia- Australia game and cheered and griminiced with the same spirit as watching a England game. I guess that's how Australia have made me feel in this World Cup: A team to cheer.
I think the first goal by Croatia was well deserved, being that Australia were playing pretty much crap with their passing and play in the 1st few minutes. After that though...
I was gripping the seat. I was off it when their goalie took a brave save and held on under 2 Australians. Full of end to end action, plenty of good football. Except by former Leicester City *hangs head as Leicester fan* keeper Kalac. Shocking.
I'm just upset by how dirty Croatia got in the end, complaining about every descision. Until the whole THREE Yellow Cards problem, I thought Poll was pretty good. Now I just think of his a giant twat. They were speaking about (in the paper) that he was to be considered for the final game... He's blown it with that terrible incident.
If he had scored, would it count? Technically, he was banned from the pitch. I would have loved Australia finding that he was meant to be off, and then charging FIFA. Possibly more contraversial then the "Hand of God"Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
It would have been nice for Japan to beat Brazil, but it appears they just didn't have the quality to get to the 2nd round this time around. Shame. Still, their best player retired (Nakata) so it'll take many years before Japan are a serious threat like Mexico are now.
I didnt watch the last Mexico game, but wasnt their play mediocre?
After they got a man sent off, they played rather well. And they were pretty good at the start of the second half, after Zinha came on.Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
I'd watch those anyway. Spain are through, so who cares what happens in their game? And if news comes through to the Switzerland/South Korea game that France are winning, it'll be extremely interesting to see how both teams respond to that.Quote:
Originally Posted by mobiletype
Yes. I think it would be no different than if the ball were to hit the post, corner flag, or the referee.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack
Pity, I would have liked it to be taken to a FIFA conference where Blatter stumbles and falls over his words. The world (except in Croatia) will be baying for blood. Australia have really captured hearts around the world and in Germany, because noone expected much out of them. A bit like South Korea in '02. But more this time because the Socceroos are slighty English. They are like us, and therefore a true alternative to England. It's not like I'm cheering for Scotland or *shudder* Wales... Although if Jamacia were there and were not playing England I'd support them (My Grandfather was Jamacian and therefore technically I might have prevented the 6-0 massacare.... It'll be 12-0 :D). Go the Socceroos... Pity they're playing Italy.Quote:
Yes. I think it would be no different than if the ball were to hit the post, corner flag, or the referee.Quote:
Originally Posted by Originally Posted by Jack
I want France to get knocked out. It will put a smile on my face. A big one.
what a great way to start a morning congrats to the socceroos
Go the Socceroos! Congrats~
In case anyone didn't notice, the ESPN SoccerCast called Ronaldo a fatty during the minute-by-minute log. xD
>>> I expected more of Italy, but they were kind of disappointing..
yeh, what was with that, 3 yellow cards for simunic in a game... has that ever happened before?? seriously though, croatia are the dirtiest team i have seen at the world cup so far... australia should have had 3 spot kicks at least... we only got one. oh well, in the end it didnt matter, they got through, so im happy... but now we gotta face italy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
also... i hope kalac never gets picked as goalie again... what a mistake for the second goal!! that could have cost us everything
Like I said Mexico will win.
Pssh, my favourite football site (the sublime football 365. Today's mediawatch with the "Can we have him back in one piece please?" Northern Rock Michael Owen advert was :love:) calls the guy fat every 5 minutes, and Lampard too, for that matter.Quote:
Originally Posted by Strider
Against Argentina? Heh, not a chance.
Graham Poll was favourite to ref the final should England fail to make it...not any more :D
2nd round starts tomorrow!!! This is where it really begins
This is where my finals end. Maybe now I can catch some decent games.
He's not fat, he's big boned! Depending on which Ronaldo...Quote:
Originally Posted by Strider
Christiano.
Go Italy!
Cristiano Ronaldo is so far from fat, there's no way they'd be talking about him. :p
Ronaldo and Lucio are the heaviest of the team. But it doesn't matter, if you let Ronaldo kick, he'll probably score. Go fatty!!!!! :D
"Umppffff, I feel bloated!"
Poor Ronaldo...the truth is that fat or skinny he still scores, and thatīs more than enough.
Harder for the defenders to get the ball... it's a long way around him. :)
But the Brazil team is at a disadvantage cause no one is ever offside on the opposition team when Ronaldo is on the pitch.
Spain really oughter've gotten more goals. Great goalkeeping from the Saudi goalie, though, so kudos to him. Felt a bit sorry for Joaquin. As for the Ukraine -- Tunisia game -- I dunno, I really didn't think it was a penalty. Seemed a dubious decision to me.
France - Togo and SK - Switzerland soon. Whatever happens in the SK - Swiss game though, France have to win. Zidane's not playing -- GLEE!! He's really scary and I don't like him much. He seems to be at the bottom of every single dispute and squabble within the squad; fighting with Domenech, arguing with Thuram on the pitch that day. :/ It's just unpleasant and sinister. Ribery's awesome, I expect great stuff of him today. Hopefully. And Henry.
South Korean fans are crazy :heart: but they make the games so so fun and nice. Crazy and loud.
Half time: Togo 0 - 0 France
It really looks like the French team could go out once again.
France and Togo have put on a good show so far. I get the feeling that France are going to win this one, but Togo have looked threatening at times, and if they get the first goal they'll be sure to pack the defence and make things difficult for the French. Also, well done to Phillipe Senderos for scoring a top header against South Korea, and potentially winning the group for his side.
Yeah and he didnt whine about the blood!
Vieira's put France one up on his birthday, with a great shot on the turn. I think France will go on to score one or two more with the confidence boost this gives them. They're certainly looking fired up now.
The goal was provided by Franck Ribery, who's had a very odd tournament so far. At times (like just now) he's looked pacy and creative, and he keeps getting into good positions all over the pitch, making him difficult to pick up. On the other hand, he's been pretty crap in the final third, and had a horrible time against Switzerland. I suppose he's still yet to reach his peak, but if this is the best they have to offer, I'd be pretty worried about the future of the French national side...if I cared, that is. :D
EDIT: 2-0. Vieira knock-on stabbed home by Thierry Henry.
2-0
I spoke too soon.
I want South Korea to go through instead of France! But in a way I also dont want the French to go out, since they nearly deserve to. I dont want Switzerland to go either, aahhhhh damn.
Happy birthday Viera :) What better way to celebrate than to score? And yay Henry too.
Ah, I feel a tad bad for the South Koreans. It would've been nice to have them in there, but Frei's second goal just about cinched it....and now it's done. 2 - 0. Haha, Senderos got thoroughly beaten up in this game, but what a brilliant game it's been for him nonetheless.
The French meet Spain, and augh. Scary.
whatever did Jonathan Pearce mean by drawing lots to decide who tops the group in a tie-break situation?
I'm glad France went through but I would have rather seen them do it with a last minute scrappy goal from William Gallas which almost certainly would have made the dying seconds more interesting
The Spanish are sooo going to kick our asses.Quote:
Originally Posted by Resha
This is for all the world cups:Quote:
Originally Posted by mobiletype
5. The ranking of each team in each group will be determined as follows:
a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup.
6. The two teams coming first and second in each group qualify for the second round.
Anyone heard the latest England team news?
Carrick is expected to play the holding role with Hargreaves at right-back, leaving Carragher on the bench. Ferdinand is 50-50 to play.
Um.... question here... FIFA has layed down two major suspensions and I'd like to request some clarification:
ITA Daniel De Rossi was given a 4 game suspension for elbowing USA Brian McBride
USA Pablo Mastroeni was given a 3 game suspension for a tackle from behind in the USA-ITA match.
OK, is this in addition to the match they have to sit for a red card? I mean every media outlet I've seen is giving conflicting information.
All of the media I've seen says that Mastroeni will serve the 3 game suspension out of the World Cup because the US was eliminated. Understandable and follows the premise of this 3 game suspension being tacked on to the one game for the red (vs. Ghana).
However, all the media is saying that De Rossi, should Italy reach the finals, will be able to compete in the finals. Yea, but only if you include the last group match that Italy had (Czech Republic). because if you don;t that means that there are only four knockout stages INCLUDING the finals.
So is Mastroeni getting a 4 game suspension disguised as a 3 game suspension? Or is it De Rossi getting a 3 gamer for 4? Or am I just totally confused?:( :choc2:
Well im totally confused thats for sure.
That's not a good sign! You're in Europe! you should know this! I'm from the US... I'm the one who should be completly and utterly stumped!Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
It's four games, not 1 and then another four. De Rossi didn't play against Czech Republic, so he will be out in the next 3 games, then he can play. The same for Mastroeni. He'll be out in another 2 games, as he didn't play against Ghana.
The Swedish story gets increasingly tragic. Sad. But well deserved by the Germans. >_< Podolski didn't get the first goal -- that unfortunate Lucic did. Bah.
Germany 2 - 0 Sweden
Both goals in the first 12 minutes.
Well Sweden were dissapointingly bad, but I thought Germany played well.
Podolski's first shot was on target before it hit Lucic, so i doesnt make it an own goal.
I really hated the second half though. Germany took their time a bit too much and some of the fouls they were looking for were just awful, the waving of imaginary yellow cards etc, dont do that again Germany, please.
I was hoping for more goals, especially when Sweden only had 10 players 10 minutes before half time.
Swedens only chance to get back was that penalty (what a stupid foul that was), and they screwed that one up.
Poor Sweden, I was expecting a bit more of a fight.
Anyway, waaaahhheeeeyy!
Gabriel Heinze is the luckiest man in Germany.
Awesome game!
Edit: Another really bad game from the referee, here. Argentina have got off lightly on numerous occasions and Mexico have been treated harshly. The game has slacked off largely, although Mexico just wasted some excellent play. A lovely nutmeg from Pineda. But yes. Borgetti looked extremely dangerous in the first half but he's lost the plot now, his touch is bad and he's not playing well. Argentina very much looking like the more likely to score. COME ON MEXICO
Edit2: Amazing goal. But come on, Mexico! I have faith.
Poor Mexico. This is why I put them on the poll. They gave the Argentinians as good as they got, in my opinion, and it was a wonder goal that was the difference in the end.
Heinze should have been sent off in the first half, but then Messi's goal should've counted at the end because Aimar was not offside, so that evens it all out.
The Germans are actually looking better than I initially thought they were, and are a very efficient team. I wasn't too keen on their attitude, though, what with encouraging the ref to send Lucic off, and various time wasting (that began in the first half) and continuing play when Swedes went down injured.
Podolski, Marquez and Crespo are all in my Fantasy Football team! :D However...I forgot to set the formation to include players in today's game. I hate myself. :whimper:
Time to add another strike through on the poll. Bye Mexico, you came good in the end, but it wasn't enough.
Im surprised at the amount of missed penalty kicks. there is no reason for you to miss one. no excuses. You are given a gift but you dont take it. You are such a small distance away and have such a big target. YOU DONT NEED TO PUT POWER OR SPIN! people want to have the great goal and miss PKs too often. Put it in the top corners only if youre already winning. left, right or low and hard will probably get the goalie every time. Its only youre fault if you miss the net and players deserve to be booed and ridiculed. If the goalie saves it, then its a good save, not a bad miss.
Never thought I'd see two chest/volley goals in this World Cup. Brilliant technique from Rodriguez. I also enjoyed seeing shades of the Serbia match when Tevez linked up with Messi and tore apart the Mexican defence in extra time. I think Mexico deserved to go through as much as Argentina did and I did end up feeling remotely sorry for them. I also think the atmosphere in that match was top-notch, which makes me wish I was a regular Argentina supporter so I could swing my shirt with everyone else in the stands. I wouldn't have to by a tumble dryer and just take my washing down to the pitch every Saturday.
Two powerful footballing nations meet again. The favourites (in my opinion) against the hosts :)
I just thought of a crappy analogy for taking PKs.
Getting a penalty kick is like getting a bunch of free ingridients to make food. you could make something easy and great tasting, like grilled cheese, or you could make something thats very difficult and confusing to make which might come out sloppy and gross in the end.
The decisions went in the favour of Argentina, though. The referee gave a yellow (to the wrong player, even) for a challenge that barely touched the Argentine player, then when the number Seven for Mexico went past two players and then a third just ran into him and fell on him, right infront of the ref, there was no card. And how he missed that guy brutally flooring Marquez in Extra Time when Mexico had the free kick and it was right in front of his face, I'll never know. D:
I definitely wasnt too keen on it either, I hope they dont do that again. But other teams, such as Italy, Argentina, France etc have all done the same.Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
Im a tad annoyed about the stereotypes popping up in the british media again, but we have already pleasantly surprised people so im not really bothered :p
I just wish I was in Germany at the moment :( I nearly managed to get tickets for the final too!!!
Come on Germany! Pull something amazing out of your pockets and beat Argentina!
You know, some people stop themselves before they say something stupid. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by JaytodaP
A penalty kick is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get...except maybe chocolates.
Maxi's goal against Mexico was the best one of the tournament so far. Mexico played hard (I was hoping they'd win), but Argentina deserves to go on.
Great game, but how Heinze didn't get sent off is beyond me. It ruined what could of been a great game.
Last night's game was one of the best so far, in my opinion. How Crespo was awarded that goal I'll never know, but as he's in my team, I'm not complaining. :cool:
Tonight's game is extremely important for England, not just because it's a knockout game, but because it's our last chance to really find our form before we have to start playing quality opposition. Whether we get Portugal or the Dutch, we've got a tough quarter final ahead of us, and we're going to beat the likes of them, let alone Spain or Argentina, we're going to need to start showing what we're capable of now.
I'm going to the pub to watch England today. I think it's also important because they need to show that they are a TEAM, rather than hype. We've lost some good players, and as such are playing a unconventional formation. To be fair, it's Sven's fault in only taking 3 strikers (Walcott doesn't count since he'll never play), 2 of which were massively un-fit. Still, I hope we win. Convincingly please guys.
I'm annoyed France got through. The only time they've played with real verve is against Togo. No offence against Togo, but they were not World Cup winning material are they? I want Spain to spank them. I think it could be Spain's year, since they have the players but in previous tournaments they lacked the team. This year, it seems that they do.
Germany versus Argentina?! Pity I'll be getting ready for my Prom.
OK, that wasn't bad. Sure, it's only Ecuador, but for the first time in the World Cup we actually looked comfortable throughout the game. There were one or two dodgy moments in the first half, but nothing that can't be ironed out in training, and simply seeing England players getting forward in the second half was a breath of fresh air. On top of that, Rooney looked more like himself, and with a second striker we'd surely have created more chances. I still don't know if we can beat Holland or Portugal, but at least we've made the quarter finals relatively trouble-free.
Frank Lampard is making me sad. :(
Lampard makes me sad, too. However, Lennon makes me extremely happy! Glad to see that Rooney is getting back on form. Throughout the game I thought that Gerrard should have gone upfront with Rooney and Lampy should have been pushed back, but meh.
Job done - but only just enough done, tbh. I think that we should of performed better. The first half was absolutely awful but the second was fairly good.
1-0! Quarter finals here we come. Hopefully Holland will knock out Portugal out tonight as I think they'd be the harder opponents. :jess:
OMG YAY! WE KEPT POSSESSION! DID YOU SEE THAT?! ENGLAND KEPT POSSESSION WELL!! HURRAY HALLELUJAH PRAISE THE LORD! THIS IS THE GREATEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE!!! oh we won too. Yay for that I suppose.
News in brief: Thank you, Michael Carrick. :love: Wayne is back. :love: Drop Lampard for the Crouchatron now please thanks! What was wrong, Joe? :( Sven, don't ever try that Carra to right back and Hargreaves in midfield stunt again. It's suicide. Despite how shaky he looked, I was genuinely alarmed when Robinson went down injured, but only because that would mean David James. I didn't like all the time-wasting either, especially as it meant we had Carra playing at right-back on a yellow, which I thought was going to be our downfall. As it happens, Ecuador looked tame. Disappointing from them. Oh Aaron Lennon, where have you been all our lives? :love:
And now it's Netherlands v Portugal to decide which team gets the right to knock England out on penalties! :p
The English players rely too much on long passes and crosses, and if they keep playing like this, only luck will get them to the penalty kicks.
Destroy the orange guys!!!!
I thought England played well. We kept the ball better and if it wasn't for Lampard's poor finishing, we could of won 3-0.
Good to see Rooney and Lennon do well.
I hope England gets eliminated.
Orange is just so awful! No wonder Netherlands never have any luck!
Brazil. That's why when you bet on it and win, you only get 20% more than what you betted on. :)
A pathetic showing from Holland. Go home, you cheaters!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awful, awful match there from Portugal and Holland. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Ugh, what a mess. At times this looked like being the best match of the World Cup, but the sheer number of bookings ruined it. Still, I suppose facing Portugal without Deco is better than facing them at full strength.
Eighteen cards shown in 96 minutes. It was an amazing game!
I know Dirk Kuyt is wanted by English clubs but I don't want to see his face around the premiership. The guy is overreacts to fouls especially in a game which doesn't need any more foul play.
Fun game, though it's sad to see Holland go.
That was so chaotic.
It broke the world record of number of yellow cards shown in any single game, and it also broke the record of the amount of yellow cards in any World Cup. Abolutely awful, for all i know, both of them should be disqualified, if it wasnt for the fact that one of them had to play england (which is now portugal), which their gonna lose now anyway.
Terrible desplay of the referee the guy should be fired!!!!
A well deserved win for Portugal even with 9 players we dominated!
I don't know if England will beat Portugal. A victory like this, with all that effort, really strengthens a team. Maybe Portugal will be in trouble because of Deco's red card, but if they can get a good replacement for him, and if C. Ronaldo plays, England will have to watch out.
>>> Lol, Beckham was England`s SAVIOR by scoring the only goal in the game..
But everyone hates this guy so much that no one even mentioned Beckham goal here.. lololololol
It broke the record twice? ;) Actually it equalled the yellow record, and broke the red one. What a war! Great fun to watch, and even the diving made me laugh after a while. But then what do you expect with a match featuring the likes of Robben and Figo?Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
Another disappointing tournament for the Dutch. As an England fan, I have a message for Luis Felipe Scolari: You don't want to be our manager. That's cool. I can accept that. BUT PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE AND STOP KNOCKING US OUT OF TOURNAMENTS :(
Although maybe the last sentiment is a bit premature. There will be no Deco, who in my opinion is Portugal's best player and no Costinha (So I predict Portugal's midfield will be Tiago, Petit and Maniche, and so that means Scolari only has the option of Hugo Viana coming on in central midfield, and Newcastle fans can tell you how good he is :p) and perhaps Figo will be suspended for that headbutt, and C. Ronaldo could be injured. Even if they are, Simao and Boa Morte are both able deputies.
I hope England play 4-5-1 again. Unlike the last game, England also have a decent plan B: Lennon and Crouch, and one of either Downing and Walcott. Of the three Eriksson v Scolari meetings, this is the one in which England have the greatest chance of winning. Either way, England or Portugal in the semi-finals is exciting, because it hasn't happened in a long time.
Of tomorrow's games, I am definitely looking forward to Italy v Australia. While Italy are definitely the favourites, I can't see Hiddink and the Aussies going down without putting up one heck of a fight.
Are you joking? If the referee gave yellow cards to everyone who deserved it, there would have been more than 20. After a while it just was not possible to keep track because there was stuff going on everywhere. Giving Deco a card was a mistake, but other wise, i thought he didnt do too bad despite not being able to control the situation, which ive never seen a referee do in that sort of crisis.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer
Both teams had 9 players in the end.
Id say a poor display of the players on both teams!
If Hugo Viana is playing Portugal are going down, I can tell you that much.
Looking forward to England V Portugal. Time to put Euro 2004 right. :D
Deco deserved his cards and should of even been sent off before that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
Anyways, Holland packing their bag already! haha nevermind ehy!
Ranked what, 3rd you say? b*ll*cks!
Nop i desagree and the referee helped Netherland a lot!!!
Personally itīs gonna be a difficult task to beat England withought Deco but with Maniche and Figo the englishmen will have a problem!!!And come on guys Hugo Viana doensīt suck that much i prefer him then Tiago.But there is one guy that i donīt want to see in the field and thatīs Pauleta...god he sucks canīt even see the ball:mad2:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer
Pauletta is a class striker! Not the best around but he is very good!
Just hope that no other newcastle fans saw you post that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer
The Holland vs Portugal game was total chaos, It was cool.
Pauleta can only score with the field completely open and stil he only as 50% of scoring.
I think the referee helped Holland just as much as Portugal.
Deco's sending off wasnt deserved because when Cocu (i think that was his name) just chucked Deco to the floor Deco got a yellow card for it instead, you cant say that was deserved!
Deco got a yellow card for picking the ball up for apparently no reason, not because he was tripped.Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
Apparently no reason? He got chucked to floor and the referee blew the whistle didnt he?Quote:
Originally Posted by Psychotic
But anyway, what a chaotic game. My friend, who usually only watches rugby, kept on saying at the beginning of the match how he just wanted some fights to break out, lo and behold. He jinxed the game :p
Deco picked the ball up, and then he was chucked to the floor, or at least, that's how I remembered it.
He tried to hide the ball.
The ref gave all those cards even if they were not all warranted under normal play because this game was anything but normal. After it escalated the ref had no choice but to card players for the smallest things.
Yeah ok i see the replay Deco did pick up the ball.
But the referee, at the start of the game he gave it away for the smallest things. At the end they definitely werent small things, unless your used to watching Rugby or Olympic Diving.
Deco was wasn't giving the ball back when the Cocu tried to get the ball, meaning he was deliberately wasting time and we all know its has been heavily stated enough by FIFA that a player time wasting should be cautioned. It was obvious Deco was doing that, so it means he got a 2nd yellow card and sent off, which he should of been earlier before that in the 2nd half.Quote:
Originally Posted by Croyles
You actually know anything about football? You seem to talk alot of nonsense.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy Dark Aeons Slayer
Why DID Deco pick the ball up? I was a bit surprised when he gave the yellow to Deco, I thought Cocu would've gotten it for decking Deco. Decking Deco. Deco was decked!
What a fiasco of a game. :p It sort of descended into...well, I don't know. It was kind of funny xDD England are very lucky. :p Playing a Portugese team without Deco, Costinha and possibly Cristiano Ronaldo? Very lucky. And Holland's 20-something shots on goal to Portugal's 10! How immensely lucky are Portugal, to get through? xD
Edit: I hope Figo isn't suspended for...er..head-butting van Bommel -- or else the game (Engand - Portugal) will be a bit of a boring no-show. imho. It's just all so ridiculous :laugh:
Respect others opinions to start.Quote:
Originally Posted by Russielloyd
And i think itīs pretty obvious that Pauleta insīt helping the team at all, all he does his stay in the front line wating for a golden pass and even if he receives it he most likely misses it was like that agains Angola, Iran and now the Netherlands.
Um, watching the replays fifty million times...and yeah, Deco sorta pushed Cocu out of the way as well. I guess I get it now. O_O
Now that was dirty. At least it gives England more of a chance to get through, but I suppose that won't happen till we remove Lampard and get 2 strikers up front. Rooney had noone with him...
Good luck to Australia.
Australia have started well, even though Italy should of scored.
Materazzi's been sent off for Italy...
Come on Australia! Knock 'em out...
Wow. Wow. Wow. Fantastic. What an ending. Go Italy. I love you Totti.
Australia have just been robbed! That was NEVER a penalty! And out of all the players to be given against, it had to be a Blackburn player.
His tackle didn't even touch the ball. Ever. It would have been a foul anywhere on the field. Just our luck that is was where it was. :p
un-friggen believeable how the hell was that a penalty!? The guy bloody tripped...could not come at a worse time either...
He didn't even touch the player, it wasn't a pen, he played for it! Italians cheating as usual.Quote:
Originally Posted by Doomie
Awwww, someone's bitter. :p I didn't hear you complaining about Diego Maradona. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Russielloyd
Is Totti a baby or a daddy?
Why am i bitter? because the Italians suck and need to cheat to win! Isn't cheating in your own league enough?Quote:
Originally Posted by Doomie
How the hell would you her me complain about Maradona? I was 2 years old! :confused:
I didn't think that was a penalty -- not on watching the replay. The guy -- I actually didn't see who it was o_o Grosso (what a name)??-- just tripped over Neill's body. Italy didn't entirely deserve that, but perhaps the Aussies should have capitalised on their 40 minutes against 10 men. Italy are so unbelievably lucky, it's unbelievable. Italy had a much better first half though, indisputably. But Jesus Christ, five seconds before the final whistle.
Metarazzi (sp?) red-carded -- how incredibly stupid of him. With Nesta out injured, Italian centre-back woes are just beginning.
I am sorry :( *huggles gor-gor* I think it really oughter have gone into extra time. Bah.
You're bitter because Italy won. :p You're bitter because Australia can't beat a 10-man squad. :p So I figured you'd still be bitter for when Maradona handed the ball in. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Russielloyd
EDIT: And for the record, the call wasn't made by the Italian team itself. If you don't like it, take it out on Spain. :D
i do think the red card on point was a bit much but Neil was on the ground already..after watching the replay the guy just fell over him!
Annoyed that Italy cheated...again, god have mercy if anyone does it to Italy but if Italy do it it's alright!Quote:
Originally Posted by Doomie
So let me get this straight, you think i'm not complaining about Maradonna, now i'm bitter about it, make your mind up.
Probably paid the ref off, but sent off Italy's best player to make him look genuine.Quote:
EDIT: And for the record, the call wasn't made by the Italian team itself. If you don't like it, take it out on Spain. :D
Dodgy Italians.
Penalty or not, Lucas Neill didn't deserve to be the man responsible for Australia's exit. He's played brilliantly in the centre of the Aussies' defence, and to concede a penalty as the very last action of your World Cup must be horrible. Italy were probably the better side (even with Materazzi off, they looked competitive), but you've got to hand it to the Australian squad for getting this far. See you in 2010, lads.
The ref only gave the penalty because he knew he had made a mistake by sending off Materazzi(sp). He was afraid of blundering against Italy again, so he gave the penalty. There's no way he didn't see that Grosso tripped on Neill.
;_;
I dunno. Materazzi's (sp?? xD) challenge was pretty bad. And to be quite honest, I didn't see that Grosso had fallen over Neill until the replay from a different angle, and the referee only saw it once. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by dragoonknight_kain
I agree with Cz -- Neill was sterling throughout the game, and he didn't deserve that. But good of Grosso to press on.
I don't know. But it's the second time mistakes help the Italians. Against Ghana, Simon (the referee) ignored 2 penalties against Italy. Coincidence?