ok - my money is on Argentina. Perhaps that is down to he fact that Messi could be 'The Man' - but like Maradonna in 1982, the pressure could be too much so I am puting me money on England (they have to win it some time and for a bet ... why not?).
Argentina's form is all over the place, I dont see them winning it at all. Evey player seem to be playing well for their club, none more so than Lionel, but they struggled through qualification, not able to produce the same form, the wee man included. Also, Maradona is a strange character, one would argue has he the right personality to be a manager? He makes strange desicions, call-ups etc. He did call up a man who was in the international wilderness for 7years, leading many to say, wat the?!..then again, that man was Martin Palermo, who ended up being the man to score the goal to put them through. Desicion justified then i guess. He plays Riquilme and Veron regullarly too, 2 men who have been bansihed from the European game and labeled has-beens. Im hoping Spain do it myself. Iv been supporting them for years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiB3683PztQ world cup advert, messi bit is good :D
1. Spain
2. Brazil
3. Argentina
4. Germany
5. Italy
worth noting A European team has never won the World cup outside of Europe & the only teams to have won it outside of South America was Brazil & Argentina
if Brazil were to play Spain they would overpower them in size alone
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 12:35:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiB3683PztQ world cup advert, messi bit is good :D
god ad alryt. decent song too! I see Arshavins there in that ad.. but Russia arent in the world cup??? awkwardness on the set i would think.... :-[
I see there are loads of ticets for sale including the final. Would have gone if Henri hadn't done the dirt... would love to see Messi light up the World Cup and Rooney be shown for what he is... English hype.
This is still definitely happening :)
Quote from: AFS on December 05, 2009, 04:00:13 AM
Predictions
2010 World Cup draw
Group A: France, Uruguay, South Africa, Mexico
Group B: Nigeria, Argentina, Greece, South Korea
Group C: England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria
Group D: Serbia, Germany, Ghana, Australia
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Cameroon, Japan
Group F: Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay, New Zealand
Group G: Brazil, Ivory Cost, Portugal, North Korea
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Chile, Honduras
Last 16:
France - Argentina
England - Germany
Netherlands - Slovakia
Brazil - Switzerland
Nigeria - Uruguay
Serbia - USA
Italy - Denmark
Spain - Ivory Coast
1/4 Finals:
France - Germany
Netherlands - Brazil
Nigeria - Serbia
Italy - Spain
1/2 Finals:
Germany - Brazil
Serbia - Spain
Final
Brazil - Spain
to get in the mood:
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
Playing for England En-GER-land!!!!
Always look forward to the World Cup. Even as I get more cynical about soccer as a game, the tournament itself still excites me.
Anyway can I be the first to say 'Don't write off the Germans'.
Quote from: clarshack on April 15, 2010, 10:33:27 AM
to get in the mood:
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
The heads on those Colombians
Watch all of the world cup matches in High Definition on Freesat ...
Both BBC HD + ITV HD
http://www.freesat.co.uk/worldcup/ (http://www.freesat.co.uk/worldcup/)
Watch the Ad here :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjQE8wSyuoo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjQE8wSyuoo)
Is it possible to get a 4-week block-booking for Lough Derg for June/early July?
Quote from: Hardy on April 15, 2010, 10:54:09 AM
Is it possible to get a 4-week block-booking for Lough Derg for June/early July?
Ara go on Hardy. Admit it. You like the World Cup. Everyone likes the World Cup :D
Or are you intending on going into hiding after Offaly's long grass ambush of the Royals?
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2010, 10:58:24 AM
Quote from: Hardy on April 15, 2010, 10:54:09 AM
Is it possible to get a 4-week block-booking for Lough Derg for June/early July?
Ara go on Hardy. Admit it. You like the World Cup. Everyone likes the World Cup :D
Or are you intending on going into hiding after Offaly's long grass ambush of the Royals?
I'm thinking of going into hiding in advance, after what I saw on Sunday.
Yeah, I used to like the World Cup. But I can't like it now. But when the hype starts, it can be very infectious and even the most resolute can falter. Come on Slovakia.
The Greatest show on Earth only 56 days to go...
I CAN'T WAIT ;D
paddypower odds
Spain 4/1
Brazil 5/1
England 11/2
Messi 8/1
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
France 14/1
Holland 14/1
Portugal 25/1
Ivory Coast 30/1
Holland look a good bet at 14/1 as does Portugal at 25/1,hard to look past Spain though IMHO
4th in the 1950 World Cup is the best Spain have done so far... i'm sure they can improve on that stat?
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2010, 10:42:01 AM
Always look forward to the World Cup. Even as I get more cynical about soccer as a game, the tournament itself still excites me.
Anyway can I be the first to say 'Don't write off the Germans'.
That cliché always reminds me of the famous Motson quote at the start of an attacking move in a World Cup qualifier between England and Germany.... "......
and here come the Germans.....Kuntz"..... :D :D
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on April 15, 2010, 12:24:46 PM
The Greatest show on Earth only 56 days to go...
I CAN'T WAIT ;D
paddypower odds
Spain 4/1
Brazil 5/1
England 11/2
Messi 8/1
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
France 14/1
Holland 14/1
Portugal 25/1
Ivory Coast 30/1
Holland look a good bet at 14/1 as does Portugal at 25/1,hard to look past Spain though IMHO
Looking at those odds Italy look to be the best value bet, 4 times winners, 2 times runners up & once 3rd are worth a each way flutter
but i can't see past Brazil or Argentina
For those that think England will do well? they don't have a good goalkeeper or Right back will Cole be fit on time? Rios form is a big worry, they have no shape in midfield & too much will be expected of Rooney!
the only thing going for them is they have a good Manager
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VCJVZ2I9zY
thats the kunts clip you were talking about! :D
Well played Eaglelord...I knew it was Motty....wasn't sure of the game...
;D
QuoteIf Brazil were to play Spain they would overpower them in size alone
In a game where the best player in the world is slightly bigger than a dwarf I'm sure Spain aren't overly worried. And Ross as your missus has told you on more than 1 occasion - size doesn't matter :D
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on April 15, 2010, 04:38:39 PM
QuoteIf Brazil were to play Spain they would overpower them in size alone
your missus has told you on more than 1 occasion - size doesn't matter :D
incase you didn't notice I'm a rossie & everyone knows we are hung like horses & ride like a stallions & for the record we are Sheepstealers so we stole them from Mayo so they won't harm them poor things no more :P
Quote from: EagleLord on April 15, 2010, 01:00:46 AM
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 12:35:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiB3683PztQ world cup advert, messi bit is good :D
god ad alryt. decent song too! I see Arshavins there in that ad.. but Russia arent in the world cup??? awkwardness on the set i would think.... :-[
Sure france aren't at the world cup either.
Anyone know were i can pick up a cheap USA top ? thanks
www.bornprosper.com
fakes but very very good.
Quote from: down6061689194 on April 15, 2010, 08:26:39 PM
www.bornprosper.com
fakes but very very good.
cheers, but they dont seem to stock usa tops! (even though there is a picture of them)
Quote from: The Worker on April 15, 2010, 08:22:46 PM
Anyone know were i can pick up a cheap USA top ? thanks
http://www.lightinthebox.com/wholesale-USA-National-Soccer-Team-Jersey_c4192
Have used this site before. Order 2 sizes above your size.
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on April 15, 2010, 08:35:34 PM
Quote from: The Worker on April 15, 2010, 08:22:46 PM
Anyone know were i can pick up a cheap USA top ? thanks
http://www.lightinthebox.com/wholesale-USA-National-Soccer-Team-Jersey_c4192
Have used this site before. Order 2 sizes above your size.
They're awful!
Born Prosper should have all in stock before world cup.
and liverpool & United shirt before UK release.
Wondering if a tenner each to win on Italy and Germany would, in theory, be a wise bet to cover other bets?
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
for those old enough this should bring back some memories
Good pics of the irish lads :)
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 11:33:29 PM
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
for those old enough this should bring back some memories
Good pics of the irish lads :)
Brilliant! Brings back a lot of memories. Think I was about 10 stickers from finishing it.
Some collection of mullets there ;D
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on April 15, 2010, 11:43:34 PM
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 11:33:29 PM
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
for those old enough this should bring back some memories
Good pics of the irish lads :)
Brilliant! Brings back a lot of memories. Think I was about 10 stickers from finishing it.
Some collection of mullets there ;D
Remember how good that dutch team was back then ( just won the european cup in 88) i wonder will spain go the same way now?
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 11:45:11 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on April 15, 2010, 11:43:34 PM
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 11:33:29 PM
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
for those old enough this should bring back some memories
Good pics of the irish lads :)
Brilliant! Brings back a lot of memories. Think I was about 10 stickers from finishing it.
Some collection of mullets there ;D
Remember how good that dutch team was back then ( just won the european cup in 88) i wonder will spain go the same way now?
Great team although my abiding memory from them in that world cup was Rijkaard hocking on Voeller's mullet ;D
Can't see past Spain. So much quality especially going forward.
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 11:33:29 PM
http://www.footballspotter.com/complete-panini-italia-90-collection/
for those old enough this should bring back some memories
Good pics of the irish lads :)
Déjà vu much? (http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=15977.msg767259#msg767259)
Quote from: down6061689194 on April 15, 2010, 08:05:38 PM
Quote from: EagleLord on April 15, 2010, 01:00:46 AM
Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2010, 12:35:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiB3683PztQ world cup advert, messi bit is good :D
god ad alryt. decent song too! I see Arshavins there in that ad.. but Russia arent in the world cup??? awkwardness on the set i would think.... :-[
Sure france aren't at the world cup either.
Right enough though, imagine o nthe set, the rest of them would be talking about the WC and the press would be there asking them questions etc Lamps and co giving the standard answers, 'yeh well you know its the world cup, the most famous competion i nthe world, everyone wants to be there at the end of the day, yeh I think we can win it- we have got a great group of players bla bla bla.....' What would they ask Arshavin..'Here, are ye not rippin you're here on set surrounded by south africans, the culture, the worlds best players, the WC logo, officail partners, filming the official advert, etc...and you're not going?.... :D
Quote from: down6061689194 on April 15, 2010, 08:55:12 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on April 15, 2010, 08:35:34 PM
Quote from: The Worker on April 15, 2010, 08:22:46 PM
Anyone know were i can pick up a cheap USA top ? thanks
http://www.lightinthebox.com/wholesale-USA-National-Soccer-Team-Jersey_c4192
Have used this site before. Order 2 sizes above your size.
They're awful!
Born Prosper should have all in stock before world cup.
and liverpool & United shirt before UK release.
Whats this Born Prosper ?
www.bornprosper.com
So I take it the shirts on Born Prosper are "fakes" but good imitations?
identical imitations. Had a real Liverpool home and bought a fake too. No difference.
Quote from: down6061689194 on April 17, 2010, 11:29:21 AM
identical imitations. Had a real Liverpool home and bought a fake too. No difference.
Some difference in price, how much is shipping/delivery to the north?
Cheers - whats the best World Cup Jersey so far ?
Works out at around £16-£18 per jersey depending how many you buy.
So what would be your current World Xl (players that will play in this World cup) here's my choice
--------------Julio Cesar---------------
---Maicon----Lucio---Vidic---Cole--
------------------Essien---------------
--------------Xavi----Iniesta------------
------Messi-----------------Ronaldo-----
-----------------Rooney-------------------
On current form I'd have Robben in ahead of Ronaldo, both are in great form but Robben got Bayern where they are single handedly.
Quote from: paco on April 23, 2010, 11:41:32 PM
On current form I'd have Robben in ahead of Ronaldo, both are in great form but Robben got Bayern where they are single handedly.
Robben was a misfit for Real Madrid & Chelsea
This is the man that got Bayern to where they are today
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Louis-van-gaal2.jpg)
Quote from: ross4life on April 23, 2010, 11:47:17 PM
Quote from: paco on April 23, 2010, 11:41:32 PM
On current form I'd have Robben in ahead of Ronaldo, both are in great form but Robben got Bayern where they are single handedly.
Robben was a misfit for Real Madrid & Chelsea
This is the man that got Bayern to where they are today
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Louis-van-gaal2.jpg)
Surely it has been bent refs and other various pieces of luck Ross as you have been banging on about.
Yes thanks for pointing it out minder ;) i thought you were blinded to the luck they got?
Robben was brilliant the when he ever played for Real Madrid, his injury-proneness was his downfall, same at Chelsea, although to a lesser extent. Marca or AS, can't mind which, called him the glass man. He was largely responsible for Madrid's brief resurgence in last year's la liga, before it was ended in the 6-2 clasico at the Bernabeu. I'd still rather have him than Ronaldo. No place for Torres?
Well that's my team who's yours robben &..............
If i was going to pick another striker & it would be David Villa who has a way better scoring record than Torres!
Julio Cesar
Maicon Vidic Pique A. Cole
Iniesta Xavi Sneijder
Messi Villa Robben
Probably should have a more defensively minded midfielder in there but I'm feeling adventurous.
Not sure has it been posted already? itv/bbc World cup tv fixtures http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/table/2010/mar/22/world-cup-2010-tv-fixtures
Quote from: ross4life on April 23, 2010, 10:14:54 PM
So what would be your current World Xl (players that will play in this World cup) here's my choice
--------------Julio Cesar---------------
---Maicon----Lucio---Vidic---Cole--
------------------Essien---------------
--------------Xavi----Iniesta------------
------Messi-----------------Ronaldo-----
-----------------Rooney-------------------
Don't necessarily disagree but just an alternative ross4life
Lloris
Maicon
Lucio
Puyol
Zanetti
Iniesta
Xavi
Robben
Lampard
Messi
Torres
As an aside for the future watch our for the Bayern left back Diego Contento (who despite his name is actually German)
Will Zanetti be playing in the World cup? Lloris only had 9 caps for France so far a lot to prove at international level & lampard for England is a Different player!
Quote from: ross4life on April 28, 2010, 05:20:38 PM
Will Zanetti be playing in the World cup? Lloris only had 9 caps for France so far a lot to prove at international level & lampard for England is a Different player!
Well if Maradona has any sense (cough) he will pick Zanetti. Since the squads haven't been announced he still might. Lloris is no 1 choice for France and is a decent keeper. Lampard is a different player for England because that tool Gerrard keeps getting in his way!!
New Zealand v Slovakia looks like a cracker, not. A lot of the good European teams did not make it.
3D Anyone ??
http://www.omniplex.ie/cinema/promo/614
After Watching Zanetti tonight Maradona has to choose him for his World cup Squad
Our football (soccer) club did a sweepstake for this with a slight difference, during every training session you have to wear the top of the country you have drawn also only allowed alcohol from that country during matches (leaves a few being sober). Unfortunately I drew France, going to kill me having to wear that top
Quote from: David McKeown on April 29, 2010, 12:24:56 AM
Our football (soccer) club did a sweepstake for this with a slight difference, during every training session you have to wear the top of the country you have drawn also only allowed alcohol from that country during matches (leaves a few being sober). Unfortunately I drew France, going to kill me having to wear that top
But think of the wine!!
Quote from: Shortso79 on April 28, 2010, 09:58:31 PM
3D Anyone ??
http://www.omniplex.ie/cinema/promo/614
Pity Ireland arent in it, imagine the atmosphere in a cimema watchin the games on the screen that size..it'd be class..
Roughly what time will matches be at in Irish time. There are times on the FIFA website but I dont know if thats local time or if its just detecting my IP address and putting them in Irish time.
Anybody any idea?
KO's @ 12.30, 15.00, 19.30 Irish time
Rooney has to be a big worry for England! only looked half fit again today & had to be taken off
Quote from: ross4life on May 09, 2010, 06:25:15 PM
Rooney has to be a big worry for England! only looked half fit again today & had to be taken off
hope he's fit. Don't want them to have any excuses when they get thumped
I'd rather listen to "what could have been" or the "maybe, just maybe" Sun advertisements (the one where they have 2 stars above the badge) on TV than listen to them if they actually won it. Doesn't bear thinking about.
Is it possible to get odds on Rooney failing to score in the world cup?
I hope Rooney is fit to show up his hype for what it is... BBC hype
I wouldn't think so Worker. Especially with the group they're in.
Quote from: paco on May 09, 2010, 08:52:28 PM
I wouldn't think so Worker. Especially with the group they're in.
hopefully the odds are good then
He's 10/1 to win the top scorer, so make what you will of that. I seen an interesting bet on Maradona to be banished to the stands at any time, 14/1. Also interesting, Javier Mascherano to commit the most fouls: 16/1 or...Ronaldo to win the best player, win the golden boot and take his shirt off after scoring: 33/1.
Still haven't made my mind up what double to do for the world cup e.g. Spain & villa etc what's your tips on that one?
Villa is worth a bet for the Golden boot, Spain should have plenty of games & Villa is by far there top goal scorer
Good each way bet for top goalscorer is Oscar Cardozo (100/1)
He has been in red hot form this year for benfica, and paraguay are in a group alongside New Zealand & Slovakia. Should score a few against these teams.
What did you get for that double? Higuain is 18/1 for top scorer, so could be interesting to find out what price that double is. Also, European winner: 4/11, South American winner: 11/5.
Quote from: paco on May 09, 2010, 09:40:28 PM
What did you get for that double? Higuain is 18/1 for top scorer, so could be interesting to find out what price that double is. Also, European winner: 4/11, South American winner: 11/5.
Higuain double is 50/1.
Paddy power are doing an interesting double, Messi top goalscorer & spain to win 60/1
Think I'll have a bit of that second double. Cheers, worker!
Quote from: paco on May 09, 2010, 09:59:42 PM
Think I'll have a bit of that second double. Cheers, worker!
yea i like the look of it myself!
It's a good double alright. You would do Argentina and
messi only maradonna is a brutal manager. Would worry messi won't get enough games
What odds in Ronaldo? Bound to be big, because even though hes on a scoring run in LaLiga, he hasnt scored a competitive goal since euro2008, but i wouldnt bet on him, portugal are poor. Klose would be a decent shout for top goalscorer i think. If he gets 5 in this years world cup, he'l equal brazilian Ronaldo's 15, the highest tally by a player in the world cup. So he'l be hungry.
Quote from: EagleLord on May 11, 2010, 11:13:37 AM
What odds in Ronaldo? Bound to be big, because even though hes on a scoring run in LaLiga, he hasnt scored a competitive goal since euro2008, but i wouldnt bet on him, portugal are poor. Klose would be a decent shout for top goalscorer i think. If he gets 5 in this years world cup, he'l equal brazilian Ronaldo's 15, the highest tally by a player in the world cup. So he'l be hungry.
Klose has spent the majority of this season on the bench or injured, and you could count his goal return on one hand. Hardly the form of a top goalscorer candidate.
France revealed a first list of 30 players
Keepers
Cédric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Mickaël Landreau (Lille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
Defenders
Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Réveillère (Lyon), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sébastien Squillaci (FC Séville), Adil Rami (Lille)
Midfielders
Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yann M'Vila (Rennes), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon)
Forwards
Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Thierry Henry (FC Barcelone), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Jimmy Briand (Rennes), Djibril Cissé (Panathinaïkos), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
no Benzema and no Nasri for the WC
Australia squad:
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough), Eugene Galekovic(Adelaide United)
Defenders: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Craig Moore(unattached), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), David Carney (Twente Enschede), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Jade North (Tromso), Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira)
Midfielders: Tim Cahill (Everton), Mark Bresciano (Palermo) Vince Grella (Blackburn) Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Jason Culina (Gold Coast), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Mile Jedinak(Antalyaspor), Richard Garcia (Hull), Nick Carle (Crystal Palace), Tommy Oar (Utrecht), Dario Vidosic (Nuremberg), James Holland (AZ Alkmaar)
Forwards: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya), Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough), Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschede)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8676186.stm
I see there might be one Irish lad, sort of, heading to the World Cup.
Plenty of relatively under the radar players in that French squad. Is Gignac injured? I thought Domenech was a massive fan of him, no? Few players going who haven't really played much recently.
Was reading a few forums today and listening to a bit of Talksport, and there seems to be a lot of English folk very upset about the squad Capello has named.
But despite lots of complaints about the players IN the squad, nobody has been able to actually name a surprise omission, someone who would actually improve things.
It could be a day of realisation for the average England fan; realisation that once you get past their injury-ruined first XI, there really isn't a while lot to shout about.
But for all my idle chat, wee Wayne could still have a big say on where the world cup ends up.
Isn't Thierry Henry France's captain? Can't think of any other reason for his inclusion.
Quote from: gallsman on May 11, 2010, 08:27:44 PM
Plenty of relatively under the radar players in that French squad. Is Gignac injured? I thought Domenech was a massive fan of him, no? Few players going who haven't really played much recently.
Strange choices by Domenech where will the goals come from in that squad? Anelka doesn't have a great Record for France & Henry form needs to improve but then again they won the World cup in 1998 with those same worries
I'm looking for a bit of value so I'm going with the Dutch doubled with rvp it's 150/1. They have a poor defence but midfield and attackers are plenty. Surely wort a tenner
Quote from: AFS on May 11, 2010, 08:24:04 PM
Australia squad:
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Adam Federici (Reading), Brad Jones (Middlesbrough), Eugene Galekovic(Adelaide United)
Defenders: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), Craig Moore(unattached), Scott Chipperfield (Basel), David Carney (Twente Enschede), Luke Wilkshire (Dynamo Moscow), Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Mark Milligan (JEF United), Jade North (Tromso), Michael Beauchamp (Al-Jazira)
Midfielders: Tim Cahill (Everton), Mark Bresciano (Palermo) Vince Grella (Blackburn) Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Jason Culina (Gold Coast), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Brett Holman (AZ Alkmaar), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo), Mile Jedinak(Antalyaspor), Richard Garcia (Hull), Nick Carle (Crystal Palace), Tommy Oar (Utrecht), Dario Vidosic (Nuremberg), James Holland (AZ Alkmaar)
Forwards: Josh Kennedy (Nagoya), Scott McDonald(Middlesbrough), Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente Enschede)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8676186.stm
I see there might be one Irish lad, sort of, heading to the World Cup.
Have they really only named 3 forwards?! ???
Yep, can't seeing Oz doing much in this world cup to be honest. Squad is older and weaker than the last WC. Kewell is injured too. The might have enough for Ghana but Serbia and Germany will have too much. Serbia are my dark horse to do well.
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Mariano Andujar (Catania/Italy), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich/Germany), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan/Italy), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille/France), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle/England), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool/England), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos/Greece), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool/England), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina/Italy), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica/Portugal), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle/England), Javier Pastore (Palermo/Italy)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid/Spain), Diego Milito (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City/England), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid/Spain), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Spain), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli/Italy)
Diego picks two Newcastle players instead of Zanetti/Cambiasso but he has some good forwards :o
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1209172/index.html#maradona+omits+inter+pair
Some of the players left out of that Argentina side are ridiculous. Maradona really should have swallowed his pride and called up Riquelme, as well as those other 2 mentioned.
Can't believe he left out Zanetti......class pure class.
Quote from: ross4life on May 12, 2010, 07:20:01 AM
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Mariano Andujar (Catania/Italy), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich/Germany), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan/Italy), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille/France), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle/England), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool/England), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos/Greece), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool/England), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina/Italy), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica/Portugal), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle/England), Javier Pastore (Palermo/Italy)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid/Spain), Diego Milito (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City/England), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid/Spain), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Spain), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli/Italy)
Diego picks two Newcastle players instead of Zanetti/Cambiasso but he has some good forwards :o
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1209172/index.html#maradona+omits+inter+pair
Remember these are the 30 man provo squads. They have to cut to 23 by end of May.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on May 12, 2010, 10:26:56 AM
Quote from: ross4life on May 12, 2010, 07:20:01 AM
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Mariano Andujar (Catania/Italy), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich/Germany), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan/Italy), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille/France), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle/England), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool/England), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos/Greece), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool/England), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina/Italy), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica/Portugal), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle/England), Javier Pastore (Palermo/Italy)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid/Spain), Diego Milito (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City/England), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid/Spain), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Spain), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli/Italy)
Diego picks two Newcastle players instead of Zanetti/Cambiasso but he has some good forwards :o
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1209172/index.html#maradona+omits+inter+pair
Remember these are the 30 man provo squads. They have to cut to 23 by end of May.
They haven't gone away you know...
Quote from: Doogie Browser on May 12, 2010, 10:41:57 AM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on May 12, 2010, 10:26:56 AM
Quote from: ross4life on May 12, 2010, 07:20:01 AM
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar/Netherlands), Mariano Andujar (Catania/Italy), Diego Pozo (Colon)
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich/Germany), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan/Italy), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille/France), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle/England), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell's Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool/England), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos/Greece), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool/England), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina/Italy), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica/Portugal), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle/England), Javier Pastore (Palermo/Italy)
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid/Spain), Diego Milito (Inter Milan/Italy), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City/England), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid/Spain), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Spain), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli/Italy)
Diego picks two Newcastle players instead of Zanetti/Cambiasso but he has some good forwards :o
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1209172/index.html#maradona+omits+inter+pair
Remember these are the 30 man provo squads. They have to cut to 23 by end of May.
They haven't gone away you know...
7 of them have to form the Real Argentinian Squad
Provisional 30 man Spain Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David De Gea (Atletico Madrid), Diego Lopez (Villarreal), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia)
Forwards: Pedro (Barcelona), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)
Great to see Pedro in after the season he's had, likewise Valdes, although I', not as confident he'll make the final cut.
Yeah, Casillas and Reina are the first and second choices and they might bring young De Gea along just to give him a taste of it and experience, but Valdes should be going on merit really. But with the amount of shocks in these World Cup squads you just don't know.
Quote from: paco on May 12, 2010, 11:24:56 AM
Provisional 30 man Spain Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David De Gea (Atletico Madrid), Diego Lopez (Villarreal), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Osasuna), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia)
Forwards: Pedro (Barcelona), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)
Great to see Pedro in after the season he's had, likewise Valdes, although I', not as confident he'll make the final cut.
That's a pretty impressive squad
Quote from: ross4life on May 11, 2010, 08:18:30 PM
France revealed a first list of 30 players
Keepers
Cédric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Mickaël Landreau (Lille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille)
Defenders
Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Anthony Réveillère (Lyon), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sébastien Squillaci (FC Séville), Adil Rami (Lille)
Midfielders
Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yann M'Vila (Rennes), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Jérémy Toulalan (Lyon)
Forwards
Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Thierry Henry (FC Barcelone), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Jimmy Briand (Rennes), Djibril Cissé (Panathinaïkos), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
no Benzema and no Nasri for the WC
An early contender for
the name of the World Cup??
Jules Rimet
Quote from: Hedley Lamarr on May 12, 2010, 08:40:37 AM
Can't believe he left out Zanetti......class pure class.
And Riquelme! And he brought Veron. The man's a maniac.
That Spanish midfield is awesome - Fabregas is probably 7th choice. ::)
Quote from: Billys Boots on May 12, 2010, 04:03:52 PM
Quote from: Hedley Lamarr on May 12, 2010, 08:40:37 AM
Can't believe he left out Zanetti......class pure class.
And Riquelme! And he brought Veron. The man's a maniac.
That Spanish midfield is awesome - Fabregas is probably 7th choice. ::)
In reality Maradonna should be sacked now.
Holland's Provisional World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht);
Defenders: Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (HSV), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Andre Ooijer (PSV)
Midfielders: Otman Bakkal (PSV), Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Wout Brama (FC Twente), Orlando Engelaar (PSV), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), David Mendes da Silva (AZ), Stijn Schaars (AZ), Wesley Sneijder (Inter), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Ibrahim Afellay (PSV),
Forwards: Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Jeremain Lens (AZ Alkmaar), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan)
Van Nistelrooy misses out on the 30 man squad, Sneijder, Robben two players in great form how will they do in the World cup? it's a weak Squad compared to others
Surprising North Korea are the only nation not yet to disclose there initial squad ;D
Quote from: bingobus on May 12, 2010, 04:44:25 PM
Surprising North Korea are the only nation not yet to disclose there initial squad ;D
Still searching the labour camps for a couple of midfielders
Odds at the minute.
Paddy Power.
Spain 4/1
Brazil 5/1
England 6/1
Argentina 15/2
Holland 12/1
Italy 13/1
Germany 13/1
France 14/1
Portugal 25/1
Ivory Coast 30/1
Paraguay 66/1
Chile 66/1
Serbia 66/1
USA 75/1
Mexico 80/1
Ghana 80/1
Cameroon 100/1
Uruguay 100/1
Nigeria 100/1
South Africa 125/1
Australia 125/1
Denmark 125/1
Greece 150/1
Switzerland 200/1
Slovakia 225/1
Japan 250/1
South Korea 250/1
Slovenia 300/1
Algeria 600/1
Honduras 1000/1
North Korea 2000/1
New Zealand 2000/1
best website for checking odds
http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/world-cup/win-market
Terry is fit and raring to go, I hope he crys like a feckin baby again after he gives away his third penalty of the tournament or better still, misses one like he did when he choked against United. :P
Ivory Coast 30/1
Good EW bet.
If the African teams gets out of there groups they will be doing well, Hard to see past Spain/Brazil! good EW bet Argentina/Germany
Quote from: ONeill on May 12, 2010, 11:06:20 PM
Ivory Coast 30/1
Good EW bet.
I dunno Shane, they appear to be chokers, based on their last few African Nations Cups. I'd say a safer bet might be them NOT getting out of the group stages; should get decent odds for that.
The African teams always seem to leak a lot of goals in the WC and have dodgy keepers, is that racist ???
Quote from: Doogie Browser on May 13, 2010, 09:30:35 AM
The African teams always seem to leak a lot of goals in the WC and have dodgy keepers, is that racist ???
Playing these African teams can prove a banana skin for more established countries.
Maybe been mentioned before. What time of the day/evening do we expect most matches on tv here considering time differences?
Most matches are going to be 12:30, 15:00 and 19:30 our time - in the group stages anyway!
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production link=topic=15977.msg781644#msg781644
Playing these African teams can prove a banana skin for more established countries.
/quote]
Feeble
Quote from: Aerlik on May 13, 2010, 02:37:04 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production link=topic=15977.msg781644#msg781644
Playing these African teams can prove a banana skin for more established countries.
/quote]
Feeble
I thank you!
I probably wont be watching it but I'll still be cheering for:
1. Spain - My girlfriend is from there
2. England - hopefully means getting time off work to go to the pub.
3. North Korea - They know how to party
(http://northkorea.worldcupblog.org/files/2010/03/kim-jong-il.jpg)
Well the Squad news we have all been waiting for
North Korea, Just three players ply their trade outside North Korea Yong-Hak and Jong Tae-Se, who play in Japan for Omiya Ardija and Kawasaki Frontale respectively, and Hong Yong-Jo, who plays for FK Rostov in Russia & there manager has targeted the last 8
Squad: Kim Myong-gil, Kim Myong-won (both Amrokgang), Ri Myong-guk (Pyongyang City); An Chol-hyok (Rimyongsu), An Yong-hak (Omiya Ardija), Cha Jong-hyok (Amrokgang), Choe Kum-chol (April 25), Hong Yong-jo (FK Rostov), Ji Yun-nam (April 25), Jong Tae-se (Kawasaki Frontale), Kim Hum-il (April 25), Kim Kyong-il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong-jun (Pyongyang City), Mun In-guk, Nam Song-chol (both April 25), Pak Chol-jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam-chol (April 25), Pak Nam-chol (Amrokgang), Pak Sung-hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol-myong (Pyongyang City), Ri Jun-il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang-chon (April 25), Ri Kwang-hyok (Kyonggongop).
April 25 interesting name for a team
Good players not added in World cup Squads, care to add some more?
Ronldinho
Benzema
Cambiasso
Zanetti
Pato
Nasri
Totti
Vieira
Moutinho
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Banega
Perotti
Mexes
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Canales
Luca Toni
Aquaman
Roger Milla
Quote from: ross4life on May 13, 2010, 06:48:00 PM
Good players not added in World cup Squads, care to add some more?
Ronldinho
Benzema
Cambiasso
Zanetti
Pato
Nasri
Totti
Vieira
Moutinho
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Banega
Perotti
Mexes
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Canales
Luca Toni
Aquaman
Roger Milla
I notice that as well as overloooking Zanetti and Cambiasso, Maradona has included Martin Palermo who is 36 and over the past 11 years has played a massive 13 times for Argentina and is perhaps is best known for missing three pens in an international match...he'll probably end up top scorer ::)
Quote from: ross4life on May 13, 2010, 06:48:00 PM
Good players not added in World cup Squads, care to add some more?
Ronldinho
Benzema
Cambiasso
Zanetti
Pato
Nasri
Totti
Vieira
Moutinho
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Banega
Perotti
Mexes
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Canales
Luca Toni
Aquaman
Roger Milla
Brazil must have some good defenders. Alex not included.
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
i think Alex was called up as one of the seven backup players to the 23 man squad?
France for world cup!!
Alex is twice the player that Luisao bucko is.
Wayne Rooney is worn out, says Landon Donovan
United States captain Landon Donovan believes a long season is catching up with "worn out" England striker Wayne Rooney ahead of their World Cup clash.
The Manchester United player has been troubled by ankle and groin injuries in recent weeks having endured a 49-game campaign.
Donovan believes Rooney will be short of his best when England face the USA on 12 June.
"Rooney is a top player — one of the best in the world right now," said the midfielder. "But the other part of it is that he has played a lot of games and he is tired. He is probably worn out. Injuries are a part of that. Things happen when players are tired."
Donovan believes all the pressure will be on Fabio Capello's side when they meet in Rustenburg.
"If we don't do well in the World Cup, people care a little bit," said the LA Galaxy man. "But if England don't do well, it is absolutely devastating to their country, their families and their people."
Quote from: ross4life on May 13, 2010, 06:48:00 PM
Good players not added in World cup Squads, care to add some more?
Ronldinho
Benzema
Cambiasso
Zanetti
Pato
Nasri
Totti
Vieira
Moutinho
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Banega
Perotti
Mexes
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Canales
Luca Toni
Aquaman
Roger Milla
Is Luca Toni a good player?
Aquaman? You forgot to add Spiderman.
Quote from: ross4life on May 13, 2010, 09:26:17 PM
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
i think Alex was called up as one of the seven backup players to the 23 man squad?
Alex is in the 30 names submitted to FIFA as a provisional squad. In Brazil he's known as Alex Costa. However Dunga has named his preferred 23. So it's looks like Alex will only make it due to injury/withdrawal. A pity as he's been playing really well and has been known to hit the odd free kick now and again.
Recap of all the Squads
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoA.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoB.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoC.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoD.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoE.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoF.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoG.jpg)
(http://www.gazzetta.it/Media/Foto/2010/05/12/gruppi/gruppoH.jpg)
Not really surprised at Sergio Canales being left out of the Spain squad, Racing Santander have been terrible since they confrirmed his sale to Real Madrid, they may get relegated this weekend it's that bad. Anyone else find it very strange Nasri not being in the France squad? Re: Maradona, man's a looney, fell out with Riquelme at the start of the qualifying campaign and, despite the quite ridiculous omissions from the squad, I can't help but hope he does well. What did anyone make of De Gea in nets for Atletico on Wednesday night?
Any1 care setting up a fantasy world cup tournament on Sky and set up a private league for gaaboarders?
France cut squad to 24...unfortunately the delightfully named Rod Fanni has not made it...
France's provisional 24-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux)
Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla), Marc Planus (Girondins Bordeaux), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyon)
Midfielders: Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Alou Diarra (Girondins Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal)
Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)
Spains squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona).
Defenders: Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), Javi Martínez (Athletic).
Forwards: David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic).
Where is Raul, is he still playing for Madrid?
That team should really win the world cup. The best goal keeper Casillas, the best central midfielde for the engine room Fabregas,, the best passing midfield duio in the wolrd in Xavi and Iniesta, the best striker duo Torres and Villa. Add in a solid defense and they really should be winners. On the other hand they are Spain.
He's still playing for Madrid. Part of the reason Pellegrini wasn't popular at the start was because he didn't start Raul, but the fans seen that this was form the best and warmed to him slowly but surely, meanwhile Raul made the odd cameo but he's expected to leave this Summer. Most likely joining Thierry Henry in the US.
http://www.footballspotter.com/panini-world-cup-usa-1994/
USA 94 full sticker book collection.
Question: Who was the only player based in the Irish League to have been a playing member of a team at a World Cup Finals in the past 24 years?
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 20, 2010, 05:10:24 PM
http://www.footballspotter.com/panini-world-cup-usa-1994/
USA 94 full sticker book collection.
Question: Who was the only player based in the Irish League to have played at a World Cup Finals in the past 24 years?
Felix Healy played came on as a sub for OWC against Honduras while he was playing for Coleraine, but that was in 1982.
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 20, 2010, 05:10:24 PM
http://www.footballspotter.com/panini-world-cup-usa-1994/
USA 94 full sticker book collection.
Question: Who was the only player based in the Irish League to have been a playing member of a team at a World Cup Finals in the past 24 years?
Ahaha, I had that. What an absolute waste of money. Treasured my Romario and Bebeto stickers for years. Always had a load of doubles of Bolivian players I didn't care about.
Brazil v England 1970 on ESPN classic now. First time really seeing them in a full length match, great to watch! It's like watching a Sunday league team, in a good way, they play so casually (for want of a better word). Commentary wasn't up to much back then though.
Only realy tuned into ESPN classic there tonight after hearing about in on here, I'm guessing these sort of games will be on every night in the run up to the WC?
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 20, 2010, 02:32:46 PM
Spains squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona).
Defenders: Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), Javi Martínez (Athletic).
Forwards: David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic).
On paper a very strong squad though if Villa or Torres get injured/supended there's no real household names in the forwards?
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on May 21, 2010, 09:30:54 AM
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 20, 2010, 02:32:46 PM
Spains squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona).
Defenders: Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), Javi Martínez (Athletic).
Forwards: David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic).
On paper a very strong squad though if Villa or Torres get injured/supended there's no real household names in the forwards?
David Silva is one of the most coveted players in Europe. Mata has had a great season for Valencia. Pedro plays every other game for Barcelona. Every squad in the WC would love to have any of these guys as back up.
QuoteDavid Silva is one of the most coveted players in Europe. Mata has had a great season for Valencia. Pedro plays every other game for Barcelona. Every squad in the WC would love to have any of these guys as back up.
Totally agree. They are cracking players who fit the model of the team well.
How you pick the midfield/strikers line up is almost another thread.
Of the front 6 for me its Xavi Iniesta Torres Villa and 2 more.
That leaves either Alonso or Busquests in the holding role and 1 wide player,
more than likely Pedro or Silva.
Where does that leave Cesc?
Given his injury I think he might be used as sub similar to the last tournament
where he was brilliant coming off the bench.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UzRsvCsC4c
Always loved seeing this clip, outrageous skill.
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 21, 2010, 10:22:24 AM
QuoteDavid Silva is one of the most coveted players in Europe. Mata has had a great season for Valencia. Pedro plays every other game for Barcelona. Every squad in the WC would love to have any of these guys as back up.
Totally agree. They are cracking players who fit the model of the team well.
How you pick the midfield/strikers line up is almost another thread.
Of the front 6 for me its Xavi Iniesta Torres Villa and 2 more.
That leaves either Alonso or Busquests in the holding role and 1 wide player,
more than likely Pedro or Silva.
Where does that leave Cesc?
Given his injury I think he might be used as sub similar to the last tournament
where he was brilliant coming off the bench.
I guess it'll be Alonso in the holding role with Xavi and Iniesta in the middle further advanced.
Then Silva playing on the left or possibly a floating role behind the 2 front lads.
Cesc will be on the bench!
They could also play with a lone striker which would probably be Villa and then 5 in midfield. Either way they've got some amount of talent at their disposal.
Pedro and Jesus Navas are two great options to bring on and add width and bags of pace in the latter stages. And even the likes of Llorente in the unlikely event that they want to go route one. So many possibilities. Only real weakness I can see is at left back, where Capdevilla, at 31, has lost a lot of his pace and could be badly exposed against the likes of Robben. All things considered though, it's Spain's to lose.
You can tell I don't follow Spanish football as closely as I should :-[
Spain 7/2 to win.
Couple of interesting bets. Ivory Coast and Ghana both 4/1 to win their groups. The WC winner to come from South America 9/4
You should be able to get better odds than 7/2.
PP have them at 4/1.
What might be good valve is the offer given Betpack (group of bookies Stan James/Mulhollands etc)
If Spain win and you have someone else backed they will give your money back.
Quote from: Rossie11 on May 20, 2010, 02:32:46 PM
Spains squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona).
Defenders: Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal), Javi Martínez (Athletic).
Forwards: David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic).
Starting XI?
Casillas
Sergio Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevilla
Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Silva
Villa, Torres
They don't have the back up forwards like Argentina or the defence like Brazil but they do have the best midfield of any in this world cup
having the favourite tag will be huge pressure on a country that has never won it
That would be the starting XI, alright. Any of the back up forwards are capable of playing an out-and-out striker, such is their versatility and fluidity. Also, Torres and Villa are both capable of playing up front on their own and bring in Fabregas or one of the others. Cesc had a great impact at the Euros coming on as a sub. The point about defenders, I would rate Pique as one of the best defenders in the world, he has a great partnership with Puyol. Ramos, while not as good a defender, is a brilliant athlete and will be able to hound down attackers. Casillas is still one of the best 'keepers in the world, behind only Julio Cesar, I reckon. I think Capdevilla is the only weak link in the side.
One of the most important members on that Spain team will be Puyol, keeping him fit and free from suspension could make all the difference
Arbeloa is very versatile and could easily slide in there, with Ramos replacing Puyol. This has been the case for large parts of the season at Madrid. 3 weeks today and it'll have started! Jesus, I can't wait, even though the standard might not be as high overall as previous years I can't help myself.
Just checked the World cup draw & there's a good chance England could play France in the quarter finals, interesting match for the Irish fans if it happens?
Nightmare scenario that Ross...jeez what would ye cheer for..
Nike World Cup ad is pretty good. Pity about Ronaldinho though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idLG6jh23yE
I see Lassana Diarra's out of the World Cup. Handy player, and another nail in the French coffin.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on May 22, 2010, 10:52:33 PM
I see Lassana Diarra's out of the World Cup. Handy player, and another nail in the French coffin.
f**k off, French p***k. You are out!
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/11/15/article-0-07380AFC000005DC-982_468x306.jpg)
The performance of Milito tonight makes Argentina look stronger. He has never really come to my attention before this years champions league. Has been playing forGenoa in Serie A.
Argentina could play an attacking quartet of Messi, Tevez, Milito and Aguerro. That group will take a lot of watching. A midfield duo of Mascherano and Cambiasso would provide the graft and craft needed in the engine room.
Walter Samuel, Heinze and Burdisso would solidify the defense. Anither powerful world cup team.
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 22, 2010, 11:35:44 PM
The performance of Milito tonight makes Argentina look stronger. He has never really come to my attention before this years champions league. Has been playing forGenoa in Serie A.
Argentina could play an attacking quartet of Messi, Tevez, Milito and Aguerro. That group will take a lot of watching. A midfield duo of Mascherano and Cambiasso would provide the graft and craft needed in the engine room.
Walter Samuel, Heinze and Burdisso would solidify the defense. Anither powerful world cup team.
Them and Spain are a great battele on paper. Unfortunately Maradonna ruins it as a potentially good clash on grass.
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 22, 2010, 11:35:44 PM
The performance of Milito tonight makes Argentina look stronger. He has never really come to my attention before this years champions league. Has been playing forGenoa in Serie A.
Argentina could play an attacking quartet of Messi, Tevez, Milito and Aguerro. That group will take a lot of watching. A midfield duo of Mascherano and Cambiasso would provide the graft and craft needed in the engine room.
Walter Samuel, Heinze and Burdisso would solidify the defense. Anither powerful world cup team.
Except Cambiasso isn't in the squad.
Quote from: Minder on May 23, 2010, 12:35:45 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on May 22, 2010, 11:35:44 PM
The performance of Milito tonight makes Argentina look stronger. He has never really come to my attention before this years champions league. Has been playing forGenoa in Serie A.
Argentina could play an attacking quartet of Messi, Tevez, Milito and Aguerro. That group will take a lot of watching. A midfield duo of Mascherano and Cambiasso would provide the graft and craft needed in the engine room.
Walter Samuel, Heinze and Burdisso would solidify the defense. Anither powerful world cup team.
Except Cambiasso isn't in the squad.
The wee man has marked his own card by omitting Cambiasso and Zanetti. Strange.
What effect will the climate have on the world cup lads? It will be Winter in South Africa, no high temperatures to deal with. The South African climate might help out teams like the Germans English, Swiss and Danes. They will be able to run all day.
Pity we didn't make it and get to play the Mexicans in a decent climate.
Cambiasso obviously didn't make it, well done, you've passed the test.
Maradona will probably go with Higuain up front with Messi just behind him. Maradona's logic is very strange, he doesn't seem to like playing Tevez, Milito even less. On paper Argentina could do really well but he's just too unpredictable.
Few interesting friendly results tonight.
Most of all Portugal 0 Cape Verde Islands 0. They will be doing well to get out of the group.
Argies five nil up on Canada with few minutes to go, Maxi got two, Tevez, Di Maria and Aguero with the others.
http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-iraq
Anyone set up a fantasy league yet for this?
Or are there any good ones, even a predictions comp?
This seems to be one of the big ones. Looks good and is free. Its between FIFA and Mickey Macs
I have set up a gaabord league, you need to register to play
http://en.mcdonalds.fantasy.fifa.com/
league gaaboard
password 220943-52757
Argentina for world cup! k lol
Aus and NZ played here last night. Tim Cahill deserves to be kicked in the balls for some of his antics. Vince Grella nearly broke the Kiwi lad's leg in a disgusting two-footed tackle and the ref only gave him a yellow card. Even the Aus coach condemned the antics of his players saying he'd no doubt they'd have been red carded in any other game. Shite game too, I just wanted to see the Kiwis do well, but after the first half I was roaring for them. For the record the final score was 2-1 but who gives a shit, both shite teams.
the aussie media reckon this team can get to the quarters, too. Yeah right.
Quote from: Aerlik on May 25, 2010, 02:48:27 PM
Aus and NZ played here last night. Tim Cahill deserves to be kicked in the balls for some of his antics. Vince Grella nearly broke the Kiwi lad's leg in a disgusting two-footed tackle and the ref only gave him a yellow card. Even the Aus coach condemned the antics of his players saying he'd no doubt they'd have been red carded in any other game. Shite game too, I just wanted to see the Kiwis do well, but after the first half I was roaring for them. For the record the final score was 2-1 but who gives a shit, both shite teams.
the aussie media reckon this team can get to the quarters, too. Yeah right.
The Aussies dropped Scott McDonald from their 23 and are only taking 2 strikers (whom I have never heard of)
Quote from: Aerlik on May 25, 2010, 02:48:27 PM
the aussie media reckon this team can get to the quarters, too. Yeah right.
There was an Aussie sports journalist on the radio (Newstalk) here a few days ago and he was very pessimistic about their chances. Seemed to concede that they missed the boat four years ago and that it's been all downhill from there.
placed a bet on Paraguay to win their group!!!!
getting tanked by a shite Irish team. heres a tip, if i'm betting bet against me!!
Quote from: Aerlik on May 25, 2010, 02:48:27 PM
Aus and NZ played here last night. Tim Cahill deserves to be kicked in the balls for some of his antics. Vince Grella nearly broke the Kiwi lad's leg in a disgusting two-footed tackle and the ref only gave him a yellow card. Even the Aus coach condemned the antics of his players saying he'd no doubt they'd have been red carded in any other game. Shite game too, I just wanted to see the Kiwis do well, but after the first half I was roaring for them. For the record the final score was 2-1 but who gives a shit, both shite teams.
the aussie media reckon this team can get to the quarters, too. Yeah right.
Couldnt believe the tackles, Grella first and then Cahill. Was only half watching the game, but were both tackles on the same Kiwi player? And the commentators saying that Cahill's 'challenge' was purely accidental. They pretty much glossed over it 'He was looking at the ball, not the player' He had his foot about 3 foot off the ground FFS!!!!
A mate of mine told me before the game that one of the Kiwi players was in the papers the week before the game saying that it was a silly friendly to be playing as a WC warmup and that he 'wouldnt be pulling out of any tackles'. Wonder if it was the same guy, and if he had been targeted because of it... Didnt bother watching the second half.
Quote from: Doogie Browser on May 25, 2010, 02:50:27 PM
The Aussies dropped Scott McDonald from their 23 and are only taking 2 strikers (whom I have never heard of)
One of them, Josh Kennedy, plays in the J-league and has a decent scoring record. See how he does when everyone isnt two feet shorter than him!!
http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html (http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html)
Handy wee site for anyone looking for form guide with top goal scorer bet in mind
Quote from: Aerlik on May 25, 2010, 02:48:27 PM
Aus and NZ played here last night. Tim Cahill deserves to be kicked in the balls for some of his antics. Vince Grella nearly broke the Kiwi lad's leg in a disgusting two-footed tackle and the ref only gave him a yellow card. Even the Aus coach condemned the antics of his players saying he'd no doubt they'd have been red carded in any other game. Shite game too, I just wanted to see the Kiwis do well, but after the first half I was roaring for them. For the record the final score was 2-1 but who gives a shit, both shite teams.
the aussie media reckon this team can get to the quarters, too. Yeah right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGDBfZ6aa4Y
Shocking tackles.
Grella's is about 1 minute 25 seconds in and Cahill's is about 2 minutes 15 seconds in.
Just got asked this trivia question today which I thought was quite good. There are two players in the squads for their countries who played in the 1994 world cup. Can you name them
Quote from: David McKeown on May 26, 2010, 05:33:39 PM
Just got asked this trivia question today which I thought was quite good. There are two players in the squads for their countries who played in the 1994 world cup. Can you name them
Rigobert Song and the Korean keeper I think?
Still nobody has got my trivia question.
Who is the only Irish League based player to have been a playing member in a World Cup Finals squad in the past 24 years?
Quote from: maddog on May 26, 2010, 04:28:15 PM
http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html (http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html)
Handy wee site for anyone looking for form guide with top goal scorer bet in mind
Sometimes form goes out the window with the top goal scorer, Salenko 1994 & Schillaci 1990 would be good examples
Brazil play North Korea & Italy play New Zealand one of there strikers could score 4/5 goals v them
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 26, 2010, 09:56:45 PM
Still nobody has got my trivia question.
Who is the only Irish League based player to have been a playing member in a World Cup Finals squad in the past 24 years?
Give us a hint was he a Northern Ireland player?
France beat Costa Rica 2-1. A few decent performances, including a debut clinker from Valbuena after good work by Diaby. Interesting to see if there'll be a high profile casualty - Gallas maybe?
Show just started on bbc3 there, Englands worst world cup team.
QuoteBrazil play North Korea & Italy play New Zealand one of there strikers could score 4/5 goals v them
Italy don't do hammerings. Get 2 and sit back.
How many had their top scorer in qualifying?? 5max
Two goals for Van Persie tonight.
Spain v Holland would be a clinker. Excluding friendlies, 31 games v 17 games unbeaten I think. Maybe more.
Not sure has this been posted already? the Giants stadium where Ireland beat Italy is now RIP :( with the birth of Meadowlands right beside it :o
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Meadowlands_Sports_Complex_-_kingsley_-_04-JUL-09.JPG/800px-Meadowlands_Sports_Complex_-_kingsley_-_04-JUL-09.JPG)
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_jersey/giants-stadium-demolition-20100519-akd
Quote from: ross4life on May 26, 2010, 09:57:03 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 26, 2010, 04:28:15 PM
http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html (http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html)
Handy wee site for anyone looking for form guide with top goal scorer bet in mind
Sometimes form goes out the window with the top goal scorer, Salenko 1994 & Schillaci 1990 would be good examples
Brazil play North Korea & Italy play New Zealand one of there strikers could score 4/5 goals v them
Salenkos total a bit misleading as 4 or 5 were against a shit Cameroon team.
Quote from: Minder on May 26, 2010, 11:04:16 PM
Quote from: ross4life on May 26, 2010, 09:57:03 PM
Quote from: maddog on May 26, 2010, 04:28:15 PM
http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html (http://www.planetworldcup.com/CUPS/2010/conmebol.html)
Handy wee site for anyone looking for form guide with top goal scorer bet in mind
Sometimes form goes out the window with the top goal scorer, Salenko 1994 & Schillaci 1990 would be good examples
Brazil play North Korea & Italy play New Zealand one of there strikers could score 4/5 goals v them
Salenkos total a bit misleading as 4 or 5 were against a shit Cameroon team.
Yes that was my point, didn't he finished top scorer scoring most his goals v a crap team.. could happen again that's why i gave examples
Spain strikers have bigger mis matches in their group
hence Villa is a worthy favourite.
He has more of a chance of bagging a hatful in a game
than most.
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 26, 2010, 09:56:45 PM
Still nobody has got my trivia question.
Who is the only Irish League based player to have been a playing member in a World Cup Finals squad in the past 24 years?
Canadian .. played for the Glens ... Terry? ... 1986 .... ?
Terry Moore for Canada 1986 ....
Sometimes an easy group counts against strikers.
2 wins in 1st two games and they are rested for 3rd game (maybe against the minnows of the group)
Mark Caughey?
USA World Cup squad:
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves), Tim Howard (Everton), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca).
Glentoran's finest Terry Moore is indeed the correct answer. He was in the Canadian squad in 1986.
Quote from: ross4life on May 26, 2010, 10:49:07 PM
Not sure has this been posted already? the Giants stadium where Ireland beat Italy is now RIP :( with the birth of Meadowlands right beside it :o
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/58/Meadowlands_Sports_Complex_-_kingsley_-_04-JUL-09.JPG/800px-Meadowlands_Sports_Complex_-_kingsley_-_04-JUL-09.JPG)
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/new_jersey/giants-stadium-demolition-20100519-akd
The new Meadowlands stadium is finished and ready to go. Just selected as the venue for the 2014 superbowl. Bon Jovi concert tonight is the official opening.
Superbowl New Jersey in February that will be a cold one
What ever happend to Freddie Adu from the states? he was playin MLS when he was about 12 or something....
Quote from: ballinaman on May 27, 2010, 12:29:24 AM
What ever happend to Freddie Adu from the states? he was playin MLS when he was about 12 or something....
Still only 20, but judging by the way clubs can't offload him quickly enough, it looks like he might never be better than shite. Too much Nike backed hype, too young.
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 26, 2010, 09:56:45 PM
Still nobody has got my trivia question.
Who is the only Irish League based player to have been a playing member in a World Cup Finals squad in the past 24 years?
Terry Moore was a member of the Canadian squad but did not play any games during 1986...
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on May 27, 2010, 10:48:44 AM
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 26, 2010, 09:56:45 PM
Still nobody has got my trivia question.
Who is the only Irish League based player to have been a playing member in a World Cup Finals squad in the past 24 years?
Terry Moore was a member of the Canadian squad but did not play any games during 1986...
I know he didnt play but I used the word 'playing' to make it clear that the Irish League player wasn't part of a management setup/backup team.
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 27, 2010, 01:13:53 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on May 27, 2010, 10:48:44 AM
Quote from: DownFanatic on May 26, 2010, 09:56:45 PM
Still nobody has got my trivia question.
Who is the only Irish League based player to have been a playing member in a World Cup Finals squad in the past 24 years?
Terry Moore was a member of the Canadian squad but did not play any games during 1986...
I know he didnt play but I used the word 'playing' to make it clear that the Irish League player wasn't part of a management setup/backup team.
Squad member would probably have been clearer...I took this to mean someone who had actually played...
Big blow for Ghana (potential 2nd round opponents for England)
From the BBC:
Ghana's Michael Essien has been ruled out of the World Cup, according to the country's football association (GFA). The Chelsea midfielder has been struggling with injury and has been told he will not fully recover until the end of July. The GFA said that the decision was taken after a joint evaluation of his fitness by the national side and his club.
Hope this hasn't already been asked...
IF this player plays in the world cup this summer, he will have played in three world cup finals, for three DIFFERENT countries. Who is it?
In the same group as Serbia & Germany i don't think Ghana had much of a chance with or without Essien
Vidic v Rooney should be a interesting 2nd round tie 8)
Quote from: illdecide on May 27, 2010, 04:52:08 PM
Hope this hasn't already been asked...
IF this player plays in the world cup this summer, he will have played in three world cup finals, for three DIFFERENT countries. Who is it?
Different or re-named? I suspect its a serbian of some sort.
Sorry for not looking through the whole thread but are we setting up a fantasy WC competition like 4 years ago, throughly enjoyed it then and also the predictions one as well.
Quote from: illdecide on May 27, 2010, 04:52:08 PM
Hope this hasn't already been asked...
IF this player plays in the world cup this summer, he will have played in three world cup finals, for three DIFFERENT countries. Who is it?
A guess would be Savo Milosevic (or some Serb) for Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro, and Serbia
Hope this hasn't already been asked...
IF this player plays in the world cup this summer, he will have played in three world cup finals, for three DIFFERENT countries. Who is it?
[/quote]
Different or re-named? I suspect its a serbian of some sort.
Sorry for not looking through the whole thread but are we setting up a fantasy WC competition like 4 years ago, throughly enjoyed it then and also the predictions one as well.
[/quote]
thats what i was thinking as well, is it a Yugoslavia/Serbia and Montenegro /Serbia player?
Stankovic ?
Quote from: illdecide on May 27, 2010, 05:20:46 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on May 27, 2010, 05:10:00 PM
Stankovic ?
Possible...i don't know the answer to it ???
It's someone like that. I think its Yougoslavia, Montenegro and Serbia.
No Bison at this year's WC I see. Essien out til July!
The fantasyfootball is a couple of pages back. It is the McDonalds one again. Teams can't be picked until june fourth.
Germans score 24 goals in World Cup Warm up
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/germans-score-24-goals-in-wc-warmup
Sky plussed the 1970 final on ESPN last night, so will watch that over the weekend to see what all the fuss was about.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on May 27, 2010, 06:35:52 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 27, 2010, 05:20:46 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on May 27, 2010, 05:10:00 PM
Stankovic ?
Possible...i don't know the answer to it ???
It's someone like that. I think its Yougoslavia, Montenegro and Serbia.
No Bison at this year's WC I see. Essien out til July!
Nice and fresh for next season NT!
Quote from: Doogie Browser on May 28, 2010, 10:05:48 AM
Sky plussed the 1970 final on ESPN last night, so will watch that over the weekend to see what all the fuss was about.
Aertel have that as a latest score.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on May 28, 2010, 10:35:22 AM
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on May 27, 2010, 06:35:52 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 27, 2010, 05:20:46 PM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on May 27, 2010, 05:10:00 PM
Stankovic ?
Possible...i don't know the answer to it ???
It's someone like that. I think its Yougoslavia, Montenegro and Serbia.
No Bison at this year's WC I see. Essien out til July!
Nice and fresh for next season NT!
Yip. Cloud and lining etc etc.
How many games per season do Chelsea get out of Essien 20? he's in danger of becoming a crock
Watching some of the England game there, Japan could have been 2-0 up at half time. England aren't as good as they have been in recent years, too reliant on Rooney and Theo Walcott is dire.
"Good to see Own Goal's form for Man Utd earning him an England call-up."
from bbc
Quote from: paco on May 30, 2010, 02:58:35 PM
Watching some of the England game there, Japan could have been 2-0 up at half time. England aren't as good as they have been in recent years, too reliant on Rooney and Theo Walcott is dire.
England are fucked if they are relying on Theo Walcott!
Quote from: ludermor on May 30, 2010, 03:42:53 PM
Quote from: paco on May 30, 2010, 02:58:35 PM
Watching some of the England game there, Japan could have been 2-0 up at half time. England aren't as good as they have been in recent years, too reliant on Rooney and Theo Walcott is dire.
England are fucked if they are relying on Theo Walcott!
I think the 'Theo Walcott is dire' was a separate point!!
anybody predict the 7 men Capello will leave out today.
Im going for :-
Upson
Warnock
Huddlestone
Johnson
Parker
Wright-Phillips
Heskey
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 01, 2010, 10:17:48 AM
anybody predict the 7 men Capello will leave out today.
Im going for :-
Upson
Warnock
Huddlestone
Johnson
Parker
Wright-Phillips
Heskey
You're probably right HH...I'd say Barry will go even if he not 100%...I'd probably take WP instead of Walcott.
South Africa leave out Benni McCarthy...
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 01, 2010, 10:17:48 AM
anybody predict the 7 men Capello will leave out today.
Im going for :-
Upson
Warnock
Huddlestone
Johnson
Parker
Wright-Phillips
Heskey
Can't see him leaving Heskey at home. Think he'll have him instead of Bent and Warnock instead of Baines.
What time is it being announced?
Walcott and Bent are droped according to Sky sources. Walcott is fast but not a great player. Why did the Swede take him to the last world cup?????? It shows what a bad decision that was.
Heskey or Bent left out?
its looking like
Baines
Dawson
Parker
Huddlestone
Walcott
Bent
Johnson
Why oh why do so many managers rate Heskey. Even Martin O'Neill always plays him when he's fit, which isnt too often.
But i only got 3 out of 7 right so what do i know
Adam Johnson's left out? Strange one. Can't understand how Carragher got in over Dawson either.
Upson was 5/6 to go earlier. Thought that might have been a decent bet. Apparently some journo has put a rumour on twitter that Dawson is going instead of King.
Why did South Africa drop McCarthy? Are they blessed with star strikers?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 01, 2010, 01:48:51 PM
Why did South Africa drop McCarthy? Are they blessed with star strikers?
Because he is overweight and couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo. I'm guessing.
I heard Sven has named Walcott in a shock call up for Ivory Coast
Quote from: paco on June 01, 2010, 01:45:13 PM
Adam Johnson's left out? Strange one. Can't understand how Carragher got in over Dawson either.
He can play RB.
Quote from: AFS on June 01, 2010, 03:35:13 PM
Quote from: paco on June 01, 2010, 01:45:13 PM
Adam Johnson's left out? Strange one. Can't understand how Carragher got in over Dawson either.
He can play RB badly.
Just fixed that for you.
England's 23-man squad for the World Cup finals:
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham).
Defenders: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).
Forwards: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United).
Looking at that squad its hard to see how England could win a World Cup...which is nice :)
No World Class or even top class Goalkeepers IMO..
Carra is past his best,Rio is a donkey,Glen Johnson hasn't been fit for a lot of the season,King has two dodgy knees.
Upson and Warnock are decent players but thats about it.
Carrick :D need I say anymore,Stevie G also had a poor season by his standards,I don't rate Wright Philips.
Hesky,Crouch and Defoe are decent players but not in the same league as Rooney,and he can't be expected to do it all on his own..
All in all apart from Terry,Cole,Lampard(oops I see a trend starting here) Rooney,Gerrard if he gets his form back and maybe Milner I don't think England have much else for any team to be worried about..
Darren Bent has to be raging, 20+ goals and he didn't make it. Enough has been said about Heskey but how many did Crouch score this season and how many games did he play, roughly?
Quote from: paco on June 01, 2010, 05:06:58 PM
Darren Bent has to be raging, 20+ goals and he didn't make it. Enough has been said about Heskey but how many did Crouch score this season and how many games did he play, roughly?
In fairness to Crouch he has a decent goal scoring record for England certainly far superior to Heskey's. Ok most of his goals have come against minnows but he merits inclusion!
They have some very good players , Cole Terry, Lampard, Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Rooney but lack creativity. Defensively strong but against the really top class players or teams, the other half of the defence not already mentioned has let the side down in the past. Who will be right back.
Joe Cole can add that bit of creativity but may not start all or any of the games. They go out against the first good side that they will face. Shoukd be a cruise throught the group.
Germany have delayed announcing their side, why? Is Ballack about to make miracle recovery?
Carragher was a great player but Liverpool managed to play him in the wrong position for years due to the fact they were shite in other areas and he got older and lost two yards, he was a fantastic player imo but for me is a liability when someone fast is running at him.
Gerrard is another player who is geting up there but if he can reproduce the form of two years ago Engerland will be dangerous.
Ferdinand will fall asleep and cause them to lose a goal or two and Terry will give away two penalties and if asked to hit one will dung the togs and slip on his hole whilst grazing the post, he will also shag the shite out of the wags and get the head bate aff him in the dressing room by several seriously pissed off team mates.
Englad are semi finalists at best, not good enough to go beyond that and I cant wait to see the ters rolling down Terry's cheeks, I hate the fcuker.
Rio Ferdinand has been one of the best defenders in the world for 5+ years.
This thread is already replete with wannabe Dunphys.
He has been wobbler but his fitness is questionable and his form has been too, probably because he hasn't played with the same defensive partner for any longer than a few games. Maybe Capello included Heskey to keep the morale of the defenders up.
Quote from: thewobbler on June 01, 2010, 05:37:27 PM
Rio Ferdinand has been one of the best defenders in the world for 5+ years.
This thread is already replete with wannabe Dunphys.
I think that is a fantastical statement.
Yeah you're probably right
I mean being first-choice defender at one of the world's truly elite club sides for eight years, landing league titles in half those years, picking up a Champion's League title, continually being picked by his peers in their team of the year, winning 80-odd caps for his country, and about to play in his third World Cup, well the pedigree just isn't there.
And I'm no fan of United by the way.
Jamie Carragher is slow enough but the year Liverpool won the CL I thought he was playing as well as any defender in the world. Heart was a big thing though and it's pretty clear he doesn't give that much of a damn aabout England.
I would echo the sentiments about Walcott. He's rubbish and if Wenger can't teach you how to play football no-one can.
Phil Jagielka should be in that squad. Cracking player.
Darren Bent to me would add nothing at this level. Hesky takes a lot of stick but you look at Owen or Rooney's goal scoring record while pairing up with him and you can understand why he's in there. He takes the donkey work of those boys.(Not that Owen ever did much donkey work mind)
As has been said not a squad that should trouble the big hitters.
However while they're there always a niggling doubt so will be a lot happier when they get beat!
Worryingly Capello might be a smart enough cookie. Dropping Walcott is something many other England managers wouldn't have had the balls to do in this situation. He's not even a starter for Arsenal.
This fcuker might know what he's doing and get them to the last 4.
The squad isn't as good as previous years but, unfortunately, you can't argue with Capello's track record.
It's a poor squad, but the first XI has only 2-3 weaknesses and Rooney balances off at least one, while Gerrard (if he has been saving himself) could balance off another one.
I'd only imagine Spain as having a serious improvement in terms of first XI now that Maradona has proven he can't be trusted.
Spain though would surely piss all over England, who would be out on their feet chasing shadows by HT.
I would put Holland up there. Not a great defence, although Heitinga was good for Everton this season. All their top midfielders had great seasons in Europe, Van Bommel, Sneijder, Van der Vaart (not in Europe but he was very good in la liga) and De Jong was great for City. Up front Robben was unreal this season and Van Persie was class for Arsenal when it mattered, putting in performances like Wayne Rooney and being a one man team at times. If Van Der Sar was there, I'd definitely have them as one of the favourites.
Yes wobbler Rio has been one of the top defenders in the world the last 5/6 years but he has hardly played 3 games in a row all year so can't see him being fit
This is the worse England squad i can remember..Rooney the only world class player...Jamie Carra!! Need i say more :D :D
The Yanks are starting to get excited - http://www.theonion.com/articles/on-growing-enthusiasm-for-the-2010-world-cup,17396/
USA on biggest win bonus in World Cup history
The US squad at the World Cup will split a victory bonus of £13.8 million if they win the tournament in South Africa this month, making them the team with the greatest financial incentive at the event.
Each of the 23 players will collect £617,332 should they become the most unlikely winners in World Cup history, easily outstripping the £500,000-a-man on offer to Spain should Fernando Torres and co lift the trophy.
England's win bonus pool is kept confidential by the FA, but is believed to be in the region of £400-500,000 per player - but the entire England squad will donate all match fees to charity.
Brazil will offer each of their players around £250,000 for a win, while Germany will hand out £212,000 per man.
Yet the USA bonus is not dependent on overall victory: the players will share up to £1.1m in the group stage, a further £1.95m if they qualify for the last 16, £2.3m should they reach the quarter-finals and another £1.8m for making the semis. Should they make the final, they will then earn a further £4.7m, rising to £5.3m if they finish the job.
The money itself will come from FIFA, who pay the winners £21.4m in prize money, with £16.6m for the runners-up. Prize money then tapers off, but all teams participating in the finals are guaranteed a minimum of £5.5m.
Thqt is great, I will pay the US squad one million dollars each if they win the world cup
ireland v england italia 90 on now on espn classic. both teams with a lot more better players then than they have now.
Looks like Rio Ferdinand is out of the England team with a Knee injury!
Quote from: EC Unique on June 04, 2010, 12:18:06 PM
Looks like Rio Ferdinand is out of the England team with a Knee injury!
Who'll replace him Ledley King ;D
Things just keep getting better. Was looking at the possible permutations of the second stages of the WC, England could struggle to beat Serbia, who they will more than likely meet in the last 16.
Quote from: paco on June 04, 2010, 12:48:06 PM
Things just keep getting better. Was looking at the possible permutations of the second stages of the WC, England could struggle to beat Serbia, who they will more than likely meet in the last 16.
I've a feeling Serbia could top that group. Germany are ravaged with injuries and have a very young side, Serbia should be well fit for them. England - Germany in the last 16 would be interesting.
There's a lot more quality in the Serbian side than I had thought previously, they will be hard to beat. Anyway, 1 week today and it'll be started! I don't think I've ever been as excited for an international tournament, which is strange given the (lack of) quality of a lot of the teams.
Quote from: clarshack on June 04, 2010, 10:57:07 AM
ireland v england italia 90 on now on espn classic. both teams with a lot more better players then than they have now.
Probably but there was some rubbish football played in that game, Ireland got to the quarters by scoring two goals.
Reports, possibly lies though, that Drogba broke his arm today and is out.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 04, 2010, 12:18:06 PM
Looks like Rio Ferdinand is out of the England team with a Knee injury!
Good news for England so....
Quote from: AFS on June 04, 2010, 01:53:41 PM
Reports, possibly lies though, that Drogba broke his arm today and is out.
where are you hearing this?
QuoteI've a feeling Serbia could top that group. Germany are ravaged with injuries and have a very young side, Serbia should be well fit for them. England - Germany in the last 16 would be interesting
My tuppence worth
Germany are a big tournament team. No matter how good or bad they appear on paper they should still coast through this group for a few simple reasons.
They wont have one ounce of respect for any of other teams.
Germany probably have won more games in WCs than the other 3 combined have played in.
They will look on themselves as the big powerful nation V these 3 new kids on the block with the growing reputations.
Psychologically its a great start to have on teams.
It may look like a tough group but 9/2 for Germans to win all 3 games is a very tempting price.
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on June 04, 2010, 01:56:35 PM
Quote from: AFS on June 04, 2010, 01:53:41 PM
Reports, possibly lies though, that Drogba broke his arm today and is out.
where are you hearing this?
He came off injured in a friendly against Japan. Was doing the rounds that he broke his elbow. I see BBC and RTE are picking up on it now.
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 04, 2010, 02:05:07 PM
QuoteI've a feeling Serbia could top that group. Germany are ravaged with injuries and have a very young side, Serbia should be well fit for them. England - Germany in the last 16 would be interesting
My tuppence worth
Germany are a big tournament team. No matter how good or bad they appear on paper they should still coast through this group for a few simple reasons.
They wont have one ounce of respect for any of other teams.
Germany probably have won more games in WCs than the other 3 combined have played in.
They will look on themselves as the big powerful nation V these 3 new kids on the block with the growing reputations.
Psychologically its a great start to have on teams.
It may look like a tough group but 9/2 for Germans to win all 3 games is a very tempting price.
Hmmm, possibly. Without Ballack there is potential lack of leadership there. They'll have a lot of 22/ 23/ 24 year olds lining out, all with little or no major tournament experience - Ozil, Kroos, Khedira, Tasci, Jansen, Muller, Neuer, etc. That could work out in their favour if they go out with the fearless attitude you suggest, but it's also quite possible that things could go very pear shaped. Not saying they won't get out of the group, but I think Serbia definitely have the players to push them into second place. Australia and an Essienless Ghana shouldn't count.
Looking like you are right about Drogba
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6191099,00.html
Ferdinand out, shame.
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 04, 2010, 02:45:57 PM
Looking like you are right about Drogba
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6191099,00.html
Another Chelsea player who will be well rested for the new season ;) Michael Dawson on his way to SA to replace Ferdinand
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
Germany do have the youngest squad I have ever seen them have. Only 2 or 3 in their thirties and one of them is a goalie. Not a lot of great players in the squad, Lahm Swinestagger, Podolski and Klose knows how to score in internationals. They will probably top their group.
Serbia have a few good players but Ghana look fairly average.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
Exactly, ah well what comes around goes around, cheats don't win in the end!
Quote from: eggy bread on June 04, 2010, 07:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
Exactly, ah well what comes around goes around, cheats don't win in the end!
By that logic John Terry and Ashley Cole should be getting injured any day now!
Terry wil get shownup in the WC, he is fast becoming a liability and is not the player he was two years ago, I hope he has a stinker, shags the wags and the whole thing collaspes around them.
Rooney to be out injured before the first round is over, he doesnt look right at all and if he is done so are Engerland.
So much for that bet of Ivory Coast making it out of the group of death.
Quote from: AFS on June 04, 2010, 01:53:41 PM
Reports, possibly lies though, that Drogba broke his arm today and is out.
Good- a self indugent spoilt brat even by Premiership standards
Quote from: Minder on June 04, 2010, 01:51:20 PM
Quote from: clarshack on June 04, 2010, 10:57:07 AM
ireland v england italia 90 on now on espn classic. both teams with a lot more better players then than they have now.
Probably but there was some rubbish football played in that game, Ireland got to the quarters by scoring two goals.
was young at the time so didnt understand tactics a great deal then, but looking back now ireland really had the players to be a lot more positive than they were, and if they were, actually could have got further in the tournament. i think this has always been a gripe of eamon dunphys and i think he's right. the players on both sides then looked like men whereas today's players look like boys.
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: eggy bread on June 04, 2010, 07:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
Exactly, ah well what comes around goes around, cheats don't win in the end!
By that logic John Terry and Ashley Cole should be getting injured any day now!
Were they also implicated in drug misuse?
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 04, 2010, 02:05:07 PM
QuoteI've a feeling Serbia could top that group. Germany are ravaged with injuries and have a very young side, Serbia should be well fit for them. England - Germany in the last 16 would be interesting
My tuppence worth
Germany are a big tournament team. No matter how good or bad they appear on paper they should still coast through this group for a few simple reasons.
They wont have one ounce of respect for any of other teams.
Germany probably have won more games in WCs than the other 3 combined have played in.
They will look on themselves as the big powerful nation V these 3 new kids on the block with the growing reputations.
Psychologically its a great start to have on teams.
It may look like a tough group but 9/2 for Germans to win all 3 games is a very tempting price.
agree with this but i would also include the italians. the reason is simply discipline. they can go 30 odd days couped up and there wont be a scandal etc unlike england.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
My memory may be failing me but have you recently accused other people of being obsessive?
Tough blow for players missing the World Cup. You'd have to feel for them. That's Ferdinand, Ballack, Drogba and Essien all out, all established stars for their countrys (all captains possibly, though not sure about Essien, is Appiah still playing for Ghana?).
Quote from: eggy bread on June 04, 2010, 10:29:18 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: eggy bread on June 04, 2010, 07:01:50 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
Exactly, ah well what comes around goes around, cheats don't win in the end!
By that logic John Terry and Ashley Cole should be getting injured any day now!
Were they also implicated in drug misuse?
No but they are the biggest cheats in the England set-up! You know well what I meant.
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on June 04, 2010, 10:32:27 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
My memory may be failing me but have you recently accused other people of being obsessive?
Tough blow for players missing the World Cup. You'd have to feel for them. That's Ferdinand, Ballack, Drogba and Essien all out, all established stars for their countrys (all captains possibly, though not sure about Essien, is Appiah still playing for Ghana?).
Mikel ruled out too, another Chelsea player! It is a shame though, you always want to see teams at full strength at the World Cup imo, its the biggest stage of all and it's not nice to see players ruled out like that. It could be the last World Cup for Rio, Ballack, perhaps Drogba? He's after a fantastic season but is 32 now, will the next few years slow him down a bit or will he be all the more determined to play in the next World Cup after missing this one?
Robben now a doubt according to Sky Sports!
Taken to hospital with an injury after scoring twice earlier in a friendly.
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on June 04, 2010, 10:32:27 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 04, 2010, 03:25:46 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 04, 2010, 03:17:41 PM
Ferdinand out, shame.
At least he won't have to do any random drug tests now...
My memory may be failing me but have you recently accused other people of being obsessive?
Tough blow for players missing the World Cup. You'd have to feel for them. That's Ferdinand, Ballack, Drogba and Essien all out, all established stars for their countrys (all captains possibly, though not sure about Essien, is Appiah still playing for Ghana?).
No symapthy for them at all. Overpaid self indulgent demi-Gods. if it was boys from minnow countries maybe would have sympathy but these boys are all about numero uno and are on the big stage all the time anyway.
Some amount of fantasy teams fucked up over the past few days!
Quote from: paco on June 05, 2010, 04:03:28 PM
Some amount of fantasy teams fucked up over the past few days!
Thankfully I haven't done mine yet, might just wait til the last minute the way these things are going!
Delighted to see the hate for the double winners continues into the summer. :D
Essien, Mikel, Ballack, Drogba and Bosingwa all getting a good rest.
Quote from: Schkite on June 05, 2010, 04:04:42 PM
Quote from: paco on June 05, 2010, 04:03:28 PM
Some amount of fantasy teams fucked up over the past few days!
Thankfully I haven't done mine yet, might just wait til the last minute the way these things are going!
I've mines done, miraculously none of mines have been injured. Although at this rate surely it's only a matter of time :D
Is Ross4life away doing altitude training before the World Cup starts?
Quote from: Minder on June 05, 2010, 06:11:39 PM
Is Ross4life away doing altitude training before the World Cup starts?
I think he got a new batch of Panini stickers in for his World Cup album.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 05, 2010, 04:10:16 PM
Delighted to see the hate for the double winners continues into the summer. :D
Essien, Mikel, Ballack, Drogba and Bosingwa all getting a good rest.
What hate? ???
Wilson Palacios and Andrea Pirlo out now as well. They're dropping like flies! Although I think Drogba will play some part.
Quote from: Schkite on June 05, 2010, 07:06:47 PM
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 05, 2010, 04:10:16 PM
Delighted to see the hate for the double winners continues into the summer. :D
Essien, Mikel, Ballack, Drogba and Bosingwa all getting a good rest.
What hate? ???
"By that logic John Terry and Ashley Cole should be getting injured any day now!" etc etc etc
That is Italy out of the running for the tournament. Pirlo made them function, they are very ordinary.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 06, 2010, 12:26:48 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 05, 2010, 07:06:47 PM
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 05, 2010, 04:10:16 PM
Delighted to see the hate for the double winners continues into the summer. :D
Essien, Mikel, Ballack, Drogba and Bosingwa all getting a good rest.
What hate? ???
"By that logic John Terry and Ashley Cole should be getting injured any day now!" etc etc etc
Was just a joke regarding a comment where someone said "cheats" get their comeuppance after Ferdinand getting injured. Don't remember any Man Utd fans getting up in arms over it. Besides, it was nothing to do with Chelsea, about Terry and Cole themselves. Nothing but admiration for Lampard.
As I say it was a joke and I don't like seeing anyone get injured before the World Cup, you want to see everyone at their strongest.
Below is the ITV/BBC schedule for the World Cup (I presume RTE will cover all of these)
Is it just me or are there not many stand out/must watch games in the first phase?? Brazil v Ivory Coast and Brazil v Portugal maybe are two...and Germany v Serbia could be competitive but really, Cameroon v Denmark and even Spain v Switzerland doesn't exactly set the pulse running...Any views ???
TV coverage (all times BST)
June 11
1500: South Africa v Mexico (Soccer City, Johannesburg) - ITV 1
1930: Uruguay v France (Cape Town) -BBC One
June 12
1230: South Korea v Greece (Port Elizabeth) - ITV 1
1500: Argentina v Nigeria (Ellis Park, Johannesburg) - BBC One
1930: England v US (Rustenburg) - ITV 1
June 13
1230: Algeria v Slovenia (Polokwane)- BBC One
1500: Serbia v Ghana (Pretoria) - ITV 1
1930: Germany v Australia (Durban) - ITV 1
June 14
1230: Holland v Denmark (Soccer City, Johannesburg) - ITV 1
1500: Japan v Cameroon (Bloemfontein)- BBC One
1930: Italy v Paraguay (Cape Town)- BBC One
June 15
1230: New Zealand v Slovakia (Rustenburg)- BBC One
1500: Ivory Coast v Portugal (Port Elizabeth) - ITV 1
1930: Brazil v North Korea (Ellis Park, Johannesburg) - ITV 1
June 16
1230: Honduras v Chile (Nelspruit) - ITV 1
1500: Spain v Switzerland (Durban)- BBC One
1930: South Africa v Uruguay (Pretoria)- BBC One
June 17
1230: Argentina v South Korea (Soccer City, Johannesburg) - ITV 1
1500: Greece v Nigeria (Bloemfontein)- BBC One
1930: France v Mexico (Polokwane)- BBC One
June 18
1230: Germany v Serbia (Port Elizabeth)- BBC One
1500: Slovenia v US (Ellis Park, Johannesburg)- BBC One
1930: England v Algeria (Cape Town) - ITV 1
June 19
1230: Holland v Japan (Durban) - ITV 1
1500: Ghana v Australia (Rustenburg)- BBC One
1930: Cameroon v Denmark (Pretoria) - ITV 1
June 20
1230: Slovakia v Paraguay (Bloemfontein)- BBC One
1500: Italy v New Zealand (Nelspruit) - ITV 1
1930: Brazil v Ivory Coast (Soccer City, Johannesburg)- BBC One
June 21
1230: Portugal v North Korea (Cape Town)- BBC One
1500: Chile v Switzerland (Port Elizabeth)- BBC One
1930: Spain v Honduras (Ellis Park, Johannesburg) - ITV
June 22
1500: Mexico v Uruguay (Rustenburg) - ITV 1
1500: France v South Africa (Bloemfontein) - ITV 1
1930: Nigeria v South Korea (Durban)- BBC One
1930: Greece v Argentina (Polokwane) - BBC One
June 23
1500: Slovenia v England (Port Elizabeth)- BBC One
1500: US v Algeria (Pretoria)- BBC One
1930: Australia v Serbia (Nelspruit) - ITV 1
1930: Ghana v Germany (Soccer City, Johannesburg) - ITV 1
June 24
1500: Slovakia v Italy (Ellis Park, Johannesburg) - ITV 1
1500: Paraguay v New Zealand (Polokwane) - ITV 1
1930: Denmark v Japan (Rustenburg)- BBC One
1930: Cameroon v Holland (Cape Town) - BBC One
June 25
1500: Portugal v Brazil (Durban)- BBC One
1500: North Korea v Ivory Coast (Nelspruit)- BBC One
1930: Chile v Spain (Pretoria) - ITV 1
1930: Switzerland v Honduras (Bloemfontein) - ITV 1
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 07, 2010, 11:18:27 AM
Below is the ITV/BBC schedule for the World Cup (I presume RTE will cover all of these)
Is it just me or are there not many stand out/must watch games in the first phase?? Brazil v Ivory Coast and Brazil v Portugal maybe are two...and Germany v Serbia could be competitive but really, Cameroon v Denmark and even Spain v Switzerland doesn't exactly set the pulse running...Any views ???
Pity the Brazil - Portugal game is last in that group. Both could have already qualified for the next round at that stage. Lots of decent games, without many must watches. Argentina's games should be good, almost anything could happen.
Quote from: AFS on June 07, 2010, 01:41:57 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 07, 2010, 11:18:27 AM
Below is the ITV/BBC schedule for the World Cup (I presume RTE will cover all of these)
Is it just me or are there not many stand out/must watch games in the first phase?? Brazil v Ivory Coast and Brazil v Portugal maybe are two...and Germany v Serbia could be competitive but really, Cameroon v Denmark and even Spain v Switzerland doesn't exactly set the pulse running...Any views ???
Pity the Brazil - Portugal game is last in that group. Both could have already qualified for the next round at that stage. Lots of decent games, without many must watches. Argentina's games should be good, almost anything could happen.
True AFS, get ready for Maradona substituting Messi after 10 mins and bringing on himself! Rumour has it he included squad player Ariel Garce in the 23 after having a dream that Arg won the WC and Garce was the only player he recognised!!
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 07, 2010, 01:52:21 PM
Quote from: AFS on June 07, 2010, 01:41:57 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 07, 2010, 11:18:27 AM
Below is the ITV/BBC schedule for the World Cup (I presume RTE will cover all of these)
Is it just me or are there not many stand out/must watch games in the first phase?? Brazil v Ivory Coast and Brazil v Portugal maybe are two...and Germany v Serbia could be competitive but really, Cameroon v Denmark and even Spain v Switzerland doesn't exactly set the pulse running...Any views ???
Pity the Brazil - Portugal game is last in that group. Both could have already qualified for the next round at that stage. Lots of decent games, without many must watches. Argentina's games should be good, almost anything could happen.
True AFS, get ready for Maradona substituting Messi after 10 mins and bringing on himself! Rumour has it he included squad player Ariel Garce in the 23 after having a dream that Arg won the WC and Garce was the only player he recognised!!
:D You couldn't make it up. That man will provide some entertainment throughout the tournament. I think the group stage will be very entertaining, only a handful of teams I wouldn't want to watch, Honduras, North Korea, Greece, etc. But most of the games will be entertaining, although with the exception of a few results, they all seem quite easy to predict. Hopefully I'm wrong though.
Some of the teams are not the best, North Korea, new Zealand, Honduras, Slovakia, Slovenia. I said it at the start of this thread but there is a lack of quality European sides at the tournament. Sweden, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, Ireland, Russia all sitting at home while the Greeks and the Swiss and the All Whites and the North Koreans drag the tournament down.
I am planning on watching every minute of every game live. Well I'll see how far I get.
I took all the food out of my fridge and cellar and put in 150 bottles of Stella Artois, 5 bottles of Gin and 50 bottle of white wine. It's going to be a great month.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 07, 2010, 02:49:20 PM
Some of the teams are not the best, North Korea, new Zealand, Honduras, Slovakia, Slovenia. I said it at the start of this thread but there is a lack of quality European sides at the tournament. Sweden, Russia, Croatia, Turkey, Ireland, Russia all sitting at home while the Greeks and the Swiss and the All Whites and the North Koreans drag the tournament down.
Sweden, Croatia, Turkey and, lets be honest, Ireland really aren't much to write home about. Switzerland, Slovakia and Greece all have sound reasons to consider themselves superior. Of the European teams, only Slovenia seem particularly weak. Even at that, they were good enough to squeeze out the Russians.
England winnng 1-0 against Platinum Stars with a Defoe goal after 4 mins, Platinum Stars just missed a penalty though.
Tanzania playing Brazil at 4 on ESPN
I decided to enter a sweepstake draw with friends to make the World Cup a little interesting for me. I got Ghana! >:(
Paco, you don't want to see North Korea play? I can't wait!
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 03:17:56 PM
Paco, you don't want to see North Korea play? I can't wait!
I'm sure they can provide some sort of entertainment. Did anyone hear Spillane mentioning them yesterday? Something about their star striker having to play nets, if I remember. I also heard that Kim Jong Il isn't letting them watch live games at home unless they win it! They're going to alter highlights to make them look like the better side, good luck with that :D
Quote from: paco on June 07, 2010, 03:26:43 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 03:17:56 PM
Paco, you don't want to see North Korea play? I can't wait!
I'm sure they can provide some sort of entertainment. Did anyone hear Spillane mentioning them yesterday? Something about their star striker having to play nets, if I remember. I also heard that Kim Jong Il isn't letting them watch live games at home unless they win it! They're going to alter highlights to make them look like the better side, good luck with that :D
One of their strikers has
promised to score in every game he plays. Even reading from a script prepared for him by someone else I dread to think what'll happen to him if (unlikely I know!) fails to pull through!
Did anyone see Newsnight last week? A journalist spent some time in North Korea, talk about Big Brother rule. All internet access and content is controlled by the state, no foreign news allowed, some of the people she spoke to had never heard of Nelson Mandela.
Seemingly a lot of the country are starving too as the country rations food.
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 03:31:59 PM
Quote from: paco on June 07, 2010, 03:26:43 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 03:17:56 PM
Paco, you don't want to see North Korea play? I can't wait!
I'm sure they can provide some sort of entertainment. Did anyone hear Spillane mentioning them yesterday? Something about their star striker having to play nets, if I remember. I also heard that Kim Jong Il isn't letting them watch live games at home unless they win it! They're going to alter highlights to make them look like the better side, good luck with that :D
One of their strikers has promised to score in every game he plays. Even reading from a script prepared for him by someone else I dread to think what'll happen to him if (unlikely I know!) fails to pull through!
That is excellent! You have to applaud his confidence, for want of a better word. Who is the striker in question anyway? Wouldn't mind having a look at him to see if his prediction is justified! Reminds me of Manucho in la liga this year, he promised the Real Valladolid fans he would score 40 goals last season, he finished the season with 4 :D
Quote from: paco on June 07, 2010, 03:40:08 PM
That is excellent! You have to applaud his confidence, for want of a better word. Who is the striker in question anyway? Wouldn't mind having a look at him to see if his prediction is justified! Reminds me of Manucho in la liga this year, he promised the Real Valladolid fans he would score 40 goals last season, he finished the season with 4 :D
Jong Tae-Se
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/793142/ce/uk/&cc=5739?ver=global
3 goals in 2 pre-world cup friendlies against Greece and Nigeria, don't rule him out!
Quote from: paco on June 07, 2010, 03:26:43 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 03:17:56 PM
Paco, you don't want to see North Korea play? I can't wait!
I'm sure they can provide some sort of entertainment. Did anyone hear Spillane mentioning them yesterday? Something about their star striker having to play nets, if I remember. I also heard that Kim Jong Il isn't letting them watch live games at home unless they win it! They're going to alter highlights to make them look like the better side, good luck with that :D
Some boys alright, they named one of their strikers as their third goalie, trying to pull a fast one and get and extra outfield player in the squad. Badly backfired though, FIFA have ruled that players named as goalkeepers can only play in goals! :D
Don't know if it has been mentioned in the thread yet but holy god them horn things (called vuvuzuelas) are going to be annoying as f**k throughout the tournament. They will make the thing unbearable to watch.
I think they're great. It's held in South Africa and that's part of how they create atmosphere at matches over there. Fair lay to them.
The Guardian's Football Weekly Podcast team will be doing a daily version during the World Cup. Normally full of astute, unbiased commentary and you'll hear little in the way "England are among the favourites" from the lot of them.
Their preview can be found here http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/audio/2010/jun/07/world-cup-daily-south-africa-2010
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 05:36:41 PM
I think they're great. It's held in South Africa and that's part of how they create atmosphere at matches over there. Fair lay to them.
I hate them,they hurt my eardrums the same way a Nordie accent does..
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 07, 2010, 08:05:29 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 05:36:41 PM
I think they're great. It's held in South Africa and that's part of how they create atmosphere at matches over there. Fair lay to them.
I hate them,they hurt my eardrums the same way a Nordie accent does..
Pity you'll just have to put up with them in the same way then, isn't it!? :)
Quotesome boys alright, they named one of their strikers as their third goalie, trying to pull a fast one and get and extra outfield player in the squad. Badly backfired though, FIFA have ruled that players named as goalkeepers can only play in goals!
Its harsh on them I think. By the same reckoning and the genius that is FIFA a defender or midfielder shouldnt be able to play up front if needed...
If they are on the way home in the final game they should bring him on in full goalie gear, play him outfield and go last man back for nets. 2 fingers up at FIFA..
Quote from: gallsman on June 07, 2010, 07:52:19 PM
The Guardian's Football Weekly Podcast team will be doing a daily version during the World Cup. Normally full of astute, unbiased commentary and you'll hear little in the way "England are among the favourites" from the lot of them.
Their preview can be found here http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/audio/2010/jun/07/world-cup-daily-south-africa-2010
Agree gallsman the Guardian's WC site is pretty good.
Italy will not be replacing Pirlo in the squad but he will miss the first two games. Italy are in probably the weakest group so maybe not such a big loss.
Nani out of World Cup with shoulder injury.
Quote from: Minder on June 08, 2010, 01:47:33 PM
Nani out of World Cup with shoulder injury.
Excellent news for my Fantasy Football - if possible, they'll give the ball even more to the metrosexual one.
Trying an overhead kick.. The clown...
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 08, 2010, 01:54:36 PM
Trying an overhead kick.. The clown...
Can't say that comes as a massive surprise. ::)
Just another United and Chelsea player taking the tournament off. It is not a coincidence is it? The players out of the tournament are Ferdinand, Nani, Ballack, Essien, Drogba etc. All the other injured players from other clubs are going to soldier on Pirlo and Robben etc, with the exception of Drogba the United and Chelsea players know where their priorities lie.
A few of the injured are international captains, I really doubt they'd pass up the chance to captain their country in a World Cup if they weren't totally fcuked for the month. I would say it's the long season taking it's toll but some of them seem like freak, unfortunate accidents like Drogba and Nani, while in the case of Ferdinand, Essien they're just injury-prone.
Nani is the strangest name for a footballer. It'd be terrible for a goalkeeper to tell his grandchildren in years to come"
"Yes, well, at that World Cup I just conceded the one goal"
"who was it scored by, granda?"
"erm, it was a boy called Nani."
Amazingly Nani's injury leaves only 5 Man Utd players appearing at the World Cup: Rooney, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Park. Can't think of any more ??? That's fewer than Portsmouth and the same number as Wigan.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 08, 2010, 03:01:11 PM
Amazingly Nani's injury leaves only 5 Man Utd players appearing at the World Cup: Rooney, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Park. Can't think of any more ??? That's fewer than Portsmouth and the same number as Wigan.
Hernandez, although techincally not yet.
Tosic, although probably not for much longer.
Quote from: AFS on June 08, 2010, 03:20:36 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 08, 2010, 03:01:11 PM
Amazingly Nani's injury leaves only 5 Man Utd players appearing at the World Cup: Rooney, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Park. Can't think of any more ??? That's fewer than Portsmouth and the same number as Wigan.
Hernandez, although techincally not yet.
Tosic, although probably not for much longer.
Jonny Ev...
Oh wait. :)
Quote from: AFS on June 08, 2010, 03:20:36 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 08, 2010, 03:01:11 PM
Amazingly Nani's injury leaves only 5 Man Utd players appearing at the World Cup: Rooney, Carrick, Vidic, Evra, Park. Can't think of any more ??? That's fewer than Portsmouth and the same number as Wigan.
Hernandez, although techincally not yet.
Tosic, although probably not for much longer.
Tosic, I suppose technically yes, but on loan to Cologne...listed by FIFA as a Cologne player
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 08, 2010, 02:23:35 PM
Just another United and Chelsea player taking the tournament off. It is not a coincidence is it? The players out of the tournament are Ferdinand, Nani, Ballack, Essien, Drogba etc. All the other injured players from other clubs are going to soldier on Pirlo and Robben etc, with the exception of Drogba the United and Chelsea players know where their priorities lie.
United & Chelsea had a injury prone season & now it's carried through to the World cup no coincidence at all, the like's of Ballack (33) Drogba (32) & Rio (31) won't get many more world cups to play in? so these injuries are a big blow to those players
What's the weather goign to be like in South Africa at this time of the year - I know they are in their winter but is it going to be akin to say Old Trafford in the middle of January?
Johannesburg weather is currently 20c so i guess they get warm enough winters? have to agree with tyroneboi! horn things (called vuvuzuelas) are gonna make most people watch the games on mute
According to the Guardian it's confirmed that Drogba will play no part in the World Cup and Robben will miss Holland's first game
World Cup Bets (Odds from Paddy Power)
Argentina to win Cup and David Villa to be Top Goalscorer-100/1 £1
Germany to win Cup-14/1 £1
Klose to be Top Goalscorer-30/1 £1
Holland to win Cup and David Villa to be Top Goalscorer-150/1 £1
Mexico, Argentina, England, Serbia, Holland, Italy, Brazil and Spain to win their respective groups-£1 Accumulator pays £129
mexico to win their group? interesting pick, id have uruguay and france to get out of that one
Quote from: the greatest jockey on June 08, 2010, 08:48:28 PM
mexico to win their group? interesting pick, id have uruguay and france to get out of that one
Agreed, it looked too good to be true until I got a second look at it! First one looks good, I put £5 on Spain and Messi at 60/1.
Common lads what's with the 1/5 pounds? put on some serious cash like 50 or 100 & count big buck winnings after ;)
Watching Spain v Poland at the minute - thought Puyol had gone the way of Nani et al - still limping though.
Quote from: ross4life on June 08, 2010, 09:25:52 PM
Common lads what's with the 1/5 pounds? put on some serious cash like 50 or 100 & count big buck winnings after ;)
With those type of odds all you need is a couple of quid on. You go by the old cliche "You have to speculate to accumulate"
Iniesta hobbled off after 38 mins. Didn't seem too bad though and just looking for attention I'd wager. Physio came over with a bag of ice and Iniesta whipped out a G&T.
Alonso makes it 3-0 after 50 mins (Villa and Silva).
Fabregas just on the pitch and makes it 4-0. That's Fabregas of Arselona fame.
Torres on for Villa - 65 mins.
...and Torres scores 5-0.
Pedro - 6-0 - delightful football. Poland all over the joint.
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2010, 10:38:01 PM
Pedro - 6-0 - delightful football. Poland all over the joint.
Spain are gassing them.
72% to 28% possession.
Forgot how good Spain are right now.
ppower offering odds on how many england players will sing the national anthem.
Between 4-6, 5/2
7-9, 11/10
10-11 2/1
by my reckoning the england team will be;
james/green,
johnson king terry cole
lennon gerr lamps jcole/carrick (carrick maybe in the middle with gerrad on left)
crouch rooney
james and green both sing anthem
as do terry and a. cole. johnson kind of mumbles it, while king doesnt appear to sing it
gerrard, lampard and jcole/carrick sing it. lennon doesnt
crouch does and rooney doesnt it
that means 8 sing it including johnson. ill be lumping on the 11/10. ive watched about 20 england national anthems on youtube to find this out
replacements in case others get injured; milner - doesnt sing, carra-no, upson-yes, heskey-no
cant wait until the world cup starts and with the time difference should get to see a lot of it. Cant really look past Brazil or Spain for it but would love to see Argentina win it just for the craic of seeing Maradona going mad again. For a while i thought he was going to name himself in the squad after the formation he played in their last match!!
As long as france don't win i will be happy enough
Quote from: Minder on June 08, 2010, 10:45:50 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2010, 10:38:01 PM
Pedro - 6-0 - delightful football. Poland all over the joint.
Spain are gassing them.
Nasty Minder. WWII was a tough time for the Poles without you're snide comments.
Cmon France!
They mightn't make it out of their group but I hope they do just to annoy the English, Irish and their media.
Love to see France win it..have my Henry jersey got...Can't see anyone than spain winning it..suppose it be nice for poor Torres to get a medal this year
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2010, 11:13:37 PM
Cmon France!
They mightn't make it out of their group but I hope they do just to annoy the English, Irish and their media.
I'm with you there Shane. ;D
Quote from: ONeill on June 08, 2010, 11:13:37 PM
Cmon France!
They mightn't make it out of their group but I hope they do just to annoy the English, Irish and their media.
Possible qtr final opponents for England...if they both win their groups and win their last 16 games. In that case it will have to be Allez Les Bleus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqEhEf42BlI
The goals from Spains win over Poland last night, take a look at the second one in particular, unreal.
With Englands handy group you could very well see them against France in the Q/F. Its not a great French team so if they meet I'd expect England to win. Have a feeling it could be England vs Brazil and Germany vs Spain in the S/F. Though I cant see past Brazil or the Germans for this world cup.
Quote from: Galwaybhoy on June 09, 2010, 11:59:48 AM
With Englands handy group you could very well see them against France in the Q/F. Its not a great French team so if they meet I'd expect England to win. Have a feeling it could be England vs Brazil and Germany vs Spain in the S/F. Though I cant see past Brazil or the Germans for this world cup.
Interesting that you fancy Germany Galwaybhoy. I
think Ladbrokes are offering 125/1 on Germany winning the WC
and Miroslav Klose being top scorer.
Germany are always a good bet. Even when they don't have a great team you can bet that they will be there or thereabouts. The 2002 team was the worst German team that I remember yet they still made it to the final and they have improved since then.
You have your usual pretenders for the World Cup like Spain, England, Holland etc yet they can never quite pull it off. Yes Spain are The European Champions but this is different. They have the skill but I don't know if they have the believe to win it. Then when you look at the other contenders you have Italy who are an aging team and I don't think they will win back to back titles, France and Argentina (who have some talent) will be held back by Raymond Domenech and Maradona respectively and that leaves Brazil and Germany who I think are the best bets for the tournament. I see Germany are 14/1 on PaddyPower, really good odds.
Galwaybhoy, I'd say that after winning the Euros this is probably the first Spanish side that really does believe it can win a World Cup. That title lifted the underachiever monkey from their backs. As a result, it's amazing how many analysts/journalists now gloss over their continually dreadful performances on the big occasion.
But that's because they did win in the Euros, and they really should win again here. Their midfield is in a class all by itself - miles above, their second string midfield would take up the four positions for 25+ of the other teams, they've got goalscoring forwards, they've got a settled and experienced back four, a fantastic keeper, and almost to a man they've won the biggest prizes in football bar the World Cup.
Anyone who tries to play football against them will get crucified. Strangely, I'd imagine someone who will set a stall out like like Greece actually poses a bigger threat to them than the bigger sides, but once Spain get ahead in games like this they should coast home.
[now expects them to crrash and burn badly]
There are an awful number of twats starting up/joining Facebook sites condemning France. FFS, we had more than enough chances to beat them both at home and in Paris. It is scunnering me no end.
Still, Viva Argentina for me!
Quote from: Aerlik on June 09, 2010, 12:55:23 PM
There are an awful number of t**ts starting up/joining Facebook sites condemning France. FFS, we had more than enough chances to beat them both at home and in Paris. It is scunnering me no end.
Still, Viva Argentina for me!
Theres nothing more annoying than The Sun 'newspaper' and their anti French rubbish they continue to spout.
QuoteThough I cant see past Brazil or the Germans for this world cup.
This should have you opening the wallet so Galwaybhoy
http://www.bettingzone.co.uk/football/betting/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=betting/10/06/07/manual_110252.html
Germany got a handy enough passage to the world Cup Final in 2002, Paraguay, USA & South Korea can't see the Germans getting past the quarter finals this time
Spain won the Euros before & that still didn't improve there semi final best in the World cup they remind me a lot of Netherlands in 1990 after there euro 88 success but they flopped
Will be Interesting to see how Spain cope v defensive tactics
Quote from: thewobbler on June 09, 2010, 12:52:46 PM
Galwaybhoy, I'd say that after winning the Euros this is probably the first Spanish side that really does believe it can win a World Cup. That title lifted the underachiever monkey from their backs. As a result, it's amazing how many analysts/journalists now gloss over their continually dreadful performances on the big occasion.
But that's because they did win in the Euros, and they really should win again here. Their midfield is in a class all by itself - miles above, their second string midfield would take up the four positions for 25+ of the other teams, they've got goalscoring forwards, they've got a settled and experienced back four, a fantastic keeper, and almost to a man they've won the biggest prizes in football bar the World Cup.
Anyone who tries to play football against them will get crucified. Strangely, I'd imagine someone who will set a stall out like like Greece actually poses a bigger threat to them than the bigger sides, but once Spain get ahead in games like this they should coast home.
[now expects them to crrash and burn badly]
To be fair they've three great keepers and couldn't find a place for David DeGea of whom great things are predicted.
Quote from: the greatest jockey on June 08, 2010, 10:57:33 PM
ppower offering odds on how many england players will sing the national anthem.
Between 4-6, 5/2
7-9, 11/10
10-11 2/1
by my reckoning the england team will be;
james/green,
johnson king terry cole
lennon gerr lamps jcole/carrick (carrick maybe in the middle with gerrad on left)
crouch rooney
james and green both sing anthem
as do terry and a. cole. johnson kind of mumbles it, while king doesnt appear to sing it
gerrard, lampard and jcole/carrick sing it. lennon doesnt
crouch does and rooney doesnt it
that means 8 sing it including johnson. ill be lumping on the 11/10. ive watched about 20 england national anthems on youtube to find this out
replacements in case others get injured; milner - doesnt sing, carra-no, upson-yes, heskey-no
How much are you going to lump on jockey? Sounds like you have definitely done your research and 7-9 seems the bet.
Edit: just seen that odds have been lowered to 8/11. Plenty of people must have done their research as well.
Whats the liklehood of this startin XI for england?
Green, Johnson, Cole, A, Terry, King, Lennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole, J, Crouch, Rooney
currently 5/1 on skybet. looks good odds?
Quote from: stiffler on June 09, 2010, 11:00:21 PM
Whats the liklehood of this startin XI for england?
Green, Johnson, Cole, A, Terry, King, Lennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole, J, Crouch, Rooney
currently 5/1 on skybet. looks good odds?
Good odds alright, although I'd be very surprised if it wasn't David James in nets.
Quote from: paco on June 10, 2010, 09:10:09 AM
Quote from: stiffler on June 09, 2010, 11:00:21 PM
Whats the liklehood of this startin XI for england?
Green, Johnson, Cole, A, Terry, King, Lennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole, J, Crouch, Rooney
currently 5/1 on skybet. looks good odds?
Good odds alright, although I'd be very surprised if it wasn't David James in nets.
That front six looks very attacking too. Maybe they'll just roll with that against the shite teams in the group stage, but Cole or Crouch will drop out for Carrick/ Barry against the better teams.
Odds are poor on that bet, there are so many permutations and combinations, illnesses and injuries that will mess up that bet. It is not a bad prediction, but poor odds.
I'd say Heskey will start in place of Crouchinho
QuoteLennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole,
I hope thats the midfield. and im sure anyone playing England would too :D
Not a tackler or a playmaker among them.
That midfield cannot keep the ball and they have nobody to win it back
when they do lose it.
A great website
http://www.marca.com/deporte/futbol/mundial/sudafrica-2010/calendario-english.html
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 10, 2010, 12:26:28 PM
QuoteLennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole,
I hope thats the midfield. and im sure anyone playing England would too :D
Not a tackler or a playmaker among them.
That midfield cannot keep the ball and they have nobody to win it back
when they do lose it.
Is there anyone England could play as a ballwinner? Gerrard would be the closest to it for me, Carrick doesn't have the legs and hasn't got the tenacity of Mascherano or others like him. Hargreaves would have been perfect. Was reading fourfourtwo today, can't mind whose article but it said this was the strongest England team he remembered for a long time, can't see how anyone would think that.
Quote from: paco on June 10, 2010, 04:47:12 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 10, 2010, 12:26:28 PM
QuoteLennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole,
I hope thats the midfield. and im sure anyone playing England would too :D
Not a tackler or a playmaker among them.
That midfield cannot keep the ball and they have nobody to win it back
when they do lose it.
Is there anyone England could play as a ballwinner? Gerrard would be the closest to it for me, Carrick doesn't have the legs and hasn't got the tenacity of Mascherano or others like him. Hargreaves would have been perfect. Was reading fourfourtwo today, can't mind whose article but it said this was the strongest England team he remembered for a long time, can't see how anyone would think that.
What duz mind mean here?
p.s. not trying to be smart or anything.
Quote from: Ludraman on June 10, 2010, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: paco on June 10, 2010, 04:47:12 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 10, 2010, 12:26:28 PM
QuoteLennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole,
I hope thats the midfield. and im sure anyone playing England would too :D
Not a tackler or a playmaker among them.
That midfield cannot keep the ball and they have nobody to win it back
when they do lose it.
Is there anyone England could play as a ballwinner? Gerrard would be the closest to it for me, Carrick doesn't have the legs and hasn't got the tenacity of Mascherano or others like him. Hargreaves would have been perfect. Was reading fourfourtwo today, can't mind whose article but it said this was the strongest England team he remembered for a long time, can't see how anyone would think that.
What duz mind mean here?
p.s. not trying to be smart or anything.
Can't remember whose article it was.
Quote from: paco on June 10, 2010, 04:59:27 PM
Quote from: Ludraman on June 10, 2010, 04:49:50 PM
Quote from: paco on June 10, 2010, 04:47:12 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 10, 2010, 12:26:28 PM
QuoteLennon, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole,
I hope thats the midfield. and im sure anyone playing England would too :D
Not a tackler or a playmaker among them.
That midfield cannot keep the ball and they have nobody to win it back
when they do lose it.
Is there anyone England could play as a ballwinner? Gerrard would be the closest to it for me, Carrick doesn't have the legs and hasn't got the tenacity of Mascherano or others like him. Hargreaves would have been perfect. Was reading fourfourtwo today, can't mind whose article but it said this was the strongest England team he remembered for a long time, can't see how anyone would think that.
What duz mind mean here?
p.s. not trying to be smart or anything.
Can't remember whose article it was.
Ok thanks shur let me know if you remember it.
Anyone any fancies for 1st goalscorer for the USA?
Clint Dempsey - Legend
John Terri own goal.
Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore both 10/1.
Altogether now: U-S-A U-S-A
followed by: ARGENTINA, ARGENTINA
and rounded off with: Allez Les Bleus.
Not long now! Was watching GMTV this morning, (I know not the best football knowledge haha) but they were talking to a few SA fans going to the game and yer man said, that the 2 previous times were african teams played in the first game of the WC, they won, he said Cameroon beat the Argies (when was that?) and Senagal beat France in '02. So ye never know..South Africa has history, and witchdoctors too probably :P, on their side!
Quote from: stiffler on June 10, 2010, 08:27:49 PM
Anyone any fancies for 1st goalscorer for the USA?
Woody Harrelson.
Cameroon beat the argies 1-0 in 1990, back in the days when the holders used to play in the first game, this was ditched in 2006 and this year. It's now the hosts who open the tournament. (Germany v Costa Rica in 2006)
Very good AFS :D
He should retire now, 100% record from the spot. And better than Diana Ross.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:18:00 AM
Cameroon beat the argies 1-0 in 1990, back in the days when the holders used to play in the first game, this was ditched in 2006 and this year. It's now the hosts who open the tournament. (Germany v Costa Rica in 2006)
Very good AFS :D
He should retire now, 100% record from the spot. And better than Diana Ross.
Cameroon weren't taking any shit that day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRlJJbtdHc
Quote from: paco on June 11, 2010, 10:29:58 AM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:18:00 AM
Cameroon beat the argies 1-0 in 1990, back in the days when the holders used to play in the first game, this was ditched in 2006 and this year. It's now the hosts who open the tournament. (Germany v Costa Rica in 2006)
Very good AFS :D
He should retire now, 100% record from the spot. And better than Diana Ross.
Cameroon weren't taking any shit that day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRlJJbtdHc
Without even looking, that has to be the clip of the three lads trying to mince Caniggia!
There was a "50 Greatest World Cup Shocks" on BBC 3 last week with Richard Bacon and Peter Crouch (pretty funny actually) that had it in it. Brutal lads altogether.
Spain to win and Torres top scorer is 25-1. Has to be a good bet IF he can stay fit.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 11, 2010, 11:56:12 AM
Spain to win and Torres top scorer is 25-1. Has to be a good bet IF he can stay fit.
thats the one EC ! ..tenner on during the week
Anyone got a good link for watching the matches.
At work and need to watch >:(
Quote from: Shrek on June 11, 2010, 12:47:28 PM
Anyone got a good link for watching the matches.
At work and need to watch >:(
Tv catch up on Iphone if you are beat.
You got it Gallsman, and yes, I watched that on BBC3. Was annoyed they never showed Zidane's headbutt though. Imagine the reaction if something like that happened when Nigeria play Argentina tomorrow! The Caniggia incident, that is, although another headbutt would be entertaining.
QuoteAnyone got a good link for watching the matches
Are all games on RTE player?
And it has started on RTÉ. Openening Ceramony about to be shown and then kick off at three for South Africa vs Mexico.
I see a few token whites, you'd think they would get a full house for the opening ceremony. The South Africans are a lot like the Dubs! there getting the last pint in down the pub! ;D
Quote from: J OGorman on June 11, 2010, 12:35:55 PM
Quote from: EC Unique on June 11, 2010, 11:56:12 AM
Spain to win and Torres top scorer is 25-1. Has to be a good bet IF he can stay fit.
thats the one EC ! ..tenner on during the week
Wrong striker. Villa is favoured by the Spanish coach I believe. He often takes Torres off to put on an extra midfielder and only plays one up front at times I think?
R Kelly on now, he doesn't look the same when he is not surrounded by adolescents.
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 11, 2010, 12:59:16 PM
QuoteAnyone got a good link for watching the matches
Are all games on RTE player?
You can watch the RTE coverage all over Europe !!
http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/ebu_cbp.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/ebu_cbp.html)
www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup (http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup)
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 11, 2010, 01:45:37 PM
R Kelly on now, he doesn't look the same when he is not surrounded by adolescents.
"Sweating like R Kelly at recess" as they say..........
Quote from: mick999 on June 11, 2010, 01:48:15 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 11, 2010, 12:59:16 PM
QuoteAnyone got a good link for watching the matches
Are all games on RTE player?
You can watch the RTE coverage all over Europe !!
http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/ebu_cbp.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/ebu_cbp.html)
www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup (http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup)
Looks like this is OK if you're in Albania but not in the black North!. RTE has internet rights for the Free State only. Seems us Brits will have to go with itv.com for the game today??
Its here at last, and the day off work. Lets get it on! Hoping South Africa can get the win, but i think Mexico will be to strong.
Drew Brazil in the sweep :D :D
Got Holland myself. The wife got North Korea in her work draw!
Quote from: Declan on June 11, 2010, 02:29:28 PM
Drew Brazil in the sweep :D :D
I got Nigeria and Portugal in College. One lad (who somehow wasn't the organiser) got both Brazil and Spain?
Does anyone remember the footage of the Zaire (I think) defender running up and booting the ball away before Brazil took a free kick in the 78 WC (again I think? I read the other day the Zaire president told them before that game if they lost by more than three goals they would "never see their families again" ! So you can understand the time wasting. Oh, the match finished 3-0 to Brazil.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 11, 2010, 02:01:30 PM
Quote from: mick999 on June 11, 2010, 01:48:15 PM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 11, 2010, 12:59:16 PM
QuoteAnyone got a good link for watching the matches
Are all games on RTE player?
You can watch the RTE coverage all over Europe !!
http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/ebu_cbp.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/ebu_cbp.html)
www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup (http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup)
Looks like this is OK if you're in Albania but not in the black North!. RTE has internet rights for the Free State only. Seems us Brits will have to go with itv.com for the game today??
According to the website , it should work for all EBU members.. I did notice that it didn't specify the uk, but it's worth trying :-))
www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup (http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup%20www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup)
If you are travelling, holidaying or living in Europe during the World Cup you can access all of RTÉ's World Cup coverage through the Eurovisionsports.tv 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Portal at www.eurovisionsports.tv/fifaworldcup.
The portal will show simulcast coverage from a wide range of EBU Members and FIFA HB feeds. In addition a HD Channel will show a selection of matches at higher definition and bandwidth for an enhanced viewing experience online.
Access to the platform is free for users.
RTÉ has the rights to stream its World Cup coverage within the Republic of Ireland only.
Users of the Eurovision portal will not be able to access the TV coverage of the host broadcaster of the country in which they are located.
For example, if you are in the Republic of Ireland, you will only be able to access RTÉ's World Cup coverage via the RTÉ website. But you can access the coverage of all other EBU members via the Eurovision portal.
Similarly, if you are in Austria, you will not be able to access Austrian coverage of the World Cup, but you can access RTÉ's coverage via the Eurovision portal.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 11, 2010, 11:56:12 AM
Spain to win and Torres top scorer is 25-1. Has to be a good bet IF he can stay fit.
Not so much. Good article on the BBC site about how Torres is as much a worker for Spain as a goalscorer. Villa is definitely their top scorer.
Did anyone watch the opening ceremony? Wasit any good?
Anyone know how to watch or listen live on iPhone?
In the south by the way.
Quote from: Minder on June 11, 2010, 02:41:11 PM
Does anyone remember the footage of the Zaire (I think) defender running up and booting the ball away before Brazil took a free kick in the 78 WC (again I think? I read the other day the Zaire president told them before that game if they lost by more than three goals they would "never see their families again" ! So you can understand the time wasting. Oh, the match finished 3-0 to Brazil.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/world-cup-moments-zaires-ilunga-mwepu-deals-with-a-brazilian-free-kick-in-1974.html
:D :D
there has to be some horns lodged in peoples holes before the world cup is over. That is ridiculous, how can you sit beside some hoor and him blowing that for 90 minutes !!
Them horns are absolutely ridiculous. Hopefully the novelty will wear off after the first few games.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 11, 2010, 03:16:19 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 11, 2010, 02:35:56 PM
Quote from: Declan on June 11, 2010, 02:29:28 PM
Drew Brazil in the sweep :D :D
Fuckin Honduras
Algeria >:(
Jaysus lads, u think u have problems, got the feckin Tans, now I can't even enjoy watchin them build up themselves up before they fall flat on their faces... >:( >:( >:(
Mexico should be about 3 goals up. They have had about half a dozen very good chances.
South Africa are shite, how they are still in this is amazing. thats a silly offside rule.the keeper is out player on the line and its still offside!!!
stupid game football really
QuoteThem horns are absolutely ridiculous. Hopefully the novelty will wear off after the first few games
Mate of mine is at the game and is going mad with them. Blowin his head off they are
Goal of the Tournament over already !! what a goal for SA
Very good goal for South Africa. But Peter Drury didn't half rehearse them couple of lines he came out with when they scored. Was pretty cringeworthy even by Drurys standards!
Quite a goal to kick-start the World Cup there.
1-0 to South Africa, Mexico might have thrown their big chance away.
If Mexico don't get something from this game I don't think they'll get out of the group.
Only getting in now, thought everyone here was exaggerating about the horns but Jesus they're annoying! Surely this can't last the whole tournament?
Quote from: paco on June 11, 2010, 04:37:56 PM
Only getting in now, thought everyone here was exaggerating about the horns but Jesus they're annoying! Surely this can't last the whole tournament?
Well I'd say they'll be worse at South Africa games but I think there'll be plenty of them at the other games aswell! They're being sold all over the place down there.
turned out decent enough game, that fairly shut up those horns!!!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2010, 04:44:51 PM
turned out decent enough game, that fairly shut up those horns!!!
Didn't last too long! Should be a good last few minutes to this game anyway, SA know they need to win to have any hope of progressing.
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 11, 2010, 04:19:15 PM
Very good goal for South Africa. But Peter Drury didn't half rehearse them couple of lines he came out with when they scored. Was pretty cringeworthy even by Drurys standards!
+1 shocking bad
Quote from: scud on June 11, 2010, 04:46:37 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 11, 2010, 04:19:15 PM
Very good goal for South Africa. But Peter Drury didn't half rehearse them couple of lines he came out with when they scored. Was pretty cringeworthy even by Drurys standards!
+1 shocking bad
What did he say?
A goal for South Africa, a goal for ALL Africa. ::)
Yea, I'll be doing the hokey kokey if Rooney bags one tomorrow.....
:D Fcuk sake!
Not a bad game in the end, SA unlucky not to snatch it at the end, fair result on the balance of the game.
I had a few quid on draw/draw at 3/1 so a nice start all round
Both teams will be kicking themselves after that. Mexico should have won the game in the first half. Then South Africa could have scored 3 more in the second half. Advantage Uruguay in the battle for second place.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 11, 2010, 05:07:16 PM
Both teams will be kicking themselves after that. Mexico should have won the game in the first half. Then South Africa could have scored 3 more in the second half. Advantage Uruguay in the battle for second place.
I wouldn't be surprised if Uruguay win the group.
Quote from: Minder on June 11, 2010, 05:13:03 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 11, 2010, 05:07:16 PM
Both teams will be kicking themselves after that. Mexico should have won the game in the first half. Then South Africa could have scored 3 more in the second half. Advantage Uruguay in the battle for second place.
I wouldn't be surprised if Uruguay win the group.
Absolutely, thinking along those lines myself. Certainly nothing set in stone about this group.
Anyone know who's on the panel for BBC? I know Clarence Seedorf's on it anyway, looking forward to their coverage as it's normally better. Can't stand Andy Townsend and Jim Beglin's voice isn't suitable for a commentator.
well whatever about the standard of the first match, the standard of Aprés Match there was brutal... it needs to seriously improve starting later this evening...
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 11, 2010, 05:30:17 PM
well whatever about the standard of the first match, the standard of Aprés Match there was brutal... it needs to seriously improve starting later this evening...
Thought it was a good show today. I like Maloneys style.
What about the three personalised England jerseys for the panel.!!
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 11, 2010, 03:28:02 PM
Them horns are absolutely ridiculous. Hopefully the novelty will wear off after the first few games.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPVlAhK2j2o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPVlAhK2j2o) ;D
Serious bee problem in SA.
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 11, 2010, 03:28:02 PM
Them horns are absolutely ridiculous. Hopefully the novelty will wear off after the first few games.
I have a extension ladder on top of my van, when I am driving down the motorway the wind blows through it and makes a sound like them horns.
I don't even notice the noise anymore unless someone is in the van with me and mentions it.
Anyway my point is if the game is decent enough we will get use to the horns soon enough and not notice them
what silly bastards are sitting blowing those horns the whole way through the game!
There's no atmosphere at this game.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 11, 2010, 07:58:39 PM
what silly b**tards are sitting blowing those horns the whole way through the game!
There's no atmosphere at this game.
ESPN said there was a great atmosphere at the game pints, so there was no atmosphere at the game. ;)
Can't hear a thing the wife's saying.
Well done Anelka that is one goal taken away from Govou. He had to be aware that Govou was through on goals.
Govou would probably have missed anyway.
this is poor, I'm ready to fall asleep
Forlan had his United jersey on for that miss
if it stays 0-0, who will be the 1st in the panel to say "surely Ireland would have done better"
Big miss by Furlan, best chance of the game.
France are bloody awful!!!!!!!!! They dont even look like scoring.
Uruguay are worse.
blow it up ffs.
Every team in that group is shite...
I'm hoping for a much better show tomorrow!!
BBC commentator - "If France win this game will they have done enough" WTF?
I thought the same minder.
Henry crying for a handball. F**k of thierry!
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 09:02:47 PM
if it stays 0-0, who will be the 1st in the panel to say "surely Ireland would have done better"
Ireland would beat the pick of them! ;D
Quote from: Minder on June 11, 2010, 09:16:37 PM
BBC commentator - "If France win this game will they have done enough" WTF?
At the start of the game they were wondering would the ref be good enough because he is from Japan!
The last Ref the English sent gave 3 yellow cards to the same player ffs
A poor group.
I found that game gripping but shity group.
Hopefully Messi et al can provide better entertainment tomorrow! That second half was desperate.
Uruguay are Armagh in disguise
Dunphy just called Gourcuff "Jerkoff".
anyone watching BBC ? f**k you would need subtitles for Adebayor. 100MPH !!
Also, this is the team they reckon will field tomorrow
Green
Johnson
King
Terry
A.Cole
Lennon
Lampard
carrick
Gerrard
rooney
Heskey
f**k i hope so. Carrick + Heskey !!!
can't believe that bill reckons that because forlan didn't make it with man utd, his miss tonight shows further evidence that he's not a big game player - i mean ffs, talk about insular.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:00:20 PM
anyone watching BBC ? f**k you would need subtitles for Adebayor. 100MPH !!
Also, this is the team they reckon will field tomorrow
Green
Johnson
King
Terry
A.Cole
Lennon
Lampard
carrick
Gerrard
rooney
Heskey
f**k i hope so. Carrick + Heskey !!!
I was only catching about every third word Adebayor was saying which was a pity because he seemed to be talking sense.
That England side is quite poor, they'll probably walk the group stage but a half decent side would destroy them.
Anyone hear Colin Murray on BBC 2 saying as an Irish man it was great to see Henry not getting that penalty. Fair play Colly!
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 11, 2010, 10:28:45 PM
Anyone hear Colin Murray on BBC 2 saying as an Irish man it was great to see Henry not getting that penalty. Fair play Colly!
Why?
Quote from: ONeill on June 11, 2010, 10:31:35 PM
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 11, 2010, 10:28:45 PM
Anyone hear Colin Murray on BBC 2 saying as an Irish man it was great to see Henry not getting that penalty. Fair play Colly!
Why?
Don't start!
i'd say his mates from Ballybean wouldn't claim Colin as being Irish
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 11, 2010, 10:28:45 PM
Anyone hear Colin Murray on BBC 2 saying as an Irish man it was great to see Henry not getting that penalty. Fair play Colly!
Yeah, never seen him on before, he's good.
Looking forward to John Motson's contributions.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 11, 2010, 10:42:26 PM
i'd say his mates from Ballybean wouldn't claim Colin as being Irish
Bally where?
Aye like you sayin you're from West Belfast.
Murray actually referred to himself as Irish twice and a Paddy once in that half hour show.
Not too many from round Dundonald would agree, fair play Colin.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 10:00:20 PM
anyone watching BBC ? f**k you would need subtitles for Adebayor. 100MPH !!
Also, this is the team they reckon will field tomorrow
Green
Johnson
King
Terry
A.Cole
Lennon
Lampard
carrick
Gerrard
rooney
Heskey
f**k i hope so. Carrick + Heskey !!!
How the fcuk can carrick be playing?
I hadn't even realised they'd brought him along to s africa...
they reckon capello has a style and system he prefers. a holding midfielder in 4-4-2
Barry is out so Carrick replaces him.
i guess Capello watches the Ulster Championship !
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 11:52:03 PM
they reckon capello has a style and system he prefers. a holding midfielder in 4-4-2
Barry is out so Carrick replaces him.
i guess Capello watches the Ulster Championship !
And he is a fan of Kevin Walsh.
Quote from: muppet on June 11, 2010, 11:58:23 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 11:52:03 PM
they reckon capello has a style and system he prefers. a holding midfielder in 4-4-2
Barry is out so Carrick replaces him.
i guess Capello watches the Ulster Championship !
And he is a fan of Kevin Walsh.
wound still a bit sore old mate ?
Quote from: ONeill on June 11, 2010, 10:31:35 PM
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 11, 2010, 10:28:45 PM
Anyone hear Colin Murray on BBC 2 saying as an Irish man it was great to see Henry not getting that penalty. Fair play Colly!
Why?
Makes a change from plastic paddy's like Mark Lawerson refering to England as 'We.'
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 12, 2010, 12:02:17 AM
Quote from: muppet on June 11, 2010, 11:58:23 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 11, 2010, 11:52:03 PM
they reckon capello has a style and system he prefers. a holding midfielder in 4-4-2
Barry is out so Carrick replaces him.
i guess Capello watches the Ulster Championship !
And he is a fan of Kevin Walsh.
wound still a bit sore old mate ?
Not at all. My 1st time seeing Walsh was in an U-15 basketball game. He had a sprained ankle but still played on one leg dominating the game. Class player and seems like a nice guy.
Greece are playing with a 4-4-3 formation according to RTE :D
Sure who needs goalkeepers anyway!
thank god, we might have a game now.
I have a bad feeling about these horns.
1986 gave us the Mexican wave which wasn't too bad except when Meath did it against Kerry. (Galway got them back though)
1990 gave us the 'Roger Milla' dance (yes I do use ads as arguments) which only caught on in Dublin and Joe Brolly
Various World Cups gave us teams (usually African) threatening not to play unless they got more. This has really caught on in the Gaa
Now I fear that some 'entrepreneur' will start selling these horns and Croke Park, not to mention the Aviva, will ever be the same again.
Having said that Snooker and Golf might benefit from their introduction.
definite penalty there for korea - how can yon tube on ITV say "well he had his legs nicked when he was about to pull the trigger but the referee probably got it right"
What's the capacity of these stadiums, there hasn't been one full yet.
2-0 to south korea. Good finish for the second goal but the story of this game so far is rubbish Greek defending. That is 3 great opportunities just handed to the Koreans resulting in 2 goals.
Greece dont look like they want to be there, neither did France last night. Hate teams like that, should be some way of sending them home after the first game.
QuoteI have a bad feeling about these horns.
Dying here trying to watch the Korea game and the Horns are going through me head ...... can't stand it anymore. Thank god for TG4 the Irish RM is on.
Korea no joke, play nice football. Greece very poor, how Kyrgiakos of Liverpool cant make that defence is beyond me.
Yeah good to seea team like Korea going out to play football after thon shite last night. Brutal defending by the greeks, bad mistake for the second goal though Park still had a bit to do and finished it well.
Looking forward to seeing Argies in action now.
Jesus that background noise with them horns constantly going really grinds my gears.
Quote from: Mid Down Gael on June 12, 2010, 02:56:22 PM
Jesus that background noise with them horns constantly going really grinds my gears.
They're a nuisance but Blatter refuses to do anything about it. It must be some rackey trying to play with that surrounding you as well.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010confederations-cup/2009/06/18/1332455/fifa-will-not-ban-the-vuvuzela-at-world-cup-finals-sepp
Argentina heavily outgunned physically at corners take the lead with a free header from Heinze.
Nigeria need to wake up, argentina not all that at the back and would they stop passing around in their own half ffs.
Nigeia could get a few chances, but i dont think they will take them
Nigeria keeper had a couple of brilliant saves there, only a matter of time before Argentina get the second I reckon.
Adebayor needs to get My Fair Lady out of the video shop and learn to speak proper. The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
Alexi Lalas is a hateful cnut! He is in the studio for Espn over here. No one knows anything only him.
Was just thinking that Carmen. Condescending p***k.
Isnt he just, he really irritates me. The wee Wigan manager gets cut off by him every time he trys to speak.
Veron is just Hub Hughes with a goatee.
Quote from: ONeill on June 12, 2010, 04:44:40 PM
Veron is just Hub Hughes with a goatee.
He seems to have acres of space every time he gets the ball, maybe more to do with Nigerias set up. He can still pass a ball around.
Veron looks fit and well, helped argentina get on top in that game.
Shooting and finishing has been poor enough in the tournament so far, it might have something to do with the new ball.
Noticed that myself, corners and frees all seem to be over hit.
(http://i45.tinypic.com/ejt1lt.gif)
It is bizarre that England wait 5 years for a keeper to come along who makes clean sheets seem easy, then play Green instead. More bizarre is that Capello gets 4m a year to make those decisions.
When I think that the European champions have just hired a failure as their manager, it all suggests that soccer management is as much luck as anything
His choice of playing Milner paid off too!
Quote from: thewobbler on June 12, 2010, 08:24:04 PM
It is bizarre that England wait 5 years for a keeper to come along who makes clean sheets seem easy, then play Green instead. More bizarre is that Capello gets 4m a year to make those decisions.
When I think that the European champions have just hired a failure as their manager, it all suggests that soccer management is as much luck as anything
If Hart played and made an error like that everyone would be saying he is too inexperienced and shouldn't have started. Hart hasn't played enough for England.
Green makes a mistake every other week for West Ham. He shouldn't be in the squad let alone the pitch. Seriously, why is Capello earning a fuckload of money to just follow Eriksson's blueprint for failure.
Quote from: thewobbler on June 12, 2010, 08:30:27 PM
Green makes a mistake every other week for West Ham. He shouldn't be in the squad let alone the pitch. Seriously, why is Capello earning a fuckload of money to just follow Eriksson's blueprint for failure.
Funny I was saying to my mate about an hour before it started Green had a shocking second half to the season for West Ham and hopefully he would continue it tonight.
Quote from: thewobbler on June 12, 2010, 08:30:27 PM
Green makes a mistake every other week for West Ham. He shouldn't be in the squad let alone the pitch. Seriously, why is Capello earning a fuckload of money to just follow Eriksson's blueprint for failure.
He shouts more on the sideline so all the pundits can rant on about the discipline he brings to the side and the difference it makes. Leaving out Theo Walcott helped as well, I suppose.
Quote from: thewobbler on June 12, 2010, 08:30:27 PM
Green makes a mistake every other week for West Ham. He shouldn't be in the squad let alone the pitch. Seriously, why is Capello earning a fuckload of money to just follow Eriksson's blueprint for failure.
ssssssh leave them to it
Ledley King injured? Who would have thunk it.
Shape of Becks too in on the line with a shirt and tie on it. :D
Quote from: Minder on June 12, 2010, 08:34:26 PM
Ledley King injured? Who would have thunk it.
carragher for him is an odd choice is it not? though is there anyone else?
This game is commode in fairness.
Fermanagh and Cavan was a good game, i enjoyed it. Very hard to watch soccerball after watching a gaelic match.
Becks on the sideline is a bid of a side show. He doesn't care he loves the lime light.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 12, 2010, 09:05:00 PM
Becks on the sideline is a bid of a side show. He doesn't care he loves the lime light.
Was surprised Capello went along with that circus. I think Beckham is busting his hole for a knighthood.
Quote from: DirtyDozen12 on June 12, 2010, 09:03:22 PM
This game is commode in fairness.
Fermanagh and Cavan was a good game, i enjoyed it. Very hard to watch soccerball after watching a gaelic match.
Aye I find that too... some difference
Them bloody horns in the background are doing my head in...
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 12, 2010, 09:18:35 PM
Them bloody horns in the background are doing my head in...
+1
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 12, 2010, 09:18:35 PM
Them bloody horns in the background are doing my head in...
+1. same drone the whole way through the game, sort of ruins the atmosphere IMO
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 12, 2010, 09:18:35 PM
Them bloody horns in the background are doing my head in...
mine too, but hell stap it up the Ingerlish, possible winners? IMHO NO way Pedro
Very disappointing from England, very mediocre. Look how good Argentina were today, they had it all except the goals. England are miles behind.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 12, 2010, 09:31:36 PM
Very disappointing from England, very mediocre. Look how good Argentina were today, they had it all except the goals. England are miles behind.
And we have yet to see the 2 favourites! A sense of realism won't do the English any harm.
Quote from: paco on June 12, 2010, 09:34:19 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 12, 2010, 09:31:36 PM
Very disappointing from England, very mediocre. Look how good Argentina were today, they had it all except the goals. England are miles behind.
And we have yet to see the 2 favourites! A sense of realism won't do the English any harm.
Sure they're not realists, they still think it's theirs to lose
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 12, 2010, 09:35:52 PM
Quote from: paco on June 12, 2010, 09:34:19 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 12, 2010, 09:31:36 PM
Very disappointing from England, very mediocre. Look how good Argentina were today, they had it all except the goals. England are miles behind.
And we have yet to see the 2 favourites! A sense of realism won't do the English any harm.
Sure they're not realists, they still think it's theirs to lose
With good reason :D
Where did this "Steve Gerrard" come from?
Capello thought they played well??????
What has happened to English goalies? They were showing a clip of all the mistakes they have made in big games. When did Shay Given last make a mistake for Ireland?
QuoteWhat has happened to English goalies? They were showing a clip of all the mistakes they have made in big games. When did Shay Given last make a mistake for Ireland?
When he f**ked up against France and tried to blame Thierry Henry rather than admit that he wasn't up to the job.
Quote from: thewobbler on June 12, 2010, 08:30:27 PM
Green makes a mistake every other week for West Ham. He shouldn't be in the squad let alone the pitch. Seriously, why is Capello earning a fuckload of money to just follow Eriksson's blueprint for failure.
But they have no real options - England simply do not possess a top class goalkeeper. So in terms of reliability, you are only replacing like for like - Green, James, Robinson, Kirkland, Carson - doesn't matter - they will all make mistakes. Their only long term hope is Joe Harte, but to be honest I've seen nothing this season - good and all as he played - that suggests he'll be anything really above the rest. He's in the same mould as Green, Kirkland et al.
Funny - as a kid, English goalkeepers were renowned around the world and Brazil's keepers were considered duds. It's now the opposite!
Would agree with that Rufus, people seem to be anointing Joe Hart as a young Rinat Dasayev. He played behind a very solid, stingy defence that kept clean sheets against a lot of mediocre teams. England just don't have a reliable keeper, which is nice.
Watched my first WC 2010 game tonight. Diabolical. Disgusted with myself that I missed Cavan/fermanagh for this shite.
Could anyone tell my why there's a truck strike going on during the match too. Doing my f**king head in.
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 12:22:45 AM
Watched my first WC 2010 game tonight. Diabolical. Disgusted with myself that I missed Cavan/fermanagh for this shite.
Could anyone tell my why there's a truck strike going on during the match too. Doing my f**king head in.
you know comments like that, and not just from you, make us seem so insecure in our own sport.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 12:50:52 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 12:22:45 AM
Watched my first WC 2010 game tonight. Diabolical. Disgusted with myself that I missed Cavan/fermanagh for this shite.
Could anyone tell my why there's a truck strike going on during the match too. Doing my f**king head in.
you know comments like that, and not just from you, make us seem so insecure in our own sport.
I watched USA v England. It was shit. Thought Cavan v Fermanagh would be shit. Didn't watch it. Highlights didn't seem so bad. Regret the decision. Voice opinion on GaaBoard.
How does that display insecurity? ???
Watched Argentina v. Nigeria and the first half of the tans v. the Septics. Still smiling about both games. Altogether now:
"Let's all laugh at England, let's all laugh at England, nah naaaah nee nah, nah naaaah nee nah"
Viva Argentina.
I see ITV HD missed the England goal as some pillock put a hyundai ad on instead.
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 01:03:26 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 12:50:52 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 12:22:45 AM
Watched my first WC 2010 game tonight. Diabolical. Disgusted with myself that I missed Cavan/fermanagh for this shite.
Could anyone tell my why there's a truck strike going on during the match too. Doing my f**king head in.
you know comments like that, and not just from you, make us seem so insecure in our own sport.
I watched USA v England. It was shit. Thought Cavan v Fermanagh would be shit. Didn't watch it. Highlights didn't seem so bad. Regret the decision. Voice opinion on GaaBoard.
How does that display insecurity? ???
But the 2 matches weren't on at the same time. They never overlapped at all.
congrats to fermanagh,showed a lot more steel than cavan and deserved their victory despite the paper and tv pundits-well done
Quote from: 13aside on June 13, 2010, 10:22:12 AM
congrats to fermanagh,showed a lot more steel than cavan and deserved their victory despite the paper and tv pundits-well done
What world cup group was that match in?
Also what have the paper and tv pundits got to do with anything? They call it like they see it and recent Fermanagh form plus their history v Cavan pointed at a Cavan victory. Hardly controversial.
This is the same tired rallying call you always hear. You hear it even when the winning team was heavily fancied by all and sundry. "There was boys writing us off in the press, saying this team was done etc etc". Yawn.
I seen on the bbc website that the World Cup commitee are considering banning those horn yokes. I think it would take the South African nature away from the World Cup but they are feckin annoying.
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 01:03:26 AM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 12:50:52 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 12:22:45 AM
Watched my first WC 2010 game tonight. Diabolical. Disgusted with myself that I missed Cavan/fermanagh for this shite.
Could anyone tell my why there's a truck strike going on during the match too. Doing my f**king head in.
you know comments like that, and not just from you, make us seem so insecure in our own sport.
I watched USA v England. It was shit. Thought Cavan v Fermanagh would be shit. Didn't watch it. Highlights didn't seem so bad. Regret the decision. Voice opinion on GaaBoard.
How does that display insecurity? ???
because you're falling over yourself to try and build the gaa up as being superior, that's insecurity.
13aside, that's a pathetic post, grow up ffs.
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 13, 2010, 10:56:51 AM
I seen on the bbc website that the World Cup commitee are considering banning those horn yokes. I think it would take the South African nature away from the World Cup but they are feckin annoying.
I think they should, it's annoying on tv, imagine what it must be like sitting in the stadium! You can't hear the crowd reaction to anything, just them f**king horns all the time.
The horns are doin heads clean in. It's different to blow them after a score but to constantly blow them you'd have to be a complete simpleton high on coke or a child.
It's like when you go to a big match in croker and it's ruined by some kid sittin in the row behind you blowing them horns into your ear flat out whether theres a score or not.
You cant get any sense of the crowds atmosphere/reaction to chances etc at this world cup due to it
They are a part of South African football culture and haven't bothered me at all really. However i would ban them to listen to the crowd which is a part of world football culture.
Whatever happened to the rattles people used to bring to football games and why.
the horns don't bother me at all, thats the culture of Africans at football matchs.
Four pretty average games after an entertaining opener. France-Uruguay was awful.
Nice to see ITV be lovely and racist when commenting on how they were impressed with the ref in the SA-Mexico despite his noticeable handicap of being from Uzbekistan. Jim Beglin giggled away to himself about it "not being a hotbed of football" immediately after Drury made it very clear that he was the Asian Federation's number one ref. Southgate had something similar at half time as well.
ITV were also dreadful in their analysis of England's performance last night - somehow reckoning that England had played well and were unlucky not to come away with a win.
As I've said before, I think the horns are great. This is a South African World Cup and that's how it's done over there. Fair enough, you wouldn't want to be sitting beside one for 90 mins, but moaning about it coming through the TV is a bit ridiculous. You can hear the commentary perfectly (except on BBC who appear to be having quite a few technical difficulties).
Quote from: gallsman on June 13, 2010, 12:33:59 PM
Four pretty average games after an entertaining opener. France-Uruguay was awful.
Nice to see ITV be lovely and racist when commenting on how they were impressed with the ref in the SA-Mexico despite his noticeable handicap of being from Uzbekistan. Jim Beglin giggled away to himself about it "not being a hotbed of football" immediately after Drury made it very clear that he was the Asian Federation's number one ref. Southgate had something similar at half time as well.
ITV were also dreadful in their analysis of England's performance last night - somehow reckoning that England had played well and were unlucky not to come away with a win.
As I've said before, I think the horns are great. This is a South African World Cup and that's how it's done over there. Fair enough, you wouldn't want to be sitting beside one for 90 mins, but moaning about it coming through the TV is a bit ridiculous. You can hear the commentary perfectly (except on BBC who appear to be having quite a few technical difficulties).
Not to mention the comment about some manager doing a "paddy" at half time.
MOTD2 analysis of England was much better and much more realistic!
Algeria/Slovenia hasn't wet the appetite. Bring on the Sunday Game!!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 12:44:28 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 13, 2010, 12:33:59 PM
Four pretty average games after an entertaining opener. France-Uruguay was awful.
Nice to see ITV be lovely and racist when commenting on how they were impressed with the ref in the SA-Mexico despite his noticeable handicap of being from Uzbekistan. Jim Beglin giggled away to himself about it "not being a hotbed of football" immediately after Drury made it very clear that he was the Asian Federation's number one ref. Southgate had something similar at half time as well.
ITV were also dreadful in their analysis of England's performance last night - somehow reckoning that England had played well and were unlucky not to come away with a win.
As I've said before, I think the horns are great. This is a South African World Cup and that's how it's done over there. Fair enough, you wouldn't want to be sitting beside one for 90 mins, but moaning about it coming through the TV is a bit ridiculous. You can hear the commentary perfectly (except on BBC who appear to be having quite a few technical difficulties).
Not to mention the comment about some manager doing a "paddy" at half time.
MOTD2 analysis of England was much better and much more realistic!
What was that about? I went out to cut the grass.
I cant remember now, it was in the commentary during the game, can't remember what they were even talking about (I was only half listening) but commentator said something about a manager doing a "paddy"
surprised there hasn't been more talk about it
I have watched all the full 90 minute games so far, but this Slovenia Algeria game might break me.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 13, 2010, 12:55:56 PM
I have watched all the full 90 minute games so far, but this Slovenia Algeria game might break me.
same here but this is bad! They can't even pass the the f**king ball.
One aspect of the Eng game that was glossed over was Capello picking that team. If he seriously thinks that that is his best 1-11 then Eng are in a lot of trouble. Milner was awful, Carragher is too slow and Heskey is a glorified pub player. A good side will take them apart. Shearer now calling for Dawson to be in the side. A week ago he wasn't in the 23!!
Algeria v Slovenia or Cork v Kerry - tough choice !!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 13, 2010, 12:55:56 PM
I have watched all the full 90 minute games so far, but this Slovenia Algeria game might break me.
same here but this is bad! They can't even pass the the f**king ball.
Quit displaying insecurity ya bollix.
What is insular about that? He is saying it is a tough choice.
Algeria get a striker sent off for deliberate handball and a second yellow card. So stupid, now Slovenia are ahead.
Quote from: gallsman on June 13, 2010, 12:33:59 PM
Four pretty average games after an entertaining opener. France-Uruguay was awful.
Nice to see ITV be lovely and racist when commenting on how they were impressed with the ref in the SA-Mexico despite his noticeable handicap of being from Uzbekistan. Jim Beglin giggled away to himself about it "not being a hotbed of football" immediately after Drury made it very clear that he was the Asian Federation's number one ref. Southgate had something similar at half time as well.
ITV were also dreadful in their analysis of England's performance last night - somehow reckoning that England had played well and were unlucky not to come away with a win.
As I've said before, I think the horns are great. This is a South African World Cup and that's how it's done over there. Fair enough, you wouldn't want to be sitting beside one for 90 mins, but moaning about it coming through the TV is a bit ridiculous. You can hear the commentary perfectly (except on BBC who appear to be having quite a few technical difficulties).
Dissapointed at Chiles as well he's normally unbiased, but at half time when he said "calm down everyone, there's more reason to believe we'll win this match than lose it" I wasn't sure what match he was watching. Andy Townsend as well, "Redemption! Well done son" when Green pushed Altidore's shot onto the post, them boys would sicken your shite. Looking forward to these 2 games tonight, the standard so far hasn't been that great but I've been hooked to each one! Bar the France game of course.
Quote from: Boycey on June 13, 2010, 01:41:40 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 13, 2010, 01:17:01 PM
One aspect of the Eng game that was glossed over was Capello picking that team. If he seriously thinks that that is his best 1-11 then Eng are in a lot of trouble. Milner was awful, Carragher is too slow and Heskey is a glorified pub player. A good side will take them apart. Shearer now calling for Dawson to be in the side. A week ago he wasn't in the 23!!
Heskey was Englands best player....
He was in his hole.
Quote from: trileacman on June 13, 2010, 01:49:13 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 13, 2010, 12:55:56 PM
I have watched all the full 90 minute games so far, but this Slovenia Algeria game might break me.
same here but this is bad! They can't even pass the the f**king ball.
Quit displaying insecurity ya bollix.
Like so many on this board, you can't make a point so you just resort to name calling like a child in a playground.
Quote from: Boycey on June 13, 2010, 01:41:40 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 13, 2010, 01:17:01 PM
One aspect of the Eng game that was glossed over was Capello picking that team. If he seriously thinks that that is his best 1-11 then Eng are in a lot of trouble. Milner was awful, Carragher is too slow and Heskey is a glorified pub player. A good side will take them apart. Shearer now calling for Dawson to be in the side. A week ago he wasn't in the 23!!
Heskey was Englands best player....
Heskey was excellent, apart from one great chance he missed. Milner lost a stone in weight over the past week due to illness. Never should have started. England will still top their group.
Quote from: shark on June 13, 2010, 02:25:38 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 13, 2010, 01:41:40 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 13, 2010, 01:17:01 PM
One aspect of the Eng game that was glossed over was Capello picking that team. If he seriously thinks that that is his best 1-11 then Eng are in a lot of trouble. Milner was awful, Carragher is too slow and Heskey is a glorified pub player. A good side will take them apart. Shearer now calling for Dawson to be in the side. A week ago he wasn't in the 23!!
Heskey was Englands best player....
Heskey was excellent, apart from one great chance he missed. Milner lost a stone in weight over the past week due to illness. Never should have started. England will still top their group.
Big problem when you are a striker
Quote from: shark on June 13, 2010, 02:25:38 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 13, 2010, 01:41:40 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 13, 2010, 01:17:01 PM
One aspect of the Eng game that was glossed over was Capello picking that team. If he seriously thinks that that is his best 1-11 then Eng are in a lot of trouble. Milner was awful, Carragher is too slow and Heskey is a glorified pub player. A good side will take them apart. Shearer now calling for Dawson to be in the side. A week ago he wasn't in the 23!!
Heskey was Englands best player....
Heskey was excellent, apart from one great chance he missed. Milner lost a stone in weight over the past week due to illness. Never should have started. England will still top their group.
Apart from passing to Gerrard for the goal I can't remember him doing anything of note - caught offside 5 or 6 times and fucked up a chance.
Gerrard was Englands best player, after him probably Lampard/Lennon or Terry even though they weren't great.
Well I guess everyone will have a different perspective on it, but I'm certainly not alone in my view. A lot of the English media have Heskey down as their MOTM too.
Quote from: shark on June 13, 2010, 02:34:19 PM
Well I guess everyone will have a different perspective on it, but I'm certainly not alone in my view. A lot of the English media have Heskey down as their MOTM too.
aye but they think they're going to win the world cup and if it wasn't for bad luck, a curse on penalties and referees out to get them they would have won every world cup since 1966 ;)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 02:38:05 PM
Quote from: shark on June 13, 2010, 02:34:19 PM
Well I guess everyone will have a different perspective on it, but I'm certainly not alone in my view. A lot of the English media have Heskey down as their MOTM too.
aye but they think they're going to win the world cup and if it wasn't for bad luck, a curse on penalties and referees out to get them they would have won every world cup since 1966 ;)
True. Apart from 1998, of course, when they blamed Beckham!!!
BBC's half time analysis of Algeria-Slovenia was truly laughable. It was about 30 seconds long and Linekar finished by saying anything else to say or shall we just talk about England. Fair enough the game was crap but at least offer a bit of analysis of it.
As for Heskey last night, he was OK I thought by his standards but a striker is there to put the ball in the back of the net. They said last night his last goal was in February which tells its own story. Is there another striker so out of form at the World Cup?
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 13, 2010, 02:47:32 PM
BBC's half time analysis of Algeria-Slovenia was truly laughable. It was about 30 seconds long and Linekar finished by saying anything else to say or shall we just talk about England. Fair enough the game was crap but at least offer a bit of analysis of it.
As for Heskey last night, he was OK I thought by his standards but a striker is there to put the ball in the back of the net. They said last night his last goal was in February which tells its own story. Is there another striker so out of form at the World Cup?
Depends how you define form - Ronaldo didn't score once for Portugal in qualification while blasting them in all over the place at club level.
Rooney is hardly firing them in at international level either and in and interview they were showing with him yesterday they were asking him about winning the golden boot!
hopefully this will be a good one, my link to kerry/cork freezes every 5 seconds!
Souness in a bit of bother, said Vidic was raped by, sorry taken apart by Torres in the 4-1 demolition at old trafford", talks on for a few minutes and then off to ad break, on resumption, the presenter apologises for the remarks made by Souness - they really have little to do.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 13, 2010, 02:59:17 PM
Souness in a bit of bother, said Vidic was raped by, sorry taken apart by Torres in the 4-1 demolition at old trafford", talks on for a few minutes and then off to ad break, on resumption, the presenter apologises for the remarks made by Souness - they really have little to do.
Priceless. The sort of thing you'd say in every day conversation but would like to think you'd have the wit to be very careful if there was a microphone about.
Also, the BBC Sport website is letting itself down these days. One of today's headline videos is "Torres sports new haircut"
Quote from: gallsman on June 13, 2010, 03:01:20 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 13, 2010, 02:59:17 PM
Souness in a bit of bother, said Vidic was raped by, sorry taken apart by Torres in the 4-1 demolition at old trafford", talks on for a few minutes and then off to ad break, on resumption, the presenter apologises for the remarks made by Souness - they really have little to do.
Priceless. The sort of thing you'd say in every day conversation but would like to think you'd have the wit to be very careful if there was a microphone about.
Also, the BBC Sport website is letting itself down these days. One of today's headline videos is
"Torres sports new haircut"
Alan Pardew said something similar last year on the BBC I think and got into a bit of bother.
Lampard is a class act, Gerrard did well as did Heskey, the rest of them were very average and Carragher had a mare, he is well past his vintage at this stage and should have walked, he is wile slow.
Good thing the Cork Kerry game went to extra time. There hasn't been a proper goal scored in 2 and a half games of world cup football.
maybe time to cut the world cup to 16 teams ! I remember reading the list of group matches months ago and thinking apart from Brazil v Portugal it was pure dung.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 13, 2010, 04:28:49 PM
maybe time to cut the world cup to 16 teams ! I remember reading the list of group matches months ago and thinking apart from Brazil v Portugal it was pure dung.
The Euro's have been moved up to 32 teams also haven't they?? Yay for entertainment.
Are players being bribed to give up soft goals and penalties and hand balls that get them sent off.
Serbia and Algeria have succeded in grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory. Ridiculous efforts from a number of players.
if I was the ref I'd send him off for pretending he didnt hand the ball when clearly he did!
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 13, 2010, 04:45:54 PM
Are players being bribed to give up soft goals and penalties and hand balls that get them sent off.
Serbia and Algeria have succeded in grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory. Ridiculous efforts from a number of players.
dont rule it out. there is a global recession on !
Quote from: Boycey on June 13, 2010, 04:35:52 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 13, 2010, 04:28:49 PM
maybe time to cut the world cup to 16 teams ! I remember reading the list of group matches months ago and thinking apart from Brazil v Portugal it was pure dung.
Be like turkeys voting for Christmas.... it'll never happen
We jus vote 4 turkeys.
I really want Australia to be beat here.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 13, 2010, 07:03:53 PM
I really want Australia to be beat here.
Same here. Like the auld Germans and all reports suggest Oz are going to park the bus. If that's the case then hope they get stuffed.
Great Goal by Podolski, he is like 150/1 to be top goalscorer!
Ze Germans are looking alright. Like the cut of this Ozil lad.
How did he fail to Klose that one out?
Klose goal. Just 4 more to equal Ronaldo's record.
You don't get much Klose than that, goooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Deutschland.
Now I'm glad I backed Klose to be top goalscorer at 30/1.
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 13, 2010, 08:07:50 PM
Now I'm glad I backed Klose to be top goalscorer at 30/1.
aye, he'd need to beat the 3 goals he managed in the bundesliga to be in with a shout.
Germany a pleasure to watch but it's hard to know if it's Australia making them look good
Australia are fcuked now, Tim Cahill shown straight red.
Quote from: Schkite on June 13, 2010, 08:42:44 PM
Australia are fcuked now, Tim Cahill shown straight red.
Toe-rag
Germany creating some chances, Klose could have had a hattrick by now.
Cahill sent off for an over enthusiastic tackle, but not before the efficient Germans have updated their wikipedia page their latest goalscoring totals for Klose and Podolski.
Klose has had a few misses as well as the goal.
too easy
Finally some goals in this tournament, hopefully that's the floodgates open now. Anyone hear Jim Beglin saying how Thomas Muller's goal would make him feel better about missing a chance in the Champion's League final? WTF?
Yeah finally some goals thank fcuk. This along with Holland tomorrow, Brazil on Tuesday and Spain on Wednesday, hopefully should make up for the shite we've seen so far.
Wish I was German.
Ozil got man of the match, he was good but I though Philip Lahm was unreal! Maybe it's because he's on my dream team but he got a great assist and never seemed to stop running.
I woke up in Perth this morning to rain. The first in ages. How Hardy-esque; the mood of the nation reflected in the conditions outside. Hark, is that the weeping I hear, along with the gnashing and grinding of teeth?
The amount of bile being spewed on the commercial channels about the Aussies' chances is sickening. Last night they had an interview with Neill (could have/should have played for Ireland) and Cahill (Irish parents/grandparents) and I nearly threw up when Cahill started going on about how he believed they could go really far. His sending off is justified in my book. In fact, he shouldn't have been playing following the tackle he put in on the NZ player prior to leaving for SA. Alot of attention is now being placed on hosting the 2022 competition. If they carry on playing like that it'll be the only time they'll be back in the tournament.
Serbia v. Ghana was average at best, but the Slovenia-Algeria game had me wishing it was back to the days of yore when 16 teams qualified. And it didn't help that I was pissed off after watching Freo lose to St.Kilda.
The sending off was harsh but he was asking for it. He went for the player not the ball.
The Australians seemed to think they would just walk in and take over world soccer just like they do in all those other country club sports, rugby union, cricket, tenis, golf, swimming, sailing, rowing etc. However it doesn't work like that, soccer is the peoples game, the beautiful game, and the Australians seemed to think they could walk in, take it over, throw a few digs if it doesn't go their way. They may go home and think again.
Re Heskey...wasn't there a famous stat about the Paraguayan goalkeeper having more international goals than Emile Heskey?? Germany looked good (though Aus were pretty shit). Ozil looks like a player, Lahm was brilliant and Schweinsteiger seems to be playing the Ballack role. As for Serbia, my dark horses, oh dear, I'd say mentally they're half way home!!
Germany were impressive, though Schweinsteiger had a very good game (though the showboating was unnecessary and will get him a deserved kicking against a better team). Will be interesting to see how good their back four is against a better side.
Looks like Ledley King is out of the tournament. Eng won't be allowed to replace him.
Ha ha, "Shockeroos". Banner headline on the "news" tonight. Smug hoors got what was coming to them. :D
Though Eng fans have plenty of examples of teams who started poorly and went on to do well in the competition, who were the last World Cup winners who failed to win their opening game?? Italy 0 Poland 0 (1982)
Impressed with Didi Hamann as pundit last night.
Like the Aussie soccer people............... imo a way nicer crowd than your usual Australian "sporting" supporter. They have been sneered at for a long time in Oz......... called "wogball" by many. The current team is just stagnant.
Always amazed that for such a sound people that Australians can be by and large obnoxious when it comes to sport.
any links to this game?
try this
http://www.itv.com/Channels/ITV1/default.html
Another poor game.
The dutch side is fairly average by their standards. They need Robben.
Did you see that gobshite smiling after he put the ball in the net?
Always look on the bright side of life.
Jaysus wep another self inflicted wound is the major play of the game.
The Dutch lead 1-0.
was waiting on the Dutch half and full for £300 :'(
Scoring so early in 2nd half is pouring salt into my wounds!
watching it on a projector using www.tvcatchup.com
good job
2-0 now to the dutch. It should have been 3, but they haven't been all that impressive.
NIPPON GAMBARE! NIPPON GAMBARE! NIPPON GAMBARE! NIPPON GAMBARE!
[/font][/i][/font]
I've no truck with the gaelic supremacists, but I've just been watching Japan -v- Cameroon and it's muck. If I saw that at a League of Ireland game I'd be looking for my money back. Just awful stuff entirely, clueless and inept.
(http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01064/NYP_280_1064498a.jpg)
Quote from: Down South on June 14, 2010, 04:57:59 PM
(http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01064/NYP_280_1064498a.jpg)
Did you see the headline on The Sun on Saturday taking the piss out of the Yanks?
So far there has been some really dire games, thon Cameroon vs Japan was pure turd, along with the first 2 games yesterday? Hopefully Santa Cruz is on song tonight and scores an early goal and maybe a bit of excitement.
It should all get better from now on, looking forward to seeing Spain and Brazil over the next few days. Teams will probably be more adventurous in the next round of fixtures as there's more at stake.
Finally got to see some world cup action today (2nd half of japan game) wasn't up to much & from what i hear it's been a poor world Cup so far...
Quote from: ross4life on June 14, 2010, 05:25:29 PM
Finally got to see some world cup action today (2nd half of japan game) wasn't up to much & from what i hear it's been a poor world Cup so far...
Not a good sign when you're looking for Italy and Paraguay to provide the entertainment!
buzzzzzzzz relieved Ireland didn't buzzzzzzzzzzz qualify as i had planned to buzzzzzzzzzzzz go but those horns would buzzzzzz put my buzzzzzzzzz head away buzzzzzzzzzzz. they should be shoved up their holes. They aren't cultural... some wide boy from the West (not West Tyrone!) sold them a load of plastic horns... horrible to listen to buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I think the teams are being careful in their opening games and are afraid of defeat. I think in the next round of games teams that lost in the opening round will need to get a win and the games will be more open as a result.
im amazed kuyt scored dat one.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 14, 2010, 11:22:40 AM
Though Eng fans have plenty of examples of teams who started poorly and went on to do well in the competition, who were the last World Cup winners who failed to win their opening game?? Italy 0 Poland 0 (1982)
There's even more examples of teams who started poorly and crashed out without having a sniff of winning.
Pepe looks a decent player for Italy.
At last, the underdog scores first, hopefully we get an entertaining second half.
Quote from: paco on June 14, 2010, 08:06:11 PM
Pepe looks a decent player for Italy.
Are you serious? I think he's been mediocre at best, plus he hasn't stopped whinging at ref and other players!
These games remind me of Italia '90, pure shite.
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 14, 2010, 08:44:48 PM
Quote from: paco on June 14, 2010, 08:06:11 PM
Pepe looks a decent player for Italy.
Are you serious? I think he's been mediocre at best, plus he hasn't stopped whinging at ref and other players!
Yeah he's been pretty anonymous.
More Gabby Logan = better World cup ;)
Quote from: ross4life on June 14, 2010, 09:18:06 PM
More Gabby Logan = better World cup ;)
I've been a fan of Gabby for years.
Quote from: Ludraman on June 14, 2010, 07:11:56 PM
im amazed kuyt scored dat one.
Why? he couldnt miss after the defender in front of him didnt bother his arse to run and get the thing cleared, any good forward will folow everything in and he read the situation well and reacted best to the situation and he got his just reward.
I dont think he is a great player but he never quits and does a ton of the dirty work for club and Country, fair play to him.
The Italians are getting slammed by Souness and Brady for not having any playmakers. They forget that Pirlo is out injured and is the one who makes them play well.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 14, 2010, 09:33:02 PM
The Italians are getting slammed by Souness and Brady for not having any playmakers. They forget that Pirlo is out injured and is the one who makes them play well.
Pirless?
Maradona has given his seal of approval to the Vuvuzela anyway.
(http://i47.tinypic.com/20f2911.jpg)
:D :D
Like it GBB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPtCxH7tuKo
Oh to have 1986 all over again. My favourites:
1) Choi, South Korea...up to that point the Koreans were getting serious flack from the commentators then Choi unleashes.
1) A?, Morocco v. Portugal...speechless, the perfect volley.
3) Diego Armando Maradona...'nuff said.
He might give his backing to the vuvuzela but he doesn't think there's anything wrong with the ball!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGTOGG4o_eU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGTOGG4o_eU)
Has there been a good goal at the world cup so far?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2010, 10:32:33 AM
Has there been a good goal at the world cup so far?
Clint Dempsey??
Quote from: Ludraman on June 14, 2010, 07:11:56 PM
im amazed kuyt scored dat one.
dat...? why amazed?
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2003 Utrecht 160 (51)
2003–2006 Feyenoord 101 (71) - Dutch player of the year 2006
2006– Liverpool 141 (46) - as a winger
I thought the Japan goal was well taken, however some of the German goals were definitely at the top of the tree.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 14, 2010, 09:33:02 PM
The Italians are getting slammed by Souness and Brady for not having any playmakers. They forget that Pirlo is out injured and is the one who makes them play well.
Some of their criticism, especially Brady's, was fair enough, but Souness claiming Cannavaro chickened out of jumping to clear that high ball, for fear that he might get an elbow, was indeed absurd.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2010, 10:32:33 AM
Has there been a good goal at the world cup so far?
the very 1st goal was unreal
Agree with whoever said Didi Hamman was doing well on RTE. I think he's been the best of all the pundits across the three stations so far.
Anyone else having problems trying to watch this match on the BBC website?
Nah, mine is perfect no buffering at all, one thing I wouldn't put it down to is the demand to watch it.
Could be dodgy Internet connection?
I'm having problems watching any of the matches regardless of the channel/website?
BBC is fine for me today, could not see it yesterday though, I cannot access any of ITV's streams.
Got it to work. Had to go into iPlayer rather than watch it directly from BBC Sport. Hoping New Zealand get annihilated. Got them in a sweep, so will get a few pound if they concede more goals than any other team.
Quote from: gallsman on June 15, 2010, 12:33:14 PM
Agree with whoever said Didi Hamman was doing well on RTE. I think he's been the best of all the pundits across the three stations so far.
Yeah think he's been pretty good. Does have funny looking eyebrows though :)
this match is death
Having trouble with ITV player (apart from the loads of fecking ads). Usually get about 10-15 mins out of it and then it gives up the ghost.
another brutal match... those horns are getting on my tits..
Does Damien Richardson do anyone else's head in by the way??
World Cup hasn't been worth watching so far
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 15, 2010, 01:13:17 PM
another brutal match... those horns are getting on my tits..
Does Damien Richardson do anyone else's head in by the way??
World Cup hasn't been worth watching so far
Is it the ball or is that just lazy punditry? I think it's not helping the situation, there does seem to have been an abnormally high amount of overhit crosses and miles high shots, what goals we have seen, 3 have come from goalkeeping errors, not specifically blaming the ball for them, but...
And if it is the ball, what will they do? nothing?
It's disappointing coming hot on the heals of (imo) the best international tournament ever (Euro 2008) that the fayre has been so shite.
Slovakia would want to wise up. You're playing a team with two aul boys from a pub league in midfield, have a go at them FFS!
Teams have been ridiculously cautious so far. Nobody wants to lose the first game. Granted many World Cups start slowly but this one hasn't really got going at all yet. It will improve though as teams will have to go for it more after the first round of games.
Drogba on the bench for Ivory Coast after getting clearance to wear a cast ???
Someone should tell the BBC that Stoch was signed by Fenerbahce last week!
NZ score! It was on the cards there.
finally a bit of drama!! well taken goal. Slovakia deserved that for not putting the game away.
Yep, no sympathy for Slovakia, should have put them away - they were aeons a better side.
Useless Slovakian hoors. No more than they deserve for sitting back like cowardly f**kers against a team they should be sticking 4 or 5 past.
Interesting story being reported by the Guardian regarding Dutch supporters chucked out of the ground during yesterday's match. They were a group of girls with short dresses advertising Bavaria Beer (not one of the officials sponsors). They were held by the police for a couple of hours. Apparently they got their tickets off Robbie Earle who has been sacked by ITV as a "pundit"!!
See the Guardian's live blog at 2:05pm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/world-cup-2010-live-blog
Delighted to see Drogba will take his place on the team with IC.
His attitude towards his country's national team is inspirational for Ivorians and the team.
I hope Sveinn's coaching hasn't "mogadonned" the vitality out of the team.
I'd say tonight and tomorrow is when the World Cup will really start with Brazil, Portugal, Spain and South Africa playing.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 02:28:23 PM
Interesting story being reported by the Guardian regarding Dutch supporters chucked out of the ground during yesterday's match. They were a group of girls with short dresses advertising Bavaria Beer (not one of the officials sponsors). They were held by the police for a couple of hours. Apparently they got their tickets off Robbie Earle who has been sacked by ITV as a "pundit"!!
See the Guardian's live blog at 2:05pm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/world-cup-2010-live-blog
Such stories are valueless without a photo.
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/15/1276594816096/Holland-fans-006.jpg)
I think I woke the neighbours up when Japan scored last night and I think I might have managed to wake the whole street just now. Feckin delighted for the Kiwis. Unbelievable silence from the Aussie commentators/pundits after. NZ's first ever point in the world cup and I think only their second goal in the tournament. Still, a shite game all over.
Re. the ball tonight, there was a bit of a gale blowing to be fair to the players. However, nothing that an O'Neills size 5 wouldn't sort out.
Has been a terrible World Cup so far. I know its early days but still, there has hardly been 90 minutes of good football between the 12 games played so far.
Ivory Coast vs Portugal on now. Ronaldo was very close to giving Portugal the lead. Hit the post with a great effort.
Quote from: Galwaybhoy on June 15, 2010, 03:17:14 PM
Has been a terrible World Cup so far. I know its early days but still, there has hardly been 90 minutes of good football between the 12 games played so far.
Ivory Coast vs Portugal on now. Ronaldo was very close to giving Portugal the lead. Hit the post with a great effort.
Hard to disagree with any of that.
Serious effort by Ronaldo would have been a cracker. That yellow card will haunt him though
You'd imagine Ronaldo will try to test out this new ball more than any else has so far. Bit surprised he hasn't had another go like that though.
A few tackles flying in here. The Ivory Coast are out muscling the portuguese, easing Ronaldo off the ball. He's been doing a bit of whinging.
I can't see the standard improving in the knock out stages as most teams will be playing for penalties
I think the ball is playing a part in the amount of passes being overhit, it's ridiculous.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 03:41:24 PM
A few tackles flying in here. The Ivory Coast are out muscling the portuguese, easing Ronaldo off the ball. He's been doing a bit of whinging.
A few bad tackles coming in on him in fairness and the ref doing nothing.
If Ivory Coast were to score it would really liven things up. This so far has not been a major improvement over the lack of quality we have seen in the other games.
Yeah it's been fairly poor alright, you would have been looking at this before as one of the better group games aswell.
Hopefully we'll see better games in the next couple of round of games when teams actually have to go for the win rather than sit back and take the draw. With a bit of luck Brazil and Spain might provide us with a few goals aswell in the next day or so(if they don't then what hope have we got!).
I think the second half has been quite good. Here comes Drogba.
The Cote d'Ivoire's #10 Gervinho has been impressive.
On comes the Drog. Hopefully he livens this the fcuk up.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 15, 2010, 04:21:30 PM
I think the second half has been quite good. Here comes Drogba.
Good compared to the tournament so far, but I'd still have expected a bit better from these two teams, at least a goal by near 70 minutes.
It's fair to say neither of these teams are gonna make a impact at this world Cup?
Well at least one of them is going to make the knockout phases. Is that not an impact?
At least Brazil v North Korea is guaranteed to have goals. Isn't it?
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 15, 2010, 04:36:05 PM
Well at least one of them is going to make the knockout phases. Is that not an impact?
Major impact i guess, on this showing they will both do well to get past the 2nd round
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 15, 2010, 04:38:18 PM
At least Brazil v North Korea is guaranteed to have goals. Isn't it?
Yes. But Brazil scoring 3 or 4 goals against N Korea does not mean its going to be entertaining.
Quote from: ross4life on June 15, 2010, 04:39:08 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 15, 2010, 04:36:05 PM
Well at least one of them is going to make the knockout phases. Is that not an impact?
Major impact i guess, on this showing they will both do well to get past the 2nd round
Well whichever one qualifies will likely meet Spain, so yes they'd be doing very well.
Can't understand this at all, why no team is really going for it. Anyone think second spot could be decided on goal difference? Both teams seem happy enough with a draw here, for some reason.
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:42:19 PM
Can't understand this at all, why no team is really going for it. Anyone think second spot could be decided on goal difference? Both teams seem happy enough with a draw here, for some reason.
it obviously never entered the slovaks heads, i was delighted to see them pegged back - it was no more than they deserved after their total lack of ambition.
::) FFS, ref, blow that bloody whistle so I can get to bed.
Thought Drogba was going to win it there...
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 15, 2010, 04:44:20 PM
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:42:19 PM
Can't understand this at all, why no team is really going for it. Anyone think second spot could be decided on goal difference? Both teams seem happy enough with a draw here, for some reason.
it obviously never entered the slovaks heads, i was delighted to see them pegged back - it was no more than they deserved after their total lack of ambition.
I know what you mean but I think both teams understand the way this group will pan out. They'll both probably lose to Brazil and, instead of gambling in this match, will both go to score a hatful against North Korea. Or I could be wrong and every match will be as uneventful and lacking goals as this one.
Puke football.
The standard of free kicks, corners and long range shooting in this World Cup has been a disgrace for highly paid professional footballers. Some of these matches would shame the Irish League or League of Ireland.
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:49:33 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 15, 2010, 04:44:20 PM
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:42:19 PM
Can't understand this at all, why no team is really going for it. Anyone think second spot could be decided on goal difference? Both teams seem happy enough with a draw here, for some reason.
it obviously never entered the slovaks heads, i was delighted to see them pegged back - it was no more than they deserved after their total lack of ambition.
I know what you mean but I think both teams understand the way this group will pan out. They'll both
probably lose to Brazil and, instead of gambling in this match, will both go to score a hatful against North Korea. Or I could be wrong and every match will be as uneventful and lacking goals as this one.
I agree with you Paco, a defeat for either team today and they were fucked. They will both aim to give North Korea a tanking and if they pick up anything against Brazil it is a bonus. Pish match but they are here to progress as far as possible not entertain the neutrals.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 04:49:46 PM
Puke football.
The standard of free kicks, corners and long range shooting in this World Cup has been a disgrace for highly paid professional footballers. Some of these matches would shame the Irish League or League of Ireland.
I'm convinced the ball is a factor. There's no way the standard could be so consistently poor in all the matches and among all the players.
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:56:56 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 04:49:46 PM
Puke football.
The standard of free kicks, corners and long range shooting in this World Cup has been a disgrace for highly paid professional footballers. Some of these matches would shame the Irish League or League of Ireland.
I'm convinced the ball is a factor. There's no way the standard could be so consistently poor in all the matches and among all the players.
According to Adidas, all 32 national associations received these balls in February, plenty of time to adapt if it weren't for the obvious commercial considerations ;) Probably the altitude might be a factor but they've been using these balls in training for 2 weeks or so. Have they not worked out that they don't need to hit them as hard ??? Also the ball does not seems to be moving much in the air (other than upwards of course)
Looks like Robbie has been a bad boy! At least that is one shit pundit put off the TV:
Robbie Earle sacked over World Cup tickets
Robbie Earle Robbie Earle played for Jamaica in the 1998 World Cup
ITV World Cup pundit Robbie Earle has been sacked by the broadcaster after tickets for his family and friends were passed on to a third party.
ITV said a "substantial number" of tickets for the Denmark v Holland match on Monday had been passed on, breaching Fifa rules.
It has been claimed a block of tickets were used by a Dutch company for an "ambush marketing effort".
A spokesperson for Earle said a statement would be released shortly.
"Following claims by FIFA that official 2010 World Cup tickets may have been used for ambush marketing, ITV has reviewed its entire ticket allocation for the tournament," the TV network said in a statement.
"Immediate investigations indicated that a block of ITV tickets would appear to have been used for unauthorised purposes during the Holland v Denmark match.
"Further enquiries have revealed that a substantial number of tickets allocated to Robbie Earle for family and friends have been passed to a third party in breach of FIFA rules.
"As a result, Robbie Earle's contract with ITV has been terminated with immediate effect."
The announcement comes after officials ejected 36 women who were wearing orange mini-dresses during Holland's game against Denmark.
The women were accused of "ambush marketing" for a brand of beer.
Members of the group, accused of promoting a brand that is not one of the tournament's official sponsors, were found with tickets understood to have been part of Earle's allocation.
The tickets' terms and conditions stipulate they must not be passed on or sold to anyone else.
Earle, 45, an ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid, played for Wimbledon and Port Vale as well as for Jamaica in the 1998 World Cup.
Now time for the team I drew in the Sweepstake. Come on North Kore...sorry I mean the Democratic Republic of Korea
This match should be interesting. The lads saying this isn't a great Brazilian football team and that football is in trouble in the country... I still think they will win the World Cup whatever the RTÉ lads think.
North Korean lad crying like mad there before kick off, is it because he's as proud as punch for representing his country, or the though of 40 lashes if brazil destroy them
Disappointed not to see Kim Jong-il togging out for North Korea!
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on June 15, 2010, 07:38:22 PM
Disappointed not to see Kim Jong-il togging out for North Korea!
Wait for the newspaper reports.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/06/clinton-kim-jong-il-golf (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/06/clinton-kim-jong-il-golf)
Quote from: RealSpiritof98 on June 15, 2010, 07:30:16 PM
North Korean lad crying like mad there before kick off, is it because he's as proud as punch for representing his country, or the though of 40 lashes if brazil destroy them
I was thinking that myself, but apparently he was eligible to play for Japan and South Korea but he chose North Korea. He must be a committed red!
North Korea doing ok so far. Would love to see them take a point away from this.
Quote from: Galwaybhoy on June 15, 2010, 08:10:49 PM
North Korea doing ok so far. Would love to see them take a point away from this.
maybe if were 2-2 or so, but i honestly won't be watching more of this shite - this is fast becoming the worst tournament ever, the f**king horns, the balloon they play with and the negativity of virtually every team so far.
question about advancing further in the Cup.
If you have all 4 teams in a group with the same points, say 4, because they all tied each other with the same scores of 0-0, who advances?
France anyway and whomever else Sepp Blather fancies
There's definitely a levelling out in world soccer. The best teams (hopefully bar Spain) are not that great with a reluctance to dribble in case of losing possession whilst the minnows are defensively sound in general.
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on June 15, 2010, 08:30:15 PM
question about advancing further in the Cup.
If you have all 4 teams in a group with the same points, say 4, because they all tied each other with the same scores of 0-0, who advances?
they used to draw straws - but i get the feeling they use the fifa rankings nowadays.
Quote from: ONeill on June 15, 2010, 08:34:18 PM
There's definitely a levelling out in world soccer. The best teams (hopefully bar Spain) are not that great with a reluctance to dribble in case of losing possession whilst the minnows are defensively sound in general.
but the last european championship was a brilliant tournament, this is the polar opposite.
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:56:56 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 04:49:46 PM
Puke football.
The standard of free kicks, corners and long range shooting in this World Cup has been a disgrace for highly paid professional footballers. Some of these matches would shame the Irish League or League of Ireland.
I'm convinced the ball is a factor. There's no way the standard could be so consistently poor in all the matches and among all the players.
The germans had no trouble with the ball.
Some Brazil goal.
was nearly going to say with North Korea's defense, no wonder no one invaded.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 15, 2010, 08:36:08 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 15, 2010, 08:34:18 PM
There's definitely a levelling out in world soccer. The best teams (hopefully bar Spain) are not that great with a reluctance to dribble in case of losing possession whilst the minnows are defensively sound in general.
but the last european championship was a brilliant tournament, this is the polar opposite.
Point taken.
actually given the way fifa fuucked them over with the goalkeeper, i'd like north korea to get something out of this game - although, i reckon that the fans at home will see them manage a courageous draw anyway ;)
does Dunga remind anyone else of the chuckle brothers?
Oh and I wish clive Tisley would stop saying Kack kaaa, he sounds like a bird FFS
Kim Jong-il to come on with 2 minutes to go and score a hat trick!
Josimar anyone?
Josimar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta6pPGlOhF4)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 15, 2010, 08:41:30 PM
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:56:56 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 04:49:46 PM
Puke football.
The standard of free kicks, corners and long range shooting in this World Cup has been a disgrace for highly paid professional footballers. Some of these matches would shame the Irish League or League of Ireland.
I'm convinced the ball is a factor. There's no way the standard could be so consistently poor in all the matches and among all the players.
The germans had no trouble with the ball.
With typical German efficiency they have been using the World Cup ball since Christmas.
Nice goal.
Where is your man Gilberto who used to be at Arsenal at now?
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 15, 2010, 08:34:55 PM
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on June 15, 2010, 08:30:15 PM
question about advancing further in the Cup.
If you have all 4 teams in a group with the same points, say 4, because they all tied each other with the same scores of 0-0, who advances?
they used to draw straws - but i get the feeling they use the fifa rankings nowadays.
Higher ranking going forward or reverse?
I think it should penalize the higher seed team for not beating a lower seed team if thats the way its determined.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 15, 2010, 08:58:25 PM
Nice goal.
Where is your man Gilberto who used to be at Arsenal at now?
Panathinaikos
I would judge the tournament when it has concluded, it has been dire so far but teams are shit scared of losing their first game and putting themselves under huge pressure to win their final two games.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 15, 2010, 08:57:07 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 15, 2010, 08:41:30 PM
Quote from: paco on June 15, 2010, 04:56:56 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 04:49:46 PM
Puke football.
The standard of free kicks, corners and long range shooting in this World Cup has been a disgrace for highly paid professional footballers. Some of these matches would shame the Irish League or League of Ireland.
I'm convinced the ball is a factor. There's no way the standard could be so consistently poor in all the matches and among all the players.
The germans had no trouble with the ball.
With typical German efficiency they have been using the World Cup ball since Christmas.
aye, apparently a number of the german squad were used for testing the new ball in the giant adidas testing facility outside cologne and it was amended to suit their particular german style of shooting.
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on June 15, 2010, 08:59:08 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 15, 2010, 08:34:55 PM
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on June 15, 2010, 08:30:15 PM
question about advancing further in the Cup.
If you have all 4 teams in a group with the same points, say 4, because they all tied each other with the same scores of 0-0, who advances?
they used to draw straws - but i get the feeling they use the fifa rankings nowadays.
Higher ranking going forward or reverse?
I think it should penalize the higher seed team for not beating a lower seed team if thats the way its determined.
My bad:
Quote
Tie-breaking criteria
For the World Cup tournament, FIFA uses the following criteria to rank teams in the Group Stage.[68]
1.greatest number of points in all group matches;
2.goal difference in all group matches;
3.greatest number of goals scored in all group matches;
4.greatest number of points in matches between tied teams;
5.goal difference in matches between tied teams;
6.greatest number of goals scored in matches between tied teams;
7.drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee
They got one back. Fair play to them.
now we get 2 mins injury time, the ref must have forgot about the 5/6 substitutions and the nearly 2 minutes the game was stopped around the 65th minute for the injury to the korean lad.
At this rate Kim Jong Il only needs a late brace to win it
Best game of the tournament, Competitive for most of it and 3 good goals, the Korean goal was the best of the 3.
The lads are questioning whether Maicon meant that shot, just like the English did with the Ronaldinho goal in 2002. Of course he meant it.
It took Brazil to bring back the magic. I'm getting used to those vuvulas or watever the hell they're called.
There's a free Vuvuzela app for the iPhone. I'm seriously tempted...
At last we get to see some quality! Entertaining game, think Maicon meant that goal, you could see the way he struck it. Was quite surprised, the Koreans were better than I anticipated, your man up front who promised a goal every game looks a decent prospect, pace and strength but could do with working on his finishing. Robinho was unreal, that pass was excellent and looking forward to Xavi producing about 10 of them tomorrow!
Robinho looks up for this tournament.
Quote from: ONeill on June 15, 2010, 09:45:42 PM
Robinho looks up for this tournament.
He does indeed. Not sure about Kaka though.
Robinho only plays well when there are good players around him.
This just shows that Brazil cannot play full pace and still win, I say they will give Ivory Coast some game.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 15, 2010, 09:37:39 PM
It took Brazil to bring back the magic. I'm getting used to those vuvulas or watever the hell they're called.
I think you might be thinking of a VULVAS - and they are a different thing entirely. Although, sometimes they can make a high pitched whine-type noise.
A "report" over here a few weeks ago stated that although much had been made of the fact that the Koreans had qualifed, there were strict rules in place to only broadcast the scores IF points were gained. No negative stuff was to be broadcast.
Didi looks like he was out in Lillie's last night with Eamon!!
Hopefully there will be a few goals in this one!
This game has started off at a cracking pace.... very entertaining so far
Pace of these Chile lads is unreal, Honduras players are getting no time on the ball.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 02:28:23 PM
Interesting story being reported by the Guardian regarding Dutch supporters chucked out of the ground during yesterday's match. They were a group of girls with short dresses advertising Bavaria Beer (not one of the officials sponsors). They were held by the police for a couple of hours. Apparently they got their tickets off Robbie Earle who has been sacked by ITV as a "pundit"!!
See the Guardian's live blog at 2:05pm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/world-cup-2010-live-blog
Robbie Earle now dropped as an ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid.
Another token black man will be found soon enough
Quote from: mc_grens on June 15, 2010, 09:42:49 PM
There's a free Vuvuzela app for the iPhone. I'm seriously tempted...
vuvuzela 2010 is the way to go. A nice crisp buzzing and you can change the colour of your horn.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 16, 2010, 01:22:56 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 15, 2010, 02:28:23 PM
Interesting story being reported by the Guardian regarding Dutch supporters chucked out of the ground during yesterday's match. They were a group of girls with short dresses advertising Bavaria Beer (not one of the officials sponsors). They were held by the police for a couple of hours. Apparently they got their tickets off Robbie Earle who has been sacked by ITV as a "pundit"!!
See the Guardian's live blog at 2:05pm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/15/world-cup-2010-live-blog
Robbie Earle now dropped as an ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid.
The whole thing is a disgrace and it's really backfired on FIFA, Bavaria are now the second most talked about brand of the world cup (after adidas jabulani), brilliant ambush marketing if indeed that's what it was, but no, fifa own the colour orange now don't they - wankers.
Chile look impressive - their #7 Sanchez is playing a blinder. Their last game of the group will be against Spain; they may already have qualified if they beat Switzerland.
Fair fucks to Chile for having a bit of a go today. Teams like Slovakia could learn a lot from their approach.
I saw Dunphy in Ranelagh today. So there.
Dare I say it but that was maybe the most attacking game of the World Cup so far, lets hope Spain can produce the same.
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 16, 2010, 02:57:13 PM
Dare I say it but that was maybe the most attacking game of the World Cup so far, lets hope Spain can produce the same.
Aye, hopefully this will be the day the World Cup kicks into gear proper with Spain starting and the first of the 2nd group games, more incentive for teams to go for it.
Great display by Chile today, I reckon they'll be playing Brazil in the last 16, what a match that would be! Or at least I hope so. Spain being very patient, surely it's only a matter of time and the Swiss can't keep this up? Felt sorry for Senderos coming off.
Quote from: paco on June 16, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Great display by Chile today, I reckon they'll be playing Brazil in the last 16, what a match that would be! Or at least I hope so. Spain being very patient, surely it's only a matter of time and the Swiss can't keep this up? Felt sorry for Senderos coming off.
As much as Senderos was a right gobshite when at Arsenal, he at least deserved to get till half time.
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 16, 2010, 03:59:06 PM
Quote from: paco on June 16, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Great display by Chile today, I reckon they'll be playing Brazil in the last 16, what a match that would be! Or at least I hope so. Spain being very patient, surely it's only a matter of time and the Swiss can't keep this up? Felt sorry for Senderos coming off.
As much as Senderos was a right gobshite when at Arsenal, he at least deserved to get till half time.
Aye, you don't like to see that happen any player at such an important match, especially him with his connections to Spain. Did you see the incident? He slide tackled into his own player.
Get in, that makes for a great second half, David Villa hat trick wouldn't go a miss for my bets.
The Swiss go in front! :o
Should be an interesting second half now!
Spain 1-0 down to switzerland. Hopefully make a better game of it now.
Villa hat trick would be nice alright. Surely Busquests has to make way for Torres or Fabregas ASAP.
Spain 15/8 in the live betting, extremely tempting. You'd imagine Spain will up the tempo soon and they've Torres and Fabregas to come in.
Barcelona v Inter Milan all over again.
Round 2 transfers for the second round have to be completed by 8.15 tonight, I think???
At least that Swiss goal should mean Fabregas and Torres get on the pitch.
Quote from: paco on June 16, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Great display by Chile today, I reckon they'll be playing Brazil in the last 16, what a match that would be! Or at least I hope so. Spain being very patient, surely it's only a matter of time and the Swiss can't keep this up? Felt sorry for Senderos coming off.
What happened? Was he playing brutal?
Quote from: wherefromreferee? on June 16, 2010, 04:19:51 PM
Quote from: paco on June 16, 2010, 03:43:00 PM
Great display by Chile today, I reckon they'll be playing Brazil in the last 16, what a match that would be! Or at least I hope so. Spain being very patient, surely it's only a matter of time and the Swiss can't keep this up? Felt sorry for Senderos coming off.
What happened? Was he playing brutal?
They showed a replay of him slide tackling his own player then pulling up. Didn't seem right after and was off a few minutes later.
Spain were 33 to 1 on to qualify from the group. They looked like bad odds and they are at this point. in time
This tournament is up there with USA 94 for it's overall shiteness. Does anyone know anyone who actually paid to go there? My gawwwwwwd this game is rank got.
Aussie TV has installed a new called the Rivaldo Reward for the worst bit of play acting in the tournament. A clear leader is that gipe from Cote d'Ivoire last night.
My dark horses Chile and Switzerland are flying high.
FFS that was some strike :o
Unreal strike!
Swiss will be doing well to keep a clean sheet, bound to be a barrage of shots in the last 20 minutes.
Jesus Christ! Memories of France v Senegal in 2002.
Swiss desperately unlucky there, would have been a great goal.
Quote from: Schkite on June 16, 2010, 04:31:57 PM
Swiss desperately unlucky there, would have been a great goal.
[/quote
Would have been an absolute cracker alright... yer man on the follow up was close I think too... good block by one of the defenders
This has developed into quite a goid game. The Swiss could easily be 2-0 up but Spain deserve to be ahead.
5 minutes of injury time. What is that for?
I'm sure all those people that backed Spain for the World Cup are quite worried now, if they don't beat Chile they could be knocked out in the group stages
At last something has happened :o
Fair fcuks to Switzerland, held out very well. This group won't be as clear-cut as I thought it would.
Spanish chokers...
Can't watch much more of this shit. Please let the second round of fixtures be better, it can't get any worse.
Could be Spain v Brazil in last 16 now
Spain could just have booked themselves a last 16 meeting with Brazil (or a ticket home)
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 16, 2010, 04:49:12 PM
5 minutes of injury time. What is that for?
Howard Webb must be mistaking the red of Spain for the red of Man United
Quote from: ross4life on June 16, 2010, 04:52:59 PM
I'm sure all those people that backed Spain for the World Cup are quite worried now, if they don't beat Chile they could be knocked out in the group stages
I don't think so. They created a lot of chances, Navas, Xabi Alonso and Iniesta were all within inches of scoring. Just one of those days as the pundits are saying. Interesting to see what happened Iniesta.
don't want to keep on about this, but the ball must be a factor - i've never seen those spanish players struggle so much with control, passing and shooting. It's ruining the tournament imo.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 16, 2010, 05:00:27 PM
don't want to keep on about this, but the ball must be a factor - i've never seen those spanish players struggle so much with control, passing and shooting. It's ruining the tournament imo.
+1
Will Eamon Dunphy's head explode now as he tries to explain how Spain will win the World Cup now?
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 16, 2010, 05:00:27 PM
don't want to keep on about this, but the ball must be a factor - i've never seen those spanish players struggle so much with control, passing and shooting. It's ruining the tournament imo.
Crossing is absolute shite
Surprised Fabregas didn't get a run out.
Quote from: ross4life on June 16, 2010, 04:52:59 PM
I'm sure all those people that backed Spain for the World Cup are quite worried now, if they don't beat Chile they could be knocked out in the group stages
Ah I dunno Ross, I think they will be secretly happy.
Quote from: ONeill on June 16, 2010, 05:04:48 PM
Surprised Fabregas didn't get a run out.
Musn't be fully fit, Torres definitely didn't look it. Can't understand why Del Bosque felt the need to play a 5 man midfield against the Swiss, who don't offer much going forward.
I think he should have left Torres on the bench and brought on Fabregas or someone else because Torres was nowhere near his best, 2 or 3 times his touch let him down at vital times, if Villa had of been in those situations he could have got a goal.
I see Hamann is taking over from Souness as Dunphys new best friend, isn't that right Didi, Didi knows this, Didi knows that :D
I don't think any team has lost its first match and gone on to win the World Cup. I seem to remember Holland won Euro 88 after losing their opener but I don't think its happened at the WC.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 16, 2010, 05:16:33 PM
I don't think any team has lost its first match and gone on to win the World Cup. I seem to remember Holland won Euro 88 after losing their opener but I don't think its happened at the WC.
Argentina lost their first at Italia 90 and got to the final. I think it was 2 pts for a win then, not sure.
Quote from: Minder on June 16, 2010, 05:24:17 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 16, 2010, 05:16:33 PM
I don't think any team has lost its first match and gone on to win the World Cup. I seem to remember Holland won Euro 88 after losing their opener but I don't think its happened at the WC.
Argentina lost their first at Italia 90 and got to the final. I think it was 2 pts for a win then, not sure.
Yes, this has happened a few times. Italy lost their opener to some rabble in 1994 and went to the final. In taht tournament three out of the four teams qualified for the second stage
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 16, 2010, 05:16:33 PM
I don't think any team has lost its first match and gone on to win the World Cup. I seem to remember Holland won Euro 88 after losing their opener but I don't think its happened at the WC.
Yea you're right, no team who has lost their opening game has gone on to win it...
Quote from: Minder on June 16, 2010, 05:24:17 PM
Argentina lost their first at Italia 90 and got to the final. I think it was 2 pts for a win then, not sure.
Yea Italy were in the same in '94 after THAT DAY in Gaint's Stadium....
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on June 16, 2010, 05:11:48 PM
I see Hamann is taking over from Souness as Dunphys new best friend, isn't that right Didi, Didi knows this, Didi knows that :D
There is a very funny apres match skit on Didi on the rte website.
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 16, 2010, 05:30:41 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 16, 2010, 05:16:33 PM
I don't think any team has lost its first match and gone on to win the World Cup. I seem to remember Holland won Euro 88 after losing their opener but I don't think its happened at the WC.
Yea you're right, no team who has lost their opening game has gone on to win it...
Quote from: Minder on June 16, 2010, 05:24:17 PM
Argentina lost their first at Italia 90 and got to the final. I think it was 2 pts for a win then, not sure.
Yea Italy were in the same in '94 after THAT DAY in Gaint's Stadium....
In 1982 Italy drew all their group games (two 1-1 and one 0-0) and qualified due to the fact that they scored more goals (2) than Cameroon (1). They woke up in the 2nd stage...
Quote from: seafoid on June 16, 2010, 05:36:14 PM
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on June 16, 2010, 05:11:48 PM
I see Hamann is taking over from Souness as Dunphys new best friend, isn't that right Didi, Didi knows this, Didi knows that :D
There is a very funny apres match skit on Didi on the rte website.
Didi's accent is brilliant, it's under "Eamon and the Vuvuzelas" http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/apresmatch.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/apresmatch.html) The Vincent Browne one is very good as well...
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on June 16, 2010, 06:01:16 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 16, 2010, 05:36:14 PM
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on June 16, 2010, 05:11:48 PM
I see Hamann is taking over from Souness as Dunphys new best friend, isn't that right Didi, Didi knows this, Didi knows that :D
There is a very funny apres match skit on Didi on the rte website.
Didi's accent is brilliant, it's under "Eamon and the Vuvuzelas" http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/apresmatch.html (http://www.rte.ie/sport/worldcup/apresmatch.html) The Vincent Browne one is very good as well...
"I read on the back of a packet of strongmints actually...."
Quote from: Aerlik on June 16, 2010, 04:23:40 PM
Aussie TV has installed a new called the Rivaldo Reward for the worst bit of play acting in the tournament. A clear leader is that gipe from Cote d'Ivoire last night.
Not in the same league as Ronaldo
His fresh-air trip near the sideline was master-class, complete with the illusional effect on both the officials and commentators, that they actually saw him being tripped.
(http://i.imgur.com/rEAil.png)
Jais the whole south african team is black.... a bit odd considering the south african rugby team has a mix of black and white is it not?? or are the white lads just crap at football....
Jaysus that was some goal by Forlan...
It probably would have went in without the deflection, just shows what thon ball can do.
The BBC had nearly awarded Forlan goal of the tournament before they noticed the deflection.
If Xabi Alonso's shot earlier had of went in, you would have been right to give him the Goal of the Tournament trophy on the spot!
Forlan running the show here. Good open game, end to end stuff. Hopefully this means it'll be the same for all the other second round games!
wtf was the uru captain at there???
And that is why I am growing to hate soccer.
"There was contact" = penalty and sending off and game over and country out of world cup.
"No handball" = goal and country out of world cup.
No TV ref = diving cheats win = what soccer is all about now.
However if someone tries to cheat their sponsors they act quickly enough to correct the problem.
A load of Dutch girls, who wore orange dresses as a stunt by Bavarian beer, were arrested and had their passports taken by South African police. This was demanded by World Cup organisers on behalf of their main beer sponsor, Budweiser.
http://www.cphpost.dk/news/international/89-international/49242-women-allege-mistreatment-after-brewers-stunt.html (http://www.cphpost.dk/news/international/89-international/49242-women-allege-mistreatment-after-brewers-stunt.html)
And Robbie Earle got sacked over it, unbelieveable...
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 16, 2010, 09:59:19 PM
And Robbie Earle got sacked over it, unbelieveable...
Robbie Earle was a shite pundit anyway, I would actually go as far as saying he was bellend!
http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item454871/Maradona:-Pele-should-return-to-museum/
This man is some craic :D
Yea, was about to say it didn't take Maradona long to get going - http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/16062010/58/world-cup-2010-maradona-attacks-pele-platini.html
Dread what he'll do if the Argies are dumped out controversially.
Found some of this funny:
Tom English: 'The level of punditry is patronising and insulting'
IT'S FAIR to say that it's not just ITV that has taken some stick for some of their coverage at this World Cup, particularly the coverage of the tournament's lesser lights. The BBC have been getting it in the neck as well. To give you an example, what I'm talking about here is things like Alan Shearer's self-proclaimed "expert analysis" that amounts to a conveyor belt of cliches and the kind of insight that even a child of six would describe as laughable.
Before the Algeria versus Slovenia game in Group C on Sunday, Shearer seemed to be speaking for the entire BBC panel when he said, "Our knowledge of these two teams is limited." Limited! What the former England striker was saying was that he hadn't done his homework, that he hadn't spoken to any of his vast array of contacts in the game, hadn't tapped into the BBC's huge research machinery, hadn't even bothered, seemingly, to peruse the internet for some background on Algeria and Slovenia or even flick through a newspaper or a magazine. Shearer was content to sit in front of the cameras and tell the viewers that, really, he didn't know much. Hardly a revelation to those of us who have groaned our way through his anodyne commentaries in the past, but embarrassing all the same.
Why do the BBC deem that acceptable? Why is Shearer not taken aside and told, 'Listen, if you can't be bothered doing some research on this game then get lost'. It's a different, and entirely more professional story, on radio where the wonderful 5 Live and, closer to home, the award-winning Radio Scotland present their football coverage in a proper fashion. How does Shearer (but not just Shearer) get away with opting out like that?
And here's another one. The Beeb got carpeted by some viewers for their treatment of that Algeria game. So what happened before the kick-off in yesterday's lunch-time match between New Zealand and Slovakia? In a six-and-a-half minute introduction just one player out of the 22 on show was given a name-check, and here is how it happened.
Lee Dixon: "Slovakia have got some decent players, Hamsik, the pick of them. Young player, plays on the left side."
Gary Lineker: "He's at Napoli."
Lee Dixon: "That's right."
Alan Hansen (chuckling): "Somebody gave you him, by the way."
What Hansen meant, I think, was that his colleagues must have been fed the Hamsik reference by another party, that they couldn't have come up with his name all by themselves. It's not like Dixon or Lineker produced a dossier of facts about Hamsik, a file of information on who he is and where he has been. All they did was mention his name and the fact that he was rather good. That was it. Hansen seemed to think this was worthy of a gently-mocking put-down, as if the other two were some kind of class swots. As such, he was almost revelling in his own ignorance.
There's a lot of this going about, on BBC and ITV. The level of punditry is cringe-making. It's lowest common denominator stuff. Patronising and insulting, much of it. Emmanuel Adebayor's mobile phone started ringing in his pocket live on air the other day. His respect for the viewers didn't even amount to him making sure the thing was switched off. Edgar Davids has been unintelligible, Gareth Southgate hasn't said one interesting thing, Kevin Keegan has been nothing more than a cheerleader for England and Andy Townsend has been his usual bland self, trotting out statements of the obvious with a rapid-fire gusto. "I tell you what, for me, he's gotta hit the target from there!"
And you are paid how much, Andy?
Clarence Seedorf was in the BBC studio the other night for the Italy versus Paraguay match and he was making a point about the positive impact an Italian substitute had made on the game. He was referring to Antonio Di Natale, winner of more than 30 caps for the Azzurri and the leading goalscorer in Serie A in the season just gone, but Seedorf couldn't remember his name. Hadn't a clue. Neither did the blokes alongside him, Hansen among them. "He was the No 10," said a smiling Seedorf, who then reached for a team-sheet on the desk for help before realising that it was the Dutch team-sheet. "That's no use," he laughed. Indeed, Clarence.
Hansen thought this was priceless. "That might be highlight of the World Cup so far," he trumpeted. The programme ended and still nobody had figured out that the No 10 was Di Natale. You would hope that behind the scenes the BBC producers were holding their heads in their hands with embarrassment, but you wouldn't bank on it. Of course, in the squirm factor stakes there are many challengers. Mick McCarthy claimed just before kick-off in the Argentina versus Nigeria game that he'd only just realised that the Juan Sebastian Veron that appeared on his team-sheet was the same Veron who'd played for Manchester United and Chelsea. Quite a statement of ignorance, that.
In fairness to McCarthy, he does have something to offer in his reading of the game. It's just that there is so much that makes you wince in between. What we're getting a lot of from both sides is glib nonsense, crap jokes and crass stereotyping. Adrian Chiles is flavour of the month on ITV, but his popularity is not what it was. It wasn't his fault that ITV HD pressed the wrong button at the wrong time during England's opening game and missed Steven Gerrard's goal, but Chiles has been distinctly unconvincing in the anchor role. He wants to be the funny man when the job demands gravitas. He wants to throw in one-liners when he should be attempting to spearhead a proper discussion about a match.
His introduction to England's game against the Americans was mortifying. Wielding a baseball bat and sending a message to America, he said, "Just stick to your sports, why don't you?" Chiles was also seen patting a burger, adding: "We really love Americans, just wouldn't eat a whole one." He made himself look like a clown.
Keegan's summing-up: "It was a very, very good performance, good enough to win any game." This classic piece of Keegan claptrap should have been jumped upon and ripped apart for the nonsensical garbage that it was, but it sailed through pretty much. Chiles doesn't do confrontation – neither does the BBC – and it's a terrible weakness. There is no edge, no passion. It's all so bloody harmless and dull.
ITV needed somebody with a backbone to turn around to Keegan and say to him, 'Okay Kevin, what you're saying there is a load of junk. Explain how getting a draw against a team of journeymen like America is very good, explain the selection of James Milner out of position, explain why the rank ordinary Shaun Wright-Phillips was brought on instead of the classy Joe Cole, explain the failure of Gerrard and Frank Lampard to function together yet again, explain why this negated Wayne Rooney's impact'. Kev didn't do any of that, though.
There are many days ahead when our intelligence will be insulted by "expert analysts" who speak to us like simpletons who've just staggered home from the pub. We could do a lot worse than hitting the mute button from here on in. Or getting the commentary off the radio.
http://sport.scotsman.com/football/Tom-English-39The-level-of.6364084.jp
QuoteAdrian Chiles is flavour of the month on ITV, but his popularity is not what it was. It wasn't his fault that ITV HD pressed the wrong button at the wrong time during England's opening game and missed Steven Gerrard's goal, but Chiles has been distinctly unconvincing in the anchor role. He wants to be the funny man when the job demands gravitas. He wants to throw in one-liners when he should be attempting to spearhead a proper discussion about a match.
His introduction to England's game against the Americans was mortifying. Wielding a baseball bat and sending a message to America, he said, "Just stick to your sports, why don't you?" Chiles was also seen patting a burger, adding: "We really love Americans, just wouldn't eat a whole one." He made himself look like a clown.
I'm glad someone else thought that! It was just cringe the whole way through!
Seedorf was good enough the other night on the highlights show - they show about 2 mins from each game and have comedy moments in between each match, seriously, wtf is that all about??
I normally watch on rte, and whilst they're not quite as lazy, they're not a lot better, the amount of mistakes they make and the amount of times they state that they don't know much about such and such is ridiculous.
I don't watch the English channels, I thought that that was the type of stuff most of the English viewers liked. It's amazing that Shearer was given a job actually managing a team in the EPL or maybe the football managing gig is not that complicated.
I listened to Ronnie Whelan on RTE for the first time in ages and he has wised up a bit. Could be Giles passing him a few gems off-camera, for him to use. Overall RTE's punditry is not reaching the same level of gravitas that it had at the Euros. The forces are scattered about, isolated at different games.
Chiles was very cringeworthy in the buildup to the England game. Think that article is a bit harsh on some of the pundits, I thought Seedorf was good but I find the likes of Andy Townsend and Gareth Southgate unwatchable. Some of the excuse-making during and after the England match was ridiculous and they were all at it, especially on ITV.
Just turned it over to see Forlans penalty, he placed the ball on the spot and the camera showed him looking at the ball then looking at the goal as they all do, the BBC commentator somehow in whatever galaxy he was frequenting said "first sign of nerves from Forlan there", as he blasted the ball into the top corner.........
Quote from: Minder on June 17, 2010, 08:22:37 AM
Just turned it over to see Forlans penalty, he placed the ball on the spot and the camera showed him looking at the ball then looking at the goal as they all do, the BBC commentator somehow in whatever galaxy he was frequenting said "first sign of nerves from Forlan there", as he blasted the ball into the top corner.........
When it showed forlan after the 5 minute delay (when the sub keeper was on and standing near the penalty sport) i thought he did look a bit nervous. But what a cool finish!
To be fair ITV will be disappointed with that...
I think Seedorf hasn't been bad and Lee Dixon and Mick McCarthy are both trying to analyse the football. But when will the TV companies learn that being a former professional footballer does not make you a credible analyst? Did they not screen test Adebayor and Edgar Davids (is he trying to be a Dutch Dunphy with his extreme grumpiness?). Adebayor is unintelligible so it's hard to tell if he's providing insightful analysis or not. Hansen appears to have given up and is there for the fee and jokes (BTW papers are reporting that Robbie Earle's "salary" from ITV was £150,000 per year!!!!) and as for Shearer...
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 11, 2010, 10:00:49 PM
can't believe that bill reckons that because forlan didn't make it with man utd, his miss tonight shows further evidence that he's not a big game player - i mean ffs, talk about insular.
so last night, billo starts the post match analysis, with a 'forlan is showing he's the real deal'
I'd agree with most of ye, Seedorf has been the find of the world cup so far, haven't heard didi, but he's been getting rave reviews. Btw, all seedorf has done is not talk in inance banalities constantly. Remember lads, there's no easy games in international football anymore.
In fairness I saw Davids earlier this year doing Champions League games, possibly with ITV and he was very insightful. He was able to say quite clearly what the teams were doing tactically, it stuck in my mind because Andy Townsend was sitting next to him and had a look on his face as if Davids was discussing quantam physics.
Quote from: Minder on June 17, 2010, 09:45:38 AM
In fairness I saw Davids earlier this year doing Champions League games, possibly with ITV and he was very insightful. He was able to say quite clearly what the teams were doing tactically, it stuck in my mind because Andy Townsend was sitting next to him and had a look on his face as if Davids was discussing quantam physics.
It's quantum.
The pundits are there on a jolly so they aren't gonna waste time researching teams that are unlikely to make it out of their group. I'd say there time is spent playing golf or boozing.
Quote from: Minder on June 17, 2010, 09:45:38 AM
In fairness I saw Davids earlier this year doing Champions League games, possibly with ITV and he was very insightful. He was able to say quite clearly what the teams were doing tactically, it stuck in my mind because Andy Townsend was sitting next to him and had a look on his face as if Davids was discussing quantam physics.
Maybe he's just in a very bad mood, though being stuck between Southgate and Chiles would put anyone in bad form.
I think Jurgen Klinnsman is a good pundit, liked him on Champions League on sky as well. Seems that the foreigners have a better understanding than the Brits of their own game :D
Do what i do, once the HT and FT whistles go, switch over to something else. I dont listen to so called expert analysis. If you know anything about the game, you dont need an ex professional footballer or current PL manager to tell you that
"he should have scored there"
"the linesman was wrong, it was onside"
"that was a clear foul"
etc, etc
When will UK commentators ever get over the fact that Forlan wasn't as good in the Premiership in Spain? They all acknowledge that he's become a world class striker since he left United, but always have to quailfy it. The season before he left, had he not started to score more frequently, although obviously not as much as at Villareal or Atletico? I specifically remember he developed a knack for scoring some pretty important goals for them, such as the two at Anfield.
Quote from: gallsman on June 17, 2010, 11:27:31 AM
When will UK commentators ever get over the fact that Forlan wasn't as good in the Premiership in Spain? They all acknowledge that he's become a world class striker since he left United, but always have to quailfy it. The season before he left, had he not started to score more frequently, although obviously not as much as at Villareal or Atletico? I specifically remember he developed a knack for scoring some pretty important goals for them, such as the two at Anfield.
Would the UK commentators have left him out of their Fantasy Team :D
Will Dunphy and Giles still be there in 2030 ? the same 2 geezers since 1990 or were they on before that ?
Après Match has the best analysis. The rest of it is mostly padding. It's not just RTE or the English channels. French Tv is worse and there is no comedy element.
Quote from: gallsman on June 17, 2010, 11:27:31 AM
When will UK commentators ever get over the fact that Forlan wasn't as good in the Premiership in Spain? They all acknowledge that he's become a world class striker since he left United, but always have to quailfy it. The season before he left, had he not started to score more frequently, although obviously not as much as at Villareal or Atletico? I specifically remember he developed a knack for scoring some pretty important goals for them, such as the two at Anfield.
Couldn't agree more tbh. The same lines spouted every time he goes near the ball. It's a bit ignorant really, and very patronising, because as you say it's not as if he was completely useless before he left United.
The commentator has just come out with this which I think is quite funny:
"Somehow the words 'God' and 'Maradona' go together; ask any Englishman"
they are still bleating about it.
And he's just backed it up with this:
"yellow for Jihun for a tackle on you-know-who; and he's not a Korean by the way." :D
1-0 Argentina, own goal.
Cracking game so far.
Unlucky for the Korean defender. A great fast ball in by Messi and the defender was blinded or wrongfooted by the fact that 2 players should have got a touch on the ball and didn't. He didn't know what hit him.
And now he has declared that the World Cup has "been robbed of the likes of great players like Rio Ferdinand" Pwwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
argentina are ahead and the commentator is amusing me. finally a game that I'm enjoying.
Higuain is an outstanding centre forward and I feel certain he is about to score next........sorted
Gutierrez should join Higuain on the bench.
QuoteAny Higuain fans out there?
He's scored a second for Argentina - all over now. ::)
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 12:56:54 PM
Higuain has been muck so far. From all I have seen Milito is a lot better. Any Higuain fans out there?
:)
Tevez and Messi are keeping the Koreans on their toes.
Nice goal... would like to see the South Koreans get one back - doesn't look likely though
Anyone listening to BBC 5 live coverage? Robbie Savage pissing himself laughing at S Korean Defender called Oh Beom-seok (pronounced O-Bum-Suck) :D
Lol great goal by sk
Dunphy would have field day if he was here with that mistake from De Michelis.
What a gift of a goal!
Was listening there omagh gael you can just hear Savage giggling away in the background when the fellas name is mentioned! Savage isn't a bad commentator actually generally calls it as he sees it.
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 17, 2010, 01:14:02 PM
Anyone listening to BBC 5 live coverage? Robbie Savage pissing himself laughing at S Korean Defender called Oh Beom-seok (pronounced O-Bum-Suck) :D
FYI, it's pronounced "o byoom syook"
Whats the current score? am in work.. :(
Arg 2 SK 1 - 5 mins gone in 2nd half
Koreans miss a sitter! Arg need to be careful here, they should be well ahead. Ref has done them a favour by giving Guttierez a second yellow meaning he'll miss the Greece game.
Argentina should have had two more, and Korea has just missed an absolute sitter.
That goal before half time has given S. Korea something to play for. They're putting the Argies under a bit of pressure now.
82,000 at the game. Obviously neither NZ or slovakia are involved.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 17, 2010, 01:49:11 PM
82,000 at the game. Obviously neither NZ or slovakia are involved.
As a matter of interest, how much would the tickets be for those group games?
There is a story on the front of the star today about the Irish man who got mugged on his way to watch New Zealand v Slovakia as part of a dream trip. Why did he choose that game?
Tevez has played well but Arg losing their way a bit
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 17, 2010, 02:00:57 PM
Tevez has played well but Arg losing their way a bit
Kiss of death...Tevez substituted
Wee bit of quality from Messi and Higuain scores...3-1
I'd have scored that.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2010, 02:05:14 PM
I'd have scored that.
And I'd have scored that...Higuain hat trick 4-1
Hat trick for Higuain that your granny would have scored.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 02:09:36 PM
Hat trick for Higuain that your granny would have scored.
Capt Pat you're probably too young to remember Gerd Muller, the greatest player of all time...inside the 6 yard box!
I see you've managed to revisit your initial criticism Capt Pat! ;)
Yes I don't think Higuain will trouble Gerd Muller for that particular title.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 02:14:13 PM
Yes I don't think Higuain will trouble Gerd Muller for that particular title.
Muller made an entire career out of scoring goals "your granny would have scored"...
Don't think Argentina have the defence to go all the way??
Great performance from Messi. Question, if a player scores a hat trick does that mean he has to get man of the match? My fantasy team is going to suffer as a result!
Quote from: paco on June 17, 2010, 02:29:31 PM
Great performance from Messi. Question, if a player scores a hat trick does that mean he has to get man of the match? My fantasy team is going to suffer as a result!
Go back to the museum Diego... Lionel Messi is the best player I've ever seen.
He's not bad in fairness. Although I'm going to lose out on points to people who had Higuain, even though he couldn't have missed any of his chances and Messi basically set up all four goals! Can't wait to see more of Messi in the tournament, hope he puts this "he has to win a world cup" shite to bed.
I'll eat my hat if Higuain gets man of the match.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 02:40:13 PM
I'll eat my hat if Higuain gets man of the match.
They voted for him on BBC apparently.
Martin Keown just said..."he aimed it aimlessly... :D
What did the Nigerian fella get the line off? Their goal any use?
Greek equaliser - one-way traffic now!
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 17, 2010, 03:43:48 PM
What did the Nigerian fella get the line off? Their goal any use?
Raised his foot at the greek lad & he went down like he was shot ::) Nigeria goal was free kick form the wing that went straight in (bad goalkeeping again)
Greece have finally scored there 1st ever World Cup goal & lucky goal it was
Nice to see a few goals now, stuck 5er on Greece at 5/1 when Nigeria went down to ten.
Did anyone see the BBC montage about Engerland/Germany from Italia 90? f**k but that Bobby Charlton is a hateful bollix.
He got the line for raising his foot and grazing his opponent with it. Stupid but very harsh.
I remember Zola got sent off in 1994 for doing less against Nigeria.
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 17, 2010, 03:43:48 PM
What did the Nigerian fella get the line off? Their goal any use?
Stupid Stupid Stupid kick out a Greek man, no force or reason behind it but he had to go.
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 17, 2010, 03:50:32 PM
Nice to see a few goals now, stuck 5er on Greece at 5/1 when Nigeria went down to ten.
Did anyone see the BBC montage about Engerland/Germany from Italia 90? f**k but that Bobby Charlton is a hateful bollix.
Seen that last night. What did charlton say cant mind?
Bobby Charlton a hateful Bollix? he's one of the true gentlemen of the game surely....
Something about 'the penalties were not even on target' and he shrugged his shoulders (Waddle's was the only one off target), just lacked a wee bit of class, sorta sticking the boot in.
Anyway back to the studio and Lineker says to Jurgen '20yrs is a long time for Germany not to win it' cue Herr Klinsmann with the following 'its better than 44yrs of hurt' :D
Sitters missed by both sides within 20 seconds. Poor football, but great excitement.
2 very bad misses for both teams, this game is destined to finish akk square.
Enjoyed the Argentina vs South korea game more than any othe game so far, this game isn't half bad either in the grand scheme of things.
Fair to say the 2nd round of fixtures has improved & we get to watch good old France tonight :P
African goalies...
Greeks in front, 20 mins left.
For the first half hour Greece looked like the worst team in the tournament...now 2-1 ahead.
What a bad mistake by the Nigerian goalkeeper 2 minutes after making the save of the tournament.
The Nigerian keeper played quite well against Argentina and kept them in it. African keepers have their good and bad days.
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 17, 2010, 04:37:38 PM
The Nigerian keeper played quite well against Argentina and kept them in it. African keepers have their good and bad days.
Nah I know, it was an old myth from the oul days, much like Scottish keepers.
From the rear-view, the ball moved/wobbled a lot, in fairness to the keeper.
Emmanuel Adebayor on the bbc panel really needs subtitles as I'm finding it hard what the hell he's saying
you mean like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3nMY-ltOG8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3nMY-ltOG8)
Good one Dinny :D
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 17, 2010, 03:58:06 PM
Anyway back to the studio and Lineker says to Jurgen '20yrs is a long time for Germany not to win it' cue Herr Klinsmann with the following 'its better than 44yrs of hurt' :D
That's kinda like Mayo man saying to Cork boyo "long time since you lot won the senior All Ireland"
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/329788,vuvuzelas-south-korean-goal.html
They have a point here, you could see the other defender pointing and shouting at Demechelis when the Korean player was running behind him.
Much like Bayern Munich, Argentina can't expect to win a major tournament with Demechelis at the back
Quote from: ross4life on June 17, 2010, 07:21:00 PM
Much like Bayern Munich, Argentina can't expect to win a major tournament with Demechelis at the back
Bayern got very close to it..........
Ray Houghton's relentless negativity about the South Koreans nearly drove me to switch to an English channel, but just turned the sound off instead. The RTE panel (Irwin and Hamann) at half time thought it was beneath them to even mention the Korean goal, no mention of the striker pouncing on the loose ball, keeping his cool and stroking it nicely over the keeper. A goal your granny would not have scored.
Anybody with half a football brain could have told Houghton and the pundits that SK did not need to win this game and if they went all out on the offensive like he was propagating, Argentina would destroy them on the break.
Probably one of the worst commentary/punditry sessions I have heard on RTE.
Has a team ever surrendered as fast as Nigeria did? a truly spunkless team.
Quote from: ross4life on June 17, 2010, 07:21:00 PM
Much like Bayern Munich, Argentina can't expect to win a major tournament with Demechelis at the back
Don't worry, he'll get sent off in time to miss the final.
Quote from: gallsman on June 17, 2010, 07:35:12 PM
Quote from: ross4life on June 17, 2010, 07:21:00 PM
Much like Bayern Munich, Argentina can't expect to win a major tournament with Demechelis at the back
Don't worry, he'll get sent off in time to miss the final.
Who's his back up? Argentina are likely to play one of these two (france/Mexico) in the 2nd round which won't be easy
Decent tempo to the Mexico-France game.
My RTE commentry is way ahead of the play >:(
Quote from: ross4life on June 17, 2010, 07:45:05 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 17, 2010, 07:35:12 PM
Quote from: ross4life on June 17, 2010, 07:21:00 PM
Much like Bayern Munich, Argentina can't expect to win a major tournament with Demechelis at the back
Don't worry, he'll get sent off in time to miss the final.
Who's his back up? Argentina are likely to play one of these two (france/Mexico) in the 2nd round which won't be easy
Burdisso probably.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 17, 2010, 07:46:09 PM
My RTE commentry is way ahead of the play >:(
Thats because (as O'Neill posted) there is a decent tempo to the game.
Would depend on Samuels injury as Burdisso came on for him today, Collocini of Newcastle is also lurking about......... Sure we will wait to see of he is suspended first !
Commentry coming up to half time on RTE though pictures show 22mins. Mexico winnng 1-0
Free Pizzas from Pizza Hut for every goal the French concede in the tournament. I think it's 350 pizzas being given away per goal
http://www.facebook.com/getafreepizza?v=app_115464015155851&ref=ts
Man united new boy has made a name for himself ;D
I was wondering who the Mexican goalie reminded me of.
(http://images.askmen.com/galleries/men/vin-diesel/pictures/vin-diesel-picture-3.jpg)
Great atmosphere at this game, you can hardly hear the horns
If Mexico win this... what's the odds on Mexico v Uruguay playing for a draw to knock France out?
I see George hasn't bothered familiarising himself with the rules for qualification. Head to head comes in after goal difference, though I agree with ross4life, if this finishes with a mexico victory, there'll only be one result between uruguay and mexico. 0-0 anyone??
Rooney-esque dive. Good performance by Mexico. One of the best so far.
It's the end for Domenech.
I fear the curse of George Hamilton may yet strike against Mexico.
Zut alors.
Je feel tres bleu!
Allez les verts.
The draw in the mexico v uruguay game is trading at 1.68 at the minute, 0-0 is 2.6 from 8.0!! I was too slow to get any value though!!
French don't even look bothered. Waste of a place at this World Cup.
Great penalty, France are terrible.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:04:18 PM
I see George hasn't bothered familiarising himself with the rules for qualification. Head to head comes in after goal difference, though I agree with ross4life, if this finishes with a mexico victory, there'll only be one result between uruguay and mexico. 0-0 anyone??
If the results stay the same, Mexico would hardly play for a draw, that would mean them playing Argentina rather than South Korea(probably), not like there's no motivation in the last game to go for the result.
No alcohol ban for the Mexican fans, I see the bottles of San Miguel are being popped like champagne.
Quote from: Schkite on June 17, 2010, 09:09:28 PM
Great penalty, France are terrible.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:04:18 PM
I see George hasn't bothered familiarising himself with the rules for qualification. Head to head comes in after goal difference, though I agree with ross4life, if this finishes with a mexico victory, there'll only be one result between uruguay and mexico. 0-0 anyone??
If the results stay the same, Mexico would hardly play for a draw, that would mean them playing Argentina rather than South Korea(probably), not like there's no motivation in the last game to go for the result.
true, but if they go for a win and lose, they could well be out - history shows that when two teams need a draw, they get it.
France not arsed! Shower of bastids! I will drink their red wine with little pleasure tonight! Oh, for some tequila!
Olé
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on June 17, 2010, 09:17:58 PM
France not arsed! Shower of bastids! I will drink their red wine with little pleasure tonight! Oh, for some tequila!
Olé
;D :D ;D :P ;D :D ;) :)
The balance has firmly shifted to the Americas in this tournament. No duds, apart from Honduras.
Think everyone on here is underestimating the rivalry between the South American teams, I'd be surprised if both settle for a draw. Anyway, France have to beat South Africa, can't see that happening.
I'm with ronnie, he was onside, why is dunphy arguing this?
Quote from: paco on June 17, 2010, 09:32:23 PM
Think everyone on here is underestimating the rivalry between the South American teams, I'd be surprised if both settle for a draw. Anyway, France have to beat South Africa, can't see that happening.
Mexico aren't south american, players are pragmatic, mexico took argies to extra time in the last world cup.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:32:58 PM
I'm with ronnie, he was onside, why is dunphy arguing this?
yeah, onside....Dunphy and Giles have this superiority copmplex over guests.
(http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy243/artdaley/yuyuyuyu.gif)
Is anyone else sitting cringing at Alan Shearer talking to these people?
black man said something about being segregated and shearer goes "and how did that make you feel"
CRINGE!
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 17, 2010, 09:38:26 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:32:58 PM
I'm with ronnie, he was onside, why is dunphy arguing this?
yeah, onside....Dunphy and Giles have this superiority copmplex over guests.
and now they trot out the rules, which don't change anything, but say that eamon has been vindicated ???
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:34:13 PM
Quote from: paco on June 17, 2010, 09:32:23 PM
Think everyone on here is underestimating the rivalry between the South American teams, I'd be surprised if both settle for a draw. Anyway, France have to beat South Africa, can't see that happening.
Mexico aren't south american, players are pragmatic, mexico took argies to extra time in the last world cup.
That clears that up, forgot Mexico played in CONCACAF, simple mistake to make... :D
Anyway, it's irrelevant as I can't see France beating South Africa. They'll have the home support and France didn't look interested tonight when there was something to play for so doubt they will be next time.
Quote from: paco on June 17, 2010, 09:43:14 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:34:13 PM
Quote from: paco on June 17, 2010, 09:32:23 PM
Think everyone on here is underestimating the rivalry between the South American teams, I'd be surprised if both settle for a draw. Anyway, France have to beat South Africa, can't see that happening.
Mexico aren't south american, players are pragmatic, mexico took argies to extra time in the last world cup.
That clears that up, forgot Mexico played in CONCACAF, simple mistake to make... :D
Anyway, it's irrelevant as I can't see France beating South Africa. They'll have the home support and France didn't look interested tonight when there was something to play for so doubt they will be next time.
but if the south africans can manage to hit france for about 6 they can still progress :o
Who plays first next time out? France game or Mexico game or are both played at the same time?
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:42:17 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 17, 2010, 09:38:26 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 17, 2010, 09:32:58 PM
I'm with ronnie, he was onside, why is dunphy arguing this?
yeah, onside....Dunphy and Giles have this superiority copmplex over guests.
and now they trot out the rules, which don't change anything, but say that eamon has been vindicated ???
Yeah, i thnk that eamon should take out his glasses and have a closer l :o k!
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 17, 2010, 09:49:16 PM
Who plays first next time out? France game or Mexico game or are both played at the same time?
final group games at same time
France have been crap for 3 years now.
I thought that Shearer piece was ok, but generally I am fed up witn the BBC breaking away from the football analysis at halftime for reports about this, that and the other. If I want to watch documentaries about Africa I can do that but this is the world cup. Stay focused on the action and analysis lads.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 09:55:51 PM
I thought that Shearer piece was ok, but generally I am fed up witn the BBC breaking away from the football analysis at halftime for reports about this, that and the other. If I want to watch documentaries about Africa I can do that but this is the world cup. Stay focused on the action and analysis lads.
Agreed. They seem to repeat the same team news from the England camp at half time and full time in every match.
I thought that the player was technically onside but only technically. France were unlucky, most linesmen would have given that as offside.
He took the goal well.
It is funny watching Bill and Eamon discussing the French public. They have no idea. And then the only French they know is "c'est la vie". Imagine Tele France 1 discussing Ireland and mentioning leprechauns and then laughter after someone blurts out 'Pog mo thoin".
There was no mention of the prostitution scandal that had Ribery involved- far more likely to have damaged the mood in the camp than Bill's race relations thesis.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 10:07:39 PM
I thought that the player was technically onside but only technically. France were unlucky, most linesmen would have given that as offside.
exactly, i think we should castigate the linesman for making the right decision, but he was wrong in making it, in other words it would have been impossible for the human eye to make the call correctly, therefore whilst he was right, he was wrong (at least i think that's what eamo was saying) - time for video evidence?
And O'Neill is correct, we saw France against Ireland, they were shite, they also finished 4 odd points behind a fairly poor Serbian side in qualifying (they'll prob hammer german tomorrow now).
Quote from: seafoid on June 17, 2010, 10:12:45 PM
There was no mention of the prostitution scandal that had Ribery involved- far more likely to have damaged the mood in the camp than Bill's race relations thesis.
Eamo mentioned it prior to kick off, I don't see why that would damaged the mood that much though, I suppose they may be thinking, there but for the grace of God :D
Quote from: seafoid on June 17, 2010, 10:12:45 PM
It is funny watching Bill and Eamon discussing the French public. They have no idea. And then the only French they know is "c'est la vie". Imagine Tele France 1 discussing Ireland and mentioning leprechauns and then laughter after someone blurts out 'Pog mo thoin".
There was no mention of the prostitution scandal that had Ribery involved- far more likely to have damaged the mood in the camp than Bill's race relations thesis.
Spot on Seafold, they are spoofing out of their backsides, but most Irish viewers seem to regard that type of thing as educational entertainment.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 17, 2010, 10:07:39 PM
I thought that the player was technically onside but only technically. France were unlucky, most linesmen would have given that as offside.
It was marginal either way. France weren't unlucky, they were just push and showed zero ambition. The best team won. Although they're not out of it, if they continue in the same vein they're fucked.
Quote from: Boycey on June 17, 2010, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on June 17, 2010, 02:33:49 PM
Quote from: paco on June 17, 2010, 02:29:31 PM
Great performance from Messi. Question, if a player scores a hat trick does that mean he has to get man of the match? My fantasy team is going to suffer as a result!
Go back to the museum Diego... Lionel Messi is the best player I've ever seen.
Messi not in same league as his mentor.......... yet
One thing I think people aren't taking into account enough. Lionel Messi is 23. At 23 Maradona was having an OK world cup in '82.
If Messi continues to improve in the next four years into the nest World Cup he will be 27. Maradona was 26 in Mexico, and at his absolute peak. Messi potentially isnt there as yet.
Messi's only 22 and he's arguably had more success at club level. Playing a great tournament so far, but I wonder if we'll see the foundation of the Church of Messi after this tournament :D
The RTE panel were drowning themselves in the in the shallow end, grasping for the underlying psychological reasons to support their pet theory, that the French players did not want to perform for their country and laying much of the fault on Domenech etc. Dunphy (ever the master of the self contradiction) made the bizarre claim that all the Irish players went out to play for their country and perform as best they could, no matter who the manager was.
You don't say, Eamon.
Quote from: Main Street on June 17, 2010, 11:47:42 PM
The RTE panel were drowning themselves in the in the shallow end, grasping for the underlying psychological reasons to support their pet theory, that the French players did not want to perform for their country and laying much of the fault on Domenech etc. Dunphy (ever the master of the self contradiction) made the bizarre claim that all the Irish players went out to play for their country and perform as best they could, no matter who the manager was.
You don't say, Eamon.
Including the English and Scottish Irish players.
"Analysis" of the game tonight on RTE was utter sh1t. Whelan and Dunphy are two of the worst analysts around and Bill starting to sound awful old...Hamman seems pretty good though in fairness.
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2010, 09:55:09 PM
France have been crap for 3 years now.
...and where are those who said we should have been there instead? Just imagine how embarrassing it would have been.
Quote from: Main Street on June 17, 2010, 11:47:42 PM
The RTE panel were drowning themselves in the in the shallow end, grasping for the underlying psychological reasons to support their pet theory, that the French players did not want to perform for their country and laying much of the fault on Domenech etc. Dunphy (ever the master of the self contradiction) made the bizarre claim that all the Irish players went out to play for their country and perform as best they could, no matter who the manager was.
You don't say, Eamon.
It was like being in a taxi in Dublin listening to the driver explaining that O'Connell St is the widest street in Europe and that everyone loves Ireland because we are great. Maybe that is Eamon's job, to be the taxi driver of the nation.
Even though it's an Ivory Coast Flag....fair play Mexico!!
(http://65.55.174.215/att/GetAttachment.aspx?file=027a07ed-3c8b-4580-b135-df8914b4eb55.jpg&ct=aW1hZ2UvanBlZw_3d_3d&name=YXJ0aWNsZS0xMjg3NDUyLTBBMTU2QkZGMDAwMDA1REMtODkwXzQ2OHgzNDMuanBn&inline=0&rfc=0&empty=False&imgsrc=&msgHash=ffffffffffffffff&hm__login=jcourell&hm__domain=hotmail.com&ip=10.4.27.8&d=d390&mf=0&hm__ts=Fri%2c%2018%20Jun%202010%2006%3a47%3a41%20GMT&sc=2ECBX9kitAmDRw0a7jCDxAMujALl51D3q4CUQRzPhJ2ZLsaxdY315rcPlljd%2aJ3%21JQp8I2YpIxBdHWfmltQjj6X1TFowJqvE5s6FUxMX1qauk7f3GyFIU%2aaGNpOVEgXWU5rfOobcgF4X1TZWgHmv%21JyY0vwk1ciA9ADwHHVQdHQWXO4UjySTHmw0vqxlsTARZ0iyYoiJM6a%21PsOg1E22aLaseyxsjO9H2iZAwhPXIvr7d4PKwGkvjjFQQSSUzPbXI%2aKtbgnWLDCtlFOqJhzhiUlwDXi6wXWMzUkG4GuPognsexAh17bw9WvLfvJMrCWNupGoYCHXa5xrU%24&hm__ha=01_b19b4cd695f8e7b2f675653c012619f9b133f70c652eea57264ca5049ac2924c&oneredir=1)
Quote from: Aerlik on June 18, 2010, 04:11:57 AM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2010, 09:55:09 PM
France have been crap for 3 years now.
...and where are those who said we should have been there instead? Just imagine how embarrassing it would have been.
Sure we were nearly there aerlik, just a couple of bad results in slovakia and the czech republic ;)
David James in goal for England tonight
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 18, 2010, 09:52:33 AM
David James in goal for England tonight
I thought the point of changing was to strengthen?! James is a disaster too so I am delighted!
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 18, 2010, 09:57:03 AM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 18, 2010, 09:52:33 AM
David James in goal for England tonight
I thought the point of changing was to strengthen?! James is a disaster too so I am delighted!
Strange one alright as last week James was Capello's no 3. If we heard Argentina were going to play their 3rd choice keeper in an important match we'd be rolling the eyes. However Algeria are shite so I expect Eng to win 3-1.
Some strange goings on by Capello. he played Upson in half of qualifying games yet now does not seem to trust him at all, opting for Carragher who I think it is fair to say had a poor season by his very high standards. His lack of pace was badly exposed by a shite American player last sat night.
Will Spurs want Giovani back or will they sell hi or ship him out on loan again? He's been excellent in both matches so far. Deceptively strong too, did some great holdup play last night.
Capello seems to have lost the plot like every other engerland manager before him, seems to be making some very strange decisions if it is James he is going for tonight. Maintained always that his decisions would be based on form- Heskey, Green, Lennon didnt even have average seasons at their clubs yet started first game. Surely the form keeper has to be Joe Hart. And bringing along David Beckham for the jaunt and to promote Brand Beckham in another continent!!!!! All very strange
Quote from: Aerlik on June 18, 2010, 04:11:57 AM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2010, 09:55:09 PM
France have been crap for 3 years now.
...and where are those who said we should have been there instead? Just imagine how embarrassing it would have been.
Are you afraid of embarrassment or failure? That's a loser's psychology, a fear of failure.
We might not bring any consistent level of top class football to any Final's stage but each time the team have gone they have done their honest best and there is no reason to believe that this WC would have been any different. The World Cup is where you want your best players to turn it on and the team to give their all.
I would have played James from the very first match. Despite being 39 years old he is a pretty good keeper. However if I had started with Green I would continue with him. I find managers change keepers too much sometimes when they make mistakes. That wont do anygood for confidence. Best off picking who you think is the best keeper and giving him a few games to claim his place.
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 11:33:30 AM
Quote from: Aerlik on June 18, 2010, 04:11:57 AM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2010, 09:55:09 PM
France have been crap for 3 years now.
...and where are those who said we should have been there instead? Just imagine how embarrassing it would have been.
Are you afraid of embarrassment or failure? That's a loser's psychology, a fear of failure.
We might not bring any consistent level of top class football to any Final's stage but each time the team have gone they have done their honest best and there is no reason to believe that this WC would have been any different. The World Cup is where you want your best players to turn it on and the team to give their all.
Weren't able to beat a consistently poor France side therefore they didn't qualify. Get over it lads.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 12:28:50 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 11:33:30 AM
Quote from: Aerlik on June 18, 2010, 04:11:57 AM
Quote from: ONeill on June 17, 2010, 09:55:09 PM
France have been crap for 3 years now.
...and where are those who said we should have been there instead? Just imagine how embarrassing it would have been.
Are you afraid of embarrassment or failure? That's a loser's psychology, a fear of failure.
We might not bring any consistent level of top class football to any Final's stage but each time the team have gone they have done their honest best and there is no reason to believe that this WC would have been any different. The World Cup is where you want your best players to turn it on and the team to give their all.
Weren't able to beat a consistently poor France side therefore they didn't qualify. Get over it lads.
Get over yourself.
I am over the non-qualification a long time ago.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 18, 2010, 09:52:33 AM
David James in goal for England tonight
Isn't he calamity James ? What was the name associated with ? Didn't Paul robinson have a howler recently as well playing in goal for Engerland ?
Serbia 1 - 0 Germany - Klose sent off 2 yellow cards - very harsh from the ref. Goal came about a minute later.
Am I right that's the boy going to Liverpool who scored?
Woops.
Blows open the game.
Tackle from behind, right under the Ref's nose.
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 18, 2010, 01:11:02 PM
Am I right that's the boy going to Liverpool who scored?
Yep.
Ref is a joker. There could be more red cards
I backed Serbia to win the group but I also backed Klose to be top goalscorer!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/18/world-cup-2010-germany-serbia-live
7 min When Mueller's right-wing cross is headed clear by the Real Madrid centre-back Nemanja Vidic, Podolski, 20 yards out, deliberately slashes across a beautiful left-footed volley that whistles just wide of the near post.
Mild enough yellows for Klose, but deserved a 2nd yellow for sheer stupidity with the second needless effort.
Whelan and Souness ;D
Since when does there have to be animosity in a poor tackle to make it a yellow?
Fair play to Daragh for taking them on.
If Germany have a relatively weakness, it is upfront with Muller and Klose.
Podolski misses two sitters and a penalty in the space of three minutes. Bizarre.
Incredible :o
Sure, but the German midfield is excellent, they will continue to attack, a complete contrast to yesterday's abject surrender by Nigeria.
Serbia are playing a dangerous game, this is a must win game for them, whereas all Germany need is a draw.
I'm sure the BBC/ITV/Sky will talk with glee about a German missing a penalty.
Who will be brave enough to admit schadenfreude?
At least RTE hasn't yet used the "Germans never give up" cliche.
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 01:54:19 PM
At least RTE hasn't yet used the "Germans never give up" cliche.
Early days yet, Main St., early days.
Krasic is having a similar impact that Duff had in WC2002.
Damien Richardson on RTE says 'it's the mental resolve that the Germans have in their breeding that keeps them going and looking fitter even with just 10 men'. Dayo's eloquent way of saying the 'German's never give up'.
No composure. With a man down you'd want to be converting one of your sitters or a gifted penalty. Might rue these misses. This group could finish with 3 teams on 6 points - would Germany play England if they finish second and England top their group?
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 01:54:19 PM
At least RTE hasn't yet used the "Germans never give up" cliche.
Except 1918 and 1945 of course.
Has Muller had a shot yet?
Dayo reckons the Serbians have lost their bottle.
Richardson says some very strange things.
But has such an eloquent way in his strangeness.
This group is wide open
Don't write off the Germans.
Probably ensures England will play Germany or Serbia next, no easy game for them anyway.
Whats with the German coaches and their matching Cardigans and T-shirts, they deserved to lose for that alone.
RTE, with reference to the rule book, say that the yellow card for Vidic was the correct decision from the ref.
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 18, 2010, 02:26:35 PM
Probably ensures England will play Germany or Serbia next, no easy game for them anyway.
Germany might not qualify if Ghana and Serbia win their remaining matches and get a decent gd.
If Podilski had got the line instead of Klose they'd have won 3-1.
Reckon Germany will still finish top.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 02:46:03 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 18, 2010, 02:26:35 PM
Probably ensures England will play Germany or Serbia next, no easy game for them anyway.
Germany might not qualify if Ghana and Serbia win their remaining matches and get a decent gd.
If Podilski had got the line instead of Klose they'd have won 3-1.
True, but I think Germany will beat Ghana easily enough.
I like the prospect of England v Germany in the second round.
The co-commentator on RTE talked an awful lot of shite. Ref was quite poor all right but it seems to me that they have been giving soft frees in all the games so far but maybe I'm too used to watching English football. Serbia have some really good players, Krasic (spelling?) especially.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 18, 2010, 03:00:33 PM
I like the prospect of England v Germany in the second round.
Come on En-ger-land!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXzplnF4EjU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXzplnF4EjU&feature=related)
some strike there!
USA a goal down. Belter by slovenia!!
2-0 great goal plenty of shocks in these 2nd round fixtures just what this world cup needed to bring it to life
I put 10 euro on Forlan to score & Mexico v Uruguay to finish 1-1 at odds of 22/1 8)
C'mon Algeria, the upsets are starting to happen!
What is the benefit of topping the group?
I ask this as if things go as they stand, will Slovenia want to beat England in the last game.
If you're top you'll play a second place finisher in another group. I think Slovenia are through already if they win.
Quote from: Denn Forever on June 18, 2010, 03:49:36 PM
What is the benefit of topping the group?
I ask this as if things go as they stand, will Slovenia want to beat England in the last game.
The two in England's would want to avoid Germany if they make it through. England v Slovenia is before Germany v Ghana. Germany will have to win that one.
Seen enough of slovenia and slovakia in our qualifying campaign to know they weren't just going to be whipping boys.
Landon Donovan unbelievebale tekkers!
Goalie wouldn't have expecded that piledriver but should have done better i.e. standing up, not ducking away from the ball.
Game on.
The goalie was expecting a cross and was thinking of that and was caught in no mans land with his hands by his side when Donovan decided to shoot. He nearly had his head taken off.
Just seen it, its like one of those goals you score in the school playground. Run as close to the keeper as possible and then belt it as hard as you can. Not saying that, that was what the USA striker was thinking but thats what it reminded me of.
Two each.
What a game!
Didn't see too much wrong with that one?
Best match yet. Terrible decision by the ref.
Bradley equalises, 2-2. Now the Yanks have a goal disallowed as well.
Backed the yanks at 6/1 when it was 2-1 Slovenia, gutted at that disallowed goal.
Great game, World Cup kicked into life the last few days.
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 04:57:14 PM
Great game, World Cup kicked into life the last few days.
Agreed.
Americans were robbed. Great second half performance and god knows how the ref disallowed that goal, penalty if anything.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 18, 2010, 05:07:37 PM
Americans were robbed. Great second half performance and god knows how the ref disallowed that goal, penalty if anything.
Absolutely, terrible decision. USA should still progress to the second round by beating Algeria, tough enough on Slovenia being so close to qualifying and now they'll find it very hard, but you can't defend like that and expect to go far in the World Cup.
Great spirit by the American team, truely looked dead and buried after that second goal against the run of play. Donovans goal was almost in slow motion for me - he was begging someone to make a run into the box!
Said it before on the USA World cup thread - little Bradley is a very very good player.
Go on te feck!
Missed both games today, second one sounded great. What was the first like? Looking forward to seeing the highlights tonight.
Yeah agree with that about Bradley, looks a very tidy player, good engine too. He was excellent against England in the 1st game. Also agree the yanks were robbed!
That USA Slovenia game was exciting, but had a decent quota of the worst quality of football played at the WC. Worst football as in the most inept performance by the USA that I have seen from them in competition. Slovenia - worst defending I have seen from any team in a competition. I don't know how they got away with it, I suppose it was fitting that this game also had the worst referee. Add in the unique factor of a goalkeeper who uses his post to hide behind.
It was strange that Donovan could not do anything on the ball after he scored, possibly injured/knackered.
The USA are desperate short of quality up front.
Who ever finishes first in Germany's group has a handy round 2 game.
Quote from: Main Street on June 18, 2010, 07:00:08 PM
That USA Slovenia game was exciting, but had a decent quota of the worst quality of football played at the WC. Worst football as in the most inept performance by the USA that I have seen from them in competition. Slovenia - worst defending I have seen from any team in a competition. I don't know how they got away with it, I suppose it was fitting that this game also had the worst referee. Add in the unique factor of a goalkeeper who uses his post to hide behind.
It was strange that Donovan could not do anything on the ball after he scored, possibly injured/knackered.
The USA are desperate short of quality up front.
Who ever finishes first in Germany's group has a handy round 2 game.
Slovenia's keeper wasn't too sharp on either goal. He hid behind the near post for the first and failed to come out and attack the ball and man for the second.
The tournament has awoken from it's slumber but unfortunately due to inept refereeing rather than high quality play.
Just for you ONeill -
I toul yis things would improve in the second group games when teams have to have a bit more urgency. A great fella am I.
What I'd give for James to drop the ball in to the net....
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 07:30:55 PM
What I'd give for James to drop the ball in to the net....
No mention of him please incase he has a stormer.
Majiid Bougerra 1-0 pays a cool 500 lids!
England are desperate aren't they - they'll probably win this one but I just can't wait until the face a decent team!
Algeria playing all the football so far, still can't see England losing though but as you say pints first decent team they face could tear them apart. Their back four don't look solid at all.
What is best price for England to win the heap? I'm thinking a tenner on them to win might soften the blow if the other teams conspired to lose the competition to England. Have yet to see a standout team.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 07:49:56 PM
England are desperate aren't they - they'll probably win this one but I just can't wait until the face a decent team!
Unfortunately that could be a while before they meet one of the top sides the way the draw is, but they would be absolutely taken apart on this form.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 07:57:22 PM
What is best price for England to win the heap? I'm thinking a tenner on them to win might soften the blow if the other teams conspired to lose the competition to England. Have yet to see a standout team.
Even if the favourites haven't shined yet, I haven't seen anything from England to suggest they can even challenge. They'd want to pull the finger out big style if they have thoughts of winning it.
Anyone fancy a cup of tea?
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 07:57:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 07:49:56 PM
England are desperate aren't they - they'll probably win this one but I just can't wait until the face a decent team!
Unfortunately that could be a while before they meet one of the top sides the way the draw is, but they would be absolutely taken apart on this form.
I think they'll be lucky to win the round of 16.
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 07:59:39 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 07:57:22 PM
What is best price for England to win the heap? I'm thinking a tenner on them to win might soften the blow if the other teams conspired to lose the competition to England. Have yet to see a standout team.
Even if the favourites haven't shined yet, I haven't seen anything from England to suggest they can even challenge. They'd want to pull the finger out big style if they have thoughts of winning it.
Not loving the use of the word "shined". However, Coral have best price of 8/1.
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on June 18, 2010, 08:01:26 PM
Anyone fancy a cup of tea?
Nice and strong, no sugar and a dash of the cow. Cheers.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 08:02:37 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 07:57:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 07:49:56 PM
England are desperate aren't they - they'll probably win this one but I just can't wait until the face a decent team!
Unfortunately that could be a while before they meet one of the top sides the way the draw is, but they would be absolutely taken apart on this form.
I think they'll be lucky to win the round of 16.
Whoever comes 2nd in that group will really put it up to England and will have come through a much tougher group aswell, definately won't be easy for England.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 08:04:38 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 07:59:39 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 07:57:22 PM
What is best price for England to win the heap? I'm thinking a tenner on them to win might soften the blow if the other teams conspired to lose the competition to England. Have yet to see a standout team.
Even if the favourites haven't shined yet, I haven't seen anything from England to suggest they can even challenge. They'd want to pull the finger out big style if they have thoughts of winning it.
Not loving the use of the word "shined". However, Coral have best price of 8/1.
:D Performed then!
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 18, 2010, 08:05:31 PM
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on June 18, 2010, 08:01:26 PM
Anyone fancy a cup of tea?
Nice and strong, no sugar and a dash of the cow. Cheers.
Multipack of Snickers in the fridge if you want one with yer tae?
This game needs a Algeria goal has been a borefest so far
Not a fan of the aul hard chocolate Tony, il leave out an have it in half an hour!
England Sh**e but the Algerians will tire in last 20 and England will sneak one or two.
Quote from: ross4life on June 18, 2010, 08:17:26 PM
This game needs a Algeria goal has been a borefest so far
I'm happy enough for it to stay like this....
Yes, it is a borefest! That's why the kettle's on. May decide to open the wine early!
I threw a few pound on england to win there, that's them doomed now!
Did you see the cut of Heskey there ! why do so called top managers like Capello and O;Neill keep picking him.
Algeria growing in confidence....
Yis are determined to scud this.
Well they've the scapegoat lined up - all Capello's fault.
Andy Townsend is sounding more gutted by the minute!
so much for the so-called E.A.S.Y group which was discussed after the draw was made
England
Algeria
Slovenia
Yanks
Arguably the hardest of the 3 games to go.
This is class.
hehehehe
Jaysus England are dirt.
Slovenia & USA are the two best teams in this group England don't deserve to go through!
From BBC text:
"Nice to see your home fans booing you," said England striker Wayne Rooney to the television camera as he left the pitch in Cape Town.
Quote from: ross4life on June 18, 2010, 09:24:15 PM
Slovenia & USA are the two best teams in this group England don't deserve to go through!
if they beat slovenia they will most likely have proven themselves better than slovenia, i wouldn't bet against it. They were absolutely awful tonight, terrible almost beyond belief.
Great stuff by Algeria.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 09:12:39 PM
Well they've the scapegoat lined up - all Capello's fault.
Rumours in the press that Capello going to be snapped up as a club manager. Longer contract given. Sounding familiar?
England Team as a Premier Team? Hull?
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 09:26:09 PM
From BBC text:
"Nice to see your home fans booing you," said England striker Wayne Rooney to the television camera as he left the pitch in Cape Town.
Yep, ITV just showed him saying it there
hell slap it up them, especially the media who have made them better that they actually are, and will rip them apart tomorrow
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 18, 2010, 09:19:55 PM
so much for the so-called E.A.S.Y group which was discussed after the draw was made
England
Algeria
Slovenia
Yanks
Arguably the hardest of the 3 games to go.
This is class.
Aye all the talk was about who they would play when the topped the group. There have been no whipping boys in this group although would still expect England to go through. They'll get absolutely tanked in the red tops from now til Wednesday and they'll know it is all to play for. The main fear is that they'll qualify and kick on.
and i have never seen rooney play so badly - i'm not buying this shite about the players not being used to playing 4-4-2 and that's why they're so bad - sure were they not using the same system when they were nearly unbeaten in qualifying against teams at least as good as they've faced so far in this group?
I dont like Capello
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 09:29:45 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 18, 2010, 09:19:55 PM
so much for the so-called E.A.S.Y group which was discussed after the draw was made
England
Algeria
Slovenia
Yanks
Arguably the hardest of the 3 games to go.
This is class.
Aye all the talk was about who they would play when the topped the group. There have been no whipping boys in this group although would still expect England to go through. They'll get absolutely tanked in the red tops from now til Wednesday and they'll know it is all to play for. The main fear is that they'll qualify and kick on.
f**k i cant see it. It would take an almighty turnaround
Blighty are wonderfully atrocious but they're still in a position to qualify they scarcely deserve ... looking forward to the papers tomorrow, but the Sun has some neck considering its 'EASY' headline when the draw was made
its now open season on Capello.
To be honest I do think they'll win the last group game and qualify, but they'll not go much further.
Quote from: muppet on June 18, 2010, 09:33:23 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 09:31:50 PM
I dont like Capello
He speaks very highly of you.
Doesnt everyone?
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 09:34:40 PM
To be honest I do think they'll win the last group game and qualify, but they'll not go much further.
I hope so, I don't know how I'm going to hide my sheer delight at work on Wednesday if they dont.
Great to see it after that EASY shite in the paper. Yet more excuses from Andy Townsend, "that's not the Wayne Rooney of Manchester United" and "that's not the Steven Gerrard of Liverpool", did it ever occur to him England just aren't that good? Algeria played some good football tonight, made England look awful.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 09:31:50 PM
I dont like Capello
If he runs the England team into the ground he'll certainly go up in your estimations.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 18, 2010, 09:28:27 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 09:26:09 PM
From BBC text:
"Nice to see your home fans booing you," said England striker Wayne Rooney to the television camera as he left the pitch in Cape Town.
Yep, ITV just showed him saying it there
Dunno what his problem is...he was worse than shite
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 09:37:21 PM
Great to see it after that EASY shite in the paper. Yet more excuses from Andy Townsend, "that's not the Wayne Rooney of Manchester United" and "that's not the Steven Gerrard of Liverpool", did it ever occur to him England just aren't that good? Algeria played some good football tonight, made England look awful.
Yes, they made england look awful, but "played some good football" - they contributed handsomely to probably the worst game so far (the other contender is France v Uruguay, which I think was better).
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 18, 2010, 09:39:50 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 18, 2010, 09:28:27 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 09:26:09 PM
From BBC text:
"Nice to see your home fans booing you," said England striker Wayne Rooney to the television camera as he left the pitch in Cape Town.
Yep, ITV just showed him saying it there
Dunno what his problem is...he was worse than shite
He has been for some time at international level.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 18, 2010, 09:40:53 PM
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 09:37:21 PM
Great to see it after that EASY shite in the paper. Yet more excuses from Andy Townsend, "that's not the Wayne Rooney of Manchester United" and "that's not the Steven Gerrard of Liverpool", did it ever occur to him England just aren't that good? Algeria played some good football tonight, made England look awful.
Yes, they made england look awful, but "played some good football" - they contributed handsomely to probably the worst game so far (the other contender is France v Uruguay, which I think was better).
I thought they played some nice stuff! Maybe I'm just getting caught up in the occasion a bit. Would love to know where Kevin Keegan is getting the positives from this perfromance.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 18, 2010, 09:39:50 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 18, 2010, 09:28:27 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 09:26:09 PM
From BBC text:
"Nice to see your home fans booing you," said England striker Wayne Rooney to the television camera as he left the pitch in Cape Town.
Yep, ITV just showed him saying it there
Dunno what his problem is...he was worse than shite
he did look a bit tentative that time he stretched for his ankle, he's never really recovered from the bayern injury? (Scot Fergie rushed him back too quick in order to scupper England's chances)
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 09:42:44 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 18, 2010, 09:40:53 PM
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 09:37:21 PM
Great to see it after that EASY shite in the paper. Yet more excuses from Andy Townsend, "that's not the Wayne Rooney of Manchester United" and "that's not the Steven Gerrard of Liverpool", did it ever occur to him England just aren't that good? Algeria played some good football tonight, made England look awful.
Yes, they made england look awful, but "played some good football" - they contributed handsomely to probably the worst game so far (the other contender is France v Uruguay, which I think was better).
I thought they played some nice stuff! Maybe I'm just getting caught up in the occasion a bit. Would love to know where Kevin Keegan is getting the positives from this perfromance.
fcuk, that would be priceless, somebody getting positives out that performance, would love to see that.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2010, 09:38:50 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 18, 2010, 09:31:50 PM
I dont like Capello
If he runs the England team into the ground he'll certainly go up in your estimations.
Nah, I just dont like him.
If one sentence sums up England arrogance its this crap from Gerrards interview after the game:
"its their world cup final and they got the result off us"
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 18, 2010, 09:43:11 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 18, 2010, 09:39:50 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 18, 2010, 09:28:27 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 18, 2010, 09:26:09 PM
From BBC text:
"Nice to see your home fans booing you," said England striker Wayne Rooney to the television camera as he left the pitch in Cape Town.
Yep, ITV just showed him saying it there
Dunno what his problem is...he was worse than shite
he did look a bit tentative that time he stretched for his ankle, he's never really recovered from the bayern injury? (Scot Fergie rushed him back too quick in order to scupper England's chances)
Yeah he hasn't got near his mid-season form since it. Fergie obviously doesn't give a shite about England so was looking after Man Utd's best interests. He may have been shite, but there were plenty like him tonight.
It has the car crash buzz of recent Mayo matches.
The media cycle of England never changes.
I brought the chainsaw into the tv room to do a blade sharpening job while I watched the match, feck I hardly looked up at the screen, the sharpening job was more demanding.
Maybe Ireland got the right Italian after all.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 18, 2010, 09:44:30 PM
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 09:42:44 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 18, 2010, 09:40:53 PM
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 09:37:21 PM
Great to see it after that EASY shite in the paper. Yet more excuses from Andy Townsend, "that's not the Wayne Rooney of Manchester United" and "that's not the Steven Gerrard of Liverpool", did it ever occur to him England just aren't that good? Algeria played some good football tonight, made England look awful.
Yes, they made england look awful, but "played some good football" - they contributed handsomely to probably the worst game so far (the other contender is France v Uruguay, which I think was better).
I thought they played some nice stuff! Maybe I'm just getting caught up in the occasion a bit. Would love to know where Kevin Keegan is getting the positives from this perfromance.
fcuk, that would be priceless, somebody getting positives out that performance, would love to see that.
That's what I thought. He said there were more negatives than positives, but that there were positives, none of which he mentioned though.
Quote from: seafoid on June 18, 2010, 09:47:16 PM
It has the car crash buzz of recent Mayo matches.
The media cycle of England never changes.
Don't drag us into it.....
....until Sligo beat ye. ;D
Its not like Engalnd are playing well and being unlucky not to get the winner, but they really have been playing shite and are creating feck all chances.
Can't understand how it's Crouch only gets 6 minutes, and Joe Cole is behind Milner and SWP in the pecking order!
That Apres Match sketch was on form.
Did anyone see Rooney mouthing to te camera coming off the pitch? Poor wee Wayne didn't like the fact that England fans saw fit to boo the piss poor three lions after spending thousands of quid to get there.....
He should be banned for life.
Quote from: Minder on June 18, 2010, 10:17:38 PM
Did anyone see Rooney mouthing to te camera coming off the pitch? Poor wee Wayne didn't like the fact that England fans saw fit to boo the piss poor three lions after spending thousands of quid to get there.....
Hilarious! They're getting as bad as France.
Quote from: Minder on June 18, 2010, 10:17:38 PM
Did anyone see Rooney mouthing to te camera coming off the pitch? Poor wee Wayne didn't like the fact that England fans saw fit to boo the piss poor three lions after spending thousands of quid to get there.....
Yup, he's a nerve.
Quote from: Minder on June 18, 2010, 10:17:38 PM
Did anyone see Rooney mouthing to te camera coming off the pitch? Poor wee Wayne didn't like the fact that England fans saw fit to boo the piss poor three lions after spending thousands of quid to get there.....
He should be banned for life.
Rooney has a fondness for coming over to camera at the end of games. I remember him doing the same at OT after the Chelsea game earlier in the year. Whining c**t.
Couldn't make it out - what was Rooney saying....something about fans at home?
Quote from: ONeill on June 18, 2010, 10:26:21 PM
Couldn't make it out - what was Rooney saying....something about fans at home?
"great to get booed by your own fans, some fans we have, f**k sake I hate blacks" along those lines.
The lovely Wayne Rooney:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8749208.stm
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 18, 2010, 10:35:35 PM
The lovely Wayne Rooney:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8749208.stm
Spoilt brat
So if USA can match or better England's result next time out then the 3 lions can at best finish 2nd as USA have scored two more goals?
Engerland v Germany 1st round knockout? Wouldn't that be a sweet way for the lads to be sent home :D
Quote from: muppet on June 18, 2010, 09:59:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 18, 2010, 09:47:16 PM
It has the car crash buzz of recent Mayo matches.
The media cycle of England never changes.
Don't drag us into it.....
....until Sligo beat ye. ;D
Sure it would be a relief to be beaten by Sligo. All the pressure would be off then and we could go and lose to Westmeath in style.
There is something about the England build up and then the fall. And the hatred directed at the manager. Every single time. The pressure on the players is unbelievable. But they can't stop themselves. A few months in Longford following the footballers would do them the world of good. The World cup is a clusterfuck the match of the Leinster championship . But Longford are never beaten by the weight of expectation, are they ?
I was trying to come up with Sun headline tomorrow:
CAPELL-GO
CHEERIO FABIO
or
USELESS SHOWER OF C****
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 18, 2010, 10:46:35 PM
So if USA can match or better England's result next time out then the 3 lions can at best finish 2nd as USA have scored two more goals?
Engerland v Germany 1st round knockout? Wouldn't that be a sweet way for the lads to be sent home :D
Slvenia sending them home would be a bit nicer I reckon!
QuoteThere is something about the England build up and then the fall. And the hatred directed at the manager. Every single time. The pressure on the players is unbelievable. But they can't stop themselves. A few months in Longford following the footballers would do them the world of good. The World cup is a clusterfuck the match of the Leinster championship . But Longford are never beaten by the weight of expectation, are they ?
:D
yes! Engerland would learn lots as we prepare for a first round visit to Aughrim or Portlaoise! I could take Rooney off to Moydow or to a league match between The Connollys and Colmcille to show him solid committment. Solid!
(http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg)
Quote from: Minder on June 18, 2010, 10:56:39 PM
(http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg)
;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :D
Top drawer Minder... that is class! :P
(http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/054/947/original/Vuvuzela_-_Terror.jpg?1276658285)
Quote from: Minder on June 18, 2010, 10:56:39 PM
(http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg)
What a fuckin rag.
If the final 2 games in this group are draws then England go out. Is that correct?
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 18, 2010, 11:40:35 PM
If the final 2 games in this group are draws then England go out. Is that correct?
If England's game finished 0-0 and the other 2-2 it goes into a lot according to ITV...whatever way that works?
Quote from: hardstation on June 18, 2010, 11:48:01 PM
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 11:46:28 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 18, 2010, 11:40:35 PM
If the final 2 games in this group are draws then England go out. Is that correct?
If England's game finished 0-0 and the other 2-2 it goes into a lot according to ITV...whatever way that works?
How the fcuk does that work?
No idea. I assume it would leave goal difference equal but apart from that I haven't a clue?
I've no idea then! But Chiles definitely mentioned something stupid like that, hopefully Slovenia will beat them and we won't have to worry anyway.
Yep, that must have been it. Wasn't sure of the goal difference. What way does the lot work?
Tie-breaking criteria
For the World Cup tournament, FIFA uses the following criteria to rank teams in the Group Stage.[68]
1.greatest number of points in all group matches;
2.goal difference in all group matches;
3.greatest number of goals scored in all group matches;
4.greatest number of points in matches between tied teams;
5.goal difference in matches between tied teams;
6.greatest number of goals scored in matches between tied teams;
7.drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee
If I were the yanks I wouldn't be too overly confident about picking up 3 points against algeria, they might see this as their 'world cup final' as Gerard might say, a chance to lower the mighty stars and stripes sported by the infidels of the US etc etc, and it's not as if the US players are infinitely better than them (the way the english lads were).
Didn't FIFA draw lots for ourselfs & holland in 1990 to find out whom we would play in the 2nd round? would be funny if England went home on lots
3 hours of football and Robert Green is still England's top scorer
Quote from: gerry on June 19, 2010, 12:24:30 AM
3 hours of football and Robert Green is still England's top scorer
scored more than england and france put together after 6 hours of football!!
I wouldn't mind see England get through if they were to meet Germany.
If Slovenia had of held on for a win, then they would have been guaranteed top spot with nothing more to play for against England.
It's a sure sign that England's fate is sealed.
Quote from: gerry on June 19, 2010, 12:24:30 AM
3 hours of football and Robert Green is still England's top scorer
Gerry, easliy the quote of the tournament so far.
Brilliant, lmao here in bed. Just woke up, planning a big day with mini-me, footy tonight, his footy tournament tomorrow and then England still playing shite. God, life is good.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 19, 2010, 02:57:41 AM
Quote from: gerry on June 19, 2010, 12:24:30 AM
3 hours of football and Robert Green is still England's top scorer
Gerry, easliy the quote of the tournament so far.
Brilliant, lmao here in bed. Just woke up, planning a big day with mini-me, footy tonight, his footy tournament tomorrow and then England still playing shite. God, life is good.
Aye, perk in my step this morning and for the rest of the day with the way England are going. France and England both out in the group stages, dare we dream?
Quote from: hardstation on June 18, 2010, 11:48:01 PM
Quote from: paco on June 18, 2010, 11:46:28 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 18, 2010, 11:40:35 PM
If the final 2 games in this group are draws then England go out. Is that correct?
If England's game finished 0-0 and the other 2-2 it goes into a lot according to ITV...whatever way that works?
How the fcuk does that work?
Yahoo Sports has it all worked out here.....
http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/playing-out-the-scenarios--fbintl_ro-scenario061810.html
Quote from: Main Street on June 19, 2010, 02:00:53 AM
I wouldn't mind see England get through if they were to meet Germany.
If Slovenia had of held on for a win, then they would have been guaranteed top spot with nothing more to play for against England.
It's a sure sign that England's fate is sealed.
The expected second round matchups between groups C and D are up the left. Germany and England could both finish second and I reckon they'd each beat the first place team from the other group. Germany v England would be a great second round match but England would be sure to be up for that one! I assume Klose would be back?
How much is capello on a year?
Quote from: stiffler on June 19, 2010, 09:45:57 AM
How much is capello on a year?
6 million or something like that... not 100%
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 19, 2010, 10:17:10 AM
Quote from: stiffler on June 19, 2010, 09:45:57 AM
How much is capello on a year?
6 million or something like that... not 100%
Aye about 6 million. Money well spent. To be fair he only has a shower of shite to work with.
Marina Hyde's headline in the Guardian
"On this evidence 'plucky Slovenia' will hand England their backsides"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/jun/18/world-cup-2010-england-algeria1
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 19, 2010, 10:21:51 AM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 19, 2010, 10:17:10 AM
Quote from: stiffler on June 19, 2010, 09:45:57 AM
How much is capello on a year?
6 million or something like that... not 100%
Aye about 6 million. Money well spent. To be fair he only has a shower of shite to work with.
Apparently the FA believes the manager should be paid in line with the top players. ::) otherwise they mightn't "respect" him
Anelka told Domenech to "go screw yourself, dirty son of a whore"
(http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object3/508/104/n55044406624_3931.jpg)
Quote from: ONeill on June 19, 2010, 12:01:58 PM
Anelka told Domenech to "go screw yourself, dirty son of a whore"
and then what did he say....
"what a long strange trip it's been"
(http://vivirlatino.com/i/2007/09/maradona.jpg)
(http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/SPORT-18s25-maradona-386_368.jpg)
(http://cultureofsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/fat_maradona.jpg)
(http://www.reuters.com/resources/r/?m=02&d=20100616&t=2&i=131652502&w=300&fh=300&fw=&ll=&pl=&r=2010-06-16T231008Z_01_BTRE65F1SD100_RTROPTP_0_SOCCER-WORLD)
Come on Japan.
I like Holland.
This looks like being a very boring game. The Dutch attacking hasn't been very good in this tournament, they need Robben back. I think Hamann may have been right when he suggested Snider wasn't a playmaker and Giles and Dunphy said he was. The Dutch need a playmaker.
I know Japan are playing to their strengths but it's awful hard to watch. Holland play 56 passes and then lump it to RVP who loses it and Japan give it back.
Japan are playing to their strengths. Their strengths are not in defense, defending set pieces or their physicality.
Japan are playing with discipline and high work rate. Holland actually look clueless in how to adjust.
Quote from: hardstation on June 19, 2010, 01:39:06 PM
Great hit.
Keeper is a wooden one.
Good strike alright - think the keeper won't want to look at it again though
A strange goalkeeping mistake to make. Diving past the ball, it shoukd have been saved. We will blame the ball.
How old do you reckon the people who applied the numbers on the Dutch players jerseys were? 7 or 8?
That said, great Bue Peter use of black insulating tape.
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 19, 2010, 01:43:02 PM
Quote from: hardstation on June 19, 2010, 01:39:06 PM
Great hit.
Keeper is a wooden one.
Good strike alright - think the keeper won't want to look at it again though
It looked like the keeper had it well covered, did the ball shift slightly?
Holland looked knackered, rarely have I seen Kuyt so quiet except at the end when he won the ball in midfield to set up an attack.
Quote from: Main Street on June 19, 2010, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 19, 2010, 01:43:02 PM
Quote from: hardstation on June 19, 2010, 01:39:06 PM
Great hit.
Keeper is a wooden one.
Good strike alright - think the keeper won't want to look at it again though
It looked like the keeper had it well covered, did the ball shift slightly?
Holland looked knackered, rarely have I seen Kuyt so quiet except at the end when he won the ball in midfield to set up an attack.
I thought it moved a bit too and seems to have happened a few keepers. They can't all be that bad apart from \green!
Ghana should be able to poke holes right through the Australian back 4
Another fecking keeper error. Has to be the ball!
1-0 to "us"
So you're a man from Northern Ireland who supports the Rep of ireland and Australia.
game on now, I thought yer boy would miss that penalty, looked awful nervous.
Bit harsh on Kewell, it was more ball to hand. He couldnt really do much about it.
instead of berating the ref he should have ate the head of the 2 defenders who let yer man make a dick out them on the byeline. Terrible defending. Brett Emerton was one of them
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 19, 2010, 03:27:44 PM
Bit harsh on Kewell, it was more ball to hand. He couldnt really do much about it.
What?! he could have not stuck out his arm.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 19, 2010, 03:20:50 PM
So you're a man from Northern Ireland who supports the Rep of ireland and Australia.
Hoof, you a right cnut. Ha ha, made me giggle.
Much gnashing of teeth by the Oz commentators. I've had enough. Shite game. Ah well, Freo won tonight and my son has a footy tournament all day tomorrow. that's much more important. I'm away to bed.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 19, 2010, 03:30:06 PM
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 19, 2010, 03:27:44 PM
Bit harsh on Kewell, it was more ball to hand. He couldnt really do much about it.
What?! he could have not stuck out his arm.
His arm never moved, he may even have been trying to pull away. The ball struck him.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 19, 2010, 03:34:46 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 19, 2010, 03:30:06 PM
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 19, 2010, 03:27:44 PM
Bit harsh on Kewell, it was more ball to hand. He couldnt really do much about it.
What?! he could have not stuck out his arm.
His arm never moved, he may even have been trying to pull away. The ball struck him.
We'll have another look at it at half time...
Ball to hand doesn't matter and is one of those playground myths used to pour scorn on refs.
When a last defender accidentally brings a man down it's still a red card, same here. It's harsh but without it, referees would have to use discretion in judging intent, and that could only end in tears.
Yes, clear hand ball. Watch what he does with his arm as the ball is coming!
the super slo-mo showed his bicep rippling. Your bicep is on your arm. As Conclusive a hand ball as you will get
Its a clear handball, but a red card was harsh. As i said he could do very little about it as the ball was struck straight at him. He never moved his hand/arm to stop it.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 19, 2010, 03:54:31 PM
Its a clear handball, but a red card was harsh. As i said he could do very little about it as the ball was struck straight at him. He never moved his hand/arm to stop it.
You need to look at the replay again, he did.
Have to say. Looking forward to the Down-Tyrone game. Only have to choose, RTE or BBC2?
This is what Saturdays were made for.
Quote from: Denn Forever on June 19, 2010, 03:59:27 PM
Have to say. Looking forward to the Down-Tyrone game. Only have to choose, RTE or BBC2?
This is what Saturdays were made for.
http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=16344.0 (http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=16344.0)
Ghana pretty much have to win this one to get through, they are making hard work of it so far.
Just how many time times has a Ghanian player taken a long shot, ignoring players in a better position?
So many chances in this game it's like indoor soccer :D
Very entertaining game, thought Rommedhal took his goal very well.
Won myself 100 euro on the correct score line ;D
Harry Kewell touched the ball 4 times including the hand ball prior to the sending off. :D
Unlucky but it was a red card.
For the lads in Australia, did ye hear the shite that Graig Foster and Muscat came out with and the other fool on the far right in the studio with Paul Dempsey, it was pathetic!
Could put this on the wtf thread either...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10359291.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10359291.stm)
England fan 'looked for toilet but found dressing room'
Dont think I'd be going to him for mortgage advice!
"I said 'My name's Pavlos and I'm just looking for a toilet.'"
:D
Exclusive: What Capello said to Rooney after the Algeria game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFacWGBJ_cs
Class goal there for Paraguay
RTE are doing very well for these Finals and for the most part they are pulling off a top professional job for a small station. Damien Richardson is excellent as a co-commentator. Midfield maestros (friends and once rivals) Ardiles and Brady in the studio today and Darragh Maloney as presenter is a breath of fresh air compared to Bill.
:D :D Go on the All Whites 1-0
Soft penalty, would expect the Italians to push on now.
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
The french fitness coach has walked after a row with Domenech as well according to reports.
Then the team director quit as well apparently.
Shambolic is right archie
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
Good enough for the cnuts. What has to happen if they are to make it through?
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
Do the words 'big team' mean Ireland's training session with no footballs in Saipan can be excused?
Quote from: anportmorforjfc on June 20, 2010, 03:59:12 PM
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
Good enough for the cnuts. What has to happen if they are to make it through?
Win their game and then hope there is a winner in the Mexico-Uruguay game with a goal difference swing of 4. I think that makes sense? Surely the Mexicans and Uruguayans (?) would be happy to settle for a draw though?
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 20, 2010, 04:04:49 PM
Quote from: anportmorforjfc on June 20, 2010, 03:59:12 PM
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
Good enough for the cnuts. What has to happen if they are to make it through?
Win their game and then hope there is a winner in the Mexico-Uruguay game with a goal difference swing of 4. I think that makes sense? Surely the Mexicans and Uruguayans (?) would be happy to settle for a draw though?
Id doubt it, then the 2nd place finishers would play agentina! Whereas the winners will feel they could beat greece/nigeria/south korea.
Quote from: muppet on June 20, 2010, 04:02:32 PM
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
Do the words 'big team' mean Ireland's training session with no footballs in Saipan can be excused?
Maybe Anelka is away to walk Roy's dog!
This is a tight group and they could end up drawing lots.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 20, 2010, 04:19:26 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 20, 2010, 04:02:32 PM
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 03:51:35 PM
France squad refuse to train today. Has there ever been a more shambolic set up for a big team in a major tournament before.
Do the words 'big team' mean Ireland's training session with no footballs in Saipan can be excused?
Maybe Anelka is away to walk Roy's dog!
Maybe Sarkozy will appeal to him to go back.
I don't like Italy but they know how to make a feed.
Can New Zealand hold out for another 10 minutes? Very one-sided this half. Ryan Nelson has been brilliant for them.
Hope so they deserve it.
Wood very close for NZ!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 20, 2010, 04:31:28 PM
I don't like Italy but they know how to make a feed.
And wine.
And cars.
And suits.
Quote from: muppet on June 20, 2010, 04:57:16 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 20, 2010, 04:31:28 PM
I don't like Italy but they know how to make a feed.
And wine.
And cars.
And suits.
None of which are anywhere near as important as food!
Quote from: muppet on June 20, 2010, 04:57:16 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 20, 2010, 04:31:28 PM
I don't like Italy but they know how to make a feed.
And wine.
And cars.
And suits.
On first look, I thought that say sluts... which is obviously more important that food
Great result for the Kiwis... it shakes the whole thing up a good bit.
Far bigger shock than Spain being beaten
They just showed footage of the row between Evra and the fitness coach on ITV. The coach wasn't a happy bunny.
Italy haven't a game of football in 2010 according to the BBC live text.
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on June 20, 2010, 05:05:01 PM
They just showed footage of the row between Evra and the fitness coach on ITV. The coach wasn't a happy bunny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tokMM3dHow4
Very strange world cup. You'd have fancied England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany to stroll thru their groups (well maybe not France). The second round matches will be interesting as a lot of the big boys are looking like finishing second in their group.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 20, 2010, 05:31:51 PM
Very strange world cup. You'd have fancied England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany to stroll thru their groups (well maybe not France). The second round matches will be interesting as a lot of the big boys are looking like finishing second in their group.
Very strange, been very hard to predict as can be seen in the Worlc Cup predictions thread where-don't know about the rest of you-but I'm doing horribly! As bad an Italian side as I can remember, they have no strikers, I'd say he regrets not taking Totti. I don't follow Italian football that closely anymore but it's the first time I've been unable to figure out who some of the players' club sides are!
Corriere Dello Sera can resurrect their banner headline used after the game against Ireland at WC94
..... DISASTERO
I am not too surprised about the relative failures of France and Italy. Italy don't have the players, France don't have a coach or team morale. None of the 2 looked like world beaters when they played us.
england is hardly a surprise either
Some goals by Fabiano even if there was a touch of the Henry's.
Well at least the ref took his word he didn't handle it!
I never thought about it at the time of the Henry handball incident, but Liam Brady gave out about it a lot. Brady scored a hand ball goal for Ireland against France in a world cup qualifier in the early 80s.
3-0 to Brazil all of a sudden Fabiano 2 and Elano. Brazil are through and the Ivory Coast will struggle if their goal difference suffers any more.
Brazils 2nd goal is a perfect example of why it's almost impossible for a smaller team to win the WC. 2 blatant hand balls in one movement and the ref is happy to ignore and allow the goal cos it's Brazil.
Italy have cried about the referee v South Korea in 2002 for 8 years, knowing that it will bring them soft decision such as the peno they got today.
All the top teams continue to get dubious decisions and penalites while the smaller ones don't even get fair play.
The next time I hurt myself I'm going to collapse on the ground and roll over a couple of times, it must help with the pain.
the New Zealand goal today was offside, so in this case it wasn't simply the big team getting the decision.
The New Zealand player was also stupid pulling a shirt in the box - i think that should always be a pen - there is simply no need to ever do it.
If a pen was always given nobody would do it and it would take the subjective decision out of the refs hands. Same as putting your arms around a player, or over their shoulders.
My Granny would have scored that one.
In that case your granny can replace Drogba for Chelsea when he goes off to play in the africa nations cup.
QuoteThe New Zealand player was also stupid pulling a shirt in the box - i think that should always be a pen - there is simply no need to ever do it.
If a pen was always given nobody would do it and it would take the subjective decision out of the refs hands. Same as putting your arms around a player, or over their shoulders.
Most Italian defenders & John Terry do it at virtually every corner. Ashley Cole pulled an Algerian by the shorts in full view of the ref.
My point is most refs are happy to maintain the status quo and see the big teams through or get a draw at worst. Criticism from the FA of small countries falls on deaf ears but the Italian, English, German FAs can affect a referee's career.
Red for Kaka. Tickled Keita's ribs who went down clutching his face. Pathetic.
It's hard to have sympathy for Brazil, they're diving and rolling around as well.
Awful play acting reminds me of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgfRCa71Kmw
Quote from: under the bar on June 20, 2010, 09:15:28 PM
Most Italian defenders & John Terry do it at virtually every corner. Ashley Cole pulled an Algerian by the shorts in full view of the ref.
My point is most refs are happy to maintain the status quo and see the big teams through or get a draw at worst. Criticism from the FA of small countries falls on deaf ears but the Italian, English, German FAs can affect a referee's career.
Thats why I would have it cracked down on every time.
Drogba went into the box earlier and lucio had a hold of his shirt that again coulkd have been called.
Also - kakas red - absolute joke. As bad as cahills
Keita should get a ban for play acting, Brazil should be able to appeal that yellow card on video evidence.
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on June 20, 2010, 09:15:41 PM
Red for Kaka. Tickled Keita's ribs who went down clutching his face. Pathetic.
Unbelievable decision that one, if anything Kaka was fouled. Going to hurt the Ivory Coast in the long run mind as Brazil will be without him for the game against Portugal which the Ivory Coast will need them to win
QuoteRed for Kaka. Tickled Keita's ribs who went down clutching his face. Pathetic.
Keita will get villified for the rest of his career yet Rivaldo's disgraceful antics v Turkey were quickly forgotten.
On the contrary, its all most people remember him for, as was stated in a lot of world cup review programmes I saw...
John Terry says Rooney and Joe Cole are the only two who can open up defenses. That's good faith in Frankie and Stevie G...
A lot of rightful vilification for the Ivorian there, but the Brazilians were heavy on the acting as well in that last five minutes or so.
Bad stuff happens to teams who score important game defining goals from blatant cheating handballs.
The omens are not good for Brazil.
Quote from: under the bar on June 20, 2010, 09:23:25 PM
QuoteRed for Kaka. Tickled Keita's ribs who went down clutching his face. Pathetic.
Keita will get villified for the rest of his career yet Rivaldo's disgraceful antics v Turkey were quickly forgotten.
No they ain't been forgotten. That incident has been shown a few times since this World Cup started and is abiding memory of Rivaldo.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 20, 2010, 09:43:12 PM
John Terry says Rooney and Joe Cole are the only two who can open up defenses. That's good faith in Frankie and Stevie G...
That interview was mad. Think of all the trouble Terry caused Capello and the England squad in general with the Wayne Bridges affair (pardon the pun) and now here is picking the team in public. I'd say Capello will maul him when he hears about it but the difference is Capello will do it behind closed doors. If he had another central defender he would drop him, but he doesn't.
Thats why I would have it cracked down on every time.
Drogba went into the box earlier and lucio had a hold of his shirt that again coulkd have been called.
Also - kakas red - absolute joke. As bad as cahills
[/quote]
I didn't think Cahills was bad, He came in from behind and you hear all this shit about how refs are supposed to protect players nowadays so that may half justify it. Kaka's was unbelievable though, as bad a decision as I can remember. Game got really petty towards the end with so much diving, very frustrating to watch. On the 2 showings Ivory Coast aren't as good as I thought they were.
Quote from: Main Street on June 20, 2010, 10:42:13 PM
Bad stuff happens to teams who score important game defining goals from blatant cheating handballs.
The omens are not good for Brazil.
I suppose Argentina winning the World Cup in 86 was pretty bad.
Rivaldo's actions against Turkey were a disgrace, but hr has a whole host of other things to be remembered for besides it. My favourite is the last minute overhead from the edge of the box on the final day of the 2001 (?) season against Valencia to complete the best hat-trick I've ever seen and clinch a Champions League place at their opponent's expense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CHDx3kvFUo
Quote from: gallsman on June 21, 2010, 09:33:24 AM
Rivaldo's actions against Turkey were a disgrace, but hr has a whole host of other things to be remembered for besides it. My favourite is the last minute overhead from the edge of the box on the final day of the 2001 (?) season against Valencia to complete the best hat-trick I've ever seen and clinch a Champions League place at their opponent's expense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CHDx3kvFUo
Same here, Rivaldo will be remembered for all the great things he did. The second 3-3 game at The Nou Camp when he scored two and near broke the crossbar are still clear in my head. Great player and his goal against Schemichel in 1998 was one of the best, especially considering who he beat and from how far.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 21, 2010, 08:53:42 AM
Quote from: Main Street on June 20, 2010, 10:42:13 PM
Bad stuff happens to teams who score important game defining goals from blatant cheating handballs.
The omens are not good for Brazil.
I suppose Argentina winning the World Cup in 86 was pretty bad.
???
game defining goal?
Anyone outside England who watched that game in '86, know what that game's defining goal was.
Two good goals from Portugal to go 2-0 up but no way are N Korea anywhere near their ranking of 105. They're better than England!
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 21, 2010, 01:44:51 PM
Two good goals from Portugal to go 2-0 up but no way are N Korea anywhere near their ranking of 105. They're better than England!
Make that three good goals!!
4 good goals!
North Korea now getting the type of hammering you would have expected before the tournament started.
Ronaldo won't be happy if he finishes this game without a goal!
They were 6/5 minus a goal, gutted I did not lump on but the way things have been going so far I was being cautious.
Quote from: Schkite on June 21, 2010, 02:11:39 PM
Ronaldo won't be happy if he finishes this game without a goal!
At last!
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 21, 2010, 02:15:13 PM
They were 6/5 minus a goal, gutted I did not lump on but the way things have been going so far I was being cautious.
Fcuk it anyway, same as myself! Have them in a double with Spain -2, now watch Spain labour to a 1-0 win later probably!
This is an awful hiding altogether, some difference from Korea's battling performance against Brazil.
Monster of a game from the Portuguese no 23 at left back.
Actually forgot about how that group stood, was worth it for Portugal to keep going for goal as that's them almost through to the last 16 now unless Ivory Coast score about the same against Korea and Brazil beat Portugal.
Whats the score now?
Finished 7 - 0.
WRT to issues such as Rivaldo, Kaka's sending off and hand of Diego, Louis or Thierry, the real problem is FIFA. Players will do whatever they think they can get away with. All of the above could have been quickly reviewed by a TMO type monitor as in rugby and the decisions would have been corrected. The game might occasionally be slowed down but at least it would have integrity.
They could give coaches a 3 calls per half system as in Wimbledon with hawk-eye so it would only happen a maximum number of times.
I'd say there will be some amount of people putting Drogba on their fantasy team for the 3rd matchday! If they do go out though they deserve it for all the bullshit last night and for being so cautious against Portugal.
Another fairly soft red card there.
Berami off for Switzerland. Its Chile's to win.
f**k up Mark Bright. Call a dive a dive you tool.
Another disbraceful sending off, Behrami gets the line for using his arms to hold off players. The Chile players grabbing their faces when they were not hit was a disgrace. The refs would want to cop on as well.
I thought he caught both of them in the face with his elbow; only the second lad went down.
He brushed them with his wrist/ forearm, no elbows. Both overreacted. The first lad was barely touched, but stumbled back holding his face. The second got a bit of a stronger dig, but was pathetically rolling around like his jaw was broken. Sickening shite.
I was watching it on a two-inch screen on the corner of my computer; so I'll bow to your interpretation. ;)
Is Waldo Ponce the best name at the World Cup??
Did any of the offside players touch the ball for that disallowed goal?
I'll tell you what i can see - Switzerland (even before the sending off) are not terribly interested in playing a bit of ball.
Quote from: paco on June 21, 2010, 04:28:12 PM
Did any of the offside players touch the ball for that disallowed goal?
I think the guy who ran to the sideline celebrating as if he had won the lotto was one of the 3 offside players. So I think he was claiming it which made it easy for the linesman.
Gooooooooooooooooooooooooal!
Now we'll see if the Swiss can kick ball.
Quote from: muppet on June 21, 2010, 04:30:12 PM
Quote from: paco on June 21, 2010, 04:28:12 PM
Did any of the offside players touch the ball for that disallowed goal?
I think the guy who ran to the sideline celebrating as if he had won the lotto was one of the 3 offside players. So I think he was claiming it which made it easy for the linesman.
Idiot, had Sanchez down for first goal scorer too! Justice down now anyway, please let Honduras beat Switzerland because I couldn't bear them being in the last 16.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 21, 2010, 04:27:03 PM
Is Waldo Ponce the best name at the World Cup??
VERA is not bad... scored for Paraguay (I think) yesterday.
This group is still very tight, a tense final game, for Spain the Swiss and Chile is on the cards.
The swiss v Chile game had a good finish but if they don't improve their finishing, the won't get far.
Derdyok the Swiss striker had a great chance to steal the draw,but he blew it.
Was thinking the same myself, that's 2 games where the Chileans couldn't kill the game off. They were almost punished today and almost certainly will be against a better team. Think the Spain and Chile game is gonna be class!
Playing Chile is akin to getting attacked by a swarm of angry wasps.
It would be nice if Spain could finish 2nd, sets up a juicy last 16 game.
Some goal by Villa there.
Excluding Brazil that is the goal of the tournament.
Quote from: paco on June 21, 2010, 07:50:24 PM
Some goal by Villa there.
It's only one though. Spain should be home and hosed by now.
Good stuff. Wonder if we'll get a repeat of Portugal and North Korea now?
Floodgates about to open here I reckon... bad miss for the peno
I have that hoor Villa for top goalscorer
Quote from: Minder on June 21, 2010, 08:55:46 PM
I have that hoor Villa for top goalscorer
Same here but I have him doubled with Argentina or Holland to win the World Cup.
The really should have converted more chances. Could well come down to goal difference and at present Spain are only +1 and may not get much change out of Chile.
Brazil v Spain 2nd round anyone?
capello not happy with John Terry hehehe
Quote from: ross4life on June 21, 2010, 09:28:44 PM
Brazil v Spain 2nd round anyone?
+1 as well as Portugal vs Chile
Fabio taking no crap I see. How funny would it be if John Terry were dropped...
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 21, 2010, 09:31:03 PM
Fabio taking no crap I see. How funny would it be if John Terry were dropped...
Can't drop him, sure who would they play - who have they to play in Carragher's place?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 21, 2010, 09:31:57 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 21, 2010, 09:31:03 PM
Fabio taking no crap I see. How funny would it be if John Terry were dropped...
Can't drop him, sure who would they play - who have they to play in Carragher's place?
Upson will take carraghers place which would leave only dawson if he dropped terry.
Quote from: nifan on June 21, 2010, 10:07:51 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 21, 2010, 09:31:57 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 21, 2010, 09:31:03 PM
Fabio taking no crap I see. How funny would it be if John Terry were dropped...
Can't drop him, sure who would they play - who have they to play in Carragher's place?
Upson will take carraghers place which would leave only dawson if he dropped terry.
I've never heard of either of those.
Are England at the world cup?
There are much more important issues to be decided tomorrow. RTE are showing the France v SA on tv.
That's a desperately poor choice as Mexico and Uruguay is where the football and the real action will be.
I can't see an arranged agreed draw as both won't want to meet Argentina but would be favourites against the likes of Greece or South Korea.
Quote from: Main Street on June 21, 2010, 10:30:03 PM
Are England at the world cup?
There are much more important issues to be decided tomorrow. RTE are showing the France v SA on tv.
That's a desperately poor choice as Mexico and Uruguay is where the football and the real action will be.
I can't see an arranged agreed draw as both won't want to meet Argentina but would be favourites against the likes of Greece or South Korea.
No arrangement here. Both will fancy the win.
Im not getting this boys. Would you rather qualify and play Argentina - or not qualify at all because you tried to avoid Argentina in the next round and fucked your qualification all together.
This has draw written all over it?
Cheating is rife in soccer, but the level of cheating @ this world cup is unreal. Mon now FIFA, and Blatter ye clown, time to man up. Ridiculous altogether
Quote from: J OGorman on June 21, 2010, 11:58:41 PM
Cheating is rife in soccer, but the level of cheating @ this world cup is unreal. Mon now FIFA, and Blatter ye clown, time to man up. Ridiculous altogether
And it is down to Blatter.
He had a load of Dutch chicks arrested before half time for 'cheating' in advertising but has done nothing for years on cheating in the game.
Quote from: Puckoon on June 21, 2010, 11:08:31 PM
Im not getting this boys. Would you rather qualify and play Argentina - or not qualify at all because you tried to avoid Argentina in the next round and fucked your qualification all together.
This has draw written all over it?
Uruguay hold the firepower in the pre-match standoff, gaining at least a draw would guarantee Uruguay to finish first. Both Mexico and Uruguay fancy their chances in this game and because of that, there is a pre-match bargaining impasse.
If Mexico go in a goal ahead at half time, then they are not going to do a deal.
But if Uruguay lead at 1/2 time - then it's a win win for them, they have the Mexicans by the goolies in the half time negotiations - to let Mexico draw level in the game and finish 2nd in the group.
I hope Spain don't live to regret not sticking 6 past Honduras. They need to be much more ruthless. There is really no need for half a dozen passes inside the box. As an old manager of mine used to say "FFS get the head down and bury it!" No harm to Torres but he looked way off the pace. By the way how did yon boy Navas get on the Spain team??
If Uruguay draw do they win the group??
Spain are in serious trouble, I fancy the Swiss to beat Hondouras so it effectively means Spain have to beat Chile leaving three teams on 6 points. I suppose what I am saying is Chile will be happy with a point against Spain which puts the Spanish out if the Swiss beat Hondouras - phew!
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 22, 2010, 09:42:15 AM
Spain are in serious trouble, I fancy the Swiss to beat Hondouras so it effectively means Spain have to beat Chile leaving three teams on 6 points. I suppose what I am saying is Chile will be happy with a point against Spain which puts the Spanish out if the Swiss beat Hondouras - phew!
Personally I think Chile are out. The Swizz firepower or lack of, being their only saving grace.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 22, 2010, 11:19:08 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 22, 2010, 09:42:15 AM
Spain are in serious trouble, I fancy the Swiss to beat Hondouras so it effectively means Spain have to beat Chile leaving three teams on 6 points. I suppose what I am saying is Chile will be happy with a point against Spain which puts the Spanish out if the Swiss beat Hondouras - phew!
Personally I think Chile are out. The Swizz firepower or lack of, being their only saving grace.
I agree. Spain and Switzerland will both win their last games by a couple of goals, edging out Chile. Would be tough on Chile to go out on six points, especially when there are teams like Portugal that are likely to go through on as little as four.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 22, 2010, 11:19:08 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 22, 2010, 09:42:15 AM
Spain are in serious trouble, I fancy the Swiss to beat Hondouras so it effectively means Spain have to beat Chile leaving three teams on 6 points. I suppose what I am saying is Chile will be happy with a point against Spain which puts the Spanish out if the Swiss beat Hondouras - phew!
Personally I think Chile are out. The Swizz firepower or lack of, being their only saving grace.
If the Swiss win & Spain beat Chile, then Chile are out? Who would finish top of the group?
John Terry getting a lot of flak from the English Press. Not his greatest fan off the pitch but I reckon he's been dumped on by the 7 or 8 other players who had a drink with him after the Algeria game and when the proverbial hit the fan all backed down leaving Terry (not for the first time) exposed.
I dunno why but I have a feeling in my water that England will go out. After all Glen Johnson hasn't given away a penalty yet!! Though the strange thing is that it's possible that a team in Spain's group will go home having got six points and England could go through with three points. :-\
Edit: Didn't see your post AFS
Quote from: Two Hands FFS on June 22, 2010, 11:41:35 AM
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 22, 2010, 11:19:08 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 22, 2010, 09:42:15 AM
Spain are in serious trouble, I fancy the Swiss to beat Hondouras so it effectively means Spain have to beat Chile leaving three teams on 6 points. I suppose what I am saying is Chile will be happy with a point against Spain which puts the Spanish out if the Swiss beat Hondouras - phew!
Personally I think Chile are out. The Swizz firepower or lack of, being their only saving grace.
If the Swiss win & Spain beat Chile, then Chile are out? Who would finish top of the group?
There's a hundred and one permutations. I reckon a Spain, Switzerland one, two is most likely. Could come down to goals scored, never mind goal difference.
Of all the South American teams (incl Mehico), Chile are the team I have least taken to, but should they be overtaken by the Swiss, it would be a travesty of sorts.
I think Chile could well frustrate Spain.
I see the betting for the Uruguay v Mexico match is 11/4 (each) for the win and 10/11 for the draw ;D
Are the two 3.00 games being shown live on BBC and ITV or RTE and same for the 7.30 kick offs?
I know that the Argentina game is on BBC1 and the other game is on BBC3. I think ITV is going with the same this afternoon, France SA on ITV1??
Mexico vs Uruguay is on the RTE website if you have access to good web access. Unfortunately we have to watch SA vs France but hopefully SA will roast them.
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 02:31:20 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 11:45:08 AM
John Terry getting a lot of flak from the English Press. Not his greatest fan off the pitch but I reckon he's been dumped on by the 7 or 8 other players who had a drink with him after the Algeria game and when the proverbial hit the fan all backed down leaving Terry (not for the first time) exposed.
I dunno why but I have a feeling in my water that England will go out. After all Glen Johnson hasn't given away a penalty yet!! Though the strange thing is that it's possible that a team in Spain's group will go home having got six points and England could go through with three points. :-\
Edit: Didn't see your post AFS
None of the other 7-8 players that had this drink with him stood up in a press conference and openly challenged their manager. The nature of team sports means that there will always be voices of dissent especially when when things are going badly but its usually done behind closed doors. There is no evidence anywhere to suggest these players appointed him as spokesman to publically air their grievances.
I didn't think it was possible for him to fall any further in my eyes but somehow hes managed it
How Terry sank the knife into Capello:
"On behalf of the players there's no unrest in the camp at all. We're obviously still disappointed from the game the other night, but we have to pick ourselves up and we have to win the game on Wednesday," said Terry.
"We're all behind the manager, we shouldn't be looking at excuses or criticising the manger. All we can do as a group of players is stick behind him. We're here, we're supporting and we are fully behind him. We know we've got his support as well and that's the main thing.
"I'm not going to sit here and question the manager. All I can say is I'm here on behalf of the team and players and we're all fully behind the manager. Since the manager has come in he's had his ways and his philosophies that he's brought to the side.
"That's worked in the campaign and nothing should change from that. We've got to stay unified and stay together and get the win."He was then asked if he thought Joe Cole would liven up the team and he said "Yes...if he's picked I'm sure Joe will do a great job"
Domenech could show Capello what a real revolution is like!! Storm in a teacup IMHO.
BTW if Terry is ballsing up England's chances the he has gone up in my estimation ;)
Are most of us watching the France game or the Mexico one? Reason?
France here, hoping they get walloped.
Cisse...he's spent nine tenths of his career offside
Evra and Malouda dropped??
Get the vuvuzuelas out S Africa 1 - France 0
One up to SA! :)
French keeper looked like he was on strike as the corner came across!
good call on cisse at 2/1 hahaha!
edit: cisse stays. my bad
It gets better I mean worse...Gourcuff red card...looked a bit harsh i must admit
2 zip now!
That to me is Terry (for once in his life) being honest. You couldn't diasgree with a word he said. If anything Daivd James' interview on 5Live was as worse...not a word about it!
While I'm being paranoid, Didier Drogba says "It's a f**king disgrace" to the camera, hounded by the press and UEFA. Rooney says "It's nice to hear your own (or possibly home) fans booing you. If that's loyal support for f**k's sake". That's just his frustration.
Sur le Pont D'Avignon
On commence a se suider
uraguay one up. group wide open now....
If it stays liken that in the other game, SA need 3 more goals to go through.
SA need a five goal turn around by my reckoning...that's three so far????
A goal more apiece for SA and Uruguay and then SA will go through, would be some story if it happened!
Uruguay win by 4, SA score a few more to be sure.
Now if Carlsburg sponsered SA....
This would also give some hope to England.
As it stands in Group A: South Africa are in the mixer here, and no mistake. Uruguay's goal in Rustenburg has opened the door for the hosts. As it stands, Mexico are still going through with the South Americans - but a further two-goal swing in South Africa's favour - eg, if they 4-0 - would see the hosts sneak in... and a county go wild. With 45 minutes to go against the 10 men of a dispirited France, we could be in for the story of the tournament.
From BBC Sport.
Brilliant for the tournament if SA sneak through.
As regards Terry, there are a few English hacks taking his side.
Hope Mexico win today and therefore win the group, feck fairytales, I need them to win the group to get my group winners accumulator up, waiting on £129 for a pound stake.
By my reckoning, if SA hold on for 2-0, but Uruguay get two more to win 3-0, then SA and Mexico will have exactly the same standing, and their head-to-head match was a Draw.
So ........ there would be the dreaded "drawing of lots".
Now for the Conspiracy Theorists, you have the Host Nation and someone else involved, two supposedly identical balls in a glass bowl, swirled around by Sepp Blatter or some other mogul, all looks very cosure, one ball drawn out, opened carefully to reveal ........ South Africa of course.
Sorry any Mexicans out there but there is no way that you will possibly be the drawn name in such a situation. Sepp probably wont even have to give Croke Park a call to learn the best ways to rig the draw. There may even be a secret plan for such an eventuality already. One ball kept in a fridge/heater for a little while ...... perish the thought ;)
That would have been a great goal!
Warm Balls.
Henry coming on, Roy Keane rushes on and flattens him
The RTE webstream seems to have stopped on me - anyone else having problems?
Feed gone on the SiteSide too Billy.
RTE is banjackzed.
The French probably knocked it off.
BBC website has also melted. Can someone keep us all up to date. Thanks
Back now on rte stream
The whole world must be willing on SA now!
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 04:01:07 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 03:42:16 PM
That to me is Terry (for once in his life) being honest. You couldn't diasgree with a word he said. If anything Daivd James' interview on 5Live was as worse...not a word about it!
While I'm being paranoid, Didier Drogba says "It's a f**king disgrace" to the camera, hounded by the press and UEFA. Rooney says "It's nice to hear your own (or possibly home) fans booing you. If that's loyal support for f**k's sake". That's just his frustration.
I'd disagree with very little of what he actually said but the point is do it behind closed doors and not at an England press conference. Also would the captain not be the man to do this not Terry??
Not sure what you are driving at re Drogba/Rooney??
Terry was scheduled for the press conference. Gerrard is a wuss. Straight on the phone to a journo (at the behest of his agent) to distance himself from Terry once he realised it was going tits up (according to the Guardian). There's no doubt Terry thought he had the backing of the "Nine Pinters".
Re Rooney...I'm being paranoid. Had Terry said what Rooney said he'd probably be on his way home...
Mexico just missed a sitter.
Henry at it again!!
2-1 - malouda
SA's goose cooked now I fear 2-1
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 04:48:53 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 04:23:13 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 04:01:07 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 03:42:16 PM
That to me is Terry (for once in his life) being honest. You couldn't diasgree with a word he said. If anything Daivd James' interview on 5Live was as worse...not a word about it!
While I'm being paranoid, Didier Drogba says "It's a f**king disgrace" to the camera, hounded by the press and UEFA. Rooney says "It's nice to hear your own (or possibly home) fans booing you. If that's loyal support for f**k's sake". That's just his frustration.
I'd disagree with very little of what he actually said but the point is do it behind closed doors and not at an England press conference. Also would the captain not be the man to do this not Terry??
Not sure what you are driving at re Drogba/Rooney??
Terry was scheduled for the press conference. Gerrard is a wuss. Straight on the phone to a journo (at the behest of his agent) to distance himself from Terry once he realised it was going tits up (according to the Guardian). There's no doubt Terry thought he had the backing of the "Nine Pinters".
Re Rooney...I'm being paranoid. Had Terry said what Rooney said he'd probably be on his way home...
Your definitely paranoid mate, Rooneys was an ill-advised comment said in the heat of the moment after a disappointing result but Terrys was a cold calculated attempt at mutiny and showing I'm the real f**king boss here. The press conference was scheduled for Sunday alright but Terry was only asked on Saturday would he do it, if these "Nine Pinters" had agreed on this course of action surely Gerrard would have volunteered to take the conference.
By the way, if the nine of them did all agree to let Terry go forward and say what he did they are all arseholes but I ain't seen any evidence that they did
And Drogba v Barcelona was...oh yes I remember a crass act from someone with no class?? Gerrard is a wimp who shouldn't be captain of a netball team. What Terry said was by no means outrageous (compared to Anelka)
At least John Terry is showing a bit of fight for the cause lads. This could be his last world cup game tomorrow, and you cannot blame the man for wanting to make sure England put their best foot forward. I think he meant every word he said, and with the exception of openly calling for Joe Cole to play - I dont disagree with any of it.
The FA are the folks who wheeled Terry out for the press conference.
Quote from: Puckoon on June 22, 2010, 05:21:56 PM
At least John Terry is showing a bit of fight for the cause lads. This could be his last world cup game tomorrow, and you cannot blame the man for wanting to make sure England put their best foot forward. I think he meant every word he said, and with the exception of openly calling for Joe Cole to play - I dont disagree with any of it.
The FA are the folks who wheeled Terry out for the press conference.
Correct, it was the FA who asked Terry (not Gerrard) to do the conference and according to the BBC he was asked to give a "rallying the troops" call at the conference. He certainly rallied Joe Cole...not so sure about Lennon or Wright-Phillips.
Jaysus, now that France are out, if Eng go out too, who will we hate??
Fair play to Uruguay they won there group with plenty to spare & now it looks like they will play South Korea in next round Quarter-finals at least is a good bet for them now
Just heard France's world cup draw, next up they meet England at the airport...
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 05:34:20 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 05:08:32 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 04:48:53 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 04:23:13 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 22, 2010, 04:01:07 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 22, 2010, 03:42:16 PM
That to me is Terry (for once in his life) being honest. You couldn't diasgree with a word he said. If anything Daivd James' interview on 5Live was as worse...not a word about it!
While I'm being paranoid, Didier Drogba says "It's a f**king disgrace" to the camera, hounded by the press and UEFA. Rooney says "It's nice to hear your own (or possibly home) fans booing you. If that's loyal support for f**k's sake". That's just his frustration.
I'd disagree with very little of what he actually said but the point is do it behind closed doors and not at an England press conference. Also would the captain not be the man to do this not Terry??
Not sure what you are driving at re Drogba/Rooney??
Terry was scheduled for the press conference. Gerrard is a wuss. Straight on the phone to a journo (at the behest of his agent) to distance himself from Terry once he realised it was going tits up (according to the Guardian). There's no doubt Terry thought he had the backing of the "Nine Pinters".
Re Rooney...I'm being paranoid. Had Terry said what Rooney said he'd probably be on his way home...
Your definitely paranoid mate, Rooneys was an ill-advised comment said in the heat of the moment after a disappointing result but Terrys was a cold calculated attempt at mutiny and showing I'm the real f**king boss here. The press conference was scheduled for Sunday alright but Terry was only asked on Saturday would he do it, if these "Nine Pinters" had agreed on this course of action surely Gerrard would have volunteered to take the conference.
By the way, if the nine of them did all agree to let Terry go forward and say what he did they are all arseholes but I ain't seen any evidence that they did
And Drogba v Barcelona was...oh yes I remember a crass act from someone with no class?? Gerrard is a wimp who shouldn't be captain of a netball team. What Terry said was by no means outrageous (compared to Anelka)
I'm still not getting what Drogbas got to do with anything?? Unless you think its a whole conspiracy against Chelsea or something.
Anyway we'll agree to disagree, I think JT has let himself down and you don't.
Of course it's an anti Chelsea conspiracy. We agree on something ;)
The French squad is possibly the best in the tournament, it is shocking to see how bad they played.
Jaysus, now that France are out, if Eng go out too, who will we hate??
[/quote]
I reckon the Swiss. And after yesterday's carry-on it seems we'll have the (dis)pleasure of looking at Ronaldo a while longer!
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 22, 2010, 05:48:08 PM
The French squad is possibly the best in the tournament, it is shocking to see how bad they played.
What about Spain? Can't really be comparing Jeremy Toulalan (decent player that he is) to Xavi. Looking forward to watching Argentina tonight, hopefully they don't rest Higuain as his goals could end up being very profitable for me.
Appropriate that France met their Waterloo at the FreeState stadium.
Why would Domenech not shake hands with the South african manager after the game?
The Mexico Uruguay game was hard core. Great for the tournament that they went through.
SA would have been walloped by Argentina.
The way Uruguay and Paraguay play the game is a template for what we could and should be doing.
Quote from: Puckoon on June 22, 2010, 06:48:47 PM
Why would Domenech not shake hands with the South african manager after the game?
Aye copped that.. poor form
The Nigeria - South Korea game would be much better viewing as would the Mexico - Uruguay game gave been earlier. Why aren't they showing the game that means something and where can I get to see it??
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2010, 07:36:20 PM
The Nigeria - South Korea game would be much better viewing as would the Mexico - Uruguay game gave been earlier. Why aren't they showing the game that means something and where can I get to see it??
[/b]
BBC3 at the moment
Goal for Nigeria.
Quite soft.
Went past defender on the wing easily and crossed along the ground. Defender was asleep and Nigerian toe poked it in.
Aha - cheers den.
Much better entertainment.
If Argentina get a goal this will be entertaining because the Greeks will have to come out and play. Jesus Mick Mc Carthy loves all things negative about football, wile man for praising the Greeks and he was the same with the Swiss against Spain.
Alan Hansen is a right miserable git.
Quote from: paco on June 22, 2010, 08:14:35 PM
If Argentina get a goal this will be entertaining because the Greeks will have to come out and play. Jesus Mick Mc Carthy loves all things negative about football, wile man for praising the Greeks and he was the same with the Swiss against Spain.
Mick sees things from the perspective of the underdog.
Probably right Main Street, but you get the impression he enjoys watching these man-markers and negative tactics. Argentina fans creating a good atmosphere, hopefully when they play Mexico or Uruguay the fans will combine and finally drown out the vuvuzelas!
SK go ahead.
Should get through to the last 16, they are the best of the rest in this group.
Is that the first goal direct from a free kick?
Dont know, I haven't got a memory for stats.
Nigeria, Ghana are plagued by selfishness up front. The last thing their strikers will do is pass to a player in a better position.
SK goalie only got his place when the reserve keeper, who was then first choice, got a one year ban for drinking at the asian cup??
I thought it was first free kick. They said Nigeria scored a free kick against Greece. Can't say I remember it to be honest. In fact I don't even know what happened in that game...
Feck, Ukubu has missed the unmissable from 3cm out.
But scores from 12 yards.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2010, 08:52:36 PM
SK goalie only got his place when the reserve keeper, who was then first choice, got a one year ban for drinking at the asian cup??
2-2, penalty by Ukuuba
I don't know how the goalie went the wrong way, everything about Ukubu's run up and body shape meant it was telegraphed to go to the goalie's right side.
Fcuk me Greece are horrible to watch, a win would take them through and they're happy to sit back.
Quote from: Main Street on June 22, 2010, 09:00:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2010, 08:52:36 PM
SK goalie only got his place when the reserve keeper, who was then first choice, got a one year ban for drinking at the asian cup??
2-2, penalty by Ukuuba
I don't know how the goalie went the wrong way, everything about Ukubu's run up and body shape meant it was telegraphed to go to the goalie's right side.
Is that you Packie?
Why didnt you put Donadoni's shot out of play? :)
Quote from: Main Street on June 22, 2010, 09:00:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2010, 08:52:36 PM
SK goalie only got his place when the reserve keeper, who was then first choice, got a one year ban for drinking at the asian cup??
2-2, penalty by Ukuuba
I don't know how the goalie went the wrong way, everything about Ukubu's run up and body shape meant it was telegraphed to go to the goalie's right side.
It's a pity they hadnt you playing
I hate watching Greece
So will Diego be drug tested after this Argentina v Greece game :P
Palermo the f**king donkey! >:( Why didn't he square that, I'm still looking for a -1 Argentina bet to come up!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 22, 2010, 09:07:58 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 22, 2010, 09:00:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2010, 08:52:36 PM
SK goalie only got his place when the reserve keeper, who was then first choice, got a one year ban for drinking at the asian cup??
2-2, penalty by Ukuuba
I don't know how the goalie went the wrong way, everything about Ukubu's run up and body shape meant it was telegraphed to go to the goalie's right side.
It's a pity they hadnt you playing
:D thought the same thing myself when I read his post
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 22, 2010, 09:07:58 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 22, 2010, 09:00:34 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 22, 2010, 08:52:36 PM
SK goalie only got his place when the reserve keeper, who was then first choice, got a one year ban for drinking at the asian cup??
2-2, penalty by Ukuuba
I don't know how the goalie went the wrong way, everything about Ukubu's run up and body shape meant it was telegraphed to go to the goalie's right side.
It's a pity they hadnt you playing
Bring me on for the penalties.
Nigeria finally starting to patch together some semblance of what they once were in football. Good finish to this game.
What happens if Nigeria get a late winner? do they get 2nd spot
Quote from: Schkite on June 22, 2010, 09:12:07 PM
Palermo the f**king donkey! >:( Why didn't he square that, I'm still looking for a -1 Argentina bet to come up!
Atta boy Palermo! :D
How has Messi not scored yet in this tournament! Unreal player.
I think so as Korea lost by 3 goals to Argentina. Won't do it I think.
Palermo the guy that once missed 3 penalties in game has scored a world cup goal :o
What a waste of a WC tournament by Nigeria, bottled it against the Greeks and couldn't finish off a SK team who were struggling badly to hold them out.
Overall very disappointing so far by the African teams (Algeria excepted of course).
Paraguay are the most improved team. At WC98 they were like a bunch of kids plus Chilavert.
What a miss by Yakubu. He is winning the contest for miss of the tournament by a mile. I don't know how he missed it. Martins missed a great chance as well. Nigeria should have qualified but bad discipline and poor finishing has knocked them out.
Lineker has just said that IF England win tomorrow, and IF they get through the last 16, they will play Uruguay or S.Korea. He said to the guests"you would take that for a 1/4 final" WTF, when will these fool bastards then.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 22, 2010, 09:44:17 PM
Lineker has just said that IF England win tomorrow, and IF they get through the last 16, they will play Uruguay or S.Korea. He said to the guests"you would take that for a 1/4 final" WTF, when will these fool b**tards then.
Strange one alright. I'm sure they would take a win tomorrow first! You have to laugh at their unjustified sense of optimism.
Messi player of the tournament thus far
Quote from: paco on June 22, 2010, 09:55:04 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 22, 2010, 09:44:17 PM
Lineker has just said that IF England win tomorrow, and IF they get through the last 16, they will play Uruguay or S.Korea. He said to the guests"you would take that for a 1/4 final" WTF, when will these fool b**tards then.
Strange one alright. I'm sure they would take a win tomorrow first! You have to laugh at their unjustified sense of optimism.
Had to laugh at that myself! The cheek of him to be deeming Uraguay v South Korea an easy draw for England. It wasnt so long ago that they thought the group would be handy.. English will never learn..
I have a nasty feeling England will be a slow burner and do better than we think/hope.
(http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg)
Quote from: Minder on June 22, 2010, 10:33:42 PM
I have a nasty feeling England will be a slow burner and do better than we think/hope.
What makes you think that? I can't see it. Hope I don't jinx it though.
Quote from: Minder on June 22, 2010, 10:33:42 PM
I have a nasty feeling England will be a slow burner and do better than we think/hope.
I really fear for that too minder..
Quote from: hardstation on June 22, 2010, 10:40:30 PM
No chance. They really are shit.
But hold on! Jesus was pretty shit at the start - a somewhat basic performance at the Marriage of Caanan - water to wine stunt, then healing the sick etc, but look what he went on achieve! World domination based on a rising from the dead performance. Perhaps England will do the same - shit against USA and Algeria - but England might, like Jesus, do their stuff. Just look at the similarities with the life of Jesus - He was arrested by the authorities (bit like Scousers) a Doubting Thomas (John Terry) .. mixed with prostitutes (Rooney) ... knocked about with someone who let everything in between their legs (Mary Magdalen - just think of Rooney's conquests, wags, and that goalkeeper) ... made lots of money .. etc ...
They are crap. I watched the algeria match with a few mates. After about 60 minutes every time england got an offensive move going they shit a brick while i laughed. There was no way they are going to score.
I do expect them to win tomorrow however - depending on their team. They'll not get much further though.
They are suspect at right back, central defense, in goals, in central midfield, on the wings and have one top class off form striker. Basically Ashley Cole is good, Rooney on form is good, and Gerrard in the right position is good. Lampard and Terry are found wanting at national level. Joe Cole mat be ok. They also can't retain possession. So far they have been almost as bad a team as there is in the tournament. There would only be north korea ,greece and honduras below them.
Not only have they not got the players they have got the most unrealistic set of expectations from any team placed on them and they know they'll get tortured, individually,by the whole country if they make a mistake. This pressure sits on every one of them and you can see it.
With the right 11 out they can beat an average slovenia team. However that depends on the right 11.
England are playing shite and with any luck will be booking flights tomorrow. waiting on Paraguay winning their group. have 13 quid on them at 3/1 or 4/1 not sure.
also a tenner on the Argies at 7/1 to win
England have the toughest task tomorrow. They have to win their game against Slovenia who only need a draw, giving an advantage to Slovenia. Algeria and Usa both need a win so that makes it easier for one of them. So we still have to see if they get through this group.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 22, 2010, 11:24:05 PM
England are playing shite and with any luck will be booking flights tomorrow. waiting on Paraguay winning their group. have 13 quid on them at 3/1 or 4/1 not sure.
also a tenner on the Argies at 7/1 to win
Is this what price they are now? A friend got £10 when they were 17/1.
Quote from: EagleLord on June 22, 2010, 10:39:41 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 22, 2010, 10:33:42 PM
I have a nasty feeling England will be a slow burner and do better than we think/hope.
I really fear for that too minder..
I firmly believe it too, so much so that I will be sticking a few quid on them tomorrow. The bastards.
Hey Bobby...Whats the French for Va Va Voom?
Hey Thierry...Whats the French for G'wan Ta Fcuk Home?
France have gone home in second class seats from the world cup. I hope they have to face their fans on the plane.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 23, 2010, 08:38:55 AM
France have gone home in second class seats from the world cup. I hope they have to face their fans on the plane.
Isit coz some of them iz black?
Yes.
watched/laughed at the french yesterday, but didnt stay for the aftermath; did domenech refuse to shake t'other managers hands at the end??
jees they were some rabble all in all....
Quote from: quit yo jibbajabba on June 23, 2010, 09:34:11 AM
watched/laughed at the french yesterday, but didnt stay for the aftermath; did domenech refuse to shake t'other managers hands at the end??
jees they were some rabble all in all....
Saw that alright, they are some shower of langers! World Cup is better without them and imagine the furore if Eng-er-land went out too? They would have to resort to having that great "Brit" Andy Murray as the new hope to pin a nation's belief on :D Feck them with have Graeme McDowell, at least we know how to win major trophies!
Argentina look strong. They may not have been overly convincing against the Greeks but given the fact that they had a few players off and the Greeks played 10 men behind the ball, they still looked the part. From here on in teams will have to go out to win the games and as a result they will leave more space. The like of Messi, Higuain, Aguera, Tevez and a rejuvenated Veron(like a fine wine!) will find those spaces with sharp runs and clever passes. Still suspect at the back but not so bad that they won't win it.
Kanu criticises Yakubu for missing open goal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8755587.stm
You'd think he'd have a longer memory, does anyone remember the sitter he passed up for West Brom?
How long is Kaka banned for or have FIFA rescinded his Red Card and punished that tr**p from the Ivory Coast. Disgraceful if nothing is done about this incident and KAKA is in fact made to serve a ban.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 23, 2010, 10:55:58 AM
How long is Kaka banned for or have FIFA rescinded his Red Card and punished that tr**p from the Ivory Coast. Disgraceful if nothing is done baout this incident and KAKA is in fact made to serve a ban.
Was a second yellow so he will just miss the Portugal game. If they lose that game they could avoid Spain.
Has it been mentioned yet about Osvaldo Ardiles?? Great player, not so great manager, I would say he is a great pundit but I cannot understand a word he is saying ???
Cmon Engerland
where does ickle ossie commentate?? That would be worth a tune in to ;D
see evra's gonna tell all in a few days; should be interesting.......
Ossie is a pundit on RTE.
Still no balance on that England side. How difficult is it pick a balance 11 players?
Interviewer:
Fabio, are you going with a 4-4-2 today?
Fabio:
No, we are using a 747, much more leg room.
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 23, 2010, 02:59:10 PM
Interviewer:
Fabio, are you going with a 4-4-2 today?
Fabio:
No, we are using a 747, much more leg room.
;D ;D ;D ;D
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 23, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
Even if it wasn't England - that sort of arrogance would make me hope they are kicked out the gate
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 23, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
I'm on the road for most of the day so when I go back out again I'll have to listen to that d**k***d Alan Green. Not so much arrogant but a complete bolli*
Capello's changes justified now.
Keeper???
Lawro is such a ballbag!
Slovenian left back's tackle there was as deserved as Johnson's pervious two or Barry's earlier in the half except the Engerland boys didn't get one... >:(
Judge to child: Do you want to live with your mother?
Child: No
Judge: Why
Child: She beats me
Judge: Okay, so you want to stay with your Dad
Child: No
Judge: Why not?
Child: He beats me too.
Judge: So who do you want to live with?
Child: The England team
Judge: Why?
Child: They never beat anyone!
On my travels, england still 1-0 up & what type of game is it?
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 03:45:51 PM
Slovenian left back's tackle there was as deserved as Johnson's pervious two or Barry's earlier in the half except the Engerland boys didn't get one... >:(
Agree. German ref causes the Slovenian to miss the next game. Who might Slovenia play next? Germany!
As for the game, everything is down the RHS. A good team will twig that. Capello still needs to get the formation sorted.
For me, Joe Cole wide left, Lampard, Barry and Gerard in middle, with Milner on the right. Rooney up top.
Gerard's fondness for wandering in nullifies Ashley Cole's attacking threat.
Quote from: ross4life on June 23, 2010, 03:47:42 PM
On my travels, england still 1-0 up & what type of game is it?
Like the rest of the games so far... relatively poor and uninspiring... Slovenia not up to much going by the first half but given England's shocking play at times, 1 mighn't be enough
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 23, 2010, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 03:45:51 PM
Slovenian left back's tackle there was as deserved as Johnson's pervious two or Barry's earlier in the half except the Engerland boys didn't get one... >:(
Agree. German ref causes the Slovenian to miss the next game. Who might Slovenia play next? Germany!
As for the game, everything is down the RHS. A good team will twig that. Capello still needs to get the formation sorted.
For me, Joe Cole wide left, Lampard, Barry and Gerard in middle, with Milner on the right. Rooney up top.
Gerard's fondness for wandering in nullifies Ashley Cole's attacking threat.
No he bloody doesn't!!
Just going by the highlights on BBC there, the Yanks are all over the Alergians like a rash - could be 3 or 4 up
Rooney hit the post. Should have scored!!
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 03:53:34 PM
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 23, 2010, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 03:45:51 PM
Slovenian left back's tackle there was as deserved as Johnson's pervious two or Barry's earlier in the half except the Engerland boys didn't get one... >:(
Agree. German ref causes the Slovenian to miss the next game. Who might Slovenia play next? Germany!
As for the game, everything is down the RHS. A good team will twig that. Capello still needs to get the formation sorted.
For me, Joe Cole wide left, Lampard, Barry and Gerard in middle, with Milner on the right. Rooney up top.
Gerard's fondness for wandering in nullifies Ashley Cole's attacking threat.
No he bloody doesn't!!
Yes he does. What happens if they play the Argies for example? Messi one on one every time with Cole.
On a second look that was a fantastic save from Rooney's shot.
Birsa has wasted a lot of ball for Slovenia today.
Not able to see the game today but are England back to being the world beaters 5Live say they are?? At half time the rest of the WC was: next round Serbia (easy) after that Uruguay/S Korea (even easier) :D
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 23, 2010, 03:51:43 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 03:45:51 PM
Slovenian left back's tackle there was as deserved as Johnson's pervious two or Barry's earlier in the half except the Engerland boys didn't get one... >:(
Agree. German ref causes the Slovenian to miss the next game. Who might Slovenia play next? Germany!
As for the game, everything is down the RHS. A good team will twig that. Capello still needs to get the formation sorted.
For me, Joe Cole wide left, Lampard, Barry and Gerard in middle, with Milner on the right. Rooney up top.
Gerard's fondness for wandering in nullifies Ashley Cole's attacking threat.
Defoe scores and you've him dropped already!!
please oh please bring back the vuvuzulas.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 04:26:16 PM
Not able to see the game today but are England back to being the world beaters 5Live say they are?? At half time the rest of the WC was: next round Serbia (easy) after that Uruguay/S Korea (even easier) :D
Not really, created quite a few more chances but Slovenia have had a few themselves. Suppose you're always going to concede chances when you have Matthew Upson playing at a World Cup.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 23, 2010, 04:33:06 PM
please oh please bring back the vuvuzulas.
"Come on England, come on England, ..."
the rte player must be under some pressure....very stop start
Some tackle by Upson there!
USA score in added time. ;D
Tough on Slovenia hearing about USA getting a late goal.
Oh fcuk I forgot that means England finish second! No "handy quarter-final" against Uruguay/South Korea now!
fair fcuks to the yanks, they never give up, same as Slovenia match and deserve to go through.
Tougher on England to finish 2nd ;D
Great to see the Yanks through... 91st min goal - Roy of the Rovers stuff there!
Chances are England will play Germany - am I right?
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 04:53:26 PM
Great to see the Yanks through... 91st min goal - Roy of the Rovers stuff there!
Chances are England will play Germany - am I right?
Yes, hopefully anyway.
Don't mention the war!! Get in Donovan you legend!
From being dissapointed seeing England going through to seeing the scenes in the other game, an emotional rollercoaster! Roll on Sunday and hopefully the Germans will put the final nail in the coffin.
Just after hearing Lawro saying England were very very good today.. the boys in RTÉ would taking the opposition view to that...
Who do England play if they get to QF's?
Some difference between the RTE analysis and the BBC..
England are back to their best on the BBC,Capello is a spoofer and England are dreadful on the RTE :D
What was Donavan's goal like?
Quote from: Minder on June 23, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
Who do England play if they get to QF's?
Surely they will be more interested in who they play in the Final now...
Is it too early for a declaration of war on the 'orrible Germans'?
The Slovenians will be missing that chance in the 90th. minute too. Damn had that gone in, she'd be cattle-class home for them hoors too.
Algeria were negative in their first two games, and the USA were at least trying, so I'm pleased that they went through.
FFS, the Aussie commentators are reverting to their usual arse-licking so I hope to feck the Serbs hammer the feck out of them. I'm away to bed.
Quote from: Minder on June 23, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
Who do England play if they get to QF's?
IF they get by (probably) Germany, they'd meet Argentina(providing they beat Mexico)! :o
Some difference to the draw they'd have had Donovan not scored that goal!
Quote from: Minder on June 23, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
Who do England play if they get to QF's?
Diego & co??????
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Quote from: Two Hands FFS on June 23, 2010, 05:04:24 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 23, 2010, 04:58:00 PM
Who do England play if they get to QF's?
Diego & co??????
Aye, if Donovan didn't score would have been Uruguay/South Korea.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Aye
The racism is coming now lad ;)
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:10:23 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:06:55 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Aye
Heil Hitler so!
Just hope the bloody Germans do the business tonight now, game over at quarter past nein (just getting my coat)
Jesus USA missed some chances.
So correct me if I'm wrong...did absolute world beaters England just finish second in the weakest group in the World Cup? ;D
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 05:19:44 PM
So correct me if I'm wrong...did absolute world beaters England just finish second in the weakest group in the World Cup? ;D
Yanks
England
Slovenia
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 05:19:44 PM
So correct me if I'm wrong...did absolute world beaters England just finish second in the weakest group in the World Cup? ;D
We won't remember that when Jules Rimet is coming home on 11th July!
Just a reminder from the SUN ...
(http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/sunworldcupcover.jpg)
England's Brave John Terry with an unusual technique for blocking shots. ;D
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2uh8qbm.jpg)
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 23, 2010, 04:59:04 PM
What was Donavan's goal like?
Long counter attack throw from howard. Donovan played in Altidore who crossed the ball in. Dempsy made a good run, but shot straight at the keeper, Donovan followed up with the rebound and cooly stuck it in the corner.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 23, 2010, 05:26:31 PM
England's Brave John Terry with an unusual technique for blocking shots. ;D
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2uh8qbm.jpg)
Johnson holding the wedding vegetables is quite comical.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 04:26:16 PM
Not able to see the game today but are England back to being the world beaters 5Live say they are?? At half time the rest of the WC was: next round Serbia (easy) after that Uruguay/S Korea (even easier) :D
Oh hard luck 5Live
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:14:54 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:10:23 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:06:55 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Aye
Heil Hitler so!
Just hope the bloody Germans do the business tonight now, game over at quarter past nein (just getting my coat)
Ghana would be better fun beating England...
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 23, 2010, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:14:54 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:10:23 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:06:55 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Aye
Heil Hitler so!
Just hope the bloody Germans do the business tonight now, game over at quarter past nein (just getting my coat)
Ghana would be better fun beating England...
Although IMHO Ghana are a poor side.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 23, 2010, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:14:54 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:10:23 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:06:55 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Aye
Heil Hitler so!
Just hope the bloody Germans do the business tonight now, game over at quarter past nein (just getting my coat)
Ghana would be better fun beating England...
Aye but they might beat Ghana!!
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 23, 2010, 05:30:01 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 23, 2010, 05:26:31 PM
England's Brave John Terry with an unusual technique for blocking shots. ;D
(http://i45.tinypic.com/2uh8qbm.jpg)
Johnson holding the wedding vegetables is quite comical.
He's like Christy Brown playing football in My Left Foot...
Saw the interview with Donovan there... You could really see how much it means to him and the rest of Yanks
There is a rock solid minimum level of fun (i.e. England getting hammered) guaranteed with England meeting Germany in the last 16.
Interview with some English player now, one of the Coles,
'We wuz sat on lead' .... 'I fink we wuz good' 'I weally believe we can do it now'
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 05:35:52 PM
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 23, 2010, 05:33:54 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:14:54 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:10:23 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 23, 2010, 05:06:55 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
If Hitlers men win tonight will they top the group regardless of how the other results go?
Aye
Heil Hitler so!
Just hope the bloody Germans do the business tonight now, game over at quarter past nein (just getting my coat)
Ghana would be better fun beating England...
Although IMHO Ghana are a poor side.
so are England...have faith
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 05:41:35 PM
Saw the interview with Donovan there... You could really see how much it means to him and the rest of Yanks
The interviewer kept addressing him as Mr Donovan which I found pretty funny (especially with his American accent).
The US TV post match interview questions tend to be all touchy feely.
Germany are hot at the moment, the ref beat them against Serbia. If Ghana can hold them out, they are a pretty good side, I don't think they will.
Next up will be the game of the tournament England v Argentina if they beat the Germans. Their semi final opponents should be Spain.
However if Spain finish second in their group they will have a second round game v Brazil or Portugal.
No matter what you say about John Terry, no matter how many problems he has off the field (Usually inflicted), he is superb when he crosses the line. Thought him and Upson were very good today, especially considering Upson is 4th choice CB.
If Crouch didn't look like a freak would he get more games? His goals per game record is superb but when it comes to the crunch he is 4th choice!
Is Crouchs goals to games ratio not skewed by the fact he is a flat track bully and scored quite a lot v mugs in home friendlies?
Quote from: Minder on June 23, 2010, 06:13:17 PM
Is Crouchs goals to games ratio not skewed by the fact he is a flat track bully and scored quite a lot v mugs in home friendlies?
Maybe, but it's still good relevant to the other forwards.
I'm glad England got through to the Q/F. The script is now set for them to go out on penalties to Germany! ;D
Quote from: Minder on June 23, 2010, 06:13:17 PM
Is Crouchs goals to games ratio not skewed by the fact he is a flat track bully and scored quite a lot v mugs in home friendlies?
10 goals in Euro/World Cup qualifiers, 11 goals in friendlies(which included a hat-trick versus Jamica which brought us the Robot Dance :o) as opposed to Emile Heskey who has scored 3 goals in Qualifiers and 4 goals in friendlies or Defoe who has 7 in qualifiers and 5 in friendlies, or Rooney with 12 in qualifiers and 6 in friendlies.
Quote from: ziggysego on June 23, 2010, 06:23:28 PM
I'm glad England got through to the Q/F. The script is now set for them to go out on penalties to Germany! ;D
Ease up there Ziggy, they are only in the second round not the quarters yet!!
Quote from: ziggysego on June 23, 2010, 06:23:28 PM
I'm glad England got through to the Q/F. The script is now set for them to go out on penalties to Germany! ;D
Tool :D
They only through to 2nd round Ziggy
Take one goal off Crouch in a competitive game for pulling the dreadlocks of a Trinidad and Tobago player as he went up for the ball in the last world cup.
delighted the US got thro, mad finish to the game
2 brothers against each other tonight Germany v Ghana. the Boatengs.
Kevin Prince is also public enemy No.1 after his tackle on Mickey Ballack in the FA Cup final.
Brothers havent spoken since then
The Germans are in their retro SS all black jersies tonight.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2010, 07:15:41 PM
2 brothers against each other tonight Germany v Ghana. the Boatengs.
Kevin Prince is also public enemy No.1 after his tackle on Mickey Ballack in the FA Cup final.
Brothers havent spoken since then
thats unusual to say the least
Would or can the Germans attempt to engineer the game/result in a way to leave them in 2nd place in their group so they can face USA as opposed to England and possibly Argentina the game after that?
Or is that far too risky and an afront to German pride?
They might fancy England over the USA?
The Germans are in second at the moment and it may stay that way.
If Germany get a draw, what has to happen for them NOT to get through?
Want Ghana and Germany to progress as you can imagine the headlines if Germany are out and England progress.
So hopefully Ghana will go through.
Class goal
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2010, 07:15:41 PM
2 brothers against each other tonight Germany v Ghana. the Boatengs.
Kevin Prince is also public enemy No.1 after his tackle on Mickey Ballack in the FA Cup final.
Brothers havent spoken since then
Are they true brothers or half brothers?
Just wondered as the guy for Ghana has Prince on his jersey not Boateng
Very unusual all the same, I doubt it has happened too many times before if ever.
Go Australia Go. But stop scoring.
Hope Ghana go through they are a decent side
who goes through now as it stands??
Ghana have only scored 2 goals so far, both from penalties.
Can the aussies go through? Someone tell me please. Im losing patience with BBC sport.
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 23, 2010, 09:08:19 PM
who goes through now as it stands??
The 2 Gs as it stands.
Quote from: Puckoon on June 23, 2010, 09:10:40 PM
Can the aussies go through? Someone tell me please. Im losing patience with BBC sport.
yes if they score a couple more and if Germany scored another against Ghana
Highly unlikely now...
aussies win and ghana lose then aussies need to better the GD. Needs to be a swing of 5 I think it is...
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 08:56:45 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 23, 2010, 07:15:41 PM
2 brothers against each other tonight Germany v Ghana. the Boatengs.
Kevin Prince is also public enemy No.1 after his tackle on Mickey Ballack in the FA Cup final.
Brothers havent spoken since then
Are they true brothers or half brothers?
Just wondered as the guy for Ghana has Prince on his jersey not Boateng
Very unusual all the same, I doubt it has happened too many times before if ever.
same father just. Prince represented Germany at U20 level, only made his Ghanian debut 2/3 weeks ago.
Germany v England on sunday, Hill 16 will be empty for the Dublin Meath match ;)
Looking forward to Sunday but have some choice to make now.
Quote from: Denn Forever on June 23, 2010, 09:22:49 PM
Looking forward to Sunday but have some choice to make now.
What time do both kick off/throw in?
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 09:21:39 PM
Germany v England on sunday, Hill 16 will be empty for the Dublin Meath match ;)
:D
One of USA, Ghana, Uruguay, S Korea will be in semi final...Donovan fairly fucked over England ;D
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 09:33:56 PM
One of USA, Ghana, Uruguay, S Korea will be in semi final...Donovan fairly fucked over England ;D
does this mean england would have to beat Germany, Argentina (1/4 finals) and Brazil (semis) to reach a possible final?
That will make Brazil world cup favourites, with a semi final against one of those turkeys as long as they top their group and beat Holland.
The other side of the draw may have Argentina, Germany, Spain, England, Paraguay against Brazil Holland v Italy and Brazil in the other half.
Quote from: clarshack on June 23, 2010, 09:43:18 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 09:33:56 PM
One of USA, Ghana, Uruguay, S Korea will be in semi final...Donovan fairly fucked over England ;D
does this mean england would have to beat Germany, Argentina (1/4 finals) and Brazil (semis) to reach a possible final?
Ger, Arg (if they beat Mex) then poss Spain if it pans out according to ranking though Spain might have to beat portugal before that
Happy endings to that group.
Out of the pack, I fancy Uruguay to get through to the the sf.
We haven't seen a Forlan shirt off celebration yet. He should be given a free pass by FIFA to do one without being carded for it.
Quote from: clarshack on June 23, 2010, 09:43:18 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 23, 2010, 09:33:56 PM
One of USA, Ghana, Uruguay, S Korea will be in semi final...Donovan fairly fucked over England ;D
does this mean england would have to beat Germany, Argentina (1/4 finals) and Brazil (semis) to reach a possible final?
or spain. then brazil in the final. if they do it they will do it the hard way. as someone said that donovon goal was so important
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 23, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
funny how they're so excited they beat them 1-0
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 23, 2010, 09:48:02 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 23, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
funny how they're so excited they beat them 1-0
Have they mentioned once that their route to the final is now as hard as it can be?
Because yesterday it was all about how easy it was going to be when then topped their group
Quote from: Main Street on June 23, 2010, 09:47:01 PM
Happy endings to that group.
Out of the pack, I fancy Uruguay to get through to the the sf.
We haven't seen a Forlan shirt off celebration yet. He should be given a free pass by FIFA to do one without being carded for it.
Would agree with that.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 09:50:23 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 23, 2010, 09:48:02 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 23, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
funny how they're so excited they beat them 1-0
Have they mentioned once that their route to the final is now as hard as it can be?
Because yesterday it was all about how easy it was going to be when then topped their group
They haven't. I know they were releived getting through but I was just thinking it was a bit of a disaster. Their odds for winning the tournament have probably got longer than the day before they qualified and expected to finish top.
Germany, Argentina, Spain or Portugal in the semis and Brazil in the final. That is some task, and even if they got on a run and won a few games to get to the semis or final, games against that quality of opposition every few days would take its toll in terms of stamina reserves and playing resources. Injuries and suspensions, with a need to cut down players like Messi to win games.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 23, 2010, 11:15:12 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 23, 2010, 09:50:23 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 23, 2010, 09:48:02 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 23, 2010, 03:07:00 PM
Arrogant fcukers on BBC "in terms of FA Cup this is Premier League versus 3rd Division"
Never said who was Premier League though :P
funny how they're so excited they beat them 1-0
Have they mentioned once that their route to the final is now as hard as it can be?
Because yesterday it was all about how easy it was going to be when then topped their group
They haven't. I know they were releived getting through but I was just thinking it was a bit of a disaster. Their odds for winning the tournament have probably got longer than the day before they qualified and expected to finish top.
Germany, Argentina, Spain or Portugal in the semis and Brazil in the final. That is some task, and even if they got on a run and won a few games to get to the semis or final, games against that quality of opposition every few days would take its toll in terms of stamina reserves and playing resources. Injuries and suspensions, with a need to cut down players like Messi to win games.
Never gonna happen boss...
Thought this was a great piece in the Times:
Ossie reveals his secret to success - the ball was his 'lubber'
ON THE COUCH: Ossie Ardiles is fast approaching legendary status as he weaves his magic on RTÉ, writes MARY HANNIGAN
DAY 13. Too many highlights so far to mention, but it'll be hard to top Ossie Ardiles' concern that Argentina's defence would be their "Achilles tendon" when they come up against stiffer opposition. He's not the first football man, mind you, to muddle his body parts; it was David O'Leary, after all, who once complained that Aston Villa's inability to defend set-pieces was "the Achilles' heel that has been stabbing us in the back".
Ossie's contributions to the RTÉ panel are now approaching legendary status, and by the time he's done you can be sure there'll be nothing you don't know about South American football.
For example, we now understand why the ball appeared to be an extension of Ossie's foot in his rather splendid playing days.
"The ball was my lubber, I went to bed with it, it was everything," he explained. John Giles and Graeme Souness said nothing, certainly not "the ball was my lubber". Both men, no doubt, loved the roundy thing, but just not that much.
Steven Gerrard, rest assured, lubs the ball too, but having been stuck out on the left by Fabio Capello he just hasn't seen a whole lot of it.
And you know what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Stevie has, evidently, been pining for a more central role.
Well, Gary Lineker had good news for the English nation yesterday, telling them the BBC's sources had reliably informed him Stevie would be playing through the middle against Slovenia, "at the head of the diamond".
Gary, the two Als, Hansen and Shearer, and Lee Dixon then based their entire pre-match analysis on their source's disclosure, which was unfortunate because the information was thoroughly incorrect.
Roy Hodgson tried to warn them, insisting Stevie would, most probably, play on the left, but Lee Dixon hoped, trusted and prayed he was wrong.
"If he's playing on the left today we should all pack up and go home," he sighed.
Match time. Stevie on the left. Lee dusting down his rucksack. But wait, goal. England. Up and running?
Half-time. Fantasy World Cup Punditry, all of them in the one studio. Ready?
Hansen: "Once England got the goal the confidence levels surged, they were excellent."
Eamon Dunphy: "They just didn't grow in confidence at all after the goal."
Lineker: "The goal really settled them, didn't it? They pushed on from there."
Ronnie Whelan: "You'd think they'd have kicked on from when they scored, but they actually got worse."
Roy: "England's crossing has been absolutely outstanding."
Giles: "Some of the crossing was just awful."
Shearer: "Rooney looks more confident, he's getting around the pitch a lot better."
Dunphy: "It's shocking to see Rooney so subdued, he's been reduced to a shivering wreck."
Shearer: "They look much more comfortable on the ball, they're passing it with a purpose, with pace, they're closing down – a much better performance, it's encouraging."
Giles: "They're much better than they have been, but they couldn't have been worse."
No arguments, then. Second half. England held on. Full-time. Ready?
Lee Dixon: "A great performance."
Dunphy: "Shocking . . . absolutely incredibly bad . . . pretty awful stuff."
Hansen: "The commitment was there, the spirit was there, the enterprise was there, the creativity was there, they passed it better – they could have scored five or six quite easily. Capello will obviously be delighted with the performance."
Giles: "If that's the shackles off what'll they be like when the shackles are back on?"
'Arry Redknapp: "We played with pace, we got after them, we pressed them, there wasn't a weakness in the team."
Dunphy: "They were astonishingly poor."
Lineker: "He looked more like the Rooney we know."
Ronnie: "Rooney is a major worry, his form, his body language, his demeanour, everything."
Dixon: "Gerrard was outstanding."
Dunphy: "I can't believe how bad Gerrard was today."
'Arry: "Across midfield we were top drawer."
Giles: "Barry got worse as the game went on, Milner, Gerrard and Lampard the same."
'Arry: "Bring it on! Whoever we play we'll be difficult to beat."
Ronnie: "If they don't improve they'll go straight out, it was a very, very inept performance."
The consensus ended, though, when Capello appeared on our screens for a chat with Gabby Logan.
The BBC was euphoric about Fabio's euphoria, but Giles reckoned he was just spoofin'. "It wasn't exactly the most probing interview," said Darragh Moloney. "Well she seems a very attractive girl – maybe that's why she's doing the interview, she was doing a good bit of creeping there," said Gilesie. Next time he meets his former Leeds team-mate Terry Yorath – that'd be Gabby's Da – he should bring a gumshield.
I watched a "tape" of the Germany Ghana game last night. I let it run on at the end and watched some of the ITV "punditry". WTF planet is Kevin Keegan on??
That guy Ozil is gonna be a great player. He's only 21. If he had a bit of pace he would be sensational.
Anyone think there's gonna be any shocks today? I.e. Italians not making it through?
Quote from: paco on June 24, 2010, 11:29:58 AM
Anyone think there's gonna be any shocks today? I.e. Italians not making it through?
If Denmark and Japan draw I think Japan will go through. Other than that if Paraguay beat NZ and Italy draw, Italy will go through with 3 points??
Think the Danes are good value to win today 6/5 the win, they were great going forward against Cameroon, sort the defence out and they should win handy enough.
It does look good for the Danes.
The betting for the Chile v Spain game is interesting, Chile 13/2 for the win and 16/5 draw. Looks attractive enough as Spain are not firing on all cylinders yet.
The Swiss are likely to beat Honduras and snap up 1st or 2nd place. Should Chile lose against Spain, their 6 points is not likely to be enough to finish 2nd, should the Swiss beat Honduras.
That leave Chile with at least a 'must draw' against Spain and they have the energy and tenacity to get up Spain's noses right from the kick off and go on the offensive.
Quote from: Main Street on June 24, 2010, 01:34:03 PM
It does look good for the Danes.
Even without the mighty Nick Bendtner!
Quote from: Main Street on June 24, 2010, 01:34:03 PM
It does look good for the Danes.
The betting for the Chile v Spain game is interesting, Chile 13/2 for the win and 16/5 draw. Looks attractive enough as Spain are not firing on all cylinders yet.
The Swiss are likely to beat Honduras and snap up 1st or 2nd place. Should Chile lose against Spain, their 6 points is not likely to be enough to finish 2nd, should the Swiss beat Honduras.
That leave Chile with at least a 'must draw' against Spain and they have the energy and tenacity to get up Spain's noses right from the kick off and go on the offensive.
The difference from Spain's first 2 games is that Chile will more than likely attack them and try to outplay them, instead of parking the bus. What must happen for Spain and Chile to qualify? Swiss and Honduras game hard to call but probably a tight win for Swiss. Just after hearing Pirlo is back for Italy, that should make a big difference.
(http://media.riemurasia.net/albumit/m25139/718822152.gif)
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 24, 2010, 02:20:28 PM
(http://media.riemurasia.net/albumit/m25139/718822152.gif)
Zizou isn't in favour of the vuvuzelas clearly.
Italy in trouble at 1-0 down
Italy look very poor so far!
Very bad Italian side, need to gamble on Pirlo in second half. There aren't many youngsters on this panel, one who they could use right now (and I can't understand why he's not even in the squad) is Sebastian Giovinco of Juventus who's looked a good player and very creative any time I've seen him.
Genuinely surprised at the half time score of the Paraguay - NZ match.
Think by all accounts Cannavaro was lucky not to get sent off too.
2-0 to Slovakia!!
Would be great if NZ could grab a goal. Italy deserve to go out, very poor.
Game on!
Well if they come back from this they deserve to go through.
Get in! Feck off you pasta eaters!
Just tuned in to see Slovakia's third goal, what the fcuk! Some World Cup, strange aul results.
Have the holders ever went out in the group stages?
Brilliant Italy second there, another 2 minutes for them.
Quote from: Schkite on June 24, 2010, 04:50:50 PM
Just tuned in to see Slovakia's third goal, what the fcuk! Some World Cup, strange aul results.
Have the holders ever went out in the group stages?
Brilliant Italy second there, another 2 minutes for them.
France 2002
Quote from: Schkite on June 24, 2010, 04:50:50 PM
Just tuned in to see Slovakia's third goal, what the fcuk! Some World Cup, strange aul results.
Have the holders ever went out in the group stages?
Brilliant Italy second there, another 2 minutes for them.
France 2002
Italy out, I thought the disallowed Italy goal for offside at 2-1 was onside to be honest
Fcuk I'm dumb, didn't even think of that. Still, amazing story this. Europe are well and truly gone to fcuk going by this world cup while South America is ruling the roost, the likes of France and Italy bottom of their groups which are topped by Uruguay and Paraguay! And Spain won't have it all their own way against Chile either.
Was the best game so far.. France & Italy both finished bottom of there groups :o
Cracking 2nd half.
Hope slovaks go a bit further and have a hangover when Ireland meet them
Euro 2010 qualifying
Italy pay the price for deciding to start playing with 15 mins left of their 3rd game
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 24, 2010, 04:57:14 PM
Italy out, I thought the disallowed Italy goal for offside at 2-1 was onside to be honest
It looked a good goal, but can't say that it's a loss to have that Italy team go out.
Quote from: Main Street on June 24, 2010, 05:04:50 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 24, 2010, 04:57:14 PM
Italy out, I thought the disallowed Italy goal for offside at 2-1 was onside to be honest
It looked a good goal, but can't say that it's a loss to have that Italy team go out.
rather have italy than engerland!
The path to the Semi finals opens up a bit more for Brazil/Holland now.
Second goal should have been allowed. 99% of times we hear commentators talking about giving the striker the benefit of the doubt if there's no daylight, not in this case! Be interesting if someone makes a call like that in favour of the Germans at Free State stadium on Sunday to see if they recieve the praise the English linesman got today...
Yakuba's miss.
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/6/23/1277307182688/Yakubu-miss-006.jpg)
The only consolation is that it did not make any difference as Nigeria got a penalty almost immediately after.
Quote from: Main Street on June 24, 2010, 05:22:04 PM
Yakuba's miss.
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/6/23/1277307182688/Yakubu-miss-006.jpg)
The only consolation is that it did not make any difference as Nigeria got a penalty almost immediately after.
Can't believe Kanu started to give him grief about the miss. He must have a short memory after he ballsed up WBA's season a couple of years ago.
I think the ghost of Ireland is definitely haunting at this stage...Italy and France? We don't really like England either and look how they're doing ;D
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on May 25, 2010, 08:39:56 PM
placed a bet on Paraguay to win their group!!!!
getting tanked by a shite Irish team. heres a tip, if i'm betting bet against me!!
bet up today ;D my only other bet was a tenner on Argentina to win @ 7/1
come on the Argies
Some strike!
Some free kick.
Goalie won't be happy with that!
Nor that!
Another great free-kick, from a different player! Clearly Denmark would've been expecting Honda to hit it again so that was very well worked by Japan.
Quote from: Schkite on June 24, 2010, 08:02:04 PM
Another great free-kick, from a different player! Clearly Denmark would've been expecting Honda to hit it again so that was very well worked by Japan.
Honda should get a civic reception on his return to Japan.
I am in full accord with that one. Maybe on the plane home he might get to meet the pilot?
Quote from: Puckoon on June 24, 2010, 09:03:30 PM
I am in full accord with that one. Maybe on the plane home he might get to meet the pilot?
He's a legend.
He's certainly in his element.
MR what odds you get on Paraguay?
Italy going out was a shock. Some last 10 minutes. Slovakia doing some play acting but not like Italy never did it.
As soon as I drop VanPersie from FF team the fecker scores >:(
Quote from: Doogie Browser on June 24, 2010, 11:55:58 AM
Think the Danes are good value to win today 6/5 the win, they were great going forward against Cameroon, sort the defence out and they should win handy enough.
Yeah I thought the same, first losing bet so far though, so not bad.
I didn't think Japan had that in them. They were excellent. I was wondering why Nakamura wasn't getting a start, clearly they don't need him for the free-kicks.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 24, 2010, 09:02:51 PM
Quote from: Schkite on June 24, 2010, 08:02:04 PM
Another great free-kick, from a different player! Clearly Denmark would've been expecting Honda to hit it again so that was very well worked by Japan.
Honda should get a civic reception on his return to Japan.
i think harry rednapp said that he is thinking of trading in a bentley for a honda
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 24, 2010, 09:23:29 PM
MR what odds you get on Paraguay?
Italy going out was a shock. Some last 10 minutes. Slovakia doing some play acting but not like Italy never did it.
As soon as I drop VanPersie from FF team the fecker scores >:(
7/2. mate in work put me on to them, won a bet that day and stuck 12 quid on them and a tenner on the Argies (had a few drinks) would be nice if that comes up.
World Cup has shown that both Italy and France are pretty shocking at the moment. With Bulgaria brutal as well, jaysus...we really fecked up qualification. :-[
Quote from: ballinaman on June 24, 2010, 11:36:01 PM
World Cup has shown that both Italy and France are pretty shocking at the moment. With Bulgaria brutal as well, jaysus...we really fecked up qualification. :-[
Na I don't think we did... look where we were coming from - if we were at the same place as post 2002 WC I'd agree with ya
I would be fairly confident of coming through the groups Italy and France were in.
You can't really compare a team in the qualifiers to a team at the WC finals, look at England and Spain who strolled through their groups but are now struggling to varying degrees.
In the WC qualifications, Italy had a better team with Pirlo and Buffon, Cannavaro was fitter and strangled Doyle in Bari. After a poor start, France rescued their Qual campaign and finished with some strong performances. Once a team qualifies then it has to step up to compete at the Finals. France's old issues imploded since that play-off.
Italy lost Pirlo and Cannavaro suddenly got old.
NIPPON...YATTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
I'm so pleased the Blue Samurai made it through and what and effort. Delighted for all the auld mates in Japan.
I'm also delighted the team that introduced and perfected the scunnering cheating and diving, i.e. Italy, is going home. And yet Italy fans can't understand others' frustrations with their antics. Now for Das Vaterland to beat the tans.
So has anything actually been done about the incident involving Kaka and Kader Keita?
I think it is a disgrace that Keita is allowed to play in the final group game, again another major showing of incompetence from FIFA.
Something really needs to be done about the playacting or the tournament will be sestroyed, the Slovaks and the Italians were at it, the Chileans got Behrami sent off as well. Kaka should never have been sent off and Keita should have got a suspension instead. There will be justice as Kaka won't be playing when the Ivory coast need Brazil to beat Portugal.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2010, 01:46:59 PM
So has anything actually been done about the incident involving Kaka and Kader Keita?
I think it is a disgrace that Keita is allowed to play in the final group game, again another major showing of incompetence from FIFA.
That actually is a joke - it was one of those things when I saw it first, I thought that it's gonna be one of those few times when FIFA is gonna have to take action considering how blatant and obvious it was
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 25, 2010, 02:02:52 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2010, 01:46:59 PM
So has anything actually been done about the incident involving Kaka and Kader Keita?
I think it is a disgrace that Keita is allowed to play in the final group game, again another major showing of incompetence from FIFA.
That actually is a joke - it was one of those things when I saw it first, I thought that it's gonna be one of those few times when FIFA is gonna have to take action considering how blatant and obvious it was
Brazil made no objection as they have already qualified and won't mind 'resting' Kaka for this game and having him back for their last 16 match with a clean slate i.e. no yelllow card hanging over him
Quote from: Homer on June 25, 2010, 02:25:24 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 25, 2010, 02:02:52 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2010, 01:46:59 PM
So has anything actually been done about the incident involving Kaka and Kader Keita?
I think it is a disgrace that Keita is allowed to play in the final group game, again another major showing of incompetence from FIFA.
That actually is a joke - it was one of those things when I saw it first, I thought that it's gonna be one of those few times when FIFA is gonna have to take action considering how blatant and obvious it was
Brazil made no objection as they have already qualified and won't mind 'resting' Kaka for this game and having him back for their last 16 match with a clean slate i.e. no yelllow card hanging over him
Yea I can understand that but mad the way FIFA shoved fair play down your throat at every opportunity yet when something so wrong as Kaka's second yellow happens they do nothing
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 25, 2010, 02:31:45 PM
Quote from: Homer on June 25, 2010, 02:25:24 PM
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 25, 2010, 02:02:52 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2010, 01:46:59 PM
So has anything actually been done about the incident involving Kaka and Kader Keita?
I think it is a disgrace that Keita is allowed to play in the final group game, again another major showing of incompetence from FIFA.
That actually is a joke - it was one of those things when I saw it first, I thought that it's gonna be one of those few times when FIFA is gonna have to take action considering how blatant and obvious it was
Brazil made no objection as they have already qualified and won't mind 'resting' Kaka for this game and having him back for their last 16 match with a clean slate i.e. no yelllow card hanging over him
Yea I can understand that but mad the way FIFA shoved fair play down your throat at every opportunity yet when something so wrong as Kaka's second yellow happens they do nothing
Exactly, I think certain incidents are so high profile that the governing body cannot rely on the fact that Brazil were not bothered with appealing as it didn't matter that he missed the Portugal game. If anything, the red card is a blemish on Kaka's record as he had not beeen sent off in nearly a decade of top flight football.
last time these sides played,
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/82/south-america/2008/11/20/972932/player-ratings-brazil-6-2-portugal
I'm hoping for more of the same
Ivory Coast 2 up already and look like scoring every time they attack
When, oh when is Ronaldo going to realise that he is not going to score from 25+ yards against Brazil? How many frees has he ballooned wide tonight? Yawn. I've just turned over from the St.Kilda v. Geelong game in the top of the table AFL clash and just wish it could last another 20 minutes.
Anyone else hoping for a vuvuzula invasion on Sunday night? Dear god this is rank.
Penalty. Noooooooo? dear God, what has to be done to get a score in this game? All over, thanks be to god. Appropriately enough there have been lots of boos at the end of the game. Bedtime.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 25, 2010, 04:52:56 PM
Penalty. Noooooooo? dear God, what has to be done to get a score in this game?
That was some boring shite to be honest
If Brazil lose Kaka they're fucked.
Having watched that shiiiiiiite, I now seriously wonder why anyone likes Brazil. Anyway, viva Argentina.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 25, 2010, 04:56:12 PM
Having watched that shiiiiiiite, I now seriously wonder why anyone likes Brazil. Anyway, viva Argentina.
No-one does really, it's probably the most unpopular Brazil side of all time! There has to be more creative Brazilians about, there's no need for Melo and Gilberto Silva to both start.
They did what most teams would do in that position and played out the draw.
This is the same Brazil team that beat Argentina 3-1 in Rosario only 8 months ago hard to read much into today's game when they played for a Draw & were missing there two main creative players
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 25, 2010, 05:10:11 PM
They did what most teams would do in that position and played out the draw.
Indeed it is but I can still moan about it though
Brazil got the job done, end of story. Dunga's team is not like the Brazil of old, they are functional very like 94 and the team he anchored.
Gonzlez just missed a big chance for Chile. That might have knocked Spain out.
Brazil were missing their 3 key playmakers today Kaka, Elano and Robinho. I think a couple of them will benefit from the break. They were playing to win the group with a draw and it is better to be functional than disfunctional.
That goal was against the run of play, crazy goalkeeping & that's the first time in this world cup a South American team are trailing in a game
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 25, 2010, 05:10:11 PM
They did what most teams would do in that position and played out the draw.
but the bloody uruguay mexico game should have been the most nailed on draw ever, and yet, it wasn't!!
We should also remember that half the portuguese side are brazilian ;)
2-0 & down to 10 men should be game over, Portugal v Spain?
Soft sending off IMO
The Ref kinda looks like Freddie Mercury for his Wembley 86 tour (http://www.beaudog.nl/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/freddie_mercury_live_at_wembley_stadion.jpg)
Who wins the group if the results stay as they are?
Honduras should be two up by now the Swiss are shite!!
Anyone hear the commentator on ITV? "You could argue the Spanish have better players than the English", what a statement, there's no competition! David James or Iker Casillas :D
On the subject of the referee, he reminded me of this man...
http://www.cinemotions.net/data/films/0035/99/2/photo-Dracula-1931-5.jpg
Is Torres injured??
Quote from: new devil on June 25, 2010, 09:18:49 PM
Is Torres injured??
Seems to be, looks very low on confidence as well and I think a goal would make all the difference.
Glad the Swiss are out, two good games now with Spain v Portugal and Chile v Brazil
Watched last twenty minutes of the other game, great game, but no goals!!! was constant end to end attacking.
Torres is off form like Rooney....
If Ronaldo knock's out Spain i can imagine he'll get a few boos when he return's to Madrid
Chile have been far more impressive than Spain so far in the World Cup.....Iniesta was the only Spanish player that played half way decent tonight. I'll be throwing a few quid on Chile to upset Brazil, they've beaten Brazil already in qualification and won't fear them.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 25, 2010, 09:24:52 PM
Watched last twenty minutes of the other game, great game, but no goals!!! was constant end to end attacking.
you're kidding? Cliftonville would have beaten the pick of those two teams. It was diabolical
They say the World cup doesnt start for real until after the group games are over and the knock-out stage starts. So i cant wait until tomorrow for URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA and USA v GHANA !!! f**k me there must be something better on
Quote from: ross4life on June 25, 2010, 09:26:49 PM
Torres is off form like Rooney....
If Ronaldo knock's out Spain i can imagine he'll get a few boos when he return's to Madrid
Torres isn't fit I reckon, at least he isn't putting himself in the shop window with those performances ;)
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 25, 2010, 09:40:00 PM
They say the World cup doesnt start for real until after the group games are over and the knock-out stage starts. So i cant wait until tomorrow for URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA and USA v GHANA !!! f**k me there must be something better on
I dunno dude they might not be top tier names but all them countries have played decent stuff so far
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 25, 2010, 09:40:00 PM
They say the World cup doesnt start for real until after the group games are over and the knock-out stage starts. So i cant wait until tomorrow for URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA and USA v GHANA !!! f**k me there must be something better on
They should be both be decent games Hoof, beats Derry v Carlow anyway!! South Korea are a great wee side to watch (totally gung ho all the time) and Uruguay aren't as negative as they used to be. The US are also pretty decent to watch too, another all action side and Ghana are definitely one for the future. I still might make the journey to Dr. Cullen Park though.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 25, 2010, 09:33:57 PM
Chile have been far more impressive than Spain so far in the World Cup.....Iniesta was the only Spanish player that played half way decent tonight. I'll be throwing a few quid on Chile to upset Brazil, they've beaten Brazil already in qualification and won't fear them.
Chile where beaten by Brazil 3-0 at home & 4-2 away.. maybe your thinking of Paraguay they beat Brazil in qualification
On hindsight you're probably right Bogball, i watched that Portugal v Brazil dung today and that could have been favourite for game of the tournament. Sometimes the South Koreas and Ghanas of this world are easier watched
Quote from: ross4life on June 25, 2010, 09:47:01 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 25, 2010, 09:33:57 PM
Chile have been far more impressive than Spain so far in the World Cup.....Iniesta was the only Spanish player that played half way decent tonight. I'll be throwing a few quid on Chile to upset Brazil, they've beaten Brazil already in qualification and won't fear them.
Chile where beaten by Brazil 3-0 at home & 4-2 away.. maybe your thinking of Paraguay they beat Brazil in qualification
I saw that 4-2 game, brilliant game of football, was 2-2 and Chile lost a man or two if i mind right, that's when I earmarked them as a team to watch in this world cup.
Quote from: ross4life on June 25, 2010, 09:47:01 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 25, 2010, 09:33:57 PM
Chile have been far more impressive than Spain so far in the World Cup.....Iniesta was the only Spanish player that played half way decent tonight. I'll be throwing a few quid on Chile to upset Brazil, they've beaten Brazil already in qualification and won't fear them.
Chile where beaten by Brazil 3-0 at home & 4-2 away.. maybe your thinking of Paraguay they beat Brazil in qualification
Yep, spot on ross.....still fancy them to do a job on Brazil, with ten men tonight ya could nearly say the outplayed Spain.
Quote from: hardstation on June 25, 2010, 09:52:46 PM
Chile do some amount of fouling.
I was just thinking about this the other day. Surely the aussies must be the team with the most amount of fouls committed? Seems like they are never done blowing the whistle in matches featuring the socceroos.
Best guide to remaining fixtures http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html
Chile might be short a few players after bookings and sendings off tonight, wheras Brazil have players coming back from injuries and suspensions. Brazil to win 3-1.
Spain have been reasonably impressive without being at their best. They should have had all 9 points but the Swiss picked their pockets. I think Torres showed signs tonight of getting his form back and if they get a couple of goalscorers in form and beat Portugal they will get to the semis.
Are Uruguay not serious value at 18/1 each way???
Can see no reason why they cannot reach at least the semi final
Yer man Richie Sadlier is a good analyst... doesn't talk a lot of shite and fairly honest
Quote from: FermGael on June 25, 2010, 11:31:20 PM
Are Uruguay not serious value at 18/1 each way???
Can see no reason why they cannot reach at least the semi final
except that south korea are going to bate them, i think they'll struggle with the movement of the koreans tbh, but they do have a bit more class than the other 3 teams in their quarter.
There's four teams there and not much between them, any of them reaching the semi would have been classed as a surprise at the start of the tournament and you're right that uruguay are probably the most solid of the 4, they have good attacking options and big men at the back, i'd say therefore that 18/1 is fair, but not a great price. Likely opponents in the semi are holland/brazil, so you've 4/7, 4/6 and 5/2 to make the final.
Oh jaysus... that was no sending off for the Chile player... Torres made an unbelievable meal of it..
Anyone watching the BBC coverage? They had a team of the group stage, they put Steven Gerrard in it! No place for Messi but Gerrard makes it, Harry Redknapp must be watching a different tournament.
I think Chile are just made for Brazil. They just open up their game and without any foreplay being needed, Brazil will set up the killer move.
And before Brazil will have had time to pull up their pants, Chile will give it away again, either through trying to dribble out of defense or the suicidal pass in dangerous territory.
Chile have some basic chronic defects.
Though there will be casualties :), Brazil should have the better of Chile.
Sanchez the young Chilean winger is superb and will torture the Brazil defenders. He is in line to be picked in the team of the tournament and I imagine the Udinese board of directors are popping the champagne as the transfer value goes skywards. It was weird to see him taken off early against Spain but it was the first act of sensible caution by Chile all night, as the Swiss would have to score 2 to overtake them.
Quote from: paco on June 26, 2010, 12:23:42 AM
Anyone watching the BBC coverage? They had a team of the group stage, they put Steven Gerrard in it! No place for Messi but Gerrard makes it, Harry Redknapp must be watching a different tournament.
Arry (the darling of the english media) said the other night that having watched both Ghana and Germany he was glad they'd got Germany as Ghana have more about them and would cause more problems for england?
I'd say he's not watching a different tournament, he's just not watching any tournament.
On the replays of Spain's first goal, in the build up the ref was looking right at Torres getting clipped, I could have sworn I heard two shrills of a ref's whistle right after Torres went down as if dead.
England have no chance against Germany!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/10420131.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/10420131.stm)
Some goal from Suarez, this has been a decent game
Great goal by Suarez. Uruguay should be safe now.
Disappointed South Korea lost I liked the look of them, Uruguay definite dark horses now if Forlan gets back to full fitness they will be intricately hard to beat. Perez is some man for the fouling though!
Apart from one or two pieces of play, I thought Forlan was excellent in whatever he did. That cross from a free kick that landed on Suarez's head (sandwiched by 2 defenders), was something else. His corner kicks are top class, his movement, his ability to hold up the ball and just so unselfish in his overall play.
What a way to cap off your career with such displays for your country at the World Cup.
The South Americans could well have a maximum of 4 in the q/finals.
Quote from: Main Street on June 26, 2010, 05:42:18 PM
Apart from one or two pieces of play, I thought Forlan was excellent in whatever he did. That cross from a free kick that landed on Suarez's head (sandwiched by 2 defenders), was something else. His corner kicks are top class, his movement, his ability to hold up the ball and just so unselfish in his overall play.
What a way to cap off your career with such displays for your country at the World Cup.
The South Americans could well have a maximum of 4 in the q/finals.
They could well have three semi-finalists.
Quote from: Schkite on June 26, 2010, 07:50:24 PM
Quote from: Main Street on June 26, 2010, 05:42:18 PM
Apart from one or two pieces of play, I thought Forlan was excellent in whatever he did. That cross from a free kick that landed on Suarez's head (sandwiched by 2 defenders), was something else. His corner kicks are top class, his movement, his ability to hold up the ball and just so unselfish in his overall play.
What a way to cap off your career with such displays for your country at the World Cup.
The South Americans could well have a maximum of 4 in the q/finals.
They could well have three semi-finalists.
do you reckon the altitude has much to do with that?
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 26, 2010, 10:01:56 PM
do you reckon the altitude has much to do with that?
Isn't it Bolivia who are the altitude team, that's how they qualified for a couple of world cups with useless teams.
The teams have all been in SA long enough to adjust to the altitude.
It's a combinaton of some European teams flopping, only Ghana from Africa and clearly Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay are improved teams on a mission to peak at the Finals.
Quote from: Main Street on June 26, 2010, 10:24:38 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 26, 2010, 10:01:56 PM
do you reckon the altitude has much to do with that?
Isn't it Bolivia who are the altitude team, that's how they qualified for a couple of world cups with useless teams.
The teams have all been in SA long enough to adjust to the altitude.
It's a combinaton of some European teams flopping, only Ghana from Africa and clearly Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay are improved teams on a mission to peak at the Finals.
And Ecuador.
Quote from: Main Street on June 26, 2010, 10:24:38 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 26, 2010, 10:01:56 PM
do you reckon the altitude has much to do with that?
Isn't it Bolivia who are the altitude team, that's how they qualified for a couple of world cups with useless teams.
The teams have all been in SA long enough to adjust to the altitude.
It's a combinaton of some European teams flopping, only Ghana from Africa and clearly Uruguay, Chile and Paraguay are improved teams on a mission to peak at the Finals.
Granted, but they have vast experience of playing at altitude as several other south american countries play at altitude (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru on occasion), so they play quite a few games in those conditions, and know both how to play efficiently and how the ball might be affected. Undoubtedly Uruguay and Chile are much improved teams, Brazil and Argentina we know all about and Paraguay whilst probably quarter finalists are not in the same class as the others.
See this article, it was talking about games which may be affected by climate and altitude, some very interesting and accurate predictions - England are fecked tomorrow according to the article, written pre world cup.
http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/the_cup_running_over/2010/06/how-playing-at-altitude-might-transform-the-world-cup.html
Prob missed it but what's the craic with Souness's absence - was it the rape comment?
Quote from: ONeill on June 27, 2010, 01:18:58 AM
Prob missed it but what's the craic with Souness's absence - was it the rape comment?
Had a holiday booked I think. Excellent analyst.
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 01:21:15 AM
Quote from: ONeill on June 27, 2010, 01:18:58 AM
Prob missed it but what's the craic with Souness's absence - was it the rape comment?
Had a holiday booked I think. Excellent analyst.
Really? I found his analysis uncomfortable.
So def nothing to do with - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYg3hJdq96I
Quote from: ONeill on June 27, 2010, 01:28:22 AM
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 01:21:15 AM
Quote from: ONeill on June 27, 2010, 01:18:58 AM
Prob missed it but what's the craic with Souness's absence - was it the rape comment?
Had a holiday booked I think. Excellent analyst.
Really? I found his analysis uncomfortable.
So def nothing to do with - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYg3hJdq96I
Just my opinion, he was a shit manager but he knows his stuff and is able to articulate it. Don't think it had anything to do with that comment, thought I heard mention of a pre arranged holiday.
An enjoyable discussion between the three (USA v Eng)
Raped/taken apart by Torres in the 1-4 match? first goal was a misjudged highball that Michael Owen would have scored from & then he got sent off for a tackle on Gerrard ::)
For me the only good analyst on RTE is Liam Brady
There was nothing terribly wrong about the comment. Strong language.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 26, 2010, 10:49:07 PM
Granted, but they have vast experience of playing at altitude as several other south american countries play at altitude (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru on occasion), so they play quite a few games in those conditions, and know both how to play efficiently and how the ball might be affected. Undoubtedly Uruguay and Chile are much improved teams, Brazil and Argentina we know all about and Paraguay whilst probably quarter finalists are not in the same class as the others.
See this article, it was talking about games which may be affected by climate and altitude, some very interesting and accurate predictions - England are fecked tomorrow according to the article, written pre world cup.
http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/the_cup_running_over/2010/06/how-playing-at-altitude-might-transform-the-world-cup.html
The article is mixing heat conditions and altitude conditions. It also quotes Tim Vickery, who was actually answering a question about how to play one of the 2 legged Sudamericana final at 2,900m (relatively extreme altitude), when the away team just arrives a few days before a game and proceeds to ignore all sensible advice.
Extreme heat/humidity has a serious influence on a game, but is playing at 1,500m a problem when all the the teams are well acclimatised?
Looking at these games where Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have played, maybe the coaches' advice has effect but it is not obvious, you would be hard pressed to find the evidence of an advantage.
Extreme heat and humidity, doesn't stop you playing football it forces you to play football and pass the ball and keep it. Instead of running around like a mad donkey. We need to start playing that way if we ever want to do well in a world cup.
Quote from: Main Street on June 27, 2010, 09:41:10 AMThe article is mixing heat conditions and altitude conditions. It also quotes Tim Vickery, who was actually answering a question about how to play one of the 2 legged Sudamericana final at 2,900m (relatively extreme altitude), when the away team just arrives a few days before a game and proceeds to ignore all sensible advice.
Extreme heat/humidity has a serious influence on a game, but is playing at 1,500m a problem when all the the teams are well acclimatised?
Looking at these games where Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have played, maybe the coaches' advice has effect but it is not obvious, you would be hard pressed to find the evidence of an advantage.
Teams may be physically acclimatised, but the teams who have experience of playing at altitude know from long experience that the ball moves differently and that no matter how acclimatised you are, fatigue will set in, so the point is that they play football suited to these conditions, ie. they play football as Capt Pat points out. I thought the games the article cited prior to the tournament were interesting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHoN93rXX4
This is the reaction of US fans to winning the last group match with a last minute goal.
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 27, 2010, 10:33:51 AM
[ I thought the games the article cited prior to the tournament were interesting.
You mean the other world cup Finals where heat and humidity were the obvious factors and admits that the results were not affected in Mexico 1970, except he says Peru were a surprise 1/4 finalists, but Peru had a good team in the 1970's.
Almost every Finals have weather conditions which mitigate against a team which have a work ethic over skill but I have not seen one game at South Africa where altitude experience was an obvious advantage to the S American teams & Mexico. As regards the ball movement being affected by altitude - or is it the actual ball itself? have those S American teams adapted any better? The conditions in World Cups that Ireland were involved in, were much more mitigating (by a factor of 10), against teams that have a work ethic.
The article quoted Vickery out of context from an answer where he was in fact making the case that teams can acclimatise playing a team that is already based at high altitude in Quito.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2009/11/can_history_be_made_in_the_sou.html?page=18 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2009/11/can_history_be_made_in_the_sou.html?page=18)
The South African context is very different.
Quote from: ziggysego on June 26, 2010, 02:15:58 PM
England have no chance against Germany!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/10420131.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/10420131.stm)
all the England "merchandise" half price in the shop this morning...
Get the nappies on folks.
Ze Germans are coming
Gwt fuxking in
Klose but no cigar.
:D :D :D :D yeeeeeeessssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quality defending :D
So far in this world cup the English have been here in body but not in spirit. They may as well have gone home with the French and Italians.
Should have been 2!
The white Pele is gonna have to save them :)
It is two!!
Yeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaa!! :P
Sublime move for the one James saved. It would have been goal of the tournament. Podolskis effort not half bad either.
Hope they beat them worse than the aussies now.
Get it into them!
Blow it up ref
All together now...
"Send her victorious, happy and glorious...." :D
I obviously knew that was coming.
That was a goal!
Holy shit 2 yards over the line!
Saw the replay 2 feet over the line.
1966 revenge.
Never over the line :D
robbed :o
They'll be moaning about this for as long as the hand of God
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Hahahahhahahahahahaaahahha
Karma 44 years down the line.
Want to watch Fermanagh game but cant get a fecking chance to turn it over.
Lawro is in tears about the 'goal'!
Fcuk 2-1; shit the hoors have had a legal goal disallowed. if they lose there'll be some gurning.
"We've just seen an injustice" says Martin Tyler. They wouldn't be boring the arse of the rest of the world about 1966 if that injustice had been righted.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 27, 2010, 03:42:37 PM
Fcuk 2-1; shit the hoors have had a legal goal disallowed. if they lose there'll be some gurning.
"We've just seen an injustice" says Martin Tyler. They wouldn't be boring the arse of the rest of the world about 1966 if that injustice had been righted.
They'll accept the defeat gracefully like we did against the french. May ask to be the ninth team in the quarter-finals.
The whole world knew within seconds that Henry had handled the ball and the whole world knew definitively that Lampard had scored there.
The problem is the conman that is Sepp Blatter.
Nice dive Rooney though lawro said he made the most of it!
Quote from: glens73 on June 27, 2010, 03:39:22 PM
They'll be moaning about this for as long as the hand of God
Like we Irish can talk about anyone else moaning about bad decisions, in fairness they have every right to moan about that
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 03:36:39 PM
All together now...
"Send her victorious, happy and glorious...." :D
Or...
"Send them home trophy-less'
Als Deutschland ueber 'lles
Long to gurn a-bout this
God, let them scream"
"The referee's a w**ker" is ringing out there.
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 03:47:58 PM
"The referee's a w**ker" is ringing out there.
I hope the score stays the same for many reasons. Soccer might have a future after they string up Blatter.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: glens73 on June 27, 2010, 03:39:22 PM
They'll be moaning about this for as long as the hand of God
Like we Irish can talk about anyone else moaning about bad decisions, in fairness they have every right to moan about that
Fairness for England?... you're kidding, rite?
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 03:49:52 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 03:47:58 PM
"The referee's a w**ker" is ringing out there.
I hope the score stays the same for many reasons. Soccer might have a future after they string up Blatter.
Blatter should be removed from office, it would have taken 2 seconds to see that.
In saying that I hope the Germans score a couple more, the fecking press will be moaning for ages otherwise
Quote from: longrunsthefox on June 27, 2010, 03:51:45 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: glens73 on June 27, 2010, 03:39:22 PM
They'll be moaning about this for as long as the hand of God
Like we Irish can talk about anyone else moaning about bad decisions, in fairness they have every right to moan about that
Fairness for England?... you're kidding, rite?
No I'm not kidding, I hope they are still beat but that was a perfect goal and should have been given.
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 03:46:09 PM
The whole world knew within seconds that Henry had handled the ball and the whole world knew definitively that Lampard had scored there.
You couldn't see in real time whether Henry had handled the ball, it took a few replays to see for certain that he did, and you can't blame a referee when he is duped by cheating. But that? You could see on the live feed that it was over the line. The linesman was 12 yards out, he needs shooting.
If you thought the hand of Henry fallout was annoying, if this stays at 2-1 the whining is going to be insufferable and never ending.
No harm to see a bit more pressure on Step Ladder anyways.
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 03:49:52 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 03:47:58 PM
"The referee's a w**ker" is ringing out there.
I hope the score stays the same for many reasons. Soccer might have a future after they string up Blatter.
Brady agrees with me but is less complimentary.
'Blatter insulted us'
Quote from: deiseach on June 27, 2010, 03:53:47 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 03:46:09 PM
The whole world knew within seconds that Henry had handled the ball and the whole world knew definitively that Lampard had scored there.
You couldn't see in real time whether Henry had handled the ball, it took a few replays to see for certain that he did, and you can't blame a referee when he is duped by cheating. But that? You could see on the live feed that it was over the line. The linesman was 12 yards out, he needs shooting.
That is what I am talking about. We saw the replay and knew it was a handball, we saw the replay and knew Lampard had scored. Rugby officials watch the replay and get it right. Blatter laughed at us when a handball knocked us out and has consistently refused to introduce video analysis of big decision.
The ball was never over the line, it was an optical illusion on TV cause some of the cameras are using 3D technology.
Try holidng out your hand in front of you, pointing and holding your finger at a point on the telly and then closing one eye and then the other and you will see the ball move out. Never, never was it a goal ! :D :D :D
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 03:56:25 PM
That is what I am talking about. We saw the replay and knew it was a handball, we saw the replay and knew Lampard had scored. Rugby officials watch the replay and get it right. Blatter laughed at us when a handball knocked us out and has consistently refused to introduce video analysis of big decision.
Fair enough, but TV officials occasionally give wrong decisions even with the benefit of the replay. That decision today shouldn't have needed technology.
Quote from: Bud Wiser on June 27, 2010, 03:56:29 PM
The ball was never over the line, it was an optical illusion on TV cause some of the cameras are using 3D technology.
Try holidng out your hand in front of you, pointing and holding your finger at a point on the telly and then closing one eye and then the other and you will see the ball move out. Never, never was it a goal ! :D :D :D
You da man Bud 8)
Quote from: deiseach on June 27, 2010, 03:59:41 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 03:56:25 PM
That is what I am talking about. We saw the replay and knew it was a handball, we saw the replay and knew Lampard had scored. Rugby officials watch the replay and get it right. Blatter laughed at us when a handball knocked us out and has consistently refused to introduce video analysis of big decision.
Fair enough, but TV officials occasionally give wrong decisions even with the benefit of the replay. That decision today shouldn't have needed technology.
They got it wrong today without technology. They would have got it right with technology.
I wouldn't be too confident about the Germans holding on.
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 04:02:32 PM
I wouldn't be too confident about the Germans holding on.
Same here, they're as bad at the back as England are.
Some first half.
BBC should have some way of you muting Mark Lawrenson, what an annoying p***k.
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 04:02:04 PM
They got it wrong today without technology. They would have got it right with technology.
Point taken.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:04:13 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 04:02:32 PM
I wouldn't be too confident about the Germans holding on.
Same here, they're as bad at the back as England are.
Some first half.
BBC should have some way of you muting Mark Lawrenson, what an annoying p***k.
Aye, whinging shite.
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 04:02:32 PM
I wouldn't be too confident about the Germans holding on.
Me neither
And now Lampard has hit the crossbar. In slow motion watch the spin on the ball after he struck it. It does not remain "true" but actually reverses. Something about the 8 panels, they were saying.
It needed to happen to someone at the World Cup to really push for video technology to be brought in. No better team than IngerIand :P
We could put together a gaaboard back 4 that what defend better than both of these.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:14:14 PM
We could put together a gaaboard back 4 that what defend better than both of these.
How about:
Leenie, Maggie, Treasurer, Tyrone Girl
We'd need a goal keeper to play for the Germans and a referee
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:17:15 PM
We'd need a goal keeper to play for the Germans and a referee
Ziggy in goal and Olly can be ref.
Anyone got a live streaming link to the match that does not require Adobe - do not have admin rights on the laptop i'm using at the moment and the Mrs being from Meath and all that.....
Fearon, Tyrone's Own, Carmen Stateside, Evil Genius
Who came off for Joe Cole? I was watching the football for a min
GET IN!!!
Now THAT was a goal !!
Golato!
F O O K E E N YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
STUFF THAT INTO YOUR TRUMPET, YA HOOOOOORS
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 04:21:37 PM
Who came off for Joe Cole? I was watching the football for a min
Millner
Get f**king in - more atrocious defending
Awful goalkeeping
Dammit, I wanted them to lose on penalties.
I could cry.
Quote from: Cosmo Kramer on June 27, 2010, 04:25:50 PM
Dammit, I wanted them to lose on penalties.
Actually scrap that, this is hilarious!
Ozil is some player
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:26:30 PM
I could cry.
I'd send some tissues but England are using them as defenders.
Yup, you need 3 goals, Heskey's the man to bring on.
muppet we need an english manager as well.
Dunno why he is leaving Rooney on the pitch
JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WOHHHHHHHHHHL. AUSGEZEICHNET.
Ze zink its all over....it iz now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Germany are ripping them apart
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/worldcup2010/3031099/Remember-the-5-1-lads.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/worldcup2010/3031099/Remember-the-5-1-lads.html)
Only one more goal Rio lad.....
This is embarrassing now!
Emily's on ... that will make a difference :D
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 04:27:51 PM
Dunno why he is leaving Rooney on the pitch
he can't replace them all.
Maybe they should let some of the German players swap to England for the last 20 mins to make a game of it.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 04:27:51 PM
Dunno why he is leaving Rooney on the pitch
He can't find him to take him off.
(http://www.itexuk.com/uploads/Image/7038b.jpg)
Quote from: red hander on June 27, 2010, 04:29:42 PM
Emily's on ... that will make a difference :D
Just the man you need when you are 4-1 down!!
Go on boys, give us five
Now Martin Tyler on ESPN is commenting that the disallowed goal will be the main talking point of the game. FFS.
(http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d35/guynextdoor69/German-Flag.gif)
5-1 would be a great result and quite ironic if it happens!
I blame Christine Bleakley.
Another couple of Tyler gems:
"I don't know how it translates around the world but England have been 'muellered'!
"England have got alot of supporters here...Germany have got alot of goals" :D :D :D :D
Where's that picture of SS Harry Hitler when we need it?
One of the worst English team in a World cup ever? at least the english don't need to worry about penalties now
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:29:50 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 04:27:51 PM
Dunno why he is leaving Rooney on the pitch
he can't replace them all.
Maybe they should let some of the German players swap to England for the last 20 mins to make a game of it.
I know but at least Crouch might do something for them.
The white Pele :D
Ozil and Sweinsteiger have been fantastic and probably been the difference. The English love to talk down other teams defences but their own has been absolutely shocking.
This is great. So who will get the blame?
The fixtures committee.
and another:
"One thing about England...they are capable of scoring". Jaysus this commentary is brilliant.
No doubt there will be a bit of rioting in Germany tonight......
It's alright, 2014 world cup, their name's on the cup
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 27, 2010, 04:36:56 PM
This is great. So who will get the blame?
The foreign manager.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on June 27, 2010, 04:36:56 PM
This is great. So who will get the blame?
The keeper in the first game. :D :D :D
Went out to take the dog for a walk at 2-1 as my nerves were away and came back to this ;D
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 04:40:56 PM
Went out to take the dog for a walk at 2-1 as my nerves were away and came back to this ;D
You missed some show - I'll be watching this on youtube for months
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:39:13 PM
It's alright, 2014 world cup, their name's on the cup
They'll win Euro 2012 first though
What are the odds on the "fans" rioting after this?
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
3 minutes, 3 goals.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 27, 2010, 04:42:53 PM
What are the odds on the "fans" rioting after this?
no booze in bloomfoentein on a sunday!!
(http://www.topnews.in/sports/files/beckenbauer.jpg)
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
No and they were asking him about getting the golden boot in interviews before it. Funny.
Can't wait to read the papers tomorrow
Not only big contrast in the skill levels of Germany and England, but what about the contrast between your wan in the Norn Iron shirt supporting England and the German birds? Different class as Jimmy Magee would say.
The sad thing is that this has been easily their best display in the tournament.
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
Rooney hasn't scored or set up a goal in a major tournament since the group stages of Euro 2004.
Quote from: Turlough O Carolan on June 27, 2010, 04:46:10 PM
Not only big contrast in the skill levels of Germany and England, but what about the contrast between your wan in the Norn Iron shirt supporting England and the German birds? Different class as Jimmy Magee would say.
I noticed that during both anthems, during the German anthem there was a load of hot German women in the crowd but I didn't see one nice English bird during their anthem
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:45:17 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
No and they were asking him about getting the golden boot in interviews before it. Funny.
The supply line of Nani/valencia makes Rooney less of a player (take note new devil)
Quote from: red hander on June 27, 2010, 04:45:46 PM
Can't wait to read the papers tomorrow
What will be the headlines?
Krouted!
The 'Golden Generation' my hole
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 04:47:40 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
Rooney hasn't scored or set up a goal in a major tournament since the group stages of Euro 2004.
but Minder he is still better than Messi
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 27, 2010, 04:46:19 PM
The sad thing is that this has been easily their best display in the tournament.
???
Whose best display? England's? Fcuk all sad about it. Funny in fact.
C'mon the Argies. Don't let me down, now.
Off to bed now.
Think I'll run to work tomorrow
I have a feeling the greasy, foreign manager will be run out of town
Sweet jesus who is that black haired bra less German woman dancing up and down in the crowd there! :o :o :o
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
He's been banging them in in training though!
Capello thinks they played well. :D :D :D
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 27, 2010, 04:53:29 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
He's been banging them in in training though!
Yeah, heard the English lads are practicing penalties in training also. ;)
..................48 years of hurt!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 04:57:36 PM
Capello thinks they played well. :D :D :D
That interview was ridiculous! That match, however, was immensely entertaining viewing. A dose of reailty won't do the English any harm! What makes it better is that I can't see it improving at all, the next generation isn't exactly inspiring. The white Pele done good. :D
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 27, 2010, 04:53:29 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
He's been banging them in in training though!
the form Rooney is in, I don't thnk he would be able to bang Colleen!!
Quote from: Aerlik on June 27, 2010, 04:49:25 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 27, 2010, 04:46:19 PM
The sad thing is that this has been easily their best display in the tournament.
???
Whose best display? England's? Fcuk all sad about it. Funny in fact.
C'mon the Argies. Don't let me down, now.
Off to bed now.
Aye England's best display,easily. The Germans were as good against Australia and Serbia (albeit against better opposition ;D)
"We've tried a few foreign managers, is it time to try an Englishman?"
Be some man who would take that job now.
They think it's ozil over...
Why isn't Dunphy on RTE? :(
Quote from: paco on June 27, 2010, 05:19:41 PM
Why isn't Dunphy on RTE? :(
Out celebrating with Souness.
my God, some crying on sky sports news - this tube is even wondering if the german wall was 10 yards back when Lampard took the free kick and germany went up the field for the 3rd goal :D
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 27, 2010, 05:05:43 PM
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 27, 2010, 04:53:29 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
He's been banging them in in training though!
the form Rooney is in, I don't thnk he would be able to bang Colleen!!
he would give the grannys a good stab though!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:22:56 PM
my God, some crying on sky sports news - this tube is even wondering if the german wall was 10 yards back when Lampard took the free kick and germany went up the field for the 3rd goal :D
Ahh you can't be serious...
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
From Ukrainian linesman to Uruguayan linesman, the irony :D :D
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 05:37:05 PM
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
:D
Barry's desperate I think, he constantly gives the ball away - forget which game it was but the BBC showed all the times he kicked the ball down the field to no one in the game.
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
what did he do?
Did anyone hear Mark Lawrenson mentioning the German tactic of not closing Matthew Upson down when he gets the ball? If this is true, it was a stroke of genius by Loew.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 05:37:05 PM
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
:D
Barry's desperate I think, he constantly gives the ball away - forget which game it was but the BBC showed all the times he kicked the ball down the field to no one in the game.
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
what did he do?
Gareth Barry traps the ball further than I can kick it.
(* with apologies to Georgie Best *)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 05:37:05 PM
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
:D
Barry's desperate I think, he constantly gives the ball away - forget which game it was but the BBC showed all the times he kicked the ball down the field to no one in the game.
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
what did he do?
Something about Corden being fat and useless and he shouldnt be this poster boy for Englands world cup. You wouldnt see that in Germany.
As Alex Ferguson would say,typical Germans ;D
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:46:30 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 05:37:05 PM
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
:D
Barry's desperate I think, he constantly gives the ball away - forget which game it was but the BBC showed all the times he kicked the ball down the field to no one in the game.
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
what did he do?
Something about Corden being fat and useless and he shouldnt be this poster boy for Englands world cup. You wouldnt see that in Germany.
Well that's true but I don't think it's his fault - can't wait to his show tonight.
Didi Hamann summed it up well, the English players are overrated. The best players in the EPL are all Johnny Foreigners.
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 05:48:38 PM
Didi Hamann summed it up well, the English players are overrated. The best players in the EPL are all Johnny Foreigners.
And the most overrated of them - Rooney - was absolutely atrocious in all four games
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:48:25 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:46:30 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 05:37:05 PM
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
:D
Barry's desperate I think, he constantly gives the ball away - forget which game it was but the BBC showed all the times he kicked the ball down the field to no one in the game.
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
what did he do?
Something about Corden being fat and useless and he shouldnt be this poster boy for Englands world cup. You wouldnt see that in Germany.
Well that's true but I don't think it's his fault - can't wait to his show tonight.
Jaysus I'm half tempted to tune into it tonight...
Quote from: red hander on June 27, 2010, 05:50:37 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 05:48:38 PM
Didi Hamann summed it up well, the English players are overrated. The best players in the EPL are all Johnny Foreigners.
And the most overrated of them - Rooney - was absolutely atrocious in all four games
Lampard Cashley Cole, Terry & Gerrard are suppose to be some of the best players in world? Watch back Rooneys 34 goals..http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdecgd_wayne-rooney-all-34-goals-season-20_sport that kinda delivery wasn't there with England
Any pics of some of the German stunners in the crowd ross?
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 05:59:23 PM
Any pics of some of the German stunners in the crowd ross?
Didn't get to see them stunners as i had one eye on Sligo/Galway game but no worries i'll post em up if i come across them
Quotebut no worries i'll post em up if i come across them
:o Do you have to?
Talksport "we invented the game so we should be the best at it" :D
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 06:10:55 PM
Quotebut no worries i'll post em up if i come across them
:o Do you have to?
Don't worry Dinny i'll post you one of those Asian mail order brides if you like ;)
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:48:25 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:46:30 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 05:40:17 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 05:37:05 PM
Enjoying Steve McManaman on ESPN here. Shoots straight from the hip.
On Germany's 3rd or 4th goal
"Barry looks like he was pulling a horse and cart, and lets be honest, Ozil isnt exactly usain bolt". :D
:D
Barry's desperate I think, he constantly gives the ball away - forget which game it was but the BBC showed all the times he kicked the ball down the field to no one in the game.
Quote from: JimStynes on June 27, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
Talksport is brilliant here. James Corden is even getting blamed here
what did he do?
Something about Corden being fat and useless and he shouldnt be this poster boy for Englands world cup. You wouldnt see that in Germany.
Well that's true but I don't think it's his fault - can't wait to his show tonight.
Disappointingly James Cordens show isnt on tonight. I heard Stan as well and was basically saying its a disgrace that someone like Corden, with a his pie munching mentality and beer belly hanging out, is the face of the England World Cup or words to that effect!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 06:14:58 PM
Talksport "we invented the game so we should be the best at it" :D
Talksport - "get rid of Capello, he ain't English. Get Harry Redknapp, he would do it for nothing, he's proper English".
Headed out now to play, hopefully the defending from our lot isnt like that of the English.
Ozil and out.
Quote
Disappointingly James Cordens show isnt on tonight. I heard Stan as well and was basically saying its a disgrace that someone like Corden, with a his pie munching mentality and beer belly hanging out, is the face of the England World Cup or words to that effect!
aw :(
Clearly no goal
(http://pici.se/pictures/UnqthFknj.jpg)
Row on talksport - hilarious!!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 06:25:10 PM
Quote
Disappointingly James Cordens show isnt on tonight. I heard Stan as well and was basically saying its a disgrace that someone like Corden, with a his pie munching mentality and beer belly hanging out, is the face of the England World Cup or words to that effect!
aw :(
Just have to make do with the headlines tomorrow! Wonder will they go with the goal that never was or be gracious in defeat like they always are?
They
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 06:30:39 PM
Clearly no goal
(http://pici.se/pictures/UnqthFknj.jpg)
They didn't hang about :D
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2010, 10:42:01 AM
Always look forward to the World Cup. Even as I get more cynical about soccer as a game, the tournament itself still excites me.
Anyway can I be the first to say 'Don't write off the Germans'.
kudos for az ;D
Quote from: bcarrier on June 27, 2010, 06:37:29 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2010, 10:42:01 AM
Always look forward to the World Cup. Even as I get more cynical about soccer as a game, the tournament itself still excites me.
Anyway can I be the first to say 'Don't write off the Germans'.
kudos for az ;D
Off the Germans.
There I did it.
Quote from: tyroneboi on June 27, 2010, 04:53:29 PM
Quote from: Puckoon on June 27, 2010, 04:43:54 PM
Has Rooney had a sniff of goal for the entire tournament?
He's been banging them in in training though!
Even I'd be banging them in, against that defence!
Deadly Dinny!
All this talk about managers and tactics etc is a pile of balls. They've had numerous good managers, with Capello being one of the best coaches around, yet still continually underperform. The bottom line is the players in England don't have the talent and more importantly the balls or the mind for the big occasions. All well and good coasting through an easy qualification group but when the heat is on England will wilt and ultimately beat.
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 27, 2010, 06:42:08 PM
Deadly Dinny!
All this talk about managers and tactics etc is a pile of balls. They've had numerous good managers, with Capello being one of the best coaches around, yet still continually underperform. The bottom line is the players in England don't have the talent and more importantly the balls or the mind for the big occasions. All well and good coasting through an easy qualification group but when the heat is on England will wilt and ultimately beat.
Wouldn't disagree with any of that, they just don't keep the ball well enough to ever win a big tournament.
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 06:48:06 PM
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 27, 2010, 06:42:08 PM
Deadly Dinny!
All this talk about managers and tactics etc is a pile of balls. They've had numerous good managers, with Capello being one of the best coaches around, yet still continually underperform. The bottom line is the players in England don't have the talent and more importantly the balls or the mind for the big occasions. All well and good coasting through an easy qualification group but when the heat is on England will wilt and ultimately beat.
Wouldn't disagree with any of that, they just don't keep the ball well enough to ever win a big tournament.
Lawro kept talking about the Hollywood pass that players like Gerrard and Lampard were trying to hit. Instead of passing it 5/10 yards and maintaining possession, they were intent on hitting 40/50yard crossfield/diagonal passes that inevitably didn't come off.
Just watched a recording of the game. Feck, England were abysmal in the first half, I was surprised the rte panel did not make one comment about that in the 1/2 time talk. The only time England had something in midfield was when Rooney dropped in there to receive the pass and lay it off. Capello has not a clue how to organise a midfield or figure out a midfield player who can hold the ball and do what Schweinsteiger does for Germany. And Schweinsteiger looked like he was doing it at 1/2 pace.
Thank God we got Trap.
Can't comment on the second half as I watched most of it at 6x speed.
Really looking forward to the main event. Argentina and Mexico have turned in classics in the past but Mexico always fall that bit short. Lets see tonight, that Argentina defense might be broken apart a few times.
Looking at this game, England were expecting to be powerhouses at this World Cup ???
I dont think Germany will live with either of these teams never mind England.
Very enjoyable game so far Mexico putting it up to the argies
(http://cdn.guyism.com/wp-content/uploads/tnargentina1.jpg) (http://cdn.guyism.com/wp-content/uploads/tnMexico3.jpg)
Those vuvufuckingzellas are as annoying now as they were at the start!!
linesman hasn't a clue if it's offside or not
Lol they saw the replay but allowing the goal
Higuain scores the goal and then head butts the camera :D
Worst defending at this world cup :D 2-0 looking like a Argentina v Germany fixture
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 08:04:02 PM
Higuain scores the goal and then head butts the camera :D
it was Heinze. The camera hit him and he turned and thumped the camera !!
Wasn't sure, made me laugh though Henize was not happy
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 27, 2010, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 08:04:02 PM
Higuain scores the goal and then head butts the camera :D
it was Heinze. The camera hit him and he turned and thumped the camera !!
He does seem to be a right c**k.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 08:06:45 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 27, 2010, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 08:04:02 PM
Higuain scores the goal and then head butts the camera :D
it was Heinze. The camera hit him and he turned and thumped the camera !!
He does seem to be a right c**k.
Why?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 07:49:49 PM
I dont think Germany will live with either of these teams never mind England.
Was v impressed with Germany today as I have been for the whole world cup. They'll give anyone a game on current form.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 08:06:45 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 27, 2010, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 08:04:02 PM
Higuain scores the goal and then head butts the camera :D
it was Heinze. The camera hit him and he turned and thumped the camera !!
He does seem to be a right c**k.
He seemed pretty annoyed that the camera interrupted his headbutt.
Why?
Quote from: ross4life on June 27, 2010, 07:57:57 PM
Lol they saw the replay but allowing the goal
ref in a quandary, would he be the first to use video evidence (well second, since the zidane world cup final sending off was the first), and effectively end his tournament?
Quote from: Main Street on June 27, 2010, 07:15:01 PM
Just watched a recording of the game. Feck, England were abysmal in the first half, I was surprised the rte panel did not make one comment about that in the 1/2 time talk. The only time England had something in midfield was when Rooney dropped in there to receive the pass and lay it off. Capello has not a clue how to organise a midfield or figure out a midfield player who can hold the ball and do what Schweinsteiger does for Germany. And Schweinsteiger looked like he was doing it at 1/2 pace.
Thank God we got Trap.
Can't comment on the second half as I watched most of it at 6x speed.
Really looking forward to the main event. Argentina and Mexico have turned in classics in the past but Mexico always fall that bit short. Lets see tonight, that Argentina defense might be broken apart a few times.
Capello has a record that is second to very few, I don't think England could have a better coach, the english problem is that for whatever reason, they're not a team. They have some decent individuals such as gerard and rooney, who are amongst the best in the world, a few too many who are nowhere near it though.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on June 27, 2010, 08:09:48 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 08:06:45 PM
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 27, 2010, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on June 27, 2010, 08:04:02 PM
Higuain scores the goal and then head butts the camera :D
it was Heinze. The camera hit him and he turned and thumped the camera !!
He does seem to be a right c**k.
Why?
Impression I get from the way he goes on at the officials, any dispute at all and he's in their faces with a stupid grin. and then he hits a camera. tit.
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 27, 2010, 08:10:04 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 07:49:49 PM
I dont think Germany will live with either of these teams never mind England.
Was v impressed with Germany today as I have been for the whole world cup. They'll give anyone a game on current form.
Their defence is woeful though, England scored two goals for God sake!
QuoteLol they saw the replay but allowing the goal
Sepp Blatter should be castrated with a blunt farm implement.
Quote from: under the bar on June 27, 2010, 08:16:58 PM
QuoteLol they saw the replay but allowing the goal
Sepp Blatter should be castrated with a blunt farm implement.
He was. That is part of the problem.
Lineker has just said they will show the Lampard "goal" again, just to stop the germans harping on about 1966 !! WTF
At first view i actually thought the goal from Tevez had gone straight in from Messi without any touch (i swear i wasn't drinking !) which i guess would have mean't it wouldn't have been offside
The Germans are a young developing team. Might win the world cup in 4 or 8 years, it was a wild game today with a lot of incidents. Their defending is ok, but Argentina will still win
Quote from: blast05 on June 27, 2010, 08:31:31 PM
At first view i actually thought the goal from Tevez had gone straight in from Messi without any touch (i swear i wasn't drinking !) which i guess would have mean't it wouldn't have been offside
I think that's what the linesman thought. I don't know why Messi didn't blast it in anyway.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on June 27, 2010, 08:29:02 PM
Lineker has just said they will show the Lampard "goal" again, just to stop the germans harping on about 1966 !! WTF
They might be better off if they themselves stopped harping on about 1966.
Tevez - what a goal!! 3-0 now
Quote from: CountyGK on June 27, 2010, 08:41:18 PM
Tevez - what a goal!! 3-0 now
Tevez - the hairy Pele?
Great finish but that was another case of a keeper going with the wrong hand.
Some strike much like Diego's goal v Greece in 1994 :o
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 08:42:14 PM
Great finish but that was another case of a keeper going with the wrong hand.
Yea I don't quite get that and you see it all the time these days.
some finish alright.don't know what that clown commentator from bbc was talking about the goal being in the top corner. the ball went in about half way up the post! it is hard not to like argentina...
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 08:43:11 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 08:42:14 PM
Great finish but that was another case of a keeper going with the wrong hand.
Yea I don't quite get that and you see it all the time these days.
the keeper is only an inch taller than messi
Quote from: Overthebar! on June 27, 2010, 08:46:00 PM
some finish alright.don't know what that clown commentator from bbc was talking about the goal being in the top corner. the ball went in about half way up the post! it is hard not to like argentina...
Yeah I'm hoping argentina win it.
some strike by tevez
Quote from: muppet on June 27, 2010, 08:43:11 PM
Quote from: Minder on June 27, 2010, 08:42:14 PM
Great finish but that was another case of a keeper going with the wrong hand.
Yea I don't quite get that and you see it all the time these days.
think about it, that (wrong) hand actually get further by the time you bring it around, you dive with the hand nearer the ball, but the action of bringing the other hand around increases your overall extension.
Why does the BBC commentator keep going on that the argentina defence is poor when he said earlier they've only conceded 4 goals in the last year. Am I missing something?
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 27, 2010, 08:56:54 PM
Why does the BBC commentator keep going on that the argentina defence is poor when he said earlier they've only conceded 4 goals in the last year. Am I missing something?
not sure about that stat, they conceded 6 about this time last year to bolivia (at altitude), they also conceded 2 or 3 away to Ecuador (altitude too), they conceded at home to peru, conceded 3 at home to brazil (both games definitely within the last year). Since the start of this year they've mainly played friendlies against Jamaica, Haiti, Canada etc.
Mexico score at last, they have played well in general play but don't score as many goals as they should. They should have had 3 or 4 in the first half against South africa.
Think they're exaggurating the whole situation about Messi not scoring. I'm sure he would love a goal, but Higuain and Tevez are the 2 strikers and it's their job to score (and they both have been in great goal scoring form), Messi's role is playmaker and he's been instrumental in most goals they've scored. He was quiet tonight but still managed to set up their first goal.
well the Argies keep on going, my bet still alive ;D
will they beat Germany? tough game but well within their capability. Argentina's defence is grand. stupid commentators jumping on the bandwagon with the same sound bite
We'll see milltown, i think both sides are a bit iffy at the back. The argies could easily have conceded a few more there today, it'll be interesting against germany, who imo have played the best football of anyone in the tournament so far, i don't really think either side are good enough to win it though.
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 27, 2010, 06:42:08 PM
Deadly Dinny!
All this talk about managers and tactics etc is a pile of balls. They've had numerous good managers, with Capello being one of the best coaches around, yet still continually underperform. The bottom line is the players in England don't have the talent and more importantly the balls or the mind for the big occasions. All well and good coasting through an easy qualification group but when the heat is on England will wilt and ultimately beat.
+1.
Watching Mexico tonight they also appear to have more technically able players than England. The English players don't have it in their heads eitehr in teh big tournaments
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 27, 2010, 08:11:54 PM
Capello has a record that is second to very few, I don't think England could have a better coach, the english problem is that for whatever reason, they're not a team. They have some decent individuals such as gerard and rooney, who are amongst the best in the world, a few too many who are nowhere near it though.
Points taken.
I'd compare their (Trap and Capello) record since taking over two dysfunctional teams. Trap saw what was needed and imposed a shape on the team even if it went against the grain and was mind numbingly negative for large portions of games that we should have been lording it. But we have seen the team grow into the shape and I believe they will play with a higher level of confidence in the next campaign.
Capello did not impose himself and his experience into the England game. Imo it is not just the players at his disposal but Capello as well, some of his selections were bizarre and he lacked a basic functioning system. So it could be a mix of, he did not see what had to be cured in the beginning and there is a dearth of midfield talent. There is no excuse for a top Italian coach like Capello for his team to play at such an abysmal standard. Even when Germany had a (relatively) poorish team at both WC2002 WC 2006, they managed to function with satisfaction. It is not part of Capello's duty to buy into the hype, it is his job to make a team function.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 27, 2010, 10:04:20 PM
well the Argies keep on going, my bet still alive ;D
will they beat Germany? tough game but well within their capability. Argentina's defence is grand. stupid commentators jumping on the bandwagon with the same sound bite
I gave up supporting Argentina after they lost the battle to regain the Malvinas.
Quote from: ross4life on June 27, 2010, 08:42:44 PM
Some strike much like Diego's goal v Greece in 1994 :o
Nothing like Diego's strike in 1994. Maradona's goal was the culmination of intricate passes within a tiny space and then a shift out to his left and hammered it straight into the top corner from right on the edge of the box. Tevez took advantage of a lucky ricochet and hit a right foot curler from further out.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 27, 2010, 10:04:20 PM
well the Argies keep on going, my bet still alive ;D
will they beat Germany? tough game but well within their capability. Argentina's defence is grand. stupid commentators jumping on the bandwagon with the same sound bite
I think DeMichelis is an accident waiting to happen (again). Germany have pace, so if Argentina cough up the ball wellying forward, you could see quite a few 4 on 3 or 4 on 4 breaks. I think I fancy the Germans, even though I'd love to see Argentina win.
As for England, the day Capello started playing to the media and stripped Terry of his captaincy is the day he started to lose his own core values. Terry is not my favourite player, but as I said at the time, if what he did was so heinous, and such a negative in the group, then he should have been kicked out altogether, back then.
Capello didn't have the cajones to do that, or more likely felt that was OTT, but had to throw a bone to the media. It's not the fact that Terry was or wasn't captain, but the fact that Capello would throw him to the media hounds couldn't have been inspirational to his team.
To me England looked like a team without clear direction, hopelessly lop sided with Gerrard 'on the left' (which Mueller gloried in all day), with a half fit Barry who looked like he was running in concrete boots for the last 2 German goals, and with a sulking, half hearted Rooney up front. I couldn't believe how naive England were for the third goal as well. You've got it back to 2-1, should be 2-2. You've hit the crossbar, Germany are wobbling, and instead of keeping calm and pressing sensibly, you get a free kick and put 9 people around the box for a free kick you are shooting from. 9 people? You wouldnt see that in the phoenix Park.
And Glen Johnson jogging back until he realised (too late) that they were hopelessly outnumbered. And if that was bad, the fourth was worse. Coaching my arse.
Only once before have I seen the left side of a team exposed so badly throughout a game, and it was in the San Siro when AC Milan beat United 1-0 in the second leg of the 2005 last 16. Cafu had the entire right side to himself with Ronaldo being given a 'free role' to attack. Ferguson never changed it and sure enough Cafu laid on the goal for Crespo.
Yesterday I thought Gerrard tried, but he completely abdicates responsibility on the left side, and that is Capello's fault because he's obviously told Gerrard to get himself inside and playing off the front men when England have the ball. That sounds grand in theory, but unfortunately for England a) Mueller never bothered following him and b) England give the ball away like it's plague infested.
End result Mueller and Lahm running free down the right at an out numbered Ashley Cole, and Meuller cutting in to the space where Barry was supposed to be, but wasn't. The second German goal is this problem epitomised.
Spot on there alaysis there AZ (You could take the Pool job).
As I said before Capello played a system and then picked players. Not once did he pick players for the system he had, nor a system that suited his players. It appeared like two different decisions he was making.
Individually this was a very good England team. Lampard, Gerard, Rooney, Ashley Cole, and Terry are among the best players in the world, no matter what anyone says, when they are on form.
However take a look at those players, Lampard and Ashley Cole suffered because Gerard was out of position, and Rooney was clearly not fully fit. So immediately has negated 4 of his 5 world class players.
Couple that with the fact that he brought players that were never going to be fully fit, King, Ferdinand, Barry, he played Milner in game one with a virus (!!!). Then there was the other balls up, when he refused to name his team until two hours before kick off which showed a lack of faith and trust in his players. Rob Green especially suffered because of this.
A terrible WC for Fabio.
Delighed that the brits have been exposed yet again, the press really do have us all thinking they are a great side. There is no doubt whatsoever that the foreigners in the English game make Lampard, Gerard et al the players they are and that seems to be the theory getting most exposure now. As a unit they are awful, I have never seen a team so bereft of pace all over the pitch, leg weary and almost unfit??
A few weeks ago Souness opined on RTE (before he raped someone) that England's training was all wrong, he said he could not say how he knows this but was adamant that their training was all wrong and contributing to their poor displays, altitude was having an affect etc.
For me it is quite simple, they are just not good enough. Mexico although beaten last night technically are far superior than the English as are Chile for that matter and Uruguay.
Delighted to see the 'golden generation' exposed for the very poor team that they are.
Could not believe they committed 9 men forward for a free kick at 2-1 (and as pointed out already it was quite obvious Lampard was going to strike for goal anyway), that has to be the coaches fault, he decides the teams shape at set plays.
And to think that Martin O'Neill was allegedly approached to coach that bunch of shite. Little wonder he didn't do it.
Pleased with Diego's men. Didn't see the game though.
I know England are a long way from being as good as the Media, Irish and English by the way, make them out to be, but they are a long way better than they've shown in this World Cup as well.
Gerrard, Lampard, Cole, Rooney etc *are* good players. You can't play well in the Champions League if you are not a good player, and while Gerrard has been poor all season, the rest have been good in England and Europe.
But it's as Norf says, you either pick a system to suit the players you have (which probably would have been a variation of 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1, or else you pick the players that suit your system, which would have been a straight call between Gerrard and LAmpard, or maybe Gerrard and Defoe.
In the end Capello picked a system which he wanted, and picked players that suited a completely different system.
Hard to fathom really, but as bad as England looked in the 4 games, they are not that bad as individuals and that is something the manager has to take a real look at himself about. It's a managers job to make the players he has perform to the best of their ability, and to come up with a game plan that suits them. Either that, or change the players he has to play to a plan he is comfortable with. End result is the same, a group of players playing to their maximum in a system that suits them.
Then if you are good enough you win, and if you're not, you don't. The frustrating thing for England is they had a group of decent players not playing anywhere near their maximum in a system designed to accomodate the players rather than to have a real pattern.
Who gives a fcuk about England going out of the world cup, I'm devastated that Ossie Ardiles is not gonna be on RTE coverage any more. Gonna have to listen to the rest of those gobshites now.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 28, 2010, 10:12:47 AM
Spot on there alaysis there AZ (You could take the Pool job).
As I said before Capello played a system and then picked players. Not once did he pick players for the system he had, nor a system that suited his players. It appeared like two different decisions he was making.
Individually this was a very good England team. Lampard, Gerard, Rooney, Ashley Cole, and Terry are among the best players in the world, no matter what anyone says, when they are on form.
However take a look at those players, Lampard and Ashley Cole suffered because Gerard was out of position, and Rooney was clearly not fully fit. So immediately has negated 4 of his 5 world class players.
Couple that with the fact that he brought players that were never going to be fully fit, King, Ferdinand, Barry, he played Milner in game one with a virus (!!!). Then there was the other balls up, when he refused to name his team until two hours before kick off which showed a lack of faith and trust in his players. Rob Green especially suffered because of this.
A terrible WC for Fabio.
Good players will look poor in a poor system with no shape.
If anybody wants a lesson on a team system and midfield shape, they should watch that first half and compare England's CM to Germanys.
The back four of England on the ball in the 1st half passing it about across the line. Who can they pass to? What England did not have was even one midfield player coming back to get the ball or one midfielder make a bit of space to receive the ball. It took Rooney to come right back up to the midfield, as soon as he appeared he received the ball and got things moving for another pass - which usually west astray because there no shape or system.
The back 4, for the most part, ended up lumping the ball forward in hope.
No wonder Jamie O'Hara thought he was good enough to be picked for the England team, that lad knew that the England team needed him.
Why is Ossie gone? He'd be a great pundit if only he could find his false teeth. I think Didi Hamann is good. Who is the panel for the remainder of the tournament?
Where do you start with that?? England have been badly exposed at this World Cup. Overhyped overrated overpaid players. Capello needs to take his share of the blame. You need three goals in 20 mins and you bring on Heskey :o. There seemed to be no game plan. He took injured players to the tournament. The wheels started to wobble when he gave into tabloid pressure and took the captaincy off Terry. They were completely off after the Algeria game. How he (and the English media) thinks he can win a World Cup with Barry, Upson, Milner, Johnson and Defoe etc in the team is a mystery. Rooney was half fit and in my opinion played out of position. The media dictates that Lampard and Gerrard should be in the team (though I'm a Chelsea fan I woud drop Lampard). Terry, Lampard, Gerrard and Barry are too slow (as Liam Brady would say "at this level Bill"). But first and foremost they cannot keep the ball long enough to be successful. When they have the ball they cannot wait to give it away. It's the same old England, they lose when they eventually have to play a decent team.
Re tabloid headlines the Mirror has opted for
FABIGO!
I have to say, yet again, that Dayo Richardson is excellent as the co-commentator on RTE. He was upgraded to the big match last night
He does his homework before a game, he prepares meticulously, watches the game like a hawk and offers top quality analysis of what we can see and what we cant see on the screen. I hope RTE do the sensible thing and make him the main co-commentator.
It is one of the disturbing factors among co-commentators that they do feck all preparation before a game and offer lazy predictable descriptions of stuff we can see for ourselves.
Richardson is miles ahead of anybody else bar Trevor Steven, who is only half a street behind.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 28, 2010, 10:44:49 AM
I know England are a long way from being as good as the Media, Irish and English by the way, make them out to be, but they are a long way better than they've shown in this World Cup as well.
Gerrard, Lampard, Cole, Rooney etc *are* good players. You can't play well in the Champions League if you are not a good player, and while Gerrard has been poor all season, the rest have been good in England and Europe.
But it's as Norf says, you either pick a system to suit the players you have (which probably would have been a variation of 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1, or else you pick the players that suit your system, which would have been a straight call between Gerrard and LAmpard, or maybe Gerrard and Defoe.
In the end Capello picked a system which he wanted, and picked players that suited a completely different system.
Hard to fathom really, but as bad as England looked in the 4 games, they are not that bad as individuals and that is something the manager has to take a real look at himself about. It's a managers job to make the players he has perform to the best of their ability, and to come up with a game plan that suits them. Either that, or change the players he has to play to a plan he is comfortable with. End result is the same, a group of players playing to their maximum in a system that suits them.
Then if you are good enough you win, and if you're not, you don't. The frustrating thing for England is they had a group of decent players not playing anywhere near their maximum in a system designed to accomodate the players rather than to have a real pattern.
Spot on. 100% agree here with AZ.
Quote from: Main Street on June 28, 2010, 11:06:55 AM
I have to say, yet again, that Dayo Richardson is excellent as the co-commentator on RTE. He was upgraded to the big match last night
He does his homework before a game, he prepares meticulously, watches the game like a hawk and offers top quality analysis of what we can see and what we cant see on the screen. I hope RTE do the sensible thing and make him the main co-commentator.
It is one of the disturbing factors among co-commentators that they do feck all preparation before a game and offer lazy predictable descriptions of stuff we can see for ourselves.
Richardson is miles ahead of anybody else bar Trevor Steven, who is only half a street behind.
RTE's coverage has been second to none thus far.
Usually I watch the games on Sky+ because I haven't time to watch the whole game and fast forward though the gaps in play, but I don't ff when Dayo is there.
You see, I disagree with AZ (what heresy!) - there didn't appear to be a system at work at all. For f's sake they couldn't retain the ball at all for more than three passes, even in their own half.
That either means that: (1) the coach hasn't devised a system for them to do so, (2) the players are not capable of understanding or following such orders, or (3) the players are blatantly not obeying the instructions they were given. All this assumes that they have the technical capability to do so, and have trained together enough to apply a system. If it's (1) the coach must go, if it's (2) the English FA need to look carefully at how their youth policies are operating, or if it's (3) England need to examine their sporting culture or face a long period of doldrums.
Quote from: Main Street on June 28, 2010, 11:06:55 AM
I have to say, yet again, that Dayo Richardson is excellent as the co-commentator on RTE. He was upgraded to the big match last night
He does his homework before a game, he prepares meticulously, watches the game like a hawk and offers top quality analysis of what we can see and what we cant see on the screen. I hope RTE do the sensible thing and make him the main co-commentator.
It is one of the disturbing factors among co-commentators that they do feck all preparation before a game and offer lazy predictable descriptions of stuff we can see for ourselves.
Richardson is miles ahead of anybody else bar Trevor Steven, who is only half a street behind.
Agreed. I saw him on last night and thot 'who the f** is this boy?' and he was excellent.
Billy, I have a loose definitiion of system in this England team.
As far as I can see it the 'system' was ..
Johnson and Cole attack down the flanks
Barry anchor the middle
Lampard advanced centre midfielder
Gerrard coming in off the wing to pop in behind Rooney, who's playing off a big man.
Basically the last chance Gerrard had was the England system in motion.
However, that's grand against poor teams where England can attack with impunity, and they won't be punished when they give the ball away (as they do all the time). Against good teams that hurt you on the break, what you ended up with was Barry AWOL, Gerrard caught upfield and infield, Cole isolated, Johnson brainless and Rooney injured and/or sulking.
If they *were* playing that way, warts and all, I can't understand how Crouch was not playing.
I'm surprised the legend that is JT isn't getting more abuse than he is. How he allowed a ball to travel 50 odd yards and totally misjudged it which left Upson high and dry as he'd no time to recover as he assumed 'one of the best defenders in the world' wouldn't make such an elementary mistake.
In all fairness to Capello, no system can legislate for JT's ineptitude
That was poor alright, and individual errors are impossible to legislate for. However, the core issue remains. It's compounded by the errors, but it's wrong anyway.
All the talk about system, players, coaches, media etc about England mask the main factor....they are out and deserve to be out and surely we shoul simply bask in the glory of Italy, France and England being out early :P
Seriously though, I don't care apart from the impact it has on Liverpool. With England being out it means that the players will get an extra few weeks off. The big bonus has been that Gerard has not been good and therefore the likelihood of a bid from another team has lessened. Same with Torres. Also with England being out the shambles that is Liverpool FC may actually have something fixed, as in reality, the WC is over as England are out!
Your commas there threw me BC :D
I think you're right - LFC might get something fixed as, in reality, the World Cup is over because England are out.
Stevie-G may not have excelled but I thought he and Cashley Cole were prob the only two to emerge with any credit for the Brits.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 28, 2010, 11:40:26 AM
Billy, I have a loose definitiion of system in this England team.
As far as I can see it the 'system' was ..
Johnson and Cole attack down the flanks
Barry anchor the middle
Lampard advanced centre midfielder
Gerrard coming in off the wing to pop in behind Rooney, who's playing off a big man.
Basically the last chance Gerrard had was the England system in motion.
However, that's grand against poor teams where England can attack with impunity, and they won't be punished when they give the ball away (as they do all the time). Against good teams that hurt you on the break, what you ended up with was Barry AWOL, Gerrard caught upfield and infield, Cole isolated, Johnson brainless and Rooney injured and/or sulking.
If they *were* playing that way, warts and all, I can't understand how Crouch was not playing.
Again, that's exactly as I see it.
Re the John Terry point from Johnnycool. He defiantely had a poor game, but pre that I thought he was fairly decent in the 3 group games where England under performed.
England's primary failure in this WC was going forward. They had no craft, balance or a forward to be feared.
Yep AZ, as you say there's no system, as the rest of the world understands the word. To me, the teams that are doing well concentrate on keeping the ball, and using it sensibly and patiently. It's not as if England (ostensibly anyway) don't have the players with the skills to do this - they appear to believe that their way will work, when it's patently obvious it won't.
Agree wholeheartedly about Richardson too - very good analyst, sharp as a sharp thing.
Heard this from an England fan mate: England are to change their name from "The Three Lions" to "The Three Tampons"; the last week was their worst period ever. ha ha ha
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 28, 2010, 12:44:06 PM
Yep AZ, as you say there's no system, as the rest of the world understands the word. To me, the teams that are doing well concentrate on keeping the ball, and using it sensibly and patiently. It's not as if England (ostensibly anyway) don't have the players with the skills to do this - they appear to believe that their way will work, when it's patently obvious it won't.
Actually England do not have the midfield players with the skill to receive the ball and use it sensibily, at least they are not glaringly obvious in the epl. As I mentioned already - maybe Jamie O´Hara, maybe Upton but they would be anyway fecked if it came to the likes of Carrick.
A main issue imo, is that Capello did not recognise this after Scholes retired and did not blood in a replacement, maybe the pressure from most of the press and fans (empty vessels) would have been too much because it would have taken time to settle. He neglected imposing a rational foundation to forming a team and it was beyond repair after that.
Capello should've taken a punt on Hargreaves. Can't have been any worse than Barry or Carrick, even on one leg. From a United point of view, I'm delighted he didn't.
It would not have worked to change it at the last minute.
A national team has to built up over a qual period especially one as dysfunctional that England were after the last euro qualifiers. And after Qual is achieved, consolidate everything learned for the Finals.
France for example did not consolidate but their next manager should have no real problems with rebuilding that team for the Euros.
Could be in for a good game here. Looks like Slovakia have gone with a fairly attacking line up.
Holland starting XI numbered 1-11, haven't seen that for a long time!
Great goal by Robben.
Nice goal for my struggling fantasy team, but ffs show Robben outside onto his weaker right foot and make him cross the ball, don't let him cut inside on to his left foot.
Excellent finish. The minute he cut inside you could see it coming. Slovakia had started well too.
Quoteshow Robben outside onto his weaker right foot and make him cross the ball, don't let him cut inside on to his left foot.
Great unselfish run by Van Persie to attract the defender outside though
Awful goalkeeping again
Who got that one?
Slovakia would have had to score that first golden chance in the 2nd half, instead they just woke the Dutch up.
Strange Dutch team, unlike any others at a Finals. They are so far, understated in their approach, composed and compact. Looks like a work in progress, only in the 20 minutes or so, did they really close down the Slovakians higher up the pitch.
The england defeat could give us the dream team, they're all on the radio talking about giving the job to Arry, that really would be a fantastic f**king result, who could they blame then? I really really hope Capello goes and he gets the job, a chance to finally expose him for the drivel talking idiot he is.
One commentator in talksport said that the reason english players need a different approach to your continentals is that they're not as intelligent.
QuoteOne commentator in talksport said that the reason english players need a different approach to your continentals is that they're not as intelligent.
Hard to argue with that. The average English footballer has the IQ of a boiled turnip.
the ITV commentator has just described Brazils first goal as a "british goal" and now have praised the linesman for getting the off-side right. the bastards cant help themselves
They just cant help themselves
Brazil are on a different level to Chile. A number of people on here and in the media tipped Chile to win this??? Never a chance of it.
The Brazilians are favourites now with an easier path to the finals.
Holland might have something to say about that Pat... could go to penos that tie
I think the Dutch have had an easy time of it so far, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon and Slovakia. Chile, and Ivory Coast are better teams imho and look what Brazil did to them.
3-1 to Brazil against the Dutch.
How long have Jim Beglin and Howard Webb been sleeping with each other? Lick arse west Brit f**ker!!! "he has the look of a World Cup referee", "Look at the referee, in there and controlling things so quickly" "he does really good reach around you know" :-*
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 28, 2010, 09:17:23 PM
I think the Dutch have had an easy time of it so far, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon and Slovakia. Chile, and Ivory Coast are better teams imho and look what Brazil did to them.
3-1 to Brazil against the Dutch.
they have not got out of 2nd gear Brazil... looks between them and the Argies (unless Spain can improve dramatically)
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 28, 2010, 09:17:23 PM
I think the Dutch have had an easy time of it so far, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon and Slovakia. Chile, and Ivory Coast are better teams imho and look what Brazil did to them.
3-1 to Brazil against the Dutch.
but the dutch haven't really had to raise their game yet all, they had the luxury of bringing robben, safe in the knowledge that they could rest him to the knock outs. Brazil have definitely looked more impressive, but i'd be very wary of the dutch if i were them. The dutch have won a huge amount of games in a row at this stage.
I was disappointed with chile, i expected more, but their old failings in front of goal surfaced once again.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 28, 2010, 09:19:24 PM
How long have Jim Beglin and Howard Webb been sleeping with each other? Lick arse west Brit f**ker!!! "he has the look of a World Cup referee", "Look at the referee, in there and controlling things so quickly" "he does really good reach around you know" :-*
I used to like Beglin (as a footballer) but he really sickened my shite a couple of years ago with his praise for the Huns during commentary as they anti-footballed their way to the Uefa Cup final ... he's probably undoing Webb's zip with his teeth at this very moment
the world cup has been pretty poor til now but to be fair its really warming up now in these knock out rounds
Don't know about the rest of you but i would like to see a Brazil v Argentina final 8)
The boys on Rte were very funny tonight. Dunphy was saying that giles was thick that chipper and himself had stolen all his lines at half time
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 28, 2010, 09:06:54 PM
Brazil are on a different level to Chile. A number of people on here and in the media tipped Chile to win this??? Never a chance of it.
Careful now,
afair, only one person here tipped an upset.
A number in the tips contest got it into their head that this game would end in a draw????
Apres match was good tonight as well.
Gamblers then ;D
Here we do the pure serious analysis without being burdened by thoughts of financial gain or loss.
Quote from: Main Street on June 28, 2010, 10:56:49 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 28, 2010, 09:06:54 PM
Brazil are on a different level to Chile. A number of people on here and in the media tipped Chile to win this??? Never a chance of it.
Careful now,
afair, only one person here tipped an upset.
I'll hold my hands up...thought Chile might take them after extra time. Brazil were very impressive. Defense is rock solid and gives them the edge over the Argies i feel, still hope Argentina do it though, Mardonna on the sideline is classic stuff. He looks like the head of a drug cartel and acts like a regular fan in the stands.
You don't have to own up to anything. Most who did tip Chile, did so as an outside bet.
Chile had 3 suspended for the game, although one of them, Estrada, was a liability.
I thought Chile would concede 2, 3, 4 or 5 but would score a couple themselves. Brazil just thwarted most every attack with superb defending and those instinctive interceptions. Sanchez was excellent though. His crossing and passes were spot on, but this time Brazil were wise to him.
Quote from: Main Street on June 29, 2010, 10:40:31 AM
You don't have to own up to anything. Most who did tip Chile, did so as an outside bet.
Chile had 3 suspended for the game, although one of them, Estrada, was a liability.
I thought Chile would concede 2, 3, 4 or 5 but would score a couple themselves. Brazil just thwarted most every attack with superb defending and those instinctive interceptions. Sanchez was excellent though. His crossing and passes were spot on, but this time Brazil were wise to him.
Loved Giles' take on him the last day.
"He's a headbanger Bill. You'd know by his face."
"And how would you know by his face, John?"
"Ah you just would, Bill."
(http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01075/carousel_flops_1075533a.jpg)
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 28, 2010, 07:35:37 PM
The average English footballer has the IQ of a boiled turnip.
Ah jeepers go easy on Graham Taylor, would ya?
One of the Japanese centre backs looks like John Terry :D
Anyone recall offhand what WC qualifying teams Ireland beat in the run-up to the competition and what were the scores? Tx.
Ireland 2 - 1 Paraguay
Ireland 3 - 0 Algeria
What he said. Did we also play Chile recently enough?
Thanks Billys and AZ
The Japanese look like they spent the last 3 days on the beer after beating Denmark.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 29, 2010, 03:42:58 PM
Ireland 2 - 1 Paraguay
Ireland 3 - 0 Algeria
its a pity that they didn't play as well in the qualifying then considering how god awful Italy and France were when they got there.
Only after tuning into RTE's coverage there - to witness an in-depth conversation about Eamon's dinner.... ;D ;D
Quality penalty shoot-out.
The last one from Cardozo was ridiculously cool.
The team that tried to get behind the ball went out. Japan must have thought that they wouldn't expend their energy trying to bring the game to the tight Paraguay defense, but they got just as knackered as Paraguay anyway and couldn't step up on the gas.
Quote from: johnneycool on June 29, 2010, 04:14:20 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 29, 2010, 03:42:58 PM
Ireland 2 - 1 Paraguay
Ireland 3 - 0 Algeria
its a pity that they didn't play as well in the qualifying then considering how god awful Italy and France were when they got there.
Beating 2 teams made up of mostly squad extras preparing to go to a Finals, does not carry any real plaudits.
But we went about it confidently.
Chile played Ireland in a friendly a few years back and passed us off the park.
Paraguay are definitely the weakest side left in the competition. Expected more from the Japanese, they got quite a few opportunities from set plays, where they are strong, but couldn't take them.
'Rope a dope' backfired for the Japanese.
Quote from: paco on June 29, 2010, 05:59:57 PM
Paraguay are definitely the weakest side left in the competition. Expected more from the Japanese, they got quite a few opportunities from set plays, where they are strong, but couldn't take them.
i woudn't say they're definitely worse than Ghana.
Poor game so far...first proper chance there with missed header. Torres is really off colour.
Yea it's been pretty poor so far anyway....
Has been a better 0-0 than the last game
Quote from: omagh_gael on June 29, 2010, 08:09:38 PM
Poor game so far...first proper chance there with missed header. Torres is really off colour.
Jaundice ?
Playing Busquets and Alonso in the same team won't unlock this Portuguese defence, surely Del Bosque must realise this? For once the pundits are correct, width is what is needed here, this game is calling out for Navas, Silva, Pedro or Mata. They need to exploit the space left by Ronaldo and get the ball to Villa as they can't handle his pace.
I am amazed by Seedorf's standard of English, absoluely fluent for someone who has played in Spain & Italy for years.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on June 29, 2010, 08:33:02 PM
I am amazed by Seedorf's standard of English, absoluely fluent for someone who has played in Spain & Italy for years.
Loads of Dutch and Germans are fluent by their early teens.
Quote from: paco on June 29, 2010, 08:29:46 PM
Playing Busquets and Alonso in the same team won't unlock this Portuguese defence, surely Del Bosque must realise this? For once the pundits are correct, width is what is needed here, this game is calling out for Navas, Silva, Pedro or Mata. They need to exploit the space left by Ronaldo and get the ball to Villa as they can't handle his pace.
i don't know that any game is ever crying out for Mata tbh, but i know what you're saying. I think portugal are going to nick it.
Torres off..he has looked like a pub player as well has a girl in this world cup
Torres subbed off... jaysus he has had some World Cup
Eduardo is a special goalie for Portugal, plays for Braga!
To be honest the Spanish aren't up to much. They will be knocked out by the first good team they meet. They will go the way of England if they get to play Argentina ir Germany in the semis.
The Ref has been excellent so far & If Spain hold onto this lead they need to drop Torres for the next game
Why is it soccer players never play badly - they must be "carrying a knock" - maybe they're just playing shit! It happens!
and why do they keep shooting from stupid distances, normally blasting it 20 ft over the bar?
and did I hear something about some player not playing because he has a bruise on his leg? WTF?!
Good Spanish goal but both these teams look shit.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 29, 2010, 08:52:13 PM
To be honest the Spanish aren't up to much. They will be knocked out by the first good team they meet. They will go the way of England if they get to play Argentina ir Germany in the semis.
I think Villa would have a field day against either defence, I don't think Germany are as good as we are led to believe.
There could be 4 south american teams in the semis. I expect 3 in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay and maybe Paraguay on penalties against the Spanish as well.
Portugal going out here at the minute without a whimper...
Ronaldo and Torres suffering from Rooney-itis.
This competition is Brazil's to lose
What was that for???
What a shite game....
The only goals Portugal have scored were against the Democratic Workers Paradise of Korea. They're pretty shit. Professional soccerr players are big women aren't they??
Capdevila Costas Portugal
Yes it's Mrs AQMP's birthday and we've had a couple of drinks. She's in the bath and I'm watching the game with a v large Jamesons
The South Americans are shitting all over the Europeans' efforts at this world cup, Spain most likely will be the top European team and they're not looking great at all.
A Brazil-Argentina final in store hopefully which could be a classic.
Quote from: Schkite on June 29, 2010, 09:22:31 PM
The South Americans are shitting all over the Europeans' efforts at this world cup, Spain most likely will be the top European team and they're not looking great at all.
A Brazil-Argentina final in store hopefully which could be a classic.
Jaysus don't say that, bound to be shite now
Utter shiiiiiiiite. Will Ronaldo be sanctioned for his post-match spit towards the camera or was that an indictment of his personal effort during the game? Roll on the AFL this weekend. Back to bed.
Better team won, Spain should have enough in the locker to beat Paraguay
Quote from: Aerlik on June 29, 2010, 09:26:10 PM
Utter shiiiiiiiite. Will Ronaldo be sanctioned for his post-match spit towards the camera or was that an indictment of his personal effort during the game? Roll on the AFL this weekend. Back to bed.
Ahh just him being a bollox.... don't think he was spitting at the camera. Really showing his class there though
Ronaldo proves himself again..
Thought spain were very good once they got the goal. They'll be hard to stop, but I reckon the germans could maybe take them
Quote from: Minder on June 29, 2010, 08:57:41 PM
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 29, 2010, 08:52:13 PM
To be honest the Spanish aren't up to much. They will be knocked out by the first good team they meet. They will go the way of England if they get to play Argentina ir Germany in the semis.
I think Villa would have a field day against either defence, I don't think Germany are as good as we are led to believe.
I agree Minder, Germans look good but they haven't really been up against much, and they were beaten by Serbia. Can't understand why everyone is playing down Spain's chances, they've done what they need to to get where they are and I still believe they'll not be far away, between them and Argentina I reckon. For the sake of my Spain/Higuain and Argentina/Villa doubles if nothing else! Re: Paraguay beating Spain on penalties, surely you were joking?
Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?
Quote from: mc_grens on June 29, 2010, 09:33:32 PM
Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?
Doubtful. They raised a valid point tonight that some teams are going out to stop these players playing, some, like Rooney and Ronaldo have been successfully taken out of the game, whereas the likes of Messi continue to perform and will continue to get better as the tournament progresses.
Is Lawro doing a piece on the Boer war on the BBC now?? WTF?
Quote from: hardstation on June 29, 2010, 09:35:43 PM
Haven't seen a lot of the World Cup but has Messi been that great? Haven't heard much about him.
Rooney, Gerrard and Torres have been pish, it seems.
Add Ronaldo, Drogba, Fabregas, Lampard, the Premierships finest and ex-finest, and there is 2 goals between them. Some Slovakian has 4 on his own, Doesnt make sense
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 29, 2010, 09:46:58 PM
Is Lawro doing a piece on the Boer war on the BBC now?? WTF?
Spion Kop
Quote from: paco on June 29, 2010, 09:35:15 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on June 29, 2010, 09:33:32 PM
Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?
Doubtful. They raised a valid point tonight that some teams are going out to stop these players playing, some, like Rooney and Ronaldo have been successfully taken out of the game, whereas the likes of Messi continue to perform and will continue to get better as the tournament progresses.
Portugal did a good job taking Ronaldo out of the game themselves!
The BBC have been laying on the socially conscious propaganda during half time of all the games as well. The pieces, tonights included are ok in their own right, but I only want to know about the football on these programmes. Give the other stuff its own programme if it is worth talking about.
Holland beat Brazil in 1974 and can do it again. It's he first WCup I remember without the Dutch team imploding with classic in-fighting.
Quote from: hardstation on June 29, 2010, 09:35:43 PM
Haven't seen a lot of the World Cup but has Messi been that great? Haven't heard much about him.
Rooney, Gerrard and Torres have been pish, it seems.
While he ain't scored (yet) Messi has been a bit special imo.
Quote from: Celt_Man on June 29, 2010, 09:46:58 PM
Is Lawro doing a piece on the Boer war on the BBC now?? WTF?
enjoyed that piece
Was Villa definitely onside for that goal? I never saw a definitive replay. It was close when the flick was done. Don't think Spain will in the tournament with that team. Need to rejig it somehow. Get Fabregas in and use Torres off the bench in last 20 if necessary.
Hoping Holland win it for financial reasons and think they're not without a chance but Brazil looked really good last night.
Villa was onside according to the rule. Barca have invested their zillions well.
I enjoyed that game. There is a lot to be said for foreplay.
Spain are certainly getting their act together.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on June 29, 2010, 09:57:35 PM
Quote from: paco on June 29, 2010, 09:35:15 PM
Quote from: mc_grens on June 29, 2010, 09:33:32 PM
Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?
Doubtful. They raised a valid point tonight that some teams are going out to stop these players playing, some, like Rooney and Ronaldo have been successfully taken out of the game, whereas the likes of Messi continue to perform and will continue to get better as the tournament progresses.
Portugal did a good job taking Ronaldo out of the game themselves!
Fair point pints. What was wrong with Ronaldo tonight? Spain dominated possession but Portugal had their chances, I can only remember Ronaldo having one touch in the second half, that extravagantly flicked cross on the right wing. Didn't look interested! Deco was another who was awful. Spain's main problem has been their reliance on an unfit Torres as their main striker, Villa's job is coming in off the wing. Sort of a role reversal from Euro 2008. Llorente proved they have a plan B. Will be very interesting to see if Torres starts on Saturday or what way they play, surely he has to drop Busquets?
Sobered up a bit now. Agree there is no logic for keeping Torres in the team. His touch is worse than Heskey's and he's too slow for these types of matches. His big sulky gurn when he's taken off isn't helping matters. He needs to be taken aside and told "you're playing shite, big lad". Busquets main role seems to be to constantly dive to win frees.
Have to say Torres has ben very poor at the WC alright. But I don't think playing with Villa helps him. Both players like to take the ball out on the left and try to cut in and unleash a shot. It's something you would see him do regulary for Liverpool. But with Villa taking up the same positions he's not getting that option.
I think Spain would be as well dropping Torres. He's definitely not playing his best stuff and he seems to have lost his touch. He'd be a great man to bring on for 20 to go. There's no point going down the England road were your trying to put players in because of who they are rather than what'll be the best formation.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on June 29, 2010, 10:19:25 PM
Holland beat Brazil in 1974 and can do it again. It's he first WCup I remember without the Dutch team imploding with classic in-fighting.
Van Persie on being taken off against Slovakia queried why Sneidjer wasn't being taken off instead. They have had a long running feud since the 2008 Euro's when they fought over who was going to take a free kick against Russia:
QuoteThe Dutch pair have embarked on a war of words, stemming from a dispute over a free-kick that came in the Euro 2008 quarter-final against Russia.
Sneijder was the team's allocated dead-ball taker, only for Van Persie to attempt to wrest the ball from his grasp.
The Real Madrid midfielder, recovering from an injury sustained against Van Persie's Arsenal, told the Dutch newspaper Het Parool that Van Persie has 'broken agreements', and that he wanted a showdown.
Late in the last-eight tie against Russia, the Netherlands were awarded a free-kick, which Van Persie duly took. He missed, but Ruud Van Nistelrooy subsequently scored to take the game to extra time. However, Sneijder has revealed that the Arsenal striker broke team protocol.
Sneijder is quoted thus: "From the first practice game, I've been designated as the man who takes free kicks and no one else is supposed to touch the ball.
The ex-Feyenoord man Van Persie aimed low in his reply: "I expected more class from Wesley,'' he told Algemeen Dagblad.
"Besides, it's absolute nonsense that he's the only one who can take free kicks. You can ask the coach.''
Ex-Netherlands coach Marco Van Basten, in charge at the time of the 3-1 defeat, refused to comment while his replacement Bert Van Marwijk will not speak about the incident until he summons the squad togethet next week for the World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Van Persie was willing to clear the air with his international colleague, but has since revoked the offer due to the public nature of Sneijder's remarks.
He continued: "I'm flabbergasted by the way Wesley has acted. Must the whole country take part in a 'meeting' between Sneijder and Van Persie?''
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 30, 2010, 09:43:20 AM
Have to say Torres has ben very poor at the WC alright. But I don't think playing with Villa helps him. Both players like to take the ball out on the left and try to cut in and unleash a shot. It's something you would see him do regulary for Liverpool. But with Villa taking up the same positions he's not getting that option.
I think Spain would be as well dropping Torres. He's definitely not playing his best stuff and he seems to have lost his touch. He'd be a great man to bring on for 20 to go. There's no point going down the England road were your trying to put players in because of who they are rather than what'll be the best formation.
This was the way they played at Euro 2008, Villa was the main striker and Torres was able to cut in from the left, both with great success. But the new manager decided to switch roles and Torres doesn't look comfortable, although his fitness/confidence issues are definitely a factor. Villa looks like he'll be a threat anywhere and I'd really like to see them playing 3 up front, with iniesta on the left like he does for Barcelona and Navas on the right.
Lads I'd be kinda interested to hear the total number of empty seats in the group stages of this tournament. From what I seen there was loads. Would it not have been a better advertisement for the world cup if fifa had filled these seats for free just for tv?
Quote from: cokers on June 30, 2010, 12:31:40 PM
Lads I'd be kinda interested to hear the total number of empty seats in the group stages of this tournament. From what I seen there was loads. Would it not have been a better advertisement for the world cup if fifa had filled these seats for free just for tv?
I think they tried on a few occasions. During several matches, the TV commentators noted that the stadium seemed to fill up more and more as the match went on. This would suggest that someone was outside the grounds rounding up kids or whoever to fill the place. There definitely seemed to be lots of groups of kids in school uniforms at some of the matches.
Quote from: AFS on June 30, 2010, 12:54:51 PM
Quote from: cokers on June 30, 2010, 12:31:40 PM
Lads I'd be kinda interested to hear the total number of empty seats in the group stages of this tournament. From what I seen there was loads. Would it not have been a better advertisement for the world cup if fifa had filled these seats for free just for tv?
I think they tried on a few occasions. During several matches, the TV commentators noted that the stadium seemed to fill up more and more as the match went on. This would suggest that someone was outside the grounds rounding up kids or whoever to fill the place. There definitely seemed to be lots of groups of kids in school uniforms at some of the matches.
That's a good one. At the Oscars when someone or a group of people go to take their prize, stand-ins move into their seats so there are no empty ones shown.
Also apparently some of these tasty birds at the World Cup are put in the crowd with football jerseys on waiting for the cameras to scan to them.
Quote from: paco on June 30, 2010, 11:37:58 AM
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 30, 2010, 09:43:20 AM
Have to say Torres has ben very poor at the WC alright. But I don't think playing with Villa helps him. Both players like to take the ball out on the left and try to cut in and unleash a shot. It's something you would see him do regulary for Liverpool. But with Villa taking up the same positions he's not getting that option.
I think Spain would be as well dropping Torres. He's definitely not playing his best stuff and he seems to have lost his touch. He'd be a great man to bring on for 20 to go. There's no point going down the England road were your trying to put players in because of who they are rather than what'll be the best formation.
This was the way they played at Euro 2008, Villa was the main striker and Torres was able to cut in from the left, both with great success. But the new manager decided to switch roles and Torres doesn't look comfortable, although his fitness/confidence issues are definitely a factor. Villa looks like he'll be a threat anywhere and I'd really like to see them playing 3 up front, with iniesta on the left like he does for Barcelona and Navas on the right.
I haven't been impressed by Navas. Gets into some good positions but his final pass/cross have been awful and he is too easily dispossessed
– I hear Oxo are making a new product. The packaging is white with a red cross and they're calling it the laughing stock.
– Fabio Capello was wheeling his shopping trolley across the supermarket car park when he noticed an old lady struggling with her bags of shopping. He stopped and asked, "Can you manage dear?" To which the old lady replied: "No way. You got yourself into this mess. Don't ask me to sort it out!"
– What do you call an Englishman in the knockout stages of the World Cup? A referee.
– Apparently that fan had no trouble slipping into the England dressing room – Robert Green was guarding the door.
– What does the Englishman do when England wins the World Cup? He switches off the Play Station.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on June 30, 2010, 01:33:58 PM
Quote from: paco on June 30, 2010, 11:37:58 AM
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 30, 2010, 09:43:20 AM
Have to say Torres has ben very poor at the WC alright. But I don't think playing with Villa helps him. Both players like to take the ball out on the left and try to cut in and unleash a shot. It's something you would see him do regulary for Liverpool. But with Villa taking up the same positions he's not getting that option.
I think Spain would be as well dropping Torres. He's definitely not playing his best stuff and he seems to have lost his touch. He'd be a great man to bring on for 20 to go. There's no point going down the England road were your trying to put players in because of who they are rather than what'll be the best formation.
This was the way they played at Euro 2008, Villa was the main striker and Torres was able to cut in from the left, both with great success. But the new manager decided to switch roles and Torres doesn't look comfortable, although his fitness/confidence issues are definitely a factor. Villa looks like he'll be a threat anywhere and I'd really like to see them playing 3 up front, with iniesta on the left like he does for Barcelona and Navas on the right.
I haven't been impressed by Navas. Gets into some good positions but his final pass/cross have been awful and he is too easily dispossessed
He was great in the first game, although not as good in the second, but having seen him all season I know that he is capable of stretching the German defence and allowing Xavi more room to thread passes through the middle. He has the pace to enable Spain to counter-attack if needs be. Would be an interesting battle between him against Boateng, who's also very quick.
There's a good read in an interview of sorts with a penitent Martin Hansson in the IT today,
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0630/1224273621922.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0630/1224273621922.html)
"There are simulations by players and then they show their shirt and it says: 'I love Jesus'. That's very strange for me.
;D
Has he some player in mind?
That's a load of kak
Are you looking at your bed sheets?
Torres highlight from the world cup so far
(http://i.imgur.com/vWo8i.gif)
Ronaldo is Nike curse's final victim
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/world-cup/armchair-pundit/article/4110/
If Roger Federer, spanked at table tennis by Rooney in the Nike spot, fails to win Wimbledon, we'll know there really is a curse
Oh-ho
Nice bit of skill from a Spain warm up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE_bdgAeWHg&feature=youtube_gdata
Quote from: Minder on June 30, 2010, 11:43:25 PM
Nice bit of skill from a Spain warm up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE_bdgAeWHg&feature=youtube_gdata
Told you all Mata was class :D
I heard John Fashanu on representing the Nigerian Govt on their decision to suspend the team from competition for 2 years. WTF??
President Goodluck Jonathon is not to be messed with!
http://www.twitvid.com/DVMG7
Can just imagine the English squad doing this..
The quarterfinals start today. Brazil against the Dutch, I would favour Brazil but they are missing their 2 best central midfielders, Elano and Ramirez. They may not be noticed as much but they will make a difference by not being there. The Dutch have a chance, Cruyff has been trying to wind the Brazilians up into playing attacking football by saying he would not pay to watch them. He hopes the Brazilians will go for all out attack and the Dutch can sit back and soak up the pressure and hit them on the counter attack. They have some excellent clever attacking players in Robben, Van Persie and Sneider to pull off that game plan. Of course the Dutch might just play total football as well.
Brazil 3 Holland 2
Of course if the Dutch follow my game plane it just might be the other way round.
Feckit. 1-0 already. Brazil should also have had a penalty.
Boys against men go far.
I'd say the Man City would like Robinio back if he'd keep playing like that.
Brazil look very solid all round. Have barely given the Dutch a kick so far.
1 all. Howler by goalkeeper.
2-1 holland. Brazil need to push now.
Forget what I said earlier. Gzame on.
2-1 to the dutch now. Liams bet is looking good now. This game was always set to be a classic.
Brazil down to 10 men now for a stamp.
Brazil a man down now. Looks like it could be goodnite brazil!!
c'mon DIRK KUYT :D :D
Quote from: sammymaguire on July 02, 2010, 04:33:25 PM
c'mon DIRK KUYT :D :D
just made a great wee run and should have scored.
Brazil out.
Big turn up for the books.
So good to see that.
Dis you see the replay there of Van bommel doing a somersault after Alves brushed his foot against his leg, he is some sc**bag.
Did not see any of the game but it seemed like a niggly game, come on Diego now!
Argentina were 7/2 on PP before the game and are now 4/1
Quote from: hardstation on July 02, 2010, 04:59:17 PM
Thon stamper is a sc**bag.
Agreed, great to see holland win. Hate that danny alves cnut!! Keeps my bet alive ;D
Quote from: hardstation on July 02, 2010, 04:59:17 PM
Thon stamper is a sc**bag.
How did Bastos not get the line? Reminded me of Tom O Sullivan. At least the ref showed Mc aneaney the way with the stamper.
I said they would miss the strength of Ramires and the cool head of Elano, that was before considering the fool Melo would make of himself. An own goal and a sending off is quite a days work. Danny Alvez in midfield is not right either imho, he is a talented player, but wing back is his position. His free kick at the end was a joke. The Brazilians really imploded today for some reason. Their heads went after going behind, it is not all about having the most talent as I think Brazil have the most talented squad. It is about what is going on upstairs, see also England and France.
I am disappointed to see Brazil knocked out, but the Dutch will make the final now, touch wood and are a good footballing side. Argentina v Holland would be a repeat of 1978, Argentina v Germany would be a repeat of 74. I expect the same results.
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 02, 2010, 04:51:07 PM
Big turn up for the books.
Not really imo. Haven't been overly impressive to date. It was always going to be very tight with only a goal in it.
Quote from: Minder on July 02, 2010, 04:53:34 PM
Dis you see the replay there of Van bommel doing a somersault after Alves brushed his foot against his leg, he is some sc**bag.
I think Van Bommel got away with his enforcer role today as well. Nobody else has been allowed do it at the world cup.
The other Day i went against my own tip of a Brazil win,
Selection Selection Details Result
1
Football Matches
World Cup Matches
Holland v Brazil
2nd of Jul 2010 3:00 pm
Scorecast
L Fabiano first goal scorer
Holland 2 - 1
Price: 100/1
Stake 5.00
Robinho cost me 500 Euro >:(
That 2nd goal was smart and just the perfect time to pull it off, Brazil had nodded off.
I don't know where Liam got it that Robben provoked the Brazilians into doing the stupid things as if he was doing something else other than play football. Brazil looked to be equally aggressive in that game right from the start. They fell for it though, hook line and sinker as if they were the untouchables.
In the game against Chile, before they got the first goal and really played, they were blatantly diving about on 3 occasions and getting hysterical over nothing. Looks like the Dutch manager Bert thought that might be a weakness to exploit.
Robben is awkward and most defenders don't seem to know how to mark him. He was getting kicked but going down easily too. Brazil's fault for reacting... Alves hasn't a leg to stand oon mouthing at him either. Dives all over the place.
VanBommel was booting all round him and getting away with it.
The dutch were out of it till the goalie f**ked up to be honest. Had it not been for a fluky goal it'd have been a drab 1-0. In the end it turned out an interesting game though. Opens the WC up in my view.
I have a sneaky feeling ze germans will beat the argies tomorrow too.
Interesting that Capello is staying with England.
He didn't do his reputation much good during the world cup. Now to rebuild his reputation.
Wasn't a bad goal their by big Sully!
Diego Forlan player of the tournament so far?
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 08, 2010, 05:34:05 PM
World Cup Bets (Odds from Paddy Power)
Argentina to win Cup and David Villa to be Top Goalscorer-100/1 £1
Germany to win Cup-14/1 £1
Klose to be Top Goalscorer-30/1 £1
Holland to win Cup and David Villa to be Top Goalscorer-150/1 £1
Mexico, Argentina, England, Serbia, Holland, Italy, Brazil and Spain to win their respective groups-£1 Accumulator pays £129
Still in with a shout of getting one of them up. I don't know either to shout for Germany or Argentina tomorrow as I have conflicting bets. ??? ???
Talk of the ball moving in the air is all well and good I still don't see why the goalies are jumping out of the way of the ball. That free kick was straight at the goalie.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 02, 2010, 09:08:03 PM
Talk of the ball moving in the air is all well and good I still don't see why the goalies are jumping out of the way of the ball. That free kick was straight at the goalie.
kingston has been very unassured tonight, definitely caught out badly with the goal.
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 08:49:12 PM
Diego Forlan player of the tournament so far?
easily ozil, no? Villa and Messi the only other contenders so far?
wow what a finish to a game :o
Some drama!
It has been a great game!
f**king hell what a game
Would ITV quit running to commercials every chance they get ffs!
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 02, 2010, 09:51:13 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 08:49:12 PM
Diego Forlan player of the tournament so far?
easily ozil, no? Villa and Messi the only other contenders so far?
Sneijder, Schweinsteiger contenders as well?
Suarez definitely took one for the team there!
Unreal finish to the game!
Yeah Suarez took the bullet there!
Be interesting to see Gyan's penalty here - surely he'll take one but what will his head be like.
Desailly's reaction! :D
What a penalty!
According to Clive Tylesdly he is the Ghana Stuart Pearce ::) ::)
Shite penalty there.
Fcukin eejit.
:D :D
Class.
Balls of steel!!!!!
And the moral of the story...............cheating pays!
Progress in a tournament that Bayern Munich would have been proud of & Suarez is sure to get a round of drinks tonight
If they make the final would he be back?
straight red would be 3 games no?
At least 2 i think
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 10:20:55 PM
Progress in a tournament that Bayern Munich would have been proud of & Suarez is sure to get a round of drinks tonight
If they make the final would he be back?
Yes, if you believe ITV.
Suarez reaction to the missed peno :D
Does anyone think the fella that took that winning penalty should never be allowed to play football again?
Quote from: Minder on July 02, 2010, 10:30:52 PM
Does anyone think the fella that took that winning penalty should never be allowed to play football again?
Why ???
Quote from: Minder on July 02, 2010, 10:30:52 PM
Does anyone think the fella that took that winning penalty should never be allowed to play football again?
Did someone do the same in a playoff final this year,only missed?
A fella from Leicester tried and failed something similar this year in the playoffs semi final against Cardiff and a few experts on here reckoned he should never be allowed to play football again........
Suarez handball vs Henry handball
Which would you choose?
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 10:20:55 PM
Progress in a tournament that Bayern Munich would have been proud of
Get over it
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 02, 2010, 10:38:47 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 10:20:55 PM
Progress in a tournament that Bayern Munich would have been proud of
Get over it
over this?
(http://u.goal.com/89300/89323_hp.jpg)
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 10:37:45 PM
Suarez handball vs Henry handball
Which would you choose?
Suarez was not cheating, he took one for the team.
Pity he will be out, Forlan will be forlorn. The other lad with the long hair is not in the same class, reminded me of Samaras in looks and game. Some penalty though.
would cheating not be a bit harsh. surely it was instinct, sticking the hand up.
Quote from: Hoof Hearted on July 02, 2010, 10:43:49 PM
would cheating not be a bit harsh. surely it was instinct, sticking the hand up.
ok, it was a natural instinct to cheat for the benefit of team!
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 10:04:40 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 02, 2010, 09:51:13 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 02, 2010, 08:49:12 PM
Diego Forlan player of the tournament so far?
easily ozil, no? Villa and Messi the only other contenders so far?
Sneijder, Schweinsteiger contenders as well?
yeah, though I don't think sneijder has been as good as he should have been, I watched some serie a matches this year where he was outstanding, but he hasn't really orchestrated this dutch side in the same way yet. If they make the final, he'll be in the shortlist, with possibly robben if he has a good semi.
"Any player picking up a red card is expelled from the pitch and automatically banned for his country's next match, whether via a straight red or second yellow. After a straight red card, FIFA will conduct a hearing and may extend this ban beyond one match. If the ban extends beyond the end of the World Cup finals (i.e. if a player is sent off in the match in which his team was eliminated), it must be served in the team's next competitive international match(es)."
According to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_disciplinary_record
Quote from: Minder on July 02, 2010, 10:36:45 PM
A fella from Leicester tried and failed something similar this year in the playoffs semi final against Cardiff and a few experts on here reckoned he should never be allowed to play football again........
surely mensah's penalty was little different, at least the last pen taker waited for the keeper to dive first.
Very harsh on Ghana, maybe a penalty try type award would be more equitable?
That was an amazing and tragic ending from Ghana.
Was it cheating?
Yes.
Soccer cheating????
THere is a lot of cheating in soccer which is considered acceptable. What Suarez did is considered acceptable. What Henry did is not considered acceptable soccer cheating.
They shouldn't have made him take the first penalty in the shoot out after missing the first one. He could have easily missed again. The final penalty was perfectly fine, the Ghanaian goalie was diving too soon. Kingson had a great tournament, even allowing for the bad mistake tonights from Forlans free kick he might still be keeper of the tournament.
Uruguay might have their 2 central defenders back for the semi final to make up for the 2 players Suarez and Facile that they lost. Suarez will be a big loss but they will move Forlan up front. The Dutch will be missing a couple of players corner back Van Der Meow and midfielder De Jong. Uruguay will play for penalties again.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 02, 2010, 11:03:22 PM
That was an amazing and tragic ending from Ghana.
Was it cheating?
Yes.
Soccer cheating????
THere is a lot of cheating in soccer which is considered acceptable. What Suarez did is considered acceptable. What Henry did is not considered acceptable soccer cheating.
What Suarez did is considered acceptable because he was always going to be caught, imo, what henry did was equally as acceptable. I consider diving unacceptable, but in reality, it's no different. If the sanctions for all types of cheating were the same, straight red card, then it would level the playing field, if you dive and are caught, you go, just the same as suarez
What Suarez did tonight I think nearly any man in that position would do.
What Henry most wouldn't have the gall and arrogance to even try it. A bit like the penalty he tried to pass to Pires only instead of just pure arrogance - arrogance and cheating all in one.
May seem like double standards it's just the Henry one hurts more and in my book they aren't the same...
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 02, 2010, 11:15:24 PM
What Suarez did tonight I think nearly any man in that position would do.
What Henry most wouldn't have the gall and arrogance to even try it. A bit like the penalty he tried to pass to Pires only instead of just pure arrogance - arrogance and cheating all in one.
May seem like double standards it's just the Henry one hurts more and in my book they aren't the same...
Cheating has no standard!
Just wondering, how would we receive a player back home (here in Ireland) if he did what Suarez did to reach a semi final. Would he be cheered as a guest onto the Late Late Show, with bear hugs and "Fair dues ya whore ya for doing that".
Quote from: From the Bunker on July 02, 2010, 11:27:14 PM
Just wondering, how would we receive a player back home (here in Ireland) if he did what Suarez did to reach a semi final. Would he be cheered as a guest onto the Late Late Show, with bear hugs and "Fair dues ya whore ya for doing that".
I think he definitely would! Wonder how he would have been recieved if Gyan scored the penalty, I guess we'll never know...
I remember watching this clip and wondering why Christian Vieri didn't do the same thing as Suarez because it meant Italy went out of the tournament.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sdDmiv2SCI&feature=related
I don't know why Suarez didn't put his head on it - it didn't look particularly high and he'd only raised his hand to just above head level, tiredness played a part I suppose. He was right to do what he did, give his team one last chance and it paid off.
Gyan showed balls of steal to step up to take the first penalty and score it. Someone said they made him do it? Maybe he wanted to and it should have settled down the rest of the team after the miss in extra time.
As for yer man taking the last penalty, I would not be impressed with him - trying something like that in such an important penalty he needs a slap. Pure arrogance that could have cost them.
Fair play to Uruguay, good to see one of the weaker counties come through. Not bad for a country with roughly the same population as the Free State.
I've a sneaking suspicion that Germany will turn over the Argies to day and Holland will win the whole shebang.
I don't know if it was arrogance. I think he saw the goalie move early for all the earlier penalties and just lobbed it down the middle where he knew the goalie would not be.
Has anyone else noticed how poor this world cup has been from the point of view of most games being determined by player mistakes, goalkeeping errors, own goals, sendings off, refereeing mistakes etc. Yesterdays 2 games are a perfect example of this, From 5 goals, 2 were goal keeping errors, 1 was a combo of goal keeping error and own goal. There was a needless sending off and a missed penalty to win with the last kick of the game. In any normal 2 games you might get 0 or 1 of those type of gaffes but not at this world cup.
Does anybody remember who missed the penalty for Ireland in the second round game against Spain in 2002? We had 2 and scored one and missed one.
Argentina will be alright I think. I can see an open game a bit like Germany v England, which might suit the Germans but will suit Messi and Tevez more than anyone and I can see Messi scoring a hat trick.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 03, 2010, 09:12:31 AM
I don't know if it was arrogance. I think he saw the goalie move early for all the earlier penalties and just lobbed it down the middle where he knew the goalie would not be.
Has anyone else noticed how poor this world cup has been from the point of view of most games being determined by player mistakes, goalkeeping errors, own goals, sendings off, refereeing mistakes etc. Yesterdays 2 games are a perfect example of this, From 5 goals, 2 were goal keeping errors, 1 was a combo of goal keeping error and own goal. There was a needless sending off and a missed penalty to win with the last kick of the game. In any normal 2 games you might get 0 or 1 of those type of gaffes but not at this world cup.
Does anybody remember who missed the penalty for Ireland in the second round game against Spain in 2002? We had 2 and scored one and missed one.
Ian Harte
QuoteI don't know if it was arrogance. I think he saw the goalie move early for all the earlier penalties and just lobbed it down the middle where he knew the goalie would not be.
If that was the case he should have at least drilled it. Had the keeper stood and caught that the player would have been slaughtered and rightly so.
Quote from: hardstation on July 02, 2010, 11:38:17 PM
Henry's was just an instinctive reaction and he probably never expected to get away with it. It was very late on, he lost control of the ball and probably just said "Arra fcuk it anyway j'aime le foot", expecting a free kick to be given. The ref didn't give it and he said feck all. Fair enough.
Suarez was a "Ach ballix we're bate, I have to".
An Rí abu.
That's what I was trying to say.
You're being a bit harsh Pints thinking he should have had the composure to try and head a ball headed from about 4 yds out, he did waht he had to do and he would be properly lauded in ireland as a hero, taking one for the team (as richard sadlier said with a grin last night)
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 02, 2010, 11:15:24 PM
What Suarez did tonight I think nearly any man in that position would do.
I thought it was a travesty, i don't buy into the belief that because a sportsman is a professional that somehow excuses cheating as part of their game, even the ex-player pundits (such as lee dixon on last night) go along with this shit.
There is no excuse for cheating despite what the lee dixons of this world think, sport isn't just about winning its also about fair play, taking part and representing yourself/nation/team on the pitch.
Would we excuse cheating in other sports would we be happy to hear that mcdowell was carding lower scores that what he had actually acheived or that he kicked the ball out of a divet, would we say sure you'd have done it yourself etc. I think and hope not.
The most important thing of all to say is that it wasn't cheating. It was gamesmanship. Where you turn up the heat on your opponent within the rules of the game to make things more difficult for him. I say it was within the rules as he got caught, conceded a penalty and got sent off.
It would have been cheating if he had got away with it. The other thing in mitigation is that it should never have been a free kick in the first place, was that free kick won by Ghana cheating.
Not a chance Ronaldo or Messi or Henri or any of the poster boys would have been penalised like that.
Quote from: longrunsthefox on July 03, 2010, 02:24:44 PM
Not a chance Ronaldo or Messi or Henri or any of the poster boys would have been penalised like that.
Yer hole. Clear handball, only possible result is a penalty and a red card regardless of the player.
Fancy Germany to win today, either aet or penalties.
Heeeeeeeeere we go...viva Argentina
Should be interesting now.
Goalie will not look back at that with any comfort. >:(
Scheisse!
Yer man Mueller is a cracking player - and he's only 20
Quote from: longrunsthefox on July 03, 2010, 02:24:44 PM
Not a chance Ronaldo or Messi or Henri or any of the poster boys would have been penalised like that.
Load of bollix that..
Can't see the Germans keeping this tempo going. Two goals for the argies in the second half.
We'll soon see if the Argie hype is justified.
the germans look so assured on the ball, if klose had hit the target that time there would be no way back for argentina. if im right a european team has never won the wc outside europe, this could be our time
Quote from: magickingdom on July 03, 2010, 03:29:01 PM
the germans look so assured on the ball, if klose had hit the target that time there would be no way back for argentina. if im right a european team has never won the wc outside europe, this could be our time
it sure could be magickingdom , come on germany , spain and holland we are behind ye all they way ;)
Quote from: magickingdom on July 03, 2010, 03:29:01 PM
the germans look so assured on the ball, if klose had hit the target that time there would be no way back for argentina. if im right a european team has never won the wc outside europe, this could be our time
They should be home and hosed by now. Klose should have buried that chance and Mueller and Podolski have had decent chances too. Against the likes of Argentina they need to take any chance they're given.
Charlize Theron was spotted in the Crowd, BBC commentator says "don't know who she is but i bet she's a WAG" ::)
Higuain came out of the womb in an offside position
Game over. I really like Germany, they play great football. Looking at their age profile, they're going to be a serious team for the next 3 or 4 major tournaments.
England not looking to bad now, Argentina 0 - 3 Germany :o
Argentine implosion :)
The win against England has really brought them on ???
I never thought this game would go any other way, but I feel sorry for Maradona and Argentina, they're at least approaching the game in the right way imo, pity he left so many decent players at home.
The Germans are a lovely side to watch too, their semi with spain (hopefully) could be a cracker.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 03, 2010, 03:24:53 PM
We'll soon see if the Argie hype is justified.
Answered.
that got very messi for argentina :P
Germany's 4th goal was just pure class
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 13, 2010, 08:18:59 PM
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 13, 2010, 08:07:50 PM
Now I'm glad I backed Klose to be top goalscorer at 30/1.
aye, he'd need to beat the 3 goals he managed in the bundesliga to be in with a shout.
my humble apologies by the way, not there yet, but he has 2 more games guaranteed and they'll try and help him out if they're in the 3rd place play-off.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miroslav_Klose
I was checking how many goals Klose has scored in the World Cup and his page has been updated already to include todays game! He has some record, 5 goals in the 02 world cup, 5 in the 06 Cup and 4 so far this time.
i wonder would Argentina have done better if Zanetti wasn't left at home & they didn't leave there best CB Samuel on the bench,
Quote from: Boycey on July 03, 2010, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 03, 2010, 04:33:08 PM
I never thought this game would go any other way, but I feel sorry for Maradona and Argentina, they're at least approaching the game in the right way imo, pity he left so many decent players at home.
The Germans are a lovely side to watch too, their semi with spain (hopefully) could be a cracker.
Maradona is my all time sporting hero but sympathy for him as Argentinian manager, no chance. Argentina were contenders for the World Cup in spite of him not because of him...
4 nil now
i know what you mean and I agree, yet i do like his approach, not getting bogged down in tactics and statistics etc, wanting to play the beautiful game (although they didn't do that today), also, not dropping messi for the greece game as it would have been a sin to deprive the public of seeing him play was pure class!
Quote from: ross4life on July 03, 2010, 04:55:34 PM
i wonder would Argentina have done better if Zanetti wasn't left at home & they didn't leave there best CB Samuel on the bench,
cambiasso, milito, lopez.....
they should have won the last world cup too, but had an awful muppet of a manager then too.
Quote from: AFS on July 03, 2010, 04:28:31 PM
Game over. I really like Germany, they play great football. Looking at their age profile, they're going to be a serious team for the next 3 or 4 major tournaments.
I think we could say the same about Argentina. Messi, Aguero, Higuain and Di Maria will all be 26 and Tevez will be 30. 4 years should be plenty of time to find some half decent defenders as well, they couldn't really do much worse!
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 03, 2010, 04:52:03 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 13, 2010, 08:18:59 PM
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 13, 2010, 08:07:50 PM
Now I'm glad I backed Klose to be top goalscorer at 30/1.
aye, he'd need to beat the 3 goals he managed in the bundesliga to be in with a shout.
my humble apologies by the way, not there yet, but he has 2 more games guaranteed and they'll try and help him out if they're in the 3rd place play-off.
I was thinking along the same lines as you a month ago. Hard to believe that he's managed more goals in the World Cup finals than in a whole league campaign.
Quote from: paco on July 03, 2010, 05:06:08 PM
Quote from: AFS on July 03, 2010, 04:28:31 PM
Game over. I really like Germany, they play great football. Looking at their age profile, they're going to be a serious team for the next 3 or 4 major tournaments.
I think we could say the same about Argentina. Messi, Aguero, Higuain and Di Maria will all be 26 and Tevez will be 30. 4 years should be plenty of time to find some half decent defenders as well, they couldn't really do much worse!
And a half decent manager to pick them in the first place.
Capello for Argentina.
Ghana will have most of that team back as well for the next tournament. England have missed the boat and it will be held in Brazil. Look for Brazil, Ghana, Argentina and Germany to be smi finalists in 4 years time. That is of course as long as these teams can mind themselves off the field and pick good managers. Diego is not a good manager.
Argentina had no plan B today and when plan A didn't work they had no hope. What a waste of talent that team is without a good manager. The best striker in the world going into the tournament was Milito and he hardly got half a game, Higuain is decent but not nearly as good as Milito, they both could have played in the closing stages today.
Don't get carried away Germany fans, Argentina were rubbish and Muller is out for the semi final possibly against a very good Spain team.
No European nation has ever won the World Cup outside of Europe. Now that Argentina are out, only Uruguay and Paraguay can keep this 80 year old record from being broken, which seems pretty unlikely.
Another thing to note is at the start of the tournament Franz Beckenbauer said that he expected the Germans to get to the semi finals at least. He is not known for shooting his mouth off. The Germans were expecting this while nobody at least in the British Isles saw it coming. I think with Argentina and Brazil gone they might now expect to win it.
Quote from: the Deel Rover on July 03, 2010, 03:31:26 PM
Quote from: magickingdom on July 03, 2010, 03:29:01 PM
the germans look so assured on the ball, if klose had hit the target that time there would be no way back for argentina. if im right a european team has never won the wc outside europe, this could be our time
it sure could be magickingdom , come on germany , spain and holland we are behind ye all they way ;)
i'm a proud european....
I was chatting to someone back from the World Cup and said it is a fantasic atmosphere. Anyway he had one of those vuvuzelas (no different to palstic horns sold at GAA groiunds a few years ago, only longer). It was in the Coca Cola logo and he said if anyone had one with any other brand or maker it was not allowed in or else made to stratch iit off. It is a cynical comercial world out there.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 03, 2010, 05:46:41 PM
Another thing to note is at the start of the tournament Franz Beckenbauer said that he expected the Germans to get to the semi finals at least. He is not known for shooting his mouth off. The Germans were expecting this while nobody at least in the British Isles saw it coming. I think with Argentina and Brazil gone they might now expect to win it.
I don't think anyone in Ireland saw it either.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 03, 2010, 05:46:41 PM
Another thing to note is at the start of the tournament Franz Beckenbauer said that he expected the Germans to get to the semi finals at least. He is not known for shooting his mouth off. The Germans were expecting this while nobody at least in the British Isles saw it coming. I think with Argentina and Brazil gone they might now expect to win it.
according to raphael honigstein he spouts incessantly, always entertaining, but often as accurate at Pele. But, I agree, pre-tournament, I wouldn't have fancied either Argies or Germany to progress to a semi, and certainly not Germany. They have been very impressive throughout though, but if it's Spain they play, i'd still fancy the spanish.
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 03, 2010, 04:52:03 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on June 13, 2010, 08:18:59 PM
Quote from: Catch the high ball on June 13, 2010, 08:07:50 PM
Now I'm glad I backed Klose to be top goalscorer at 30/1.
aye, he'd need to beat the 3 goals he managed in the bundesliga to be in with a shout.
my humble apologies by the way, not there yet, but he has 2 more games guaranteed and they'll try and help him out if they're in the 3rd place play-off.
Don't worry your humble apologie is accecpted.
Anyone up for a game of Dunphy Cliché Bingo? Make sure you've marked "Leinster Senior League" off your card . . .
holy f**k
What the hell is going on here! :D And its still 0-0
Crazy couple of minutes!!
See Sludden has made the big time in South Africa. Giving a typcial performance in Spain v Paraguay game.
Quote from: Carmen Stateside on July 03, 2010, 08:49:32 PM
What the hell is going on here! :D And its still 0-0
what happened I'm only in
57 mins PENALTY PENALTY MISSED
Paraguay have their first corner and from it, Gerard Pique blatantly brings down Oscar Cardozo - he is booked and it's a penalty. Cardozo takes it himself, firing it to Iker Casillas' left, but he dives across and makes the save.
59 mins PENALTY PENALTY MISSED
This is just ridiculous. David Villa gets into the Paraguay box and goes down under a challenge from Antolin Alcaraz. It's a bit soft, but the ref points to the spot again. Xabi Alonso steps up and fires the penalty in, BUT THE REF'S DISALLOWED IT FOR ENCROACHING and he's got to take it again. And JUSTO VILLAR'S DIVED TO HIS LEFT AND MADE THE SAVE! It's too much. Incredible.
Quote from: gerry on July 03, 2010, 09:01:57 PM
57 mins PENALTY PENALTY MISSED
Paraguay have their first corner and from it, Gerard Pique blatantly brings down Oscar Cardozo - he is booked and it's a penalty. Cardozo takes it himself, firing it to Iker Casillas' left, but he dives across and makes the save.
59 mins PENALTY PENALTY MISSED
This is just ridiculous. David Villa gets into the Paraguay box and goes down under a challenge from Antolin Alcaraz. It's a bit soft, but the ref points to the spot again. Xabi Alonso steps up and fires the penalty in, BUT THE REF'S DISALLOWED IT FOR ENCROACHING and he's got to take it again. And JUSTO VILLAR'S DIVED TO HIS LEFT AND MADE THE SAVE! It's too much. Incredible.
and spain should have had a second penalty when the keeper took the legs out from someone who was going for the rebound
Not only that but there should have been a second penalty from the rebound. And how the ref didn't show a red card instead of yellow I don't know!!
(what he said ^^ )
Thinking here, is it only encroachment when members of the team taking the penalty enter the box, as 5 Spanish players were in the box for Paraguay's yet it was allowed, but only one Spain player was adjudged enough when it was theirs?
If they get through, I can't see Spain beating Germany on this showing.
It'll be something like this:
Spain - 95% possession - 9,586 passes - 0 goals
Germany - 5% possession - 9 passes - 3 goals
Goal Spain villa. Post hit twice!!
Goal. Finally.
come on Paraguay
Poor Cardozo :'( :'( :'(
I'm gona miss her :'(
(http://estaticos04.marca.com/albumes/2010/06/25/larissa_riquelme_mundial/1277462093_extras_albumes_0.jpg)
Quote from: AFS on July 03, 2010, 09:24:55 PM
Poor Cardozo :'( :'( :'(
poor lad in a bad shape but on a bright side its not the sam maguire
rte sketch very good at the end
Quote from: AFS on July 03, 2010, 09:24:55 PM
Poor Cardozo :'( :'( :'(
Poignant that Cardoza was the story at the end. Paraguay put in some ballsy shift. Has to be the knife-edge game of the tournament so far.
Quote from: Hereiam on July 03, 2010, 09:31:06 PM
I'm gona miss her :'(
(http://estaticos04.marca.com/albumes/2010/06/25/larissa_riquelme_mundial/1277462093_extras_albumes_0.jpg)
Apparently thon blade lost her phone in all the excitement this evening and needs something to replace it ;)
Too much to observe there to notice a mere phone.
Lucky guy who is the one who has to console her tonight.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 03, 2010, 10:20:49 PM
Quote from: Hereiam on July 03, 2010, 09:31:06 PM
I'm gona miss her :'(
(http://estaticos04.marca.com/albumes/2010/06/25/larissa_riquelme_mundial/1277462093_extras_albumes_0.jpg)
Apparently thon blade lost her phone in all the excitement this evening and needs something to replace it ;)
http://damncoolpics.blogspot.com/2010/06/larissa-riquelme-cute-paraguay-fan.html
http://damncoolpics.blogspot.com/2010/06/larissa-riquelme-cute-paraguay-fan.html
I find it strange that everyone comments on how young this German side is, yet 6 of yesterday's starting team played against Argentina in the last World Cup too. That means the majority of their team has been playing together for around 5 years, which surely must make them one of the most experienced and settled line-ups at the World Cup.
Still, they are a joy to watch. Ozil and Muller are obviously precocious talents, and Lahm is a truly world class player, but it's Schweinsteiger who makes them tick, and on this evidence could develop into one of the best midfield pivots in the history of the game. His elegance, awareness and intelligence is a joy to behold, and it's difficult to believe that any English winger (or any English player) could enjoy such a transition.
But Spain should be the ultimate challenge for them. Germany's patience and understanding will be tested to the limit by a team capable of wearing anyone down by sheer fact that they strangle the ball. I can't help fancying Spain for this one.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 04, 2010, 06:07:24 PM
I find it strange that everyone comments on how young this German side is, yet 6 of yesterday's starting team played against Argentina in the last World Cup too. That means the majority of their team has been playing together for around 5 years, which surely must make them one of the most experienced and settled line-ups at the World Cup.
Still, they are a joy to watch. Ozil and Muller are obviously precocious talents, and Lahm is a truly world class player, but it's Schweinsteiger who makes them tick, and on this evidence could develop into one of the best midfield pivots in the history of the game. His elegance, awareness and intelligence is a joy to behold, and it's difficult to believe that any English winger (or any English player) could enjoy such a transition.
But Spain should be the ultimate challenge for them. Germany's patience and understanding will be tested to the limit by a team capable of wearing anyone down by sheer fact that they strangle the ball. I can't help fancying Spain for this one.
Think you're exaggerating about Schweinsteiger a little bit, he's been very good but the standard of this World Cup hasn't been high compared to previous years. You're right about Spain, they'll be the ultimate test. Think they'll be there abouts at the next world cup, they might not be the youngest side but the youngsters coming through are all shaping up to be very good.
Quotebut the standard of this World Cup hasn't been high compared to previous years
I don't know about this. Every World Cup throws up its fair share of turgid rubbish, and if you were asked to name 10 truly memorable World Cup games in terms of quality from your lifetime, you would probably struggle.
The passage of time will make you more cynical about current football and more misty-eyed for the games of the past. That's how it works.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 04, 2010, 06:19:45 PM
Quotebut the standard of this World Cup hasn't been high compared to previous years
I don't know about this. Every World Cup throws up its fair share of turgid rubbish, and if you were asked to name 10 truly memorable World Cup games in terms of quality from your lifetime, you would probably struggle.
The passage of time will make you more cynical about current football and more misty-eyed for the games of the past. That's how it works.
You don't need quality teams to have a quality match, you can have great matches between shit teams. I'm talking about the standard of football and the tactics too I suppose, which have made for a poor standard of football. Look at the likes of Ivory Coast, Portugal, Italy and France. Granted these teams aren't as strong as they were in previous years, but for one reason or another they all failed, imo the World Cup is always more interesting when the "bigger" nations make it through. You like the odd surprise but in terms of unpredictability this World Cup has been something else, for me that's not always a good thing.
Ivory Coast have never played a knockout game in a World Cup, while Portugal's record in championship football makes England look like Brazil. So personally I'd consider neither as a big team or a big disappointment.
Honestly, the standard of football isn't that bad. Spain, Germany and Holland are probably the 3 best balanced sides in the World Cup, with the right mix of defensive steel, sheer athleticism, and pure class. It has stood them in good stead. Uruguay, even though they know their limits compared to the top sides, have enough flair to make it interesting.
By my figures, positive football has made its way through to the last four.
One thing you should bear in mind as well iis that when FIFA host the WC in a country where football isn't that strong, it automatically makes the seeding system weaker.
Dunga sacked by Brazil.
It wasn't his fault. Suspensions, injuries, own goal and a sending off made all the difference in that match, not bad management.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 05, 2010, 01:13:00 AM
It wasn't his fault. Suspensions, injuries, own goal and a sending off made all the difference in that match, not bad management.
Yep the Dutch had all the breaks in that game & now they take on a team that could & should have been out of this World Cup
Quote from: thewobbler on July 04, 2010, 06:50:37 PM
Ivory Coast have never played a knockout game in a World Cup, while Portugal's record in championship football makes England look like Brazil. So personally I'd consider neither as a big team or a big disappointment.
Honestly, the standard of football isn't that bad. Spain, Germany and Holland are probably the 3 best balanced sides in the World Cup, with the right mix of defensive steel, sheer athleticism, and pure class. It has stood them in good stead. Uruguay, even though they know their limits compared to the top sides, have enough flair to make it interesting.
By my figures, positive football has made its way through to the last four.
One thing you should bear in mind as well iis that when FIFA host the WC in a country where football isn't that strong, it automatically makes the seeding system weaker.
I'd agree that the form balanced sides are the ones that are left, and that Schweinsteiger has been the player of the tournament to-date, followed closely by Villa, Schneider and Mueller. Hard to see past Germany at this point, which none of us was saying three weeks ago.
Argentina were missing 2 world class defenders- Zanetti and some other buck whose name escapes me from the Inter Milan CL team.
Would they have made any difference ?
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2010, 10:42:01 AM
Always look forward to the World Cup. Even as I get more cynical about soccer as a game, the tournament itself still excites me.
Anyway can I be the first to say 'Don't write off the Germans'.
ahem :D
Quote from: thewobbler on July 04, 2010, 06:07:24 PM
I find it strange that everyone comments on how young this German side is, yet 6 of yesterday's starting team played against Argentina in the last World Cup too. That means the majority of their team has been playing together for around 5 years, which surely must make them one of the most experienced and settled line-ups at the World Cup.
True enough, but the other 5 starting players all had less than 10 caps before the start of the World Cup. Then you have the likes of Kroos, Badstuber, Marin and Tasci who've all made appearances at this World Cup and are still in their international infancy. Its also worth noting that most of the more experienced lads (Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Mertesacker, Lahm) still have at least 3 more major championships in them.
Was reading through a blog by Martin Tyler of Sky Sports, here is a clip from it (read the bit in bold)
"Even this morning (Monday), one of the main Johannesburg papers is running the headline 'You cheat' and there is complete and utter indignation from an entire continent. Personally, I think what Suarez did is something most of us would've done in the same situation and the thing to remember here, is that it was dealt with by the laws of the game. He has received his one-match ban so for people, Suarez included, to liken it to Diego Maradona (more of him later) and the Hand of God is a little over the top.
I think the Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is more guilty of cheating because he deliberately deceived the officials by gathering Frank Lampard's shot after it had crossed the line"
in the name of f**k. these english c***ts are relentless !!
Whilst the Germans looked good alright remember that England actually scored twice against them!!
That's cat :D
Alan Hansen still in denial:
From today's Daily Telegraph
"If you wrote down the England and Germany teams side by side, then I would still say that England's players are better than Germany's."
Let's see...Right Back: Philip Lahm vs Glen Johnson...ooops Alan
Muller V Milner
Klose v Rooney
Oezil v Lampard and or gerrard
Schweinsteiger v Barry
Lahm v Johnson
Mertesaaccher,Freidrich v Terry and Upson
Boateng v Cole
Neuer v James
Podolski v Heskey and or Defoe
Khedira v Gerrard and or Lampard
Look on the basis of this tournament, what match up would you be 100 per cent happy giving to the english? No English player would stand out as being head and shoulders better than his opposite number in this tournament. I would give half a dozen of the match ups to the Germans straight away.
On the basis of this tournament then it's 11-0 to the Germans, although I'd say it's Kadira verus Barry and Schweinsteiger v Lampard, Ozil v Gerrard..
Germany have very few stars but play as a team which was exactly England's downfall. Capello couldn't mould the galacticos of the premiership into a team.
I feel sorry for Argentina. If they had picked the better defenders they actually have they might have done something against Germany.
Those were the days.....................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v24UKqJIKm8&feature=player_embedded#!
Hansen is bowing a bit much to the hand that feeds him.
My mate has £20 on Germany to win WC and Klose to be top goal scorer, 100/1.
Quote from: seafoid on July 05, 2010, 04:59:48 PM
Germany have very few stars but play as a team which was exactly England's downfall. Capello couldn't mould the galacticos of the premiership into a team.
I feel sorry for Argentina. If they had picked the better defenders they actually have they might have done something against Germany.
The vast majority of the england squad were very ordinary, calling them galacticos is well off the mark. Rooney, Gerard, Lampard (very very questionable) and Cashley are the only guys I would consider at anywhere near that level.
Finally. Kuyt has the stage his talent deserves. Blow us away Dirk.
Uruguay v Holland: all European World Cup 2010 final would be boring, says Fidel Castro
The former Cuban President's views go against those of fans who hope to see Holland beat Uruguay in order to make amends for Luis Suarez's handball in the World Cup quarter-final, which saw Ghana denied a winning goal.
However, Castro insisted Uruguay have to make the final for the good of football.
"The vast majority of football fans do not even know what continent Uruguay is in but it seems to me that the referees are biased against the South American sides," Castro said.
"It happened when Brazil lost to Holland, when all the decision went against them and they were sent down to 10 men at a crucial time, which should never have been done.
"But a final now, between two European countries, will be as colourless and unhistorical as any since the sport was born in the world."
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 03, 2010, 01:19:16 PM
The most important thing of all to say is that it wasn't cheating. It was gamesmanship. Where you turn up the heat on your opponent within the rules of the game to make things more difficult for him. I say it was within the rules as he got caught, conceded a penalty and got sent off.
Well then if the players can't be trusted to play in a sporting manner within the rules, then the rules need to change so that such behaviour is not rewarded, the ref should have the power of discretion to award a goal when the ball has been blatantly cleared off the line in an illegal manner, problem solved.
Like a penalty try?
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 05, 2010, 11:15:39 AM
I'd agree that the form balanced sides are the ones that are left, and that Schweinsteiger has been the player of the tournament to-date, followed closely by Villa, Schneider and Mueller. Hard to see past Germany at this point, which none of us was saying three weeks ago.
Forlan has to be mentioned steadfastly among those in the 'followed closely by' list. Along with wonderful goals and assists he has been the fulcrum of the creativity in that team, the difference to them reaching the semi finals. Van Bomell has to be the most clever player.
QuoteVan Bomell has to be the most clever player.
Clever in that he hasnt seen red yet?
Note how he interacts with the ref, with respect and humour.
The guy has total awareness as to where the officials are and makes the cynical foul look accidental.
With some of the hysterical moralising of elements of the English press over Suarez's handball, it's is interesting to reflect on events in the World Cup of 1966 (the only one that matters), particulalrly the semi final between England and Portugal:
The first semifinal between England and Portugal was controversial as well. Goodison Park in Liverpool was the original venue for the first semifinal. However, due to intervention of the English officials, the venue was changed to Wembley. Bobby Charlton scored both goals in England's triumph against Portugal. Portugal's goal came from a penalty kick in the 82nd minute after a handball by Jack Charlton on the goal line.
Now I know it's slighly different in that Portugal scored from the penalty but apparently Jack was not even booked never mind suspended for the final (such were the rules in those days no doubt). Now had Uruguay had the venue for the Ghana match changed to Montevideo then people might have something to complain about. ;)
Considering they are missing 3 top players, Fucile Suárez and Lugano, it would be a stunning achievement for Uruguay to win.
In bygone finals, a Holland Germany encounter was the bee's knees of rivalry. The Dutch had an infinite amount of pure hatred for the Germans, easily topping the hatred of the Germans for the Dutch team. Not only did Holland want to beat them but rub their noses in it. Afair, they only really managed that (to perfection) at the Euros in Sweden. I think the quota of hatred amongst the Dutch team has dropped a few notches as well as their ability to humiliate a team but still Germany v Holland offers the best chance for a decent final with a bit of bite.
Surely Villa has to be player of the tournament so far? He's the only one in the Spanish team who seems to have been able to deal with being labelled favourites and has almost single handedly got them to the semi finals.
Quote from: paco on July 06, 2010, 12:32:14 PM
Surely Villa has to be player of the tournament so far? He's the only one in the Spanish team who seems to have been able to deal with being labelled favourites and has almost single handedly got them to the semi finals.
Agree Paco, Villa has been up there as the outstanding forward of the tournament. Blotted his copy book a bit with the missed penalty and is as fond of going down easily as most forwards these days but he doesn't need many chances to score. Given the number of chances Barca create he should score about 60 next season!! I think Forlan is worth a mention as he was mostly shit at Man Utd but he has been Uruguay's leader on the pitch. How Torres is still first pick for Spain is one of the great mysteries of this competition.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 06, 2010, 12:40:20 PM
Quote from: paco on July 06, 2010, 12:32:14 PM
Surely Villa has to be player of the tournament so far? He's the only one in the Spanish team who seems to have been able to deal with being labelled favourites and has almost single handedly got them to the semi finals.
Agree Paco, Villa has been up there as the outstanding forward of the tournament. Blotted his copy book a bit with the missed penalty and is as fond of going down easily as most forwards these days but he doesn't need many chances to score. Given the number of chances Barca create he should score about 60 next season!! I think Forlan is worth a mention as he was mostly shit at Man Utd but he has been Uruguay's leader on the pitch. How Torres is still first pick for Spain is one of the great mysteries of this competition.
Aye, looking forward to seeing them together next season, Barca are being linked with everyone these days so the possibilities are endless! Just as we mention them I seen this morning they've sold Chygrinsky back to Shakhtar Donetsk and managed to get £15m for him! Love watching Forlan play, he seems to slow the game down to his own pace and yet no-one can dispossess him, makes it look so easy. I think I heard Torres won't be starting tomorrow night, should be a great opportunity for Fabregas.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 06, 2010, 12:29:16 PMNow had Uruguay had the venue for the Ghana match changed to Montevideo then people might have something to complain about. ;)
You need to brush on on your geography a bit, goodison to wembley is just a venue change, SA to Montevideo is a continent change.
Quote from: delboy on July 06, 2010, 01:03:25 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 06, 2010, 12:29:16 PMNow had Uruguay had the venue for the Ghana match changed to Montevideo then people might have something to complain about. ;)
You need to brush on on your geography a bit, goodison to wembley is just a venue change, SA to Montevideo is a continent change.
FFS, I give up (most posters will doubtless be glad to hear) ;)
More bad news for England as Gerrard says he won't be retiring from international football (I suppose he's hoping Lampard will give up the ghost first!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8792940.stm
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 06, 2010, 01:07:41 PM
Quote from: delboy on July 06, 2010, 01:03:25 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 06, 2010, 12:29:16 PMNow had Uruguay had the venue for the Ghana match changed to Montevideo then people might have something to complain about. ;)
You need to brush on on your geography a bit, goodison to wembley is just a venue change, SA to Montevideo is a continent change.
FFS, I give up (most posters will doubtless be glad to hear) ;)
For what its worth i don't agree that england should have been allowed to change venue to wembley and if charlton handled the ball he should have been sent off and misses the final, and for good measure if the ball didn't cross the line it shouldn't have been given.
Anyway whats your view on awarding penalty goals to stop cheating/gamemanship such as carried out by charlton/suarez.
delboy, in all seriousness I think the concept of a penalty goal is ballix. There is a saying in political/legal circles that law made on the hoof is bad law. So whenever the Sun or Daily Mail complained about some law and order issue the last UK goverment would pass a law that more often than not had unintended consequences. Whenever there is a controversial incident in a game there is a mad rush from the media to demand changes in the laws.
Suarez deliberately handled the ball in the box. He was sent off, banned for the next game and Ghana were awarded a penalty. Fair enough I say, those are the rules and the media and the two teams (and most of us) knew this before the game. The controversy has only arisen because the penalty was in the last seconds of the game and Ghana subsequently missed the penalty and also because before the game the media had decided that the story was a Ghana win (for Africa)
For me, just as you cannot give a corner or throw in when the ball has not crossed the line neither should you award a goal when the ball has not crossed the line. Most footballers at all levels of the game are cheats. I dunno if you played the game much but did you ever appeal for a throw in or corner when you knew the ball had come off you?? Did you ever play on when you knew you had handled the ball or fouled an opponent?? Did you ever let the opponent's hanky ball player "know you were there" in the tackle??
The main thrust of many of the arguments for change are because they "do it in rugby" a completely different sport where (IMHO) the constant knee jerk tampering of the rules is making the game worse (source B Glendenning) and don't start us on the hand pass in GAA!
The concept of a penalty goal would be difficult to implement in soccer. One of the appeals of soccer is its simplicity. Consider these two scenarios. A player is running through 12 yds out with the goalkeeper to beat, he is pulled back by a defender. Currently red card and penalty would this be a penalty goal? A player is 12 yds out and the goalkeeping is out of position and not in the goal and he is pulled back, penalty goal because it was an open goal or is it only goal line offences that would result in a penalty goal??
As an aside - having a discussion at lunch time and someone reckoned the 3rd/4th place game doesn't count in the top scorer list... I argued that it does. Anyone confirm this?
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 06, 2010, 03:49:56 PM
As an aside - having a discussion at lunch time and someone reckoned the 3rd/4th place game doesn't count in the top scorer list... I argued that it does. Anyone confirm this?
it def does
Flabbyarse injured in training.
What odds Van Persil breaks his body in half too tonight.
Quote from: ONeill on July 06, 2010, 04:26:01 PM
Flabbyarse injured in training.
What odds Van Persil breaks his body in half too tonight.
Dirty cheating Uruguayans...they must be expecting to play Spain in the final...or maybe they'd prefer to play Germany, it's hard to get round the deviousness of their warped South American minds!!
Who all is missing for Holland tonight? I think De Jong is, he could be a big miss as he would have been the one most likely chosen to keep tabs on Forlan. Would love an upset tonight, Suarez back for the final and everything!
Uruguay left back and striker missing.
Holland have DeJong and one other missing. Who's their right back? Might be him...
Van de Wiel. Thought he was the other one, shouldn't be that big a miss but De Jong could be. Fingers crossed for an upset :)
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 06, 2010, 05:41:44 PM
Uruguay left back and striker missing.
Uruguay are also missing Lodeiro, the red carded one, now on crutches and most probably their captain, Lugano, as well.
Quote from: paco on July 06, 2010, 05:44:09 PM
Van de Wiel. Thought he was the other one, shouldn't be that big a miss but De Jong could be. Fingers crossed for an upset :)
think hes been quite good?
Quote from: charlie stubbs on July 06, 2010, 07:18:39 PM
Quote from: paco on July 06, 2010, 05:44:09 PM
Van de Wiel. Thought he was the other one, shouldn't be that big a miss but De Jong could be. Fingers crossed for an upset :)
think hes been quite good?
He has been Charlie, I'm just saying I think Holland will miss De Jong more than they'll miss him. Especially with Forlan pulling the strings.
Quote from: paco on July 06, 2010, 07:22:07 PM
Quote from: charlie stubbs on July 06, 2010, 07:18:39 PM
Quote from: paco on July 06, 2010, 05:44:09 PM
Van de Wiel. Thought he was the other one, shouldn't be that big a miss but De Jong could be. Fingers crossed for an upset :)
think hes been quite good?
He has been Charlie, I'm just saying I think Holland will miss De Jong more than they'll miss him. Especially with Forlan pulling the strings.
uragauy with 2 up 2night with suarez out, so dutch maybe not miss him as much?boularouz is a liability if his chelsea days anything to go by!
Belter
take a bow gio!
What a goal Gio! :o
Anyone watching RTE? Eamon looked like he was on the sauce again
What a strike!!!
Good goal but I would be more impressed if I didnt see 3974 shots like that from players throughout the world cup that go a half a mile over the bar - I suppose one had to go in.
Ouch!!
Quote from: ludermor on July 06, 2010, 07:49:47 PM
Anyone watching RTE? Eamon looked like he was on the sauce again
may turn over at halftime lol
Van Bommell boots all round him and gets away with it nearly every game!
Quote from: ludermor on July 06, 2010, 07:49:47 PM
Anyone watching RTE? Eamon looked like he was on the sauce again
didn't somebody say he was caddying for brady at the golf down in Adare yesterday, that could have been a late one.
Them f**king horns are getting worse, they've never annoyed me as much as this game. The way the dutch are playing now, they could throw this away.
Forlan long range leveler. Keeper fecked up!!
Another for Forlan, poor by the keeper.
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 06, 2010, 08:10:15 PM
Quote from: ludermor on July 06, 2010, 07:49:47 PM
Anyone watching RTE? Eamon looked like he was on the sauce again
didn't somebody say he was caddying for brady at the golf down in Adare yesterday, that could have been a late one.
Them f**king horns are getting worse, they've never annoyed me as much as this game. The way the dutch are playing now, they could throw this away.
prophetic words from boggy, about 15 secs after this post, diego scored.
two brilliant goals just what the doctor ordered more of the same guys ;D
Didn't see Van Bommel's challenge til there now, fcuk me he's acting the tr**p in this tournament.
I think Forlan has shown that if you strike the ball well, it will move around in the air and cause problems for keepers.
Van Bommel should have got a red card for his effort in the first half right before the dutch goal. He must have been watching Tomas O se in the Munster final.
This game is going Uruguays way at the moment.
Quote from: Schkite on July 06, 2010, 08:25:06 PM
Didn't see Van Bommel's challenge til there now, fcuk me he's acting the tr**p in this tournament.
there is another one. Amazingly he hasnt been booked yet, this his 6th game !! and Kaka gets a red for patting a boy on the chest ! Very consistent reffing.
Controversial one there!
I wonder what odds Sneijder was for top scorer, that's his 5th now!
Certain to be an all European final. Am I right in thinking that this will be the first time a European country has won a world cup outside of Europe?
Quote from: omagh_gael on July 06, 2010, 09:10:09 PM
Certain to be an all European final. Am I right in thinking that this will be the first time a European country has won a world cup outside of Europe?
Yes.
3-2 now. Too late I fear.
why was forlan taken off?? Would you not like him on at this stage?
Hard luck Uruguay, battled to the very end and made this tournament very interesting, great effort from such a small country.
Would like to see the Dutch go on and win it now, they've played some fantastic stuff. Should be an intriguing final whoever they play.
Van Bommel eventually booked and is shocked :D
Forlan must have been injured? anyways great finish in what was a good game! Spain v Germany are likely to give us a boring 0-0 now ::)
For both Forlan's goals he's hit it and it's swerved one way sending the keeper that way and then the ball has swerved the other way wrong footing the keeper and making it look like a keeper mistake.
I wonder did he do it on purpose...
The dutch are average enough in places but in Robben and Schneider they have two superb players.
Tough on Uruguay, it would have done the final proud to have then there with their full team. This Dutch team don't inspire, not beyond a recognition of their effectiveness.
Times have changed in football, even if it's the Germans who get through, I hope they stuff them.
Forlon was well off his game tonight, uncharacteristically much of his passing was wayward, could well have been carrying an injury.
Dunphy on RTE - has a never ending supply of self indulgent nonsense.
Quote from: Main Street on July 06, 2010, 10:05:07 PM
Tough on Uruguay, it would have done the final proud to have then there with their full team. This Dutch team don't inspire, not beyond a recognition of their effectiveness.
Times have changed in football, even if it's the Germans who get through, I hope they stuff them.
Forlon was well off his game tonight, uncharacteristically much of his passing was wayward, could well have been carrying an injury.
Dunphy on RTE - has a never ending supply of self indulgent nonsense.
It was tough on uruguay, but to say that they'd have done the final proud as opposed to the dutch is dunphy like nonsense ;) The dutch are nowhere near as anti-football as the pundits were making out, can a team with robben and sneidjer in it be that anti football? Can a team with defenders like Van Bronckhorst and Van Der Viel really be happy to sit back and ride out a game?
The decision to bring on Van der Vaart at half time was hardly negative either.
Uruguay on the other hand, Suarez and Forlan aside could nearly be confused with Paraguay. Look at their first game with France, hardly inspiring, if they were in the final you could guarantee that they'd sit back and hope to take the game to penalties, at least the dutch will try and win the thing.
You can't judge a team on it's first game at the group stage, never mind Uruguay playing what was then a fancied team, when a draw was regarded as a positive result. But Uruguay do revel like pigs in shite when it comes to defending.
Tonight Uruguay were by far the more positive when the game was level. I lost count of the Dutch passing back from midfield to the back 4 to their goalie.
I don't believe we saw the best of Uruguay tonight, far from it. Though the subs did well, Uruguay badly missed 2 key players and Forlan was clearly off his game despite his goal.
That's life at the Finals, the strength of the squad plays an important role. I do believe an Uruguay first 11 would have beaten that Dutch team.
Think the Dutch were being criticised for being "negative" in the same way that the Spanish were, i.e. playing 2 defensive midfielders. Van Bommel is no Van Der Vaart and Busquets is no Fabregas. I don't agree with people saying Uruguay played negatively either, they basically played a front 3 and the 2 full backs were constantly bombing forward, Maxi Perieira in particular played well throughout I thought.
Holland-Germany will be some game, the hate each other!! Nevermind this Germany-England shite that the red tops whip up, serious bad blood between these two countries on and off the park for alot of dutch people in particular. It'll obviously be Spain now but i hoping for Germany to set up a real cracker!
Was rooting for Uruguay tonight and they gave it a great effort. Fair play to them. Van Persie was offside but two other great goals by the Dutch. Van Bommell is some destroyer alright but Schneider and Robben are the lads who get things done for the Dutch. Depends on how tonights game goes but I'd prefer Spain or Germany to win it
Quote from: Main Street on July 06, 2010, 11:37:14 PM
You can't judge a team on it's first game at the group stage, never mind Uruguay playing what was then a fancied team, when a draw was regarded as a positive result. But Uruguay do revel like pigs in shite when it comes to defending.
Tonight Uruguay were by far the more positive when the game was level. I lost count of the Dutch passing back from midfield to the back 4 to their goalie.
I don't believe we saw the best of Uruguay tonight, far from it. Though the subs did well, Uruguay badly missed 2 key players and Forlan was clearly off his game despite his goal.
That's life at the Finals, the strength of the squad plays an important role. I do believe an Uruguay first 11 would have beaten that Dutch team.
I think you're bigging them up a wee bit too much, they were a decent side, no more than that. Their front two were better than most sides there, they were very uninspiring in the middle (despite Arry wanting to sign Cavani) and reasonably solid at the back. They were well organised too, but what game, south africa apart, were they truly convincing in? In qualifying they lost 6 and drew 6 and won 6 of their 18 games and then scraped past costa rica controversially in a play-off.
The dutch may not have totally convincing tonight, but they were also missing key players in de jong and van der wiel.
An awful lot of shite being talked about the Dutch playing style. The fact is their recent record shows their current style is effective. I'm sure the players and fans would rather support the current setup and be challenging for the WC than playing open, expansive stuff and getting put out in the second round.
I don't like Holland at all but you have to respect what they've done here.
There is an obvious weakness, especially in pace, across the defence so the sensible thing to do is to protect it with midfielders.
But they've still got four players out every game whose sole purpose is more or less to attack, and as a result they've scored in every game, at an average of two goals per game. They've shown they can make and take chances, and shown they can come from behind.
It's balanced football. There might be an absence of wing play or prolonged periods of possession, but in my mind the Dutch play the same system as Brazil did in this World Cup, except better. Yellow fever means commentators can't complain about Brazil, so Holland appear to be catching all the flak.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 07, 2010, 09:30:13 AM
I don't like Holland at all but you have to respect what they've done here.
There is an obvious weakness, especially in pace, across the defence so the sensible thing to do is to protect it with midfielders.
But they've still got four players out every game whose sole purpose is more or less to attack, and as a result they've scored in every game, at an average of two goals per game. They've shown they can make and take chances, and shown they can come from behind.
It's balanced football. There might be an absence of wing play or prolonged periods of possession, but in my mind the Dutch play the same system as Brazil did in this World Cup, except better. Yellow fever means commentators can't complain about Brazil, so Holland appear to be catching all the flak.
Very good poinrt wobbler. Brazil play the same system as holland. van miel/maicon bastos/van bronchhorst push forward down the flanks, then there is 2 holding players de jong/silva van bommel/ramires. then the other 4 players are left to attack. this was the most un brazil like team ever to play in the finals.
this may not be the best or most atttractive dutch side ever, but no one will care if they win on sun. hard argue with their record in qualifying and at the finals, where they have won every game. sign of a good team when they have been winning and not playing well!
Holland are going to bore their way to the World Cup, Never thought I'd say this but I hope they get stuffed in the final.
On another note any reason why ITV had no co-commentator last night??
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 10:18:47 AM
Holland are going to bore their way to the World Cup, Never thought I'd say this but I hope they get stuffed in the final.
On another note any reason why ITV had no co-commentator last night??
It has been pointed out to me that Jim Beglin was laid low by an ear infection late in the day.
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 07, 2010, 08:48:41 AM
Quote from: Main Street on July 06, 2010, 11:37:14 PM
You can't judge a team on it's first game at the group stage, never mind Uruguay playing what was then a fancied team, when a draw was regarded as a positive result. But Uruguay do revel like pigs in shite when it comes to defending.
Tonight Uruguay were by far the more positive when the game was level. I lost count of the Dutch passing back from midfield to the back 4 to their goalie.
I don't believe we saw the best of Uruguay tonight, far from it. Though the subs did well, Uruguay badly missed 2 key players and Forlan was clearly off his game despite his goal.
That's life at the Finals, the strength of the squad plays an important role. I do believe an Uruguay first 11 would have beaten that Dutch team.
I think you're bigging them up a wee bit too much, they were a decent side, no more than that. Their front two were better than most sides there, they were very uninspiring in the middle (despite Arry wanting to sign Cavani) and reasonably solid at the back. They were well organised too, but what game, south africa apart, were they truly convincing in? In qualifying they lost 6 and drew 6 and won 6 of their 18 games and then scraped past costa rica controversially in a play-off.
The dutch may not have totally convincing tonight, but they were also missing key players in de jong and van der wiel.
I take it that you now accept that Uruguay, on the evidence of the game, were the most positive of the 2 teams last night and took the game to the defensively minded Dutch even when the scores were level.
I take it that you also agree that the first game in a WC group stage can be a 'careful affair' especially a minnow playing a big name team.
I am far from bigging up Uruguay, quite simply they have been the best coached team after Germany at the tournament. Their squad ls limited and there they were, battling with distinction for a place for a place in the Final. The evidence points to a remarkable run from a remarkable team.
If you were not impressed with Uruguay's performance in their games, is there anything I can write? We have radically different interpretations of games as they were played at that tournament. Did you see their game against Mexico when they had Lugano at CH?
If you appreciate an extremely well coached, disciplined resiliant team, with some very talented players, playing attractive attacking football, combined with excellent controlled defensive play, ability to hold possession and spray the ball around, then Uruguay ticked many boxes.
Holland have a better squad with better quality players in reserve, it's no surprise that they can replace 2 players. Personally I thought Holland thoroughly deserved to beat Brazil, they exposed Brazil's weaknesses and exploited them to perfection.
Last night, Uruguay were running on fumes and still they managed to impress.
Quote from: Main Street on July 07, 2010, 11:03:11 AM
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 07, 2010, 08:48:41 AM
Quote from: Main Street on July 06, 2010, 11:37:14 PM
You can't judge a team on it's first game at the group stage, never mind Uruguay playing what was then a fancied team, when a draw was regarded as a positive result. But Uruguay do revel like pigs in shite when it comes to defending.
Tonight Uruguay were by far the more positive when the game was level. I lost count of the Dutch passing back from midfield to the back 4 to their goalie.
I don't believe we saw the best of Uruguay tonight, far from it. Though the subs did well, Uruguay badly missed 2 key players and Forlan was clearly off his game despite his goal.
That's life at the Finals, the strength of the squad plays an important role. I do believe an Uruguay first 11 would have beaten that Dutch team.
I think you're bigging them up a wee bit too much, they were a decent side, no more than that. Their front two were better than most sides there, they were very uninspiring in the middle (despite Arry wanting to sign Cavani) and reasonably solid at the back. They were well organised too, but what game, south africa apart, were they truly convincing in? In qualifying they lost 6 and drew 6 and won 6 of their 18 games and then scraped past costa rica controversially in a play-off.
The dutch may not have totally convincing tonight, but they were also missing key players in de jong and van der wiel.
I take it that you now accept that Uruguay, on the evidence of the game, were the most positive of the 2 teams last night and took the game to the defensively minded Dutch even when the scores were level.
I take it that you also agree that the first game in a WC group stage can be a 'careful affair' especially a minnow playing a big name team.
I am far from bigging up Uruguay, quite simply they have been the best coached team after Germany at the tournament. Their squad ls limited and there they were, battling with distinction for a place for a place in the Final. The evidence points to a remarkable run from a remarkable team.
If you were not impressed with Uruguay's performance in their games, is there anything I can write? We have radically different interpretations of games as they were played at that tournament. Did you see their game against Mexico when they had Lugano at CH?
If you appreciate an extremely well coached, disciplined resiliant team, with some very talented players, playing attractive attacking football, combined with excellent controlled defensive play, ability to hold possession and spray the ball around, then Uruguay ticked many boxes.
Holland have a better squad with better quality players in reserve, it's no surprise that they can replace 2 players. Personally I thought Holland thoroughly deserved to beat Brazil, they exposed Brazil's weaknesses and exploited them to perfection.
Last night, Uruguay were running on fumes and still they managed to impress.
I have to agree MS, I was impressed by Uruguay, a much better team than most people give them credit for with a savvy coach too. But it looked like their legs had gone on the last 20 mins. Pereira, and Arevalo Rios probably won't make the team of the tournament but they had great tournaments
Holland are a very workmanlike side, very surprised to see them beat Brazil but then again it was more a case of Brazil shooting themselves in the foot rather than great play by the Dutch. The Dutch seem to lack that bit of flair, with Robben as predictable as ever coming in from the wing. I couldn't believe the chances Holland missed towards the end of the Brazil game when the Samba boys were chasing the equaliser. One instance sticks in my mind when a Dutch forward had the ball on the floor near the end line with 2 players in support and one defender, it seemed like he had 3 or 4 seconds to decide to score himself or square it to a team-mate yet it was messed up. Schneider's goal last night was another fortunate one on top of the ones against Brazil, their luck will end come Sunday. I am also sick of reading that RVP is one of the best players in the world, where has this came from? He needs everything to be set-up on his left foot and he has done very little at these finals aswell. On Forlan, some of the goals the man scores are unbelievable, not too often you see a player who can bang a ball into the net from 30 yards of either foot, what is exactly what he does.
Tonights game should be a cracker, and I honestly believe this is the game where we will see Spain finally click. So far they have been playing teams who have been more happy to put 11 men behnind the ball, but I can see this being more open tonight which should benefit the Spaniards. They have been very unlucky injury wise coming into this tournament with Iniesta, Torres and Fabregas all coming back after long lay-offs, which means we haven't seen the best of any of these guys yet, and Xavi has been playing with an injury for months which has been restricting him. It would be great to see a fully fit and full strength Spanish side in action, the World Cup would be won alot easier if that were the case.
On another note, I don't see as many Journalists spouting off this week about the demise of South American football. Last week all we read was how weak European football had become with the number of teams in the last 16 down on previous years, yet 3 of the 4 semi-finalists were Europeans sides and we will now have the Second All European Final World Cup in a row, with two different teams in this final than were in the last one.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 06, 2010, 03:32:58 PM
delboy, in all seriousness I think the concept of a penalty goal is ballix. There is a saying in political/legal circles that law made on the hoof is bad law. So whenever the Sun or Daily Mail complained about some law and order issue the last UK goverment would pass a law that more often than not had unintended consequences. Whenever there is a controversial incident in a game there is a mad rush from the media to demand changes in the laws.
Suarez deliberately handled the ball in the box. He was sent off, banned for the next game and Ghana were awarded a penalty. Fair enough I say, those are the rules and the media and the two teams (and most of us) knew this before the game. The controversy has only arisen because the penalty was in the last seconds of the game and Ghana subsequently missed the penalty and also because before the game the media had decided that the story was a Ghana win (for Africa)
For me, just as you cannot give a corner or throw in when the ball has not crossed the line neither should you award a goal when the ball has not crossed the line. Most footballers at all levels of the game are cheats. I dunno if you played the game much but did you ever appeal for a throw in or corner when you knew the ball had come off you?? Did you ever play on when you knew you had handled the ball or fouled an opponent?? Did you ever let the opponent's hanky ball player "know you were there" in the tackle??
The main thrust of many of the arguments for change are because they "do it in rugby" a completely different sport where (IMHO) the constant knee jerk tampering of the rules is making the game worse (source B Glendenning) and don't start us on the hand pass in GAA!
The concept of a penalty goal would be difficult to implement in soccer. One of the appeals of soccer is its simplicity. Consider these two scenarios. A player is running through 12 yds out with the goalkeeper to beat, he is pulled back by a defender. Currently red card and penalty would this be a penalty goal? A player is 12 yds out and the goalkeeping is out of position and not in the goal and he is pulled back, penalty goal because it was an open goal or is it only goal line offences that would result in a penalty goal??
I would advocate a penalty goal only in the circumstance such as happened in the ghana match, ie ball which was about to go over the line stopped in an illegal matter, the other scenarios you mention would be a no for me as the scoring of a goal is still very much in question.
I know what you are saying about football being a simple game and i agree with you but it also has rules changes (quite often). Unlike the arguement against technology ie it would slow the game and it couldn't only be used in big money leagues, this wouldn't be a probem, it would be down to the discretion of the referee so sunday league football could adapt it without any additional costs. Also it wouldn't slow the game down, if anything it would be quicker as the goal would be awarded and the game restarted without all the fannying about that is part and parcel of a penalty.
QuoteI take it that you now accept that Uruguay, on the evidence of the game, were the most positive of the 2 teams last night and took the game to the defensively minded Dutch even when the scores were level.
No, they set out to defend, that game plan changed after the first goal. The second half, neither side particularly impressed until the dutch scored their two goals.
QuoteI take it that you also agree that the first game in a WC group stage can be a 'careful affair' especially a minnow playing a big name team.
I can accept that, but in saying that Uruguay are hardly a minnow.
Quote
I am far from bigging up Uruguay, quite simply they have been the best coached team after Germany at the tournament. Their squad ls limited and there they were, battling with distinction for a place for a place in the Final. The evidence points to a remarkable run from a remarkable team.
They undoubtedly did well, but remarkable progress? They drew with France (ranked above them) and beat Mexico (ranked 1 place below them), their other victories were against S Africa (67 places below them), South Korea (31 places below them) and Ghana (16 places below them)
QuoteIf you were not impressed with Uruguay's performance in their games, is there anything I can write? We have radically different interpretations of games as they were played at that tournament. Did you see their game against Mexico when they had Lugano at CH?
If you appreciate an extremely well coached, disciplined resiliant team, with some very talented players, playing attractive attacking football, combined with excellent controlled defensive play, ability to hold possession and spray the ball around, then Uruguay ticked many boxes.
I was impressed in places, I was disappointed for them last night, as I was for Ghana on Friday night.
[/quote] Holland have a better squad with better quality players in reserve, it's no surprise that they can replace 2 players. Personally I thought Holland thoroughly deserved to beat Brazil, they exposed Brazil's weaknesses and exploited them to perfection.
Last night, Uruguay were running on fumes and still they managed to impress.
[/quote]
My main point was that the final will be bettrer for Holland's presence than for Uruguay's, and that Holland whilst not settng the world alight are worthy of their place there
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 07, 2010, 04:04:23 PM
No, they set out to defend, that game plan changed after the first goal. The second half, neither side particularly impressed until the dutch scored their two goals.
Whether they impressed you or not after they had the wherewithall to score a credible equaliser, they certainly went about their non-impressiveness on the offensive after they equalised and were not pegged back until the minutes before the Dutch scored their lead goal, under somewhat fortunate circumstances.
QuoteThey undoubtedly did well, but remarkable progress? They drew with France (ranked above them) and beat Mexico (ranked 1 place below them), their other victories were against S Africa (67 places below them), South Korea (31 places below them) and Ghana (16 places below them)
This is the World Cup Finals, a team generally tops their group and gets through the last 16 and 1/4 final on merit and then get to the semi final on merit.
The merit of Uruguay's remarkable progress was evident in their performance of distinction in the semi final against Holland and they did it with a patched up team and a 1/2 injured Forlan. So all in all, Uruguay on merit deserved their place in the s/f, a truly remarkable effort for a small population.
If Holland win, will they be the country with the smallest population to do so, since Uruguay?
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 07, 2010, 04:59:24 PM
If Holland win, will they be the country with the smallest population to do so, since Uruguay?
Haven't checked but I'd say comfortably. Pop of Holland about 16 mill??
Quote from: Main Street on July 07, 2010, 04:52:42 PMThis is the World Cup Finals, a team generally tops their group and gets through the last 16 and 1/4 final on merit and then get to the semi final on merit.
Main Street, I'm agree with you that they're a good well organised side with a bit of class up front, but I think this is a bit controversial ;)
I think we'll see a Spain victory tonight.
By and large, the success of Germany in their last two games has been based on the openness of the opposition's midfield. Spain are much better organised defensively, and the likes of Ozil will get bottled up by Alonso and Busquets. They will miss Mueller in this regard also. The like of Cacau for example just isn't in the same class.
When Germany have come up against reasonably well organised sides they have struggled - Serbia and Ghana. Despite playing quite well in these games - dominating possession, they weren't able to deploy their counter-attacking game, and couldn't display the potency that was key to the wins against England and Argentina.
Spain have stuttered their way to the semis, but they're there. And how many times have we seen teams struggle early in tournaments before sparking into life at the semis/final stage? Spain have yet to play really well, but i expect to see it tonight. They have the greater experience, and the belief from Euro 2008. It may not be enough just yet to carry them to the title, but it should take them to the final.
Quote from: Will Hunting on July 07, 2010, 05:38:57 PM
I think we'll see a Spain victory tonight.
By and large, the success of Germany in their last two games has been based on the openness of the opposition's midfield. Spain are much better organised defensively, and the likes of Ozil will get bottled up by Alonso and Busquets. They will miss Mueller in this regard also. The like of Cacau for example just isn't in the same class.
When Germany have come up against reasonably well organised sides they have struggled - Serbia and Ghana. Despite playing quite well in these games - dominating possession, they weren't able to deploy their counter-attacking game, and couldn't display the potency that was key to the wins against England and Argentina.
Spain have stuttered their way to the semis, but they're there. And how many times have we seen teams struggle early in tournaments before sparking into life at the semis/final stage? Spain have yet to play really well, but i expect to see it tonight. They have the greater experience, and the belief from Euro 2008. It may not be enough just yet to carry them to the title, but it should take them to the final.
I take your point but against Serbia Podolski missed three great chances and a penalty and Khedira hit the bar all with 10 men.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 05:46:42 PM
Quote from: Will Hunting on July 07, 2010, 05:38:57 PM
I think we'll see a Spain victory tonight.
By and large, the success of Germany in their last two games has been based on the openness of the opposition's midfield. Spain are much better organised defensively, and the likes of Ozil will get bottled up by Alonso and Busquets. They will miss Mueller in this regard also. The like of Cacau for example just isn't in the same class.
When Germany have come up against reasonably well organised sides they have struggled - Serbia and Ghana. Despite playing quite well in these games - dominating possession, they weren't able to deploy their counter-attacking game, and couldn't display the potency that was key to the wins against England and Argentina.
Spain have stuttered their way to the semis, but they're there. And how many times have we seen teams struggle early in tournaments before sparking into life at the semis/final stage? Spain have yet to play really well, but i expect to see it tonight. They have the greater experience, and the belief from Euro 2008. It may not be enough just yet to carry them to the title, but it should take them to the final.
I take your point but against Serbia Podolski missed three great chances and a penalty and Khedira hit the bar all with 10 men.
I agree with you there, and that's why i said they played quite well in that game. But the confidence wasn't there, and they looked nervous - because they weren't able to carry out their natural gameplan.
Torres out pedro in..
Thought the Bilbao lad would've gotten the nod, Llorente.
For those that don't already know.. if Spain win tonight then we'll have new name in the list of World cup winners
"there's someone who's been drinking on an empty head"
Quote from: supersarsfields on July 07, 2010, 07:35:43 PM
"there's someone who's been drinking on an empty head"
Who's that, Lawro??
Yip commenting on the guy who ran on to the pitch. He's a gas man for the one liners!!
Notice the way the German captain is almost always referred to by his full name "Philip Lahm"
spain are putting me to sleep
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 07, 2010, 08:07:35 PM
spain are putting me to sleep
Tippy tappy shite...get the head down and bury one big lad!!
Pedro is doing well so far. More involved than Torres anyway.
One of the worst games of the whole tournament...par for the course for Spain. God help us if they are in the final against Holland...will be a complete borefest
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 08:10:29 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 07, 2010, 08:07:35 PM
spain are putting me to sleep
Tippy tappy shite...get the head down and bury one big lad!!
3000 passes around the half way line and afraid to get people in the box in case they're hit on the break.
the more the game goes on the more I hope Germany wins.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 07, 2010, 08:19:30 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 08:10:29 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 07, 2010, 08:07:35 PM
spain are putting me to sleep
Tippy tappy shite...get the head down and bury one big lad!!
3000 passes around the half way line and afraid to get people in the box in case they're hit on the break.
the more the game goes on the more I hope Germany wins.
Likewise...
RTE = Spain love-in ;D
They're the arsenal of the world cup. Pass, pass pass and go nowhere.
I can see Germany sneaking it at present.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 08:23:31 PM
They're the arsenal of the world cup. Pass, pass pass and go nowhere.
I can see Germany sneaking it at present.
In fairness they won Euro '08 playing that way.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 08:23:31 PM
They're the arsenal of the world cup. Pass, pass pass and go nowhere.
I can see Germany sneaking it at present.
I've a feeling spain will sneak a goal, probably when the germans doze off.
Dunphy says Khedira is "cheating"
Would someone tell Billo Gilesy etc, yes, it was foul but outside the box therefore not a penalty!!
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 07, 2010, 08:26:04 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 08:23:31 PM
They're the arsenal of the world cup. Pass, pass pass and go nowhere.
I can see Germany sneaking it at present.
I've a feeling spain will sneak a goal, probably when the germans doze off.
Around midnight...
26 minutes without a foul.
I'm bored.
How was he cheating either...
Turned over after their rubbish.
Considering all the players spain have they are extremely conservative. Teams who play like that usually get stung. I don't mind either way but a germany goal would maybe make them go at it and liven this game up!
Hope to God this half is better, though I won't hold my breath.
I'm shouting for Germany here, will make a better final than Spain would I think. There should be no shortage of motivation, especially not for Schweinsteiger - just seen this video earlier of his post-match interview after the Euro 2008 final, the Spain team celebrating behind him! Talk about rubbing it in!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DCe8rIi2Rk
Quote from: Minder on July 07, 2010, 08:25:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 08:23:31 PM
They're the arsenal of the world cup. Pass, pass pass and go nowhere.
I can see Germany sneaking it at present.
In fairness they won Euro '08 playing that way.
Not entirely. They'd a bit more up front with torres in a bit of form.
The possession stats would make for interesting reading. Must be at least 70-30 to Spain? Hope Spain get a winner here.
How did Tevor Steven ever get that gig on RTE commentary? He's ok at it mind.
So Cheryl off the X Factor has Malaria?
Oh well, at least one Cole brought something back from Africa.
Alonso's long range passing is second to none!
Get in Carlos my son!!!
not over yet hs
Torres to stretch that German defence and get his first!
greedy hoor
Thought Pedro was going to score that and finish it off but shit himself, could be costly yet.
should have went to spec savers
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 08:34:56 PM
How was he cheating either...
Pretty sure he meant cheating in that he was hiding and not making himself available for teamates, Dunphy uses that a lot.
Quote from: ludermor on July 07, 2010, 09:10:52 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 08:34:56 PM
How was he cheating either...
Pretty sure he meant cheating in that he was hiding and not making himself available for teamates, Dunphy uses that a lot.
How does Dunphy make himself available?
The George?
The Octopus predicted Spain
That Pedro is a bollocks he done that a couple of times tonight.
Carlos and the 7 dwarves..................who'd have thunk it?
Awful boring match, hopefully we get a better final
spain played all the football, was it that germany thought they wouldn't be able to compete with spain or were they not able to play them at the spanish game?
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 09:22:07 PM
Awful boring match, hopefully we get a better final
[/quote
wasn't that bad, poor until the spanish started playing them off the park from about the 55th onwards.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 07, 2010, 09:18:33 PM
The Octopus predicted Spain
5 outta 5 for that damn Octopus I'll back who he/she picks for the final :P
Disappointing end for Germany. They were the pick of the bunch in the group and second round games. Didn't play with any confidence tonight against a Spanish team that were there for the taking.
Final is looking like a penalty shoot out!
To be fair Spain were the better team, Klose didn't get a kick, Ozil didn't get a kick, Schweini couldn't get the ball. But for all the tippy tappy stuff which is boring good to watch they had one chance...from a corner. Holland v Spain...The two most boring good teams in the competiton. Holland 1 Spain 0 or Spain 1 - Holland 0 take your pick...
They had more than one chance.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 09:31:46 PM
To be fair Spain were the better team, Klose didn't get a kick, Ozil didn't get a kick, Schweini couldn't get the ball. But for all the tippy tappy stuff which is boring good to watch they had one chance...from a corner. Holland v Spain...The two most boring good teams in the competiton. Holland 1 Spain 0 or Spain 1 - Holland 0 take your pick...
That'll do me!!
Before the tournament people talked about how good the Spanish were going forward & have a weakness at the back but now that's the 3rd 1-0 for them there kinda like Greece from 2004 euros
Quote from: Minder on July 07, 2010, 09:33:25 PM
They had more than one chance.
OK 2, remind me of the other one??
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 09:35:04 PM
Before the tournament people talked about how good the Spanish were going forward & have a weakness at the back but now that's the 3rd 1-0 for them there kinda like Greece from 2004 euros
No it's Holland who are a good version of Greece 2004 ;)
Quote from: hardstation on July 07, 2010, 09:37:35 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 09:36:11 PM
Quote from: Minder on July 07, 2010, 09:33:25 PM
They had more than one chance.
OK 2, remind me of the other one??
They flashed one across the front of the goal and some bucko was unlucky not to reach it at the back post.
Ah straws clutch etc HS ;)
Quote from: hardstation on July 07, 2010, 09:37:35 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 07, 2010, 09:36:11 PM
Quote from: Minder on July 07, 2010, 09:33:25 PM
They had more than one chance.
OK 2, remind me of the other one??
They flashed one across the front of the goal and some bucko was unlucky not to reach it at the back post.
Are you Minders bitch?
Puyol three goals for Spain
1. April 17 2002 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland Northern Ireland 5 – 0 Friendly
2. October 11 2008 A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia Estonia 3 – 0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier
3. July 7 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa Germany 1 - 0 2010 FIFA World Cup
I hope Holland win.
I can't warm to Spain.
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 09:35:04 PM
Before the tournament people talked about how good the Spanish were going forward & have a weakness at the back but now that's the 3rd 1-0 for them there kinda like Greece from 2004 euros
Bit of a ridiculous statement! The thing about Spain is they're patient. Not everyone might appreciate it but they keep possession better than anyone and will do so until a decisive pass can be made, like Pedro's ball through to Villa in the first half. You can't expect them to lump it forward for Villa to climb above Mertesacker.
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 09:59:39 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 09:35:04 PM
Before the tournament people talked about how good the Spanish were going forward & have a weakness at the back but now that's the 3rd 1-0 for them there kinda like Greece from 2004 euros
Bit of a ridiculous statement! The thing about Spain is they're patient. Not everyone might appreciate it but they keep possession better than anyone and will do so until a decisive pass can be made, like Pedro's ball through to Villa in the first half. You can't expect them to lump it forward for Villa to climb above Mertesacker.
They have been tipped as the Barcelona of International football there more like Inter Milan IMO
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 09:59:39 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 09:35:04 PM
Before the tournament people talked about how good the Spanish were going forward & have a weakness at the back but now that's the 3rd 1-0 for them there kinda like Greece from 2004 euros
Bit of a ridiculous statement! The thing about Spain is they're patient. Not everyone might appreciate it but they keep possession better than anyone and will do so until a decisive pass can be made, like Pedro's ball through to Villa in the first half. You can't expect them to lump it forward for Villa to climb above Mertesacker.
They have been tipped as the Barcelona of International football there more like Inter Milan IMO
How so? The only real similarity I see is the 2 holding midfielders. I mean, you would never see Spain playing like Inter did at the Nou Camp last season.
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 10:07:06 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 10:03:31 PM
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 09:59:39 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 09:35:04 PM
Before the tournament people talked about how good the Spanish were going forward & have a weakness at the back but now that's the 3rd 1-0 for them there kinda like Greece from 2004 euros
Bit of a ridiculous statement! The thing about Spain is they're patient. Not everyone might appreciate it but they keep possession better than anyone and will do so until a decisive pass can be made, like Pedro's ball through to Villa in the first half. You can't expect them to lump it forward for Villa to climb above Mertesacker.
They have been tipped as the Barcelona of International football there more like Inter Milan IMO
How so? The only real similarity I see is the 2 holding midfielders. I mean, you would never see Spain playing like Inter did at the Nou Camp last season.
They get the Job done without impressing & do you think Spain wouldn't play the same if they got a player sent off in the final & a goal up like inter were?
I think Spain are impressive. The way they pass and keep the ball in tight spaces is amazing. However, like a lot of teams that get good at that (see Arsenal and Barcelona) they now have gone too far the other way, and lack real potency because they try to walk the ball into the net.
Every so often it's no harm to put a ball down the channels or over the sides for Villa/Torres, or have a bang from distance.
I don't think it's any coincidence that Villa had his worst game (IMO) tonight, and Torres has struggled at #9 all tournament. Spain are not set up to play to a centre forward's strengths at the moment.
But from defence up to the last third, they're the best I've seen at keeping the ball and controlling tempo.
Spain and Inter are ridiculous comparisons. For a start half the spain team are the barcelona team.
Spain are offensive and Inter are not. Spain passed the ball around without having a cutting edge final third for a good while - that doesn't make them a defensive team.
Half the reason they have conceded so few is that the other team are unable to get possession of the ball. When they have possession they are probing. When Inter have possession they are killing time. Big difference.
Germany were made look poor tonight. Spain had them by the goolies all night. Savage header from Puyol.
Strange to see such a fearful, gutless, defensive and negative German team, because the evidence was whenever they did get close to Spain's goal there were varying degrees of mayhem created, more than Spain managed to effect with 10x possession. Glad to see them go out, unworthy of being in the final.
I can't understand why some of you see Spain as boring, they play great football, have the most talented squad of players. They may not create clear cut chance after chance but they keep the ball until they see an opening. It was a WC semi, it wasn't going to be 6-4.
How the germans ripped the argies and the English apart is a bit of a mystery after that performance cos they did not really look that threatening against an average Spanish defence. Still, best 2 teams in the final imo
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 10:37:00 PM
Spain and Inter are ridiculous comparisons. For a start half the Spain team are the Barcelona team.
Spain are offensive and Inter are not.
That's my point exactly they have half the barca team but don't excite like them maybe -messi is the reason for that? as for Inter they have been offensive but people seem to only remember the defensive games they play
No I don't think they would have Ross, essentially they would still have had at least 4 midfield players which wouldn't have changed their style of play. Germany's tactics played right into Spain's hands tonight, Germany destroyed England and Argentina because both these teams played so openly and allowed themselves to be ripped apart on the counter attack. Spain's patient play and possession was perfect to defeat Germany. They also missed Muller because his running was what often linked defence to attack so quickly.
Iniesta is really starting to hit form at the right time.
The difference I would see is a focal point in attack.
Villa plays far too wide, Torres has been poor and Pedro played out wide too.
Inter haven't been too offensive. They've obviously been offensive enough to get a lead up but they play typical Mourinho brand football. Eto can often be seen in his own box. They are crap to watch and ruin games just like every team Mourinho ever produced. Mourinho won't let full backs past the half way line.
Podolski looked like he could be dangerous on the counter too. Some pace about him.
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 10:47:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 10:37:00 PM
Spain and Inter are ridiculous comparisons. For a start half the Spain team are the Barcelona team.
Spain are offensive and Inter are not.
That's my point exactly they have half the barca team but don't excite like them maybe -messi is the reason for that? as for Inter they have been offensive but people seem to only remember the defensive games they play
yeah, the 3-1 beating of barce in san siro has been quickly forgotten. Messi does add that cutting edge to barce, but spain are not boring to watch, their skill levels are amazing. Similarily, I can't believe people are saying that arsenal aren't good to watch too.
I was very surprised with germany, but i don't think they wanted to be so defensive, it's just that they had no choice, they couldn't get the ball.
Quote from: Minder on July 07, 2010, 10:44:46 PM
I can't understand why some of you see Spain as boring, they play great football, have the most talented squad of players. They may not create clear cut chance after chance but they keep the ball until they see an opening. It was a WC semi, it wasn't going to be 6-4.
After last nights exciting 3-2 game, on both ITV & RTE they both said Germany v Spain should be a cracker, game of the world cup so far, now after watching Spain v Portugal,Paraguay & Germany tonight where likely to see a final like 1990, 1994 or 2006
I hope I'm wrong & we get a final like 1986
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 07, 2010, 11:06:37 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 10:47:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 10:37:00 PM
Spain and Inter are ridiculous comparisons. For a start half the Spain team are the Barcelona team.
Spain are offensive and Inter are not.
That's my point exactly they have half the barca team but don't excite like them maybe -messi is the reason for that? as for Inter they have been offensive but people seem to only remember the defensive games they play
yeah, the 3-1 beating of barce in san siro has been quickly forgotten. Messi does add that cutting edge to barce, but spain are not boring to watch, their skill levels are amazing. Similarily, I can't believe people are saying that arsenal aren't good to watch too.
I was very surprised with germany, but i don't think they wanted to be so defensive, it's just that they had no choice, they couldn't get the ball.
Exactly. It's almost impossible to counter attack against Spain. Argentina didn't have the tactical know how, England didn't have the technical qualities, Spain had both and this was the telling factor. One good thing of all this, maybe now Joachim Low will get a chance to wash his good blue v-neck :D
Ross you are bloated on a diet of EPL hoofball.
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 11:09:34 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 07, 2010, 11:06:37 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 10:47:23 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 07, 2010, 10:37:00 PM
Spain and Inter are ridiculous comparisons. For a start half the Spain team are the Barcelona team.
Spain are offensive and Inter are not.
That's my point exactly they have half the barca team but don't excite like them maybe -messi is the reason for that? as for Inter they have been offensive but people seem to only remember the defensive games they play
yeah, the 3-1 beating of barce in san siro has been quickly forgotten. Messi does add that cutting edge to barce, but spain are not boring to watch, their skill levels are amazing. Similarily, I can't believe people are saying that arsenal aren't good to watch too.
I was very surprised with germany, but i don't think they wanted to be so defensive, it's just that they had no choice, they couldn't get the ball.
Exactly. It's almost impossible to counter attack against Spain. Argentina didn't have the tactical know how, England didn't have the technical qualities, Spain had both and this was the telling factor. One good thing of all this, maybe now Joachim Low will get a chance to wash his good blue v-neck :D
Lowly Paraguay managed a fair bit. You would expect that a team of Germany's technical ability would have had more ambition to throw caution, maybe they should have let Spain score early on in the 2nd half, get it over with and lay siege afterwards, instead of clinging on in a hope for a penalty shoot out. At least hoof the ball up to Klose and get forward to support him. Or as Inter did in Italy against Barca, launch it into the channels, bi-passing the midfield congestion.
just seeing the highlights again, the ref really was awful - he let everything go, didn't show a card either (it's as though there were 22 van bommels playing).
MS, Paraguay worked their socks off in midfield putting pressure on Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso and also the defence, causing them to lose possession much more often. This was evident towards the end of the game when they all looked completely shattered, they should have taken the lead but for a tired looking penalty. The Germans just didn't have the energy to pressurise them. They're great at working back to win the ball but seemed happy to let Spain play amongst themselves in midfield and maintain possession, maybe Khedira's "injury" had something to do with this as he's normally full of energy but just didn't look it tonight.
Might be a english man in the final after all as Howard Webb looks good odds but the Argentina ref was the best so far..
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 11:41:32 PM
Might be a english man in the final after all as Howard Webb looks good odds but the Argentina ref was the best so far..
He'll probably get his own special ref-cam on BBC.
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 11:41:32 PM
Might be a english man in the final after all as Howard Webb looks good odds but the Argentina ref was the best so far..
would a european man get an all european final ?
Quote from: ross4life on July 07, 2010, 11:07:00 PM
After last nights exciting 3-2 game, on both ITV & RTE they both said Germany v Spain should be a cracker, game of the world cup so far, now after watching Spain v Portugal,Paraguay & Germany tonight where likely to see a final like 1990, 1994 or 2006
I hope I'm wrong & we get a final like 1986
Exciting 3-2 game? It was shite.
Also, the 1986 final wasn't a great game.
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 12:44:07 AM
Also, the 1986 final wasn't a great game.
in your opinion what was a better final? (one that you witnessed)
Back then Germany had Dirty tactics to stop Maradona, still didn't work as they went 2-0 down but the Germans fought back with 10 mins to go to make to it 2-2 & then a brilliant through ball by Maradona won Argentina the world Cup
That's the kinda excitement/good match I'm looking for on Sunday
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 11:39:57 PM
MS, Paraguay worked their socks off in midfield putting pressure on Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso and also the defence, causing them to lose possession much more often. This was evident towards the end of the game when they all looked completely shattered, they should have taken the lead but for a tired looking penalty. The Germans just didn't have the energy to pressurise them. They're great at working back to win the ball but seemed happy to let Spain play amongst themselves in midfield and maintain possession, maybe Khedira's "injury" had something to do with this as he's normally full of energy but just didn't look it tonight.
The energy excuse does not hold water. This is a WC semi final. If other teams can at least run themselves ragged until they drop, then so can the Germans.
Goalkeeper Neuer gave an honest appraisal "We had little courage and little chances, we attacked more in other games"
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 12:44:07 AM
Also, the 1986 final wasn't a great game.
3 points from the penalty would have fairly changed that.
Too young to remember the 70s so I cannot remember any great World Cup final. I suppose the '98 was full of incident - the Ronaldo craic, France at home, the sending off etc but not that exciting a game. I honestly cannot remember a final where both sides produced good football. The '86 final was distinctly average and only livened with 15 mins to go.
I've been very disappointed with the football at this World Cup. I heard Dunphy on about the ball and altitude being a problem and maybe he's partially correct. Players who could cross the ball or produce accurate free kicks for their clubs throughout the season lost the ability to do so this summer. I just hope Spain play the football they're capable of in the final although Holland will try their hardest to prevent that.
You are looking for fantasy football O'Neill.
Free Kicks and in general set pieces have been an issue, though there have been some top class free kicks. When the ryder cup was on, every 5 minutes, when act of sportsmanship was done, the commentator would repeat "that's what the ryder cup is all about".
The World cup is much more than one dimensional, it's multi dimensional.
International football is different to club. At the WC, at least the squads are together for a month, the standard is way better than the qualifiers. It take time for a squad to really gel. Here they play tough games every 3 or 4 days until they lose. To get to the final would be the equivalent of running a marathon every other day at optimum speed.
If anybody didn't find the semi finals at least to be gripping encounters, then the World cup is not for you, go watch re runs of your favourite examples of the beautiful game.
Quote from: Main Street on July 08, 2010, 01:21:55 AM
Quote from: paco on July 07, 2010, 11:39:57 PM
MS, Paraguay worked their socks off in midfield putting pressure on Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso and also the defence, causing them to lose possession much more often. This was evident towards the end of the game when they all looked completely shattered, they should have taken the lead but for a tired looking penalty. The Germans just didn't have the energy to pressurise them. They're great at working back to win the ball but seemed happy to let Spain play amongst themselves in midfield and maintain possession, maybe Khedira's "injury" had something to do with this as he's normally full of energy but just didn't look it tonight.
The energy excuse does not hold water. This is a WC semi final. If other teams can at least run themselves ragged until they drop, then so can the Germans.
Goalkeeper Neuer gave an honest appraisal "We had little courage and little chances, we attacked more in other games"
Whether it was energy or, as Neuer points out, a lack of courage, they never seemed to pressurise the midfield and high up on the defence like Spain did. Neuer has a point, another thing is that it's very rare that you would find attacking players like Germany (or any other country) have with huge technical prowess who also have the same commitment and work ethic.
http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/world_cup/33956/world-cup-memes-arjen-robben-curled-into-a-ball.html
Was I going mad or did ITV not have a co-commentator for the 1st semi-final? Turned it over for the first goal and it was only Clive Tyldslely analysing the goal - very strange and shit!
Will any goals Klose scores in the 3rd place match count towards his overall tally? Just checking, can't see why they wouldn't?
Yes they will..
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 06, 2010, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 06, 2010, 03:49:56 PM
As an aside - having a discussion at lunch time and someone reckoned the 3rd/4th place game doesn't count in the top scorer list... I argued that it does. Anyone confirm this?
it def does[/size]
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 08, 2010, 02:54:52 PM
Was I going mad or did ITV not have a co-commentator for the 1st semi-final? Turned it over for the first goal and it was only Clive Tyldslely analysing the goal - very strange and shit!
You weren't going mad...........he said that Jim Beglin had been ill earlier in the day and was unable to co-commentate....you'd think they'd have a back up plan for these things.
Does anyone know if the goals scored in the 3rd place play-off count?
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 03:38:58 PM
Does anyone know if the goals scored in the 3rd place play-off count?
If the ref awards a goal then it definitely counts
Quote from: mackers on July 08, 2010, 03:35:44 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 08, 2010, 02:54:52 PM
Was I going mad or did ITV not have a co-commentator for the 1st semi-final? Turned it over for the first goal and it was only Clive Tyldslely analysing the goal - very strange and shit!
You weren't going mad...........he said that Jim Beglin had been ill earlier in the day and was unable to co-commentate....you'd think they'd have a back up plan for these things.
It was absolutely shit to listen to, I am sure the stadium would be heaving with ex-pros who could have stepped in. Think Robbie Earle was busy though advertising some Uruguayan condoms so could not step in
Après Match Crew are gonna present the 3rd place play off, should be a bit of craic
Pedro through on goal. Torres unmarked. Hold on, if I pass it he might start the final. Bollocks to that.
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 04:45:13 PM
Pedro through on goal. Torres unmarked. Hold on, if I pass it he might start the final. Bollocks to that.
or based on his WC form Pedro thinks "Well he's definitely gonna miss"
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 04:45:13 PM
Pedro through on goal. Torres unmarked. Hold on, if I pass it he might start the final. Bollocks to that.
or based on his WC form Pedro thinks "Well he's definitely gonna miss"
Or fall over again
(http://img13.abload.de/img/1277496422531i1sy.gif)
FIFA have announced that they will examine goal line technology with a view to having it in place for the next World Cup. Also looking at extending the Europa League extra officials system (according to the BBC)
Quote from: ross4life on July 08, 2010, 05:17:05 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 04:45:13 PM
Pedro through on goal. Torres unmarked. Hold on, if I pass it he might start the final. Bollocks to that.
or based on his WC form Pedro thinks "Well he's definitely gonna miss"
Or fall over again
(http://img13.abload.de/img/1277496422531i1sy.gif)
Why do you keep posting that? It's pretty clear the Chilean lad's knee accidentally clips Torres as he's running past, and he trips over. The Chilean lad even stumbles himself. Are you suggesting it was a dive?
Howard Webb to referee final. Expect ITV to turn that into some sort of WC victory for England.
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:37:06 PM
Howard Webb to referee final. Expect ITV to turn that into some sort of WC victory for England.
In fairness he deserves it. Credit where credit is due etc. Hope he doesn't make a balls of it :D
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 08, 2010, 05:40:05 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:37:06 PM
Howard Webb to referee final. Expect ITV to turn that into some sort of WC victory for England.
In fairness he deserves it. Credit where credit is due etc. Hope he doesn't make a balls of it :D
Yeah, Webb is that rarity a referee with a bit of sense. Hopefully he doens't do a Graham Poll and give Van Bommel three yellows!
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:37:06 PM
Howard Webb to referee final. Expect ITV to turn that into some sort of WC victory for England.
Thought he was absolutely rubbish last season in the Premier League. Seems to have had a decent World Cup though in comparison to some of the clowns they have out there.
Spain or Holland should be alright with Webb though as neither of them are playing Man U in the final.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 08, 2010, 05:34:38 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 08, 2010, 05:17:05 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 04:45:13 PM
Pedro through on goal. Torres unmarked. Hold on, if I pass it he might start the final. Bollocks to that.
or based on his WC form Pedro thinks "Well he's definitely gonna miss"
Or fall over again
Why do you keep posting that? It's pretty clear the Chilean lad's knee accidentally clips Torres as he's running past, and he trips over. The Chilean lad even stumbles himself. Are you suggesting it was a dive?
Clip or not he get's 5 stars the fall ,looks like he was shot & btw i think i got Howard Webb as ref for final right?
Ah that's harsh. I'm no defender of diving, but I think that was just a tangle of feet/accidental clip with Torres going at pace.
It's not a Stevie G starfish.
So in Sundays final Liverpool have Torres, Reina, Babel, Kuyt....utd have howard webb.
Quote from: stiffler on July 08, 2010, 06:07:21 PM
So in Sundays final Liverpool have Torres, Reina, Babel, Kuyt....utd have howard webb.
Well hopefully Torres doesn't kick the penalty spot again if webb give's the dutch a penalty on Sunday :D
Champions league & world cup final in one season for Webb not bad for him
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 08, 2010, 05:13:37 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 04:45:13 PM
Pedro through on goal. Torres unmarked. Hold on, if I pass it he might start the final. Bollocks to that.
or based on his WC form Pedro thinks "Well he's definitely gonna miss"
Thought that myself! If he had missed that it would have destroyed him confidence-wise. Pedro had the chance to shoot before the 1st dummy to add to that impressive record of his.
If i was the spanish manager i d be bringing on that defender that they brought on late last night commentator said that he has never been on the loosing team for spain and i think he said he had 50 odd caps
Quote from: ross4life on July 08, 2010, 04:05:36 PM
Après Match Crew are gonna present the 3rd place play off, should be a bit of craic
am i the only one who thinks they're about 8 years past their sell by date?
Quote from: ONeill on July 08, 2010, 03:38:58 PM
Does anyone know if the goals scored in the 3rd place play-off count?
definitely, suker won based on his goal(s) here in '98
Quote from: stiffler on July 08, 2010, 06:07:21 PM
So in Sundays final Liverpool have Torres, Reina, Babel, Kuyt....utd have howard webb.
Brilliant :D
Quote from: stiffler on July 08, 2010, 06:07:21 PM
So in Sundays final Liverpool have Torres, Reina, Babel, Kuyt....utd have howard webb.
Great sign for the Liverpool academy alright to have brought those players through the ranks ;).....more players than United have had in a final ever though i'd say in fairness!
Quote from: ballinaman on July 08, 2010, 11:52:24 PM
Quote from: stiffler on July 08, 2010, 06:07:21 PM
So in Sundays final Liverpool have Torres, Reina, Babel, Kuyt....utd have howard webb.
Great sign for the Liverpool academy alright to have brought those players through the ranks ;).....more players than United have had in a final ever though i'd say in fairness!
and kuyt would be the only one certain to start!
My team of the tournament...
Eduardo
Lahm Lugano Juan Coentrao
Schweinsteiger
Mueller Sneijder Ozil
Forlan Villa
Subs: Robinho, Klose, Suarez, Maicon, Van der Wiel, Carvalho,Honda,Neuer
Also... :D
Green
Johnson-Gallas-Upson-Evra
Lennon-Barry-Gurcouff-Ribery
Rooney-Torres
Beckham finds room for Cashley: http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/world-cup/david-beckham/article/1394/
1. Fernando Muslera (Uruguay) - The Lazio keeper is a find for me having only just recently made his International debut a few months ago. Uruguay didn't concede any goals in the group stage and his two penalty saves against Ghana show that he has the temperament for the big stage.
2. Sergio Ramos (Spain) - Having played with Sergio at Madrid I can say he's one of the most determined and committed defenders I've come across. He enjoys linking up with the attack and loves to shoot when he gets the chance. Sergio has had a great World Cup.
3. Ashley Cole (England) - I also enjoyed watching Fábio Coentrão for Portugal but Ashley for me is the best left back in the world and probably England's standout performer in this World Cup. Ashley never stops running and whilst a very good defender, he loves to attack opposing full-backs.
4. Carlos Puyol (Spain) - The semi-final showed how important he is for Spain. Not only was Puyol strong defensively, he got the crucial goal that took Spain into the final. I've played against him before and not only does he have natural talent, he has enormous presence and a strong work ethic, leading by example. His partnership with Gerard Pique has been crucial to Spain.
5. John Mensah (Ghana) - The Ghana captain was very solid as they progressed through the tournament and were unlucky in their quarter-final with Uruguay. Leads by example and the rugged defender is not afraid to put his body on the line for his team.
6. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) - Has had a very good World Cup and particularly impressive against England. He has all the attributes of a modern midfield player. You would want him alongside you in any team.
7. Wesley Sneijder (Holland) - A talented playmaker who has had a great season for club and country. Sneijder has an eye for a pass and impressive dead-ball ability. He's got a lot of goals so far in the World Cup from an advanced midfield role. He will definitely be one to watch in the final.
8. Xavi (Spain) - You could pick Xabi Alonso or Andres Iniesta but I love to watch Xavi play. Every team needs a Xavi. He runs the engine room for both Spain and Barcelona and is such an intelligent player. He has amazing vision and passing ability. Xavi takes on the ball in the tightest of situations and for me, is Spain's main man. He deserves the highest accolades in the game and could be the player of the tournament along with Sneijder.
9. Thomas Mueller (Germany) - Not a name many had heard of before the tournament, but four goals and three assists from five games is an amazing return from the 20-year-old attacking player. It was a shame he missed the semi and you could tell Germany missed his pace and finishing ability.
10. Diego Forlan (Uruguay) - A striker who has got better and better over the years. I was fortunate to play with Diego at United and we could all see what a talented player he was - now he has supreme confidence. He's twice been the leading scorer in La Liga and with four goals and several assists to his name in South Africa, he's had a great tournament.
11. David Villa (Spain) - Top scorer at the tournament so far, he is one of the world's best finishers. Villa can play off either foot and is devastating in front of goal. It's frightening to think he's joining what is already a great team at Barcelona.
Subs
Michael Bradley (United States) - I thought the US team looked good and were unlucky to go out. My teammate Landon Donovan was very good but I was particularly impressed by Bradley. If the States can produce players like him for the future, soccer will be in good health there.
Maicon (Brazil) - Brazil produce great wing backs and I was lucky to play with one, Roberto Carlos at Real Madrid. Maicon is another one off the production line. I thought he played well for Brazil and had a great season for Inter. His goal in their first match was incredible.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) - How can you not have the best player in the world in your squad? Messi did everything but score a goal in the tournament. He's amazing to watch.
Platini heart-attack they're reporting.
The Fifa vice-president, 55, was eating at the Pigalle restaurant in Sandton district when he collapsed, falling off his chair.
Watching in horror were Gerard Houllier, the former Liverpool manager, and Andy Roxburgh, the Uefa technical director who were dining with Platini
Obit on hold:
Platini taken to hospital after fainting - has had flu but is not heart attack and is fine say uefa source
One of those infamous Platini dives no doubt, I wonder did he do his trademark summersault and roll over a few times on the floor.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/worldcup/2010/2010/07/08/14643451.html (http://www.torontosun.com/sports/worldcup/2010/2010/07/08/14643451.html)
DURBAN - A city that had gotten great reviews throughout this World Cup, finished its run with a black eye.
Durban, known for it's beaches, hospitality and weather, hosted the semifinal between Spain and Germany Thursday at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The stadium with a capacity of between 65,000 and 70,000 was sold out for the match. But several thousand seats remained empty.
Many of those ticketholders were circling King Shaka International Airport.
In a situation that threatened to break out several times, the airport had to delay and cancel many flights scheduled to land.
The airport could not cope with the increased traffic especially when private jets "of the rich and famous" arrived at the last minute, landed and parked creating a traffic jam.
"People who frankly showed up at the last minute wanted to park," Airports Company of South Africa CEO Monhla Hlahla told a Durban newspaper. "We expected everyone to follow the rules."
Just 60,960 people were at the semifinal, the second-lowest attendance figure for the games played in Durban.
As usual, airport authorities blamed a technical glitch for the problems.
Caught up in the traffic were fans, media who had attended the night's previous semifinal in Cape Town and some celebrities including actress Charlize Theron. Theron's flight was given landing priority when there was room.
A 1Time flight from Cape Town to Durban circled over Durban when the captain announced it was being diverted to Johannesburg, an hour away.
A passenger told the newspaper that when the announcement was made "about 10 soccer fans jumped up from their seats and rushed towards the cockpit."
The captain announced they would be arrested if they didn't sit down. The flight landed in Johannesburg and 20 minutes later it took off again after being told there was room at the Durban airport.
When the flight landed fans rushed to make it to the second half of the game.
A spokesperson for Air Traffic and Navigation Services Africa said there were 488 flights booked to land and depart from the airport and there were only four parking bays available in the evening for Boeing 737s.
The experience is not the kind of send off Durban was looking for.
The $135 million (CDN) King Shaka International Airport was newly-built to handle World Cup traffic.
German right back lucky to stay on the pitch - that could well have been a leg breaker!
had fiver on muller to score first. 9/1 brill
Apres Match doing the whole half time analysis on RTÉ there!!
Just after seeing that tackle, haven't been paying much attention to the game itself, was the Uruguay player able to continue?
yeah, he was fine. It was just over zealous, but it could have had a nasty outcome.
Seeing the slow-mo he was very lucky not to injure anything. Very surprised not to see Klose, flu or not!
Quote from: Celt_Man on July 10, 2010, 08:25:43 PM
Apres Match doing the whole half time analysis on RTÉ there!!
They are doing the whole match.
Quite a decent game so far. Forlan is a class act.
Uruguay look so much better with Suarez. It allows Forlan to recieve the ball in deeper positions and run at defences or take long shots, can't think of any other player in this tournament who seems at such ease with the ball. He's been flawless from long range and most set pieces.
I guess O Neill think's this is a crap match to?
Time for the kitchen sink.
Forlan has had some tournament. Cert for a place on any team of the tournament and not far off being a Golden Ball winner.
Suarez cheating again.
in the race for the golden boot - how costly will that free kick at the end be that hit the crossbar from forlan?
Uruguay's goalie was not up to this standard, undid all the hard work from the rest of the team.
Both teams went at it full belt but Uruguay's energy faded faster after 70 mins
A bit of an anti climax at the final whistle. Would have been cruel and perverse if it ended in a draw and have them playing out extra time just for a third place.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 10, 2010, 09:21:23 PM
Suarez cheating again.
You should watch the game with a bit more attention :)
The cheating at the end of the Uruguay v Ghana game was done by a Ghana player who blatantly dived to win that last second free kick. Should have been a throw-in to Uruguay - game over - penalties. Instead a great injustice was done to Uruguay to have Suarez suspended for the SF because of a Ghana player diving :)
Last night, the game's biggest cheat was Jansson, who tried to get an Uruguay defender carded, he blatantly dived on 15 minutes and roared as if he was on the torture rack.
Last nine 3rd place match scorelines: 3-2, 3-1, 3-2, 2-1, 4-0, 2-1, 4-2, 3-2, 2-1
Last nine World Cup final scorelines: 1-1, 2-0, 3-0, 0-0, 1-0, 3-2, 3-1, 3-1, 2-1
I put that into my machine and this is the result:
Spain 1 Holland 0
Putting a few quid on the following bet: Dirk the Destroyer to score the 1st goal and Spain to win. Anyone know the odds for this?
Thanks
125-1 on PP
I'll go for a Holland win. They have had time to get over the giddy experience of beating Brazil, brought down to earth by Uruguay and now face the final with their feet firmly on the ground.
Robben to get Capdevila carded, <20 minutes?
Spain will have an exhaustive analysis of why they failed to win, was it Pedro? was it not playing Fabregas? but finally will plump on blaming the hum along National Anthem
That's Forlan out of the running for golden boot now. Unless Villa or Sneijder score tonight its Thomas Mullers crown based on assists which I think is a stupid rule - they should just share it!
Forlans's foot doesn't shrink to share a boot.
I can now reveal the hidden secret to Holland's success in getting to the Final
Holland manager
"We are going to do anything and everything we can to win. As I have said from day one, we have full respect for our opponent but we are not afraid and we are convinced we can win this match."
Quite obvious who the role model of inspiration is for Banty Van Marwijk.
No Torres. Pedro keeps his place.
Holland back to full strength too.
This will not end 11 v 11
Van Bommel will do well to make it to half time.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 11, 2010, 07:58:52 PM
This will not end 11 v 11
Van Bommel will do well to make it to half time.
Some tasty tackles going in. The Dutch could have been 2 men down already
Quote from: el_cuervo_fc on July 11, 2010, 08:00:03 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 11, 2010, 07:58:52 PM
This will not end 11 v 11
Van Bommel will do well to make it to half time.
Some tasty tackles going in. The Dutch could have been 2 men down already
Wasn't sure who to support but now I hope Spain win after those tackles.
On par with the last World cup final van bommel likely to get sent off in 2nd half, penalties anyone?
De Jong a very lucky boy!
Poor game, I actually think the Dutch had the better of it though.
I wonder would Holland have let Spain score if that pass back to Casilles from the Dutch player gone in over his head into the back of the net
the rte panel have surpassed themselves in their unbelievably biased summation of the first half. The absolute shite their talking at the moment is without parallel. Gilesie believes the dutch people at home want to lose this game, so disugusted will they be with dutch tactics ;D ;D
I don't know, personally i think the dutch have been the better side and are playing the spanish very well so far, difficult to keep it up though. Both sides have been fairly durty, but the panel have ignored that side of their game.
Re the casillas mistake, i think it would have been fair enough for the dutch to take the corner as normal, casillas kicked the ball out in the first place, they certainly didn't need webb over directing them to hit the corner back to casillas, it was nothing to do with him either way.
Aye I nearly choked on my Double Decker bar when I heard Giles saying the Dutch people wouldn't care if they won or not now
After losing two World Cup finals I think the Dutch would be delighted no matter how they won one.
awful miss by robben, really terrible.
An equally bad miss by Villa there. A lot of men who backed him for top scorer would have been screaming at the TV there!
Quote from: tyroneboi on July 11, 2010, 08:59:23 PM
An equally bad miss by Villa there. A lot of men who backed him for top scorer would have been screaming at the TV there!
As a former defender I would actually give credit to the defender who blocked his shot
Another sitter missed.
Torres to score the winner.
In fairness Heitinga certainly made up for his error in the first place.
The sooner Van Bommell gets sent off the better!
What an ugly, repulsive spectacle this 'game' truly is.
Xavi and Iniesta do some complaining.
Robben in the king of complainers!
Quote from: tyroneboi on July 11, 2010, 09:12:47 PM
Robben in the king of complainers!
I thought a Louth fan had got on the pitch there for a second
First coat dry.
A mistake now and you are your country's villain for the rest of your life.
Extra time has been a big improvment
I hope it goes to penalties, I like the drama.
Another sport with serious integrity issues. In this case it reflects the personality and priorities of its top official.
Thank f**k for that.
The Dutch are annoying particularly the whinger Robben.
Good stuff. I hope that decides it, and those cynical dirty Dutch b*stards win fcuk all, ever.
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 11, 2010, 09:58:04 PM
Good stuff. I hope that decides it, and those cynical dirty Dutch b*stards win fcuk all, ever.
that's right, cos the spanish weren't at all cynical either, in fact, puyol was trying to push robben arond casillas when he accidentally impeded him that time.
very poor game, neither sides tactics helped, spain improved immeasurably when they decided to attack the game and bring off alonso.
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 11, 2010, 10:02:23 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 11, 2010, 09:58:04 PM
Good stuff. I hope that decides it, and those cynical dirty Dutch b*stards win fcuk all, ever.
that's right, cos the spanish weren't at all cynical either, in fact, puyol was trying to push robben arond casillas when he accidentally impeded him that time.
They weren't without fault either, the Spanish, but very much in reaction to the Dutch. They were disgraceful (the Dutch), and I'm delighted the fcukers lost. Van Bommel -- thug, and I'll list a few more if you like.
glad spain won in the end, and I started off supporting Holland.
Torres crocked, Chelsea will hardly want him now
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 11, 2010, 10:08:18 PM
Torres crocked, Chelsea will hardly want him now
Offer them Kuyt and start praying.
I had 20 euro on Spain to win 1-0 in 90mins f**king extra time, did anyone hear george hamilton and his TORRRESS when spain scored :D
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 11, 2010, 10:04:07 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 11, 2010, 10:02:23 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 11, 2010, 09:58:04 PM
Good stuff. I hope that decides it, and those cynical dirty Dutch b*stards win fcuk all, ever.
that's right, cos the spanish weren't at all cynical either, in fact, puyol was trying to push robben arond casillas when he accidentally impeded him that time.
They weren't without fault either, the Spanish, but very much in reaction to the Dutch. They were disgraceful (the Dutch), and I'm delighted the fcukers lost. Van Bommel -- thug, and I'll list a few more if you like.
I don't disagree, but the way the rte boys are talking (in fact they've just said the spanish didn't committ a cynical foul in the game) you'd think the spanish were totally blameless. They set out a relatively defensive lineup and anytime a dutch player looked like breaking the line, he was taken out of it just like the dutch did.
The dutch should have won anyway, awful miss by robben.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 11, 2010, 10:06:08 PM
glad spain won in the end, and I started off supporting Holland.
me too pints, but you couldnt like them if you reared them
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 11, 2010, 10:08:18 PM
Torres crocked, Chelsea will hardly want him now
If they've seen the world cup, they'd hardly want him.
Quote from: muppet on July 11, 2010, 10:09:51 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 11, 2010, 10:08:18 PM
Torres crocked, Chelsea will hardly want him now
Offer them Kuyt and start praying.
If they've seen the world cup, they'd go for Kuyt anyday ;)
has anyone seen a replay of iniesta's goal, was he offside when the initial ball was played in?
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 11, 2010, 10:21:01 PM
has anyone seen a replay of iniesta's goal, was he offside when the initial ball was played in?
Nope, technically he wasn't in
that cycle of play (even though he was ahead of the last defender) -- he wasn't 'interfering with play'; ergo perfectly legit goal.
Seriously BBXV, are you saying that the Spaniards were (down) at the same cynical level of the Dutch?
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 11, 2010, 10:19:14 PM
Quote from: muppet on July 11, 2010, 10:09:51 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 11, 2010, 10:08:18 PM
Torres crocked, Chelsea will hardly want him now
Offer them Kuyt and start praying.
If they've seen the world cup, they'd go for Kuyt anyday ;)
Great! I hope they build a team around his wonderful talents.
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 11, 2010, 10:21:01 PM
has anyone seen a replay of iniesta's goal, was he offside when the initial ball was played in?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8808966.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8808966.stm)
Definitely onside from both passes.
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 11, 2010, 10:23:55 PM
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 11, 2010, 10:21:01 PM
has anyone seen a replay of iniesta's goal, was he offside when the initial ball was played in?
Nope, technically he wasn't in that cycle of play (even though he was ahead of the last defender) -- he wasn't 'interfering with play'; ergo perfectly legit goal.
Seriously BBXV, are you saying that the Spaniards were (down) at the same cynical level of the Dutch?
but the pass was actually to him, been better for holland then if the defender had let the ball get through to him?
I'm not saying that at all, i'm saying i can't understand the shite that's being talked about the whiter than white spanish. Last Euros they would have been accurate, this time round, bar the second half against germany, spain have been pretty defensive and have not played well at all.
They scored 9 goals in 7 games, have won their last 4 games 1-0, hardly swashbuckling stuff.
At the end of the day BBXV, you're talking about tactics there, I'm talking about thuggery. Van Bommel and De Jong were a disgrace (as were 5 other Dutch), can you say the same of a single Spaniard?
Forlan won the Golden Ball.
Muller got Golden boot and best young player.
Big Congrats to New Zealand they were the only unbeaten team in this world cup :o
Quote from: Square Ball on July 11, 2010, 10:17:41 PM
Quote from: pintsofguinness on July 11, 2010, 10:06:08 PM
glad spain won in the end, and I started off supporting Holland.
me too pints, but you couldnt like them if you reared them
Me three. I couldn't be looking at the antics of Van Bommel and De Jong. Jaysus Alonso is lucky he's not picking his ribs up off the ground after that 'tackle'.
Spain could do with figuring out what to do with a centre forward though. Villa was out of the game again tonight for long periods. Although I suppose they are world champions :D
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on July 11, 2010, 10:33:44 PM
Forlan won the Golden Ball.
Muller got Golden boot and best young player.
worthy winners for both awards, although the golden boot should have been shared. Dunphy talks more and more shite by the minute.
Après match brilliant tonight :D
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 11, 2010, 10:46:34 PM
Après match brilliant tonight :D
Unlike the soccer, they kept the best to last :D
They showed the best goals of the tournament at the end there, and included Lampard's goal :D
You know the World Cup final is fecked when a Celtic reserve comes on for one team at LB and the other team don't even test him once.
That game had me numb, never did I get so apathetic about a game so soon.
Quote from: Main Street on July 11, 2010, 11:03:38 PM
You know the World Cup final is fecked when a Celtic reserve comes on for one team at LB and the other team don't even test him once.
That game had me numb, never did I get so apathetic about a game so soon.
You have seen World Cup finals before no doubt?
It is a pity the Gaa didn't copy FIFA and present the officials with medals after the Leinster Final.
I can see Sludden now walking up the steps booking people.
Not a great tournament really. Too many mistakes being the deciding factors in matches. Forlan being best player tells a story of a lo of elite players flopping. I don't agree with it, I thought Suarez was a more influential player for them up to the quarter final. Forlan then gets a goal in the semi in the absence of Suarez and another in the irrelevant 3rd place play off. Suarez looked a better player. The trouble is there is no outstanding individual candidate, Villa,Xavi, Iniesta, Puyol, Ramos, Casillas for spain Muller, Sweinsteiger, Klose for Germany.Muller could have won it for Germany with Ozil as young player of the tournament.
For me though it has to be a Spaniard and I will go for Villa, he provided, goals, skills and leadership when it counted. It is not all that important as it is a team game.
Howard Webb was rubbish tonight as ref. He allowed the Dutch to try and kick the Spanish out of the game. It was like Norman break your legs hunter in the 70s. He is lucky, he got the right result.
Sludden would have sorted out that Dutch team.
Don't know about Webb, he was caught between a rock and a hard place. He dished out the warnings and the yellows early on. Apart from the de Jongs kung fu kick, he got most decisions spot on, he was spot on with dives and even the hard to spot, false penalty claim. At least Webb tried hard to let a competitive game happen. The ones mainly responsible for that ugly spectacle were the Dutch team.
Best team won and they show that a traditional centre forward is becoming more and more redundant, it is all about the midfield.
Ross4life was wrong again before the tournament.
Wrong again? didn't i get Chelsea for league & Inter for European cup right (two out of three not bad)
here's what i said before tournament...4th in the 1950 World Cup is the best Spain have done so far... i'm sure they can improve on that stat? & i did fancy Brazil to beat Spain if they played them.. of course that never happened & If the African teams gets out of there groups they will be doing well, Hard to see past Spain/Brazil! good EW bet Argentina/Germany
& i might as well add this... Villa is worth a bet for the Golden boot, Spain should have plenty of games & Villa is by far there top goal scorer
Disappointing finale to a disappointing tournament. Especially disappointing after such a terrific tournament two years ago at the Euros. Disappointing.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 12, 2010, 12:01:44 AM
Howard Webb was rubbish tonight as ref. He allowed the Dutch to try and kick the Spanish out of the game. It was like Norman break your legs hunter in the 70s. He is lucky, he got the right result.
Maybe true but if he had gone and sent off a load players he would have been berated for ruining the World Cup Final!!
I thought he done ok,it was a tough game to Ref,though De Jong I think it was should have seen red for his kung f u tackle on Alonso
Webb also missed a massive deflection off the Spanish wall that should have been a dutch corner right before the Spanish goal. He missed at least one more Dutch yellow card and sent off a player on my fantasy football team.
The lads on BBC said he was rubbish without saying he was rubbish. They said 2 or 3 dutch players could have been sent off by half time. The missed deflection on the corner kick was huge and caused a massive change in the flight of the ball.
Lets be honest that level of refereeing performance in an opening round game of a world cup might have seen him on the next plane home.
Had Holland concentrated on playing football instead of booting everyone around them they would have stood a better chance of winning.
Quote from: AFS on July 12, 2010, 05:14:14 AM
Disappointing finale to a disappointing tournament. Especially disappointing after such a terrific tournament two years ago at the Euros. Disappointing.
totally agree with that, and that tournament led to an excellent season of football afterwards, with coaches at all levels trying to play football, hopefully they won't be trying the same after this tournament.
By the way, does anyone know how Puyol stayed on the pitch after taking out Robben the second time? (just for a bit of balance ;))
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 12, 2010, 07:37:04 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 12, 2010, 12:01:44 AM
Howard Webb was rubbish tonight as ref. He allowed the Dutch to try and kick the Spanish out of the game. It was like Norman break your legs hunter in the 70s. He is lucky, he got the right result.
Maybe true but if he had gone and sent off a load players he would have been berated for ruining the World Cup Final!!
I thought he done ok,it was a tough game to Ref,though De Jong I think it was should have seen red for his kung f u tackle on Alonso
100% LaoisLad. I thought Webb was good enough in a hard game to referee, thanks to the Dutch. He should have red carded De Jong, but in fairness he tried to stamp out the tackles without reducing the Dutch to 8 players. He'd then be hammered for that.
That game summed up the World Cup, one of many games I'd been looking forward to and, like the rest, a complete dissapointment. Happy with the result though, Xavi and Iniesta definitely got the last laugh over Sneijder after last season's Champion's League. Can't understand how one of them didn't win best player.
Final apart obviously, there were plenty of interesting and exciting games at this WC tournament.
The European teams provided most of the disappointment, negativity and cynicism, so much so that an average enough German team looked fresh and exciting.
France and England were a shambles, Italy ordinary, Denmark and Switzerland contained, Portugal contained and negative, Greece were Greece, Serbia?.
Slovakia and Slovenia were credible and honest for what they are.
The other big disappointment was Brazil, when they faced real pressure.
An impatient and highly strung Brazil showed signs of disintigrating in the game against Chile before the game turned in their direction, with 3 outrageous dives and moaning incessantly to the ref about the imaginary hurt.
Both Paraguay and Uruguay had well coached sparse squads. Both were littered with technically proficient players, comfortable on the ball, playing an attractive balance of defensive, midfield and attacking football. Both teams were refreshingly (almost) free from the histrionic cynicism of the European teams.
Chile play a dying breed of football, that's why its called suicidal defending.
Brutal tackling is not really a problem, because the ref has full authority to deal with it.
What has not been dealt with, is the blatant cheating.
Who won player of the tournament?
Actually jumped up off sofa when Spain scored and prior to game didn't really care who won. Webb imo was in a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation here.
Can actually imagine the whining from Dunphy and co if he sent 2 Dutch guys off. "Losing control....... spoiling the showpiece etc etc "
Pretty poor WC as imo it is the first post "crazy money" tournament where imo the major players(mid to late 20s) were more concerned about club loyalties (and paychecks) than the WC. Champions Lgue has also diluted the importance of WC.
Quote from: Canalman on July 12, 2010, 12:59:16 PM
Actually jumped up off sofa when Spain scored and prior to game didn't really care who won. Webb imo was in a damned if you do/damned if you don't situation here.
Can actually imagine the whining from Dunphy and co if he sent 2 Dutch guys off. "Losing control....... spoiling the showpiece etc etc "
Pretty poor WC as imo it is the first post "crazy money" tournament where imo the major players(mid to late 20s) were more concerned about club loyalties (and paychecks) than the WC. Champions Lgue has also diluted the importance of WC.
Try telling that to the million or so people awaiting the open bus tour in the city centre Madrid!
http://www.sport.es/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=44&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=721742&idseccio_PK=1585
Watch the video at the bottom, again it's in Spanish but shows how much it meant to him.
Thats class,Casillas bird is some mighty bit of stuff
Have to agree with those saying Webb did ok. The boys on RTE go unbelievably over the top on everything, thought their analysis last night was rubbish. That game was unreal hard to referee and I would guess that he did his best not to mess the game up by sending off 3 or 4 players. Made two poor decisions, the De Jong kick on Alonso and the corner to Holland. Other than that I would like the RTE boys to tell me what he did wrong?
Spain deserved to win and Holland should have no complaints, especially given Robbens two one-on-one's. Also, on last nights evidence, Fabregas should definitely start for Spain.
Quote from: GBXII on July 12, 2010, 01:18:16 PM
Have to agree with those saying Webb did ok. The boys on RTE go unbelievably over the top on everything, thought their analysis last night was rubbish. That game was unreal hard to referee and I would guess that he did his best not to mess the game up by sending off 3 or 4 players. Made two poor decisions, the De Jong kick on Alonso and the corner to Holland. Other than that I would like the RTE boys to tell me what he did wrong?
Spain deserved to win and Holland should have no complaints, especially given Robbens two one-on-one's. Also, on last nights evidence, Fabregas should definitely start for Spain.
Remember when Holland knocked Brazil out, Brady said the ref that day was terrible when he had a really good game, he called very foul and dive perfectly. The only mistake he made was not dishing out a yeloow or red card sooner but that didn't stop Brady tearing into him.
Though the ref did miss every Van Bomell "tackle" against Brazil.
Remember when Klose got his 2nd yellow for a foul tackle from behind, the rte panel were apocalyptic in criticising the ref for ruining the game.
Quote from: GBXII on July 12, 2010, 01:18:16 PM
Spain deserved to win and Holland should have no complaints, especially given Robbens two one-on-one's. Also, on last nights evidence, Fabregas should definitely start for Spain.
Doesn't stop Holland being bad losers, Robben is some whiner. They have some cheek to criticise Webb. Indicative of the negative mentality they have in their set-up at this tournament.
Contrast that with the Uruguayan manager's dignified response to going out to Holland when there was a controversial game defining goal.
They should be thanking Webb, but for him they would have been down to 9 men by half time.
Quote from: Main Street on July 12, 2010, 12:26:44 PMBoth Paraguay and Uruguay had well coached sparse squads. Both were littered with technically proficient players, comfortable on the ball, playing an attractive balance of defensive, midfield and attacking football. Both teams were refreshingly (almost) free from the histrionic cynicism of the European teams.
Ah main street, we've been through Uruguay and I can see your point, but Paraguay?? Mentioning Paraguay and attractive in the same sentence, whilst not referring to the world cup's sexiest player (Roque Santa Cruz apparently) or thon bird with the phone in her chest is a stretch too far. Paraguay's last goal in the tournament was in the last few minutes of their second game. They proceeded to play 90 mins against New Zealand and 120 against Japan without really looking like scoring, granted they played better against Spain and should have scored, but still, that was 5 hours of football without a score, attractive balance of defensive, midfield and attacking football, not for me anway.
QuoteTry telling that to the million or so people awaiting the open bus tour in the city centre Madrid!
Barca players been cheered through streets of Madrid whilst at same time Barca fans are sickened with the result
The Bbc tore into Webbs first half performance but not by name. Tge Dutch are blaming Webb as well. Unfortunately for him he blew the big calls last night and that won't be forgotten.
The only thing In his favour is that it is hard when a team goes out to commit fouls knowing a yellow card won't result in a suspension. There was a late tackle last night where a Dutch player was so late that the ref had turned his back on the players to follow where the ball was going.
Quote from: Rossie11 on July 12, 2010, 01:59:22 PM
QuoteTry telling that to the million or so people awaiting the open bus tour in the city centre Madrid!
Barca players been cheered through streets of Madrid whilst at same time Barca fans are sickened with the result
I know, it's ironic that the spine of this team is Catalan. "ould have been some craic if Llorente had came on and scored the winner!
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 12, 2010, 02:04:34 PM
The Bbc tore into Webbs first half performance but not by name. Tge Dutch are blaming Webb as well. Unfortunately for him he blew the big calls last night and that won't be forgotten.
The only thing In his favour is that it is hard when a team goes out to commit fouls knowing a yellow card won't result in a suspension. There was a late tackle last night where a Dutch player was so late that the ref had turned his back on the players to follow where the ball was going.
I have to laugh at the Dutch blaming Webb. He was overly kind to them. Yes he made a mistake with Spains goal but Holland were lucky he didn't send two or three of them off.
Quote from: Bogball XV on July 12, 2010, 01:58:52 PM
Quote from: Main Street on July 12, 2010, 12:26:44 PMBoth Paraguay and Uruguay had well coached sparse squads. Both were littered with technically proficient players, comfortable on the ball, playing an attractive balance of defensive, midfield and attacking football. Both teams were refreshingly (almost) free from the histrionic cynicism of the European teams.
Ah main street, we've been through Uruguay and I can see your point, but Paraguay?? Mentioning Paraguay and attractive in the same sentence, whilst not referring to the world cup's sexiest player (Roque Santa Cruz apparently) or thon bird with the phone in her chest is a stretch too far. Paraguay's last goal in the tournament was in the last few minutes of their second game. They proceeded to play 90 mins against New Zealand and 120 against Japan without really looking like scoring, granted they played better against Spain and should have scored, but still, that was 5 hours of football without a score, attractive balance of defensive, midfield and attacking football, not for me anway.
I never noticed the phone 'til somebody here pointed it out.
One can never discount (even the subliminal) the effect of that photo on people's positive perceptions of Paraguay.
They have come a long way since the boy scout teams they have sent to previous tournaments.
Quality is relative in international football, Paraguay like their rival Uruguay made great use of their meagre resources to shine brighter than the illustrious Argentina or arguably even Brazil.
With Spain, Torres is injured? bring on Villa or Silva or even Jesus :) Alonso injured? just bring on Fabregas.
In their first game (cagily) they credibly drew with champions Italy, then they outplayed Slovakia and only needed a draw against NZ to top the group. I didn't see the NZ game but the other 2 were a credit to a team who knew how to defend and pass their way out of trouble. Every player was comfortable on the ball, the team worked as one and they were the best passing team in that tournament after Spain.
I think on overall quality no doubt they are behind Spain, Germany and Holland but performed better that the rest of the European teams. Do Paraguay leave this tournament with lots of credit? the answer is yes.
And when I visit S.A. I will surely consider going to Paraguay :)
Webb was rubbish because he is not a good ref. Full stop. He was woeful in the Premier League last season but somehow managed have a couple of decent games in the World Cup which led to him getting the final where he promptly reverted back to his usual form. How can a ref have a good game when he is booking lads for tackles he clearly did not see (Heitinga) and then not actually giving the opposition the free-kick for it. Or when he misses a huge deflection off the Spanish wall that would have given the Dutch a corner rather than conceding a goal at the other end 20 seconds later. Granted the Dutch did not make it easy on him but he should have sent at least one of them off before half-time. De Jong certainly should have got a straight red for his assault on Alonso. Nobody would have argued with that and maybe it would have stopped the Dutch systematically takling turns to foul all through the game. Bottom line is Webb got too much wrong even if it was a difficult final to officiate.
Quote from: Celt_Man on July 12, 2010, 01:07:42 AM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 11, 2010, 10:46:34 PM
Après match brilliant tonight :D
Aye they were hilarious!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyu6VIVSvgA&feature=channel
Reina enjoys the craic..
http://www.rtve.es/deportes/20100712/guerra-almohadas-fiesta-enorme/339362.shtml
Cesc Fabregased
Glad to see Spain win that. Truly they are an exceptional team and if Torres had have been on form they would have spanked teams in the way their football deserved.
For me, Iniesta and Xavi are both edging their ways into the bracket of best footballers of all time. In terms of movement, intelligence, precision and energy, they have no peers in modern football.
The worst day of the tournament was the day Holland beat Brazil
The Spain -v- Brazil final was the one we all wanted to see....well all neutrals anyway. I still can't decide how it would have gone, I'd love to know, but we never will.
Disappointing performances from the likes of Ribery, Gourcuff, Anelka, Henry, Rooney, Gerrard, Messi, Ronaldo, Eto'o , Van Persie, kaka, Drogba, Torres
Looking back how many good matches did we get? & i wouldn't use the ball as a excuse... the quality of players was not up to the level of other world cups
Good bye and good riddance to the shittiest World Cup in my memory. Dampened the anticipation for the new league season.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 12, 2010, 09:08:56 PM
Glad to see Spain win that. Truly they are an exceptional team and if Torres had have been on form they would have spanked teams in the way their football deserved.
For me, Iniesta and Xavi are both edging their ways into the bracket of best footballers of all time. In terms of movement, intelligence, precision and energy, they have no peers in modern football.
Ironically their only competition in this regard was on the Spanish bench and the next closest was at home in Spain.
Can't understand how people continue saying Messi was a dissapointment, he made the shortlist for best player! You can't mention his performance with those of Ronaldo, Rooney etc.
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 04:37:29 PM
Can't understand how people continue saying Messi was a dissapointment, he made the shortlist for best player! You can't mention his performance with those of Ronaldo, Rooney etc.
He was below his Barca form but still had a decent tournament. Ronaldo and Rooney didn't even show up.
That's my point! You can't compare the three. Roll on Brazil 2014.
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 04:37:29 PM
Can't understand how people continue saying Messi was a dissapointment, he made the shortlist for best player! You can't mention his performance with those of Ronaldo, Rooney etc.
The fact he has been tipped as the new Maradona might have something to do with it? some will say he played to deep in this world cup but only Asamoah Gyan had more shots on goals than him, also how many goal assists did Messi have or man of the match performances? Can't understand how he made shortlist for best player when someone like Dirk Kuyt was better
I'll hold my judgment on Messi until the next world cup where the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo & Messi will all be at there peaks
Quote from: ross4life on July 13, 2010, 04:57:46 PM
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 04:37:29 PM
Can't understand how people continue saying Messi was a dissapointment, he made the shortlist for best player! You can't mention his performance with those of Ronaldo, Rooney etc.
The fact he has been tipped as the new Maradona might have something to do with it? some will say he played to deep in this world cup but only Asamoah Gyan had more shots on goals than him, also how many goal assists did Messi have or man of the match performances? Can't understand how he made shortlist for best player when someone like Dirk Kuyt was better
I'll hold my judgment on Messi until the next world cup where the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo & Messi will all be at there peaks
Off the top of my head, he set up all 4 goals in the South Korea game, one in the Greece game and set up Carlos Tevez's offside goal in the Mexico game, think that's it? MOTM in the Nigeria game and South Korea. He's only 22, like Maradona in '78 and will be 26 in 2014. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, they're still a fairly young team and can only get better, whereas the future looks fairly dull for Portugal and England!
Quote from: ross4life on July 13, 2010, 04:57:46 PM
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 04:37:29 PM
Can't understand how people continue saying Messi was a dissapointment, he made the shortlist for best player! You can't mention his performance with those of Ronaldo, Rooney etc.
I'll hold my judgment on Messi until the next world cup where the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo & Messi will all be at there peaks
I'd say he can't wait for your approval
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 05:24:29 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 13, 2010, 04:57:46 PM
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 04:37:29 PM
Can't understand how people continue saying Messi was a dissapointment, he made the shortlist for best player! You can't mention his performance with those of Ronaldo, Rooney etc.
The fact he has been tipped as the new Maradona might have something to do with it? some will say he played to deep in this world cup but only Asamoah Gyan had more shots on goals than him, also how many goal assists did Messi have or man of the match performances? Can't understand how he made shortlist for best player when someone like Dirk Kuyt was better
I'll hold my judgment on Messi until the next world cup where the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo & Messi will all be at there peaks
Off the top of my head, he set up all 4 goals in the South Korea game, one in the Greece game and set up Carlos Tevez's offside goal in the Mexico game, think that's it? MOTM in the Nigeria game and South Korea. He's only 22, like Maradona in '78 and will be 26 in 2014. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, they're still a fairly young team and can only get better, whereas the future looks fairly dull for Portugal and England!
I think FIFA Stats says Messi had only one assist & that was the offside goal
Yes they are a young team and can only get better but if they don't learn how to defend (find new defenders) in 4 years time they will flop again
Not sure how Portugal and England will do in 4 years but you would imagine Rooney28/Ronaldo29 would be better then
To be fair Ross, FIFA also gave Sneijder 2 own goals! I wouldn't pay much attention to those things, he set up a pile. Said it earlier myself, 4 years is plenty of time to find some new defenders, thought Romero looked a decent keeper too. Rooney might be better, but what about the rest of the team? They'll still be unable to find a decent keeper or right back and all the main players will be over 30, that's if they're even still playing.
Quote from: paco on July 13, 2010, 05:49:27 PM
To be fair Ross, FIFA also gave Sneijder 2 own goals! I wouldn't pay much attention to those things, he set up a pile. Said it earlier myself, 4 years is plenty of time to find some new defenders, thought Romero looked a decent keeper too. Rooney might be better, but what about the rest of the team? They'll still be unable to find a decent keeper or right back and all the main players will be over 30, that's if they're even still playing.
Yep most the main guys will be over 30 Terry,Rio,Ashley Cole,Gerrard i guess they will be hoping Arsenal,United,liverpool can produce some new talent
You could argue Rooney will be past his peak, I don't think he has the genetics/body shape (as opposed to Giggs for example) to have a long career.
Some interesting views:
Carlos Pi, Barcelona, says:
My father is one of six brothers from Barcelona. My mother is one of five sisters from Madrid. We grew up in Madrid, driving to Catalonia every year for Christmas. I have always felt frustrated by the tensions between Spanish regions, which now seem at an all-time high in my lifetime. The night we won I heard people chant centralist slogans: "Hola hola hola, Barcelona es Espanola!". Back at the office today there were still some disgruntled Catalans complaining about 'excessive TV coverage' of the celebrations yesterday and last night. I am so proud of the Spanish team, my team. If only the rest of the population could have a more pragmatic attitude, closer to that of the players that brought the World Cup home.
Joseba, Elorrio, Basque country, says:
I am Basque and live in the Basque country. I, along with most of the people in our town, wanted Holland to beat Spain. Unlike other not-yet independent countries such as Wales, Scotland or NI, we are not allowed to field our own Basque national team in international competitions. Basque players such as Xabi Alonso in my opinion should not play for Spain out of protest, but I understand that they need to further their careers. Personally, I could never put a Spanish shirt on my back, knowing the oppression that they impose daily on Basque people. But this is a country where politics rules and no Basque national team indirectly means more votes for the Spanish parties, in the same way that it is in the interests of the Spanish government that ETA continues to exist (despite what they say). As long as there is 'terrorism', there are votes for PP and PSOE.
Oier Aristizabal, Oiartzun, Basque Country, says:
Well, I do not think it will have a major impact on the Catalan and Basque issues. The fact that after the referee blew the final whistle Carles Puyol (Barcelona's captain) and Iker Casillas (Real Madrid's captain) euphorically hugged each other does not mean, despite some other arguments, that we are facing a new era to solve this problem. Afterwards, Puyol proudly waved the Catalan flag and so did Casillas with the Spanish one. Football is a good example for many aspects in life, including politics, but in the end it is a game. It is, as I see, strictly sports and not politics. Anyway, we tend to mix them, we cannot help it. I am an Euskaldun (Basque) and I was happy to see Spain winning the World Cup. They definitely deserved the trophy. I would love to see one day the Basque National team qualifying for the World Cup. At least we should have the same chance as the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish do, alongside England within the United Kingdom. All in all, Spain is an artificial union. It was never united in a friendly manner but with blood and fire. Different kingdoms in Spain did not get together happily, but after being defeated in bloody wars. That is why the problem still exists and I do not think the World Cup winning will make Spain a more united nation.
Richard Smith, Bilbao, says:
Here in Bilbao I've watched the Spanish team progress, and had hoped for the dream formula; that Athletic de Bilbao's Fernando Llorente would score the goal that won them the World Cup. Sadly, in my local bar on the night of the final, there was a sign that read: "Here we support only Holland. Spaniards no thanks!"
Asier, Bilbao, Euskal Herria, says:
As a Basque myself I want independence for my country more than ever, after seeing with dismay this show of Spanish intransigent nationalism. And of course I wanted Holland to win the final. It's not nice to see people with the Spanish flag (most of them Spanish colonialist immigrants), some of them shouting "Franco, Franco" in your city, knowing that they don't let us decide our future or have our national teams. Independence and freedom for the Basque Country and Catalonia NOW!
Barrie Jackson, Madrid, says:
The World Cup victory is fantastic and it takes the magnifying glass away from the incompetent government for a while. But nothing has changed sadly. The sale of flags and tee shirts has increased but I suppose the vast majority have been produced in China so the Spanish economy doesn't even benefit from this. The sale of beer and soft drinks in bars has increased as a result of the televised matches but that's all. Living in Madrid I can't comment on Catalunya or the Basque Country save to say that before the WC putting a flag on your car or on your balcony was a right wing fascist symbol. Temporarily it's been accepted as reflecting the football team. So I repeat, business as usual, high unemployment, increased taxation, corrupt politicians, pesimism, number one concern to everyone is the threat of being made unemployed, no light at the end of the tunnel of the economic recession, no political unity.
Albert Busquets, Barcelona, says:
I'm from Catalonia. I just feel Catalan, not Spanish. I don't hate the Spanish. In fact, being an "independentist" doesn't imply I hate Spain. But I don't want to be part of that country. They don't understand our language, our culture and our traditions. In fact, there are a lot of Spaniards that hate us, giving derogatory names to us, but on the other hand they don't want independence for us because of our taxes. We pay more than other people from the same country. We have different rights and responsibilities, but we receive less facilities than others. I don't trust that journalist when he says that you can speak Catalan in Madrid. That's completely false. You can have a problem if you do that. Anyway, independence can't be a reality if our politicians don't act with responsibility and unity in Madrid.
Borja, Ferrol, Galicia, says:
Whenever people talk about nationalism problems in Spain, many usually forget that in Galicia there are many people who support greater autonomy from Madrid. Galicia is arguably the territory with more signs of distinction in the Iberian Peninsula, apart from Portugal, including language (the second most spoken in Spain after Castellano and Catalan), culture, weather and geography. The reason why there is no more Galician nationalist representation in the Spanish Parliament relates to the fact that nationalist parties in Galicia (concentrated in a group called BNG - Bloque Nacionalista Galego) are more supportive of independence, unlike the most representative nationalist Basque and Catalan parties, which support greater autonomy without breaking the structure of the Spanish nation. This make them seem less radical than BNG in Galicia and, thereby, get electoral support from non-nationalist voters who wish more power in Madrid's parliament.
Beatriz Garcia Duecias, Madrid, says:
I fed up with this "separatist" thing. Plenty of Catalans are as well. I live in Madrid but I have family and friends in Barcelona. I love that city! And I really don't understand why a few politicians want to split apart the whole peninsula territory. But I also think that there are a few politicians making a lot of noise. When you go to Catalunya in a big city nobody cares about separation; no-one wants it. Usually it is in smaller towns where people want to be separated. And the funniest thing is that Montilla (a strong Catalan person) is naturally from Aragon. Celebrating the football victory it isn't a question of flags or patriotism! I think that Spanish people used these items to express a collective feeling without thinking about politics and so on. What I loved here is that there was a spontaneous feeling of happiness and sympathy for this young football team! Viva la fiesta!
Iso Peyer, Sursee, Switzerland, says:
Dear Mr Oppenheimer. You write that the Catalans "might be ready to support independence one day if necessary, but not yet", thus suggesting that Spain is still in unity thanks to Catalan good will and benevolence (among other factors, I suppose). Perhaps things are as you say, perhaps they are not. Why do you use words like "if necessary" and "not yet"? In my opinion, a more judicious choice of words would be appropriate, considering that the Catalans do not represent a majority in Spain.
Nicolas, Madrid, says:
I read Walter Oppenheimer's articles on the UK regularly in El Pais and since he seems to understand Britain better than many Britons, it is interesting to read his ideas about his own country. The only point I would take issue with in this article is the conclusion he draws about the significance of the demonstration in Barcelona against a judicial decision to reduce the powers of the Catalan parliament one day before the joyous celebration in the same city of the World Cup victory. Therein lies the dilemma for many Catalans. They can't help but feel Spanish, much as many of them would like to reject this inconvenient part of their own identity. Finally, I would like to add a point Mr Oppenheimer, perhaps as a Catalan, doesn't make. And that is that whilst Catalans remain fascinated by questions of their own identity, they don't quite see the effect that immigration, especially from South America, is having, and will increasingly have, on that very identity. These immigrants are Castilian speaking and may have other ideas about the linguistic, cultural and social future of Catalonia then the traditional notions of what it means to be Catalan. Anyone who witnessed the explosion of joy amongst immigrants at Spain's World Cup victory in the Madrid neighbourhood of Lavapies or in Barcelona's El Raval would have seen more than a fledgling sense of integration and pride amongst people not born in Spain. That pride and that new sense of identity is Spanish. It's hard to see the same communities in Barcelona joining a demonstration in defence of Catalan powers or of the Catalan language with quite the same enthusiasm.
Photoshop Arjen Robben
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(http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2010/07/robben5.jpg)
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Quote from: Minder on July 13, 2010, 06:17:16 PM
You could argue Rooney will be past his peak, I don't think he has the genetics/body shape (as opposed to Giggs for example) to have a long career.
What kind of body shape do you need and what makes one think that his gentics are so different from any other English footballer who had a long and successful career?
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 14, 2010, 11:35:25 AM
Quote from: Minder on July 13, 2010, 06:17:16 PM
You could argue Rooney will be past his peak, I don't think he has the genetics/body shape (as opposed to Giggs for example) to have a long career.
What kind of body shape do you need and what makes one think that his gentics are so different from any other English footballer who had a long and successful career?
Travellers have a shorter lifespan than normal people
Did anyone see Noel Gallagher have a go at Rooney, Lampard et al?
It was very good, he was basically saying that to be called Truly World Class you need to come to a Tournament like this and turn it on as per Iniesta & Xavi.
Very true. Rooney has been shit now at two World Cups.
England climb FIFA ranking to 7th.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8818696.stm
At least they've put Spain at No. 1.
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2010, 11:53:22 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 14, 2010, 11:39:47 AM
Did anyone see Noel Gallagher have a go at Rooney, Lampard et al?
It was very good, he was basically saying that to be called Truly World Class you need to come to a Tournament like this and turn it on as per Iniesta & Xavi.
Very true. Rooney has been shit now at two World Cups.
Noel Gallagher, font of knowledge on all things football ::)
Bang on the money IMO. You don't need to have played professionally to realise Rooney has been shit at two World Cups.
Would you call yourself a GAA expert Boycey having played a bit of club football? Opinions, opinions, we all have them and can express them.
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2010, 12:04:28 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 14, 2010, 11:56:26 AM
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2010, 11:53:22 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 14, 2010, 11:39:47 AM
Did anyone see Noel Gallagher have a go at Rooney, Lampard et al?
It was very good, he was basically saying that to be called Truly World Class you need to come to a Tournament like this and turn it on as per Iniesta & Xavi.
Very true. Rooney has been shit now at two World Cups.
Noel Gallagher, font of knowledge on all things football ::)
Bang on the money IMO. You don't need to have played professionally to realise Rooney has been shit at two World Cups.
Would you call yourself a GAA expert Boycey having played a bit of club football? Opinions, opinions, we all have them and can express them.
No you don't, and he certainly has been shit at two World Cups but you have to be an idiot to think Rooney isn't a World class player which is what Gallagher is suggesting.
I actually think he is saying Rooney and players like Iniesta/Xavi are incomparable, Rooney is not at their level. Sometimes people get blinded by club loyalties and fail to see things clearly, proper idiocy perhaps?
Two World Cups that Rooney has failed to shine in, Germany and South Africa.
Maybe he is a bad traveller?
Maybe not, but when you look at all of the top players of all time, probably only Best (off the top of my head) did not illuminate a big tournament at one point or another.
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2010, 01:01:20 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on July 14, 2010, 12:43:29 PM
Maybe not, but when you look at all of the top players of all time, probably only Best (off the top of my head) did not illuminate a big tournament at one point or another.
Thats a whole different argument, none of the players we're talking about, including Xavi and Iniesta, are in that category.
why not Iniesta and Xavi? Stand out players in the standout team @ the world cup. have won everything that can be won and have continuously shone. Do you have to be dead or retired?
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2010, 02:19:43 PM
Haven't looked back so apologies if already posted...
Classy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii387pzvyD0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii387pzvyD0)
What a p***k!
No matter what country, what a tosser.
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2010, 02:19:43 PM
Haven't looked back so apologies if already posted...
Classy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii387pzvyD0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii387pzvyD0)
Can't see that for some reason, what is it?
Pique spits on the back of some old Spanish team mentor and has a good old laugh about it with Fabregas.
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
Quote from: ross4life on July 14, 2010, 06:10:43 PM
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
So why would you say they were drunk?
Quote from: ONeill on July 12, 2010, 09:43:04 PM
Good bye and good riddance to the shittiest World Cup in my memory. Dampened the anticipation for the new league season.
+1. Worse than 1990. One day every World Cup game will last 15 mins and then go to best of 25 penalties with ad break for Nike and Snickers grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...............................................
Quote from: ross4life on July 14, 2010, 06:10:43 PM
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
tramps act
Quote from: ludermor on July 14, 2010, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 14, 2010, 06:10:43 PM
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
So why would you say they were drunk?
After winning a World cup I'm sure there was plenty of drink involved
Quote from: ross4life on July 15, 2010, 01:16:51 AM
Quote from: ludermor on July 14, 2010, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 14, 2010, 06:10:43 PM
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
So why would you say they were drunk?
After winning a World cup I'm sure there was plenty of drink involved
But you said that was no excuse so why even mention it?
Watched that there now. Hate that craic.
what a t**r, pr**k, w**ker etc etc...man deserves to be put down.
Jesus there are some Dorothy Mantooth's on this forum. The chap has just won the world cup, has been on the rampage ever since (can barely stand on the bus). Acts a bit juvenile
Im sure he'll be fairly gutted when he see's that footage..would ye's calm down ffs
Looks like Fabregas puts him up to it??
Quote from: ludermor on July 15, 2010, 07:40:08 AM
Quote from: ross4life on July 15, 2010, 01:16:51 AM
Quote from: ludermor on July 14, 2010, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 14, 2010, 06:10:43 PM
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
So why would you say they were drunk?
After winning a World cup I'm sure there was plenty of drink involved
But you said that was no excuse so why even mention it?
because some would use the excuse of "Drink" for there actions
That was the former president of Valencia FC. Maybe that had something to do with it.
Quote from: ross4life on July 15, 2010, 04:51:50 PM
Quote from: ludermor on July 15, 2010, 07:40:08 AM
Quote from: ross4life on July 15, 2010, 01:16:51 AM
Quote from: ludermor on July 14, 2010, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: ross4life on July 14, 2010, 06:10:43 PM
I would say both were drunk but still no excuse for the kn**ker behaviour
So why would you say they were drunk?
After winning a World cup I'm sure there was plenty of drink involved
But you said that was no excuse so why even mention it?
because some would use the excuse of "Drink" for there actions
'Some' :D
Quote from: ONeill on July 15, 2010, 11:52:17 PM
Quote from: A Quinn Martin Production on July 15, 2010, 03:58:13 PM
Looks like Fabregas puts him up to it??
FFS.
Nah, Ledley King did.
Calm down ONeill. No
Barcelona Arsenal reference intended.