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

[tomamar04]

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

[-N-]

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

[tomamar04]

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

Damn, they are 2-0 up

[Psychotic]

You're not the only one.

Spain haven't played yet, but I wouldn't bet against them going 1-0 up in the first half, before looking vulnerable in the second.

Did I say that? It must've been a typo, I meant they'd give Ukraine a thrashing. :riiight:

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

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

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

[Skogs]

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

[tomamar04]

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

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

[Russielloyd]

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

[Resha]

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

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

[Loony BoB]

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

[Resha]

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

No black humour plz >=(

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

[Strider]

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

[Final_Fantasy_Mysti_best]

go england

[Croyles]

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!

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!!

[Psychotic]

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 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.

[Russielloyd]

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!