Too Soon ?
I hear England have a great chance of winning it.
They'll be there or thereabouts.
I hope to be there dancing on the Copacabana beach with some lovely bikini clad ladies
(http://www.copacabana.info/images/girls.jpg)
Brazil here i come ;D
Quote from: ross4life on July 13, 2010, 05:02:38 PM
I hope to be there dancing on the Copacabana beach with some lovely bikini clad ladies
(http://www.copacabana.info/images/girls.jpg)
Brazil here i come ;D
Thats Sandymount
You might even be old enough to drink with them by then Ross!
Quote from: gallsman on July 13, 2010, 05:05:32 PM
You might even be old enough to drink with them by then Ross!
U'll be finished college by then so care to join me? or will you still be paying off the college loans :-\
(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss340/laoislad78/Brazil2014.png)
I hope its better than the rubbish this summer.
Vuvuzela sound to be replaced by the samba beat
Quote from: Galwaybhoy on July 13, 2010, 05:13:12 PM
I hope its better than the rubbish this summer.
I reckon the atmosphere in the stadiums will be better anyways.
Not making a excuse for the poor games on the atmosphere but I thought it was the worst I have ever witnessed (from my TV :) ) You couldn't hear anything like a reaction from the crowd when a goal was scored etc apart from the vuluzelus(sp?)
It must have affected the players even slightly ?
Will Rooney finally get his World Cup Goal?
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 13, 2010, 05:08:59 PM
(http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/ss340/laoislad78/Brazil2014.png)
(http://www.phuckpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/picard-facepalm.jpg)
Quote from: stiffler on July 13, 2010, 05:17:40 PM
Will Rooney finally get his World Cup Goal?
Only if you mean John Rooney and not his brother Wayne,I hear he wants to play for Ireland
Brazil, Ghana, Germany and Argentina will be the contenders next time. England will do better but they really missed the boat this time.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 13, 2010, 07:06:56 PM
Brazil, Ghana, Germany and Argentina will be the contenders next time. England will do better but they really missed the boat this time.
Am I the only one who thinks Ghana are nothing special? Replace them with Spain in that sentence and I think you'll be on to a winner!
Ireland might get there.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on July 13, 2010, 07:24:43 PM
Ireland might get there.
Republic of Ireland have a better chance
Ghana are a young team, they have yet to hit their peak.
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on July 13, 2010, 07:28:22 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on July 13, 2010, 07:24:43 PM
Ireland might get there.
Republic of Ireland have a better chance
Without Steven Reid now though. A good player when he can keep fit.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 13, 2010, 07:30:36 PM
Ghana are a young team, they have yet to hit their peak.
The way African qualification goes Ghana might not get to Brazil, remember Egypt didn't qualify this time
The draw for the qualifying stages are being made Saturday night.
Pot 1
Spain
Netherlands
Germany
England
Portugal
Italy
Croatia
Norway
Greece
Pot 2
France
Montenegro
Russia
Sweden
Denmark
Slovenia
Turkey
Serbia
Slovakia
Pot 3
Switzerland
Israel
Republic of Ireland
Belgium
Czech Republic
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Belarus
Ukraine
Hungary
Pot 4
Bulgaria
Romania
Georgia
Lithuania
Albania
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Austria
Poland
Pot 5
Armenia
Finland
Estonia
Cyprus
Latvia
Moldova
Macedonia
Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands
Pot 6
Wales
Liechtenstein
Iceland
Kazakhstan
Luxembourg
Malta
Andorra
San Marino
Was thinking it was shite that we didn't make a late surge to get into Pot 2, but there doesn't seem to be a whole pile of difference between it and Pot 3.
Dream draw: Norway, Slovakia, Albania, Faroes, Andorra.
Shite draw: Spain, France, Poland, Finland, Wales.
Some of the top seeds Croatia, Greece, Norway, even England (how are they 6th best team in the world?) don't look that great.
Quote from: AFS on July 27, 2011, 06:21:26 PM
Was thinking it was shite that we didn't make a late surge to get into Pot 2, but there doesn't seem to be a whole pile of difference between it and Pot 3.
Dream draw: Norway, Slovakia, Albania, Faroes, Andorra.
Shite draw: Spain, France, Poland, Finland, Wales.
Are "we" not in pot 4! :D :o
England
France
26 counties
6 counties
Faroe islands
Wales
;D
Quote from: Forever Green on July 28, 2011, 11:54:37 PM
England
France
26 counties
6 counties
Faroe islands
Wales
;D
There would almost certainly be some form of war that would arise from this grouping. Was it El Salvador and Honduras who went to war over a football match at one stage?
Montenegro in Pot 2??
Group C
Germany
Sweden
Ireland
Austria
Faroes
Kazakhstan
Happy enough.
At least there will be a few decent games to go to.
Good draw for Ireland imo. We are perfectly capable of beating Sweden. What about Croatia and Serbia in the same group? That will f**king crazy :o
Quote from: laoislad on July 30, 2011, 08:58:26 PM
Group C
Germany
Sweden
Ireland
Austria
Faroes
Kazakhstan
Couple of shite draws (Kazakhstan & Germany) and a couple of decent draws (Faroes & Austria). Group E or G would've been ideal. Fighting it out with Sweden for second place, more than likely.
I don't like it at all. Germany are pretty much a top class side again after being average for most of the past decade. We can forget about winning the group. The Swedeschave a grestcrecord of qualifying for tournaments and making the knockout stages when you get there.
QuoteGermany are pretty much a top class side again after being average for most of the past decade
1 European Runners-up, 1 World Cup Runners-up and 2 World Cup 3rd place finishes, you have very high standards.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 31, 2011, 09:45:35 AM
QuoteGermany are pretty much a top class side again after being average for most of the past decade
1 European Runners-up, 1 World Cup Runners-up and 2 World Cup 3rd place finishes, you have very high standards.
No no sir. I have seen some pretty top class scary German sides and they haven't delivered one of those since at least 1990. Yes they won the Euros in 96 as well but Greece won that tournament as well. By their own high standards they haven't produced a team or hardly even a player worth temembering since Mattheus and that 1990 team.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 31, 2011, 10:05:28 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 31, 2011, 09:45:35 AM
QuoteGermany are pretty much a top class side again after being average for most of the past decade
1 European Runners-up, 1 World Cup Runners-up and 2 World Cup 3rd place finishes, you have very high standards.
No no sir. I have seen some pretty top class scary German sides and they haven't delivered one of those since at least 1990. Yes they won the Euros in 96 as well but Greece won that tournament as well. By their own high standards they haven't produced a team or hardly even a player worth temembering since Mattheus and that 1990 team.
In his day Ballack could play a bit, Kahn was a more than decent keeper, and Schweinsteiger was outstanding in the last WC.
Quote from: AQMP on August 01, 2011, 10:55:26 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 31, 2011, 10:05:28 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 31, 2011, 09:45:35 AM
QuoteGermany are pretty much a top class side again after being average for most of the past decade
1 European Runners-up, 1 World Cup Runners-up and 2 World Cup 3rd place finishes, you have very high standards.
No no sir. I have seen some pretty top class scary German sides and they haven't delivered one of those since at least 1990. Yes they won the Euros in 96 as well but Greece won that tournament as well. By their own high standards they haven't produced a team or hardly even a player worth temembering since Mattheus and that 1990 team.
In his day Ballack could play a bit, Kahn was a more than decent keeper, and Schweinsteiger was outstanding in the last WC.
Podolski's international record is rather good too. 42 goals in 89 international games.
Three deaths were reported in Sao Paulo on Wednesday as the stadium due to stage the opening match at next year's World Cup suffered a partial collapse.
Pictures shown in Brazilian media, including the website of newspaper Estadao, showed structural damage at the Arena Corinthians, with part of a roof having fallen away to the ground and with a crane also felled and damage caused to another stand.
Corinthians, the club that will move into the stadium, issued a short statement on their website that said: "The board of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista deeply regrets the accident earlier in Corinthians Arena.
"(There is) no other information at this time."
Estadao quoted a police officer, Mauro Lopes, as saying it was believed there were three fatalities.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/three-killed-as-section-of-world-cup-stadium-collapses-615510.html
I see Falcao may miss the World Cup which would be a shame.
The 30 for 30 show on loughinsland about to come on ESPN in states. Must be half hour show, first half hour is "the myth of Garrincha"
Only 31 days left.
Looking forward to it now Premier League is over.
Had the same thought myself. Love the World Cup.
I see Nasri didn't make the French squad. Bit of a shock no?
His Girlfriend is going nuts on Twitter!
"f**k France and f**k Deschamps"
Seriously? Wow that is a shock,he's played well this season. Maybe Deschamps trying to keep the squad full of players he trusts to put in hard graft and not fall out with anyone in the squad but then he'd have to drop Benzema surely?
France must be useful if he Nasri can't make the squad. He's not a world beater but on form he's a tricky player, clever player who can cause defences a few problems.
Not like they have nobody in midfield to replace him, Pogba and Cabaye.. Nasri's form with France wasn't good in the Qualification - as Deschamp said when he is dropped he doesn't like it and its not good for moral in the team
Quote from: beer baron on May 13, 2014, 09:03:38 PM
Seriously? Wow that is a shock,he's played well this season. Maybe Deschamps trying to keep the squad full of players he trusts to put in hard graft and not fall out with anyone in the squad but then he'd have to drop Benzema surely?
And Evra.....
It's no shock to Nasri. He admitted himself last week that he wouldn't make it as he didn't get on with most of the squad..
Argentina squad.. No tevez
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Mariano Andújar, Agustín Orion.
Defenders: Ezequiel Garay, Federico Fernández, Pablo Zabaleta, Marcos Rojo, José María Basanta, Hugo Campagaro, Nicolás Otamendi, Martín Demichelis, Gabriel Mercado, Lisandro López.
Midfielders: Fernando Gago, Lucas Biglia, Javier Mascherano, Ever Banega, Angel Di María, Maximiliano Rodríguez, Ricardo Alvarez, Augusto Fernández, Enzo Pérez, José Sosa, Fabian Rinaudo.
Forwards: Sergio Agüero, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio, Di Santo.
Spain's squad
7 to be chopped from this
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Raúl Albiol (Napoli), Javier Martínez (Bayern Munich), Juanfran Torres (Atlético), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), César Azpiliciueta (Chelsea), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla).
Midfielders: Xavi Herández (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Koke (Atlético), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic), Cesc Fábregas (Barcelona), Thiago Alcántara (Bayern Munich), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Silva (Manchester City), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Jesús Navas (Manchester City).
Forwards: Diego Costa (Atlético), David Villa (Atlético), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Álvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Fernando Llorente (Juventus).
Quote from: laoislad on May 13, 2014, 09:16:20 PM
Quote from: beer baron on May 13, 2014, 09:03:38 PM
Seriously? Wow that is a shock,he's played well this season. Maybe Deschamps trying to keep the squad full of players he trusts to put in hard graft and not fall out with anyone in the squad but then he'd have to drop Benzema surely?
And Evra.....
Deschamp's got a bit of a horn for him since Evra apparently gave a brilliant half time team talk in 1 of their last group games despte being left on the bench so he was never going to leave him out.
If Spain won this WC and made it 4 in a row of international tournaments would they be the greatest side ever ?
Quote from: seafoid on May 13, 2014, 09:38:51 PM
If Spain won this WC and made it 4 in a row of international tournaments would they be the greatest side ever ?
Out of interest where are they currently ranked and who are above them?
Quote from: beer baron on May 13, 2014, 09:34:35 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 13, 2014, 09:16:20 PM
Quote from: beer baron on May 13, 2014, 09:03:38 PM
Seriously? Wow that is a shock,he's played well this season. Maybe Deschamps trying to keep the squad full of players he trusts to put in hard graft and not fall out with anyone in the squad but then he'd have to drop Benzema surely?
And Evra.....
Deschamp's got a bit of a horn for him since Evra apparently gave a brilliant half time team talk in 1 of their last group games despte being left on the bench so he was never going to leave him out.
Wow, surprised he didn't pick Al Pacino.
Think he's on standby for the Colombians.
Here's one for ye - Spain not to qualify out of their group. Netherlands and Chile to pip them. What odds?
4/1 just. Not worth it.
Quote from: ONeill on May 14, 2014, 12:02:25 AM
Here's one for ye - Spain not to qualify out of their group. Netherlands and Chile to pip them. What odds?
Your granny will grow balls before that happens.
Wouldn't be that surprised if Spain finished third in their but 4 or 5/1 isn't great value. I'm putting a few quid on Ivory Coast to win their group at 7/2. It looks a pretty even group with Japan, Colombia and Greece, but I'm backing Yaya Toure to make the difference. Also, they're playing Greece and Japan up north and the heat should suit them.
Will the heat be a huge advantage to anyone really with the majority of players plying their trade in Europe these days. Take Yaya, he's been in Manchester this last 10 months in the rain. He'll have to acclimatise as well.
Quote from: Asal Mor on May 14, 2014, 03:27:33 AM
Wouldn't be that surprised if Spain finished third in their but 4 or 5/1 isn't great value. I'm putting a few quid on Ivory Coast to win their group at 7/2. It looks a pretty even group with Japan, Colombia and Greece, but I'm backing Yaya Toure to make the difference. Also, they're playing Greece and Japan up north and the heat should suit them.
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
Ireland playing well enough v Italy at the moment.
Italy don't look up to much.
Ireland are playing some lovely stuff!! Long just missed a sitter.
Some change in playing style from Trap!! just need the goals and results to back it up.
Decent game in fairness. Ireland playing well.
Aquaman gone off injured...Some things never change ;D
Quote from: JP on May 31, 2014, 08:24:24 PM
Ireland are playing some lovely stuff!! Long just missed a sitter.
Some change in playing style from Trap!! just need the goals and results to back it up.
Was a very decent game and Ireland played some grand stuff.
Italy got better in second half but I'd fancy England to beat them. They haven't won in 5 games now.
Looks like Montolivo is out of World Cup with suspected broken leg.
any golden boot tips?? hard to look past messi or aguero giving their group and route after that. big outsider is Bony @ 100/1. each way bet on him maybe
Quote from: bridgegael on June 01, 2014, 09:40:50 AM
any golden boot tips?? hard to look past messi or aguero giving their group and route after that. big outsider is Bony @ 100/1. each way bet on him maybe
Dzekos been in good form for club and country this year.
Some random thought after the couple of friendlies. England might be ok in their group as Italy are decidedly ordinary. Think England have to use their younger players. I reckon Rooney's big tournament troubles are explainable as follows: he needs regular games to keep himself fit. I've seen it over the years at United - if he misses even 10 days it takes him a while to get his match sharpness back. I believe he was terrible the other night and I think that's because he hasn't had a game in a few weeks. Dunno what England's schedule is for the next two weeks but they'd want to get Rooney playing a bit better.
Everythnig should point to Brazil winnig this but I'm not sure Neymar or any of the others are really going to do it when the chips are down. Argentina have such an abundance of talent at heir disposal they have to have a strong chance. Winning the WC in Brazil would be as good as winning 2 world cups for them!
Italy were without, Buffon, Balotelli, Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi yesterday, so I doubt they would have been very ordinary with those players playing from the start. De Rossi made an appearance in the second half the others didn't , They haven't named their 23 man Squad still have the provisional 30 man squad, probay looking at other players yesterday and giving players like Giuseppe Rossi coming back from injury some game time...
Montolivo will be a loss for the WC though,
Good point.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 01, 2014, 12:00:43 PM
Italy were without, Buffon, Balotelli, Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi yesterday, so I doubt they would have been very ordinary with those players playing from the start. De Rossi made an appearance in the second half the others didn't , They haven't named their 23 man Squad still have the provisional 30 man squad, probay looking at other players yesterday and giving players like Giuseppe Rossi coming back from injury some game time...
Montolivo will be a loss for the WC though,
Buffon wouldn't have made much of a difference to how they played yesterday,plus the goalie they did have made some excellent saves.
De Rossi came on so that only leaves Balotelli and Pirlo who may have made a difference. It was a strong Italy team and they were very poor.
I think England will beat them.
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
I have a few quid on England to top their group at 21/10. I think their players are way ahead of what Italy and Uruguay have. Especially if they go with the younger players. I'd like to see Sterling, Henderson, Barkley and Sturridge all starting. Let them off the leash Roy.
I may well regret it 10 minutes into the first game when they can't string 3 passes together.
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 01, 2014, 12:12:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
I have a few quid on England to top their group at 21/10. I think their players are way ahead of what Italy and Uruguay have. Especially if they go with the younger players. I'd like to see Sterling, Henderson, Barkley and Sturridge all starting. Let them off the leash Roy.
I may well regret it 10 minutes into the first game when they can't string 3 passes together.
That's it, mate. How many Germany or Italy players would get in the England team? Very few is the answer. If England play either of those teams and England play to anywhere close to their potential, England, or should I say we, win every time.
Beating on England performing at a World Cup is like betting on Mayo in an AI final. Those young lads are relatively average in all honesty and better England squads have had their arses handed to them by similar teams.
Suarez dragged a lock of them to within a kick of a ball of a PL title so why people would overlook his country (with a serious recent and historical WC pedigree) when he has a world class striker like Cavani by his side and a proven WC gamer like Forlan still knocking about is beyond me.
Suarez is recovering from knee surgery. I haven't seen much of Cavani but his numbers aren't that special. And there won't be any defenders sweating about Forlan. Their captain struggled to get in the West Brom side this year. We'll soon find out anyway.
I seen Uruguay twice in the qualifiers,they're absolutely awful. At the same time England are also awful at this level.Gerrard still starting,holy god!
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 01, 2014, 02:19:10 PM
Suarez is recovering from knee surgery. I haven't seen much of Cavani but his numbers aren't that special. And there won't be any defenders sweating about Forlan. Their captain struggled to get in the West Brom side this year. We'll soon find out anyway.
Forlan is the South American Klose. He thrives at these tournaments and as an option off the bench he is a far better than fecking Rickie Lambert.
Cavani plays second fiddle to the Swede at PSG but his talent is not in doubt. Suarez will have his say before the tournament is over.
P.S Cavani on form is close to being as good as Suarez-i know it sounds ridiculous but he is that good! Hasn't been a success at PSG but has basically played as a winger most of the time.
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 01, 2014, 12:09:33 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 01, 2014, 12:00:43 PM
Italy were without, Buffon, Balotelli, Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi yesterday, so I doubt they would have been very ordinary with those players playing from the start. De Rossi made an appearance in the second half the others didn't , They haven't named their 23 man Squad still have the provisional 30 man squad, probay looking at other players yesterday and giving players like Giuseppe Rossi coming back from injury some game time...
Montolivo will be a loss for the WC though,
Buffon wouldn't have made much of a difference to how they played yesterday,plus the goalie they did have made some excellent saves.
De Rossi came on so that only leaves Balotelli and Pirlo who may have made a difference. It was a strong Italy team and they were very poor.
I think England will beat them.
Pirlo is still arguably their best player. Do England have a player of his class in midfield? not in my opinion
If he plays like this again they will struggle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or9PRSuqHfY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M99HmXSAnDw
Interesting article from today's NY Times:
lhttp://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/sports/soccer/fixed-matches-cast-shadow-over-world-cup.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/sports/soccer/fixed-matches-cast-shadow-over-world-cup.html)
Quote from: Sidney on June 01, 2014, 12:33:29 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 01, 2014, 12:12:55 PM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
I have a few quid on England to top their group at 21/10. I think their players are way ahead of what Italy and Uruguay have. Especially if they go with the younger players. I'd like to see Sterling, Henderson, Barkley and Sturridge all starting. Let them off the leash Roy.
I may well regret it 10 minutes into the first game when they can't string 3 passes together.
That's it, mate. How many Germany or Italy players would get in the England team? Very few is the answer. If England play either of those teams and England play to anywhere close to their potential, England, or should I say we, win every time.
Not sure if serious or taking the piss!
9 days to go. .. Can't wait :D
Who does everyone think will win it?
I'm going for a home Brazilian win.
I hope Argentina win it, and I have a sneaky feeling for the French to make a bit of noise too. I think Brazil are too dependent on Neymar and I don't trust him.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:58:20 AM
I hope Argentina win it, and I have a sneaky feeling for the French to make a bit of noise too. I think Brazil are too dependent on Neymar and I don't trust him.
Is he a Muslim?? ;)
A Moslem is, I think, the vernacular. But no, I think he's a bollix, not a Muslim.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 12:08:05 PM
A Moslem is, I think, the vernacular. But no, I think he's a bollix, not a Muslim.
A great talent but he does seem like a little bollix I agree.
The diving is ridiculous especially when he is so talented.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:58:20 AM
I hope Argentina win it, and I have a sneaky feeling for the French to make a bit of noise too. I think Brazil are too dependent on Neymar and I don't trust him.
Agreed, throwing a few bob on them to make the semi's.
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
Germans schedule is awful, serious amount of travelling. Their high tempo pressing game isn't suited to the climate...reckon they will run out of steam by game 5. Pity because I put 20 on them after the Euros in 2012! ha
Quote from: ballinaman on June 03, 2014, 12:27:10 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
Germans schedule is awful, serious amount of travelling. Their high tempo pressing game isn't suited to the climate...reckon they will run out of steam by game 5. Pity because I put 20 on them after the Euros in 2012! ha
Ribery has been included in the French 23 apparently but I think they are able to make a change up until 24 hours before their first game.
Roy Keane walks out...on ITV
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/roy-keane-won-t-travel-to-brazil-with-itv-1.1818709
Keane has decided not to go to Brazil as an ITV pundit.
Keane is obviously mulling over a few options, and I'd say he has zero interest in filling minutes on ITV being asked about it. It sounds like he may well end up in the Premier League, but if he goes to Villa, Paul Lambert must be fairly sure he's out the door.
It'll be ironic that Keane will again be slated by some lads for walking out on Ireland, while this time he'll be slated as well by Celtic fans (who were defending him doing that) for turning down the Celts :)
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 12:38:41 PM
Keane is obviously mulling over a few options, and I'd say he has zero interest in filling minutes on ITV being asked about it. It sounds like he may well end up in the Premier League, but if he goes to Villa, Paul Lambert must be fairly sure he's out the door.
It'll be ironic that Keane will again be slated by some lads for walking out on Ireland, while this time he'll be slated as well by Celtic fans (who were defending him doing that) for turning down the Celts :)
I don't think Keano gives two shites about what anyone else thinks about him, and he's dead right.
Please keep Ireland chat out of the World Cup thread please. No place for ROI in here.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 03, 2014, 12:40:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 12:38:41 PM
Keane is obviously mulling over a few options, and I'd say he has zero interest in filling minutes on ITV being asked about it. It sounds like he may well end up in the Premier League, but if he goes to Villa, Paul Lambert must be fairly sure he's out the door.
It'll be ironic that Keane will again be slated by some lads for walking out on Ireland, while this time he'll be slated as well by Celtic fans (who were defending him doing that) for turning down the Celts :)
I don't think Keano gives two shites about what anyone else thinks about him, and he's dead right.
I know that, but I'm sure he has zero interest is being asked on TV 'Are you staying with Ireland' 'Are you going to Villa' 'What are you doing' etc/
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
Quote from: AQMP on June 03, 2014, 12:36:09 PM
Roy Keane walks out...on ITV
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/roy-keane-won-t-travel-to-brazil-with-itv-1.1818709
Keane has decided not to go to Brazil as an ITV pundit.
what is it with Keane and World Cups :P
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:58:20 AM
I hope Argentina win it, and I have a sneaky feeling for the French to make a bit of noise too. I think Brazil are too dependent on Neymar and I don't trust him.
Brazil are a bit light in the striker department.
It would be great to see Argentina winning.
I've never forgiven the Argentinians for beating the Dutch in '78, so I'll never root for them, even though they look an attractive footballing side.
I find it hard to warm to the Germans, though there's no doubt that their recent teams again play attractive, if still pragmatic, football.
That said, I have a soft spot for the Italians, roguish though their pragmatism can sometimes be - they know what to do and you gotta love them for it. Kinda.
I admire the Spanish for how they've overcome their propensity for choking, through an immense rethink of how they play the game - there's not many nations would have the patience and leadership to do it. There are some tremendously difficult people to like in their setup, however, so I won't be rooting for them this time.
France - what a mess, great to look at, from a distance.
Engerland - like watching a car crash over and over and over; boring at this point.
Brazil - think they've an automatic right to win it; absolutely wonderful teams in '82 and '86 but fragile defensively. They're actually annoying to watch since they've learned to defend.
Belgium - for me, the new Spain. Don't think they've got the numbers (of world-class players) to win it but I think they'll make a good splash and take someone unexpected out. Will be rooting for them myself.
Sadly though, I think Brazil will win it.
I think Argentina will win it. Wouldn't mind if they did.
Would like to see one of the African nations do well.
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
2. The media shall adopt a African team as thy new God....until the quarter finals.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 03, 2014, 05:14:11 PM
I've never forgiven the Argentinians for beating the Dutch in '78, so I'll never root for them, even though they look an attractive footballing side.
I find it hard to warm to the Germans, though there's no doubt that their recent teams again play attractive, if still pragmatic, football.
That said, I have a soft spot for the Italians, roguish though their pragmatism can sometimes be - they know what to do and you gotta love them for it. Kinda.
I admire the Spanish for how they've overcome their propensity for choking, through an immense rethink of how they play the game - there's not many nations would have the patience and leadership to do it. There are some tremendously difficult people to like in their setup, however, so I won't be rooting for them this time.
France - what a mess, great to look at, from a distance.
Engerland - like watching a car crash over and over and over; boring at this point.
Brazil - think they've an automatic right to win it; absolutely wonderful teams in '82 and '86 but fragile defensively. They're actually annoying to watch since they've learned to defend.
Belgium - for me, the new Spain. Don't think they've got the numbers (of world-class players) to win it but I think they'll make a good splash and take someone unexpected out. Will be rooting for them myself.
Sadly though, I think Brazil will win it.
I see you're really gonna enjoy watching all these teams you hate play off against each other!
Quote from: TabClear on June 03, 2014, 06:42:33 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
2. The media shall adopt a African team as thy new God....until the quarter finals.
3. England shalt go out agonisingly on penalties, when finally looking like Champions, in the quarter-final.
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: TabClear on June 03, 2014, 06:42:33 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
2. The media shall adopt a African team as thy new God....until the quarter finals.
3. England shalt go out agonisingly on penalties, when finally looking like Champions, in the quarter-final.
4. The tournament will be marketed to death by purveyors of sugary drinks
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt bastard.
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
Your some man for ranting let it all out.
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
they are 22/1 . Hardly over rated
http://www.oddschecker.com/
I must put some money on the Dubs, Brazil and Kilkenny flopping this summer
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
they are 22/1 . Hardly over rated
http://www.oddschecker.com/
I must put some money on the Dubs, Brazil and Kilkenny flopping this summer
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
they are 22/1 . Hardly over rated
http://www.oddschecker.com/
I must put some money on the Dubs, Brazil and Kilkenny flopping this summer
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
Jebus man you were playing a blinder doin' the Dunphy/Hook/Spillane.
But now you've gone all Brolly and predicted 3 surprises in the on tournament, 2 of whom are in the same group as Engerland and 1 who will really cause a surprise if they do anything, seeing as they haven't qualified!
;D
Neymar looked good tonight, in fairness. Brazil look like a 'wind behind them' team. I wonder if they go 1 down how they'll react?
Your man Jo is wicked. Fred isn't much better. Great names though. Sound like the midfield partnership for silver mines intermediate hurlers.
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
I think it's unlikely the Paraguayans will do more than Belgium, considering they haven't qualified.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:08:28 PM
;D
Neymar looked good tonight, in fairness. Brazil look like a 'wind behind them' team. I wonder if they go 1 down how they'll react?
Your man Jo is wicked. Fred isn't much better. Great names though. Sound like the midfield partnership for silver mines intermediate hurlers.
Silvermines. One word. No excuses.
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
they are 22/1 . Hardly over rated
http://www.oddschecker.com/
I must put some money on the Dubs, Brazil and Kilkenny flopping this summer
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
Jebus man you were playing a blinder doin' the Dunphy/Hook/Spillane.
But now you've gone all Brolly and predicted 3 surprises in the on tournament, 2 of whom are in the same group as Engerland and 1 who will really cause a surprise if they do anything, seeing as they haven't qualified!
Ha caught out there, ah well still think the Belgians are over-rated. Alot of their players play in the EPL as well, football home to all the English players who have shown up to be poor enough at previous tournaments. Does Vertongen, Mignolet, Januziaj, Lukaku, etc deserve to be rated higher than their Spanish/ Italian league counterparts who star for non-champions league teams as well?
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: TabClear on June 03, 2014, 06:42:33 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
2. The media shall adopt a African team as thy new God....until the quarter finals.
3. England shalt go out agonisingly on penalties, when finally looking like Champions, in the quarter-final.
4. The tournament will be marketed to death by purveyors of sugary drinks
5. Thou shalt bemoan the 'naive defending' every time a goal is scored against an African team
Quote from: Never beat the deeler on June 04, 2014, 02:09:45 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 08:58:40 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 08:49:43 PM
Quote from: TabClear on June 03, 2014, 06:42:33 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
2. The media shall adopt a African team as thy new God....until the quarter finals.
3. England shalt go out agonisingly on penalties, when finally looking like Champions, in the quarter-final.
4. The tournament will be marketed to death by purveyors of sugary drinks
5. Thou shalt bemoan the 'naive defending' every time a goal is scored against an African team
6. Whenever the camera scans the crowd, only hot chicks shall be seen. Can the Brazilians demonstrate that Sweden will not be be missed in this vital category?
Quote from: laoislad on June 03, 2014, 05:26:47 PM
I think Argentina will win it. Wouldn't mind if they did.
Would like to see one of the African nations do well.
Didn't know Argentina moved to Africa ;D
Belgium the dark horses ;)
Quote from: Ball Hopper on June 03, 2014, 11:25:23 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:08:28 PM
;D
Neymar looked good tonight, in fairness. Brazil look like a 'wind behind them' team. I wonder if they go 1 down how they'll react?
Your man Jo is wicked. Fred isn't much better. Great names though. Sound like the midfield partnership for silver mines intermediate hurlers.
Silvermines. One word. No excuses.
Auto correct on the iPad doesn't recognise dolla's finest.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 04, 2014, 08:02:23 AM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on June 03, 2014, 11:25:23 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:08:28 PM
;D
Neymar looked good tonight, in fairness. Brazil look like a 'wind behind them' team. I wonder if they go 1 down how they'll react?
Your man Jo is wicked. Fred isn't much better. Great names though. Sound like the midfield partnership for silver mines intermediate hurlers.
Silvermines. One word. No excuses.
Auto correct on the iPad doesn't recognise dolla's finest.
What about your team in the Offaly Championship??! Is the Centre Forward County star still lining out.....any further Championship 2014 stories to be told...last 'book' I read!
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 11:58:10 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
they are 22/1 . Hardly over rated
http://www.oddschecker.com/
I must put some money on the Dubs, Brazil and Kilkenny flopping this summer
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
Jebus man you were playing a blinder doin' the Dunphy/Hook/Spillane.
But now you've gone all Brolly and predicted 3 surprises in the on tournament, 2 of whom are in the same group as Engerland and 1 who will really cause a surprise if they do anything, seeing as they haven't qualified!
Ha caught out there, ah well still think the Belgians are over-rated. Alot of their players play in the EPL as well, football home to all the English players who have shown up to be poor enough at previous tournaments. Does Vertongen, Mignolet, Januziaj, Lukaku, etc deserve to be rated higher than their Spanish/ Italian league counterparts who star for non-champions league teams as well?
This is where im a bit surprised at the whole Belgian fan club.They've plenty of good players but how many are really top drawer? Kompany and perhaps Hazard and Courtois.
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 08:47:21 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 03, 2014, 05:14:11 PM
I've never forgiven the Argentinians for beating the Dutch in '78, so I'll never root for them, even though they look an attractive footballing side.
I find it hard to warm to the Germans, though there's no doubt that their recent teams again play attractive, if still pragmatic, football.
That said, I have a soft spot for the Italians, roguish though their pragmatism can sometimes be - they know what to do and you gotta love them for it. Kinda.
I admire the Spanish for how they've overcome their propensity for choking, through an immense rethink of how they play the game - there's not many nations would have the patience and leadership to do it. There are some tremendously difficult people to like in their setup, however, so I won't be rooting for them this time.
France - what a mess, great to look at, from a distance.
Engerland - like watching a car crash over and over and over; boring at this point.
Brazil - think they've an automatic right to win it; absolutely wonderful teams in '82 and '86 but fragile defensively. They're actually annoying to watch since they've learned to defend.
Belgium - for me, the new Spain. Don't think they've got the numbers (of world-class players) to win it but I think they'll make a good splash and take someone unexpected out. Will be rooting for them myself.
Sadly though, I think Brazil will win it.
I see you're really gonna enjoy watching all these teams you hate play off against each other!
I am indeed, but not as much as you're going to enjoy watching Paraguay. Oh, wait a minute ...
No European team has won in the Americas, so logic/odds will tell you that either Argentina or Brazil (both being the better teams from the Americas) will win it, the host nation teams have also won a lot too
I'm betting on Argentina, so stick your money on Brazil
Quote from: beer baron on June 04, 2014, 09:00:47 AM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 11:58:10 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 10:59:50 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 03, 2014, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 09:02:17 PM
Belgium are particularly over-rated in my eyes. Haven't been to a WC in over 12 years and now face off to one in South America which is a tougher ask in my opinion. Also self-proclaimed football geniuses have proclaimed that they'll have a good World Cup which is a bit like predicting you'll hit water if you fall out of a boat. Their recent glut of talent is apparent to almost anyone with a passing interest in soccer so "tipping" them as dark horses is a bit like predicting nighfall. They're about as big as a secret in world soccer as the secret that Sepp Blatter is a corrupt b**tard.
they are 22/1 . Hardly over rated
http://www.oddschecker.com/
I must put some money on the Dubs, Brazil and Kilkenny flopping this summer
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
Jebus man you were playing a blinder doin' the Dunphy/Hook/Spillane.
But now you've gone all Brolly and predicted 3 surprises in the on tournament, 2 of whom are in the same group as Engerland and 1 who will really cause a surprise if they do anything, seeing as they haven't qualified!
Ha caught out there, ah well still think the Belgians are over-rated. Alot of their players play in the EPL as well, football home to all the English players who have shown up to be poor enough at previous tournaments. Does Vertongen, Mignolet, Januziaj, Lukaku, etc deserve to be rated higher than their Spanish/ Italian league counterparts who star for non-champions league teams as well?
This is where im a bit surprised at the whole Belgian fan club.They've plenty of good players but how many are really top drawer? Kompany and perhaps Hazard and Courtois.
It is the same as the club championship really. It depends on how good the non galacticos are.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 04, 2014, 10:07:52 AM
No European team has won in the Americas, so logic/odds will tell you that either Argentina or Brazil (both being the better teams from the Americas) will win it, the host nation teams have also won a lot too
I'm betting on Argentina, so stick your money on Brazil
I'm sure the conditions will suit the American/African sides a bit more than the Europeans but surely the professionalism in sides and the advances in nutrition and training methods made in the last 20 years or so will close the gap considerably.
Before the last World cup no European team had won a World cup in the Southern Hemisphere but Spain won it with the Dutch the other finalists and the Germans in 3rd. I honestly don't think it's going to have a huge bearing on things. That's not to say Argentina or the Brazilians won't win it but if they do it'll be more because they played the best football than anything else in my opinion.
The crowds would be a factor too I'd say beer baron. South Africa would have been neutral territory.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 04, 2014, 10:54:04 AM
The crowds would be a factor too I'd say beer baron. South Africa would have been neutral territory.
Ferbane ?!
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 04, 2014, 09:02:04 AM
I find it hard to warm to the Germans, though there's no doubt that their recent teams again play attractive, if still pragmatic, football.
That said, I have a soft spot for the Italians, roguish though their pragmatism can sometimes be - they know what to do and you gotta love them for it. Kinda.
I admire the Spanish for how they've overcome their propensity for choking, through an immense rethink of how they play the game - there's not many nations would have the patience and leadership to do it. There are some tremendously difficult people to like in their setup, however, so I won't be rooting for them this time.
France - what a mess, great to look at, from a distance.
Engerland - like watching a car crash over and over and over; boring at this point.
Brazil - think they've an automatic right to win it; absolutely wonderful teams in '82 and '86 but fragile defensively. They're actually annoying to watch since they've learned to defend.
Belgium - for me, the new Spain. Don't think they've got the numbers (of world-class players) to win it but I think they'll make a good splash and take someone unexpected out. Will be rooting for them myself.
Sadly though, I think Brazil will win it.
I like the Germans ever since 2006 when they made the most of little talent. Their pragmatism can be stifling a small percent of the time but at the same time it's admirable in it's own way. I'd be happy enough to see them go all the way.
The Italians I used to like more but to be honest I've little time for them now. Just don't have the same quality of players as Grosso, Canavarro, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Totti and old as those players were when they won in 2006. They stick to their defensive style and it gets them places but it just won't cut it at the top without talent.
What Spainards do you hate? Can't think of one myself. They're grand but would prefer someone else lifting the cup to break their dominance, as long as it's not those dutch pricks, pure hatchet men, be delighted to see them turfed out.
I actually like the English this year and think they stand a better chance than usual. Their golden generation was not that golden to anyone who didn't buy into the hype and this year their squad isn't worse than before. That said "Woy" knows f**k all, but with a better manager they could have gone further than they will. I used to hate them but they've provided so much comedy gold in international tournaments since I was a child that it's hard to keep hating them. I'll put it this way, after a while you really want wily coyote to catch the road-runner, just to break the monotony. It's the same with England.
France are a rabble, their physce is just unique. Remember Domenech prorposing on the tv whilst the population went ape-shit? Then there was the mutiny at the WC and all the other shit. Funny thing is that their rugby team did almost an exact copy at the last WC too. Appointed a shite coach, bizarre selections and then player power ousted them. The stuff from the lads who stormed the Bastille must still be bred into them.
I don't think the Brazilains are that cocky (neymar excepted) and it'd be nice to see them get it. As you've said they've learned to defend and sadly all that joga bonita shite is gone along with the helter-skelter game-plan. The sheer entertainment of that will be missed but you can't hold it against them. They could play beautiful football and get beat all the time or they could play standard football and win. We'd all pick the same option as they did, every last one of us.
I've had my spake on the Belgians, looking forward to seeing the Paraguayans stuff them. ;)
Quote from: Gold on June 04, 2014, 11:40:50 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 04, 2014, 10:54:04 AM
The crowds would be a factor too I'd say beer baron. South Africa would have been neutral territory.
Ferbane ?!
Ferbane? Yes. Not sure what that's got to do with Brazil though :)
Anyone follow Match of the day on Twitter?
They are doing a "live" commentary on the Argentina v England game from Mexico 86 at the moment.
@bbcmotd
http://m.bbc.com/sport/live/football/26689868
Quote from: trileacman on June 04, 2014, 12:18:59 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 04, 2014, 09:02:04 AM
I find it hard to warm to the Germans, though there's no doubt that their recent teams again play attractive, if still pragmatic, football.
That said, I have a soft spot for the Italians, roguish though their pragmatism can sometimes be - they know what to do and you gotta love them for it. Kinda.
I admire the Spanish for how they've overcome their propensity for choking, through an immense rethink of how they play the game - there's not many nations would have the patience and leadership to do it. There are some tremendously difficult people to like in their setup, however, so I won't be rooting for them this time.
France - what a mess, great to look at, from a distance.
Engerland - like watching a car crash over and over and over; boring at this point.
Brazil - think they've an automatic right to win it; absolutely wonderful teams in '82 and '86 but fragile defensively. They're actually annoying to watch since they've learned to defend.
Belgium - for me, the new Spain. Don't think they've got the numbers (of world-class players) to win it but I think they'll make a good splash and take someone unexpected out. Will be rooting for them myself.
Sadly though, I think Brazil will win it.
I like the Germans ever since 2006 when they made the most of little talent. Their pragmatism can be stifling a small percent of the time but at the same time it's admirable in it's own way. I'd be happy enough to see them go all the way.
The Italians I used to like more but to be honest I've little time for them now. Just don't have the same quality of players as Grosso, Canavarro, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Totti and old as those players were when they won in 2006. They stick to their defensive style and it gets them places but it just won't cut it at the top without talent.
What Spainards do you hate? Can't think of one myself. They're grand but would prefer someone else lifting the cup to break their dominance, as long as it's not those dutch pricks, pure hatchet men, be delighted to see them turfed out.
I actually like the English this year and think they stand a better chance than usual. Their golden generation was not that golden to anyone who didn't buy into the hype and this year their squad isn't worse than before. That said "Woy" knows f**k all, but with a better manager they could have gone further than they will. I used to hate them but they've provided so much comedy gold in international tournaments since I was a child that it's hard to keep hating them. I'll put it this way, after a while you really want wily coyote to catch the road-runner, just to break the monotony. It's the same with England.
France are a rabble, their physce is just unique. Remember Domenech prorposing on the tv whilst the population went ape-shit? Then there was the mutiny at the WC and all the other shit. Funny thing is that their rugby team did almost an exact copy at the last WC too. Appointed a shite coach, bizarre selections and then player power ousted them. The stuff from the lads who stormed the Bastille must still be bred into them.
I don't think the Brazilains are that cocky (neymar excepted) and it'd be nice to see them get it. As you've said they've learned to defend and sadly all that joga bonita shite is gone along with the helter-skelter game-plan. The sheer entertainment of that will be missed but you can't hold it against them. They could play beautiful football and get beat all the time or they could play standard football and win. We'd all pick the same option as they did, every last one of us.
I've had my spake on the Belgians, looking forward to seeing the Paraguayans stuff them. ;)
Great quote :)
I like the Brazil of my childhood. The yellow jerseys, blue shorts white socks. Zico, Socrates, Falcao, Josimar (First cousin of PaudieMar - thanks seafoid). Brazil of 1994 and to a lesser extent 2002 turned me off them a bit, but I have to say they have some nice players, and it would be good to see them going well for the whole atmosphere around the stadium. If they get ahead in a game, watch for a bit of the Joga Bonita to return. They still have it in them, and if they are beating anyone by a couple of goals, watch for the flicks and backheels. If they go behind they could implode spectacularly though.
Spain have been very admirable, but I just have enough of them now. When they broke onto the scene they were brilliant, with Xavi, Iniesta and Torres in his pomp. I think they started to get a bit staler when Torres started to subside, and they've never really replaced him. I don't think Negredo is the answer, and if they play with a 'false 9' for this tournament, I think they'll be caught out.
I dislike the Dutch, largely because of Robben. Humpy hoor. They are good value for an auld bust up, but I was disappointed in them in South Africa. The country that gave the world 'total football' shouldn't resort to total disembowelment to try and win games. Cruyff would be turning in his grave if he were dead :D
Uruguay were dodgy enough in qualifiers, but will be dangerous is Suarez is fit. If he's not fit they may struggle to come out of that group, but I think they are the best side there. I expect Italy to start slowly enough, probably with a draw versus England, limp past Costa Rica and then have a great game with Uruguay at the end. Suarez being fit, or not, might make that game a 1v2 decider, or possibly even a knockout game in its own right.
England have low expectations, but they have a bit of youthful exuberance. As long as Rooney tries a bit, Gerrard doesn't try and win the games on his own, and Hodgson lets them off the leash, the English might have a decent tournament.
France are also a bit of a soap opera, but I thought they looked good the other night. Pogba looks like he could be a star, but will any side with Giroud as the #9 really be a threat? It's possible, and I might have a few bob on them to reach the semis. If they win their group they will be up against Nigeria or Bosnia probably. If they've had that momentum behind them, I'd expect them to win that and be in the quarters. If they slip up in the group stages (be careful v Ecuador and Switzerland!!) then it would probably be Argentina and Au revoir les bleus.
Argentina are probably my pick to win it all. Again, if they win the group it's probably Ecuador or Switzerland for a place in the last 8, and anything can happen then. They do have a tendency to shit on the eggs as well, and if Messi is still a bit laboured they'll probably not get there, but they have a lot of talent. Zabaleta, Di Maria, Mascherano, Messi, Higuain and Aguero would get on most sides.
The Germans, I feel, maybe at a glass ceiling. I expect them to top that group, with Portugal and Ghana fighting out for second, but after that it might start to get tricky. If Russia or Belgium are the opposition in the round of 16 that's no gimme, and if they win that, it's probably France in the quarters. Then Maybe Brazil in the semis. Germany might also just struggle for goals if Klose can't be the comeback man again, because even though Muller and co can score, I'm not sure people are going to walk into the counter attack buzz saw this time around.
The Belgians will be interesting. It's probably the best squad since the 80s with Scifo, but as others have said, the star quality is not necessarily there. I think Lukaku is injured which doesn't help, but Fellaini might be starting on this team!! In seriousness though, it's fairly balanced with a lot of good players, so they'll probably win the group and maybe face Ghana or Portugal in the second round. Win that one and it's probably Argentina, which will be the game that probably defines the credentials of the Belgians. Win it, and they have justified their dark horse status. Lose and they're just another ho hum team.
Just for the laugh, as of now, my group winners and second place would be
Brazil (Mexico), Netherlands (Chile!), Colombia (Ivory Coast), Uruguay (England), France (Switzerland), Argentina (Nigeria), Germany (Ghana), Belgium (Russia)
A bet on those group winners would pay out €1469 for a €10 accumulator. I might do a couple of lucky 15s.
QuoteWhat Spainards do you hate? Can't think of one myself.
I don't 'hate' anyone - I said "
There are some tremendously difficult people to like in their setup". I'd not be sitting down for porter with Ramos, Busquest and Martinez, for a start. :P
Quote from: laoislad on June 04, 2014, 12:28:40 PM
Anyone follow Match of the day on Twitter?
They are doing a "live" commentary on the Argentina v England game from Mexico 86 at the moment.
@bbcmotd
http://m.bbc.com/sport/live/football/26689868
Engerland have just pulled it back to 2-1. There is still a chance.
Quote from: dec on June 04, 2014, 01:55:47 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 04, 2014, 12:28:40 PM
Anyone follow Match of the day on Twitter?
They are doing a "live" commentary on the Argentina v England game from Mexico 86 at the moment.
@bbcmotd
http://m.bbc.com/sport/live/football/26689868
Engerland have just pulled it back to 2-1. There is still a chance.
They are moaning about a possible hand ball on Maradona's first goal.
Quote from: laoislad on June 04, 2014, 01:58:25 PM
Quote from: dec on June 04, 2014, 01:55:47 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 04, 2014, 12:28:40 PM
Anyone follow Match of the day on Twitter?
They are doing a "live" commentary on the Argentina v England game from Mexico 86 at the moment.
@bbcmotd
http://m.bbc.com/sport/live/football/26689868
Engerland have just pulled it back to 2-1. There is still a chance.
They are moaning about a possible hand ball on Maradona's first goal.
Always with the excuses.
Quote from: trileacman on June 04, 2014, 02:02:12 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 04, 2014, 01:58:25 PM
Quote from: dec on June 04, 2014, 01:55:47 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 04, 2014, 12:28:40 PM
Anyone follow Match of the day on Twitter?
They are doing a "live" commentary on the Argentina v England game from Mexico 86 at the moment.
@bbcmotd
http://m.bbc.com/sport/live/football/26689868
Engerland have just pulled it back to 2-1. There is still a chance.
They are moaning about a possible hand ball on Maradona's first goal.
Always with the excuses.
Don't worry about it, by tomorrow it will be forgotten about.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 04, 2014, 08:02:23 AM
Quote from: Ball Hopper on June 03, 2014, 11:25:23 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 03, 2014, 11:08:28 PM
;D
Neymar looked good tonight, in fairness. Brazil look like a 'wind behind them' team. I wonder if they go 1 down how they'll react?
Your man Jo is wicked. Fred isn't much better. Great names though. Sound like the midfield partnership for silver mines intermediate hurlers.
Silvermines. One word. No excuses.
Auto correct on the iPad doesn't recognise dolla's finest.
Don't care what style of pad you wear...lol.
If england had've taken Terry one thinks they mighta had a chance
Quote from: RealSpiritof98 on June 05, 2014, 03:57:25 AM
If england had've taken Terry one thinks they mighta had a chance
Terry will tog out for whoever wins it to collect his medal.
As the kids say 'Some tekkers'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZzJxWbWXtY
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 06, 2014, 01:13:47 PM
As the kids say 'Some tekkers'.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZzJxWbWXtY
Watched till Ivory Coast one at ~2min45secs, definitely dodgy action on ball from last bounce to manhole.
After the fiasco surrounding his fitness in the Champions League Final, is Diego Costa going to be fully fit to start in Spain's first match?....Tonight, Germany beat Armenia 6-1, but it was overshadowed by an ankle injury to Marco Reus, which has left him doubtful for the World Cup.
Reus would be a big loss for the Germans.
France could be doing with Nasri now that Ribery is out.
England v Honduras game suspended for halh an hour because of thunder storms.
Sturridge had just missed a sitter. Ok game.
Game back on in 10 mins.
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 07, 2014, 10:45:20 PM
Game back on in 10 mins.
England will struggle to get past the group stages
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 07, 2014, 11:15:31 PM
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 07, 2014, 10:45:20 PM
Game back on in 10 mins.
England will struggle to get past the group stages
They'll be playing Italy this time next week. We will know a lot more after that game.
They have been poor enough in this game tonight
Much more zip about England since Gerrard and Rooney were hauled off.
Sturridge seems to pass as a last resort.
Honduras are filthy and divers at the same time. Horrible team. I hope they get hammered.
Commentator said they wont have too much problems with the central American teams!!! Does he realise they haven't scored against 10 men?
You can never read too much into pre tournament matches. Wasn't really feeling much love for it over the past few weeks but looking forward to it now and my two elder boys are at an age now (7 and 10) to be really into it.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 08, 2014, 12:18:39 AM
You can never read too much into pre tournament matches. Wasn't really feeling much love for it over the past few weeks but looking forward to it now and my two elder boys are at an age now (7 and 10) to be really into it.
Yeah can't wait myself. Games are at a decent time as well which is great.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 07, 2014, 11:15:31 PM
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 07, 2014, 10:45:20 PM
Game back on in 10 mins.
England will struggle to get past the group stages
I have a very small bet on them finishing last in their group.
Can someone explain to me why?
I went to back Messi top scorer (7/1) and Argentina to win (4/1) and I was expecting to get odds of 28/1 (7x4) but its priced at 14/1 on PP.
Am I missing something?
Quote from: WT4E on June 09, 2014, 12:08:44 PM
Can someone explain to me why?
I went to back Messi top scorer (7/1) and Argentina to win (4/1) and I was expecting to get odds of 28/1 (7x4) but its priced at 14/1 on PP.
Am I missing something?
Its because both bets compliment each other. For eg if Messi lifts the golden boot there will be a good chance Argentina have reached at least the last 4.
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 09, 2014, 12:15:13 PM
Quote from: WT4E on June 09, 2014, 12:08:44 PM
Can someone explain to me why?
I went to back Messi top scorer (7/1) and Argentina to win (4/1) and I was expecting to get odds of 28/1 (7x4) but its priced at 14/1 on PP.
Am I missing something?
Its because both bets compliment each other. For eg if Messi lifts the golden boot there will be a good chance Argentina have reached at least the last 4.
Exactly. Bookies will say they are linked.
Similarly you cant back a double for Messi to score 1st and Argentina to win that game.
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 09, 2014, 12:22:42 PM
Quote from: Norf Tyrone on June 09, 2014, 12:15:13 PM
Quote from: WT4E on June 09, 2014, 12:08:44 PM
Can someone explain to me why?
I went to back Messi top scorer (7/1) and Argentina to win (4/1) and I was expecting to get odds of 28/1 (7x4) but its priced at 14/1 on PP.
Am I missing something?
Oh right. Still think the 14 is a bit stingey!!!
Its because both bets compliment each other. For eg if Messi lifts the golden boot there will be a good chance Argentina have reached at least the last 4.
Exactly. Bookies will say they are linked.
Similarly you cant back a double for Messi to score 1st and Argentina to win that game.
Blatter's produced the Racism card as to why people are rounding on Qatar ??? The last refuge of a desperate man.
Quote from: Sidney on June 03, 2014, 11:24:22 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
I think it's unlikely the Paraguayans will do more than Belgium, considering they haven't qualified.
And what a shame it is that there will be no Paraguay.....
(http://www.futbolwallpapers.com/pictures/world-cup-babe-16.jpg)
Quote from: laoislad on June 10, 2014, 09:28:51 PM
Quote from: Sidney on June 03, 2014, 11:24:22 PM
Quote from: trileacman on June 03, 2014, 10:38:15 PM
Did I say they'd win it? They're all the talk this weather but honestly I think the Italians, Uruguayan's or Paraguayans look like sides who could do alot more than people think in this championship.
I think it's unlikely the Paraguayans will do more than Belgium, considering they haven't qualified.
And what a shame it is that there will be no Paraguay.....
(http://www.futbolwallpapers.com/pictures/world-cup-babe-16.jpg)
Probably on vibrate ::)
I would love to see England go well would be a great to see them in a semi or final,I think they will do alot better than people think perhaps a quarter final at least. :)
Bosnia will be the surprise team of the tournament.Possible quarter finalist.
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 10, 2014, 10:27:53 PM
I would love to see England go well would be a great to see them in a semi or final,I think they will do alot better than people think perhaps a quarter final at least. :)
Bosnia will be the surprise team of the tournament.Possible quarter finalist.
Tbh I think England will struggle to get out of the group. Italy have looked poor in the warm up games but they have a good few quality players (Balotelli, Pirlo, Marchisio etc.). Uruguay don't appear to be the force they were 4 years ago but in Suarez ( if he's fit) they have one of the best players on the planet. Not a big fan of Cavani from what I've seen but apparently he's quite good. So I think England could struggle.
Nate Silver's take on the World Cup.
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/its-brazils-world-cup-to-lose/
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
Agreed. Going to be class. I reckon Argentina have a great shout, all their games up to the final in the south...A Brazil Argentina final is set up if both win their groups. Spain will have a say too and they other semi spot could be anyone.
Croatia to spoil the party tomorrow night and get a draw...Rakitić and Modric in midfield are serious.
Happy in a way that Ireland didn't qualify..because A) Saving 10,000 that i don't have and B) Get to actually watch the games, missed a rake in Poland travelling or sculling pints.
And C , Ireland would have been outclassed like the Euros. Portugal last night was pretty ugly.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 11, 2014, 12:52:21 PM
And C , Ireland would have been outclassed like the Euros. Portugal last night was pretty ugly.
It wasn't exactly Ireland's first choice 11 in fairness.
Quote from: laoislad on June 11, 2014, 12:59:04 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 11, 2014, 12:52:21 PM
And C , Ireland would have been outclassed like the Euros. Portugal last night was pretty ugly.
It wasn't exactly Ireland's first choice 11 in fairness.
Well that too! Have it recorded, will have a scan through later but not surprised that Ward got a skinning. The lad should be back with Bohs...atrocious.
Forde has a clanger in the locker every game, seriously jittery....
Our FIFA ranking is taking a hammering, likely to be 5th seeds for World Cup 2018 draw in September!!
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
THe missus was saying the same last night. I reminder her the WC was starting and she said she would rather watch nothing and if I was going to watch matches every night I could do it in another room. All a bit harsh I felt! :D
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
THe missus was saying the same last night. I reminder her the WC was starting and she said she would rather watch nothing and if I was going to watch matches every night I could do it in another room. All a bit harsh I felt! :D
You's watch TV in the same room?
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 11, 2014, 01:11:11 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
THe missus was saying the same last night. I reminder her the WC was starting and she said she would rather watch nothing and if I was going to watch matches every night I could do it in another room. All a bit harsh I felt! :D
You's watch TV in the same room?
Should do what Bobby Martinez does....has 2 TV's next to each other, he watches games with headphones on and the wife sits next to him watching her programs. He said it allows them to spend time together...absolute hero. ;D
Why is David Forde in goals? He's not even from Donegal!!
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 11, 2014, 01:11:11 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
THe missus was saying the same last night. I reminder her the WC was starting and she said she would rather watch nothing and if I was going to watch matches every night I could do it in another room. All a bit harsh I felt! :D
You's watch TV in the same room?
;D Aye for general viewing we have fairly similar tastes. Usually banished to another room for sports and she knows to watch Coronation St. etc. when I'm not about. Works fairly well most of the time.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 11, 2014, 01:13:25 PM
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 11, 2014, 01:11:11 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
THe missus was saying the same last night. I reminder her the WC was starting and she said she would rather watch nothing and if I was going to watch matches every night I could do it in another room. All a bit harsh I felt! :D
You's watch TV in the same room?
Should do what Bobby Martinez does....has 2 TV's next to each other, he watches games with headphones on and the wife sits next to him watching her programs. He said it allows them to spend time together...absolute hero. ;D
I remember seeing that on MoTD or something - they have an L-shaped sofa so they can lie near each other facing at 90deg angle watching their own TVs. Class setup!
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:19:09 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 11, 2014, 01:13:25 PM
Quote from: supersarsfields on June 11, 2014, 01:11:11 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 11, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 11, 2014, 12:07:12 PM
Really looking forward to this starting, TV is shocking and the timing of the matches will ensure that its perfect for watching. Should be plenty of good matches, drama, fallouts, controversy, bad decisions, fallouts, shocks etc etc. Good entertainment.
And its in Brazil. The pressure on them will be incredible and if the tournament last year is anything to go by, their games will be massive events.
Brazil to win and Neymar to be the man.
THe missus was saying the same last night. I reminder her the WC was starting and she said she would rather watch nothing and if I was going to watch matches every night I could do it in another room. All a bit harsh I felt! :D
You's watch TV in the same room?
Should do what Bobby Martinez does....has 2 TV's next to each other, he watches games with headphones on and the wife sits next to him watching her programs. He said it allows them to spend time together...absolute hero. ;D
I remember seeing that on MoTD or something - they have an L-shaped sofa so they can lie near each other facing at 90deg angle watching their own TVs. Class setup!
Yep, that's where I saw it too. Class
I see Rio is in Rio for the BBC. Surely he'll find the time to dance on the sand?
Quote from: BennyCake on June 11, 2014, 11:05:21 PM
I see Rio is in Rio for the BBC. Surely he'll find the time to dance on the sand?
I love it ... ;)
Henry with the BBC also. Get ready for the Irish boycott.
Patrick Kavanagh previews the 1966 World Cup, dismisses England.
http://www.rte.ie/archives/2014/0612/623291-patrick-kavanagh-previews-1966-world-cup/
Really hope South American setting can inspire a tournament to rival '70 and '86, while an '82 would be perfectly acceptable also.
We might not be there but that doesn't mean that World Cup fever isn't set to grip the nation ahead of tonight's opening game between Brazil and Croatia at 9pm.
Between betting, busters and just sheer general interest, we'll all have our say on the tournament over the next few weeks.
The big question remains whether Dundalk's very own Steve Staunton will have his record broken.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa star – who played at Italia 90, USA 94 and Japan and South Korea in 2002 – has drawn more World Cup games than any player in the history of the tournament with eight.
The stat was revealed by the good folks over at Balls.ie, who also revealed that Robbie Keane (3) has scored as many World Cup goals as Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Lionel Messi (1) and Wayne Rooney (0) combined and that Ireland hold the record for the highest ever finish at a World Cup despite not winning a match (1990).
Suddenly the Aussies are starting to take an interest despite the best efforts of SBS TV to promote "football". Well, there is even talk that they are not going to get belted in every game and may, just may, in fact, surprise a few people. Considering the team, scoring a goal will surprise a few of us. ??? ::)
One good thing this year is that every game will be shown "live" on SBS, but start times ranging from all ungodly hours, the recorder will be doing overtime in this house, if at all.
God forbid they get a point and we'll never hear the end of the courage, bravery and magnificence in the face of such adversity.
Quote from: Aerlik on June 12, 2014, 03:22:55 PM
Suddenly the Aussies are starting to take an interest despite the best efforts of SBS TV to promote "football". Well, there is even talk that they are not going to get belted in every game and may, just may, in fact, surprise a few people. Considering the team, scoring a goal will surprise a few of us. ??? ::)
One good thing this year is that every game will be shown "live" on SBS, but start times ranging from all ungodly hours, the recorder will be doing overtime in this house, if at all.
God forbid they get a point and we'll never hear the end of the courage, bravery and magnificence in the face of such adversity.
I have them down to score zero and concede 10 and maybe get a red card or 2!!
Quote from: mouview on June 12, 2014, 02:31:59 PM
Really hope South American setting can inspire a tournament to rival '70 and '86, while an '82 would be perfectly acceptable also.
Is it just me getting older, football getting shiter, or what, but with each WC the quality is getting worse? My first was 86, which was really good, but since then it's got worse and worse. 2010 was brutal.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 12, 2014, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 12, 2014, 02:31:59 PM
Really hope South American setting can inspire a tournament to rival '70 and '86, while an '82 would be perfectly acceptable also.
Is it just me getting older, football getting shiter, or what, but with each WC the quality is getting worse? My first was 86, which was really good, but since then it's got worse and worse. 2010 was brutal.
Its the same with the GAA
One Word ruining the whole thing:
SCIENCE
Quote from: BennyCake on June 12, 2014, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 12, 2014, 02:31:59 PM
Really hope South American setting can inspire a tournament to rival '70 and '86, while an '82 would be perfectly acceptable also.
Is it just me getting older, football getting shiter, or what, but with each WC the quality is getting worse? My first was 86, which was really good, but since then it's got worse and worse. 2010 was brutal.
It's just you getting older.
Behind the scenes at this World Cup lies a deep and bitter relationship with the average Brazilian. The countries healthcare and education is in ruins, and everyone is watching hundreds of millions been spent on a football tournament and white elephant stadiums.
There is a very high human cost at this stage, and the tensions are getting raised. Already today in Sao Paulo crowds are gathering and protesting. Water cannons on the scene and tear gas already been fired.
Sadly and unfortunately this World Cup will not pass off peacefully.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2650576/Bebeto-recreates-USA-1994-World-Cup-goal-celebration-son.html
Quote from: give her dixie on June 12, 2014, 04:13:56 PM
Behind the scenes at this World Cup lies a deep and bitter relationship with the average Brazilian. The countries healthcare and education is in ruins, and everyone is watching hundreds of millions been spent on a football tournament and white elephant stadiums.
There is a very high human cost at this stage, and the tensions are getting raised. Already today in Sao Paulo crowds are gathering and protesting. Water cannons on the scene and tear gas already been fired.
Sadly and unfortunately this World Cup will not pass off peacefully.
Anti Fifa graffiti in Brazil
http://www.buzzfeed.com/conzpreti/anti-fifa-graffitis-are-covering-the-streets-of-brazil
I don't understand why the WC is awarded to a country that needs to build a dozen new stadiums. Is there even a stadium in Qatar? There are modern stadia in Germany, Italy, England etc. why not give it to one of them? Brazil has the Olympics in 2016 and that's a shitload of money to do both. It makes no sense. Then again, it's all about brown envelopes and corruption at the end of the day, not sport.
Quote from: give her dixie on June 12, 2014, 04:13:56 PM
Behind the scenes at this World Cup lies a deep and bitter relationship with the average Brazilian. The countries healthcare and education is in ruins, and everyone is watching hundreds of millions been spent on a football tournament and white elephant stadiums.
There is a very high human cost at this stage, and the tensions are getting raised. Already today in Sao Paulo crowds are gathering and protesting. Water cannons on the scene and tear gas already been fired.
Sadly and unfortunately this World Cup will not pass off peacefully.
Feck way to put a dampener on the whole thing.
I can't wait. T - 4 and a half hours!
Quote from: BennyCake on June 12, 2014, 03:49:37 PM
Quote from: mouview on June 12, 2014, 02:31:59 PM
Really hope South American setting can inspire a tournament to rival '70 and '86, while an '82 would be perfectly acceptable also.
Is it just me getting older, football getting shiter, or what, but with each WC the quality is getting worse? My first was 86, which was really good, but since then it's got worse and worse. 2010 was brutal.
Think '90 was actually the worst, really dour and defensive.
Unfortunately I think World Cups have decreased in relevance (thus quality) due to
a) the advent of satellite TV and the huge revenues it has brought in to club football
b) thus the rise in the primacy of the European club competitions, in particular the Champions League
c) the fall of the old Iron Curtain, thus the free movement of the best players to the western leagues. Once upon a time International tournaments were the only shop window for them.
d) over-exposure of football on TV
However, the CL this year was quite non-vintage, so maybe the WC will compensate.
I don't know about it getting worse at all.
France was a very good world cup, Japan/Korea (outside of the little incident before it) was very good. Italia 90 was a terrible one and led to many rule changes as a result but has been some really good tournements and I can't remember not enjoying it but I'd like the whole package and soccer as a game. Even South Africa was enjoyable and had plenty of drama.
The whole off political situation and fallout from it is not nice to see. But this situation hasn't happened cause of the world cup, it was already there and has been neglected by various governments and accepted by generations. In a roundabout way, maybe the staging of the WC and Olympics has pushed the people onto the streets and given them a greater reason to voice their disapproval at how the country has been run. Its a not a positive but maybe its a changing of the times for them.
Quote from: Bingo on June 12, 2014, 04:31:48 PM
I don't know about it getting worse at all.
France was a very good world cup, Japan/Korea (outside of the little incident before it) was very good. Italia 90 was a terrible one and led to many rule changes as a result but has been some really good tournements and I can't remember not enjoying it but I'd like the whole package and soccer as a game. Even South Africa was enjoyable and had plenty of drama.
What little incident before Japan/Korea??
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2014, 04:41:06 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 12, 2014, 04:31:48 PM
I don't know about it getting worse at all.
France was a very good world cup, Japan/Korea (outside of the little incident before it) was very good. Italia 90 was a terrible one and led to many rule changes as a result but has been some really good tournements and I can't remember not enjoying it but I'd like the whole package and soccer as a game. Even South Africa was enjoyable and had plenty of drama.
What little incident before Japan/Korea??
The ticketing issue ;)
http://www.printweek.com/print-week/news/1114256/fifa-blames-world-cup-hosts-ticket-chaos (http://www.printweek.com/print-week/news/1114256/fifa-blames-world-cup-hosts-ticket-chaos)
It's going to be great. The world's biggest jamboree.
Quote from: Bingo on June 12, 2014, 04:47:02 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2014, 04:41:06 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 12, 2014, 04:31:48 PM
I don't know about it getting worse at all.
France was a very good world cup, Japan/Korea (outside of the little incident before it) was very good. Italia 90 was a terrible one and led to many rule changes as a result but has been some really good tournements and I can't remember not enjoying it but I'd like the whole package and soccer as a game. Even South Africa was enjoyable and had plenty of drama.
What little incident before Japan/Korea??
The ticketing issue ;)
http://www.printweek.com/print-week/news/1114256/fifa-blames-world-cup-hosts-ticket-chaos (http://www.printweek.com/print-week/news/1114256/fifa-blames-world-cup-hosts-ticket-chaos)
Ah sure it worked itself out.
Its not like anyone got in a huff and walked out because of it.
Are Sky going to be up to their usual crap and block broadcasting of games on RTE in the north? Not sure what Sky think they are achieving blocking these games in the north as most people can see the games on RTE via Saorview anyway. I don't have Saorview on main TV in living room and I'll have to watch the games on the insufferable BBC or ITV or watch them on a smaller TV in the house.
Good excuse for a new TV if I can sell the idea to the other half.
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 12, 2014, 05:10:06 PM
Are Sky going to be up to their usual crap and block broadcasting of games on RTE in the north? Not sure what Sky think they are achieving blocking these games in the north as most people can see the games on RTE via Saorview anyway. I don't have Saorview on main TV in living room and I'll have to watch the games on the insufferable BBC or ITV or watch them on a smaller TV in the house.
Good excuse for a new TV if I can sell the idea to the other half.
It won't be sky blocking it, it would be attached to the broadcasting rights, so the likes of UTV and BBC would be blocking them. Or rather the platform operators would be obliged to block them on their behalf.
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 12, 2014, 05:10:06 PM
Are Sky going to be up to their usual crap and block broadcasting of games on RTE in the north? Not sure what Sky think they are achieving blocking these games in the north as most people can see the games on RTE via Saorview anyway. I don't have Saorview on main TV in living room and I'll have to watch the games on the insufferable BBC or ITV or watch them on a smaller TV in the house.
Good excuse for a new TV if I can sell the idea to the other half.
Aye and the feckers are going to destroy the GAA as well!
I notice Croatia are 10/1 to beat Brazil tonight with McLean's. Those are feckin' generous odds??
Greece are 15/2 to win Group C...might be worth a spare £5?
What time does this game the night kick off ?
one pet dislike of the whole cup before it starts, i remember back round running round in a pair of red boots playing fullback in my heyday back when we all sensible wore black, had to stand out somehow lol, anyway i went through the 442 magazine world cup preview, out of all the teams previewed with team photos, maybe 20+ teams, not 1 player was actually wearing the old style black boots, we practically got ever colour under the sun all quite loud colours, none co-ordianted with team mates or team colours, its actually quite off putting, time to go retro and bring back the good old standard version, all these boot deals a curse!1
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on June 12, 2014, 05:10:06 PM
Are Sky going to be up to their usual crap and block broadcasting of games on RTE in the north? Not sure what Sky think they are achieving blocking these games in the north as most people can see the games on RTE via Saorview anyway. I don't have Saorview on main TV in living room and I'll have to watch the games on the insufferable BBC or ITV or watch them on a smaller TV in the house.
Good excuse for a new TV if I can sell the idea to the other half.
Yep...blocked again....not me..RTE...have to make do with >:(Chiles and Co
Any team news?
the sound for the opening ceremony is terrible there, waste of time bringing jenny from the block
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 12, 2014, 07:39:14 PM
the sound for the opening ceremony is terrible there, waste of time bringing jenny from the block
I dunno I think she's looking well. She must be near 40 or more now?
The opening ceremony is a shambles. They made a complete mess of the music.
I will be conservative and go for Brazil to win at home. They will beat Argentina in the final. Belgium will do well and finish third.
Dunphy is going through Brazil for a short cut at the moment.
Neymar to dive within the first 5 mins
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 12, 2014, 07:34:46 PM
Any team news?
Brazil: Cesar; D.Alves, T.Silva, D.Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, L.Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred.
Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Ćorluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko; Modrić, Rakitić, Perišić, Brozović; Olić, Jelavić
Quote from: oakleaflad on June 12, 2014, 08:07:05 PM
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 12, 2014, 07:34:46 PM
Any team news?
Brazil: Cesar; D.Alves, T.Silva, D.Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, L.Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred.
Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Ćorluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko; Modrić, Rakitić, Perišić, Brozović; Olić, Jelavić
Not a bad looking Croatia team there - I'd have Modric and Rakitic before Paulinho and Gustavo any day. Don't fancy Olic and Jelavic to get much change out of Tiago Silva though! Interesting game I think - Fred and Hulk can be average enough as well. I'd say Croatia will fancy this!
Here we go.............. ;D
I'd say that anthem would sound more impressive if they weren't all singing different songs! The miracle is how they all manage to stop at the same time.
Gol Gol Gol Gol
oh dear...
Can't see a Brazil goal coming so far, they have been poor enough
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 12, 2014, 09:17:17 PM
Can't see a Brazil goal coming so far, they have been poor enough
1-1
Brazil haven't had a competitive game in years. They have spent the first half getting used to the pace of competitive international football. They will win the second half 2 or 3 nil.
Is this jar-o-chalk for free kicks one of Blatter's brainwaves?
Disappointed with the lack of good looking Brazilian,Croatian women shown in the crowd so far.
Quote from: Syferus on June 12, 2014, 09:48:26 PM
Is this jar-o-chalk for free kicks one of Blatter's brainwaves?
Nah, they've been using it in some of the South American leagues for years. Great idea.
2-1 never a penalty
That was no peno
Rumour has it Sean Cavanagh has just been spotted in Brazil!!!
No penalty that was a pure dive
Ref giving every 50:50 to Brazil. Wonder how much he was paid.
Shocking decision, never a penalty. Neymar very lucky still to be on the field. Somehow I don't think the late, great Socrates would be a fan of this Brazil team.
Where are the lads who stood on the goal line and did nothing gone to.
its sore on croatia but Brazil look the better team , though u still have to score fairly to win to be honest
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 12, 2014, 10:43:35 PM
its sore on croatia but Brazil look the better team , though u still have to score fairly to win to be honest
Lets have score cards to determine the result of a game anymore! :P
Some awful decisions in that match. I don't think much of this Brazil team
If that is what Brazil have to offer I'm not sure they should be favorites.
Brazil will be fine. It's only the first game, they will improve as the tournament goes on.
It was a dodgy penalty but they were the better team IMO.
Spain lost their first in the last World Cup and went on and won the tournament.
I'm sure everyone was writing them off as well.
It's the first match! Sure Argentina were beaten by Cameroon in their first match in Italia 90 and went on to the final. Italy only won 1 match in 94 and went on the final.
Quote from: laoislad on June 12, 2014, 11:34:16 PM
Brazil will be fine. It's only the first game, they will improve as the tournament goes on.
It was a dodgy penalty but they were the better team IMO.
Spain lost their first in the last World Cup and went on and won the tournament.
I'm sure everyone was writing them off as well.
;)
What would happen if someone made Hulk angry? God, it doesn't bear thinking about.
Feckin Brazil. Like Dubs playing all games at home. Hand them the cup!
Thought Croatia's disallowed goal should have syood.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 12, 2014, 11:48:58 PM
What would happen if someone made Hulk angry? God, it doesn't bear thinking about.
He would rip off his shirt & turn green?????
This is what happens when you let an official from one of the weaker counties countries referee a big game. Surely that match cried out for a Munsterman to referee it, someone who understands the white heat of Championship football.
I'm usually not too hard on refs and I know this was the first game but the penalty award to Brazil is a candidate for the worst decision of the entire competition.
The business of letting the crowd sing the second verse of the anthem. Everyone seems to start at a different time. It actually sounds shit.
Looking forward to Fred, Jo and Bernard being on the pitch at the same time. Easy for commentators and at least their parents know where they are.
QuoteLooking forward to Fred, Jo and Bernard being on the pitch at the same time.
What they really need is a Larry!
Enjoyed reading this piece on Maradonna, Messi and Argentina
http://www.espnfc.com/blog/wright-thompson/94/post/1873772/wright-thompson----shadowed-by-the-hand-of-god (http://www.espnfc.com/blog/wright-thompson/94/post/1873772/wright-thompson----shadowed-by-the-hand-of-god)
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 13, 2014, 09:44:18 AM
QuoteLooking forward to Fred, Jo and Bernard being on the pitch at the same time.
What they really need is a Larry!
not to mention Oscar & William
On Brazil, for his age Sammy Davis Jnr put in a great shift last night.
Quote from: Bingo on June 13, 2014, 11:39:17 AM
On Brazil, for his age Sammy Davis Jnr put in a great shift last night.
i was laughin at yer man last night. Thought he also looked like a skinnier version of Carlton from Fresh Prince
Quote from: J OGorman on June 13, 2014, 11:56:37 AM
Quote from: Bingo on June 13, 2014, 11:39:17 AM
On Brazil, for his age Sammy Davis Jnr put in a great shift last night.
i was laughin at yer man last night. Thought he also looked like a skinnier version of Carlton from Fresh Prince
Saw a tweet that said he looked like a "lad who would try to sell you mild pornographic postcards and/or sunglasses on a beach in Costa Del Sol".. ;D
Quote from: ballinaman on June 13, 2014, 12:00:56 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on June 13, 2014, 11:56:37 AM
Quote from: Bingo on June 13, 2014, 11:39:17 AM
On Brazil, for his age Sammy Davis Jnr put in a great shift last night.
i was laughin at yer man last night. Thought he also looked like a skinnier version of Carlton from Fresh Prince
Saw a tweet that said he looked like a "lad who would try to sell you mild pornographic postcards and/or sunglasses on a beach in Costa Del Sol".. ;D
;D
Also reminded me of the slimy, untrustworthy character in the film, "The Mummy" - Beni
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20081206051604/mummy/images/thumb/e/e8/BeniCamel.jpg/250px-BeniCamel.jpg)
Quote from: Bingo on June 13, 2014, 12:07:16 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 13, 2014, 12:00:56 PM
Quote from: J OGorman on June 13, 2014, 11:56:37 AM
Quote from: Bingo on June 13, 2014, 11:39:17 AM
On Brazil, for his age Sammy Davis Jnr put in a great shift last night.
i was laughin at yer man last night. Thought he also looked like a skinnier version of Carlton from Fresh Prince
Saw a tweet that said he looked like a "lad who would try to sell you mild pornographic postcards and/or sunglasses on a beach in Costa Del Sol".. ;D
;D
Also reminded me of the slimy, untrustworthy character in the film, "The Mummy" - Beni
(http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20081206051604/mummy/images/thumb/e/e8/BeniCamel.jpg/250px-BeniCamel.jpg)
Ah Beni....wouldn't bank on him ever!
Quote from: AQMP on June 13, 2014, 09:04:10 AM
Looking forward to Fred, Jo and Bernard being on the pitch at the same time. Easy for commentators and at least their parents know where they are.
Where are Fran and Manny?
Quote from: Bingo on June 13, 2014, 11:39:17 AM
On Brazil, for his age Sammy Davis Jnr put in a great shift last night.
;D
thats who i kept thinking of as well!
All Mexico so far, Cameroon to score lol
More bad decisions by the officials in the Mexico-Cameroon match.
Ready made excuses for England?
Its a monsoon in Brazil lads by the look of it, England love this weather, Cameroon well am sure they haven't seen amount of rain in along time back home,
Quote from: deiseach on June 13, 2014, 12:59:09 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 13, 2014, 09:04:10 AM
Looking forward to Fred, Jo and Bernard being on the pitch at the same time. Easy for commentators and at least their parents know where they are.
Where are Fran and Manny?
Minding the shop, of course.
Great cross great goal.
Brilliant goal from RVP 1-1
Amazing diving header by Van Persie.
Mighty goal from Van the man, this dutch team looks better than 4 yrs ago, though abit dodgy at the back
The dutch goal was a great pass and header however they will need to improve in defence if they want to get a result in this game.
2-1 to the Dutch now. Casillas dived out of the way of Robbens shot.
Best game so far, and the be hard to beat that headed goal. World cup has officially started
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 13, 2014, 09:18:20 PM
2-1 to the Dutch now. Casillas dived out of the way of Robbens shot.
To be fair, took a slight deflection
Early days but getting a small run for my money on Spain not to qualify. Put £300'000 on it. 4/1.
Good manager LVG :P
The Dutch are running away with it 4-1 after Van Persie scores again.
C'Mon the Orange.
vijf
Jeysus! This is bonkers :o
Unbelievable stuff
Holland playing like Liverpool.
World champions getting destroyed in fairness it could be different if Casillas didn't give away two very soft goals. Poor goalkeeping in this world cup so far.
We have a contender!!!
The end happens all teams, but its sad to see a great spain team get destroyed
(http://static2.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/a_scale_large/600-9/photos/1303010761-londons-orange-order-parade_660209.jpg)
A fit Van Persie some difference from the unfit one in the final 4 yrs ago
Quote from: laoislad on June 13, 2014, 09:38:28 PM
Holland playing like Liverpool.
Do so much and balls drop off when it matters? Liverpool will be playing tomorrow night, less Sterling ;)
LVG and RVP partnership. 8)
Torres is dung, even my daughter (she's 10) said he's rubbish
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 13, 2014, 09:48:54 PM
Torres is dung, even my daughter (she's 10) said he's rubbish
Luckily she never saw her da play.
Holland are a very hard team to like. What a goal from Van Persie though, the header. Brilliant thinking.
This Spain team been on the slide since brazil thrashed them a year ago, they not win it, the problem with Spain is they have alot of skillful footballers but no hard hitters like Nadal or a player like Roy Keane, when the shit hits the fan they lie down all too easy,
hard to like? i always liked them from the Van Basten Gullit era, helped that my main team was AC Milan and the main man there and my favourite player was Van basten
I can't stand Robben, and De Jong , and I hate the sulky heads on them when things are going wrong.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 13, 2014, 09:47:24 PM
LVG and RVP partnership. 8)
Was it Van Gaal who crossed it for the first goal?
I think it's too soon to be writing of Spain. There will be a lot of over reaction when a result like this happens.
Spain should have been 2 up if Villa didn't p***k around. We'd all be saying Spain were great then.
I think it was a foul for the 3rd goal.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 13, 2014, 09:56:01 PM
hard to like? i always liked they from the Van Basten Gullit era, helped that my main team was AC Milan and the main man there and my favourite palyer was Van basten
Always liked Holland for some unknown reason myself. Always cheer for them in tournaments that Ireland don't qualify for.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 13, 2014, 09:53:49 PM
This Spain team been on the slide since brazil thrashed them a year ago, they not win it, the problem with Spain is they have alot of skillful footballers but no hard hitters like Nadal or a player like Roy Keane, when the shit hits the fan they lie down all too easy,
I don't know if you are being serious here but the lack of a hard hitter was hardly a hindrance at Euro 2008, WC2010 or Euro 2012.
I think what you are seeing is the natural decline of a great team. It happens all great teams.
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 13, 2014, 09:58:25 PM
I think it's too soon to be writing of Spain. There will be a lot of over reaction when a result like this happens.
Spain should have been 2 up if Villa didn't p***k around. We'd all be saying Spain were great then.
I think it was a foul for the 3rd goal.
Correct. Villa was being a real dick. On the bench.
Sorry meant Silva.
Spain have never really had to stand up to be counted as most of the time they were better than the opposition, they didn't need a hard hitter back then though i put Puyol in that bracket, plus senna back when they won the first European championship, when the chips are down now and they are evened out among the top 6/8 teams having a man that can hold his own and try to win the midfield battle is essential, Having a goalkeeper would help too,
They had to stand up against the very same opposition four years ago in the biggest match in this team and Spain's history.
Chile should be entertaining to watch. Great attacking players.
That Holland team a better team than 4 yrs ago, Spain also were a better team bck then, what got them over the line then, will not now
Could be a long night for Australia.
2 down after 13 mins.
Aussies going do to an Offaly on it?
Chile playing like Liverpool.
Australia playing like Liverpool.
spain lost opening game of 2010 WC too
wouldn't be putting the mortgage on against them yet
Decent game enough.
Chile sat back a bit after going 2 up.
Hope the Aussies get a result. Great header from Cahill
All Aussie 2nd half I hope they can do something now my f**king bet is gone!
Quote from: screenexile on June 14, 2014, 12:15:43 AM
All Aussie 2nd half I hope they can do something now my f**king bet is gone!
At 2-0 I thought the Aussie's were going to be routed but tjey have a reasonable chamce of rescuing this.
Buffon out of the game v England tonight
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 14, 2014, 03:27:09 PM
Buffon out of the game v England tonight
Sirigu would be starting for pretty much every other country though, shouldn't make much of a difference.
I really associate Buffon with my memories of almost every major tournament in my lifetime. Is he seriously injured?
Does Neil Lennon have a Scottish accent now?
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 14, 2014, 05:18:06 PM
Does Neil Lennon have a Scottish accent now?
Maybe it's an Ulster-Scots accent.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 14, 2014, 05:34:20 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 14, 2014, 05:18:06 PM
Does Neil Lennon have a Scottish accent now?
Maybe it's an Ulster-Scots accent.
Could you write that in ulster scots?
Liverpool England team for game tonight.
Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Rooney, Sterling, Welbeck; Sturridge.
God is in his heaven, and all is right with the world. Today is such a day. A cloudless June sky, the oxen reposed in the shade of the mighty British oak, the reek rising from a million barbeques.
And England beginning its World Cup endeavour.
Thought you'd be in Wexford Park Sidney.
It appears Uruguay are shit :-\
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqHIQwZIEAA9MMf.jpg:large)
Seen worse.
This rating will go through the roof tonight.
http://www.happyplanetindex.org/countries/costa-rica/
Quote from: AQMP on June 14, 2014, 09:34:32 PM
It appears Uruguay are shit :-\
Costa rica have played very well.
Quote from: Zulu on June 14, 2014, 09:08:59 PM
Thought you'd be in Wexford Park Sidney.
Sorry mate but I'm fooking off to Australia on Monday so needs must.
Well done to Costa Rica fine result for them and a good result for England can they make the most of it against Italy next?
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 14, 2014, 09:49:16 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqHIQwZIEAA9MMf.jpg:large)
Seen worse.
The young gals are wearing very tight fitting jeans nowadays.
Great World Cup so far.
was that the same campbell fella that scored for olympiakos against utd?
So far so good this World Cup. Decent entertainment.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 14, 2014, 09:49:16 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqHIQwZIEAA9MMf.jpg:large)
Seen worse.
Columbian mucksavage.
Quote from: clarshack on June 14, 2014, 10:00:48 PM
was that the same campbell fella that scored for omplyiakos against utd?
Same fella who when he pulls on an Arsenal shirt will turn to shite.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
great world cup, brillant entertainment but how shite are the co-commentaters? Close call for who is most annoying, mark lawrenson, clarke calisle or andy townsend. Lawrenson wins it for me, always sounds like he hates being there. Kevin kilbane is one of the better ones
Disappointed not to see us go with Gerrard and Lampard in the middle as I feel those two really complement each other.
Enough about the interviews though - Woy has selected the team for the job in my view.
I'm cautiously predicting a 5-0 win.
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 14, 2014, 10:15:52 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
great world cup, brillant entertainment but how shite are the co-commentaters? Close call for who is most annoying, mark lawrenson, clarke calisle or andy townsend. Lawrenson wins it for me, always sounds like he hates being there. Kevin kilbane is one of the better ones
Ray Houghton is the worst by far. He is an awful moany shite.
Those tossers earlier were annoying the shite out of me going on about the handball for the penalty even after it was obvious the ref gave it for hauling the man down (or being touched by a feather!).
It has been a good start to the world cup but I feel this will be the first 0-0 and it will be a shit game.
No RTE for me. B'satrds.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 10:18:36 PM
Ray Houghton is the worst by far. He is an awful moany shite.
Ray doesn't know whether he's a Scot or a Cockney.
What a player though.
Quote from: ONeill on June 14, 2014, 10:27:54 PM
No RTE for me. B'satrds.
I've switched to RTE for this game as I prefer pure bullshit to jingoistic claptrap...just
Barred on Sky here.
Judging by how the games have gone so far I'm reassessing my 0-0 prediction. Eng 4 Ita 1
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 10:18:36 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 14, 2014, 10:15:52 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
great world cup, brillant entertainment but how shite are the co-commentaters? Close call for who is most annoying, mark lawrenson, clarke calisle or andy townsend. Lawrenson wins it for me, always sounds like he hates being there. Kevin kilbane is one of the better ones
Ray Houghton is the worst by far. He is an awful moany shite.
All of Big Jack's lads are saints, you heathen.
Come on our Home Nations representatives.
Quote from: AQMP on June 14, 2014, 10:33:20 PM
Judging by how the games have gone so far I'm reassessing my 0-0 prediction. Eng 4 Ita 1
I think England will struggle to make it out of the group, especially given the Uruguay result.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 10:18:36 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 14, 2014, 10:15:52 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
great world cup, brillant entertainment but how shite are the co-commentaters? Close call for who is most annoying, mark lawrenson, clarke calisle or andy townsend. Lawrenson wins it for me, always sounds like he hates being there. Kevin kilbane is one of the better ones
Ray Houghton is the worst by far. He is an awful moany shite.
Phil Neville could put me to sleep here.
MoyPark getting serious coverage on the advertising hoardings!
Great goal by Eng. Two players who have done feck all!!
Some World Cup so far alright.
Quote from: balladmaker on June 14, 2014, 11:20:11 PM
MoyPark getting serious coverage on the advertising hoardings!
They did in 2010 too. And it's the Italy fans playing chicken now, or as you'd say up North, noy.
Quote from: BennyHarp on June 14, 2014, 11:10:15 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 10:18:36 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 14, 2014, 10:15:52 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
Quote from: laoislad on June 14, 2014, 09:59:49 PM
Great World Cup so far.
great world cup, brillant entertainment but how shite are the co-commentaters? Close call for who is most annoying, mark lawrenson, clarke calisle or andy townsend. Lawrenson wins it for me, always sounds like he hates being there. Kevin kilbane is one of the better ones
Ray Houghton is the worst by far. He is an awful moany shite.
Phil Neville could put me to sleep here.
Saw this on twitter @Phil Neville is this World Cup's vuvuzela. #bbcworldcup
These wops are greasier than a Moy Park chicken's leg and we'll destroy them in the second half.
Quote from: Sidney on June 14, 2014, 11:50:45 PM
These wops are greasier than a Moy Park chicken's leg and we'll destroy them in the second half.
4-1 still on the cards :)
I am slipping into a coma thanks to Phil Neville
Quote from: AQMP on June 14, 2014, 11:54:48 PM
Quote from: Sidney on June 14, 2014, 11:50:45 PM
These wops are greasier than a Moy Park chicken's leg and we'll destroy them in the second half.
4-1 still on the cards :)
Or not!
Some of these English chaps have been watching Tyrone videos, they fall over at the least thing.
Italy letting Eng have too much ball? Candreva the best player I've never heard of
Quote from: AQMP on June 15, 2014, 12:19:29 AM
Italy letting Eng have too much ball? Candreva the best player I've never heard of
Italy have parked the bus now
Quote from: BennyHarp on June 15, 2014, 12:42:24 AM
Quote from: AQMP on June 15, 2014, 12:19:29 AM
Italy letting Eng have too much ball? Candreva the best player I've never heard of
Italy have parked the bus now
I think the only chance Italy got in this second half was their second goal.
Paletta, just let it go man, shave it off.
I can't understand it. If you look at the respective team sheets only Pirlo would get in the England team. If Harry Redknapp was managing us we would have won that.
God bless you, Mr T.
Oh alot more than Pirlo be on it, the England defence is fairly poor, keeper nothing special either, plus Mario better up front than anything England have, England better of playing Rooney of the bench, whatever made him special when he was a teenager, is long gone now,
Due to all the 3-1 results I have 3-1 italy at 60/1. Gutted Pirlo hit the crossbar.
I would expect Uruguay to beat England.
England might find it hard against Costa Rica as they were unable to break down Italy's defensive tactics. Costa Rica really do park the bus.
England looked a lot better than Uruguay, but you can't really draw a form line but if Suarez isn't playing I thing Uruguays agricultural approach will suit England. Their midfield couldn't string 3,passes together today.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 15, 2014, 01:10:53 AM
England looked a lot better than Uruguay, but you can't really draw a form line but if Suarez isn't playing I thing Uruguays agricultural approach will suit England. Their midfield couldn't string 3,passes together today.
Agree AZ Uruguay were awful. I'd have Eng favourites got that game. Suarez looks like a gamble.
Diet Liverpool... good but not good enough!
Phil Neville reminds me of that Father Ted episode "no Ted I think I have the most boring voice here".
I'd say the Italians were doped up on something good. Italy is notoriously lax on anti-doping issues. Probably fettucini with a bit of EPO mixed in.
Quote from: screenexile on June 15, 2014, 01:19:34 AM
Diet Liverpool... good but not good enough!
Phil Neville reminds me of that Father Ted episode "no Ted I think I have the most boring voice here".
Eh no - that's Michael Owen - the sickening turncoat.
ah lads its like a wake on BBC 1 at the minute, time to turn over to watch the post analysis on itv now lol
At least for once england realised they can't win in a slow paced game and tried to keep the tempo up. Rooney's miss a shocker really.
Baines out of depth and wilshire is nowhere near an international footballer. Rooney will get better i suspect.
Big ask to qualify now. Italy limited when balotelli went off who despite being a balloon is world class.
Any chance of the Myth of Gerrard still being a proper good footballer stopping now?
Quote from: beer baron on June 15, 2014, 09:53:08 AM
Any chance of the Myth of Gerrard still being a proper good footballer stopping now?
He is good at taking penalties.....
Quote from: beer baron on June 15, 2014, 09:53:08 AM
Any chance of the Myth of Gerrard still being a proper good footballer stopping now?
Agreed, spraying Hollywood passes which offer nothing. By the time the winger has brought it out of the clouds, the full back is on his case forcing him to play it back, to where they started from.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 15, 2014, 09:34:08 AM
At least for once england realised they can't win in a slow paced game and tried to keep the tempo up. Rooney's miss a shocker really.
Baines out of depth and wilshire is nowhere near an international footballer. Rooney will get better i suspect.
Big ask to qualify now. Italy limited when balotelli went off who despite being a balloon is world class.
Rooney should have buried that chance. He sent in a great ball for the Sturridge goal but his attempt at a corner in the second half was hilarious! ;D
How is Danny Welbeck anywhere near that team or any team for that matter? I think he's a dreadful player.
How about Sterlings 2nd half performance. Done as much as Welbeck. Nowt!
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 15, 2014, 09:34:08 AM
At least for once england realised they can't win in a slow paced game and tried to keep the tempo up. Rooney's miss a shocker really.
Baines out of depth and wilshire is nowhere near an international footballer. Rooney will get better i suspect.
Big ask to qualify now. Italy limited when balotelli went off who despite being a balloon is world class.
Absolutely no evidence that Rooney will get better going by his record in major international competitions
Have never seen a player where so many excuses are made for him when he plays like a wooden one
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 15, 2014, 10:45:58 AM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 15, 2014, 09:34:08 AM
At least for once england realised they can't win in a slow paced game and tried to keep the tempo up. Rooney's miss a shocker really.
Baines out of depth and wilshire is nowhere near an international footballer. Rooney will get better i suspect.
Big ask to qualify now. Italy limited when balotelli went off who despite being a balloon is world class.
Absolutely no evidence that Rooney will get better going by his record in major international competitions
Have never seen a player where so many excuses are made for him when he plays like a wooden one
He has been the great white hope for donkeys years now and back page writers have invested a serious amount of time in building him up and will just as easily destroy him. Played on a good club team but never replicated it at international level.
Another majestic performance from Pirlo, England don't have a player of his class in midfield.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 15, 2014, 10:34:47 AM
How about Sterlings 2nd half performance. Done as much as Welbeck. Nowt!
Sterling was England man of the match by some distance.
You wouldn't be letting your club loyalties cloud your judgement by any chance?
Awful shame Pirlo's free kick didn't go in. What a player!
Rooney's shank at the corner kick was lolz.
The team needs to be built around White Pele and not have him on the periphary...well according to Ole Turnip Head anyway!!!
QuoteWorld Cup 2014: Give Wayne Rooney central role - Graham Taylor
Wayne Rooney should play in a more central position for England, says former national boss Graham Taylor.
Rooney was played on the left by manager Roy Hodgson in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Italy in Manaus.
Although the 28-year-old set up an equaliser for Daniel Sturridge, he was largely a peripheral figure.
"I am not so certain Wayne likes playing wide," Taylor told BBC Sport. "I would prefer to see him up front because that is his best position.
Sterling was the main source of inventiveness for England and by the 65 minute was run out. If people look past their club prejudice you will see he is one England player who has the potential to be up their with the best. He is only 19 remember and as a Liverpool fan my only fear is that he becomes the next great hope (can't even say great white hope :P). Englands problems are that the defence is poor. Baines was clueless and everytime I say the Italians attack he seemed to be tucked in beside the CBs or not there at all!!!
If he continues to play that way, how much will Liverpool accept for him?
Been a fantastic World cup so far, been goals upsets and dodgy decisions. Plenty to talk about, can't see where England will get there goals from, they'd a poor run up to the finals and it's shown. England and Uruguay game will be a cracker, loser goes home, my money is on England to have an earl shower!!
Was at a rugby function last night and went upstairs to watch the game at 11, was sitting with a couple of locals and when Italy scored I gave it the 'get in!!' shout they seemed a bit miffed but I reminded them that its fecking England and had they been watching rugby and it was England they would be cheering on the other team!! Strange one, away at the final whistle I was on me own lol
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 15, 2014, 11:01:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 15, 2014, 10:34:47 AM
How about Sterlings 2nd half performance. Done as much as Welbeck. Nowt!
Sterling was England man of the match by some distance.
You wouldn't be letting your club loyalties cloud your judgement by any chance?
Awful shame Pirlo's free kick didn't go in. What a player!
Rooney's shank at the corner kick was lolz.
Thought Sterling was a walking disaster, particularly after the first thirty. He did worse than nothing - he got on a lot of ball and invariably took too much out of it, put in poor crosses or took poor shots. Even managed to foul back in his own back line to put the cap on things.
He's got pace but that's entirely all he showed last night.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 15, 2014, 11:06:55 AM
The team needs to be built around White Pele and not have him on the periphary...well according to Ole Turnip Head anyway!!!
QuoteWorld Cup 2014: Give Wayne Rooney central role - Graham Taylor
Wayne Rooney should play in a more central position for England, says former national boss Graham Taylor.
Rooney was played on the left by manager Roy Hodgson in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Italy in Manaus.
Although the 28-year-old set up an equaliser for Daniel Sturridge, he was largely a peripheral figure.
"I am not so certain Wayne likes playing wide," Taylor told BBC Sport. "I would prefer to see him up front because that is his best position.
Sterling was the main source of inventiveness for England and by the 65 minute was run out. If people look past their club prejudice you will see he is one England player who has the potential to be up their with the best. He is only 19 remember and as a Liverpool fan my only fear is that he becomes the next great hope (can't even say great white hope :P). Englands problems are that the defence is poor. Baines was clueless and everytime I say the Italians attack he seemed to be tucked in beside the CBs or not there at all!!!
[/b]baines got no help whatsoever from rooney. everytime the Italians attacked, baines was left with 2 players running at him. rooney is not a natural wide man and didn't help out defensively.
http://www.joe.ie/football/world-cup-2014-brazil/vine-oh-no-you-didnt-thierry-henry-and-the-bbc-panel-joke-about-his-handball-against-ireland/
thought it was interesting that giles on RTE pointed out that not one italian player went down with cramp. yet on BBC they were talking about an english player (cant remember which one now) going down with cramp and getting up again soon after as if it was some kind of heroic effort.
Honduras taking a serious battering here but still 0-0.
Quote from: Syferus on June 15, 2014, 01:15:35 PM
Quote from: Hotshot Hamish on June 15, 2014, 11:01:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 15, 2014, 10:34:47 AM
How about Sterlings 2nd half performance. Done as much as Welbeck. Nowt!
Sterling was England man of the match by some distance.
You wouldn't be letting your club loyalties cloud your judgement by any chance?
Awful shame Pirlo's free kick didn't go in. What a player!
Rooney's shank at the corner kick was lolz.
Thought Sterling was a walking disaster, particularly after the first thirty. He did worse than nothing - he got on a lot of ball and invariably took too much out of it, put in poor crosses or took poor shots. Even managed to foul back in his own back line to put the cap on things.
He's got pace but that's entirely all he showed last night.
That's about a dozen things I've read of yours lately over various topics & thought to myself - this fella is full of shit. Take a breather ffs.
Would someone explain to that BBC commentator?
Are BBC commentary dumb.
Making a fuss about the goal line tech.
The first replay was of the ball hitting the post ie No Goal and the 2nd half of the replay was the goalkeeper letting the ball over the line ie Goal.
What's the fuss about?
They are trying to make out it said no goal then goal for the same part of the replay of the goal.
Carlo Costly sounds like someone Spurs are likely to buy
Dzeko for first goal at 10/1, What a great price.
draw at 9/2 fantastic odds.
Argentina are far from world class at the back.
Bear in mind Bosnia are a better side than Croatia.Pjanic and dzeko are top drawer.
Who else were in Honduras' qualifying group?? Albion Rovers and Darlington??
Thon Honduras are a proper shower dirty cnuts
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 15, 2014, 09:35:45 PM
Thon Honduras are a proper shower dirty cnuts
It's like I said during the England friendly against them. Somehow they've managed to combine being diving, whiny c***ts, with being treacherous f**kers as well. Delighted for them.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 15, 2014, 10:12:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 15, 2014, 09:35:45 PM
Thon Honduras are a proper shower dirty cnuts
Somehow they've managed to combine being diving, whiny c***ts, with being treacherous f**kers as well. Delighted for them.
This isn't the Tyrone Monaghan thread.
Are they sending imbeciles over to Brazil to commentate ?. Goal line technology clearly worked. Baffled all tv commentators it seems.
Have watched 5 games now in total and each of them was brilliant.
Yeah, great world cup so far. And I was roaring at the telly as that ape of a commentator on BBC was going on about the 'controversy' for the second goal. What a dolt. Even Martin Keown was trying to explain to him that it was fine. It's as if the commentator thought the play was over when the the ball hit the post.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 15, 2014, 10:35:12 PM
Yeah, great world cup so far. And I was roaring at the telly as that ape of a commentator on BBC was going on about the 'controversy' for the second goal. What a dolt. Even Martin Keown was trying to explain to him that it was fine. It's as if the commentator thought the play was over when the the ball hit the post.
It was ridiculous stuff,even my 9 year old girl asked me what he was on about as it was clearly a goal!!!!
Great stuff so far, teams really seem to be going for it. All buying into the samba atmosphere!!
Maxi Rodriguez still playing for Argentina? Imagine Higuain is injured so they have to make do with Messi, Aguero and Di Maria.
Ah Honduras, what a bunch, wonder who you remind me off!!!!
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 15, 2014, 10:37:49 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 15, 2014, 10:35:12 PM
Yeah, great world cup so far. And I was roaring at the telly as that ape of a commentator on BBC was going on about the 'controversy' for the second goal. What a dolt. Even Martin Keown was trying to explain to him that it was fine. It's as if the commentator thought the play was over when the the ball hit the post.
It was ridiculous stuff,even my 9 year old girl asked me what he was on about as it was clearly a goal!!!!
Great stuff so far, teams really seem to be going for it. All buying into the samba atmosphere!!
She knows more that Richard Keys does.
@richardajkeys: That wasn't in. At any time. Told you this technology wasn't fool proof.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 15, 2014, 10:40:04 PM
Maxi Rodriguez still playing for Argentina? Imagine Higuain is injured so they have to make do with Messi, Aguero and Di Maria.
Lavezzi has been pushing Higuain very hard for his spot recently so it might have little to do with injury if they go that way.
Lavezzi is a serious talent. Total burner and with Messi and Aguero up front with him that would be a trio that would run any defence ragged.
Lavezzi was never going to be in ahead of Di Maria, in the form of his life
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 15, 2014, 10:57:45 PM
Lavezzi was never going to be in ahead of Di Maria, in the form of his life
http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Lavezzi-challenging-Higuain-in-Argentina-attack-5547884.php
Lavezzi is much more of a winger/forward than Di Maria, I don't think that would have been the match-up. Interesting that neither Higuain or Lavezzi starts. Quite a cautious line-up, but their weakness is defence.
That should have been a black card for Messi
This Bosnia team are no joke. Bosnia will score soon
Very poor game.
I agree with Ozzie, I think
In 616 minutes at World Cup finals Messi has scored just one goal.
Argentina are poor,Very unbalanced.Bosnia need to believe and take some risks.
Balkan footballers are very skilled and technically sound.Pjanic is the best player on the park.Imagine if it was under the old Yugoslavian umbrella,They would be real contenders.
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 15, 2014, 11:59:54 PM
Argentina are poor,Very unbalanced.Bosnia need to believe and take some risks.
Balkan footballers are very skilled and technically sound.Pjanic is the best player on the park.Imagine if it was under the old Yugoslavian umbrella,They would be real contenders.
Thoroughly agree, always were. Don't rate Di Maria as well as some others, very patchy. Talk of being given the door by Real before his form improved towards the end of the season.
Should we bother stayin awake for this--this is atrocsious!
Snorefest
I'm off to bed!
Messi magic
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 15, 2014, 11:57:28 PM
In 616 minutes at World Cup finals Messi has scored just one goal.
two goals now.
Little genius,He was like a woman with the painters in until that delightful strike.
Bosnia will make a mark on this World Cup yet.
Well that was worth staying up for. I'd love to see Messi dominate this World Cup. A goal in game 1 always helps.
I had Switzerland win - France HT/FT and Argentina HT/FT very fortunate in all three. Switzerland won in last minute, France got a penalty just before HT and Argentina led by an own goal.
Just watching the analysis by Shearer and Lennon on BBC1 here and remembered this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8fMbxLTpps
Quote from: Gold on June 16, 2014, 12:09:40 AM
Should we bother stayin awake for this--this is atrocsious!
Snorefest
i thought it was intriguing tbh. bosnia were well setup and are technically good. they made it very difficult for argentina. bosnia would beat england comfortably.
Been a great World Cup so far, goals in every game. Euro 12 was a brilliant tournament and this is much the same so far..
Quote from: BennyHarp on June 16, 2014, 12:55:48 AM
Just watching the analysis by Shearer and Lennon on BBC1 here and remembered this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8fMbxLTpps
I was thinking exactly the same. Wouldn't it nice to see big Neil get his revenge live on TV?
Lads he is class but Messi was muck in the first half and seemed to be just not arsed. Then he came to life and the goal was special but he still coughed up the ball in the 2nd half too.
he played better after Argentina changed systems but if he is to be compared to Maradona he should be dictating things a bit more. The modern suoerstar seems to need everything in their perfect place for them to play.
If a lad these days is even 15 feet from his favourite position he gets excused and its the manager's fault.
Great tournament so far bar those Honduran brats!
Messi looked tired or hampered or something. I actually thought he was disinterested, but his explosion for the goal, followed by his reaction makes me think there might be something wrong with him. His attitude looks terrible when he doesn't have the ball, just walking around. Not bothering to try and win the ball back at all. Then when he got it, he seemed to really struggle to get away from people, and ran into trouble a lot. Looked like the sort thing a young lad dominating Minor 'C' club games would try and do when they make the county team.
I hope Argentina improve, and I think they will, but last night was not a great start.
First game of their World Cup campaign against a good Bosnia side, I'd suggest a win was a good start for them regardless how emphatic or not.
Quote from: DennistheMenace on June 16, 2014, 10:14:30 AM
First game of their World Cup campaign against a good Bosnia side, I'd suggest a win was a good start for them regardless how emphatic or not.
Win is a great result for them, but they have a lot to improve on. I'm sure they will, but I'm not sure that Messi is actually 100% fit.
Soccer tacticians, answer me this question. Why did, or would, England not simply say to Jordan Henderson (as a very energetic player) "Listen Jordan, I don't give a shite if you don't kick a ball today, but your job, your only job, is to make sure Pirlo does not play a forward pass all day. Get in his face, follow him wherever he goes, and make him play the ball backwards if he gets it at all"?
What am I missing? Henderson would have the legs for this, but the English midfield seemed to be caught in two minds (just like the last time they played Italy) and were content to let Pirlo drop off, and pick the ball up in the centre circle and then direct the traffic. I'd have been welded to him if I was Henderson.
Do you really think that's the way to deal with Pirlo - do you somehow imagine that no-one has tried that before, can you not see that Pirlo doesn't need space to do what he does? You have to stop thinking about junior hurling to understand. :p
Quote from: hardstation on June 16, 2014, 10:38:45 AM
Good job I didn't take the advice that was being fired around last week
Back all 1st round games as draws....
Yes guilty, but generally that has been the norm, and this has been an exceptional World Cup with so many teams going for an open approach to their game
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 16, 2014, 03:31:29 PM
Do you really think that's the way to deal with Pirlo - do you somehow imagine that no-one has tried that before, can you not see that Pirlo doesn't need space to do what he does? You have to stop thinking about junior hurling to understand. :p
It would make it more difficult for him. Everyone needs some sort of space. Be aggressive and in his face. Make him play the ball backwards. What's wrong with that?
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 03:19:46 PM
Soccer tacticians, answer me this question. Why did, or would, England not simply say to Jordan Henderson (as a very energetic player) "Listen Jordan, I don't give a shite if you don't kick a ball today, but your job, your only job, is to make sure Pirlo does not play a forward pass all day. Get in his face, follow him wherever he goes, and make him play the ball backwards if he gets it at all"?
What am I missing? Henderson would have the legs for this, but the English midfield seemed to be caught in two minds (just like the last time they played Italy) and were content to let Pirlo drop off, and pick the ball up in the centre circle and then direct the traffic. I'd have been welded to him if I was Henderson.
Cannavaro I think believed man marking Pirlo would be the wrong thing to do as the other Italian midfielders would thrive in the more space left by someone man marking Pirlo. He might just know a bit more about Pirlo and defending than me so I'll not argue with that theory.
Whilst England have moved slightly away from the long ball (Stevie Hollywood pass Gerard excepted) they're still not comfortable enough to take the ball whilst surrounded by the opposition, so they're a bit across the pitch and back for me, possession yes, but going nowhere.
Quote from: johnneycool on June 16, 2014, 03:47:15 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 03:19:46 PM
Soccer tacticians, answer me this question. Why did, or would, England not simply say to Jordan Henderson (as a very energetic player) "Listen Jordan, I don't give a shite if you don't kick a ball today, but your job, your only job, is to make sure Pirlo does not play a forward pass all day. Get in his face, follow him wherever he goes, and make him play the ball backwards if he gets it at all"?
What am I missing? Henderson would have the legs for this, but the English midfield seemed to be caught in two minds (just like the last time they played Italy) and were content to let Pirlo drop off, and pick the ball up in the centre circle and then direct the traffic. I'd have been welded to him if I was Henderson.
Cannavaro I think believed man marking Pirlo would be the wrong thing to do as the other Italian midfielders would thrive in the more space left by someone man marking Pirlo. He might just know a bit more about Pirlo and defending than me so I'll not argue with that theory.
Whilst England have moved slightly away from the long ball (Stevie Hollywood pass Gerard excepted) they're still not comfortable enough to take the ball whilst surrounded by the opposition, so they're a bit across the pitch and back for me, possession yes, but going nowhere.
I think I'd take my chances with the others beating me to be honest. Until someone else proves they can pull the strings like Pirlo, I'd be happy enough to take him away as an influence. That being said, I'm sure Cannavaro knows the other Italian midfielders better than I do, but Jaysus everything goes through Pirlo.
The vast majority of his passes, as I see it anyway, are 5-10 yards long - and many of them are played while someone is in his face or in someone else's face. He expects to be closely marked and watched - his mojo is tiring out those who are seeking to mark him by pinging short passes relentlessly around them. I'm assuming that 'markers' tire very quickly of that scenario - my father would call it a 'minding mice at a crossroads' task.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 03:49:36 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 16, 2014, 03:47:15 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 03:19:46 PM
Soccer tacticians, answer me this question. Why did, or would, England not simply say to Jordan Henderson (as a very energetic player) "Listen Jordan, I don't give a shite if you don't kick a ball today, but your job, your only job, is to make sure Pirlo does not play a forward pass all day. Get in his face, follow him wherever he goes, and make him play the ball backwards if he gets it at all"?
What am I missing? Henderson would have the legs for this, but the English midfield seemed to be caught in two minds (just like the last time they played Italy) and were content to let Pirlo drop off, and pick the ball up in the centre circle and then direct the traffic. I'd have been welded to him if I was Henderson.
Cannavaro I think believed man marking Pirlo would be the wrong thing to do as the other Italian midfielders would thrive in the more space left by someone man marking Pirlo. He might just know a bit more about Pirlo and defending than me so I'll not argue with that theory.
Whilst England have moved slightly away from the long ball (Stevie Hollywood pass Gerard excepted) they're still not comfortable enough to take the ball whilst surrounded by the opposition, so they're a bit across the pitch and back for me, possession yes, but going nowhere.
I think I'd take my chances with the others beating me to be honest. Until someone else proves they can pull the strings like Pirlo, I'd be happy enough to take him away as an influence. That being said, I'm sure Cannavaro knows the other Italian midfielders better than I do, but Jaysus everything goes through Pirlo.
A lot of it might come down to pride ffs, we are England we'll play our game and let them worry about us!!!!
Seems Paul Scholes agrees with me. At least I'm not on my ownio.
Paul Scholes exclusive: Fergie's tactics can be used to stop the world's greatest playmaker, Pirlo
In his latest column for the Paddy Power Blog, the 66-times capped England international looks at the heat factor in Manaus, the issues down the right for England and how Danny Welbeck could play a huge role...
by Paul Scholes | June 5, 2014
There's three things I want to focus on in this column: Andrea Pirlo, the heat and England's defensive frailties.
England appear to be preparing meticulously in Miami for the heat and humidity of Manaus where they play Italy on June 14.
Euro 2004 in Portugal was hot, but the World Cup in Japan and South Korea in 2002 was horrendous. We struggled in 37 degrees (and I struggled more than most) especially against Brazil in Shizuoka.
Before the game we didn't even go onto the pitch because it was that hot. We stayed inside to warm up – it was ridiculous. We went in front early (through Michael Owen) and Brazil had Ronaldinho sent off in the second-half, but we still couldn't get a kick.
Against Italy in the heat we need all our 'footballers' to play. Possession is everything. Then there's Pirlo...
He was outstanding in the World Cup in 2006 and got three man of the match awards six years later at Euro 2012.
Pirlo is the world's greatest playmaker – the complete footballer. Give him time and space and he will destroy you. He's such a clever player and is so composed. If surrounded he'll lay it off. If he's got room he's devastating.
Even though England's Euro 2012 game against Italy finished 0-0, we paid nowhere near enough attention to him. Pirlo is not renowned for his athleticism, and he's 35 now, but that day he ran 11.58 kilometres, more than any England player. He also had more passes (131) than England's four starting midfielders.
Roy Hodgson seems to have underestimated him in 2012, which surprised me given Alex Ferguson tactics previously to stifle Pirlo.
In 2010 before Man United played AC Milan in the Champions League, Sir Alex gave very specific instructions on how to take care of Pirlo. Man-marking him was a huge part of our pre-game plan – I played against him when Milan beat us 3-0 at the San Siro in 2007. We didn't man-mark him. He destroyed us. We learned, and it was painful.
Park Ji-Sung was the perfect man for Pirlo in 2010 and never gave him kick (in a 7-2 aggregate victory). You could even see Pirlo getting frustrated and having little kicks out by the end.
Pirlo spoke about Park in his book: 'They'd programmed him to stop me. His devotion to the task was almost touching. Even though he was a famous player, he consented to being used as a guard dog."
For Manaus, we need an 'English Park Ji-Sung' – one England player designated to man-mark him. Looking at the squad, Danny Welbeck (below) – a good defender who can nick the ball well – could be an option and would be a bold decision, one which gives England a creative outlet, and saddles Pirlo with defensive work.
As for defensive frailties, an experienced Peru team would not have been the best but a couple of kids were on their first cap against England last week, and at times Peru still looked like they could get in and score, especially down England's right where we looked vulnerable.
When you see a team like Peru exposing it, imagine what Suarez or Cavani might do, or other world class players in the later stages?
James Milner or Jordan Henderson could be asked to give Glen Johnson extra cover down the right – when Johnson goes forward it leaves spaces and Gary Cahill will be exposed. It's got me worried.
Gary Neville and the England management are well aware of Pirlo's threat. We cannot make the mistakes of 2012 again.
Otherwise, Italy have decent players, without being special. Mario Balotelli can be brilliant but I hope it's the version who's sulking and has a little stroll around the pitch.
I'll preview the game next week but right now I think the best we can hope for is a draw against Italy if we manage the heat, keep the ball and stop Mr Pirlo – we can beat Uruguay and Costa Rica.
- See more at: http://blog.paddypower.com/2014/06/05/paul-scholes-exclusive-fergies-tactics-can-be-used-to-stop-the-worlds-greatest-playmaker-pirlo/#sthash.zFPFF2Xv.dpuf
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 16, 2014, 03:54:19 PM
The vast majority of his passes, as I see it anyway, are 5-10 yards long - and many of them are played while someone is in his face or in someone else's face. He expects to be closely marked and watched - his mojo is tiring out those who are seeking to mark him by pinging short passes relentlessly around them. I'm assuming that 'markers' tire very quickly of that scenario - my father would call it a 'minding mice at a crossroads' task.
Maybe, I think the likes of Henderson would have good energy, and if they are not trying to chase the ball, but just chase Pirlo it might be a bit easier. Like just letting him sit in the centre circle, turn at his leisure, play a little ball, go get it again, lay it off again, then try a more incisive pass. That's just asking for trouble. At least if someone got tight to him and stayed tight, he'd have to play those little balls backwards, and let Di Rossi or someone play the incisive pass. I'd take that if I were playing against him.
Well Mr Scholes appears to have been a little 'off' in his other predictions - England were exposed on the left, not the right; their 'management of the heat' didn't give them an edge, and Welbeck marking Pirlo??
I'd say they're queueing up to give him his first management job.
I don't think that was a prediction of his, it was a worry. And I don't think he would have been expecting Wayne Rooney to be the one asked to track back and support Baines. And maybe Welbeck might have been a decent option for the spoiler role. Another with loads of energy, handy at winning ball back. And lets face it, not going to do much with the ball anyway, so it's not the worst idea from Scholes.
Pirlo is class, and class players will find a way to exert some sort of influence, but I think England made it too easy for him. Jaysus at least the Honduras lads would have kicked him around the Amazon.
Teams are in for the first game of the day. 5pm kick offs on a weekday are a pain. Sky Plus, the answer to all of life's problems.
Germany
Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Ozil, Muller, Lahm (c), Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Boateng
Portugal
Patricio, Alves, Pepe, Veloso, Coentrao, Ronaldo (c), Moutinho, Almeida, Meireles, Nani, Pereira
Should be a good game. Surely Germany will be too strong for a team with Meireles and Nani in it?
Germans have four centre-halves and no striker - interesting.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 04:39:54 PM
Teams are in for the first game of the day. 5pm kick offs on a weekday are a pain. Sky Plus, the answer to all of life's problems.
Germany
Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Ozil, Muller, Lahm (c), Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Boateng
Portugal
Patricio, Alves, Pepe, Veloso, Coentrao, Ronaldo (c), Moutinho, Almeida, Meireles, Nani, Pereira
Should be a good game. Surely Germany will be too strong for a team with Meireles and Nani in it?
Portugal are more like a mid ranking club team with an Allstar
The RTE boys are good fun,calling Meireles top class despite spending a few years calling him useless with Liverpool and Chelsea.
Is that a bullet hole in the glass over Cannavaro's left shoulder.
Is this on ITV? If so, then no, I believe rioters threw stones at the window there a few days ago. Maybe they've done it again.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 04:53:45 PM
Is this on ITV? If so, then no, I believe rioters threw stones at the window there a few days ago. Maybe they've done it again.
Chanting "Keano Keano Keano" Ewan McKenna reporting.
I presume that's a piss take :) Unless the Brazilian rioters have identified a kindred spirit in Mayfield.
One of the Portugal lads looks to have just come off the dirty protest.
What a miss! :o
Pepe does a Pepe.
What a toolbag.
Pepe is not the cleanest of players, but that was a harsh red?
Very harsh red. The Germans laying down a marker in this game.
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 16, 2014, 05:42:25 PM
Pepe is not the cleanest of players, but that was a harsh red?
He deserved it for being stupid enough for putting himself in the position where he gave the Ref a decision.
He was foolish to put his head in.
Harsh red? Stupid red more like,what a clown Pepe is
Quote from: beer baron on June 16, 2014, 05:48:09 PM
Harsh red? Stupid red more like,what a clown Pepe is
Mullers play acting was a disgrace too
It sure was.
Quote from: hardstation on June 16, 2014, 05:50:45 PM
Should have put the two t**ts off.
Exactly. That play acting shite does my head in (if you excuse the punium)
a justified red for Pepe, but i can see why he was so angry at Muller.pathetic stuff
Quote from: laoislad on June 16, 2014, 05:48:02 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on June 16, 2014, 05:42:25 PM
Pepe is not the cleanest of players, but that was a harsh red?
He deserved it for being stupid enough for putting himself in the position where he gave the Ref a decision.
He was foolish to put his head in.
Yeah, but in fairness Muller made a meal of both incidents. But as you say, Pepe gave him the opportunity!
George Hamilton was going on about how the home support were all behind the Portuguese yet the entire stadium seemed to be booing Ronaldo for that free kick :o
Jez, Ray Houghton is a dose. Every word is critical! He picks a theme and sticks to it. Determined to prove this theme is correct as the game goes on. And sure then there is George!
Am i alone in thinking Ozil had a good game today? Dunphy at half time and Hamilton when he was being substituted were both critical of him but i thought he's improved a lot from his form in the few friendlies,involved in a few of the nice moves around the box in the 1st half.
Iran vs Nigeria up now. I have to support Nigeria as a prince from that country has entrusted me to receive $85,000,000 dollars to my bank account which I will receive half just for giving him my account info to hold the money while he escapes from the King -his Uncle.
UP NIGERIA!!
Quote from: seafoid on June 16, 2014, 04:46:15 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 16, 2014, 04:39:54 PM
Teams are in for the first game of the day. 5pm kick offs on a weekday are a pain. Sky Plus, the answer to all of life's problems.
Germany
Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Ozil, Muller, Lahm (c), Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Boateng
Portugal
Patricio, Alves, Pepe, Veloso, Coentrao, Ronaldo (c), Moutinho, Almeida, Meireles, Nani, Pereira
Should be a good game. Surely Germany will be too strong for a team with Meireles and Nani in it?
Portugal are more like a mid ranking club team with an Allstar
Like Galway ;)
Quote from: DrinkingHarp on June 16, 2014, 08:01:34 PM
Iran vs Nigeria up now. I have to support Nigeria as a prince from that country has entrusted me to receive $85,000,000 dollars to my bank account which I will receive half just for giving him my account info to hold the money while he escapes from the King -his Uncle.
UP NIGERIA!!
;D ;D
Must be huge betting for a nil all draw in this match
Quote from: J OGorman on June 16, 2014, 09:45:15 PM
Must be huge betting for a nil all draw in this match
Mikel scores an injury time winner
Team USA 1 up after 30 seconds in the soccer ball world championship bowl.
Quote from: laoislad on June 16, 2014, 11:02:04 PM
Team USA 1 up after 30 seconds in the soccer ball world championship bowl.
They're gonna win the soccer ball cup with all the interventions they're gonna make!!! #Turntheawesomeup!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEgWxfI03lc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEgWxfI03lc)
I think Portugal will beat both these teams even in crisis mode. USA seem ok attacking but so skittish at the back. Ghana just a bit too reckless but could steal this one. They have a goal in them.
Yanks lucky to get out of that one alive.
USA's big players had awful games. Bradley and Dempsey (apart from goal) were both anonymous. If they want to beat Portugal they will have to improve but I think they can.
Group G was styled the Group of Death. It appears Portugal, Ghana and USA are actually fairly limited teams. The USA are in a good position to take the second place. Portugal without Pepe, Coentrao and with Ronaldo looking less than 100% seem to be in a bit of trouble?
Rakitic (Croatia) signing for Barcelona, apparently - nice footballer.
I didn't see the Ivory Coast game and Algeria haven't played yet but the other African teams have been poor. They need to bring back the naive defending and attack a bit more!
Was thinking the same thing. The African teams seem to have gone back a bit. Pele's prediction seems worse and worse with time, although Ghana should have made the semis last time around. Ghana were probably the better team last night, for a lot of the game, but Cameroon and Nigeria were poor, Ivory Coast were unconvincing and I doubt Algeria will be up to much.
Will be some craic watching the Portuguese player reaction to some of Ghana's more robust challenges.
With Brazil v Mexico kicking off at 8pm tonight, it will lead to a situation that i've never seen at a World Cup before. It means that by 10pm tonight, Brazil and Mexico will both have completed 2 matches before Russia and South Korea (@ 11pm) have even started one match.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 17, 2014, 07:38:32 AM
Yanks lucky to get out of that one alive.
Dunno about that. For all Ghana's possession, Howard didn't have that much to do.
Ghana's final ball was shocking for all their possession.
Couldn't believe how bad NIgeria were. Iran played for a draw but if they'd have pushed on maybe they could have won. When a player who is now out of contract at newcastle is your best player then you're in trouble.
Looking forward to seeing the Rooskies tonight, Capello has them playing decent ball. Steamrolled through qualification.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 17, 2014, 03:29:31 PM
Looking forward to seeing the Rooskies tonight, Capello has them playing decent ball. Steamrolled through qualification.
I'm running on fumes at this stage having watched every match so far but will have to give this one a miss to catch up on some sleep. Russia could go far. Cracking team.
Brazil will have two games played before Russia and South Korea have even started the tournament.
Not sure I can put in another late shift for the Russian game.
the Argentina game nearly killed me on Monday morning, so last night I went to bed and started to watch Ghana USA on the iPad. At 1-0 I was asleep. Not sure what to do tonight because I'm training the kids in GAA at 6.45 pm, so I have to tape delay watch Belgium, then catch up on Brazil. It'll be about midnight before I'm ready for the Russkies.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 17, 2014, 04:24:27 PM
the Argentina game nearly killed me on Monday morning, so last night I went to bed and started to watch Ghana USA on the iPad. At 1-0 I was asleep. Not sure what to do tonight because I'm training the kids in GAA at 6.45 pm, so I have to tape delay watch Belgium, then catch up on Brazil. It'll be about midnight before I'm ready for the Russkies.
I didn't know CIV-JPN was on on Saturday night/Sunday morning until Gary Lineker told me. Decent match but I'm still bloody suffering from the decision as I was up early to play football the following morning!
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 17, 2014, 04:24:27 PM
the Argentina game nearly killed me on Monday morning, so last night I went to bed and started to watch Ghana USA on the iPad. At 1-0 I was asleep. Not sure what to do tonight because I'm training the kids in GAA at 6.45 pm, so I have to tape delay watch Belgium, then catch up on Brazil. It'll be about midnight before I'm ready for the Russkies.
How do you watch it on the iPad?
RTE Player. And Sky Go has ITV.
Teams are in
Belgium : Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany (c), Vertonghen, Witsel, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard, Van Buyten, Dembele, Chadli
Algeria : WMbolhi, Bougherra (c), Ghoulam, Halliche, Feghouli, Medjani, Bentaleb, Soudani, Taider, Mahrez, Mostefa
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 17, 2014, 04:38:04 PM
Teams are in
Belgium : Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany (c), Vertonghen, Witsel, De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard, Van Buyten, Dembele, Chadli
Algeria : WMbolhi, Bougherra (c), Ghoulam, Halliche, Feghouli, Medjani, Bentaleb, Soudani, Taider, Mahrez, Mostefa
Thomas Vermaelen left off. Is that 3-6-1 they are playing?Suppose De Bruyne and Hazard will play forward so more like 3-4-3?
that Bentaleb for Algeria is the young lad with Spurs.
Witsel flying for Zenit this year by all accounts. Hope Belgium do well. It's important for the football hipster community.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 17, 2014, 04:56:20 PM
Witsel flying for Zenit this year by all accounts. Hope Belgium do well. It's important for the football hipster community.
How out of touch are you?
Costa Rica are the new Belgium
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 17, 2014, 05:04:06 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 17, 2014, 04:56:20 PM
Witsel flying for Zenit this year by all accounts. Hope Belgium do well. It's important for the football hipster community.
How out of touch are you?
Costa Rica are the new Belgium
I heard Belgium hipsters are supporting Algeria for this WC...
Oops, that wasn't in the script!
If I had my way I'd ban every African team from the tournament. Their negative tactics are just too hard to watch
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
Maybe you should have waited till the game was over before you started gloating..... :)
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
Still standing by this :D
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:36:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
Still standing by this :D
Does that mean the won't win any games, won't get out of the group or what exactly. Is getting to the Q/final or semi considered as doing business?
Funny to see the lamp shade score today, haven't seen it all season with United. When I saw him running around I was saying to myself how could you take a team serious with him in the line-up, then he scored!
Quote from: Muck Savage on June 17, 2014, 06:48:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:36:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
Still standing by this :D
Does that mean the won't win any games, won't get out of the group or what exactly. Is getting to the Q/final or semi considered as doing business?
Funny to see the lamp shade score today, haven't seen it all season with United. When I saw him running around I was saying to myself how could you take a team serious with him in the line-up, then he scored!
I'll let you know in a few weeks.
Do Moy Park sell a lot of chickens in Brasil?
Moy park are owned by Marfrig a brasilian company and are one of the largest multinationals world wide. They also own the aberdeen angus prime beef brand and have a share in Dunbia.
Quote from: Aughafad on June 17, 2014, 07:33:03 PM
Moy park are owned by Marfrig a brasilian company and are one of the largest multinationals world wide. They also own the aberdeen angus prime beef brand and have a share in Dunbia.
According to Wiki their daily capacity is 31,200 head of cattle, 10,400 pigs, 10,400 sheep, 35.0000 turkeys and 3.7 million chickens. That's a lot of McD's!
Quote from: Muck Savage on June 17, 2014, 06:48:15 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:36:47 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
Still standing by this :D
Does that mean the won't win any games, won't get out of the group or what exactly. Is getting to the Q/final or semi considered as doing business?
Funny to see the lamp shade score today, haven't seen it all season with United. When I saw him running around I was saying to myself how could you take a team serious with him in the line-up, then he scored!
He was a hell of a player for Everton and United did not utilize his talents, he is still a good solid technical player and he should go back to Everton.
Hon the Eammo.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 06:23:25 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 17, 2014, 05:49:27 PM
First impression?? Belgium are shite??
I believe I am on record on this very thread that I didn't think they would do any business in this tournament.
c**k ;D ;D
Jeysus but Brazil are a bit flat so far. No energy in their play.
Mexico are wearing their Down gear.
That's not Brazil, that's Northern Ireland...
Worst Brazil team in the World cup since 1990?
I still don't know how they were the pre-tournament favourites, based on those 2 games, I can't see them winning it.
Second impressions...Brazil are shite???
Germany are winning it.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 17, 2014, 10:31:38 PM
Germany are winning it.
Don't be at it Tony,i had half a dozen friends onto me yesterday evening telling me to go collect my winnings after the Portugal game. Long way to go yet and i was hoping for a bigger test from Portugal before going into knockout and getting caught on the hop :(.
Argentina will win it
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 17, 2014, 10:48:04 PM
Argentina will win it
I think France will make semi if final at least. HipsterMeself
I will have to stick it out with Brazil as my pre tournament favourites. If I could choose again after the opening round of games I would go with the Germans.
Well there's the blooper of the tournament anyway.
Quote from: seafoid on June 17, 2014, 09:31:51 PM
Mexico are wearing their Down gear.
Designed by Charlie Brown.
Quote from: beer baron on June 18, 2014, 12:27:32 AM
Well there's the blooper of the tournament anyway.
To be expected from a shower of amateurs like RTE. How could you not know you're on air FFS? Do they not have a floor manager? ::)
I think he meant the Russian goalie.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 18, 2014, 12:57:47 AM
Quote from: beer baron on June 18, 2014, 12:27:32 AM
Well there's the blooper of the tournament anyway.
To be expected from a shower of amateurs like RTE. How could you not know you're on air FFS? Do they not have a floor manager? ::)
The Soccer lads are great.
The World Cup has hit a bit of a lull at the moment, in terms of game quality. Had to happen, but hopefully it picks up again quickly.
Should be a couple of good ones today. Cameroon and Croatia both need a win given the draw between Brazil and Mexico, so I'd expect both of them to have a go. And in the Spain v Chile game at 8 pm, it could be a great one. Chile can't defend, it seems, based on their performance when Australia had a go at them, but they looked good going forward, and we know all about Spain. Possession stats will be interesting in this one because it seems both teams like to have the ball and set the tempo. My sister is in Rio at the moment and hopefully she gets to this one. She says there is an unreal amount of Chilean fans around the place.
Yeah i was on about Akinfeevs howler for Russia alright but Dunphy's swearing has caught plenty of attention too.
I think Croatia will win today,Mexico could have beaten Cameroon 3 or 4-0 last week and Croatia have one of the best midfields in the tournament and have Mandzukic back which will be a boost.
In the Spain game i can see them putting on an exhibition if Del Bosque does as i suspect he will and drop Xavi for Koke or maybe even Martinez for some more solidity and i wouldn't be overly surprised if Costa is dropped too for Cesc or Pedro,hasn't really caught up to his team mates thinking yet and it's a big game to hope it clicks.
I'm a fan of Chile but i can't see them getting anything out of this game today. I am a bit surprised at how many are writing off the Spanish after that game last week. I thought they were brilliant in the 1st half and if David Silva squared the ball like 99% of the time he would do rather than trying to chip the Goalie just before the Dutch goal they would've been 2 up and won cosily in my eyes.
Come 10 o clock this evening i'll be very surprised if the World of football is quite as dismissive of the Spanish threat as they are at the minute.
I agree that if Silva hadn't squandered that opportunity it would be hard to see the Dutch coming back (which is also why I'm wary of over-egging the Dutch prospects). I think Chile will cause Spain problems if they get enough ball off them, because they have pace and intricate movement. However I don't think their style is one that will worry Spain. A quick counter attacking team is probably what gives Spain the most headaches.
Any point in del Bosque playing both Costa and Koke? Costa seemed lost to me in the formation he was asked to play the first day. Koke might get a bit closer to him. Big call to drop Xavi though, would really be a signal that the end of an era is upon us. I'd not be surprised to see Costa dropped for Fabregas, and the old false 9 coming into play.
Line ups are in. Should be routine for the Dutch, but I'd expect Australia to be more defensive, which won't really suit Holland. they may get a surprise here if they are casual or get frustrated. I can't see it though, when 1st place in the group is up for grabs.
AustraliaAUSTRALIA
1 RYAN (GK)
3 DAVIDSON
4 CAHILL
6 SPIRANOVIC
7 LECKIE
11 OAR
15 JEDINAK (C)
17 MCKAY
19 MCGOWAN
22 WILKINSON
23 BRESCIANO
NetherlandsNETHERLANDS
1 CILLESSEN (GK)
2 VLAAR
3 DE VRIJ
4 MARTINS INDI
5 BLIND
6 DE JONG
7 JANMAAT
8 DE GUZMAN
9 V. PERSIE (C)
10 SNEIJDER
11 ROBBEN
Are the dutch the only ones so far to play 1-11 in the old fashioned way?
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on June 18, 2014, 12:57:47 AM
Quote from: beer baron on June 18, 2014, 12:27:32 AM
Well there's the blooper of the tournament anyway.
To be expected from a shower of amateurs like RTE. How could you not know you're on air FFS? Do they not have a floor manager? ::)
http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/video-veteran-rte-presenter-bill-oherlihy-falls-for-fake-statistic-and-quotes-it-live-on-air-30111377.html (http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/video-veteran-rte-presenter-bill-oherlihy-falls-for-fake-statistic-and-quotes-it-live-on-air-30111377.html)
Pity. Billo won't like that on his last tournament before retirement. I like Billo, he's like your uncle or something.
Fine strike by Cahill best goal of this world cup so far?
Tim Cahill take a bow son.
Quote from: laoislad on June 18, 2014, 05:24:26 PM
Tim Cahill take a bow son.
T'was some goal all right. Great game
Aussies lead 2-1...Unbelievable Jeff.
Very lucky to get that penalty.
2-2 now.
Some game!
Class game. Fair dues to the Socceroos.
This Spain v Chile game should be good as Spain will have to go on the offensive if they want to stay in the tournament.
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 18, 2014, 07:32:50 PM
This Spain v Chile game should be good as Spain will have to go on the offensive if they want to stay in the tournament.
They are in trouble now
The Spanish on the way out
Alonso is having a 'mare and Casillas has just made another clanger. Gut check time but I think they need to make serious changes.
It's all gone Pete Tong.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 18, 2014, 08:48:54 PM
Alonso is having a 'mare and Casillas has just made another clanger. Gut check time but I think they need to make serious changes.
Why a player that's the #2 at his club is both captain and starting keeper for a country as big as Spain is beyond me. I don't know if Del Bosque has the guts to yank his keeper at HT but based on what we've seen it's a decision that needs to be made.
Alonso will get sent off at this rate. Casillas should have been dropped but it was never gonna happen.
The token Madrid man has to start.. Impossible to see them get out of this hole right now.
Chile Con Carnage
Quote from: Syferus on June 18, 2014, 08:59:46 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 18, 2014, 08:48:54 PM
Alonso is having a 'mare and Casillas has just made another clanger. Gut check time but I think they need to make serious changes.
Why a player that's the #2 at his club is both captain and starting keeper for a country as big as Spain is beyond me. I don't know if Del Bosque has the guts to yank his keeper at HT but based on what we've seen it's a decision that needs to be made.
Not a hope. Without him you a "Spain" team made up of Catalans basques and a Brazilian!!
Believe me it's massive.
Are Ramos and Alonso also token real guys? I see koke is coming in for Alonso. Feel sorry for Alonso but it had to happen. Let's see if koke can do something with costa. Has pedro done anything?
At least Pedro has been trying, thought he was one of their better players in the first half.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 18, 2014, 09:03:45 PM
Are Ramos and Alonso also token real guys? I see koke is coming in for Alonso. Feel sorry for Alonso but it had to happen. Let's see if koke can do something with costa. Has pedro done anything?
Alonso is a basque. Casillas is born and bred Madrid.
What about Ramos?
Spain in deep trouble now. Torres has come on
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 18, 2014, 09:24:51 PM
What about Ramos?
Seville.. But surely there is no question about him been in starting 11?
Casillas lucky to be in the squad let alone team. In any other country he would not be starting based on performances.
He is there for 1 reason only..
Chile have really turned up the heat.
Not contradicting you, just wondered about them lads. Obviously they play for real so it's not just about the club.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 18, 2014, 09:37:57 PM
Chile have really turned up the heat.
Apart from the brutal puns, chile have been good tonight. Could have had 4.
Adios Espana :'( They were a great side .Would love to see 2 late goals for Spain.
Germany look strongest after opening salvos followed by Italy
Ok, I know Spain have lost their two games by an aggregate of 7-1 but I'm sure the stats will say they had most possession.
Chile won't fear brazil even if they only get 2nd in this group. This will give
them massive confidence
Chile will beat Brazil I think.
Come 10 o clock this evening i'll be very surprised if the World of football is quite as dismissive of the Spanish threat as they are at the minute.
Sorry Beer Baron, i think we all had good reason to be dismissive of Spain, they are done!
Hopefully.. Still think there are a few more dodgy penos left for brazil!!
Del Bosque finished.
Indeed it would appear they are done which is a bit sad as they have been brilliant. But for me it's fantastic as i thought they were a threat to my Germans,next to get the Argies out.
Quote from: hardstation on June 18, 2014, 10:01:25 PM
Suck on that you stinking Spanish b**tards.
Signed,
Tír na mBascach
Looks like xabi Alonso signed up to that :)
End of an era. We all know it had to come some time, and the signs have been there, particularly in the past couple of seasons. However, I thought he might make one last major final and bow out on a high, but it's unlikely now if he'll even make it past the quarters. Billo just can't get forward into attack like he used to in his prime, just not able to find that final penetrating question. Content now to sit back and let the others around him make the running. Trying to stroll through the game these days. Shame that RTE haven't the huevos to haul him off in place of fresh legs. Maybe they're in denial.
Goodnight and God bless.
Delighted Spain have been sent packing. The only goal they got in 180 minutes was a penalty that was not a penalty. Their cheating is the worst of any in the world (I was delighted Busquets was one that missed a sitter to get them back into the game) so I am glad no-one will be copying their "style" after this. As was said earlier - I'm sure they can comfort themselves with the possession stats. Boring, boring, boring.
Well done to Chile. Played with great speed, courage and no little skill despite what Del Bosque tried to imply in his post match comments (Chile were good physically - give me a break).
No I would say they will comfort themselves with a World Cup and Two Euros in the last 6 years.
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 18, 2014, 11:15:37 PM
No I would say they will comfort themselves with a World Cup and Two Euros in the last 6 years.
Aye they've done alright. Teams that have an era have domination always comes to an end. Sure look how far Man United have fallen within a season. They'll be relegated by 2017.
Harsh Seanie. Have you been bored with Spain the past 6 years or just the last week?
There's still some gas in that team, certainly for the next Euros at least. Xavi might be gone but who else starting is terribly old and don't have world class replacements?
Look like a team that need a break.
Rigobert Song 1st man to be sent off in 2 World Cups..
Now namesake Alex after getting the road for Tomahawk style attack..
Lunatics..
Quote from: Syferus on June 18, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
There's still some gas in that team, certainly for the next Euros at least. Xavi might be gone but who else starting is terribly old and don't have world class replacements?
Look like a team that need a break.
The bench certainly looked to have enough quality on it tonight to do a bit of damage at the Euros.
Substitutes
02 Albiol
03 Piqué
05 Juanfran
07 Villa
08 Xavi
09 Torres
10 Fábregas
12 de Gea
13 Mata
17 Koke
20 Cazorla
23 Reina
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 18, 2014, 11:50:52 PM
Rigobert Song 1st man to be sent off in 2 World Cups..
Now namesake Alex after getting the road for Tomahawk style attack..
Lunatics..
What sort of World Cup would it be without a good old tommahawk attack?
Thon mansukic needed a bootin not a flick of an elbow. He must be the first man to dive taking a throw in, been a good world cup but f**king hate that shit so much, and the screaming and yelling when they go down. Id love someone to really lose it and boot someone proper.
P.s ive had a drink 8)
Here ya go Realspirit
Pepe
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec0CT8yzjAo
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 18, 2014, 11:50:52 PM
Rigobert Song 1st man to be sent off in 2 World Cups..
Now namesake Alex after getting the road for Tomahawk style attack..
Lunatics..
When the ref blew him for the elbow Croatia were on a very promising break. Should he not have let play continue to play advantage then show the player the red card?
Quote from: EC Unique on June 19, 2014, 12:13:53 AM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 18, 2014, 11:50:52 PM
Rigobert Song 1st man to be sent off in 2 World Cups..
Now namesake Alex after getting the road for Tomahawk style attack..
Lunatics..
When the ref blew him for the elbow Croatia were on a very promising break. Should he not have let play continue to play advantage then show the player the red card?
This game is done, I'm off to bed
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 19, 2014, 12:06:14 AM
Here ya go Realspirit
Pepe
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec0CT8yzjAo
Exactly
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 18, 2014, 11:41:46 PM
Harsh Seanie. Have you been bored with Spain the past 6 years or just the last week?
I would say 4-5 years. Definitely before the last World Cup I was sick of them.
The 2012 euro final was a brilliant display when they destroyed Italy.
Barca in 10-11 season was one of the beat seasons any team put together.
I wouldnt think either was boring but can see your point on last World Cup when
they won every game 1-0.
I just think Spain get a hard time as more is expected from them due to amount of possession.
If Italy or Mourihno won all knockout games 1-0 its viewed differently.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 18, 2014, 11:00:33 PM
Delighted Spain have been sent packing. The only goal they got in 180 minutes was a penalty that was not a penalty. Their cheating is the worst of any in the world (I was delighted Busquets was one that missed a sitter to get them back into the game) so I am glad no-one will be copying their "style" after this. As was said earlier - I'm sure they can comfort themselves with the possession stats. Boring, boring, boring.
Well done to Chile. Played with great speed, courage and no little skill despite what Del Bosque tried to imply in his post match comments (Chile were good physically - give me a break).
Can't stand Busquets and some of the others play acting at times is just as bad, but are they really any worse on the diving and hamming it up front than Germany (see Pepe vs Thomas Muller), England (Stevie G not shy about diving in the penalty area), Croatia or Brazil? Now that I think about you had a Chilean go off on a stretcher with about 10minutes to go and he was back on 30 seconds later.
I used to think they along with Barcelona, were great to watch, but somewhere along the line it seems they forgot how to shoot with a bit of venom and merely wanted to pass it in from 5 yards. Regarding the physical side of things, Chile were very very fit and were much more on their toes while Spain seemed to be playing with lead in their boots. What the average running stats were I don't know but I noticed that Vidal ran 11km in 88 minutes vs Pedro running 8km in 76 minutes (and he ran more than the average Spanish player in that time). This is not meant to take anything away from Chile by the way - it is a compliment.
Also not sure about the conspiracy theorists "had to have a madrileño" playing. I certainly wouldn't have picked him and think he was partly or wholly responsible for 5 of 7 goals, as well as Atletico's goal in the Champions League final but pretty sure 99% of Spaniards would have been fine with De Gea or Reina starting and Spain winning as opposed to Casillas fluffing his lines again and Spain sent packing. Casillas actually talked after the match about playing on at international level - he should learn from ex Rey Juan Carlos and bow out.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 19, 2014, 12:31:15 AM
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 18, 2014, 11:41:46 PM
Harsh Seanie. Have you been bored with Spain the past 6 years or just the last week?
I would say 4-5 years. Definitely before the last World Cup I was sick of them.
I'm sure they care immensely (what is it about United fans that in the last five or six years they all celebrate any loss by Spain or Barcelona?). They've been bloody awful but as was pointed out last night, their average age isn't all that high and a lot will still be around for the Euros in two years time.
Spain, like all teams, have pantomime villains. Busquets is no worse than, for example, Suarez or Ashley Young.
Know a lad in Barcelona, serious parties there last night he saying! Independencia!
The South American sides look to be on a level above the rest. The likes of Chile, Mexico and Columbia have impressed. Brazil have been poor whilst the Argies probably will be the strongest of the bunch.
For me it's between Argentina and Germany. I would love to see Holland win it but I just don't think they have it in them.
Quote from: southdown on June 19, 2014, 09:00:27 AM
The South American sides look to be on a level above the rest. The likes of Chile, Mexico and Columbia have impressed. Brazil have been poor whilst the Argies probably will be the strongest of the bunch.
For me it's between Argentina and Germany. I would love to see Holland win it but I just don't think they have it in them.
Can't agree with that. Chile have done well, Colombia have a big game today, I wasn't overly impressed v Greece. Brazil have been poor, Uruguay were awful against Costa Rica and have a huge game tonight, and Argentina were very average against Bosnia. Ecuador look average enough too. Of course it may change, but I don't see how you can say that the South American sides look to be a level above, right now. (Mexicans won't thank you for calling them South Americans by the way :) ).
To me, thus far, the most impressive teams have been Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy and Chile in that order.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 19, 2014, 08:48:32 AM
Know a lad in Barcelona, serious parties there last night he saying! Independencia!
Bit rich for the Catalans to be sticking the knife in their own team (feat. Iker Casillas) just because of their jerseys.
Hang on. I live in Ireland. People are petty f**kers. Carry on.
I think the Catalans have their bread buttered on both sides. When Spain win, and Xavi, Busquets, Alba and co play well, they celebrate their Catalan influence on the win. when they lose they celebrate the Imperial Spanish defeat :)
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 19, 2014, 09:13:06 AM
Quote from: southdown on June 19, 2014, 09:00:27 AM
The South American sides look to be on a level above the rest. The likes of Chile, Mexico and Columbia have impressed. Brazil have been poor whilst the Argies probably will be the strongest of the bunch.
For me it's between Argentina and Germany. I would love to see Holland win it but I just don't think they have it in them.
Can't agree with that. Chile have done well, Colombia have a big game today, I wasn't overly impressed v Greece. Brazil have been poor, Uruguay were awful against Costa Rica and have a huge game tonight, and Argentina were very average against Bosnia. Ecuador look average enough too. Of course it may change, but I don't see how you can say that the South American sides look to be a level above, right now. (Mexicans won't thank you for calling them South Americans by the way :) ).
To me, thus far, the most impressive teams have been Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy and Chile in that order.
I honestly don't think Brazil have been as bad as people are saying. They were nervy against a good Croatia team but got the job done and then they would have beaten a well set up Mexican side had it not been for a goalie having the game and luck of his life. They'll finish winners of the group and I wouldn't be surprised if they still go the whole way.
I'll be surprised. I think the first good team that they come up against will beat them, if refereeing decisions are not a major factor. If Brazil score first they'll be grand, but they are not dynamic enough in an attacking sense to put real pressure on good teams. Fred is pathetic so far, and Jo seems even worse. Apart from Neymar they don't really have a good player going forward (he has impressed me in fairness and I was prepared to hate him). Liverpool bias alert!! I think Phil Coutinho would add something to that team going forward, but they are still hamstrung by their striker issue.
Quote from: CiKe on June 19, 2014, 08:03:58 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 18, 2014, 11:00:33 PM
Delighted Spain have been sent packing. The only goal they got in 180 minutes was a penalty that was not a penalty. Their cheating is the worst of any in the world (I was delighted Busquets was one that missed a sitter to get them back into the game) so I am glad no-one will be copying their "style" after this. As was said earlier - I'm sure they can comfort themselves with the possession stats. Boring, boring, boring.
Well done to Chile. Played with great speed, courage and no little skill despite what Del Bosque tried to imply in his post match comments (Chile were good physically - give me a break).
Can't stand Busquets and some of the others play acting at times is just as bad, but are they really any worse on the diving and hamming it up front than Germany (see Pepe vs Thomas Muller), England (Stevie G not shy about diving in the penalty area), Croatia or Brazil? Now that I think about you had a Chilean go off on a stretcher with about 10minutes to go and he was back on 30 seconds later.
I used to think they along with Barcelona, were great to watch, but somewhere along the line it seems they forgot how to shoot with a bit of venom and merely wanted to pass it in from 5 yards. Regarding the physical side of things, Chile were very very fit and were much more on their toes while Spain seemed to be playing with lead in their boots. What the average running stats were I don't know but I noticed that Vidal ran 11km in 88 minutes vs Pedro running 8km in 76 minutes (and he ran more than the average Spanish player in that time). This is not meant to take anything away from Chile by the way - it is a compliment.
Also not sure about the conspiracy theorists "had to have a madrileño" playing. I certainly wouldn't have picked him and think he was partly or wholly responsible for 5 of 7 goals, as well as Atletico's goal in the Champions League final but pretty sure 99% of Spaniards would have been fine with De Gea or Reina starting and Spain winning as opposed to Casillas fluffing his lines again and Spain sent packing. Casillas actually talked after the match about playing on at international level - he should learn from ex Rey Juan Carlos and bow out.
Do you mean the guy that hobbled back on and was substituted a few minutes later? I was watching that on BBC and to be fair to him Danny Murphy called it perfectly.
Ever team has divers but I don't think anyone is remotely at the level of the Spanish. I cannot watch La Liga due to this even though the technical level is superb. The referee yesterday didn't fall for it though so Spain were in trouble.
You touched on it earlier. This version of soccer where it is "keep the ball at all costs" - even when a decent shooting opportunity is created - is hateful. If you're not trying to score then what's the point?
Quote from: WT4E on June 19, 2014, 09:53:00 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 19, 2014, 09:13:06 AM
Quote from: southdown on June 19, 2014, 09:00:27 AM
The South American sides look to be on a level above the rest. The likes of Chile, Mexico and Columbia have impressed. Brazil have been poor whilst the Argies probably will be the strongest of the bunch.
For me it's between Argentina and Germany. I would love to see Holland win it but I just don't think they have it in them.
Can't agree with that. Chile have done well, Colombia have a big game today, I wasn't overly impressed v Greece. Brazil have been poor, Uruguay were awful against Costa Rica and have a huge game tonight, and Argentina were very average against Bosnia. Ecuador look average enough too. Of course it may change, but I don't see how you can say that the South American sides look to be a level above, right now. (Mexicans won't thank you for calling them South Americans by the way :) ).
To me, thus far, the most impressive teams have been Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy and Chile in that order.
I honestly don't think Brazil have been as bad as people are saying. They were nervy against a good Croatia team but got the job done and then they would have beaten a well set up Mexican side had it not been for a goalie having the game and luck of his life. They'll finish winners of the group and I wouldn't be surprised if they still go the whole way.
With a competent keeper and ref Croatia would have walked through Brazil. Brazil winning that game had very little to do with themselves to be fair.
Mexico aren't up to much and I'd be surprised if they can get even a draw with Croatia. If Cameroon were anything other than a walking joke I'd be tempted to say Brazil could be out in the group stages. They need to step it up big time to get close to Chile or Holland in the second round.
Quote from: Syferus on June 19, 2014, 10:01:05 AM
Quote from: WT4E on June 19, 2014, 09:53:00 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 19, 2014, 09:13:06 AM
Quote from: southdown on June 19, 2014, 09:00:27 AM
The South American sides look to be on a level above the rest. The likes of Chile, Mexico and Columbia have impressed. Brazil have been poor whilst the Argies probably will be the strongest of the bunch.
For me it's between Argentina and Germany. I would love to see Holland win it but I just don't think they have it in them.
Can't agree with that. Chile have done well, Colombia have a big game today, I wasn't overly impressed v Greece. Brazil have been poor, Uruguay were awful against Costa Rica and have a huge game tonight, and Argentina were very average against Bosnia. Ecuador look average enough too. Of course it may change, but I don't see how you can say that the South American sides look to be a level above, right now. (Mexicans won't thank you for calling them South Americans by the way :) ).
To me, thus far, the most impressive teams have been Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy and Chile in that order.
I honestly don't think Brazil have been as bad as people are saying. They were nervy against a good Croatia team but got the job done and then they would have beaten a well set up Mexican side had it not been for a goalie having the game and luck of his life. They'll finish winners of the group and I wouldn't be surprised if they still go the whole way.
With a competent keeper and ref Croatia would have walked through Brazil. Brazil winning that game had very little to do with themselves to be fair.
Mexico aren't up to much and I'd be surprised if they can get even a draw with Croatia. If Cameroon were anything other than a walking joke I'd be tempted to say Brazil could be out in the group stages. They need to step it up big time to get close to Chile or Holland in the second round.
They'll beat Chile or Holland in the next round. I expect Mexico to get a result against Croatia which may go some way to showing that this group was far from a cake walk!
Quote from: Syferus on June 18, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
There's still some gas in that team, certainly for the next Euros at least. Xavi might be gone but who else is terribly old and don't have world class replacements?
Look like a team that need a break.
Alonso is 32, will be 33 later in the year. A few of the subs like Villa will be old by then too. Average age of the Squad squad was 28. They had a good u21 team last year won the the European Championship those players should be coming through like tello, thiago missed out with injury.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 19, 2014, 11:08:09 AM
Quote from: Syferus on June 18, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
There's still some gas in that team, certainly for the next Euros at least. Xavi might be gone but who else is terribly old and don't have world class replacements?
Look like a team that need a break.
Alonso is 32, will be 33 later in the year. A few of the subs like Villa will be old by then too. Average age of the Squad squad was 28. They had a good u21 team last year won the the European Championship those players should be coming through like tello, thiago missed out with injury.
Fabregas is an absolutely excellent replacement for Alonso. Carzola and Mata aren't even near the starting line-up either. Few teams are able to replace players like Alonso with that level of talent.
If Costa eventually comes through for them or they find another striker I think they'll be well placed the next time. Might be time to replace Del Bosque though.
Koke should be the main man in that midfield for the next 10 years. The Spanish have a lot of similar players so thats why Mata wasn't in the team, Silva probaly has better work rate too.
Ireland's Tommy Smyth commentating on ESPN radio yesterday, midway through second half of Chile V Spain, "Chile aren't exactly parking the but, but there are a couple of Taxi's back there".
He is a welcome relief from some of the commentating ESPN TV, aside from Ian Darke that is, Roberto Martinez was the co-commentator on a game at the weekend, (while knowledgeable and likeable) could not understand a word he was saying. It was almost bordering on the ridiculous.
In their studio it is worse, Alexi Lalas comes across as pompous, Rudd van Nistleroy( poor english) Gilberto Silva, same, all in all poor fare from them.
Ossie Ardiles left the RTE Panel last night as he is appearing on Argentine TV for the rest of the world cup. Nice man, but jaysus it's hard to understand what he is saying.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 19, 2014, 01:52:58 PM
Ossie Ardiles left the RTE Panel last night as he is appearing on Argentine TV for the rest of the world cup. Nice man, but jaysus it's hard to understand what he is saying.
Canavaro is teh same on ITV, very hard to understand him at times, and i dont always think he grasps the question he is being asked as he ends up answering a different one!
Quote from: joemamas on June 19, 2014, 01:48:17 PM
Ireland's Tommy Smyth commentating on ESPN radio yesterday, midway through second half of Chile V Spain, "Chile aren't exactly parking the but, but there are a couple of Taxi's back there".
He is a welcome relief from some of the commentating ESPN TV, aside from Ian Darke that is, Roberto Martinez was the co-commentator on a game at the weekend, (while knowledgeable and likeable) could not understand a word he was saying. It was almost bordering on the ridiculous.
In their studio it is worse, Alexi Lalas comes across as pompous, Rudd van Nistleroy( poor english) Gilberto Silva, same, all in all poor fare from them.
Did you hear the boy commentating with...Chilaay this and Chilaay that?
What's the story/background with Tommy Smith?
Quote from: joemamas on June 19, 2014, 01:48:17 PM
Ireland's Tommy Smyth commentating on ESPN radio yesterday, midway through second half of Chile V Spain, "Chile aren't exactly parking the but, but there are a couple of Taxi's back there".
He is a welcome relief from some of the commentating ESPN TV, aside from Ian Darke that is, Roberto Martinez was the co-commentator on a game at the weekend, (while knowledgeable and likeable) could not understand a word he was saying. It was almost bordering on the ridiculous.
In their studio it is worse, Alexi Lalas comes across as pompous, Rudd van Nistleroy( poor english) Gilberto Silva, same, all in all poor fare from them.
Jaysis if you think van Nistleroy has poor English, you can't possibly like Tommy Smyth! Worst commentator I have ever heard in any sport. Thankfully ESPN moved him to halftime "analysis" a couple of years ago.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 19, 2014, 02:53:16 PM
Quote from: joemamas on June 19, 2014, 01:48:17 PM
Ireland's Tommy Smyth commentating on ESPN radio yesterday, midway through second half of Chile V Spain, "Chile aren't exactly parking the but, but there are a couple of Taxi's back there".
He is a welcome relief from some of the commentating ESPN TV, aside from Ian Darke that is, Roberto Martinez was the co-commentator on a game at the weekend, (while knowledgeable and likeable) could not understand a word he was saying. It was almost bordering on the ridiculous.
In their studio it is worse, Alexi Lalas comes across as pompous, Rudd van Nistleroy( poor english) Gilberto Silva, same, all in all poor fare from them.
Jaysis if you think van Nistleroy has poor English, you can't possibly like Tommy Smyth! Worst commentator I have ever heard in any sport. Thankfully ESPN moved him to halftime "analysis" a couple of years ago.
+1
The onion bag. He used to drive me nuts when I watched soccer in the States.
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 19, 2014, 02:53:16 PM
Quote from: joemamas on June 19, 2014, 01:48:17 PM
Ireland's Tommy Smyth commentating on ESPN radio yesterday, midway through second half of Chile V Spain, "Chile aren't exactly parking the but, but there are a couple of Taxi's back there".
He is a welcome relief from some of the commentating ESPN TV, aside from Ian Darke that is, Roberto Martinez was the co-commentator on a game at the weekend, (while knowledgeable and likeable) could not understand a word he was saying. It was almost bordering on the ridiculous.
In their studio it is worse, Alexi Lalas comes across as pompous, Rudd van Nistleroy( poor english) Gilberto Silva, same, all in all poor fare from them.
Jaysis if you think van Nistleroy has poor English, you can't possibly like Tommy Smyth! Worst commentator I have ever heard in any sport. Thankfully ESPN moved him to halftime "analysis" a couple of years ago.
Agreed the odd comment can be cringeworthy, but by and large he is a lot better than most, he aslo has improved over the years. He used to do a running commentary over the "loudspeaker" on Gaelic football games in Gaelic Park, it was a little bit distracting to say the least for the first few times I played. It was bad enough to be playing poorly, but to have Tommy exacerbate that with a "and he kicks it harmlessly wide" did not exactly help your confidence. It was always good for a laugh after in the bar after game when some wiseass reminded you of same.
The crowd at some of the games looks like a massive game of Connect 4.
(http://cdn1.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article30357581.ece/cb00a/ALTERNATES/h342/Linfield+shop.jpg)
A Linfield shop has been forced to put a sign in its window after the flag of the Ivory Coast had customers in a flap.
The football shop on Belfast's Shankill Road said it was forced to put up the sign after customers mistook the orange, white and green flag of the African nation for the Irish tricolour.
The flag appeared on bunting, featuring the flags of all 32 countries taking part in the World Cup, which was draped in the shop's window to celebrate the tournament.
But staff were forced to put a sign underneath the flag of the Ivory Coast which read: "This is the Ivory Coast NOT Republic of Ireland."
Although both flags consist of the same three colours, the colours of the Ivory Coast's flag are in reverse order to those of the Republic of Ireland.
A woman at the shop told the Irish News: "People just thought it was the [Irish] Tricolour. It obviously isn't, as it's the flag of the Ivory Coast, so that's why we had to put the sign up."
Obviously.
Best goal celebration so far.
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 06:08:36 PM
(http://cdn1.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article30357581.ece/cb00a/ALTERNATES/h342/Linfield+shop.jpg)
A Linfield shop has been forced to put a sign in its window after the flag of the Ivory Coast had customers in a flap.
The football shop on Belfast's Shankill Road said it was forced to put up the sign after customers mistook the orange, white and green flag of the African nation for the Irish tricolour.
The flag appeared on bunting, featuring the flags of all 32 countries taking part in the World Cup, which was draped in the shop's window to celebrate the tournament.
But staff were forced to put a sign underneath the flag of the Ivory Coast which read: "This is the Ivory Coast NOT Republic of Ireland."
Although both flags consist of the same three colours, the colours of the Ivory Coast's flag are in reverse order to those of the Republic of Ireland.
A woman at the shop told the Irish News: "People just thought it was the [Irish] Tricolour. It obviously isn't, as it's the flag of the Ivory Coast, so that's why we had to put the sign up."
CIV IRA, could they not have put a wee red hand on that other fleg rather than a red circle.
A good goal for the Ivory Coast from Gervinho has them back in the game.
Quote from: joemamas on June 19, 2014, 03:26:39 PM
Quote from: Jell 0 Biafra on June 19, 2014, 02:53:16 PM
Quote from: joemamas on June 19, 2014, 01:48:17 PM
Ireland's Tommy Smyth commentating on ESPN radio yesterday, midway through second half of Chile V Spain, "Chile aren't exactly parking the but, but there are a couple of Taxi's back there".
He is a welcome relief from some of the commentating ESPN TV, aside from Ian Darke that is, Roberto Martinez was the co-commentator on a game at the weekend, (while knowledgeable and likeable) could not understand a word he was saying. It was almost bordering on the ridiculous.
In their studio it is worse, Alexi Lalas comes across as pompous, Rudd van Nistleroy( poor english) Gilberto Silva, same, all in all poor fare from them.
Jaysis if you think van Nistleroy has poor English, you can't possibly like Tommy Smyth! Worst commentator I have ever heard in any sport. Thankfully ESPN moved him to halftime "analysis" a couple of years ago.
Agreed the odd comment can be cringeworthy, but by and large he is a lot better than most, he aslo has improved over the years. He used to do a running commentary over the "loudspeaker" on Gaelic football games in Gaelic Park, it was a little bit distracting to say the least for the first few times I played. It was bad enough to be playing poorly, but to have Tommy exacerbate that with a "and he kicks it harmlessly wide" did not exactly help your confidence. It was always good for a laugh after in the bar after game when some wiseass reminded you of same.
I kicked a point form the endline one day " fl/mayo kicks a point form the endline....he can scarcely believe himself" came booming from the loudspeakers.
Could Danny Murphy's assertion that in Cote D'Ivoire and Colombia "England have nothing to fear" come back and bite him in the bum...assuming Eng get out of the group!!
This may come back to bite me in the bum but I think England will win comfortably here.
Townsend talks some shite!!!!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 19, 2014, 08:03:34 PM
Townsend talks some shite!!!!
Mind you, he did once manage to convince a lot of people he was Irish!
Quote from: AQMP on June 19, 2014, 08:07:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 19, 2014, 08:03:34 PM
Townsend talks some shite!!!!
Mind you, he did once manage to convince a lot of people he was Irish!
He was as Irish as big Tony Cascarino
Trevor Steven and Souness are very good commentators
George Hamilton has literally no idea what these lads look like, he's just picking a name and hoping he's right
Terrible game so far.
Dont know what Welbeck brings to the table for England,Would be way better off with Barkley.
Agreed Welbeck is shite
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 19, 2014, 08:27:58 PM
Agreed Welbeck is shite
I said same after Italy game,I think he's dung.
No England player doing great tonight though. Is Henderson playing? I don't think I've heard his name mentioned once.
What a goal
El Pistolero ;D
Beautiful goal. Rooney will score ;)
Who else but Suarez!!!!!!!!!!
Hope he scores a hat-trick and then bites Stevie Me.
Think England will get back into the game but the South Americans seem to have the edge
Half way there heh heh heh
The two Everton defenders all at sea for the goal, the Liverpool midfield well beaten. Rooney the only England player that played well in that first half.
If Rooney doesn't score this evening he may never score in the World Cup. What a record he has at this tournament.
Seems to have shrugged off that poor end of season form to net against Liverpool England
Gerard is lost in his role.Barkley will come on,and maybe Lambert,Sterling and the slightly worse version of Shane Long Welbeck to be hooked.
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 19, 2014, 08:58:40 PM
Gerard is lost in his role.Barkley will come on,and maybe Lambert,Sterling and the slightly worse version of Shane Long Welbeck to be hooked.
Didn't even realise Gerard was playing!!
QuoteWhen asked whether Suarez belonged in the same "world-class" bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the England manager said: "I think he will only be at that level when he shows it on this particular stage.
"He has got the potential. He is a wonderful footballer. But if you are really going to put him up there with (Diego) Maradona, Pele, (Franz) Beckenbauer and (Johan) Cruyff, and (Andrea) Pirlo, this is the stage you have got to do it on really.
"You can be a great player in your league but for the world to recognise you are one of the all-time greats you have got to do it at the World Cup."
England really on the ropes here. How are they only one down?
Quote from: EC Unique on June 19, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
England really on the ropes here. How are they only one down?
That's all we need. With your tendency to constantly put your foot in your mouth they'll most likely now win by about 3
Quote from: EC Unique on June 19, 2014, 09:08:36 PM
England really on the ropes here. How are they only one down?
Because Uruguay have only scored one goal ;)
If England lose and Italy beat Costa Rica than can England not still qualify with a win over Costa Rica if Italy also beat Uruguay?
Depending on goal difference obviously.
Rooney is in fairness getting more 'bites' and one of them will pay off
Italy will want to top the group so if they win their next match then would they top it? then rest players for the last game?
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 09:21:25 PM
If England lose and Italy beat Costa Rica than can England not still qualify with a win over Costa Rica if Italy also beat Uruguay?
Depending on goal difference obviously.
Yeah if England lose they can still qualify, if Italy and CR draw then it's curtains.
Liverpool players diving all over the place. Old habits die hard.
Serey Die broke down in tears during the Ivory Coast's national anthem at the FIFA World Cup.
It later emerged that his father had died just hours before.
Respect to him for playing, and may his father rest in peace.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10300973_720080978054374_8966815012215782112_n.jpg)
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 19, 2014, 09:28:46 PM
Liverpool players diving all over the place. Old habits die hard.
Did your cousins tell you ?
Wazza :o
Fuppin' backstards
Rooney deserved that goal and he could have scored three or four goals tonight.
Come on England! barkley to score next ;)
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 19, 2014, 09:28:46 PM
Liverpool players diving all over the place. Old habits die hard.
You'll have to get over this obsession. It's not healthy.
Eng have momentum. To be fair to Rooney he's been England's best player
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2014, 09:33:55 PM
Rooney deserved that goal and he could have scored three or four goals tonight.
Him and Johnson have been the better players but other than that shot straight at the keeper don't know when else he would have scored?
Some finish!
Get in there you wee rat ;D
Brilliant finish. Great pass from Gerrard!
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 19, 2014, 09:34:12 PM
Come on England! barkley to score next ;)
Ahhh, never mind
I'm giving up this punditry lark!!
Assist by Steven Gerrard not one he will want to remember.
Scotsman in the crowd with a ginger wig tartan hat and scot flag going mental lol
Suarez price tag will have gone up with these two goals as well. A great night for Liverpool.
Quote from: All of a Sludden on June 19, 2014, 09:30:19 PM
Serey Die broke down in tears during the Ivory Coast's national anthem at the FIFA World Cup.
It later emerged that his father had died just hours before.
Respect to him for playing, and may his father rest in peace.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10300973_720080978054374_8966815012215782112_n.jpg)
his father died in 2004
Suarez genius. Best player in the world at the moment.
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 09:52:48 PM
Suarez genius. Best player in the world at the moment.
Woy doesn't seem to rate him. ;D
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on June 19, 2014, 09:49:57 PM
Quote from: All of a Sludden on June 19, 2014, 09:30:19 PM
Serey Die broke down in tears during the Ivory Coast's national anthem at the FIFA World Cup.
It later emerged that his father had died just hours before.
Respect to him for playing, and may his father rest in peace.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10300973_720080978054374_8966815012215782112_n.jpg)
his father died in 2004
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/19/serey-die-national-anthem-father-ivory-coast
http://balls.ie/football/ivory-coasts-serey-die-played-despite-receiving-horrible-news-two-hours-beforehand/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2662766/Ivory-Coast-midfielder-Serey-Die-bursts-tears-national-anthem-ahead-Colombia-clash.html
Quote from: All of a Sludden on June 19, 2014, 09:54:01 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 09:52:48 PM
Suarez genius. Best player in the world at the moment.
Woy doesn't seem to rate him. ;D
Woy thinks Welbeck is good enough...go figure.
If Gerrard isn't dropped he must have photos of Woy
Actually not true... Strange twitter rumour. His dad died 2004. He said it himself.
Suarez different class. England just not good enough. No real quality.
Quote from: AQMP on June 19, 2014, 09:56:13 PM
If Gerrard isn't dropped he must have photos of Woy
Even if he had would anyone want to see them *shudder*
Labour could nationalise the Premiership and impose a salary scale. It would be the best way to help England.
It's nights like this you wish Roy Keane was still on ITV.
Quote from: AQMP on June 19, 2014, 09:38:27 PM
Eng have momentum. To be fair to Rooney he's been England's best player
I thought Gary Cahill was very good too but wasn't as clever as Suarez for the second goal. Gerrard was at fault for both goals but England are a mediocre bunch. Bit unlucky with the ref bottling the second yellow for Godin???? on 28 mins .
Oops ha ha ha ha!!!
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 19, 2014, 09:39:42 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2014, 09:33:55 PM
Rooney deserved that goal and he could have scored three or four goals tonight.
Him and Johnson have been the better players but other than that shot straight at the keeper don't know when else he would have scored?
Hit the crossbar with a header and got close with a free. England only have themselves to blame for this near certain early exit. Roy Hodgson was never going to be good enough and the two best England defenders are sitting at home watching this World cup.
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 09:59:13 PM
It's nights like this you wish Roy Keane was still on ITV.
In fairness he called it right: https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/23D92BE9EE1082055507222642688_2ed6ce1c3fa.0.3.9370635038155471220.mp4?versionId=eumGKMd8ihYebW.9zrsHOFNbPeypk4.2 (https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/23D92BE9EE1082055507222642688_2ed6ce1c3fa.0.3.9370635038155471220.mp4?versionId=eumGKMd8ihYebW.9zrsHOFNbPeypk4.2)
Stevie G is done. How did he get staying on the pitch?
Quote from: EC Unique on June 19, 2014, 10:03:53 PM
Stevie G is done. How did he get staying on the pitch?
I suspect they were afraid he wouldn't be able to come off.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2014, 10:01:36 PM
Hit the crossbar with a header and got close with a free. England only have themselves to blame for this near certain early exit. Roy Hodgson was never going to be good enough and the two best England defenders are sitting at home watching this World cup.
Who do you mean? JT and ? ? ?
Hodgson is one classless fuckwit!
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 19, 2014, 10:13:00 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 19, 2014, 10:01:36 PM
Hit the crossbar with a header and got close with a free. England only have themselves to blame for this near certain early exit. Roy Hodgson was never going to be good enough and the two best England defenders are sitting at home watching this World cup.
Who do you mean? JT and ? ? ?
Cashley??
Quote from: EC Unique on June 19, 2014, 10:03:53 PM
Stevie G is done. How did he get staying on the pitch?
He was muck. Brilliant assist though. ;D
Quote from: All of a Sludden on June 19, 2014, 09:55:10 PM
Quote from: Gabriel_Hurl on June 19, 2014, 09:49:57 PM
Quote from: All of a Sludden on June 19, 2014, 09:30:19 PM
Serey Die broke down in tears during the Ivory Coast's national anthem at the FIFA World Cup.
It later emerged that his father had died just hours before.
Respect to him for playing, and may his father rest in peace.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t1.0-9/10300973_720080978054374_8966815012215782112_n.jpg)
his father died in 2004
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/19/serey-die-national-anthem-father-ivory-coast
http://balls.ie/football/ivory-coasts-serey-die-played-despite-receiving-horrible-news-two-hours-beforehand/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2662766/Ivory-Coast-midfielder-Serey-Die-bursts-tears-national-anthem-ahead-Colombia-clash.html
http://t.co/RLDrjMko6z
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 19, 2014, 10:00:51 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 19, 2014, 09:38:27 PM
Eng have momentum. To be fair to Rooney he's been England's best player
I thought Gary Cahill was very good too but wasn't as clever as Suarez for the second goal. Gerrard was at fault for both goals but England are a mediocre bunch. Bit unlucky with the ref bottling the second yellow for Godin???? on 28 mins .
How do you make out Gerrard was at fault for both goals?
First goal Jagielka was awful and hadn't a clue where Suarez was and second goal Cahill let Suarez get the wrong side of him and didn't follow him. Yeah Gerrard knocked it on but Cahill never anticipated it like good defenders should. Plus it was a fantastic finish.
The English defence was at fault for both goals imo.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 19, 2014, 10:03:53 PM
Stevie G is done. How did he get staying on the pitch?
And Suarez is a rat.? Surely your a-levels are in full swing?
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 10:22:25 PM
How do you make out Gerrard was at fault for both goals?
First goal Jagielka was awful and hadn't a clue where Suarez was and second goal Cahill let Suarez get the wrong side of him and didn't follow him.
The English defence was at fault for both goals imo.
He made a very lame tackle in the lead - up to the first goal. Jagielka made the second mistake but Gerrard was at fault too. I didn't mean that both goals were solely his fault. You're right, the defence was at fault for both of them too.
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 10:22:25 PM
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 19, 2014, 10:00:51 PM
Quote from: AQMP on June 19, 2014, 09:38:27 PM
Eng have momentum. To be fair to Rooney he's been England's best player
I thought Gary Cahill was very good too but wasn't as clever as Suarez for the second goal. Gerrard was at fault for both goals but England are a mediocre bunch. Bit unlucky with the ref bottling the second yellow for Godin???? on 28 mins .
How do you make out Gerrard was at fault for both goals?
First goal Jagielka was awful and hadn't a clue where Suarez was and second goal Cahill let Suarez get the wrong side of him and didn't follow him. Yeah Gerrard knocked it on but Cahill never anticipated it like good defenders should. Plus it was a fantastic finish.
The English defence was at fault for both goals imo.
even though it seems everyone wanted England to lose, 'we' don't want to be seen criticising the players of the teams 'we' support. thought England as a team were average and their main man, captain marvel, was found wanting again and was at fault for the 2nd goal.
Poor stuff from Cahill for the second goal. Easier said that done to keep tabs on Suarez but Cahill just switched off for the split second and lost him. Letting Saurez goalside is football suicide.
Quote from: Armamike on June 19, 2014, 10:33:23 PM
Poor stuff from Cahill for the second goal. Easier said that done to keep tabs on Suarez but Cahill just switched off for the split second and lost him. Letting Saurez goalside is football suicide.
Exactly. And Jagielka was at fault for the first.
Did it actually come off Gerrard for the second goal ? I thought it was the Uruguayan that nipped in front of him that got a head on it ?.
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on June 19, 2014, 10:42:45 PM
Did it actually come off Gerrard for the second goal ? I thought it was the Uruguayan that nipped in front of him that got a head on it ?.
it came off gerrard alright, sure he loves an aul backpass. ;)
It had to come off Gerrard as if it came off the Uruguayan Suarez would have been offside.
Liverpool players were terrible tonight, apart from the one that mattered on the other side.
Roy's best players were sitting on the bench.
He had a poor tournament , lame attempt at a tackle in the build up to Uruguays first goal.
I think England were sumed up in this game by one fact - if Uruguay needed another attacking option they had Diego Forlan but England needed a further attacking option and had rickie lambert ::)
The whole English backline have been ropey the past 2 games. Baines has been a big disappointment. Awful going forward and not much better on the backfoot, and Johnson has been his usual self, quite good going forward. The 2 chbs just haven't been commanding enough.
Quote from: WT4E on June 19, 2014, 10:57:51 PM
I think England were sumed up in this game by one fact - if Uruguay needed another attacking option they had Diego Forlan but England needed a further attacking option and had rickie lambert ::)
Don't get that one.
It was basically two lapses in concentration and suarez capitalised on them.
Gerrard made a mistake but cahill switched off.
The concussion situation tonight was absolutely ridiculous. Lethal
The Bill, Eamo & Johnny Show is a long long time on the go.
This is what they looked liked 24 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SflSO53fKT0#t=293 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SflSO53fKT0#t=293)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 19, 2014, 09:48:06 PM
Scotsman in the crowd with a ginger wig tartan hat and scot flag going mental lol
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BqhVep3IMAAXad5.jpg)
England a little unlucky in the two games but are basically fucked beacuse they have given goals away so cheaply. There can never have been as bad an English back 4 and central midfield ever, especially at a major finals. I'd give Baines and Henderson marks for effort but the two centre backs and Gerrard have been pathetic. Hart is dodgy too (he did a great job getting out of the way for the 2nd!). The goals they've conceded have all come from nothing really.
Whether you like him or not Rooney deserves great credit after the ridiculous stuff going on about him leading up to the tournament and in the last week. He is England's best player by a distance and was tonight. He's not at the Messi/Ronaldo level and should have converted more of his chances over the two games but I thought despite the close attention from the really excellent Arevalo he kept driving England on from start to finish and kept plugging away when other were shown up as the frauds they are.
Hodgson has been a wee bit naive too. John Terry should have been there and persisting with Gerrard was destined to fail.
Hope Italy beat Costa Rica so the soap opera continues!
QuoteMario Balotelli Verified account @FinallyMario
If we beat Costa Rica i want a kiss,obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen.😂😂😂.
Balotelli is kinda awesome.
Dear World Cup Participant,
Please be aware of the following rule changes to this year's tournament:
1. If you want to take a corner from outside the marked area, fine—but you're getting a yellow card immediately after, and possession reverts to the opposition. You're a professional footballer ffs, you can't hit a cross into the box from 3 inches further away?
2. Gathering the ball into your hands when you think you've been fouled, but before the whistle is gone: yellow card—even if you get the free. The ball was still in play and you handled it; did nobody tell you about that being against the rules?
3. Waving an imaginary card into the ref's face, trying to get your opponent booked: straight red. You're not the ref, nor do you have Parkinson's.
4. Team with the lead has player who needs to be stretchered off? Fine. But he has to stay off and receive medical attention for two full minutes before being allowed back. No miraculous recoveries.
5. Being Ronaldo: straight red. No wait, lifetime ban.
6. Penalty dives to be assessed by a team of judges with scorecards reading 1-10. The player with the highest score by the end of the tournament to be forced to participate in the high dive competition in the next Olympics.
7. Penalties to be called for every corner kick taken, until someone learns to defend a corner without hanging out of/dragging/pulling their opponents. Given how much fouling there is in these situations, this is debatably not a rule change at all, more than an enforcing of existing rules.
8. Any player who rolls 360 degrees or more after a challenge—even if fouled—to be forced to play Rugby/American Football/Hurling as culturally appropriate, but with neither helmet nor padding. We'll give you something to feckin' moan about.
9. But you can take your shirt off after scoring. Seriously FIFA, that's the dumbest yellow card offence there is. There aren't more serious issues you can tackle?
10. All matches involving England to conclude with a penalty shoot-out. You know why.
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 10:36:02 PM
Quote from: Armamike on June 19, 2014, 10:33:23 PM
Poor stuff from Cahill for the second goal. Easier said that done to keep tabs on Suarez but Cahill just switched off for the split second and lost him. Letting Saurez goalside is football suicide.
Exactly. And Jagielka was at fault for the first.
And Demba Ba's goal was the groundsman's fault.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 12:50:09 AM
England a little unlucky in the two games but are basically fucked beacuse they have given goals away so cheaply. There can never have been as bad an English back 4 and central midfield ever, especially at a major finals. I'd give Baines and Henderson marks for effort but the two centre backs and Gerrard have been pathetic. Hart is dodgy too (he did a great job getting out of the way for the 2nd!). The goals they've conceded have all come from nothing really.
Whether you like him or not Rooney deserves great credit after the ridiculous stuff going on about him leading up to the tournament and in the last week. He is England's best player by a distance and was tonight. He's not at the Messi/Ronaldo level and should have converted more of his chances over the two games but I thought despite the close attention from the really excellent Arevalo he kept driving England on from start to finish and kept plugging away when other were shown up as the frauds they are.
Hodgson has been a wee bit naive too. John Terry should have been there and persisting with Gerrard was destined to fail.
Hope Italy beat Costa Rica so the soap opera continues!
I agree with you about Rooney but I didn't think Baines or Henderson stood out in any way from the rest of the mediocrity. I thought Cahill was their best defender by a mile tonight until the second goal, when he didn't anticipate Stevie G's flick-on.
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
Come on Chile.....
Wish I put more than €10 on it.
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:43:40 AM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
Come on Chile.....
Wish I put more than €10 on it.
Costa Rica???
Quote from: WT4E on June 20, 2014, 07:57:30 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:43:40 AM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
Come on Chile.....
Wish I put more than €10 on it.
Costa Rica???
D'oh....Yeah I meant Costa Rica...
Quote from: WT4E on June 20, 2014, 07:57:30 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:43:40 AM
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
Come on Chile.....
Wish I put more than €10 on it.
Costa Rica???
I've Chile in a sweep so come on Chile. And Costa Rica should steal a draw
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I would say Baines will be glad he got the big contract signed before he got to this world cup, he has been poor. In fairness it just looks like England were just that bit poorer than both Italy and Uruguay, think the system of trying to fit essentially three centre forwards, in Rooney Wellbeck and Sturridge was always going to be a difficult one to get right.
I can't remember which game it was in but Alan Shearer was slating one of the teams, who pushed up inside their own box to play offside and it worked perfectly. Is that not what Jagielka should have done with the run for the first goal. surely if he stops lets Suarez continue his run it is a basic offside call, Cavanni actually took his time to play the cross so to me should have been an easy spot.
Maybe I am being too harsh.
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 20, 2014, 03:43:41 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 19, 2014, 10:36:02 PM
Quote from: Armamike on June 19, 2014, 10:33:23 PM
Poor stuff from Cahill for the second goal. Easier said that done to keep tabs on Suarez but Cahill just switched off for the split second and lost him. Letting Saurez goalside is football suicide.
Exactly. And Jagielka was at fault for the first.
And Demba Ba's goal was the groundsman's fault.
;D
Hart didn't give himself the very best chance of saving Suarez's shot, but had he done he would have saved it two times in a million rather one time in a million. The ball was in the net in less time than it would take you to blink, let alone lift your arm.
While Gerrard wasn't at fault for the goal, he's had a poor World Cup. The extent to which each game passed him by was disturbing. Thankfully Liverpool have a manager who has a clue.
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Hart didn't give himself the very best chance of saving Suarez's shot, but had he done he would have saved it two times in a million rather one time in a million. The ball was in the net in less time than it would take you to blink, let alone lift your arm.
While Gerrard wasn't at fault for the goal, he's had a poor World Cup. The extent to which each game passed him by was disturbing. Thankfully Liverpool have a manager who has a clue.
Can you see any of the other top quality mid fielders on the other so called top sides, not realising his position on the pitch and the position of the defenders behind him, he ducks out of the way it runs harmlessly to an England defender. No need to go and try to make a header there, I would have thought that was basic awareness and positioning from most mid fielders.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 12:50:09 AM
England a little unlucky in the two games but are basically fucked beacuse they have given goals away so cheaply. There can never have been as bad an English back 4 and central midfield ever, especially at a major finals. I'd give Baines and Henderson marks for effort but the two centre backs and Gerrard have been pathetic. Hart is dodgy too (he did a great job getting out of the way for the 2nd!). The goals they've conceded have all come from nothing really.
Whether you like him or not Rooney deserves great credit after the ridiculous stuff going on about him leading up to the tournament and in the last week. He is England's best player by a distance and was tonight. He's not at the Messi/Ronaldo level and should have converted more of his chances over the two games but I thought despite the close attention from the really excellent Arevalo he kept driving England on from start to finish and kept plugging away when other were shown up as the frauds they are.
Hodgson has been a wee bit naive too. John Terry should have been there and persisting with Gerrard was destined to fail.
Hope Italy beat Costa Rica so the soap opera continues!
You're defence of Rooney is honourable, he is a striker and was played in his favourite position due to his goalscoring record. But time and time again for England in big games in finals he struggles. He is there to finish and to get 1 goal from the 3 chances he had doesn't "deserve great credit". He is as guilty as anyone for the failure last night. Gerard equally so.
Frauds! Tabloid post their seanie.
The biggest problem England have is a manager who allows himself to be led by the media and who doesn't know how to get the best of the players. He was worried about how the media would react to begging Terry back, he was all over the hype of Luke Shaw and took him in favour of Ashley Cole who would have been perfect for tournament football, he had to play Sterling cause the media demenaded, then he had to play Rooney at 10 because the media demanded it. He is a terrible manager who thinks that they handled Suarez well last night. Of course they did, imagine if they hadn't, maybe he'd have scored 6 goals.
I'm not surprised Gerard has been so poor, him and Henderson have been trying to play in a midfield 2 and have been stretched more than they very do when playing for Liverpool. Liverpool played a similar setup at home to Villa with a top heavy forward line and he got badly exposed. How Hodgson thought that he'd be able for that role in a world cup is beyond me.
England took about 60 minutes till they put in a tackle of any note. Passionless, Uruguay were willing to boot anything/anyone from the first minute to the last.
All those players will be much better with their clubs as they will have managers/coaches who know the game.
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Hart didn't give himself the very best chance of saving Suarez's shot, but had he done he would have saved it two times in a million rather one time in a million. The ball was in the net in less time than it would take you to blink, let alone lift your arm.
While Gerrard wasn't at fault for the goal, he's had a poor World Cup. The extent to which each game passed him by was disturbing. Thankfully Liverpool have a manager who has a clue.
It's no surprise to anyone who doesn't support Liverpool. Unless he gets an armchair ride from his teammates he is useless. He's a number 10 really, not a midfielder.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
Rooney had 3 gilt edged chances last night and only took one of them.The goal glosses over another very mediocre performance.
Quote from: NAG1 on June 20, 2014, 10:09:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Hart didn't give himself the very best chance of saving Suarez's shot, but had he done he would have saved it two times in a million rather one time in a million. The ball was in the net in less time than it would take you to blink, let alone lift your arm.
While Gerrard wasn't at fault for the goal, he's had a poor World Cup. The extent to which each game passed him by was disturbing. Thankfully Liverpool have a manager who has a clue.
Can you see any of the other top quality mid fielders on the other so called top sides, not realising his position on the pitch and the position of the defenders behind him, he ducks out of the way it runs harmlessly to an England defender. No need to go and try to make a header there, I would have thought that was basic awareness and positioning from most mid fielders.
Cavani (I think it was) went for the ball as well. If he had gotten to it and flicked it on, you'd have given Gerrard grief for not competing. If Cahill had gotten tight to the man who is officially the most lethal striker in Europe this season, at least Suarez wouldn't have had a free shot. But I suppose it fits better into the pre-determined narrative to blame Gerrard.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
Seanie the Rooney chance in the first game was a terrible miss that he should have scored!! It wasn't that he was unlucky not to score! It was a god awful miss that a player of his supposed cailibre should be scoring.
And come on the two Suarez goals were nothing to rave about? They were top class finishes especially the header.
I agree Barkley should be playing,also baffled James Milner is not getting game time. Is he injured?
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:15:48 AM
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Hart didn't give himself the very best chance of saving Suarez's shot, but had he done he would have saved it two times in a million rather one time in a million. The ball was in the net in less time than it would take you to blink, let alone lift your arm.
While Gerrard wasn't at fault for the goal, he's had a poor World Cup. The extent to which each game passed him by was disturbing. Thankfully Liverpool have a manager who has a clue.
It's no surprise to anyone who doesn't support Liverpool. Unless he gets an armchair ride from his teammates he is useless. He's a number 10 really, not a midfielder.
I didn't say I was surprised, I said I was disturbed. On a happier note though, it goes to show how the current Liverpool manager is an improvement on a certain previous occupant of the role.
I certainly don't think Gerrard was wrong to go for the header, but it was poor from him that a player of his ability didnt execute a decent clearing header in that situation.
One mistake was them compounded by jageilka getting sucked under the ball and being out of the game and cahill then not being close enough to suarez
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
Class players like Suarez don't seem to need the luck that eludes poor Wayne. Wonder why that is??
Bookies offering 5/1 for England to qualify so they obviously haven't lost hope on England - I thought it would have been a lot bigger than that.
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 10:22:21 AM
And come on the two Suarez goals were nothing to rave about? They were top class finishes especially the header.
Heading the ball. Nothing to it.
(http://www.thefa.com/~/media/images/thefaportal/pillars/england/2014%20world%20cup/19%20june%20-%20uruguay/wayne-rooney-crashes-a-header-against-the-crossbar.ashx)
Quote from: WT4E on June 20, 2014, 10:31:39 AM
Bookies offering 5/1 for England to qualify so they obviously haven't lost hope on England - I thought it would have been a lot bigger than that.
It should be a lot bigger. England fans and their money.
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on June 20, 2014, 10:31:17 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
Class players like Suarez don't seem to need the luck that eludes poor Wayne. Wonder why that is??
Can you imagine the range of excuses that would have been made for Rooney if he was injured like Suarez last night ?
Touch wood and all that, but Suarez must have incredible powers of recovery. It's all in the genes.
There has been a lot of criticism of Hart for the 2nd Suarez goal.
I have no agenda with Hart either way, but in real time I thought he went to ground too early.
But maybe this photo suggests otherwise:
(http://s1.dmcdn.net/FtEkr/x240-FIG.jpg)
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 10:21:20 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 20, 2014, 10:09:57 AM
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 10:05:17 AM
Hart didn't give himself the very best chance of saving Suarez's shot, but had he done he would have saved it two times in a million rather one time in a million. The ball was in the net in less time than it would take you to blink, let alone lift your arm.
While Gerrard wasn't at fault for the goal, he's had a poor World Cup. The extent to which each game passed him by was disturbing. Thankfully Liverpool have a manager who has a clue.
Can you see any of the other top quality mid fielders on the other so called top sides, not realising his position on the pitch and the position of the defenders behind him, he ducks out of the way it runs harmlessly to an England defender. No need to go and try to make a header there, I would have thought that was basic awareness and positioning from most mid fielders.
Cavani (I think it was) went for the ball as well. If he had gotten to it and flicked it on, you'd have given Gerrard grief for not competing. If Cahill had gotten tight to the man who is officially the most lethal striker in Europe this season, at least Suarez wouldn't have had a free shot. But I suppose it fits better into the pre-determined narrative to blame Gerrard.
No agenda against Gerrard, if memory serves me right the ball had beaten the Uruguayan who was in front of SG to the extent that he didnt jump, maybe I'm wrong. Bad positioning from both SG and and the centre half for a bad goal.
Sterling found out at last. A few good games surrounded by good players and suddenly the next best thing. We have been through this all before; Bentley the new Beckham etc..... I actually thought the pundits/media/etc... got it wrong about him against Italy. Lively enough but in reality offered very little threat so was afforded space to run around like a headless chicken. Last night, just not good enough to play at this level and probably will struggle in the champions league.
As for Welbeck, ffs would utd and England cop the fcuk on. Not good enough, QPR is his level.
Gerrard really tees them up for himself too. All that mouthing in the last few games for Liverpool and then it's his fcuk up (bit harsh probably) that gifts City the League. Again with England, mouthing about it being a long summer etc... and it's him who plays the ball through for Suarez. Living of the champions league final performance way too long. Hasn't really shown any bottle since.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
With Rooney we are already witnessing the slow gradual decline of a once very good player (admittedly most of those displays were in his early career). Rooney had a decent game last night but he no longer merits an England team being built around him. Still capable of producing moments of technical brilliance that no other English player is capable of, but also capable of infuriating mediocrity for a player of his ability. He is also devoid of the mobility and pace that he once possessed and football seems to be a chore for him now whereas at one time he looked like a street footballer in love with the game. Very similar to the way Torres has gone over the last few years.
Gerrard is another whose status has always been elevated above his ability. He is also capable of producing some moments of magic, but as his athleticism has declined his game has suffered as a result. He never had the discipline or game intelligence to know how to control a game from central midfield. In his younger days he wanted to be the man who made the sliding tackle, got up and played the killer pass for himself to get on the end of and score the goal. Now that he is no longer capable of playing this role, I have serious doubts about his role as a sitting midfielder. He did play well in certain games last season but when under serious pressure he resorted to type by attempting to play Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Those 2 players sum up English football in a nutshell. Good players but over hyped, uncultured and indulged by the media. Neither have done it on the biggest stage and I think England have to move on without them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both of them retire after the World Cup in any case.
Quote from: NAG1 on June 20, 2014, 10:50:26 AM
No agenda against Gerrard, if memory serves me right the ball had beaten the Uruguayan who was in front of SG to the extent that he didnt jump, maybe I'm wrong. Bad positioning from both SG and and the centre half for a bad goal.
The Uruguayan didn't jump (https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/3d-goal-luis-suarez-2-215250397.html), but if he had and beaten Gerrard to the ball then would you be saying Gerrard was right to let it go because he had reason to believe it was going to go 'harmlessly' though to an England defender? It's fair to say his positioning wasn't good. If it were, he'd have been in the right position to head the ball. But his error was in the ha'penny place compared to that of Cahill. Johnson wasn't too hot either. You'd swear they'd never seen Suarez play before.
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 20, 2014, 10:50:26 AM
No agenda against Gerrard, if memory serves me right the ball had beaten the Uruguayan who was in front of SG to the extent that he didnt jump, maybe I'm wrong. Bad positioning from both SG and and the centre half for a bad goal.
The Uruguayan didn't jump (https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/3d-goal-luis-suarez-2-215250397.html), but if he had and beaten Gerrard to the ball then would you be saying Gerrard was right to let it go because he had reason to believe it was going to go 'harmlessly' though to an England defender? It's fair to say his positioning wasn't good. If it were, he'd have been in the right position to head the ball. But his error was in the ha'penny place compared to that of Cahill. Johnson wasn't too hot either. You'd swear they'd never seen Suarez play before.
So my initial point stands that his positioning and subsequent awareness of other players around him actually cost him, for my money I dont see De Rossi, Pirlo, Lamb or any of the other top players going to attempt to head that clearance. The top players are aware of who is around them both team mates and opponents and where the space is that is why they always seem to have more time and space than every one else because they can see these things.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 20, 2014, 11:00:45 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
With Rooney we are already witnessing the slow gradual decline of a once very good player (admittedly most of those displays were in his early career). Rooney had a decent game last night but he no longer merits an England team being built around him. Still capable of producing moments of technical brilliance that no other English player is capable of, but also capable of infuriating mediocrity for a player of his ability. He is also devoid of the mobility and pace that he once possessed and football seems to be a chore for him now whereas at one time he looked like a street footballer in love with the game. Very similar to the way Torres has gone over the last few years.
Gerrard is another whose status has always been elevated above his ability. He is also capable of producing some moments of magic, but as his athleticism has declined his game has suffered as a result. He never had the discipline or game intelligence to know how to control a game from central midfield. In his younger days he wanted to be the man who made the sliding tackle, got up and played the killer pass for himself to get on the end of and score the goal. Now that he is no longer capable of playing this role, I have serious doubts about his role as a sitting midfielder. He did play well in certain games last season but when under serious pressure he resorted to type by attempting to play Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Those 2 players sum up English football in a nutshell. Good players but over hyped, uncultured and indulged by the media. Neither have done it on the biggest stage and I think England have to move on without them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both of them retire after the World Cup in any case.
Agree with a lot of what you're saying but the bit in bold is bullshit.
Quote from: Franko on June 20, 2014, 11:25:27 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 20, 2014, 11:00:45 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
With Rooney we are already witnessing the slow gradual decline of a once very good player (admittedly most of those displays were in his early career). Rooney had a decent game last night but he no longer merits an England team being built around him. Still capable of producing moments of technical brilliance that no other English player is capable of, but also capable of infuriating mediocrity for a player of his ability. He is also devoid of the mobility and pace that he once possessed and football seems to be a chore for him now whereas at one time he looked like a street footballer in love with the game. Very similar to the way Torres has gone over the last few years.
Gerrard is another whose status has always been elevated above his ability. He is also capable of producing some moments of magic, but as his athleticism has declined his game has suffered as a result. He never had the discipline or game intelligence to know how to control a game from central midfield. In his younger days he wanted to be the man who made the sliding tackle, got up and played the killer pass for himself to get on the end of and score the goal. Now that he is no longer capable of playing this role, I have serious doubts about his role as a sitting midfielder. He did play well in certain games last season but when under serious pressure he resorted to type by attempting to play Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Those 2 players sum up English football in a nutshell. Good players but over hyped, uncultured and indulged by the media. Neither have done it on the biggest stage and I think England have to move on without them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both of them retire after the World Cup in any case.
Agree with a lot of what you're saying but the bit in bold is bullshit.
Just to clarify, neither have done it
often enough on the biggest stage. That means World Cup, European Championships and Champions League. And yes I know both of them scored in CL finals but neither were consistently the dominant players in the bigger games at the latter end of that tournament. They are often helped at club level by playing with players like Alonso, Torres, Ronaldo, Tevez, Scholes but when asked to lead a team at international level without that calibre of player around them they have struggled in practically every major tournament.
Last night was a strange cultural phenomenon.
The whole of Ireland ground to a halt to watch England play football, which is always a strange thing in itself. But then all the avowed Liverpool followers on this island spent 2 hrs talking about how bad Rooney is, and all the dyed-in-wool United fans spent the same time nitpicking every last contribution from Gerrard.
Given that the majority of football fans in Ireland support one of these two clubs, it actually became a truly parochial affair.
800 years of hurt? Who cares? It's all about the club you support.
(personally I welcome the lack of hurt)
----
England, like Ireland but on a bigger scale, have created a conundrum for themselves.
Their fans expect entertaining, possession-based football. But the basic simple fact is that for sheer technique, England rank in the bottom third of teams at this World Cup. You could argue strongly that England have got nowhere near a final for 50 years while playing direct football, but I would argue more strongly again that England have no chance of ever reaching a final again until they revert to their strengths. Which means 4-4-2 with target men, quick wingers, tough defenders, and box-to-box midfielders. It doesn't have to mean Jack Charlton "give it a lash", but it does mean nothing complicated, nothing fancy: suck up pressure, and play percentages when moving forward.
Play Steven Gerrard at right back, Andy Carroll at centre-forward, Sturridge playing off him, and you might become predictable. But that doesn't make it easy to stop. Uruguay's second goal last night shows why.
Great post wobbler.
Enjoyed having Suarez on "my team" last night. 2nd goal was ridiculous, the anticipation...legs going from under him almost and still able to smash it, class.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 20, 2014, 11:45:44 AM
Great post wobbler
Agreed.
I spent the match (and the Italy match) thinking 'why are they avoiding playing to their strengths?' They don't play patient possession football for their clubs - why are they trying to do it against teams who know how to do it much better than themselves? It's as if they agreed what the best way to lose the game would be.
Quote from: yellowcard on June 20, 2014, 11:32:17 AM
Quote from: Franko on June 20, 2014, 11:25:27 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 20, 2014, 11:00:45 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
With Rooney we are already witnessing the slow gradual decline of a once very good player (admittedly most of those displays were in his early career). Rooney had a decent game last night but he no longer merits an England team being built around him. Still capable of producing moments of technical brilliance that no other English player is capable of, but also capable of infuriating mediocrity for a player of his ability. He is also devoid of the mobility and pace that he once possessed and football seems to be a chore for him now whereas at one time he looked like a street footballer in love with the game. Very similar to the way Torres has gone over the last few years.
Gerrard is another whose status has always been elevated above his ability. He is also capable of producing some moments of magic, but as his athleticism has declined his game has suffered as a result. He never had the discipline or game intelligence to know how to control a game from central midfield. In his younger days he wanted to be the man who made the sliding tackle, got up and played the killer pass for himself to get on the end of and score the goal. Now that he is no longer capable of playing this role, I have serious doubts about his role as a sitting midfielder. He did play well in certain games last season but when under serious pressure he resorted to type by attempting to play Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Those 2 players sum up English football in a nutshell. Good players but over hyped, uncultured and indulged by the media. Neither have done it on the biggest stage and I think England have to move on without them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both of them retire after the World Cup in any case.
Agree with a lot of what you're saying but the bit in bold is bullshit.
Just to clarify, neither have done it often enough on the biggest stage. That means World Cup, European Championships and Champions League. And yes I know both of them scored in CL finals but neither were consistently the dominant players in the bigger games at the latter end of that tournament. They are often helped at club level by playing with players like Alonso, Torres, Ronaldo, Tevez, Scholes but when asked to lead a team at international level without that calibre of player around them they have struggled in practically every major tournament.
I'm no Liverpool fan (and I agree about Rooney) but Gerrard took a Liverpool team (which was distinctly average on paper) to CL victory on his own. He alone dominated the second half of that game. Granted he had Alonso beside him but he was playing that night against a side that included Cafu, Stam, Maldini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Kaka, Shevchenko and Crespo! The stage doesn't get much bigger.
Good analysis by Stuart Pearce http://t.co/gzlwgEWh1j
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 20, 2014, 11:48:52 AM
I spent the match (and the Italy match) thinking 'why are they avoiding playing to their strengths?' They don't play patient possession football for their clubs - why are they trying to do it against teams who know how to do it much better than themselves? It's as if they agreed what the best way to lose the game would be.
But who are the clubs playing old school English football these days? There's a reason the England team is stuffed to the gills with Liverpool players - Liverpool are the only top six club with more than a couple of English players in their first team (it also gave Hodgson a get-out-of-jail-free card with the media, but that's another story). And while it certainly could be said that Liverpool's flaws were England's flaws *cough* Glen Johnson *cough* what Liverpool play isn't a case of getting the ball down the channels and turning the full backs.
(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/X4I1ye2gcEo/hqdefault.jpg)
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 12:07:49 PM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 20, 2014, 11:48:52 AM
I spent the match (and the Italy match) thinking 'why are they avoiding playing to their strengths?' They don't play patient possession football for their clubs - why are they trying to do it against teams who know how to do it much better than themselves? It's as if they agreed what the best way to lose the game would be.
But who are the clubs playing old school English football these days? There's a reason the England team is stuffed to the gills with Liverpool players - Liverpool are the only top six club with more than a couple of English players in their first team (it also gave Hodgson a get-out-of-jail-free card with the media, but that's another story). And while it certainly could be said that Liverpool's flaws were England's flaws *cough* Glen Johnson *cough* what Liverpool play isn't a case of getting the ball down the channels and turning the full backs.
If you're not technically gifted then I reckon your game needs to be about pace and tempo (I refer, for example to Englan's goal v Italy) - England (and Uruguay also) were ponderous in midfield; that only works if you have Suarez up front, ensuring that the centre-halves are constantly fearful of him getting in behind them. Rooney and Sturridge kept showing for the ball 30-40 yards from goal. How did they seriously think they were going to get in on goal against that opposition?
From John Nicholson on F365:
Recriminations are where we truly excel when it comes to international football. For decades every World Cup exit has been followed by hand-wringing and 'if only...' pleas. The press goes into a spasm of flatulant idiocy and, in essence, says 'everything we didn't do was everything we should have done and everything we did do was what we shouldn't have done'.
But the truth is there are simply no scapegoats left. They have all been used up.
These are the facts:
* We have failed with English managers, we have failed with overseas managers. It's not the manager.
* We have failed in hot climates, we have failed in cold climates, we have failed in equitable climates. It's not the climate.
* We have failed in Europe, Africa, the Far East and South America. It's not the continent.
* We have failed by isolating the players beforehand, we have failed by not isolating them. It's not where they stay.
* We have failed after not preparing everything in minute detail, we have failed by preparing in minute detail. It's not the preparation.
* We have failed playing Wayne Rooney out of position and in position, in the team, out of the team. It's not Wayne.
* We have failed when the Premier League/First Division hardly had any overseas players, we have failed when it is stuffed with overseas players. It's not about nationality.
* We have failed playing 4-4-2, 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 and other variations thereof. It's not the formations.
* We have failed trying to pass the ball, we have failed playing long balls. It's not the length of our balls.
* We have failed with great team spirit, we have failed with poor team spirit. It's not the team spirit.
* We have failed playing a lot of youngsters, we have failed playing a lot of oldsters. It's not their age.
* We have failed trying to have a balance of young and experienced players. It's not the balance.
* We have failed when the side has been placed under great expectations, we have failed when there's been no expectations. It's not the level of expectation.
But something must be done!! Who can we blame? It seems as though blame must always be dished out. Surely there must be a big lever currently set on 'lose' which if only the idiots in charge could pull into 'win' mode.
No there isn't. All the shouty solutions offered by the press and media over the years have all been wrong. All the phone-in callers who seem to think that more 'passion' (aka running around a lot more) is the solution are braindead fools. For those who think if only we'd picked Ashley Cole, John Terry or anyone else, remember, we failed with them as well.
In coming weeks there will be calls for winter breaks, for less football to be played and for us to copy the systems of whichever team wins the World Cup and becomes briefly fashionable. Don't get fooled by any of it.
You can pick it apart for as long as you want. We can have another root and branch review. We can blame anyone we feel inclined to blame, but beware of false prophets who think they know the answer. You don't have the answer. No-one has the answer. There is no answer. England rightly makes nihilists of us all.
Well said that article.
I kind of came to the same assessment 4 years ago, when the media decided that only answer to England's shockingly toothless football was the one and only Joe Cole; an idea which quickly spread throughout the players and supporters.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/7842062/World-Cup-2010-England-players-tell-Fabio-Capello-they-want-Joe-Cole-in-the-team.html
Capello actually gave in too.
----
Sadly, there are striking parallels here with Ireland over the past decade. A couple of seasons back Wes Houlahan joined the ranks of Andy Reid, Stephen Ireland and even Lee Carsley as assuming some sort of superhuman status during an international sabbatical.
Brian Kerr might have bored me to tears as Ireland manager, but unfortunately, his pragmatic realism is exactly the kind of management that teams from these islands need.
Did I hear last night that the population of Uraguay is less than Ireland?
However, I bet their hurling team are rubbish.
Quote from: Bingo on June 20, 2014, 12:23:18 PM
* We have failed with English managers, we have failed with overseas managers. It's not the manager.
I can think of a certain Scottish manager who is okay. Then again, he couldn't beat a Uruguay team in the World Cup that had ten men for 89 minutes.
Quote from: Franko on June 20, 2014, 11:49:51 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 20, 2014, 11:32:17 AM
Quote from: Franko on June 20, 2014, 11:25:27 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on June 20, 2014, 11:00:45 AM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 20, 2014, 10:12:55 AM
Quote from: laoislad on June 20, 2014, 07:09:22 AM
I don't think any England player can say they've had a good tournament to be fair.
Sterling was excellent first game but wasn't great last night. Rooney was ok last night but poor the first game.
Welbeck is just shit and it is absolutely mind boggling that he starts for England at a World Cup.
Jagielka and Baines have been shown up for the small club players they are, unable to make the step up in class.
Gerrard has had a poor world cup in fairness. Henderson isn't the player he has been for Liverpool all season.
Even with the mistakes made in the lead up to the goals last night I think Seanie forgot to mention the brilliance of Suarez in his finishing ;) He still had an awful lot to do it wasn't like they were both tap ins.
I think a lot of the blame though is on Woy.The English press will be clamouring for 'Arry to take over now.
I can't stand the fecker granted but the finishes were good but were nothing to really rave about. First was on a plate and he put it where it needed to go. Second he controlled it well and then just smashed it cos he was knackered at that point. Got lucky that Hart lay down out of the way, he made himself small.
Rooney didn't play all that badly in the first game considering he was out of position. Assist for the first goal and really unlucky to miss the one where he sent the keeper the wrong way but it went wrong side of the post. I think he was much better than ok last night also. Welbeck is a decent player, no more, no less. Pace and power but not much guile. England have better options and should use them.
Hodgson is just too conservative but I'd say the suits in the FA are scared shitless of appointing Redknapp. I can see their point to a degree. Hodgson should start Barkley and Wilshere in the middle the next day with Lallana instead of Welbeck. He should give Jones and Shaw starts too, they can't do any worse than who they would be replacing (though I still think Baines deserves credit for his attacking play).
With Rooney we are already witnessing the slow gradual decline of a once very good player (admittedly most of those displays were in his early career). Rooney had a decent game last night but he no longer merits an England team being built around him. Still capable of producing moments of technical brilliance that no other English player is capable of, but also capable of infuriating mediocrity for a player of his ability. He is also devoid of the mobility and pace that he once possessed and football seems to be a chore for him now whereas at one time he looked like a street footballer in love with the game. Very similar to the way Torres has gone over the last few years.
Gerrard is another whose status has always been elevated above his ability. He is also capable of producing some moments of magic, but as his athleticism has declined his game has suffered as a result. He never had the discipline or game intelligence to know how to control a game from central midfield. In his younger days he wanted to be the man who made the sliding tackle, got up and played the killer pass for himself to get on the end of and score the goal. Now that he is no longer capable of playing this role, I have serious doubts about his role as a sitting midfielder. He did play well in certain games last season but when under serious pressure he resorted to type by attempting to play Roy of the Rovers stuff.
Those 2 players sum up English football in a nutshell. Good players but over hyped, uncultured and indulged by the media. Neither have done it on the biggest stage and I think England have to move on without them. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see both of them retire after the World Cup in any case.
Agree with a lot of what you're saying but the bit in bold is bullshit.
Just to clarify, neither have done it often enough on the biggest stage. That means World Cup, European Championships and Champions League. And yes I know both of them scored in CL finals but neither were consistently the dominant players in the bigger games at the latter end of that tournament. They are often helped at club level by playing with players like Alonso, Torres, Ronaldo, Tevez, Scholes but when asked to lead a team at international level without that calibre of player around them they have struggled in practically every major tournament.
I'm no Liverpool fan (and I agree about Rooney) but Gerrard took a Liverpool team (which was distinctly average on paper) to CL victory on his own. He alone dominated the second half of that game. Granted he had Alonso beside him but he was playing that night against a side that included Cafu, Stam, Maldini, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Kaka, Shevchenko and Crespo! The stage doesn't get much bigger.
No he did not. Gerrard never dominated a game from central midfield, it was never his game. Yes, he scored a headed goal and gesticulated wildly to the crowd after it which tends to stick in peoples minds, but my recollection is not of Gerrard 'dominating that game alone'. Granted he was playing in a mediocre Liverpool side and was capable of moments of brilliance like in the FA cup final a year later but he was never at the level of say Xabi Alonso in terms of a top class CM capable of controlling a game. His best football was played just behind Torres in a free role where he could afford to give the ball away with more speculative passes. The problem Gerrard has is that he wants to be doing everything himself. Passing, tackling, controlling, creating and scoring. Now that his body is slowing down he is incapable of fulfilling all these functions and will never develop the natural instinct, game intelligence and knowing how to control a game with possession that a top class holding midfielder requires at this stage of his career.
Would Fat Frank not be a better option than stevie g at the min?
Quote from: WT4E on June 20, 2014, 01:12:06 PM
Would Fat Frank not be a better option than stevie g at the min?
as a defensive midfielder ? :-\
Italy 4/7 against Costa Rica? Looks a gift!
Quote from: beer baron on June 20, 2014, 01:39:45 PM
Italy 4/7 against Costa Rica? Looks a gift!
Costa Rica looked impressive enough in their first outing, I wouldn't be surprised if its a draw although the Italians maybe think there's more chance of winning this one than their last outing against Uruguay.
I thought Costa rica looked good for 20 minutes against Uruguay but poor for the rest and Uruguay are terrible without Suarez. Will be surprised if the Italians don't win but i was very wrong about the spaniards the other day and could be again. Just had a little treble of Switzerland+1,Italy and Ecuador
Quote from: Canalman on June 20, 2014, 03:19:33 PM
Where has this thing about Lampard being fat come from? Never seen it myself.
Alliteration.
England play what they feel their best 11 is and if the players don't fit the roles then sobeit.
For all his faults at least trap played the players who he saw best fitted his system. In watching England you can kind of see why he needed to be so stubborn.
On a general point, the English (as do the other teams in these islands) make a rod for their own backs with their obsession with captaincy. Other countries view it as a nice honour, usually given to the player with the most caps, but nothing more than that. The English though view it as sacred, the armband like a Ring of Power. Once you pick someone as captain you can't drop them because then you made a mistake by picking him in the first place. Brits, eh? ::)
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 03:42:33 PM
On a general point, the English (as do the other teams in these islands) make a rod for their own backs with their obsession with captaincy. Other countries view it as a nice honour, usually given to the player with the most caps, but nothing more than that. The English though view it as sacred, the armband like a Ring of Power. Once you pick someone as captain you can't drop them because then you made a mistake by picking him in the first place. Brits, eh? ::)
Yeah the English captain becomes an ambassador for the game over there. Maybe it comes from rugby or especially cricket where the captain's job is important on the field. I don't we're as bad for it. There'd be a lot of hype around the rugby captaincy but that's an important job.
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 20, 2014, 03:52:22 PM
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 03:42:33 PM
On a general point, the English (as do the other teams in these islands) make a rod for their own backs with their obsession with captaincy. Other countries view it as a nice honour, usually given to the player with the most caps, but nothing more than that. The English though view it as sacred, the armband like a Ring of Power. Once you pick someone as captain you can't drop them because then you made a mistake by picking him in the first place. Brits, eh? ::)
Yeah the English captain becomes an ambassador for the game over there. Maybe it comes from rugby or especially cricket where the captain's job is important on the field. I don't we're as bad for it. There'd be a lot of hype around the rugby captaincy but that's an important job.
I'd agree it comes from that rugby/cricket tradition. The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton.
Meanwhile, fresh from heading-is-a-piece-of-piss central:
(http://a.pomf.se/chnvjw.gif)
And totally out of context but from the same source and highly amusing:
(http://i.imgur.com/iPHGyqS.gif)
(h/t (http://www.liverpoolway.co.uk/index.php?/topic/105706-world-cup-2014/?p=3818673))
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 03:55:34 PM
I'd agree it comes from that rugby/cricket tradition. The battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton.
;D
Quote from: deiseach on June 20, 2014, 03:42:33 PM
On a general point, the English (as do the other teams in these islands) make a rod for their own backs with their obsession with captaincy. Other countries view it as a nice honour, usually given to the player with the most caps, but nothing more than that. The English though view it as sacred, the armband like a Ring of Power. Once you pick someone as captain you can't drop them because then you made a mistake by picking him in the first place. Brits, eh? ::)
I think it relates to the part the media play.
English seem to turn to the media for excuses and glorification.
The Italian anthem is the same as the theme from Keeping Up Appearances.
Tommy Smyth Gem at beginning of second half of Italy and Costa Rica, he and commentator were talking about Pirlo and how he was having a quite game. Tommy " he looks like he is lacking that bit of Gizz", other commentator goes "what", obviously the term Gizz has a different meaning in Louth than in the U.S.
Ha,i'm jinxing every team i mention on here.
Where the Hell have Costa Rica pulled a team out off, thought they be a one trick pony
They're going home, they're going home, England are going home.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on June 20, 2014, 06:44:08 PM
Where the Hell have Costa Rica pulled a team out off, thought they be a one trick pony
You hear this horseshite about England having no world class players etc. Yeah it does help of course but Costa Rica have just proven you don't need them. A well managed well organised team who all give 100% is far more important.
That's what England is missing rather than a superstar like Suarez.
if teams like Costa Rica can show a set of balls in the world cup i am miffed how the republic cant get their act together to qualify
That young Campbell lad will have plenty of offers if Wenger doesn't want him. I'd say Fulham fans are gobsmacked at Bryan ruiz actually doing some work for his side too,always had talent but never tried a leg with them.
Up next...
Cheese-eating Surrender Monkeys Vs Yodelling Nazis...
But who cares, because ENGLAND ARE OUT!!!! Heh heh heh heh...
England are out after failing in their first two games. Their first time losing their opening two games and their quickest exit from a world cup. ;D
Quote from: Capt Pat on June 20, 2014, 07:48:52 PM
England are out after failing in their first two games. Their first time losing their opening two games and their quickest exit from a world cup. ;D
They went out quicker than this at USA 94.
Someone must've shown Balotelli a photo of the queen at half time--he never even touched the ball in the second half.
At last a decent girl in the crowd!!
France look very good.
That was bad luck ffs
Mickey Harte wouldnt be happy with that call, not enough time there!!
How did Ecuador/Honduras finish?
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 21, 2014, 08:10:01 AM
How did Ecuador/Honduras finish?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fo9KICWdFo
2-1
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 21, 2014, 09:07:14 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on June 21, 2014, 08:10:01 AM
How did Ecuador/Honduras finish?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fo9KICWdFo
2-1
Some very robust tackling by the Hondurans in that match!
Robust, some of that scary shite wouldn't been seen in a Gaelic match, i think south America football ferocity puts a end to all soccer players ares softies, i actually would have feared for my safety in that game, ferocious stuff!
I just wish either of the two teams last night could string two or three passes together on their opponents half without losing possesion. It was an exciting game but the lack of skill and technique was shocking.
Found myself wondering why I was bothering watching two no-hopers playing for the right to challenge Switzerland for the second spot in the group. Didn't have an answer.
Poor stuff. Argentina struggling to create any proper chances here. Iran will be delighted so far.
Is any team good enough to win this World Cup?
Damn you messi!!
It needed something like that to break down Iran, different class from Messi
Messi produces another great moment. Iran deserved better.
He's some pup.
That is cruel on iran. Deserved to get at least a draw.
Messi and a bunch of other blokes doing well to get the win there.
GAA teams should adopt the German style of play here against Ghana - pass the ball around defence and get players to chase the ball
Gotze scores with his eyes closed heading the ball onto his knee.
Definite second game syndrome in this tournament.
Some second half. Some World Cup.
Last 11pm game is tomorrow.
Fantastic second half.
Apart from one or two games this has been a brilliant World Cup.
Game of the tournament so far IMO. Ghanaian forwards picked the wrong option several times towards the end; could have won it otherwise.
QuoteGhana deserve to win this
No they didn't. They earned a draw, but they weren't a better team than Germany.
I'm all for supporting the under dog but if you don't out play the opposition then you don't
deserve to win.
Quote from: Windmill abu on June 21, 2014, 10:48:18 PM
QuoteGhana deserve to win this
No they didn't. They earned a draw, but they weren't a better team than Germany.
I'm all for supporting the under dog but if you don't out play the opposition then you don't deserve to win.
Ghana had more shots and more shots on target than the Germans. At the end the Germans were out on their legs. If Ghana had been a bit more clever at the end the had the beating of the Germans. Nothing to do with the underdog.
Quote from: hardstation on June 21, 2014, 11:26:48 PM
Is there any reason why the late games tend to be the worst of the lot?
Tired.
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 21, 2014, 11:18:18 PM
Quote from: Windmill abu on June 21, 2014, 10:48:18 PM
QuoteGhana deserve to win this
No they didn't. They earned a draw, but they weren't a better team than Germany.
I'm all for supporting the under dog but if you don't out play the opposition then you don't deserve to win.
Ghana had more shots and more shots on target than the Germans. At the end the Germans were out on their legs. If Ghana had been a bit more clever at the end the had the beating of the Germans. Nothing to do with the underdog.
Ghana had more potshots that trickled into the keeper's hands than Germany.
The increasing obsession with stats in football drives me mad. Germany were the better team tonight throughout, and for around 15 mins of the second half were on a different plane to Ghana.
Quote from: thewobbler on June 21, 2014, 11:51:58 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 21, 2014, 11:18:18 PM
Quote from: Windmill abu on June 21, 2014, 10:48:18 PM
QuoteGhana deserve to win this
No they didn't. They earned a draw, but they weren't a better team than Germany.
I'm all for supporting the under dog but if you don't out play the opposition then you don't deserve to win.
Ghana had more shots and more shots on target than the Germans. At the end the Germans were out on their legs. If Ghana had been a bit more clever at the end the had the beating of the Germans. Nothing to do with the underdog.
Ghana had more potshots that trickled into the keeper's hands than Germany.
The increasing obsession with stats in football drives me mad. Germany were the better team tonight throughout, and for around 15 mins of the second half were on a different plane to Ghana.
Yeah, the period when they conceded two goals to Ghana. There was just about nothing in it in the second half.
Dzeko is quite the lazy f***er
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on June 22, 2014, 12:08:20 AM
Dzeko is quite the lazy f***er
pissed of cause good goal disallowed by dopey linesman!! So am I cause had him backed((((
Quote from: rootthemout on June 22, 2014, 12:28:01 AM
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on June 22, 2014, 12:08:20 AM
Dzeko is quite the lazy f***er
pissed of cause good goal disallowed by dopey linesman!! So am I cause had him backed((((
I had him backed to. But he has done f**k all the whole game really. Seen him numerous times standing there with 4 nigerian players around him, making absolutely no effort to make a run.
Bosnia deserve to be out of this tournament, all they have done this entire game is run down the wings and cross it and Nigeria are laughing because they pretty much have to do f**k all. Argentina did the same earlier but eventually realised shooting from distance would be more beneficial.
Dzeko had numerous chances to score today. Very disappointing second half from Bosnia. After the disallowed goal Nigeria seemed to get the upperhand. Bosnia struggled to create many chances in the second half and attempted too many shots from outside the box but didn't hit one decent effort. Again the one man that got the chances Dzeko failed to take one of them not including the disallowed goal.
The ref was poor again and how there was only three added minutes I don't know after all the time wasting by the Nigerians. Nigeria should advance to the second round now I still can't see Iran winning against Bosnia.
2nd half of Germany v Ghana amongst the most enjoyable 45 minutes of football I have seen. This WC (I have been lucky in the games I have seen tbf) is excellent even before the knockout games come along when possibly it will get cagier.
Feel very sorry for Bosnia/ H. Shocking decision and they are out.
Oh and by the way the referees of my underage soccer would have had a fit in penalizing the amount of foul throws in the WC no end. Referees not policing it at all imo.
Belguim are either really bad or they don't give a shit, maybe both. They look a team of individuals that have not played that much together.
Right on Q
Belgium are chronic. They don't deserve to win this game and they sure as hell won't be winning the World cup.
Its raining goals here in this one!!!
Yes Algeria lead South Korea 4-2. The late game Portugal v USA should be good too as Portugal really need to win that.
Nani's goal means that he becomes the Fourth Manchester United player to score at this World Cup, joining Van Persie, Fellaini and Rooney.
Cant stand Portugal diving f**ks.heres hoping for an equalizer for the US.
USA USA USA USA USA !!!!!!! :D wHAT A STRIKE The US are not the greatest team by a long way but they have fantastic heart.
Portugal are brutal.
I take it everyone will be lumping on a Germany USA draw. Due to a number of factors!
Draw is 6/4.. its suits both and the yanks wont mind finishing 2nd as they wont fear Belgium
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 23, 2014, 09:26:19 AM
Draw is 6/4.. its suits both and the yanks wont mind finishing 2nd as they wont fear Belgium
USA won't play for a draw according to Klinsmann :-X
They had their chance last night but for some very naive defending.
Aren't the two coaches big mates?
Remember Germany and Austria back in 1982 ( I think) shafted Algeria? I wonder will the Germans and the German get together to shaft Ghana?
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 11:10:09 AM
Remember Germany and Austria back in 1982 ( I think) shafted Algeria? I wonder will the Germans and the German get together to shaft Ghana?
I hope they do shaft Ghana the African teams have been brutal to watch at this WC, seem to be more worried about the bonuses etc than actually playing.
Quote from: NAG1 on June 23, 2014, 11:47:51 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 11:10:09 AM
Remember Germany and Austria back in 1982 ( I think) shafted Algeria? I wonder will the Germans and the German get together to shaft Ghana?
I hope they do shaft Ghana the African teams have been brutal to watch at this WC, seem to be more worried about the bonuses etc than actually playing.
I thought Ghana were great against Germany.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 11:51:51 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on June 23, 2014, 11:47:51 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 11:10:09 AM
Remember Germany and Austria back in 1982 ( I think) shafted Algeria? I wonder will the Germans and the German get together to shaft Ghana?
I hope they do shaft Ghana the African teams have been brutal to watch at this WC, seem to be more worried about the bonuses etc than actually playing.
I thought Ghana were great against Germany.
Ghana were excellent against Germany and battered the US for the second half in the opening game. Gimme their performances to the bore fests Belgium have served up!
I still think Belgium will improve - they've done the bare minimum and have six points. I imagine they'll be even worse in the last game.
Four out of five African nations could make the last 16 - Ghana and Cameroon look the least likely to make it through, though Ghana are possibly the best side of the five.
Cameroon have been poor so far, and I'm disappointed in them because I saw their friendly v Germany, and they were very open and attacking. Whether it's the pay dispute I don't know, but they have just been very negative and limited in this tournament.
Ivory Coast have been reasonable, wouldn't call them overly negative either. A but unlucky versus Colombia, but you'd imagine they are in good shape for 2nd place, only need a draw v a limited Greece team.
Nigeria have been boring enough, but again are probably in a good position to go through, unless Bosnia have lost interest and Iran can take them.
I thought Ghana have been good, but I do think Germany and USA will end up a draw.
Algeria were ultra negative against Belgium, but they were a revelation against South Korea. If they keep playing like that I'd love to see them going through, and they should be able to get a result off Russia if they do play that well.
Personally I dont think Belgium will improve. They look like a team of individuals. Plan A is get it to Hazard and plan B is get it to Hazard by any means. In saying that Mertens had a decent first half but drifted second. They lack pace in central areas with Witsel/Dembele/Fellaini playing. Vermaelen and Vertonghen are two donkeys.
Aren't Cameroon gone?
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 12:20:18 PM
Cameroon have been poor so far, and I'm disappointed in them because I saw their friendly v Germany, and they were very open and attacking. Whether it's the pay dispute I don't know, but they have just been very negative and limited in this tournament.
Ivory Coast have been reasonable, wouldn't call them overly negative either. A but unlucky versus Colombia, but you'd imagine they are in good shape for 2nd place, only need a draw v a limited Greece team.
Nigeria have been boring enough, but again are probably in a good position to go through, unless Bosnia have lost interest and Iran can take them.
I thought Ghana have been good, but I do think Germany and USA will end up a draw.
Algeria were ultra negative against Belgium, but they were a revelation against South Korea. If they keep playing like that I'd love to see them going through, and they should be able to get a result off Russia if they do play that well.
Now there is a boring team!!
James Rodriguez has probaly been the stand out player in the tournament so far.
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 23, 2014, 02:58:44 PM
James Rodriguez has probaly been the stand out player in the tournament so far.
Jeez Rodney I dunno about that. Few decent performers so far. No one much better than the rest.
Benzema, Sanchez, Robben, Gyan, Dempsey to name but a few!
All good performers, he was the most entertaining to watch Imo, Sanchez wasn't far off. Made the difference against a stubborn Greek side in the first game and was very good against Ivory Coast.
Benzema has been good, but Honduras were brutal and the Swis defence and goalie were a disaster against France.
Quote from: johnneycool on June 23, 2014, 02:46:44 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 12:20:18 PM
Cameroon have been poor so far, and I'm disappointed in them because I saw their friendly v Germany, and they were very open and attacking. Whether it's the pay dispute I don't know, but they have just been very negative and limited in this tournament.
Ivory Coast have been reasonable, wouldn't call them overly negative either. A but unlucky versus Colombia, but you'd imagine they are in good shape for 2nd place, only need a draw v a limited Greece team.
Nigeria have been boring enough, but again are probably in a good position to go through, unless Bosnia have lost interest and Iran can take them.
I thought Ghana have been good, but I do think Germany and USA will end up a draw.
Algeria were ultra negative against Belgium, but they were a revelation against South Korea. If they keep playing like that I'd love to see them going through, and they should be able to get a result off Russia if they do play that well.
Now there is a boring team!!
They are playing similar to England in 2010. I apologise if this has been posted before but here's a list of what the managers of each country is at the World Cup is being paid - I wonder who is giving most value for money at the minute?
1. Fabio Capello, Russia — $11,235,210
763 times more than the average person in Russia
2. Roy Hodgson, England — $5,874,570
143 times more than the average person in England
3. Cesare Prandelli, Italy — $4,322,010
125 times more than the average person in Italy
4. Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil — $3,973,730
334 times more than the average person in Brazil
5. Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland — $3,745,130
46 times more than the average person in Switzerland
6. Joachim Löw, Germany — $3,602,460
82 times more than the average person in Germany
7. Vicente del Bosque, Spain — $3,386,270
113 times more than the average person in Spain
8. Louis van Gaal, Netherlands — $2,738,060
57 times more than the average person in the Netherlands
9. Alberto Zaccheroni, Japan — $2,727,480
56 times more than the average person in Japan
10. Jurgen Klinsmann, United States — $2,621,740
48 times more than the average person in the U.S.
11. Didier Deschamps, France — $2,161,000
52 times more than the average person in the France
12. Paulo Bento, Portugal — $2,160,170
102 times more than the average person in Portugal
13. Carlos Queiroz, Iran — $2,098,060
293 times more than the average person in Iran
14. Jorge Sampaoli, Chile — $1,774,960
109 times more than the average person in Chile
15. Jose Pekerman, Colombia — $1,678,450
206 times more than the average person in Colombia
16. Ange Postecoglou, Australia — $1,395,300
20 times more than the average person in Australia
17. Óscar Tabárez, Uruguay — $1,258,840
82 times more than the average person in Uruguay
18. Sabri Lamouchi, Ivory Coast — $1,037,450
795 times more than the average person in Ivory Coast
19. Vahid Halilhodžić, Algeria — $1,007,070
179 times more than the average person in Algeria
20. Marc Wilmots, Belgium — $864,400
"only" 19 times more than the average person in Belgium
21. Fernando Santos, Greece — $864,400
37 times more than the average person in Greece
22. Alejandro Sabella, Argentina — $818,240
67 times more than the average person in Argentina
23. Hong Myung-bo, South Korea — $795,250
34 times more than the average person in South Korea
24. Luis Fernando Suárez, Honduras — $629,420
258 times more than the average person in Honduras
25. Reinaldo Rueda, Ecuador — $566,480
100 times more than the average person in Ecuador
26. Jorge Luis Pinto, Costa Rica — $440,590
45 times more than the average person in Costa Rica
27. Volke Finke, Cameroon — $394,440
322 times more than the average person in Cameroon
28. Stephen Keshi, Nigeria — $392,420
240 times more than the average person in Nigeria
29. Safet Susic, Bosnia and Herzegovina — $352,470
74 times more than the average person in Bosnia and Herzegovina
30. Niko Kovac, Croatia — $271,740
19 times more than the average person in Croatia
31. James Kwesi Appiah, Ghana — $251,770
150 times more than the average person in Ghana
32. Miguel Herrera, Mexico — $209,810
21 times more than the average person in Mexico
I know the rankings dont mean much but the Swiss are ranked 6th. Colombia have had a fairly handy group I think.
The next few weeks will tell the tale. Convinced the Germans were taking it relatively easy against Ghana (bar last 20mins)and will do so again in the USA game. They have peaked too early in the past and wont want to do so again!
Yikes, the average person in Switzerland earns over $80,000 per annum.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 23, 2014, 03:21:30 PM
Yikes, the average person in Switzerland earns over $80,000 per annum.
I presume it is taken on nominal GDP per Capita rather than allowing for purchasing power where it would be closer to $50,000 - but even still......
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 23, 2014, 03:18:48 PM
I know the rankings dont mean much but the Swiss are ranked 6th. Colombia have had a fairly handy group I think.
The next few weeks will tell the tale. Convinced the Germans were taking it relatively easy against Ghana (bar last 20mins)and will do so again in the USA game. They have peaked too early in the past and wont want to do so again!
It was a surpise to most that the Swiss were a top 8 seed before the tournament. They were ahead of Holland..
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Up here in Britain it is on ITV4. ;)
Thon boy Fred should take a fecking hike!! He's rubbish
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Up here in Britain it is on ITV4. ;)
Good man Tony, never thought of looking for it there.
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 23, 2014, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Up here in Britain it is on ITV4. ;)
Good man Tony, never thought of looking for it there.
It's not available in Ireland.
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 09:19:07 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 23, 2014, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Up here in Britain it is on ITV4. ;)
Can't see matches on RTE via Sky either up in this part of Ireland.
Good man Tony, never thought of looking for it there.
It's not available in Ireland.
Cameroon are back level now 1-1. This game should be a cracker.
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 09:19:07 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 23, 2014, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Up here in Britain it is on ITV4. ;)
Good man Tony, never thought of looking for it there.
It's not available in Ireland.
Yes it is. I'm watching it right now.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 23, 2014, 09:09:33 PM
Thon boy Fred should take a fecking hike!! He's rubbish
Mind you Hulk's giving him a run for his money
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 23, 2014, 09:28:15 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 09:19:07 PM
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 23, 2014, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 23, 2014, 09:08:06 PM
Quote from: laoislad on June 23, 2014, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 23, 2014, 02:16:58 PM
Yeah, they have zero points, while Mexico have 4 and Brazil have 4 so they're out. The real game today is Mexico v Croatia. Basically knock out as Croatia have 3 points.
Disappointing that RTE aren't showing Croatia v Mexico. It's on the player but I'd rather see it on the TV
Up here in Britain it is on ITV4. ;)
Good man Tony, never thought of looking for it there.
It's not available in Ireland.
Yes it is. I'm watching it right now.
ITV 4 Blocked on UPC in Lucan anyway..!
Was able watch it on a streaming website anyway.
ITV commentator would sicken your arse going on about how brilliant Brazil were tonight. They scored 4 goals, one of which was clearly offside, against an awful team. I don't think they'll progress much further and I hope they don't
Lads on RTE didn't find much good with Brazil!
Quote from: THE MIGHTY QUINN on June 23, 2014, 10:55:22 PM
ITV commentator would sicken your arse going on about how brilliant Brazil were tonight. They scored 4 goals, one of which was clearly offside, against an awful team. I don't think they'll progress much further and I hope they don't
Goal wasn't offside. It may have looked offside but the ball being played in was coming from a slightly advanced position than Fred.
Not sure that was the case, but it doesn't really matter now
Interesting to see that no fewer than Six Manchester United players have now scored at this World Cup. I wonder is it the most of any club worldwide so far?
Quote from: THE MIGHTY QUINN on June 23, 2014, 11:39:00 PM
Not sure that was the case, but it doesn't really matter now
This sounds like to me that your saying 'I know I'm right and I don't care what you think so therefore it's over with now' great discussion!!! Lmao
You've got it in one
Quote from: THE MIGHTY QUINN on June 24, 2014, 12:06:09 AM
You've got it in one
;D ;D
I still think Brazil can win WC!
Hulk has to be one of the most over-rated players of recent times. Clean useless.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 08:30:38 AM
Hulk has to be one of the most over-rated players of recent times. Clean useless.
Fred is a complete spud too.
I dont for the life of me know how those players are ahead of the likes of Coutinho.
Willian sitting on the bench too has been far better than hulk when he has been introduced.
In fairness is Freds goal scoring record for Brazil not 19 in 37 games after last night? Not too shabby
Bernerd too looks a great wee player. The goalkeeping for Neymars 2nd was awful.
Hilk looks like a fat lad playing 5 a side.
Quote from: HiMucker on June 24, 2014, 08:55:50 AM
In fairness is Freds goal scoring record for Brazil not 19 in 37 games after last night? Not too shabby
It's not hard to pad the goal scoring stats playing international football, especially friendlies against crap teams.
That's a fair enough point, but off memory and I stand to be corrected, he scored two against Italy, two against Spain and one against Uruguay in last years confederation cup. No doubt he has scored a few against dung opposition also. His he not just a bit like Klose in the sense that he doesn't seem that great but still tucks them away on a regular basis?
Klose has done it regularly on the biggest stage (granted not much at club level).
Fred has a longgggg way to go to reach Klose's level.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 24, 2014, 08:56:38 AM
Bernerd too looks a great wee player. The goalkeeping for Neymars 2nd was awful.
Hilk looks like a fat lad playing 5 a side.
Itandje doesn't look like he knows even the basics of goalkeeping in this World Cup. Hard to believe he was no. 2 behind Reina at Liverpool five or six years ago.
RTE are overly critical of Brazil IMO.
The analysis recently:
Germany v Ghana (2-2) - Germany seem to be taking it easy - they don't want to peak too early in the competition cause it has cost them in the past
Brazil v Cameroon (4-1) - Brazil are CRAP - thy won't win another match!!!
Mind Boogling!
I'm not overly impressed with Brazil either this year, I think they have several ordinary players (Fred, Paulinho, David Luiz, Sammy Davis Junior, Hulk), but I think RTE were over the top last night. I thought Neymar was inspirational and at times Brazil played some lovely stuff, very clever stuff that would easily show up on a highlights reel from the 1982 team. The problem is, with RTE, everything has to be critical to show what good analysts they are, especially when judging a team against a glorious team of the past. They said that a couple of time 'This is Brazil!'. Well yes, it is, but it's not Brazil 1970, or 1982. And it's not Brazil 1994 either, so maybe just judge them as a team right now.
I think they have weaknesses, I think Chile may well beat them, but some of the play and the flicks and tricks last night were great, and fun, to watch.
Quote from: J70 on June 24, 2014, 11:19:33 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 24, 2014, 08:56:38 AM
Bernerd too looks a great wee player. The goalkeeping for Neymars 2nd was awful.
Hilk looks like a fat lad playing 5 a side.
Itandje doesn't look like he knows even the basics of goalkeeping in this World Cup. Hard to believe he was no. 2 behind Reina at Liverpool five or six years ago.
I knew I had heard the name somewhere before!
Is this the same guy who was laughing during a Hillsborough memorial?
That's him. First thing I thought of when I saw he was on the squad.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 24, 2014, 11:34:13 AM
I'm not overly impressed with Brazil either this year, I think they have several ordinary players (Fred, Paulinho, David Luiz, Sammy Davis Junior, Hulk), but I think RTE were over the top last night. I thought Neymar was inspirational and at times Brazil played some lovely stuff, very clever stuff that would easily show up on a highlights reel from the 1982 team. The problem is, with RTE, everything has to be critical to show what good analysts they are, especially when judging a team against a glorious team of the past. They said that a couple of time 'This is Brazil!'. Well yes, it is, but it's not Brazil 1970, or 1982. And it's not Brazil 1994 either, so maybe just judge them as a team right now.
I think they have weaknesses, I think Chile may well beat them, but some of the play and the flicks and tricks last night were great, and fun, to watch.
I agree with the most of that. I fully expect Brazil to beat Chile. If it was being played in any other country I would discount Brazil as winners but I still have a feeling if they pick the right team they could go far. Their defence is very good - with exception of Luiz who isn't that bad! Fred, Hulk & Paulinho have to go. Ferandhino is a must I thought they played streets better when he was on the field. They don't have much depth but if they can get the 11 right and playing well in the knock outs who knows what will happen!
Love to see a Brazil Argentina final!
I think their defence is poor, other than Thiago Silva - I reckon Sammy Davis Junior is playing as a sweeper, essentially, because of the paucity of the full-backs. In terms of 'shape' they are extraordinarily bad when they're trying to create through possession from the back because there's no one in midfield - Cameroon were able to exploit that very well last night; there's a massive 'gap' between their defence and the attacking four (Neymar, Oscar, Fred and Hulk). Given that Hulk and Fred contribute very little, anywhere, I think they're going to struggle from now on. They may beat Chile, but they will eventually run into a team that can contain Neymar and will break down that back-five.
I feel a sense of dread at the prospect of the reaction of RTÉ's panel should Brazil winning the World Cup. Rather than saying that Brazil did very well to win such an open tournament and being at home was clearly an advantage for such an unexciting squad, we'll hear plaintive wails about the Death Of Football. It'd be nice if Biiiilllll took the opportunity of his retirement to accuse them of being spoofers who were impervious to the facts, but that's too much to hope for.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 24, 2014, 11:43:45 AM
That's him. First thing I thought of when I saw he was on the squad.
some journo was on twitter last week when he recognised him saying something to the tune of "easily the most arrogant footballer I ever interviewed"...some feat if close to the truth!
Quote from: WT4E on June 24, 2014, 11:22:04 AM
RTE are overly critical of Brazil IMO.
The analysis recently:
Germany v Ghana (2-2) - Germany seem to be taking it easy - they don't want to peak too early in the competition cause it has cost them in the past
Brazil v Cameroon (4-1) - Brazil are CRAP - thy won't win another match!!!
Mind Boogling!
It was pretty evident from the German performance against Ghana that they werent going flat out. The 2 full backs never crossed that half way line for the first 60 odd minutes.
This is a very overhyped Brazilian side. Would Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk or Fred make the German side!!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on June 24, 2014, 01:03:07 PM
Quote from: WT4E on June 24, 2014, 11:22:04 AM
RTE are overly critical of Brazil IMO.
The analysis recently:
Germany v Ghana (2-2) - Germany seem to be taking it easy - they don't want to peak too early in the competition cause it has cost them in the past
Brazil v Cameroon (4-1) - Brazil are CRAP - thy won't win another match!!!
Mind Boogling!
It was pretty evident from the German performance against Ghana that they werent going flat out. The 2 full backs never crossed that half way line for the first 60 odd minutes.
This is a very overhyped Brazilian side. Would Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk or Fred make the German side!!
To answer your question no - but my point is if they played a certain 11 players and with home town advantage I wouldn't be surprised if they won it. For the record the 11 I'm thinking of:
1 Ceasar
2. Dani Alves
3. Marcelo
4. Silva
5. Luiz/Dante
6. Fernandhino
7. Oscar
8. Gustavo
9. Neymar
10. Bernard
11. Willian
Oh I certainly agree they can definitely win it!!
It's between them, the Argies and Germany for me.
Holland have been great but like France inexperience could cost them!
If Robben has an off day they could struggle.
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
Haven't seen much of Argentina - Have they been better than Brazil?
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
I'm worried now. I have money on Argentina. With your record of predicting stuff I guess that is money I'll never see again.
Argentina have played well for about 20 mins over two games. On Saturday, Iran were denied the most blatant penalty of the tournament yet before Messi rescued them.
Nobody appears to be talking about the French. They've made a flying start.
I thought the French might be good beforehand. I was impressed with their displays in the friendlies. Mind you they haven't had a very onerous group, so we'll only really know about them from now on. Even at that they are probably looking at Nigeria in the last 16. They are on course for Germany in the Quarters. That would be interesting.
Quote from: gallsman on June 24, 2014, 02:25:39 PM
Argentina have played well for about 20 mins over two games. On Saturday, Iran were denied the most blatant penalty of the tournament yet before Messi rescued them.
Nobody appears to be talking about the French. They've made a flying start.
and Pogba is some operator. What a player
Quote from: J OGorman on June 24, 2014, 02:44:11 PM
Quote from: gallsman on June 24, 2014, 02:25:39 PM
Argentina have played well for about 20 mins over two games. On Saturday, Iran were denied the most blatant penalty of the tournament yet before Messi rescued them.
Nobody appears to be talking about the French. They've made a flying start.
and Pogba is some operator. What a player
And to think if he had of stayed at United what he would of become!!!!
Quote from: laoislad on June 24, 2014, 02:16:45 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
I'm worried now. I have money on Argentina. With your record of predicting stuff I guess that is money I'll never see again.
Post of the week - in Boots-world anyway. :P
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 24, 2014, 02:29:05 PM
I thought the French might be good beforehand. I was impressed with their displays in the friendlies. Mind you they haven't had a very onerous group, so we'll only really know about them from now on. Even at that they are probably looking at Nigeria in the last 16. They are on course for Germany in the Quarters. That would be interesting.
Sure would. I was talking to a French woman and a German man once in college when the subject of Patrick Battiston and Toni Schumacher came up. She went mental, and he only made things worse by chuckling then guffawing. You'd swear there was a Munster title at stake.
Like the All-Ireland - would love to see someone new winning it.
Italy playing for a draw.
They will now with only ten men, but they weren't the first half. Most of that was played in the Uruguayan half. They just don't have anyone other than Balotelli as a potent attacking threat.
Biting again, the guy is an animal
FFS Suarez. Have a hamburger before the match or something.
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:39:24 PM
FFS Suarez. Have a hamburger before the match or something.
Nice goal. I'd prefer to see Uruguay going through .
Can't believe he's done that again. He's bound to get a hefty ban?
Quote from: seafoid on June 24, 2014, 06:41:16 PM
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:39:24 PM
FFS Suarez. Have a hamburger before the match or something.
Nice goal. I'd prefer to see Uruguay going through .
Better team
Quote from: seafoid on June 24, 2014, 06:41:16 PM
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:39:24 PM
FFS Suarez. Have a hamburger before the match or something.
Nice goal. I'd prefer to see Uruguay going through .
I hope to God they don't have conclusive evidence or this is the last we'll see of Suarez and I don't think Uruguay can do any damage without him.
3rd time now, wtf does he be thinking
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5 (https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5)
He may have cost Liverpool and himself a lot of money with that bite.
https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/9F825CD6301093275966698053632_14036314813422db3bb2672.mp4.mp4?versionId=zZ.Gq0VU6a7RTRpuJG2cfIC0u_EpdfKF (https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/9F825CD6301093275966698053632_14036314813422db3bb2672.mp4.mp4?versionId=zZ.Gq0VU6a7RTRpuJG2cfIC0u_EpdfKF)
Quote from: muppet on June 24, 2014, 06:44:56 PM
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5 (https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5)
He may have cost Liverpool and himself a lot of money with that bite.
Liverpool brass might be delighted if it means a team won't stump up the money that'll force their hands. Suarez is worth more than any money in Liverpool's pockets.
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:48:02 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 24, 2014, 06:44:56 PM
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5 (https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5)
He may have cost Liverpool and himself a lot of money with that bite.
Liverpool brass might be delighted if it means a team won't stump up the money that'll force their hands. Suarez is worth more than any money in Liverpool's pockets.
Have you considered how valuable he will be with a long ban?
Do international bans count in club football??
(http://giant.gfycat.com/FatherlyDiscreteAmethystgemclam.gif)
Quote from: muppet on June 24, 2014, 06:49:15 PM
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:48:02 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 24, 2014, 06:44:56 PM
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5 (https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/6651991E961093275854332694528_2c017c54148.0.4.14835996398444001320.mp4?versionId=bnZC_v73acIKQGvtkpWDoiThXIdZLvI5)
He may have cost Liverpool and himself a lot of money with that bite.
Liverpool brass might be delighted if it means a team won't stump up the money that'll force their hands. Suarez is worth more than any money in Liverpool's pockets.
Have you considered how valuable he will be with a long ban?
How long will he get? 10-20 games? Does it scale up for each offence of the same type? Anything that's only a few months shouldn't make much of a difference to Liverpool if the other option was losing him.
However if Liverpool don't get rid then they become a club that accepts any sc**bag in their ranks. I'd expect the Americans have spent long enough lifting the club out of the gutter to allow its image to take yet another knock.
He should be getting 10 month not games
Hell get 6 months at Least I'd say. He's messed up in the head. Tortured genius is pretty apt
Roy, 'it's great to give the fans something to cheer about'!!!! What a clampit, before the world cup he was looking at Costa Rica as the team to get their goal difference up lol. Muppet
Quote from: beer baron on June 24, 2014, 06:56:16 PM
Hell get 6 months at Least I'd say. He's messed up in the head. Tortured genius is pretty apt
Torturing genius. ;D
The death penalty would be too good for him. Thankfully he managed to put England out first tho!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq6fe0YIEAAZfjg.jpg)
Quote from: under the bar on June 24, 2014, 07:02:40 PM
The death penalty would be too good for him. Thankfully he managed to put England out first tho!
true but you are being very immature lol
It looks like Chiellini has inflicted a very serious injury on Suarez's teeth with his shoulder
(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/75807000/jpg/_75807258_h_51441129.jpg)
Quote from: laoislad on May 29, 2014, 09:57:41 PM
England to finish bottom of their group @17/2 is a good bet I think.
8)
Its very deafening here from some lol
(http://thomaszinsavage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/tumbleweed.jpg)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 24, 2014, 07:18:35 PM
Its very deafening here from some lol
(http://thomaszinsavage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/tumbleweed.jpg)
surely even the most ardent Liverpool fan cant defend that. total headcase. a long ban awaits.
(http://www.allmystery.de/dateien/ug54983,1253654679,tumbleweed2.gif)
Holy buck. Just seen it there on Rte. Unreal carry on. The man isnt wise!
Unbelievable really. Never seems to learn. Serious demons. Has to miss the rest of the world cup and facing a lengthy ban. Crazy stuff.
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 24, 2014, 07:30:02 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 24, 2014, 07:18:35 PM
Its very deafening here from some lol
(http://thomaszinsavage.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/tumbleweed.jpg)
surely even the most ardent Liverpool fan cant defend that. total headcase. a long ban awaits.
Give us time to digest it.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq6cac5IcAE6aZo.jpg)
He has a serious problem. One of the best players in the world but nuts. He'll have to walk alone for a while.
Shouldn't someone get a tetanus shot after being bitten by a chipmunk?
He is an idiot and he needs serious psychological help. There is no justification for what he has done but he probably has guaranteed that he won't leave LFC now as Barcelona won't want him now.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 24, 2014, 07:52:43 PM
He is an idiot and he needs serious psychological help. There is no justification for what he has done but he probably has guaranteed that he won't leave LFC now as Barcelona won't want him now.
Wouldn't be so sure Barca won't want him or Madrid for that matter as he's still one of the world's best players. Depends on if he gets a ban or not(which he most likely will) and if he does then for how long it will be.
Quote from: laoislad on June 24, 2014, 07:57:10 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 24, 2014, 07:52:43 PM
He is an idiot and he needs serious psychological help. There is no justification for what he has done but he probably has guaranteed that he won't leave LFC now as Barcelona won't want him now.
Wouldn't be so sure Barca won't want him. He's still one of the world's best players. Depends on if he gets a ban or not and if he does then for how long it will be.
If he gets a 6 month ban they won't touch him. He is a crazy nutjob and there is no way to know what is best to do with him.
Would that cross over to club games? Wouldn't have thought so. 5 game ban at the most
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/q71/s480x480/10492038_805380436151684_4261813347162492473_n.jpg)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 24, 2014, 08:02:13 PM
Would that cross over to club games? Wouldn't have thought so. 5 game ban at the most
I am sure there would be a bye-law of some description to make it a complete ban. Cantona's club banned was extended to a world wide ban so I would imagine it could work in reverse if requested.
The England team will be happy enough as this takes the media attention away from how utterly crap they were. ;D
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 24, 2014, 08:06:35 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 24, 2014, 08:02:13 PM
Would that cross over to club games? Wouldn't have thought so. 5 game ban at the most
I am sure there would be a bye-law of some description to make it a complete ban. Cantona's club banned was extended to a world wide ban so I would imagine it could work in reverse if requested.
But that allowed him to chase the trawlers :P. He'll get torrid abuse from the English press now, will be good to deflect England's shit performance.
Manna from heaven for Hodge Podge!!! This is the worst England performance ever I believe at a WC and he has given them a get out of jail free card!!!
Quote from: under the bar on June 24, 2014, 06:51:55 PM
However if Liverpool don't get rid then they become a club that accepts any sc**bag in their ranks. I'd expect the Americans have spent long enough lifting the club out of the gutter to allow its image to take yet another knock.
are they not that already?, they kept him on after the whole evra racism scandal, they had diouf, fowler the coke head, its liverpool ffs, the words sc**bag and liverpool sits neatly in the same sentence.
It's help the guy needs- not a ban... Serious issues.
Big ban coming up. Should get about a year to be honest. Will he ever learn?
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 24, 2014, 08:31:34 PM
It's help the guy needs- not a ban... Serious issues.
Big ban coming up. Should get about a year to be honest. Will he ever learn?
A year? Can't see it being more than 12 games, his spin will be he accidently sunk his teeth into as he raised his shoulder into his mouth lol
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:43:18 PM
Quote from: seafoid on June 24, 2014, 06:41:16 PM
Quote from: Syferus on June 24, 2014, 06:39:24 PM
FFS Suarez. Have a hamburger before the match or something.should be banned
Nice goal. I'd prefer to see Uruguay going through .
I hope to God they don't have conclusive evidence or this is the last we'll see of Suarez and I don't think Uruguay can do any damage without him.
WTF sort of a statement is that, he's an animal and should be banned.
There might not be enough evidence to ban him. If he denies it all he could get away with it
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 24, 2014, 08:34:13 PM
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 24, 2014, 08:31:34 PM
It's help the guy needs- not a ban... Serious issues.
Big ban coming up. Should get about a year to be honest. Will he ever learn?
A year? Can't see it being more than 12 games, his spin will be he accidently sunk his teeth into as he raised his shoulder into his mouth lol
Won't happen but should. If he gets an international only ban it's not the worst thing in the world for liverpool. No one will sign him and he'll get a rest at international break time.
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 24, 2014, 08:38:43 PM
There might not be enough evidence to ban him. If he denies it all he could get away with it
Is the teeth marks in yer man's shoulder not pretty conclusive evidence?? Holy fcuk what more do you need. The lad is mentally unstable....normal people don't go around doing that type of stuff. If he gave ye r man a box it would be considered normal but not that shit!
Chewy Luis & the Blues
(Stolen)
Quote from: 5 Sams on June 24, 2014, 08:59:47 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 24, 2014, 08:38:43 PM
There might not be enough evidence to ban him. If he denies it all he could get away with it
Is the teeth marks in yer man's shoulder not pretty conclusive evidence?? Holy fcuk what more do you need. The lad is mentally unstable....normal people don't go around doing that type of stuff. If he gave ye r man a box it would be considered normal but not that shit!
A lot of the photos floating about have a wee bit of work done on them! I have no doubt he did it but a lot will depend on the refs report.
Quote from: imtommygunn on June 24, 2014, 08:31:34 PM
It's help the guy needs- not a ban... Serious issues.
Big ban coming up. Should get about a year to be honest. Will he ever learn?
All three incidents have been with different presiding bodies. This could only count as a first offense.
The ban isn't going to be massive, much as some seem to be hoping.
Talk of a 3 game ban, could be back for final.
Hope he isn't banned...want to put a few bets on...bites referee ...bites opposing manager..ect...money to be made.
Is biting worse than a deliberate leg breaking tackle ?
certainly not
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 24, 2014, 09:31:44 PM
Is biting worse than a deliberate leg breaking tackle ?
Good call. Will throw a fiver on that too
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 24, 2014, 09:31:44 PM
Is biting worse than a deliberate leg breaking tackle ?
At this stage it is not the fact that he bit someone. It is the fact that he done it twice before and still can't seem to stop. He has serious mental issues. That is now 5 major negative incidents in his career. Feel a bit sorry for him to be honest.
Quote from: ballinaman on June 24, 2014, 09:17:02 PM
Hope he isn't banned...want to put a few bets on...bites referee ...bites opposing manager..ect...money to be made.
Richard Helmersen placed 100 Norwegian Kroner, about €12, on Luis Suarez to bite someone at the World Cup at odds of 175/1. And, as we all know, that bet has come in, netting him just over two grand.
He told TV2, via Google Translate:
'It's really quite surreal. I sit the course to watching the game and when it happens it starts to tick the messages from buddies who knew I'd put money on it. It's quite fun. I started the only laugh. I thought, is he really so stupid that he does it again?'
'It was mostly for fun. But I knew that they were playing against Italy and England and it soon could be irritably'.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 24, 2014, 09:41:49 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 24, 2014, 09:31:44 PM
Is biting worse than a deliberate leg breaking tackle ?
At this stage it is not the fact that he bit someone. It is the fact that he done it twice before and still can't seem to stop. He has serious mental issues. That is now 5 major negative incidents in his career. Feel a bit sorry for him to be honest.
There is something seriously wrong with him. By all accounts off the pitch he is a sound fella & a good family man...but on the pitch...my god..what a nutcase!!!
If the Donegal of soccer end up going through tonight that's one last 16 game I won't be looking forward to watching.
Quote from: anportmorforjfc on June 24, 2014, 09:53:02 PM
If the Donegal of soccer end up going through tonight that's one last 16 game I won't be looking forward to watching.
To go through scoring 1 goal would be something else!
Quote from: ballinaman on June 24, 2014, 09:57:06 PM
Quote from: anportmorforjfc on June 24, 2014, 09:53:02 PM
If the Donegal of soccer end up going through tonight that's one last 16 game I won't be looking forward to watching.
To go through scoring 1 goal would be something else!
We went through in '90 & '94 scoring only two.
Greece would do well in the Ulster championship.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 24, 2014, 10:19:08 PM
Greece would do well in the Ulster championship.
always some connaught hoor looking a bite.
QuoteIs biting worse than a deliberate leg breaking tackle ?
In terms of damage probably not but unless it's off the ball intent to harm is difficult to prove in a leg breaker tackle, no matter how aggressive. There can be no question of intent to harm with a bite.
http://t.co/yfPrlcAX6W
Quote from: rodney trotter on June 24, 2014, 10:36:50 PM
http://t.co/yfPrlcAX6W
You should get a two year ban for posting stuff from the Daily Mirror....
Oh dear. :-*
Here is Irish Independent http://t.co/zwBjnImjnX ???
Saurez never had much wisdom but this has crowned it. He will find it difficult to extract himself from this and will need a polished defence. He would be best to come clean and tell the tooth.
I thought Samaras kicked the defender rather than the other way around.
Went down very easy.
Greece v Costa Rica now is it?
Quote from: laoislad on June 24, 2014, 10:53:36 PM
I thought Samaras kicked the defender rather than the other way around.
Went down very easy.
Greece v Costa Rica now is it?
Yes a game for the ages, the Dutch play Mexico and then the winner of that game. Should be a semi final for them.
After the 3-0 defeat in the opening game and a dull draw with Japan it seemed all over for Greece however fair play to them they never stopped believing and are just a win against Costa Rica from reaching the quarter finals.
Quote from: laoislad on June 24, 2014, 09:45:35 PM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 24, 2014, 09:17:02 PM
Hope he isn't banned...want to put a few bets on...bites referee ...bites opposing manager..ect...money to be made.
Richard Helmersen placed 100 Norwegian Kroner, about €12, on Luis Suarez to bite someone at the World Cup at odds of 175/1. And, as we all know, that bet has come in, netting him just over two grand.
He told TV2, via Google Translate:
'It's really quite surreal. I sit the course to watching the game and when it happens it starts to tick the messages from buddies who knew I'd put money on it. It's quite fun. I started the only laugh. I thought, is he really so stupid that he does it again?'
'It was mostly for fun. But I knew that they were playing against Italy and England and it soon could be irritably'.
The odds says it all - serious bad odds for something so ludicrous!
That was a stonewall penalty. Sio clearly clipped his striking foot. What were Ivory Coast at still going full pelt attack after equalising? Should have jammed their defence and held out for the draw.
When you see what Joey Barton did and then Kevin Keegan bringing him back into the team as quick as he could, then you can see the Nipper Suarez making his way back eventually.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 24, 2014, 11:06:53 PM
After the 3-0 defeat in the opening game and a dull draw with Japan it seemed all over for Greece however fair play to them they never stopped believing and are just a win against Costa Rica from reaching the quarter finals.
Costa Rica should beat them, if there is a god, Greece are shit
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 24, 2014, 11:18:20 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on June 24, 2014, 11:06:53 PM
After the 3-0 defeat in the opening game and a dull draw with Japan it seemed all over for Greece however fair play to them they never stopped believing and are just a win against Costa Rica from reaching the quarter finals.
Costa Rica should beat them, if there is a god, Greece are shit
Just don't flush the toilet.
This really has taken the gloss of Suarez's performance against England. Management will have to try and get to the root of the problem or else just throw into a canal or fill him in.
James Rodriguez is a special (a top, top?) player.
Quote from: orangeman on June 24, 2014, 11:24:39 PM
This really has taken the gloss of Suarez's performance against England. Management will have to try and get to the root of the problem or else just throw into a canal or fill him in.
This is just rotten, time to pull it out and crown it.
But I will never forget his brace against England.
Wenger has offered £40'000'002
Quote from: orangeman on June 24, 2014, 11:24:39 PM
This really has taken the gloss of Suarez's performance against England. Management will have to try and get to the root of the problem or else just throw into a canal or fill him in.
Rinse out your mouth and hold your tongue Orangeman. Suarez should be drilling the ball to the roof of the net instead of this. He will be pasted for this abrasion and can brace himself as he will be cleaned by FIFA.
Quote from: never kickt a ball on June 24, 2014, 11:51:51 PM
Quote from: orangeman on June 24, 2014, 11:24:39 PM
This really has taken the gloss of Suarez's performance against England. Management will have to try and get to the root of the problem or else just throw into a canal or fill him in.
Rinse out your mouth and hold your tongue Orangeman. Suarez should be drilling the ball to the roof of the net instead of this. He will be pasted for this abrasion and can brace himself as he will be cleaned by FIFA.
Uruguay will be looking for a replacement if the appeals committee can't fixit. This really is a bridge too far. Was there any needle in the game up until this point ?.
Quote from: ONeill on June 24, 2014, 11:50:55 PM
Wenger has offered £40'000'002
Are you on the laughing gas? He will need a bridging loan for this. If Wenger does implant him into the Arsenal team he will make no impression.
Quote from: never kickt a ball on June 24, 2014, 11:57:41 PM
Quote from: ONeill on June 24, 2014, 11:50:55 PM
Wenger has offered £40'000'002
Are you on the laughing gas? He will need a bridging loan for this. If Wenger does implant him into the Arsenal team he will make no impression.
If you drill down deeper, you could find that there is an abscess of money after Arsenal won the Cavity cup. There could be new faces with one or two new faces fillings in for those who have been extracted. Gaps at the back have been a bit of a problem lately. They'll make mouth guards compulsory next season after this.
New just in - Suarez has asked for an oral hearing.
There could be sedation required - Suarez opened up wide and an Xray could be needed after scraping away.
But football is a funny business and it could all be brushed under the reclining chair. With a bit of wisdom, he might have no ill fillings towards his opponent.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/25/fifa-opens-disciplinary-proccedings-over-luis-suarez-bite
Suárez defended himself on Uruguayan television after the match. "These situations happen on the pitch. We were both just inside the area; he struck me in the chest with his shoulder and he hit me in the eye as well," he said. "These are things that happen on the pitch and you shouldn't attach so much importance to them. I'm very happy to have qualified. We are taking each game as it comes. We know that we're in a difficult situation; we're at our limits now."
The website of the Uruguayan TV station Tenfield questioned whether the pressure on Suárez was brought about by the British media.
"In the TV replay, as viewed in the press area, it appears that [Suárez's] face comes in contact with Chiellini without it being clear whether he bites him as was claimed by those – especially the English – who were keen to play down Uruguay's victory.
"British reporters in the press conference asked [coach] Oscar Tabarez three times asked about the incident, saying that: 'Suárez bit Chiellini.' Their intention was Fifa should intervene and expel Luisito [Suárez] from the World Cup ... It would be good if these Englishmen, who are concerned to have Suárez suspended, remember how they won the World Cup in 1966 with a ball which was not a goal."
They know their goose is cooked. Dispicable act, once again, from someone who is a great player but is an absolute basket case on the field. At this point I'm sick talking about Suarez. As I said yesterday, it's very tiresome the way he is always on the agenda.
Ironic if he picks up a long ban while trying to engineer a move, again. To be honest if I could get 80 million I'd let him off. He's great, but you just never know when he's going to lose it.
@ben_cavey: #Suarez... imagine if it was any other job... Gary in accountants keeps biting people. Yeah, but he is a really good accountant.
Had to laugh at this one!
Quote from: WT4E on June 24, 2014, 02:02:07 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
Haven't seen much of Argentina - Have they been better than Brazil?
They haven't set the world alight so far but still getting results. Think they will really click in the knock-out rounds, its a change from them blowing their load in the group stages so far.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2014, 08:25:26 AM
Quote from: WT4E on June 24, 2014, 02:02:07 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
Haven't seen much of Argentina - Have they been better than Brazil?
They haven't set the world alight so far but still getting results. Think they will really click in the knock-out rounds, its a change from them blowing their load in the group stages so far.
120,000 Argentina fans expected in Porto Alegre today with supposedly 80,000 travelling by road!
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2014, 08:25:26 AM
Quote from: WT4E on June 24, 2014, 02:02:07 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
Haven't seen much of Argentina - Have they been better than Brazil?
They haven't set the world alight so far but still getting results. Think they will really click in the knock-out rounds, its a change from them blowing their load in the group stages so far.
Have the RTE boys been sore on them in the analysis? Are they convinced they are rubbish and won't win it?
Quote from: ballinaman on June 25, 2014, 07:50:19 AM
@ben_cavey: #Suarez... imagine if it was any other job... Gary in accountants keeps biting people. Yeah, but he is a really good accountant.
Had to laugh at this one!
Liked this
George Mahood @georgemahood
Follow
Chews life. Chews Ivanovic. Chews Bakkal. Chews Chiellini. Chews a f**king big television. Chews a job. Chews a career.
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 25, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
Yeah, i sort of thought that also.
While its highly likely that did bite/attempt to bite him based on past events, the footage of the incident is inconclusive at best and i cant see that being used as the basis of a very long ban of the type the english press are talking about .
I would say they are more likely to give him something like 2 games for an attempted head butt, or violent conduct or whatever than falls under and that would be it.
Tabarez the manager saying it's basically because everyone hates Tyrone Uruguay.
It's a universal language really.
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on June 25, 2014, 09:33:20 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 25, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
Yeah, i sort of thought that also.
While its highly likely that did bite/attempt to bite him based on past events, the footage of the incident is inconclusive at best and i cant see that being used as the basis of a very long ban of the type the english press are talking about .
I would say they are more likely to give him something like 2 games for an attempted head butt, or violent conduct or whatever than falls under and that would be it.
Get a pair of glasses ffs, you can see his mouth open and him bit the player, ban the p***k.
I think he more pushes down with his (considerably large) top teeth onto the players shoulder.
I dunno does he actually open his mouth and take a bite like he did with Ivanovic.
Still not right what he did but it doesn't look like a bite in the true sense of what a bite is.
The marks on the players shoulder wouldn't indicate an actual chomp.
This is hilarious. His teeth happened to come in contact with the guys shoulder. It was not a bite.... LOL
The more sensible people will call a spade a spade.
Quote from: Zip Code on June 25, 2014, 09:39:24 AM
Quote from: blewuporstuffed on June 25, 2014, 09:33:20 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 25, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
Yeah, i sort of thought that also.
While its highly likely that did bite/attempt to bite him based on past events, the footage of the incident is inconclusive at best and i cant see that being used as the basis of a very long ban of the type the english press are talking about .
I would say they are more likely to give him something like 2 games for an attempted head butt, or violent conduct or whatever than falls under and that would be it.
Get a pair of glasses ffs, you can see his mouth open and him bit the player, ban the p***k.
Unless you have seen different footage than me, there is no way you can say 100 % that he actually bit him.
given his previous, there is certainly a good probability he did, but im not sure that its enough for the sort of bans being talked about in the English press.
FIFA will likely give him a two game ban for some vague offence such that is covered under the artical 48 mentioned by fifa
Article 48 refers to "misconduct against opponents or persons other than match", including serious foul play, unsporting conduct, assault and spitting
It was a bite, maybe not a full blown Dracula one but a bite all the same. Crazy, stupid stuff.
Try to argue with this angle..
https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1)
Never a bite, a bit of argy bargy in the square!! Typical English media over reaction trying to deflect from them having the most brutal team in the tournament. Playing the incident over and over, telling everyone what to think, calling for life time bans- it was no more than a bit of rough play. You cant get banned for knocking England out of the world cup.
Why dont they focus more on their own short comings and finally admit that Rooney is the most over rated player in history and Woy Hodgson is a stuttering, mumbling fool that makes Mick McCarthy look like a footballing genius!
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 09:48:07 AM
This is hilarious. His teeth happened to come in contact with the guys shoulder. It was not a bite.... LOL
The more sensible people will call a spade a spade.
If you teeth came in contact with a shoulder why would your bottom jaw come up, he bit him get the f**k over it - hopefully he gets a long ban, only in the fucked up world of socccar would this p***k be defended for his actions.
I dont think you believe any photos you see on this.
I think its clear from Chellinis reaction that hes bitten him although lets face it Chellini could have decided weeks ago that he was going to claim to be bitten by Suarez whether it happened or not
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 09:57:16 AM
Try to argue with this angle..
https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1)
That proves even more, he tried to maul him ffs.
Quote from: Zip Code on June 25, 2014, 09:58:13 AM
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 09:48:07 AM
This is hilarious. His teeth happened to come in contact with the guys shoulder. It was not a bite.... LOL
The more sensible people will call a spade a spade.
If you teeth came in contact with a shoulder why would your bottom jaw come up, he bit him get the f**k over it - hopefully he gets a long ban, only in the fucked up world of socccar would this p***k be defended for his actions.
I was being sarcastic FFS. Of course the lunatic bit him..
I think some sort of bite scale should be created....some sort of instrument to measure the depth of any perceived teeth mark, so we could assess a graze, nibble, chomp and ban accordingly....
Also 3D imagery could be used to match up teeth marks to the teeth of an accused player. The refs watch could beep the same way it does for when goal line technology comes into play.
Quote from: Zip Code on June 25, 2014, 09:58:13 AM
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 09:48:07 AM
This is hilarious. His teeth happened to come in contact with the guys shoulder. It was not a bite.... LOL
The more sensible people will call a spade a spade.
If you teeth came in contact with a shoulder why would your bottom jaw come up, he bit him get the f**k over it - hopefully he gets a long ban, only in the fucked up world of socccar would this p***k be defended for his actions.
chrikers you have some anger in ye
Quote from: Zip Code on June 25, 2014, 09:59:15 AM
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 09:57:16 AM
Try to argue with this angle..
https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1)
That proves even more, he tried to maul him ffs.
That is pretty conclusive in my book. FIFA should throw the book at him (though he would likely bite that too) :-[
(http://cdn.thejournal.ie/embeds/twitter/af011344a3d4fee585b7530527699109.png)
Quote from: Fíor Gael on June 25, 2014, 09:58:01 AM
Never a bite, a bit of argy bargy in the square!! Typical English media over reaction trying to deflect from them having the most brutal team in the tournament. Playing the incident over and over, telling everyone what to think, calling for life time bans- it was no more than a bit of rough play. You cant get banned for knocking England out of the world cup.
Why dont they focus more on their own short comings and finally admit that Rooney is the most over rated player in history and Woy Hodgson is a stuttering, mumbling fool that makes Mick McCarthy look like a footballing genius!
Great Post ;D
Lay off Mick though as the man is a legend...!
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 09:57:16 AM
Try to argue with this angle..
https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/481571427351822336/photo/1)
well that is certainly more damning than the tv footage they were showing last night.
Like i said, i dont doubt that he probably did bite him, just that i wasnt sure the proof was there for them to hand out a long ban.
(http://a.pomf.se/phdzcy.gif)
It never happened la la la la.
His teeth just hit the guys shoulder la la la.
;D ;D
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 10:16:08 AM
(http://a.pomf.se/phdzcy.gif)
It never happened la la la la.
His teeth just hit the guys shoulder la la la.
;D ;D
That's super slowed down and makes it look a lot worse than it was :o
Imagine if he was to play Germany....he'd surely be after a shoulder of lahm.
Here.All.Week
Quote from: seafoid on June 25, 2014, 09:34:35 AM
Tabarez the manager saying it's basically because everyone hates Tyrone Uruguay Jews.
It's a universal language really.
Is that not more your style?
Quote from: thebigfella on June 25, 2014, 10:21:24 AM
Quote from: seafoid on June 25, 2014, 09:34:35 AM
Tabarez the manager saying it's basically because everyone hates Tyrone Uruguay Jews.
It's a universal language really.
Is that not more your style?
facepalm
Have to say im incredibly disappointed in chielinnis reaction, goin round showing everyone the mark; extreme overreaction; could he not have been more like ivanovic and complain just a little and then just get on it with it; the big Italian should be disappointed with himself
#tounguefirmlyincheek
#nopunintended
Quote from: BennyHarp on June 25, 2014, 10:06:32 AM
(http://cdn.thejournal.ie/embeds/twitter/af011344a3d4fee585b7530527699109.png)
;D
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 10:16:08 AM
(http://a.pomf.se/phdzcy.gif)
It never happened la la la la.
His teeth just hit the guys shoulder la la la.
;D ;D
Please dont tell me people think this image is actually real?
(http://www.bubblews.com/assets/images/news/565146340_1385946271.jpg)
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/25/luis-suarez-bite-swedish-gamblers-win
The online bookmaker Betsafe had been offering odds of 175-1 that the Uruguayan, twice banned for biting, would sink his teeth into an opponent during the World Cup in Brazil. Sure enough, more than 100 gamblers decided that it was worth a punt. When Suárez seemingly did just that to Chiellini near the end of their Group D clash in Natal, it was time to celebrate.
One winner, Jonathan Braeck from Stenungssund in Sweden, bet 80 Swedish krona (£7) that Suárez would bite, and the 23-year-old substitute teacher is now set for a payout of 14,000 krona (£1,225) for his wager.
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 25, 2014, 08:25:26 AM
Quote from: WT4E on June 24, 2014, 02:02:07 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
Haven't seen much of Argentina - Have they been better than Brazil?
They haven't set the world alight so far but still getting results. Think they will really click in the knock-out rounds, its a change from them blowing their load in the group stages so far.
They last did that in '02. Hardly a frequent occurrence for these players.
(http://s5o.ru/storage/simple/ru/edt/55/10/70/20/ruedc1ce1dfc6.jpg)
Confederation Cup last year. :-X
Different shoulder..proves nothing!
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/25/thumbnail/yga9umy6.jpg)
He is being brought in to make a statement as we speak! :-X
Quote from: ballinaman on June 25, 2014, 10:03:17 AM
I think some sort of bite scale should be created....some sort of instrument to measure the depth of any perceived teeth mark, so we could assess a graze, nibble, chomp and ban accordingly....
Also 3D imagery could be used to match up teeth marks to the teeth of an accused player. The refs watch could beep the same way it does for when goal line technology comes into play.
I do believe something along the lines of bite mark technology could be required....
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10371453_513370728808464_945586249559587216_n.jpg
What yous think?
In a clever attempt to deflect the heat from Suarez, and apols if posted already.
Cameraman pushes idiot out of the way to get shot of gorgeous girl....
http://balls.ie/football/gif-pervy-cameraman-nudges-fan-way-get-better-angle/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter (http://balls.ie/football/gif-pervy-cameraman-nudges-fan-way-get-better-angle/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter)
i'm not defending suarez and yes i think he should get an appropiate ban - but why has no-one mentioned that the italians have now gotten 2 of the best players in the world at that particular time (the other player is zidane) to snap in crucial world cup games. it would be interesting to know how much provocation suarez received throughout the game before the incident - not that there is any excuse for biting.
it seems forgotten already that the tackle from Marchisio had the potential to be a leg breaker yet no-one is calling for a 2 year ban for him?
also the fact that Chiellini has called suarez a sneak is very ironic indeed.
there are 2 sides to every story but the british media are firmly focused on one side.
Quoteit would be interesting to know how much provocation suarez received throughout the game before the incident - not that there is any excuse for biting.
Why are you asking then?
Quote from: clarshack on June 25, 2014, 02:13:31 PM
i'm not defending suarez and yes i think he should get an appropiate ban - but why has no-one mentioned that the italians have now gotten 2 of the best players in the world at that particular time (the other player is zidane) to snap in crucial world cup games. it would be interesting to know how much provocation suarez received throughout the game before the incident - not that there is any excuse for biting.
it seems forgotten already that the tackle from Marchisio had the potential to be a leg breaker yet no-one is calling for a 2 year ban for him?
also the fact that Chiellini has called suarez a sneak is very ironic indeed.
there are 2 sides to every story but the british media are firmly focused on one side.
Why do people keep bringing up the media?
Suarez has bitten 3 footballers on the pitch in the last 4 years and the media have reported on it as is to be expected.
It isn't the media's fault he's an animal
Quote from: maldini on June 25, 2014, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: clarshack on June 25, 2014, 02:13:31 PM
i'm not defending suarez and yes i think he should get an appropiate ban - but why has no-one mentioned that the italians have now gotten 2 of the best players in the world at that particular time (the other player is zidane) to snap in crucial world cup games. it would be interesting to know how much provocation suarez received throughout the game before the incident - not that there is any excuse for biting.
it seems forgotten already that the tackle from Marchisio had the potential to be a leg breaker yet no-one is calling for a 2 year ban for him?
also the fact that Chiellini has called suarez a sneak is very ironic indeed.
there are 2 sides to every story but the british media are firmly focused on one side.
Why do people keep bringing up the media?
Suarez has bitten 3 footballers on the pitch in the last 4 years and the media have reported on it as is to be expected.
It isn't the media's fault he's an animal
i know that but it seems the english press want him banned for 2 years. in the rte studio after the game none of the panelists seemed to be making a big deal of it and none of them thought that he would be banned.
He also behaved shamefully against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, racially abused an opponent, and is a habitual diver.
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 02:31:25 PM
He also behaved shamefully against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, racially abused an opponent, and is a habitual diver.
he banged in 2 against england so he can't be all bad ;D
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 02:31:25 PM
He also behaved shamefully against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, racially abused an opponent, and is a habitual diver.
How did he behave shamefully against Ghana? By stopping a shot with his hands, and giving away a penalty thus getting himself sent off? I think that one falls under 'taking one for the team'.
I also think his diving has become a lot less prevalent over the last few years. How many times have we seen him bundle the ball through tackles and keep on his feet, determined to score? He does that more than anyone.
However, he's a lunatic on the pitch, with serious issues when he loses control, and biting people is inexcusable.
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 02:31:25 PM
He also behaved shamefully against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, racially abused an opponent, and is a habitual diver.
Are you some kind of man nun? He took one for the team against Ghana. You wouldn't have?
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 02:31:25 PM
He also behaved shamefully against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, racially abused an opponent, and is a habitual diver.
The first and last are complete non runners in this particular argument.
Quote from: clarshack on June 25, 2014, 02:28:14 PM
Quote from: maldini on June 25, 2014, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: clarshack on June 25, 2014, 02:13:31 PM
i'm not defending suarez and yes i think he should get an appropiate ban - but why has no-one mentioned that the italians have now gotten 2 of the best players in the world at that particular time (the other player is zidane) to snap in crucial world cup games. it would be interesting to know how much provocation suarez received throughout the game before the incident - not that there is any excuse for biting.
it seems forgotten already that the tackle from Marchisio had the potential to be a leg breaker yet no-one is calling for a 2 year ban for him?
also the fact that Chiellini has called suarez a sneak is very ironic indeed.
there are 2 sides to every story but the british media are firmly focused on one side.
Why do people keep bringing up the media?
Suarez has bitten 3 footballers on the pitch in the last 4 years and the media have reported on it as is to be expected.
It isn't the media's fault he's an animal
i know that but it seems the english press want him banned for 2 years. in the rte studio after the game none of the panelists seemed to be making a big deal of it and none of them thought that he would be banned.
Calling for a 2 year ban is way OTT. I would think 15 to 20 games including all competitions would be more appropriate. 2 years blanket ban is career ending and that would be unfair.
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 02:31:25 PM
He also behaved shamefully against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, racially abused an opponent, and is a habitual diver.
Whatever about Suarez, the fact this keeps being brought up is ridiculous. He is a professional footballer who did what needed to be done to win his team that match. He was caught for his professional foul and punished appropriately. Nobody moaned when Robbie Keane was scoring ridiculously awarded penalties.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 03:06:30 PM
Calling for a 2 year ban is way OTT. I would think 15 to 20 games including all competitions would be more appropriate. 2 years blanket ban is career ending and that would be unfair.
::)
a 6 month ban at international level would be adequate imo.
More conclusive evidence
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bq9W_EGCAAEtSpV.jpg:large)
I say a lifetime ban in Spain
What a start to the Argentina - Nigeria game
Quote from: deiseach on June 25, 2014, 03:25:23 PM
Quote from: EC Unique on June 25, 2014, 03:06:30 PM
Calling for a 2 year ban is way OTT. I would think 15 to 20 games including all competitions would be more appropriate. 2 years blanket ban is career ending and that would be unfair.
::)
What about putting mustard on his tongue? It stopped my young lad biting other children when he was a kid
Plenty of Liverpool fans surfacing on the Last few pages defending the sporting standards of their 'hero'.
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 07:49:40 PM
Plenty of Liverpool fans surfacing on the Last few pages defending the sporting standards of their 'hero'.
Luis Suarez is a latter day Frankie, we shouldn't be so quick to judge.
;D
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 07:49:40 PM
Plenty of Liverpool fans surfacing on the Last few pages defending the sporting standards of their 'hero'.
Who? I haven't seen anyone defend what Suarez did.
J70, i didn't specifically mention yesterday. Go back and check my second last post.
Enough talk of the Suarez incident, back to the football. Messi was top class against Nigeria. Argentina won it 3-2.
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 08:20:57 PM
J70, i didn't specifically mention yesterday. Go back and check my second last post.
It's boring enough having to read your posts once why would anyone want to read them a second time....
How's the cousins btw? They've gone very quiet on the transfer front.
Laoislad, they're not queit at all. Good for you if you find my posts boring. I'm just giving my opinion. Not bothered who finds it boring.
Quote from: Shrewdness on June 25, 2014, 08:20:57 PM
J70, i didn't specifically mention yesterday. Go back and check my second last post.
Diving and the handball against Ghana?
Diving is cheating, yes, but its part of the game now and will be until retrospective punishment is finally introduced. No team has clean hands on that front. At least Suarez cleaned up his act somewhat last season.
The handball.... He took one for the team, a red card which cost himself a semi final spot. Ghana also got a PENALTY. It wasn't Suarez's fault Gyan missed. Had Gyan scored, the incident would probably never be mentioned again.
Group D.. The group of bored to death!! Unreal how the poorest group continues to make the headlines.
Belter from Shaqiri http://t.co/2c67xus3MU
Does anyone else think the keeper should have saved the messi free kick?
Poor tackle there by Valencia. Mad sahko lucky not to see red earlier.
One of them Ecuador lads has just finished his shift at McDonalds, it looks like.
Quote from: HiMucker on June 25, 2014, 09:56:56 PM
Does anyone else think the keeper should have saved the messi free kick?
Looked like there was big money gambled on that goal!
Re Suarez
An interview with a psychologist on what is likely to have driven Luisito to do what he did
It's in French but you can throw it into google translate. Very interesting.
http://www.rts.ch/info/monde/5960292-la-morsure-l-expression-infantile-animale-des-emotions-sportives.html
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 25, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
In all fairness Chiellini made a real meal out of it!
This World Cup has everything. A few more good games and it'll be the best I've seen.
Thought some of ye might like this.
http://youtu.be/YrExNY0zWEI
Quote from: Tony Baloney on June 25, 2014, 10:27:38 PM
Quote from: HiMucker on June 25, 2014, 09:56:56 PM
Does anyone else think the keeper should have saved the messi free kick?
Looked like there was big money gambled on that goal!
that's what I was thinking!
Quote from: grounded on June 25, 2014, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 25, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
In all fairness Chiellini made a real meal out of it!
I'm fed up to the teeth with these type of jokes.
Move on I say, Suarez is just a mouth
Quote from: never kickt a ball on June 26, 2014, 12:46:43 AM
Quote from: grounded on June 25, 2014, 11:05:51 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 25, 2014, 09:27:55 AM
Am I the only one that thinks theres no evidence to suspend him for anything?
Unless for a (kinda) headbutt
Clearly the photos going around are photoshopped. Lugano came out after the match and said he had done nothing
"You saw this, really? You need to show me because I didn't see anything. Did you see it today or did you see what happened in other years. You couldn't have seen it today because nothing happened.
"The worst of everything is the attitude of Chiellini. He's a great player, with an enormous status. It doesn't correspond with Italian football. As sportsmen leaving the field, crying and appealing against a rival. As a man he disappointed me totally."
In all fairness Chiellini made a real meal out of it!
I'm fed up to the teeth with these type of jokes.
I hate these regurgitated puns. :D
You mean you 'ate these regurgitated puns.
Gum on lads enoughs enough
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Quote from: ballinaman on June 26, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Is yer one Coulter not some right wing, tea party quack?
Quote from: johnneycool on June 26, 2014, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 26, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Is yer one Coulter not some right wing, tea party quack?
Aye that's her, Lunatic!
Quote from: johnneycool on June 26, 2014, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 26, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Is yer one Coulter not some right wing, tea party quack?
Yes, and the article would have been a great line in sarcasm, if she knew what that was.
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 26, 2014, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 26, 2014, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 26, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Is yer one Coulter not some right wing, tea party quack?
Yes, and the article would have been a great line in sarcasm, if she knew what that was.
With a surname like Coulter (pronounced 'coal ter', not 'cool ter'), there's a good chance her Great Great Great Grandfather played a bit of hurling or Football in Down rather than the grid-iron and all american sports she rabbits on about.
Quote from: johnneycool on June 26, 2014, 10:22:05 AM
Quote from: Billys Boots on June 26, 2014, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: johnneycool on June 26, 2014, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 26, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Is yer one Coulter not some right wing, tea party quack?
Yes, and the article would have been a great line in sarcasm, if she knew what that was.
With a surname like Coulter (pronounced 'coal ter', not 'cool ter'), there's a good chance her Great Great Great Grandfather played a bit of hurling or Football in Down rather than the grid-iron and all american sports she rabbits on about.
She makes a couple of good points but I wouldn't take anyone seriously if they didn't know what day they were born!
I'd love to see her "Analysis" of Hurling
Quote from: Denn Forever on June 26, 2014, 12:20:23 PM
I'd love to see her "Analysis" of Hurling
The comments section on the article is a tad harsh :-\
Fair enough she hasnt a clue and its a woefully constructed 'thought' out article but hardly deserves some of that stuff!
Anything written by Ann Coulter is worthless and should be given no heed whatsoever. One of her beauties
Quote"Airports scrupulously apply the same laughably ineffective airport harassment to Suzy Chapstick as to Muslim hijackers. It is preposterous to assume every passenger is a potential crazed homicidal maniac. We know who the homicidal maniacs are. They are the ones cheering and dancing right now. We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity."
For further reading
http://terryturtletuthpaste.tripod.com/Quotes.htm/ (http://terryturtletuthpaste.tripod.com/Quotes.htm/)
Quote from: johnneycool on June 26, 2014, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on June 26, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
An American view of the World Cup...
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2014/06/25/coulter-growing-interest-soccer-sign-nations-moral-decay/11372137/
Is yer one Coulter not some right wing, tea party quack?
I honestly think Coulter doesn't believe half the shit she writes. She has an audience and she knows exactly what they want to hear. The more controversial and idiotic she is, the bigger the headlines, although she doesn't make headlines too much anymore. People, outside of the right wing lunatics, are bored with her.
It's dreadful that she is still given media opportunities to gush her hateful, shameful bile.
Luis Sanchez.... ;D
http://youtu.be/8wUK8iLRXUo
She is almost a parody at this point.
Quote from: laoislad on June 26, 2014, 12:55:34 PM
Luis Sanchez.... ;D
http://youtu.be/8wUK8iLRXUo
Saw that. f**king TMZ!
I see the Ghanaians are imploding. Muntari has been sent home for 'slapping' a Ghana Management Committee member. Boateng has also been sent home for 'vulgar, verbal insults' at a coach.
blah blah Keane blah blah Saipan.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2670104/Ghana-president-flying-3million-appease-World-Cup-squad-unhappy-denied-bonus-payments.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2670104/Ghana-president-flying-3million-appease-World-Cup-squad-unhappy-denied-bonus-payments.html)
Probably something to do with this not arriving yet!!!
QuoteAs much as $3 million in cash sent by Ghana's president was expected to arrive in Brazil on a plane Wednesday in a bid to appease members of the country's World Cup squad who are unhappy at being denied bonus payments.
President John Dramani Mahama has been forced to personally intervene in the latest bonus row to hit African football, which has seriously disrupted Ghana's preparations for its decisive Group G game against Portugal on Thursday.
Ghana midfielder Christian Atsu dismissed fears the team would boycott its final group game in Brasilia, which the Ghanaians need to win to stand any chance of reaching the second round.
I would be very surprised if Jogi and Jurgen haven't organised a draw between them!
Suarez banned for 9 matches (presumably those conducted under FIFA banner only) and ALL football activity for four months.
"I will bite every German player if I have to" - Will Ferrell
Quote from: gallsman on June 26, 2014, 03:00:05 PM
Suarez banned for 9 matches (presumably those conducted under FIFA banner only) and ALL football activity for four months.
Only four months! That leaves a bad taste in the mouth!
Listerine are one of the headline sponsors of the tournament.
So are Moy Park Chicken. Maybe they should have given him a nice tray of grilled chicken before the game.
Algeria draw with the Russians to qualify Algeria for the second round for the first time in their history.
Great for Algeria and well deserved. I remember well them being shafted in 1982. And guess who they play in the last 16? :) revenge!
Aye be some craic if they did put the Germans out. plenty of motivation
USA and Algeria have been terrific and what makes it even more of an achievement is that they play
a very positive style of football with massive heart and commitment.
As for the antics of Cameroon and Ghana..lazy cliches were never so apt,Money Money Money
Give me da money!Ivory Coast went all out to score a goal for Toures brother Toure himself butchered a three on one for that reason.
I have a sneaky feeling usa might beat belgium.
I'd agree. Belgium very overrated. They are good at counterattacking though, so the US had better be careful not to leave themselves exposed at the back.
Belguim have a very good group of players, but they dont seem to be be able to gel together as a team up to now at least. At the same time they have a 100% record in the group
No world cup games on tonight!
Guess I'm gonna have to talk to the wife now instead.
Quote from: laoislad on June 27, 2014, 09:38:23 AM
No world cup games on tonight!
Guess I'm gonna have to talk to the wife now instead.
Bit harsh from FIFA banning everyone from the World Cup today I think! Bastids
it appears my wife left me a week or so ago. only just noticed :P
QuoteBrazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly being investigated for wearing non-Fifa approved underwear in World Cup games.
On Monday, the Barcelona striker was spotted wearing a pair of Blue Man boxers featuring Brazil's yellow and green flag against Cameroon. The only problem? Blue Man isn't a Fifa World Cup sponsor.
According to Brazilian media reports, Neymar, 22, is now being investigated for his choice of underwear with Fifa claiming that it violates its disciplinary code, which prohibits players from displaying religious or political messages as well as publicity slogans and non-FIFA sanctioned products.
But this isn't the first time his fashion choices land Brazil's wonder boy in hot water.
Earlier this year, Neymar, who has 11 sponsors and his own clothing line, came under fire following a similar incident after he showed his Lupo Underwear boxers five times during a Barcelona match against Atlético de Madrid.
His agent later denied the stunt was part of a marketing strategy orchestrated by Lupo, of which Neymar serves as a spokesperson and has modelled for since 2011, insisting that his reaction was "spontaneous".
Fifa did not return The Independent's request for comment.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/worldcup/world-cup-2014-neymar-investigated-for-wrong-underwear-choice-by-fifa-9565966.html
Yup.
Quote from: laoislad on June 27, 2014, 09:38:23 AM
No world cup games on tonight!
Guess I'm gonna have to talk to the wife now instead.
talk to the wife - Don't you mean listen!!!
Love this...
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/greece-offers-to-fly-armagh-boy-to-brazil-for-world-cup-match-1.1847624
Quote from: ballinaman on June 27, 2014, 01:09:50 PM
Love this...
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/greece-offers-to-fly-armagh-boy-to-brazil-for-world-cup-match-1.1847624
Ya'd think they'd feckin' change their holiday plans with a once-in-a-lifetime offer like that!!
the scenes in Algeria last night at the final whistle about 35 sec in, mental.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NIlxYe0Yeg
Quote from: guy crouchback on June 27, 2014, 01:33:01 PM
the scenes in Algeria last night at the final whistle, mental.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NIlxYe0Yeg
It's good but it's no Walkinstown Roundabout!
Walkinstown roundabout 1990 Ireland V Romania: http://youtu.be/fEkc8dGF2ds
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/06/23/article-0-1F0A22E000000578-337_306x423.jpg)
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/jun/27/world-cup-2014-power-rankings-group-stages
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts?
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/greece-offers-to-fly-armagh-boy-to-brazil-for-world-cup-match-1.1847624
Suarez's "I lost my balance" defence is almost as bizarre as Cantonas "when the seagulls follow the trawler" outburst ;D ;D
Caption this photo of Scolari after the disallowed goal!!!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrO_pFYCUAEigTD.png)
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on June 28, 2014, 06:37:52 PM
Caption this photo of Scolari after the disallowed goal!!!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrO_pFYCUAEigTD.png)
"You'd have given it to Man United you baldy bastard"
What a game. Hard luck to Chile.
Read in the paper today that the 3 highest paid managers in the WC all failed to get their teams out of the group stages.
Another great national anthem by Brazil, even the young boys and girls leading out with the teams were singing their wee hearts out, class, wasn't too impressed with the booing for the Chile one mind,
Should be a good match this one, I hope Suarez keeps his mouth shut
Goal of the tournament right there.
Quote from: laoislad on June 28, 2014, 09:29:34 PM
Goal of the tournament right there.
Without out doubt, best goal, what a tournament, it's had everything
An unbelievable goal by Rodriguez.
what a goal. candidate for player of the tournament so far.
does anyone know why suarez isn't starting? must be injured or he would surely be starting. :P
Impaction sub.
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 28, 2014, 09:39:40 PM
what a goal. candidate for player of the tournament so far.
does anyone know why suarez isn't starting? must be injured or he would surely be starting. :P
You mean Sanchez? George f**king Hamilton.
Good win for Colombia and some goal from Rodriguez which will please my son James no end when he sees it tomorrow! James 10 is his player for the tournament.
Very close shave for the Brazilians earlier.
Colombia could be the side to knock the Brazilians out.
This was quite prophetic.
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28072902
An England football supporter had a piece of his ear bitten off by another England fan at the World Cup in Brazil.
The assault happened during England's match against Uruguay in Sao Paulo on 19 June, British police deployed to the tournament have said.
Mexico not here to make up the numbers, playing by far the better footbal
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 05:17:11 PM
Mexico not here to make up the numbers, playing by far the better footbal
Conditions supposed to be brutal, heat should suit Mexico more
Mexico are 13/5 at minute with Paddy Power
Robben is such a cheat
Class Penalty by Huntelaar. Netherlands another side scratched of my list as potential winners.
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 29, 2014, 06:55:26 PM
Robben is such a cheat
He should have had one penalty though, but yeah he's a diver
cant warm to that dutch team at all. they all seem like a bunch of pricks. :P
Quote from: beer baron on June 29, 2014, 06:56:45 PM
Class Penalty by Huntelaar. Netherlands another side scratched of my list as potential winners.
I wouldn't be crossing them off any list. Possibly only Argentina between them and the final?? Today's conditions wouldn't have suited them at all.
Think the centre of their defence will be embarassed against a Messi,Ozil(assuming he continues his return to form),Oscar etc. If the Mexican lads were intelligent enough to slide Peralta in he could've had 2 or 3 today.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 06:58:13 PM
Quote from: Kidder81 on June 29, 2014, 06:55:26 PM
Robben is such a cheat
He should have had one penalty though, but yeah he's a diver
It was a flop, Robben is tough to like, the BS after to the crowd, I think i would have been a bit more subdued if I had done what he had done five mins earlier.
Quote from: SHEEDY on June 29, 2014, 07:02:31 PM
cant warm to that dutch team at all. they all seem like a bunch of pricks. :P
This is probably a reason i'm downplaying their chances too. Very easy to dislike
Robben's a wee cheating bollix.
Can't warm to that Dutch team at all too many hateful hoors!
Does nobody like Holland but me :D. I've always had a soft spot for them going back to '78.
Quote from: Boycey on June 29, 2014, 07:22:16 PM
Does nobody like Holland but me :D. I've always had a soft spot for them going back to '78.
I like them, well tonight anyways, backed them and Costa Rica for a fiver double, though the Costa game I've backed them to get to next round, Greece bound to give us a draw
Robben should also be banned for 4 months.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2014, 07:26:03 PM
Robben should also be banned for 4 months.
If we were to add up all the dives Suarez takes he'd never get to play again lol
This next game could be absolutely diabolical. I threw a fiver on Greece to win in extra time.
Orange bastards.
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 29, 2014, 07:22:16 PM
Does nobody like Holland but me :D. I've always had a soft spot for them going back to '78.
I like them, well tonight anyways, backed them and Costa Rica for a fiver double, though the Costa game I've backed them to get to next round, Greece bound to give us a draw
Have the same double for a tenner but just went for a Costa win in 90.
Quote from: EC Unique on June 29, 2014, 09:07:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 29, 2014, 07:22:16 PM
Does nobody like Holland but me :D. I've always had a soft spot for them going back to '78.
I like them, well tonight anyways, backed them and Costa Rica for a fiver double, though the Costa game I've backed them to get to next round, Greece bound to give us a draw
Have the same double for a tenner but just went for a Costa win in 90.
Stop stealing my bets!! Costa coming back into it, some poor decisions up front but they have pushed Greece more so, still fancy it to go to penalties
Samaras to score soon
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 29, 2014, 10:09:04 PM
Samaras to score soon
He's scored 9 for Greece, Colin
Hill Clarke scored more for Norn Iron lol
Thank god for that!
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 10:15:04 PM
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 29, 2014, 10:09:04 PM
Samaras to score soon
He's scored 9 for Greece, Colin Hill scored more for Norn Iron lol
Pretty sure you mean Colin Clarke - Terrible striker who I think scored a fluke against Spain in 86 World Cup if memory serves me right
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: EC Unique on June 29, 2014, 09:07:30 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 07:25:08 PM
Quote from: Boycey on June 29, 2014, 07:22:16 PM
Does nobody like Holland but me :D. I've always had a soft spot for them going back to '78.
I like them, well tonight anyways, backed them and Costa Rica for a fiver double, though the Costa game I've backed them to get to next round, Greece bound to give us a draw
Have the same double for a tenner but just went for a Costa win in 90.
Stop stealing my bets!! Costa coming back into it, some poor decisions up front but they have pushed Greece more so, still fancy it to go to penalties
Have it done since last night. ;D. Long way to go yet with 10 men :o
Quote from: michaelg on June 29, 2014, 10:31:42 PM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 29, 2014, 10:15:04 PM
Quote from: rossiewanderer on June 29, 2014, 10:09:04 PM
Samaras to score soon
He's scored 9 for Greece, Colin Hill scored more for Norn Iron lol
Pretty sure you mean Colin Clarke - Terrible striker who I think scored a fluke against Spain in 86 World Cup if memory serves me right
Aye, that's what I mean lol
Feck them Greeks. I had a double of the Dutch and Costa tonight.
Quote from: gerrykeegan on June 29, 2014, 11:01:16 PM
Feck them Greeks. I had a double of the Dutch and Costa tonight.
I've backed them to go through, so I was half expecting the draw
Feckin greeks
5 out of 5. Fair play.
That's what they get for inventing gayness.
First bet up!! Lol
Quote from: BennyCake on June 29, 2014, 11:57:20 PM
That's what they get for inventing gayness.
;D
Insurance bet paid out. Match to go to pens 7-2.
Great moment. Navas was absolutely immense. Packie Bonner times ten.
Campbell no great shakes. Plenty of lamb-like energy but stupid.
Robben is a brilliant player. The diving is a bugger but he's carrying the Dutch.
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
Mexico weren't good enough to go through just like Chile the nite before, you cant score 1 goal and defend your hearts out and expect that to be enough to defeat opponents and win a world cup, that's the shit we always used to criticise the English about, some say Chile were better than Brazil, well unfortunately they didn't put it on the board and that what counts.
Brazil had more chances, just not a striker worth a damn to do any thing about it, Holland wilted in 39 degree heat, who the hell wouldn't, but Have the players to bring back a world cup, Mexico weren't better than them, but could take the conditions better than the Dutch. As for Robben diving he does, just like Xavi, Neymar, Ronaldo, the list goes on, for the penalty, Martinez only has himself to blame putting the foot into the challenge when he had him covered, he actually give away a penalty in the first which wasn`t given by doing the same.
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2014, 07:36:25 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
if that wasn't said tongue in cheek, then i think its a ridiculous statement.
Cheating is worse than what suarez done. Robben is a total and utter cheat, should be banned each and every time he does it, along with all the others who do it no matter what club they play for.
Quote from: Megaman on June 30, 2014, 09:51:20 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2014, 07:36:25 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
if that wasn't said tongue in cheek, then i think its a ridiculous statement.
Cheating is worse than what suarez done. Robben is a total and utter cheat, should be banned each and every time he does it, along with all the others who do it no matter what club they play for.
Where do we draw the line on cheating? call for corners when they clearly aren't, line balls? Handballs? should the referee book every player who gets up after a foul (considering he rolled 5/6 times) and sprints into the next tackle. I'm all for that but it won't happen unfortunately, even in Gaelic games now
Quote from: Megaman on June 30, 2014, 09:51:20 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2014, 07:36:25 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
if that wasn't said tongue in cheek, then i think its a ridiculous statement.
Cheating is worse than what suarez done. Robben is a total and utter cheat, should be banned each and every time he does it, along with all the others who do it no matter what club they play for.
What a ridiculous statement ! It was a clear penalty, it was a stupid tackle by Marquez and he definitely caught Robben who most definitely made the most of it. Robben should have had at least one other penalty as well.....
Quote from: ludermor on June 30, 2014, 10:42:01 AM
Quote from: Megaman on June 30, 2014, 09:51:20 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2014, 07:36:25 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
if that wasn't said tongue in cheek, then i think its a ridiculous statement.
Cheating is worse than what suarez done. Robben is a total and utter cheat, should be banned each and every time he does it, along with all the others who do it no matter what club they play for.
What a ridiculous statement ! It was a clear penalty, it was a stupid tackle by Marquez and he definitely caught Robben who most definitely made the most of it. Robben should have had at least one other penalty as well.....
If you where referring to my comment, i did not mention any incident, i was talking about diving / cheating - looking for a penalty.
Which btw can be dealt with retrospectively with IMO a banning !!!
Quote from: ludermor on June 30, 2014, 10:42:01 AM
Quote from: Megaman on June 30, 2014, 09:51:20 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2014, 07:36:25 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
if that wasn't said tongue in cheek, then i think its a ridiculous statement.
Cheating is worse than what suarez done. Robben is a total and utter cheat, should be banned each and every time he does it, along with all the others who do it no matter what club they play for.
What a ridiculous statement ! It was a clear penalty, it was a stupid tackle by Marquez and he definitely caught Robben who most definitely made the most of it. Robben should have had at least one other penalty as well.....
It was never a peno. Marquez has his foot planted in the ground and Robben dived over it.. Shocking stuff..
He should have got one in the 1st half but so should Mexico for the kick in the head challenge..
Will shortly be looking for a new telly as I am fit to put my foot through it if I hear again the "there was contact" comment from a pundit after an incident. Since when did football become non contact.
Quote from: Rossie11 on June 30, 2014, 11:18:02 AM
Quote from: ludermor on June 30, 2014, 10:42:01 AM
Quote from: Megaman on June 30, 2014, 09:51:20 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on June 30, 2014, 07:36:25 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on June 30, 2014, 12:49:39 AM
The diving is a bugger? It's a fecking disgrace. Cheated a team out of a QF place. You can't defend that. Seriously, a 4 month ban.
This is the second time you've posted this. It happens, he should have got one earlier. These things have a way of evening themselves out;-)
if that wasn't said tongue in cheek, then i think its a ridiculous statement.
Cheating is worse than what suarez done. Robben is a total and utter cheat, should be banned each and every time he does it, along with all the others who do it no matter what club they play for.
What a ridiculous statement ! It was a clear penalty, it was a stupid tackle by Marquez and he definitely caught Robben who most definitely made the most of it. Robben should have had at least one other penalty as well.....
It was never a peno. Marquez has his foot planted in the ground and Robben dived over it.. Shocking stuff..
He should have got one in the 1st half but so should Mexico for the kick in the head challenge..
Very true
Would be nice to see Van Persie and Van Gaal bringing World Cup Winners medals back to Old Trafford with them.
Robben has admitted diving in the first half. I'd like to see a change in the rules that if a player goes down theatrically, he doesn't get the decision regardless(similar to the NBA flopping rule) and also the onus should be on the attacker to try to stay on his feet. If it looks like he went down too easily, no foul.
This behaviour filters down through the levels as well. I saw my 5 year old nephew at training, and they were all falling down and rolling around the place holding their faces any time they were touched. It was funny but terrible too.
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 30, 2014, 03:15:11 PM
Robben has admitted diving in the first half. I'd like to see a change in the rules that if a player goes down theatrically, he doesn't get the decision regardless(similar to the NBA flopping rule) and also the onus should be on the attacker to try to stay on his feet. If it looks like he went down too easily, no foul.
This behaviour filters down through the levels as well. I saw my 5 year old nephew at training, and they were all falling down and rolling around the place holding their faces any time they were touched. It was funny but terrible too.
I propose that a player found guilty of diving gets a period (say a month) imposed whereby he cannot be awarded a free or penalty in any circumstances. While sceptics may think it would lead to people kicking the crap out of the likes of Robben, for entire matches, I wouldn't see a problem with that.
I dunno. I like your tutu idea from the black card thread.
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 30, 2014, 03:20:18 PM
I dunno. I like your tutu idea from the black card thread.
The tutu would only work in Gaa.
If Robben wore a tutu no one would notice, it would actually seem right.
Quote from: muppet on June 30, 2014, 03:22:56 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on June 30, 2014, 03:20:18 PM
I dunno. I like your tutu idea from the black card thread.
The tutu would only work in Gaa.
If Robben wore a tutu no one would notice, it would actually seem right.
+1
Therein lies the problem, he is one of the stand out players of the tournament so far and yet what is the first thing we think about when he is mentioned.
His own worst enemy, but I'm he wont care if the dutch keep going.
Special guest panellist on the RTE panel today - only the Great Colm Cooper! This will be interesting. The purists will be burning their Kerry jerseys after this.
Quote from: Bingo on June 30, 2014, 03:53:54 PM
Special guest panellist on the RTE panel today - only the Great Colm Cooper! This will be interesting. The purists will be burning their Kerry jerseys after this.
Good Red.
Went for Benzema to score first
Quote from: deiseach on June 30, 2014, 04:04:56 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 30, 2014, 03:53:54 PM
Special guest panellist on the RTE panel today - only the Great Colm Cooper! This will be interesting. The purists will be burning their Kerry jerseys after this.
Good Red.
Racist or Hairist or whatever that is >:(
Nigeria are doing all the attacking, couple of chances for France but Nigeria don't look out of place here, heat big factor also
Why no Sakho is he injured or suspended?
Quote from: Bingo on June 30, 2014, 05:08:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on June 30, 2014, 04:04:56 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 30, 2014, 03:53:54 PM
Special guest panellist on the RTE panel today - only the Great Colm Cooper! This will be interesting. The purists will be burning their Kerry jerseys after this.
Good Red.
Racist or Hairist or whatever that is >:(
Tell that to the supporters of that American football team based in Washington DC.
Quote from: deiseach on June 30, 2014, 05:29:24 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 30, 2014, 05:08:08 PM
Quote from: deiseach on June 30, 2014, 04:04:56 PM
Quote from: Bingo on June 30, 2014, 03:53:54 PM
Special guest panellist on the RTE panel today - only the Great Colm Cooper! This will be interesting. The purists will be burning their Kerry jerseys after this.
Good Red.
Racist or Hairist or whatever that is >:(
Tell that to the supporters of that American football team based in Washington DC.
The Rednecks?
2-0 Greizmann
Pogba's goal was the 146th goal of this World Cup, surpassing the ENTIRE total from the 2010 World Cup with 11 games to spare
Algeria should be winning here
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 30, 2014, 09:27:42 PM
Algeria should be winning here
Starting to realise backing Germany -1 heavy May have been the wrong decision!
Quote from: WT4E on June 30, 2014, 09:32:32 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 30, 2014, 09:27:42 PM
Algeria should be winning here
Starting to realise backing Germany -1 heavy May have been the wrong decision!
Long way to go yet. Algeria will find it hard to keep this tempo up.
They should be winning but can't help thinking they will regret those missed chances.
Quote from: laoislad on June 30, 2014, 09:36:28 PM
Quote from: WT4E on June 30, 2014, 09:32:32 PM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 30, 2014, 09:27:42 PM
Algeria should be winning here
Starting to realise backing Germany -1 heavy May have been the wrong decision!
Long way to go yet. Algeria will find it hard to keep this tempo up.
They should be winning but can't help thinking they will regret those missed chances.
Plus they're bound to be hungry!!!!
Germany made hard work of that. A lot of the big teams struggling to impress.
Tough luck Algeria, that was a superb performance.
Quote from: Asal Mor on June 30, 2014, 03:15:11 PM
This behaviour filters down through the levels as well. I saw my 5 year old nephew at training, and they were all falling down and rolling around the place holding their faces any time they were touched. It was funny but terrible too.
You wouldn't get that in Tyrone.
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 30, 2014, 09:27:42 PM
Algeria should be winning here
Or Al Qaeda as big Glenda Hoddle said at half time on ITV ;D
Quote from: johnneycool on July 01, 2014, 10:00:59 AM
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on June 30, 2014, 09:27:42 PM
Algeria should be winning here
Or Al Qaeda as big Glenda Hoddle said at half time on ITV ;D
He said Al Jazeera (http://www.joe.ie/football/world-cup-2014-brazil/vine-glenn-hoddle-called-algeria-al-jazeera-during-itvs-world-cup-coverage-this-evening/). Innocent enough, but you have to laugh.
What about the Cameroon boys - bad form!
Alex Song must have been in on it - What incentive would he have for match fixing? Unless of course they threatened his family or something!
Quote from: WT4E on July 01, 2014, 10:27:56 AM
What about the Cameroon boys - bad form!
Alex Song must have been in on it - What incentive would he have for match fixing? Unless of course they threatened his family or something!
7 by all accounts. Who was the player sent off in the first half of the 4-0 defeat? he will obviously be one of the 7.
Quote from: J OGorman on July 01, 2014, 10:42:02 AM
Quote from: WT4E on July 01, 2014, 10:27:56 AM
What about the Cameroon boys - bad form!
Alex Song must have been in on it - What incentive would he have for match fixing? Unless of course they threatened his family or something!
7 by all accounts. Who was the player sent off in the first half of the 4-0 defeat? he will obviously be one of the 7.
Alex Song got the red card - €90k per week at Barcelona. (It will be interesting to see why he was involved)
You would nearly understand if it was Lee Keun-ho of South Korea who earns
€82 per month :o as a footballer!!!!
Quote from: WT4E on July 01, 2014, 11:01:31 AM
Quote from: J OGorman on July 01, 2014, 10:42:02 AM
Quote from: WT4E on July 01, 2014, 10:27:56 AM
What about the Cameroon boys - bad form!
Alex Song must have been in on it - What incentive would he have for match fixing? Unless of course they threatened his family or something!
7 by all accounts. Who was the player sent off in the first half of the 4-0 defeat? he will obviously be one of the 7.
Alex Song got the red card - €90k per week at Barcelona. (It will be interesting to see why he was involved)
You would nearly understand if it was Lee Keun-ho of South Korea who earns €82 per month :o as a footballer!!!!
There's no way that's right. Even a semi-pro in South Korea (one of the most developed countries on the planet) would be earning that and he wouldn't be aboard if he was earning that unless he 's some sort of academy player on a subsistence payment.
Quote from: Syferus on July 01, 2014, 11:08:04 AM
Quote from: WT4E on July 01, 2014, 11:01:31 AM
Quote from: J OGorman on July 01, 2014, 10:42:02 AM
Quote from: WT4E on July 01, 2014, 10:27:56 AM
What about the Cameroon boys - bad form!
Alex Song must have been in on it - What incentive would he have for match fixing? Unless of course they threatened his family or something!
7 by all accounts. Who was the player sent off in the first half of the 4-0 defeat? he will obviously be one of the 7.
Alex Song got the red card - €90k per week at Barcelona. (It will be interesting to see why he was involved)
You would nearly understand if it was Lee Keun-ho of South Korea who earns €82 per month :o as a footballer!!!!
There's no way that's right. Even a semi-pro in South Korea (one of the most developed countries on the planet) would be earning that and he wouldn't be aboard if he was earning that unless he 's some sort of academy player on a subsistence payment.
He's in the Korean Army! II think that's why he earns so little for the football. Can anyone else confirm this ridiculous info?
Christ, Kenny Cunningham would fairly clear a party
It may be a 0-0 game but I'm enjoying this match.
Quote from: laoislad on July 01, 2014, 10:07:48 PM
It may be a 0-0 game but I'm enjoying this match.
yeah it's a really enjoyable game. Origi looks like a good player
I don't think there has been one dive in this game which is unheard of this world cup.
Only a matter of time it seems... Great character shown by usa.
the substitute yedlin is a flying machine
Tim Howard having a good game.
Quote from: heganboy on July 01, 2014, 10:44:39 PM
the substitute yedlin is a flying machine
He's been excellent since he came on.
Tim Howard has been immense.
Best fair play game this tournament, even the managers are hugging during the game!! Klinsman is a gent
harsh
De Bruyne could have killed Jones there.
Better team heading through.
Could they trouble the Argies? I think so. Improving gradually!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 01, 2014, 11:14:15 PM
Could they trouble the Argies? I think so. Improving gradually!
They sure can I reckon. Argentina were dreadful today and weren't much better v Iran
Lukaku made a huge difference since he came on.
The argies have been very poor. Would fancy belgium.
That's it until Friday. :'(
What will we do with our evenings?
howl yer horses...
A lot of neutrals supporting the USA. Not often that happens!
Quote from: Tony Baloney on July 01, 2014, 11:22:24 PM
A lot of neutrals supporting the USA. Not often that happens!
Unbelievable Jeff.
This is great entertainment.
Hard luck USA. Gained a lot of respect in this tournament.
That was brilliant.
Nearly felt like a Hollywood movie with the Americans going to win against all the odds!
Great game.
What a match. Clint Dempsey, ah jeez. Some heart from both teams
Argentina for me all the way. Will reek havoc down the 2 wings. Belgium's Achilles heal.
All 8 group winners are through to the quarter finals. It has been an excellent World Cup.
FRI 4 JUL 2014 - WORLD CUP
France v Germany
17:00
Brazil v Colombia
21:00
SAT 5 JUL 2014 - WORLD CUP
Argentina v Belgium
17:00
Netherlands v Costa Rica
21:00
Quote from: All of a Sludden on July 01, 2014, 11:40:22 PM
All 8 group winners are through to the quarter finals. It has been an excellent World Cup.
FRI 4 JUL 2014 - WORLD CUP
France v Germany
17:00
Brazil v Colombia
21:00
SAT 5 JUL 2014 - WORLD CUP
Argentina v Belgium
17:00
Netherlands v Costa Rica
21:00
Quote from: EC Unique on July 01, 2014, 11:48:01 PM
Quote from: All of a Sludden on July 01, 2014, 11:40:22 PM
All 8 group winners are through to the quarter finals. It has been an excellent World Cup.
FRI 4 JUL 2014 - WORLD CUP
France v Germany
17:00
Brazil v Colombia
21:00
SAT 5 JUL 2014 - WORLD CUP
Argentina v Belgium
17:00
Netherlands v Costa Rica
21:00
Think Colombia will do a number on Brazil but think your others will be bang on. Fancied Germany to go all the way but they haven't been convincing.
I think belgium will beat the argies.
Don't think france will beat the germans.
Columbia
Germany
Belgium
Holland.
I think EC will be correct. I think Brazil will fall over the line again.
Germany, Brazil, Argentina and the Netherlands will progress.
Ze German defence was all over the shop against Algeria, play like that against France and they won't be going through.
glad to see switzerland go home as they are a very hard team to watch. are there any teams now left that will be parking the bus?
while argentina were poor yesterday, i think they will get more space against belgium.
when the usa put them on the backfoot in the second period of extra time the belgian defence didn't look great.
semis will be brazil v germany and holland v argentina - and i think these are the pairings most neutrals would like to see.
Quote from: clarshack on July 02, 2014, 10:54:18 AM
glad to see switzerland go home as they are a very hard team to watch. are there any teams now left that will be parking the bus?
while argentina were poor yesterday, i think they will get more space against belgium.
when the usa put them on the backfoot in the second period of extra time the belgian defence didn't look great.
semis will be brazil v germany and holland v argentina - and i think these are the pairings most neutrals would like to see.
Bar Spain this would have been the main or likely semi final parings. All the teams that played in the last 16 were well matched for most of the game, the extra bit of class finally came when it mattered, I'd like to see Costa Rica and Columbia get a go at a semi final be interesting to see a final with a long shot in it. Not a lot between the teams
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 02, 2014, 11:04:10 AM
Quote from: clarshack on July 02, 2014, 10:54:18 AM
glad to see switzerland go home as they are a very hard team to watch. are there any teams now left that will be parking the bus?
while argentina were poor yesterday, i think they will get more space against belgium.
when the usa put them on the backfoot in the second period of extra time the belgian defence didn't look great.
semis will be brazil v germany and holland v argentina - and i think these are the pairings most neutrals would like to see.
Bar Spain this would have been the main or likely semi final parings. All the teams that played in the last 16 were well matched for most of the game, the extra bit of class finally came when it mattered, I'd like to see Costa Rica and Columbia get a go at a semi final be interesting to see a final with a long shot in it. Not a lot between the teams
The last 16 matches were all fairly tight. Lots of really good defences and having a top class striker makes the difference.
There doesn't seem to be any outstanding team either.
Quote from: seafoid on July 02, 2014, 11:59:50 AM
Quote from: Milltown Row2 on July 02, 2014, 11:04:10 AM
Quote from: clarshack on July 02, 2014, 10:54:18 AM
glad to see switzerland go home as they are a very hard team to watch. are there any teams now left that will be parking the bus?
while argentina were poor yesterday, i think they will get more space against belgium.
when the usa put them on the backfoot in the second period of extra time the belgian defence didn't look great.
semis will be brazil v germany and holland v argentina - and i think these are the pairings most neutrals would like to see.
Bar Spain this would have been the main or likely semi final parings. All the teams that played in the last 16 were well matched for most of the game, the extra bit of class finally came when it mattered, I'd like to see Costa Rica and Columbia get a go at a semi final be interesting to see a final with a long shot in it. Not a lot between the teams
The last 16 matches were all fairly tight. Lots of really good defences and having a top class striker makes the difference.
There doesn't seem to be any outstanding team either.
Is there an argument then that this is indeed a poor world cup for overall team quality.
Must pundits saying that no team has a great defence, none of the main number 9's hitting their mark.
If it wasnt for a few individuals on certain teams, Neymar, Messi, Muller and Rodrigeuz, would we be talking this tournament up so much?
Granted the entertainment value has been decent but maybe the overall quality down or am I reading too much into it?
I think the standard of international football overall is quite poor compared to what it used to be. If you have a well structured team you will go far. The best teams will generally have the best players and win out but as the us showed last night you can do well with a system people buy in to etc etc. That is why Trap got us to the euros and close to the world cup.
The standard of the likes of the champions league is well above international game standard. I think the money has polluted it a bit to be honest.
For entertainment value alone it has to go down as one of the best ever to be fair.
Maybe it's a good thing there have been no stand out teams.
How many times have we seen big games hyped up in the Premier League or elsewhere only for both teams to cancel each other out.
The 2nd half of extra time last night was fantastic. I was roaring at the TV hoping USA would get a second goal.
For me the World Cup is about entertainment and it is delivering it in spades.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 02, 2014, 12:29:42 PM
I think the standard of international football overall is quite poor compared to what it used to be. If you have a well structured team you will go far. The best teams will generally have the best players and win out but as the us showed last night you can do well with a system people buy in to etc etc. That is why Trap got us to the euros and close to the world cup.
The standard of the likes of the champions league is well above international game standard. I think the money has polluted it a bit to be honest.
So you're saying theres no great teams anymore? What about real teams? Or serious contenders for that matter?
http://www.dangerhere.com/the-charter-of-reality-who-are-the-real-teams/
I suppose the answer to that is what do you watch the games for? I always get suspicious when people talk about 'standards', especially when trying to downplay or pour cold water on a game or tournament.
I like watching soccer for moments of skill, goals, excitement and human drama. This world cup has provided all of that. Rodriguez' goal v Uruguay, Neymar's flicks and tricks v Cameroon, Messi's goals, Cahill's strike, the Belgian Move that nearly saw Kompany scoring last night, Pirlo's passing v England (because they didn't press him!!!), The penalty shootouts, the tears, the joy, the biting, the denial, the ban, the apology. Uruguay going mental. Algeria going mentler, Mexico's manager, USA's spirit. Ghana's implosion.
To be honest this World Cup is right up there in terms of entertainment, and that's what I judge the tournament on. There has been some poor goalkeeping, some poor defending overall, but to counter against that, we have had some seriously positive attacking play, and teams just going for it.
So to me it's a great tournament, and I wish it was still back in the first round so we'd have all these games to look forward to still.
It's been an outstanding tournament, and a lot more entertaining then the 2010 World Cup.
Don't mind who wins as long as it's not the Germans
This is tournament football - it has everything that's good and bad about the game (ref. AZ's list up there). The game is played by teams that don't routinely play together, and managed by coaches who see the players for about 20 days each year.
As anyone who has coached a tournament team will probably agree, there's no place for anything very fancy - it's about getting the basics right, so anyone expecting to see Champions League standards will fell short-changed. This is about doing the basics right and consistently - defending intelligently, passing efficiently through the thirds, keeping the ball for extended periods (without necessarily doing anything constructive), and trying to get possession to your goalscorers in good positions.
Brazil are probably at an advantage as they've not been involved in qualifying and have had time to work together - the longer they stay in the tournament, the more likely they are to win it - if they make the final, they'll win it.
I've been really impressed by Wilmots as a manager - he has done the old tournament 'trick' of bombarding teams with a certain attacking option for enough time for them to become accustomed to it, comfortable with it, and then he changes the focus completely. It's now worked for four games in a row - hopefully he has something else up his sleeve, as that may not work in the last-8.
France have also been impressive - I think they'll beat Germany.
I think anyone who is quick to suggest the Champions League as the pinnacle of football should remember just how boring and predictable the Group stages at last 32 tend to be.
An average Arsenal side have routinely qualified from this stage since, well, forever.
There's no doubt that from the quarter-finals onwards, when the billionaires face off against each other, that the CL produces an exceptionally high standard. But for overall quality and competitiveness among 32 teams, a World Cup tournament is on a different level - for no other reason than it's a slightly more level playing field, and the players by-and-large are doing it for national pride, and not as a job.
Billy, there's a lot in what you're saying about tournaments bringing together teams that don't play together, thereby making things a little less structured. But the Greeks, Yanks, Costa Ricans, Colombians and Germans have shown it's very possible.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 02, 2014, 01:44:26 PM
I think anyone who is quick to suggest the Champions League as the pinnacle of football should remember just how boring and predictable the Group stages at last 32 tend to be.
An average Arsenal side have routinely qualified from this stage since, well, forever.
There's no doubt that from the quarter-finals onwards, when the billionaires face off against each other, that the CL produces an exceptionally high standard. But for overall quality and competitiveness among 32 teams, a World Cup tournament is on a different level - for no other reason than it's a slightly more level playing field, and the players by-and-large are doing it for national pride, and not as a job.
Billy, there's a lot in what you're saying about tournaments bringing together teams that don't play together, thereby making things a little less structured. But the Greeks, Yanks, Costa Ricans, Colombians and Germans have shown it's very possible.
Makes no sense whatsoever!! If you had said Ruban Kazan or Olympiacos perhaps that would have had merit.
Rodney your people fight in WWII or something!!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 02, 2014, 01:51:49 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 02, 2014, 01:44:26 PM
I think anyone who is quick to suggest the Champions League as the pinnacle of football should remember just how boring and predictable the Group stages at last 32 tend to be.
An average Arsenal side have routinely qualified from this stage since, well, forever.
There's no doubt that from the quarter-finals onwards, when the billionaires face off against each other, that the CL produces an exceptionally high standard. But for overall quality and competitiveness among 32 teams, a World Cup tournament is on a different level - for no other reason than it's a slightly more level playing field, and the players by-and-large are doing it for national pride, and not as a job.
Billy, there's a lot in what you're saying about tournaments bringing together teams that don't play together, thereby making things a little less structured. But the Greeks, Yanks, Costa Ricans, Colombians and Germans have shown it's very possible.
Makes no sense whatsoever!! If you had said Ruban Kazan or Olympiacos perhaps that would have had merit.
Rodney your people fight in WWII or something!!
Not sure why Walter?
The CL group stages have 32 teams. It's been at least 5 years since we saw a good Arsenal team, yet they still routinely pass from that group stage to the last 16. For this to happen, it would suggest a lack of quality among the bottom 16 teams every year.
Not a great fan of using "Argies" as a term. Not sure if it is offensive or not but................
Its been a cracking world cup.
If anything it emphasis how players/teams can play above themselves when the motivation is to represent your country/people. Money is far from a factor for a lot of the teams. When money is a factor it places limits and introduces tensions into the group - see majority of African countries.
The underdogs have really fought hard to make themselves competitive. If you judged teams on star players and their CL level players, a lot of games would have been landslides.
Even at that, the cream has largely risen to the top and will be interesting to see how the rest plays out. A few big games ahead.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 02, 2014, 01:51:49 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 02, 2014, 01:44:26 PM
I think anyone who is quick to suggest the Champions League as the pinnacle of football should remember just how boring and predictable the Group stages at last 32 tend to be.
An average Arsenal side have routinely qualified from this stage since, well, forever.
There's no doubt that from the quarter-finals onwards, when the billionaires face off against each other, that the CL produces an exceptionally high standard. But for overall quality and competitiveness among 32 teams, a World Cup tournament is on a different level - for no other reason than it's a slightly more level playing field, and the players by-and-large are doing it for national pride, and not as a job.
Billy, there's a lot in what you're saying about tournaments bringing together teams that don't play together, thereby making things a little less structured. But the Greeks, Yanks, Costa Ricans, Colombians and Germans have shown it's very possible.
Makes no sense whatsoever!! If you had said Ruban Kazan or Olympiacos perhaps that would have had merit.
Rodney your people fight in WWII or something!!
Eh no Walter, it has no nothing to do with War,
from someone who has become increasingly bored with soccer and would rarely watch a match the past few seasons this world cup has been fantastic.
i have found myself actually looking forward to games.
Couldn't believe how much i got into the games last night especially the 2nd half of extra time.
Some cracking games to look forward to so Brazil v Colombia and France v Germany in particular for me so lets just hope it continues.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 02, 2014, 01:44:26 PM
I think anyone who is quick to suggest the Champions League as the pinnacle of football should remember just how boring and predictable the Group stages at last 32 tend to be.
An average Arsenal side have routinely qualified from this stage since, well, forever.
There's no doubt that from the quarter-finals onwards, when the billionaires face off against each other, that the CL produces an exceptionally high standard. But for overall quality and competitiveness among 32 teams, a World Cup tournament is on a different level - for no other reason than it's a slightly more level playing field, and the players by-and-large are doing it for national pride, and not as a job.
Billy, there's a lot in what you're saying about tournaments bringing together teams that don't play together, thereby making things a little less structured. But the Greeks, Yanks, Costa Ricans, Colombians and Germans have shown it's very possible.
Id agree. Less diving (has Naymer dived at all?) and acting the wag too when playing for you country it seems, with the exception of the likes of Robben. Real pride in the jersey. Great excitement and very few dud matches.
Havent watched near as many matches in recent years, but will miss it the next couple of nights. A wee episode of Father Ted between the 1st and 2nd matches was a nice wee bonus too
Quater-final predictions:
Colombia
Germany
Argentina
Holland (though I'd love CR to beat them. Robben & De Jong no thanks)
Semi-final predictions:
Colombia
Argentina
Winner:
Argentina
Brad Friedel with Hammen and Sadler have been the best pundits on RTE.
De Jong is out for the tournament, J, so you might be okay now if Robben gets rabies or something.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 02, 2014, 04:20:36 PM
De Jong is out for the tournament, J, so you might be okay now if Robben gets rabies or something.
oh. bit of karma there no doubt on old Nige
Fantastic show of generosity from the Algerian team who have decided to donate their $9 million prize money to Gaza. According to their striker Islam Slimani "they need it more than us."
http://www.diehardsport.com/2014/07/02/algeria-striker-announces-team-will-donate-world-cup-prize-money/
What's the story on aguero's fitness?
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/lionel-messi-is-impossible/
Long but quite interesting statistical analysis of Messi versus the rest - some of the figures and his outperformance are crazy.
Your man who wrote that has too much time on his hands!
Quote from: Zip Code on July 03, 2014, 08:21:01 AM
Your man who wrote that has too much time on his hands!
Anyone who read that has too much time on their hands! ;D
A notable trend in the interwingle over the past 12-18 months, is the number of blogs and articles popping up like that one, where someone tries to turn a game as fluid as soccer, into a statistical study.
I find these things appalling. Death by numbers is bad enough. Death by numbers when accompanied by terrible prose is worse again. Death by numbers with terrible prose and a wholly unsuitable subject matter should be punishable be death.
We don't need 5,000 words, 20 graphs, and two weeks of research to understand that Messi is more gifted than almost anyone else who has played the game. We have two eyes.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 03, 2014, 09:28:25 AM
A notable trend in the interwingle over the past 12-18 months, is the number of blogs and articles popping up like that one, where someone tries to turn a game as fluid as soccer, into a statistical study.
I find these things appalling. Death by numbers is bad enough. Death by numbers when accompanied by terrible prose is worse again. Death by numbers with terrible prose and a wholly unsuitable subject matter should be punishable be death.
We don't need 5,000 words, 20 graphs, and two weeks of research to understand that Messi is more gifted than almost anyone else who has played the game. We have two eyes.
This.
QuoteI find these things appalling. Death by numbers is bad enough. Death by numbers when accompanied by terrible prose is worse again. Death by numbers with terrible prose and a wholly unsuitable subject matter should be punishable be death.
You have my vote.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 03, 2014, 09:28:25 AM
A notable trend in the interwingle over the past 12-18 months, is the number of blogs and articles popping up like that one, where someone tries to turn a game as fluid as soccer, into a statistical study.
I find these things appalling. Death by numbers is bad enough. Death by numbers when accompanied by terrible prose is worse again. Death by numbers with terrible prose and a wholly unsuitable subject matter should be punishable be death.
We don't need 5,000 words, 20 graphs, and two weeks of research to understand that Messi is more gifted than almost anyone else who has played the game. We have two eyes.
Its moneyball gone mad and everyone looking for the next model of it.
Was out watching a senior club challenge match recently. The opposition who will remain unnamed had a camera in the stand and another guy doing stats who never stopped writing all game. This was much to the amusement of one of the old timers who'd have a pocket full of championship medals. He was talking about this and said in his day you didn't need stats or a DVD to tell you who was or wasn't a coward on the field and that's all you needed to know!
Quote from: Bingo on July 03, 2014, 10:20:26 AM
Was out watching a senior club challenge match recently. The opposition who will remain unnamed had a camera in the stand and another guy doing stats who never stopped writing all game. This was much to the amusement of one of the old timers who'd have a pocket full of championship medals. He was talking about this and said in his day you didn't need stats or a DVD to tell you who was or wasn't a coward on the field and that's all you needed to know!
I think I'd rather engage with the stathead than the old timer. You can't have a discussion with someone who argues from authority.
I will defend stats to a point. It is interesting, and useful, to identify patterns around key events and to trace a cause and effect when certain things happen.
We turn the ball over inside our 45, and we are punished 50% of the time. That's a stat.
But what does it mean? How can you solve it? Why are we turning the ball over? Can we do something better?
That's the art of coaching/management.
I've seen reams of stats generated, and I asked the lad who was over the team 'What do you use all those stats for?'. He said 'They're very interesting to see how the game went'. I just nodded and changed the subject. To me, that's stats for stats sake.
To be honest AZ, i think most stats are for the sake of stats.
Even given your example above about turnovers inside the 45, if you're watching the game you shouldn't need a statman to tell you that the opposition are killing us on the counter attack. And a statman definitely won't be able to tell you if this is a premeditated tactic by the opposition, or if they just happen to be fitter than us and as a result are unusually good at exploiting our mistakes, or if it's because our full-forwards are making the wrong runs or are just being marked very well, or if there's one particular runner from deep who's causing all those problems (and needs lynched).
The most basic example of this is when people need a summary of clean catches and breaking ball stats, to know which team is dominating midfield. It shouldn't be needed.
Quote from: deiseach on July 03, 2014, 10:33:29 AM
Quote from: Bingo on July 03, 2014, 10:20:26 AM
Was out watching a senior club challenge match recently. The opposition who will remain unnamed had a camera in the stand and another guy doing stats who never stopped writing all game. This was much to the amusement of one of the old timers who'd have a pocket full of championship medals. He was talking about this and said in his day you didn't need stats or a DVD to tell you who was or wasn't a coward on the field and that's all you needed to know!
I think I'd rather engage with the stathead than the old timer. You can't have a discussion with someone who argues from authority.
There is a balance somewhere in the middle of the two of them.
Read a good piece recently on Rooney in the world cup and how his workrate and distance covered in the matches was used to point to his importance in the team. The article then reviewed his runs etc and dismissed it in that his runs where often at a much lower pace than his team mates, he was often running out of postion and therefore running back into position and that his other stats were weaker than other players who covered less distance.
It was a blog but the tagline was that stats can be used to mask anything if only looked at one level.
Di Maria stats were interesting the other night - 51 times he give the ball away. Goals scored 1!
They have their place within managing/coaching a team but it has become ridiculous in some quarters.
If used for the right reasons and in the right way then they can definitely be useful.
By analysing previous performances and identifying trends both as a team an as individuals you can then set to work on trying to improve areas of play. Sometimes verbal feedback doesn't work at all, though show a guy an ipad with clips of him constantly getting caught in possession or passing the ball straight to the opposing team in different games and he might soon take notice. If it can improve the performance of a player or team then its useful.
Quote from: thewobbler on July 03, 2014, 10:51:51 AM
To be honest AZ, i think most stats are for the sake of stats.
Even given your example above about turnovers inside the 45, if you're watching the game you shouldn't need a statman to tell you that the opposition are killing us on the counter attack. And a statman definitely won't be able to tell you if this is a premeditated tactic by the opposition, or if they just happen to be fitter than us and as a result are unusually good at exploiting our mistakes, or if it's because our full-forwards are making the wrong runs or are just being marked very well, or if there's one particular runner from deep who's causing all those problems (and needs lynched).
The most basic example of this is when people need a summary of clean catches and breaking ball stats, to know which team is dominating midfield. It shouldn't be needed.
It's not just about the stat though, it's about what's causing the stat. A stat will show you a problem, and will quantify (as opposed to gut feel) how big the problem is.
The coaching is what you do about it, and how you recognise the cause of it.
Simple example,
Stat : We've lost 20 of 23 kickouts.
Cause : We're shit at midfield and our keeper keeps kicking it out to them
Remedy 1 : Go with a short kickout.
Obviously you won't need a statman to tell you that, but when you get down into less obvious examples it can be useful. I'm just cautious of lads who gather acres of stats for no reason other than to give you a numerical summary of something you already knew.
Quote from: Bingo on July 03, 2014, 10:54:01 AM
There is a balance somewhere in the middle of the two of them.
Of course there is. Every team is looking for an edge. If you can find one nugget among the dross of stats, and see the dross for what it is, you're laughing.
Stats just identify your weaknesses (and strengths) - the 'edge' is in how you coach and plan to address what they are telling you.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 03, 2014, 10:55:50 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on July 03, 2014, 10:51:51 AM
To be honest AZ, i think most stats are for the sake of stats.
Even given your example above about turnovers inside the 45, if you're watching the game you shouldn't need a statman to tell you that the opposition are killing us on the counter attack. And a statman definitely won't be able to tell you if this is a premeditated tactic by the opposition, or if they just happen to be fitter than us and as a result are unusually good at exploiting our mistakes, or if it's because our full-forwards are making the wrong runs or are just being marked very well, or if there's one particular runner from deep who's causing all those problems (and needs lynched).
The most basic example of this is when people need a summary of clean catches and breaking ball stats, to know which team is dominating midfield. It shouldn't be needed.
It's not just about the stat though, it's about what's causing the stat. A stat will show you a problem, and will quantify (as opposed to gut feel) how big the problem is.
The coaching is what you do about it, and how you recognise the cause of it.
Simple example,
Stat : We've lost 20 of 23 kickouts.
Cause : We're shit at midfield and our keeper keeps kicking it out to them
Remedy 1 : Go with a short kickout.
Obviously you won't need a statman to tell you that, but when you get down into less obvious examples it can be useful. I'm just cautious of lads who gather acres of stats for no reason other than to give you a numerical summary of something you already knew.
I know we're dealing with a basic example here. But in this scenario, I'd hope that both the keeper and manager wouldn't have to wait to halftime/fulltime to pick up on this. Lose 3 kickouts in a row, and the keeper really needs to have a plan b, or at least try out a plan b.
Quote from: Billys Boots on July 03, 2014, 11:23:49 AM
Stats just identify your weaknesses (and strengths) - the 'edge' is in how you coach and plan to address what they are telling you.
This is what I am trying to say. Thanks for being concise :)
Bullshit, stats are over-rated. Soccer is simple, football is simple, the only stat that I would consider is the team that can do the basics right most often is generally the team that wins. Know your basics, practice your basics and perfect your basics, the rest will flow naturally.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on July 03, 2014, 12:38:38 PM
Bullshit, stats are over-rated. Soccer is simple, football is simple, the only stat that I would consider is the team that can do the basics right most often is generally the team that wins. Know your basics, practice your basics and perfect your basics, the rest will flow naturally.
In a live game situation yes they are over rated but a good manager will be able to use them to shape and tailor his training sessions to pick up on weaknesses and develop patterns and situations etc.
Another good blog by Tim Vickery!!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28121729
Quote from: thewobbler on July 03, 2014, 09:28:25 AM
A notable trend in the interwingle over the past 12-18 months, is the number of blogs and articles popping up like that one, where someone tries to turn a game as fluid as soccer, into a statistical study.
I find these things appalling. Death by numbers is bad enough. Death by numbers when accompanied by terrible prose is worse again. Death by numbers with terrible prose and a wholly unsuitable subject matter should be punishable be death.
We don't need 5,000 words, 20 graphs, and two weeks of research to understand that Messi is more gifted than almost anyone else who has played the game. We have two eyes.
That is very true. TBH my principal interest in it was more that, statistically speaking anyway, there is no debate as to whether he or Ronaldo is the better player.
Quote from: give her dixie on July 02, 2014, 10:44:33 PM
Fantastic show of generosity from the Algerian team who have decided to donate their $9 million prize money to Gaza. According to their striker Islam Slimani "they need it more than us."
http://www.diehardsport.com/2014/07/02/algeria-striker-announces-team-will-donate-world-cup-prize-money/
Another false Twitter rumour
France Line Up Lloris (c), Debuchy, Evra, Varane, Sakho, Cabaye, Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann, Matuidi, Pogba
Germany Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Höwedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Müller, Kroos, Özil; Klose.
Lahm back in right back position to stop Griezmann probaly
Germany manager looks like he's stopped mucking around with players out of position.
Think they'll have their game heads on this evening. Germany 3 -0 France.
Here's hoping Colombia keep it going in the later game. I don't actually think it'll be that entertaining unless Colombia score an early goal and force the Brazilians to put a bit of tempo into their game.
I seen a German line up with Mertesacker in,no teamsheet up on skysports scorecentre.
He was dropped, that's the teams
Quote from: beer baron on July 04, 2014, 03:55:17 PM
I seen a German line up with Mertesacker in,no teamsheet up on skysports scorecentre.
Neuer - Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes - Schweinsteiger, Khedira - Muller, Kroos Ozil - Klose.
Sweet :D
Quote from: beer baron on July 04, 2014, 03:55:17 PM
I seen a German line up with Mertesacker in,no teamsheet up on skysports scorecentre.
France: Lloris (c), Debuchy, Evra, Varane, Sakho, Cabaye, Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann, Matuidi, Pogba.
Germany: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, Muller, Lahm (c), Kroos, Boateng.
Ooops beat me to it Geoff
ah jesus just play the bloody match!!all this racism craic should be left to politicians
Quote from: laoislad on July 04, 2014, 04:57:31 PM
Two great anthems!
German one wins it for me.
No offence to Papa Haydn, but you are wrong.
Time is running out for the French. Five minutes to go and one goal down.
France wouldn't score in a Month.
Poor enough game. Dunno why anyone was backing France to win beforehand.
You'd imagine the Colombia Brazil game will be far more open and entertaining.
Quote from: Farrandeelin on July 02, 2014, 12:11:19 AM
I think EC will be correct.
You should have known better....
the Brazil anthem is class with the whole crowd singing it
Get your money on Brazil for the whole thing. 10 yards and fouls obviously don't apply to them
Well that's that! Hard to beat a team that is proverbially beating you and a blind Ref!
This has been a dreadful game. Colombia could have beaten them if they played a bit and didn't get dragged into the fouling game that Brazil were at.
Hope the Germans hammer Brazil if they do go through.
Some free kick though in fairness.
Takes some doing to make themselves the most hated team at the WC with their cheating and bias from refs but well done Brazil...u managed it
I give Brazil the benefit of the start of the tournament and thought they win it, but after 5 games i have to say they are a fairly poor team and home advantage is obviously a big difference, there is no way they make the final if the world cup was outside Brazil. they have 2 good central defenders,a decent defensive midfielder and neymar, Hulk and Fred are very poor (Playing Kaka as striker would have been a better option than Fred, hell to be honest i am 40 and a better option than Fred), fullbacks very dodgy, William and Ramieres and likely Dante should be in this team somewhere, What the hell has happened Oscar, one of Chelsea best players, he been nonexistent this world cup. goals from neymar and their defence cloaks that they are fairly poor, playing the Germans next who don't look anything special either to be honest,
ITV said it was 'almost preordained' tonight........yeh and then some
I woudltn say they are cheating but the ref shoudl been firing out alot of yellow cards here, Still thinkt he Dutch team the best team in it but they probably go out and self destruct the mor night,
That maybe a red there??
And that lad the player of the world cup even though he been kicked off the park the night
Come on Colombia
Talk about falling over the line! :-\
The World Cup is getting progressively worse
Germany will beat Brazil.
Quote from: AQMP on July 04, 2014, 10:54:45 PM
The World Cup is getting progressively worse
Yeah but it's "just win baby" at this stage, teams will be more cautious and take less chances.
This Brazil team has no pattern of play and neymar has badly went off the boil from the first 2 games, only thing is germany have been getting progressively worse also
The Germans should have more than enough to defeat that Brazilian side.
Quote from: laoislad on July 04, 2014, 10:55:30 PM
Germany will beat Brazil.
No way...Brazil are FIFA's team. This World Cup is over.
Quote from: laoislad on July 04, 2014, 07:05:11 PM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on July 02, 2014, 12:11:19 AM
I think EC will be correct.
You should have known better....
Good job I changed my mind😘💷💷
Result: Win
Football Matches
World Cup Matches France v Germany
17:00 04/07
To Qualify for the Next Round
Germany @ 8/11
Result: Win
Football Matches
World Cup Matches Brazil v Colombia
21:00 04/07
To Qualify for the Next Round
Brazil @ 2/5
Stake and Return Details
Bet Placed at: 14:13 02/07
Bet type: Single (to Win)
Number of Lines: 1
Stake per Line: £100.00
Number of win Lines: 1
Total Stake: £100.00
Tax: £0.00
Freebets Redeemed: £0.00
Winnings: £241.82
World Cup qtr final. Home team with 200m people expecting them to win. Far from been a team of vintage and been slated for having very average players. Playing an inform team.
Considering that I think Brazil done rightly and done what was needed. It's all about winning. I wish Liverpool had done that V Chelsea.
G just seen Luiz goal again on the replay, some goal
The referee performance was appalling. Fernandinho, Maicon and Marcelo were giving away frees all night. Persistent, cynical fouling. They clearly set out to butcher James Rodriguez. How many times was he fouled and there was not one yellow given against him? I think Brazil only got 2 yellow cards. 1 for Thiago Silva which was blatant and the goalkeeper for taking out a player.
Quote from: Bingo on July 04, 2014, 11:03:14 PM
World Cup qtr final. Home team with 200m people expecting them to win. Far from been a team of vintage and been slated for having very average players. Playing an inform team.
Considering that I think Brazil done rightly and done what was needed. It's all about winning. I wish Liverpool had done that V Chelsea.
Absolutely, it's all about winning, do they want to be like the 1982 team or the 1994 team? Brazil have got pragmatic long ago. I saw some journalist saying he had never seen a team in any sport under so much pressure to win a tournament. Some set of balls on them of they do win it. Germany aren't exactly coming down with flicks and tricks yet they are lauded for their "efficiency".
Ref was a homer tonite and I hope Germany pump Brazil in the semis.
Some shocking decisions, anything within an asses roar of a 50/50 is going Brazils way.
Quote from: clarshack on July 04, 2014, 11:13:11 PM
Ref was a homer tonite and I hope Germany pump Brazil in the semis.
Agreed.
Neymar taken to hospital reports saying.
Hard to believe there's only six games left in this World Cup.
Christ, the end can't come quick enough so we can say goodbye to Billo. As poor now as Brazil are onfield, just won't listen to pundits answers without hurrying them up ("Yeah, OK, That's right"), incapable of winging it, keeps making errors, hopeless when he goes off autocue.
Quote from: Shrewdness on July 04, 2014, 11:18:53 PM
Hard to believe there's only six games left in this World Cup.
The most entertaining games may be behind us.
I backed them at the start of the tournament but it looks like the end for Brazil against a good consistent German team in the semi final. Brazil might be missing their two best players in the next game. Tiago Silva through suspension and Neymar through injury.
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 05, 2014, 12:00:33 AM
I backed them at the start of the tournament but it looks like the end for Brazil against a good consistent German team in the semi final. Brazil might be missing their two best players in the next game. Tiago Silva through suspension and Neymar through injury.
Will they have the ref favouring them??
Fractured vertebrae for Neymar. Nasty enough one.
Quote from: ballinaman on July 05, 2014, 12:03:50 AM
Fractured vertebrae for Neymar. Nasty enough one.
Where u reading this?
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 05, 2014, 12:06:20 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on July 05, 2014, 12:03:50 AM
Fractured vertebrae for Neymar. Nasty enough one.
Where u reading this?
Journalists at Scolari presser on twitter.
I'd guess it's a compression fracture by how it happened. 6-12 weeks in a brace depending on severity. No nerve damage with compression.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 05, 2014, 12:09:47 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on July 05, 2014, 12:08:28 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 05, 2014, 12:06:20 AM
Quote from: ballinaman on July 05, 2014, 12:03:50 AM
Fractured vertebrae for Neymar. Nasty enough one.
Where u reading this?
Journalists at Scolari presser on twitter.
Cool. Big Phil reckons he'll play.
Dan Roan reported that Scolari said he's out.
Fracture not confirmed yet so might hold horses on diagnosis yet.
Shame he's out. Bout the only good thing about that team!
Thiago Silva will be a massive loss too
I wonder what the suspension is for a broken back? Zuniga should be worried?
Wtf was that bug thing that landed on Rodriguez before the penalty?
(http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/afp-531375020.jpg?w=1000&h=690)
Thats brazil no chance now, i cant see where the goals will come from, couple of lucky crosses for defenders to get on the end of is about the height of their planned play
Quote from: mouview on July 04, 2014, 11:20:04 PM
Christ, the end can't come quick enough so we can say goodbye to Billo. As poor now as Brazil are onfield, just won't listen to pundits answers without hurrying them up ("Yeah, OK, That's right"), incapable of winging it, keeps making errors, hopeless when he goes off autocue.
I was watching on Univision (Spanish language commentary) for the first half and was enjoying the game even though I could understand no more than about one word in ten. Yes it was rough, the ref was no James Galway and Brasil were getting away with murder, but it was great entertainment. Tuned in to RTE for half time and the second half. Was ready to jump off the bridge a few minutes into the second half. Never seen such depressing analysis and commentary in my life. Talking down the game. Saying it's a load of rubbish. Talking over the top of each other. Bickering like a married couple. Even the commentator (was it George Hamilton?) was getting in on the act and bad-mouthing it. Who do these people think they are? They're like pretentious restaurant critics.
I went back to Univision again.
WTF is it with RTE that they don't know how to present a sporting event, act professional and talk it up? Okay you might quibble about some of the technical quality of some of the football, but how could you not see the entertainment value in that match today? Why do they feel the need to try and turn off as many repeat viewers as possible? What an embarrassing excuse for a national broadcaster. Shower of incompetent mucksavages the whole bloody lot of them. The sooner they lose all live broadcasting rights to the GAA the better. They don't deserve it. Put it all on TV3, TG4 and Sky for three years until they learn a bit of manners and learn how to do their jobs properly.
Quote from: BennyHarp on July 05, 2014, 01:17:41 AM
Wtf was that bug thing that landed on Rodriguez before the penalty?
(http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/afp-531375020.jpg?w=1000&h=690)
Looks like a Grasshopper
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grasshopper
I enjoyed that game from start to finish. The pressure on this mediocre Brazil side is something to behold. I think they'll do it. Apart from dead ball delivery, Neymar has been quiet recently. Hulk to step up with a hat trick.
I'm convinced Fred must have caught Big Phil shagging sheep. There's no other explanation as to why he's still being kept on the park
Hard to see past Argentina and Holland tonight.
Eamonn, compared to the alternatives (BBC, ITV) RTE's coverage is brilliant.
I'd compare it to the Sunday's Game's live Hurling coverage and analysis to BBCs coverage of the Ulster championship.
The RTE's B team of coverage (Molony (?), Sandler, Hamman and Brad Friedel) are much better.
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 05, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Eamonn, compared to the alternatives (BBC, ITV) RTE's coverage is brilliant.
I'd compare it to the Sunday's Game's live Hurling coverage and analysis to BBCs coverage of the Ulster championship.
The RTE's B team of coverage (Molony (?), Sandler, Hamman and Brad Friedel) are much better.
i agree RTE have been head and shoulders above BBC/ITV (deck chairs on the beach!!),i dont know what match Eamonn was watching but it was the most cynical/dirty match i have seen in a long time,was a terrible match with players making terrible mistakes and the 2 best players in Neymar and rodriguez were taken out at evry opportunity,RTE just called it how it was In my opinion of course.
Quote from: cockahoop on July 05, 2014, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 05, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Eamonn, compared to the alternatives (BBC, ITV) RTE's coverage is brilliant.
I'd compare it to the Sunday's Game's live Hurling coverage and analysis to BBCs coverage of the Ulster championship.
The RTE's B team of coverage (Molony (?), Sandler, Hamman and Brad Friedel) are much better.
i agree RTE have been head and shoulders above BBC/ITV (deck chairs on the beach!!),i dont know what match Eamonn was watching but it was the most cynical/dirty match i have seen in a long time,was a terrible match with players making terrible mistakes and the 2 best players in Neymar and rodriguez were taken out at evry opportunity,RTE just called it how it was In my opinion of course.
Was forced to watch my first match on BBC last night (online). Andy Townsend is a complete dose (decent midfielder though)
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 05, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Eamonn, compared to the alternatives (BBC, ITV) RTE's coverage is brilliant.
I'd compare it to the Sunday's Game's live Hurling coverage and analysis to BBCs coverage of the Ulster championship.
The RTE's B team of coverage (Molony (?), Sandler, Hamman and Brad Friedel) are much better.
Sadler is a bit Dumph lite though. If I want Dumph I want the full-fat Dumph.
Don't understand why Didi wasn't on the Germany match coverage yesterday, I assume it must have been a clash of schedules or something. Hopefully Ozzie is on the Argentina coverage today. He's great craic with Gilesy.
Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Basanta; Biglia, Mascherano, Di Maria; Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain.
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen, Witsel, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Mirallas, Hazard, Origi
Neymar out of the WC with a broken back. With Silva suspended for the Germany match Brazil's hopes look shot.
Quote from: Syferus on July 05, 2014, 04:02:39 PM
Neymar out of the WC with a broken back. With Silva suspended for the Germany match Brazil's hopes look shot.
Neymar will be replaced by the ref
Messi v Fellaini in the run up to that goal. ;D
Such a mismatch.
(http://i.imgur.com/W8LjUE5.gif)
Disappointed with Belgium, not overly impressed with Argentina.
Germany Holland final for me(providing Holland win tonight)
Poor enough game. Dunno why anyone was backing Belgium to win beforehand. ;)
While not brilliant, Argentina were a lot more solid at the back today. They should have had another 2 goals also. Think they will win their semifinal.
A World Cup of two halves
Quote from: clarshack on July 05, 2014, 07:05:48 PM
While not brilliant, Argentina were a lot more solid at the back today. They should have had another 2 goals also. Think they will win their semifinal.
Argentina- Brazil would be a fabulous final
Quote from: cockahoop on July 05, 2014, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 05, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Eamonn, compared to the alternatives (BBC, ITV) RTE's coverage is brilliant.
I'd compare it to the Sunday's Game's live Hurling coverage and analysis to BBCs coverage of the Ulster championship.
The RTE's B team of coverage (Molony (?), Sandler, Hamman and Brad Friedel) are much better.
i agree RTE have been head and shoulders above BBC/ITV (deck chairs on the beach!!),i dont know what match Eamonn was watching but it was the most cynical/dirty match i have seen in a long time,was a terrible match with players making terrible mistakes and the 2 best players in Neymar and rodriguez were taken out at evry opportunity,RTE just called it how it was In my opinion of course.
Of course yiz thought it was awful, you watched it on RTE. That's my point. They could take any game and make it look bad.
Quote from: Eamonnca1 on July 05, 2014, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: cockahoop on July 05, 2014, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: Denn Forever on July 05, 2014, 11:42:10 AM
Eamonn, compared to the alternatives (BBC, ITV) RTE's coverage is brilliant.
I'd compare it to the Sunday's Game's live Hurling coverage and analysis to BBCs coverage of the Ulster championship.
The RTE's B team of coverage (Molony (?), Sandler, Hamman and Brad Friedel) are much better.
i agree RTE have been head and shoulders above BBC/ITV (deck chairs on the beach!!),i dont know what match Eamonn was watching but it was the most cynical/dirty match i have seen in a long time,was a terrible match with players making terrible mistakes and the 2 best players in Neymar and rodriguez were taken out at evry opportunity,RTE just called it how it was In my opinion of course.
Of course yiz thought it was awful, you watched it on RTE. That's my point. They could take any game and make it look bad.
Watched it in Spain with no understanding of the commentary. It was a mediocre game at best.
Five minutes to go till half time and the Dutch aren't having it all their own way. Still 0-0.
Fella with an Irish Jersey on stuck in the middle of all the Dutch.
Quote from: laoislad on July 05, 2014, 10:02:32 PM
Fella with an Irish Jersey on stuck in the middle of all the Dutch.
Probably Tony Fearon thinking it is the Ulster semi-final replay.
Two terrible misses from Van Persie at the end.
Costa Rica will be playing for pens now. They are playing a very high defensive line,Dutch have been caught offside multiple times. One good through ball and they'll be caught out.
The Dutch should get a goal or two in extra time.
If you back somebody to score anytime does it count in a pen shoot out?
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:08:29 PM
If you back somebody to score anytime does it count in a pen shoot out?
You will need a very good lawyer to win that one.
Quote from: muppet on July 05, 2014, 11:09:18 PM
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:08:29 PM
If you back somebody to score anytime does it count in a pen shoot out?
You will need a very good lawyer to win that one.
I take it that's a No then. :D
Robbens fitness levels are through the roof.
Would be something if this went to penalties.
The Dutch need to win this in ET as they'll not fancy pens.
In my opinion there should be some kind of rule that you can't win two games in a row on penalties. From the first minute that's what Costa Rica have been playing for. That's my opinion anyway. I don't like what Costa Rica are doing and I hope the Dutch can get a winner in the second half of extra time.
That Robben's a hateful bollix.
must have heard wrong but did George Hamilton say that the Dutch have never been involved in a World Cup penalty shoutout? Pretty sure Brazil knocked them out on pens in 1998 semi final.
Quote from: muppet on July 05, 2014, 10:18:48 PM
Quote from: laoislad on July 05, 2014, 10:02:32 PM
Fella with an Irish Jersey on stuck in the middle of all the Dutch.
Probably Tony Fearon thinking it is the Ulster semi-final replay.
;D
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 05, 2014, 11:21:28 PM
In my opinion there should be some kind of rule that you can't win two games in a row on penalties. From the first minute that's what Costa Rica have been playing for. That's my opinion anyway. I don't like what Costa Rica are doing and I hope the Dutch can get a winner in the second half of extra time.
;D
So how would you like this game to be decided if it stays 0-0?
Quote from: clarshack on July 05, 2014, 11:22:10 PM
must have heard wrong but did George Hamilton say that the Dutch have never been involved in a World Cup penalty shoutout? Pretty sure Brazil knocked them out on pens in 1998 semi final.
Yup. Was thinking that too.
Quote from: laoislad on July 05, 2014, 11:24:54 PM
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 05, 2014, 11:21:28 PM
In my opinion there should be some kind of rule that you can't win two games in a row on penalties. From the first minute that's what Costa Rica have been playing for. That's my opinion anyway. I don't like what Costa Rica are doing and I hope the Dutch can get a winner in the second half of extra time.
;D
So how would you like this game to be decided if it stays 0-0?
The Netherlands should go through if it's 0-0.
It would force Costa Rica to play a bit. It's a shame to see a team in a World Cup Quarter-Final playing like this.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 05, 2014, 11:21:59 PM
That Robben's a hateful bollix.
Thought he is actually going well tonight. No diving and the best player on the pitch.
I really hope Costa Rica win this.
Quote from: laoislad on July 05, 2014, 11:32:17 PM
I really hope Costa Rica win this.
I think the Dutch will win the penalties.
Me too, they are such underdogs and they have worked their nuts off
No pressure on Tim Krul hey!!
Gas to see the Costa Rican fans celebrating wildly to get to penalties :)
Krul has saved 2 out of 20 penos for Newcastle the other lad must be shit altogether
I think the QF's have been a real let-down and Costa Rica's performance here is not fitting for this occasion. I hope the Dutch win the penalties but the Costa Rican penalties in the Greece game were outstanding.
Sligo rovers brought on a keeper like that in the fai cup final, think he saved a load of penos.
RTE panel forget Collins v Eubank.
This is all in the mind.
Come on Costa Rica!!! They are a bit like Ireland under Trap a few years back.
Quote from: muppet on July 05, 2014, 11:39:05 PM
RTE panel forget Collins v Eubank.
This is all in the mind.
No Tony Quinn here though!!
(http://edition.channel5belize.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Tony-Quinn.jpg)
WTF is Krul at? Kick in the bollix is what he needs.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2014, 11:44:17 PM
WTF is Krul at? Kick in the bollix is what he needs.
He has guessed right every time. Just like Packie.
Pity.
Quote from: muppet on July 05, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2014, 11:44:17 PM
WTF is Krul at? Kick in the bollix is what he needs.
He has guessed right every time. Just like Packie.
Was thinking exactly the same thing :) But I was talking about his antics before the kick each time.
Some penos by RVP and Kuyt. Scraped the paint off the post.
A Krul way to decide a game.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2014, 11:47:54 PM
Quote from: muppet on July 05, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2014, 11:44:17 PM
WTF is Krul at? Kick in the bollix is what he needs.
He has guessed right every time. Just like Packie.
Was thinking exactly the same thing :)
Some penos by RVP and Kuyt. Scraped the paint off the post.
Kuyt's was exactly the same as the one he scored v Chelsea in Champions League semi final.
Stroke of genius by LVG makes EC a few quid again tonight ;D
The Netherlands and Argentina is a far more appealing match. I'm happy they went through. The Quarter-Finals have been a disappointment though. We have 4 teams in the semis who'll go for it and won't be playing for penalties.
Fianna Fáil used to wheel out certain people in a crisis, depending on the crisis.
In that regard Krul reminds me of Mary O'Rourke.
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
Stroke of genius by LVG makes EC a few quid again tonight ;D
Do you not get any attention at home ?
Some gamesmanship by Krul.
Some achievement by Costa Rica. Extra time was brilliant. I'm away to throw on some Horslips
Good sub won it for the dutch however krul on Costa Rica who were the fairytale
story of this world cup.
The Dutch are hateful hoors. I hope the Argies hammer them.
We have to be honest and say that apart from about 10 mins in the Belg v USA game, the knock out phase has been shite. Boring as f**k.
I'd say both semis and the final will go to pens.
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 05, 2014, 11:50:35 PM
The Netherlands and Argentina is a far more appealing match. I'm happy they went through. The Quarter-Finals have been a disappointment though. We have 4 teams in the semis who'll go for it and won't be playing for penalties.
Ah come on. Sport is enhanced with the chance the underdog might cause an upset. Would you rather have a 4 team tournament? I'd say you bet 10c each way on the favourite in the Gold Cup ;-)
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
Stroke of genius by LVG
Hardly, they were poor pens. The keeper taken off would/should have saved them too.
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 05, 2014, 11:50:35 PM
The Netherlands and Argentina is a far more appealing match. I'm happy they went through. The Quarter-Finals have been a disappointment though. We have 4 teams in the semis who'll go for it and won't be playing for penalties.
Eh??
Quote from: clarshack on July 05, 2014, 11:54:19 PM
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
Stroke of genius by LVG
Hardly, they were poor pens. The keeper taken off would/should have saved them too.
Did you hear his record?
Quote from: AQMP on July 05, 2014, 11:53:24 PM
The Dutch are hateful hoors. I hope the Argies hammer them.
We have to be honest and say that apart from about 10 mins in the Belg v USA game, the knock out phase has been shite. Boring as f**k.
I'd say both semis and the final will go to pens.
Would agree. Argies v Holland has pens written all over it. The other not much better. Wouldn't like to see Robben prosper so hope they get turned over.
Paddy has Brazil and Germany at 7/4. Hard to pick a winner but think maybe Germany.
Quote from: J OGorman on July 05, 2014, 11:53:59 PM
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 05, 2014, 11:50:35 PM
The Netherlands and Argentina is a far more appealing match. I'm happy they went through. The Quarter-Finals have been a disappointment though. We have 4 teams in the semis who'll go for it and won't be playing for penalties.
Ah come on. Sport is enhanced with the chance the underdog might cause an upset. Would you rather have a 4 team tournament? I'd say you bet 10c each way on the favourite in the Gold Cup ;-)
Well funny enough if you want to go onto the horse racing thread and search through it you'll find plenty of predictions there.
Anyway I'd consider the Netherlands an underdog. They weren't fancied before the tournament.
Costa Rica weren't interested in attacking today. Plus I'd prefer to see more of Robben and Sneijder genuinely class players.
Anyway for me the World Cup is about the big football nations going head to head on the biggest stage. The Netherlands and Argentina are two great football countries with a great history. I would say the only time these two nations can clash is in a friendly or in a WC knockout match.
It has way more appeal than a Costa Rica / Argentina match and I certainly wouldn't be interested in watching Costa Rica park the bus again. It wouldn't be right reaching a WC semi having drawn your last 3 games either.
That's my view on it. That's the way I look at the World Cup to be.
Costa Rica maybe had 2 saved shots all nite in 120mins, the dutch were the better team and hit the bar 2 times and the post once, deserved to go through, Van Persie went off the boil from the 1st game which be worrying for them, the fact that no European team won a world cup in South America count against them and Germany, not that there would have been many anyway
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:55:57 PM
Quote from: clarshack on July 05, 2014, 11:54:19 PM
Quote from: EC Unique on July 05, 2014, 11:49:41 PM
Stroke of genius by LVG
Hardly, they were poor pens. The keeper taken off would/should have saved them too.
Did you hear his record?
Krul's? Apparently he's faced 20 spot kicks in the premier league and saved two. Not stellar really. However he's a big man and obviously more imposing that the under 14 they had in goals.
Martin ONeill pulled a similar stunt years ago as Leicester manager. Pulled his goalie in last minute of play-off final to put on a giant Aussie guy who's name escapes me. They didn't need him then as they scored in added time anyway
The Dutch have a dire record at Penalties, they had been practising penalties for the last number of the weeks and before the tournament started, Krul obviously did well to be selected.
Quote from: Boycey on July 06, 2014, 12:32:56 AM
Martin ONeill pulled a similar stunt years ago as Leicester manager. Pulled his goalie in last minute of play-off final to put on a giant Aussie guy who's name escapes me. They didn't need him then as they scored in added time anyway
6ft 7in Zeljko Kalac replaced Kevin Poole.
Didn't matter as Stevie Claridge then scored the winner.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on July 06, 2014, 01:23:16 AM
Quote from: Boycey on July 06, 2014, 12:32:56 AM
Martin ONeill pulled a similar stunt years ago as Leicester manager. Pulled his goalie in last minute of play-off final to put on a giant Aussie guy who's name escapes me. They didn't need him then as they scored in added time anyway
6ft 7in Zeljko Kalac replaced Kevin Poole.
Didn't matter as Stevie Claridge then scored the winner.
Good player and a great bloke.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2014, 11:47:54 PM
Quote from: muppet on July 05, 2014, 11:46:40 PM
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 05, 2014, 11:44:17 PM
WTF is Krul at? Kick in the bollix is what he needs.
He has guessed right every time. Just like Packie.
Was thinking exactly the same thing :) But I was talking about his antics before the kick each time.
Some penos by RVP and Kuyt. Scraped the paint off the post.
Didn't think there was anything wrong with what Krul was at, just kept telling them he knew which side they were going for, wished them luck and then even when they scored said he knew which side they were going for. Really got in their heads. Bit like a Wobbler back in '84 if I'm correct.
Glad Holland got through. More to offer in the semi. Hate when a team parks the bus, I know it's a legit tactic but hateful. The supporters were celebrating getting to penalties. Holland went all out to win from the word go and even went with 2 at the back for 2nd half of extra time I think.
Glad to see more of Robben. He has an unreal engine in him and would love to see him win a WC. RVP has been very disappointing, hasn't really appeared after the 1st game. Kuyt has been super also. What he lacks in skill he makes up for in work rate, Liverpool should not have let him go.
Hopefully a German Dutch final with the Dutch winning in normal time.
It's not been a good World Cup if you have to bump the thread on semi final night ;)
Say nothing, we all waiting Fred to run riot the nite!!
2 secs, call at the door, oops its the men in white coats for me!!!
Did the BBC commentator just say Deutschland Uber Alles???
Quote from: AQMP on July 08, 2014, 08:55:29 PM
Did the BBC commentator just say Deutschland Uber Alles???
Well it is their national anthem so it is quite possible that he mentioned it.
Quote from: dec on July 08, 2014, 09:03:24 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 08, 2014, 08:55:29 PM
Did the BBC commentator just say Deutschland Uber Alles???
Well it is their national anthem so it is quite possible that he mentioned it.
Aye during the last World War it was!! There have been a few changes since then!
Ja!!
Will be interesting to see how Brazil react to this...
Two elbows by Luiz
Shocking dive by marcelo.
Mad game for a world cup semi. Defending shocking.
Quote from: imtommygunn on July 08, 2014, 09:20:10 PM
Shocking dive by marcelo.
Mad game for a world cup semi. Defending shocking.
And then has the audacity to point to the spot! :-\
This is fun! :P
Delighted at this.
Holy Smoley!!!
Sligo Rovers would beat Brazil
???
Madness.
Aw except I just saw that kid crying. I hate that.
Germans playing like Liverpool.
Brazil defending like liverpool in the last ten minutes against crystal palace...
Score? No tv or rádio.
The Brazilian defending the worst ever seen in a world cup semi final.
Well this game didn't last long as a contest. Germany lead by 4 after 25 minutes. The Brazilian fans are crying.
Think the Germans should save some goals for sunday
4 goals in 6 mins must be some, sort of record??
5-0 germany ardal... 30 minutes.
Brazil getting what they deserve after how they played against Colombia
Talk about pissing on your chips.....
oh, this is bad. Very bad.
Lets hope people remember this is just a game.
That's the end for the Selecao and an even more hurtful way to extinguish their hopes than Uruguay in the Maracana in 1950.
If it goes to 5-5 , will Germany go through on away goals?
If this world cup was in any other country, Brazil would not have got out of their group. Brazil were always going to get found out but didn't think it would be to this extent.
Truely, they are the master race.
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on July 08, 2014, 09:33:04 PM
oh, this is bad. Very bad.
Lets hope people remember this is just a game.
You would feel sorry for the supporters. Sport is cruel.
People will talk about this game in a hundred years time!!
PSG. Take a reddner. ;D
Quote from: clarshack on July 08, 2014, 09:13:02 PM
Will be interesting to see how Brazil react to this...
Answered! It's not as if Germany had to try too hard, schoolboy stuff after the first goal.
Sweden were 4 nil down against this German team and ended up with a 4-4 draw......
Klose has the record for World Cup goals
They're not Brazil, they're Northern Ireland
This is worse than Kerry v Meath 2001
I feel for the green and gold.
Quote from: laoislad on July 08, 2014, 09:42:02 PM
Sweden were 4 nil down against this German team and ended up with a 4-4 draw......
At least Sweden had zlatan to call upon, brazil have nothing to offer.
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on July 08, 2014, 09:33:04 PM
oh, this is bad. Very bad.
Lets hope people remember this is just a game.
With the homocide rate being as high as it is regardless of it being an 86% catholic nation (where is it they get their morals from?), you would worry.
To quote Alex Ferguson, 'Football, bloody hell'. Must say I'm enjoying this though. I never for the life understood how Brazil were pre-tournament favourites anyway, must be the home advantage.
Somehow I managed to miss all 5 goals, called out of the room by the kids 3 times.
@rickygervais: This won't be the first time that thousands of Germans will have to lie low in Brazil for a while for their own safety.
An all European final and an all South American 3rd place would be good. Would like to see the Dutch win it all.
After the 5th goal I thought someone was going to run out and stop the game. Technically Germany are brilliant. They obviously have a great youth system to keep rolling players through.
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on July 08, 2014, 09:59:52 PM
Somehow I managed to miss all 5 goals, called out of the room by the kids 3 times.
@rickygervais: This won't be the first time that thousands of Germans will have to lie low in Brazil for a while for their own safety.
Very good ;D
There won't be a cow milked in Berlin tonight
Quote from: joemamas on July 08, 2014, 10:02:56 PM
There won't be a cow milked in Berlin tonight
milk yields will drop 0.001% in Berlin tonight.
Quote from: AQMP on July 05, 2014, 11:53:24 PM
The Dutch are hateful hoors. I hope the Argies hammer them.
We have to be honest and say that apart from about 10 mins in the Belg v USA game, the knock out phase has been shite. Boring as f**k.
I'd say both semis and the final will go to pens.
I may have got the last bit slightly wrong ???
Stadium has emptied out a fair bit. Germany seem a bit disinterested. Probably thinking of the final.
ftp://twitter.com/JeremyClarkson/status/486610424100843521 (http://ftp://twitter.com/JeremyClarkson/status/486610424100843521)
Smart move getting Hummels off,rest will do him good after few injuries and illness. Expect Schweinsteiger off soon enough too.
some shameful diving now. Hope it finishes 8-0.
Think I just heard Brazil fans sing "we're not Brazil we're Norn Iron"
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on July 08, 2014, 10:05:55 PM
Quote from: joemamas on July 08, 2014, 10:02:56 PM
There won't be a cow milked in Berlin tonight
milk yields will drop 0.001% in Berlin tonight.
However under the Common Agricultural Policy the farmers will get bonuses for staying under their milk quotas.
How many attempts is that now to fool the referee. Brazil losing a lot of fans on that behaviour....I hope
Ronaldinho
Robinho
Pato
Coutinho
Kaka
Lucas Maura
None of those made the Brazil Squad but Fred did. Ronaldinho probaly past it now but the others would have had something to offer.
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 08, 2014, 10:33:58 PM
Ronaldinho
Robinho
Pato
Coutinho
Kaka
Lucas Maura
None of those made the Brazil Squad but Fred did. Ronaldinho probaly past it now but the others would have had something to offer.
Pato? A few years ago maybe, too many injuries and there was hardly a word said about his exclusion.
Germany should be split into two.
Still better then that lump. He has had lot of injuries, which haven't helped. Not like he is past it at 24
WTF were the odds on this scoreline??
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 08, 2014, 10:33:58 PM
Ronaldinho
Robinho
Pato
Coutinho
Kaka
Lucas Maura
None of those made the Brazil Squad but Fred did. Ronaldinho probaly past it now but the others would have had something to offer.
Filipe Luís
Miranda
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on July 08, 2014, 10:39:47 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 08, 2014, 10:33:58 PM
Ronaldinho
Robinho
Pato
Coutinho
Kaka
Lucas Maura
None of those made the Brazil Squad but Fred did. Ronaldinho probaly past it now but the others would have had something to offer.
Filipe Luís
Miranda
Poor Diego Costa was fairly fecked whatever side he had chosen.
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 08, 2014, 10:33:58 PM
Ronaldinho
Robinho
Pato
Coutinho
Kaka
Lucas Maura
None of those made the Brazil Squad but Fred did. Ronaldinho probaly past it now but the others would have had something to offer.
Moura,Coutinho or Ronaldinho wouldn't have shocked too many if they got in,I expected Kaka in there myself. Played some good stuff with Milan last season(even though i hear he's left for the U.S) Robinho had a poor season so he wasn't going to get in and has poor Pato ever got back to full fitness since he went back home? Fred's getting booed by his own fans here,bit of a disgrace if you ask me,has a brilliant goalscoring record and was the topscorer at last years Confed cup. Football fans have short memories
Quote from: AQMP on July 08, 2014, 10:39:24 PM
WTF were the odds on this scoreline??
Drinking Harp probably predicted it.
Glorious for the Germans and embarrassing for the Brazilians. If the Irish were shipping this type of defeat at least the supporters would entertain themselves by singing the fields of Athenry.
I think Neymar just requested more sedative.
ok, they got one back....painkiller will do
Quote from: beer baron on July 08, 2014, 10:42:08 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 08, 2014, 10:33:58 PM
Ronaldinho
Robinho
Pato
Coutinho
Kaka
Lucas Maura
None of those made the Brazil Squad but Fred did. Ronaldinho probaly past it now but the others would have had something to offer.
Moura,Coutinho or Ronaldinho wouldn't have shocked too many if they got in,I expected Kaka in there myself. Played some good stuff with Milan last season(even though i hear he's left for the U.S) Robinho had a poor season so he wasn't going to get in and has poor Pato ever got back to full fitness since he went back home? Fred's getting booed by his own fans here,bit of a disgrace if you ask me,has a brilliant goalscoring record and was the topscorer at last years Confed cup. Football fans have short memories
Arsenal were linked with Pato in Januray so he hasn't been that bad of form in Brazil , goal stats are ok. Kaka opted to leave himself as Milan didnt qualify for Europe he is gone to Sao Paulo first on loan as the Us season won't be starting until next March 2015,
I don't know what has happened Fred in a year but he is not the player of last year anyway
Quote from: laoislad on July 08, 2014, 10:37:45 PM
Germany should be split into two.
David Hasselhoff took the wall down already didn't he?
The consolation for this Brazilian team is that they will get to face either Argentina or Netherlands in the 3rd place play-off. I'd say they can't wait for that? :P
We'll be talking about this in 30 years,crazy night.
Now Germany,don't get ahead of yourselves,still one game to go and then we'll all be happy 8)
Oops, Brazil deflated big time, but we knew coming in they hadnt the best team and home support only carries u so far, cant believe they gave up or conceding 4 goals in 6 mins early on. Still wouldn't bet on Germany yet, still no great shakes at the Back, I rather Holland get them even though Argentina be my favorites, that old bad blood from WW2 is never far away in Holland any time they play Germany
hahaha...very apt ...the closing music on RTE2
Quote from: theskull1 on July 08, 2014, 11:20:35 PM
hahaha...very apt ...the closing music on RTE2
Will we won't we? Ah fcuk it we will for the craic....brilliant
That wasn't Brazil, that was Northern Ireland...
Quote from: J OGorman on July 08, 2014, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: theskull1 on July 08, 2014, 11:20:35 PM
hahaha...very apt ...the closing music on RTE2
Will we won't we? Ah fcuk it we will for the craic....brilliant
I lol'd at it.
Very good
Quote from: THE MIGHTY QUINN on July 08, 2014, 09:45:10 PM
They're not Brazil, they're Northern Ireland
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 08, 2014, 10:20:06 PM
Think I just heard Brazil fans sing "we're not Brazil we're Norn Iron"
Quote from: BennyCake on July 08, 2014, 11:31:20 PM
That wasn't Brazil, that was Northern Ireland...
Wasn't even that funny the first time !
John Terry is getting his German kit ready.
Surprised at just how much my American friends have gotten into soccer for the World Cup. My Facebook feed has been filled with WC-related stuff from them and it hasn't stopped just because the USA are out. Soccer is growing in the US but it the World Cup as an event has really took hold at a level that's surprising to me because outside of the World Cup soccer is still pushed deep into the sporting background and most of the Americans I know would hardly watch any games.
It probably helps that the World Cup is on when college sports, the NFL NBA, NHL and indeed every major US sport besides baseball are in their off-seasons.
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
it was like the 2006 All ireland football final. Total collapse by Brazil and much too easy for Germany. Would Germany beat Tyrone mid 00s? Not sure.
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
Brazil were found out. A distinctly average team. One thing they might learn is that waving a shirt and shouting and blubbing during the anthem will not a World Cup win. Even with Silva and Neymar they still would have been hammered.
Quote from: seafoid on July 09, 2014, 09:07:08 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
it was like the 2006 All ireland football final. Total collapse by Brazil and much too easy for Germany. Would Germany beat Tyrone mid 00s? Not sure.
Mickey Harte vs Jogi Loew?? Too close to call...
Germany scored more goals in that game than England have in their last two World Cups!
I see now where Brazil got the world cup logo inspiration from.....
(http://worldcup2014places.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/world-cup-2014-logo-facepalm_1402741620.jpg)
Quote from: Syferus on July 09, 2014, 02:32:53 AM
Surprised at just how much my American friends have gotten into soccer for the World Cup. My Facebook feed has been filled with WC-related stuff from them and it hasn't stopped just because the USA are out. Soccer is growing in the US but it the World Cup as an event has really took hold at a level that's surprising to me because outside of the World Cup soccer is still pushed deep into the sporting background and most of the Americans I know would hardly watch any games.
It probably helps that the World Cup is on when college sports, the NFL NBA, NHL and indeed every major US sport besides baseball are in their off-seasons.
The statement in bold is completely untrue. MLS league games are on TV all the time during the season and the average attendance at MLS games is on a par with Ligue 1 in France. Highlights in MLS games are reported in sports news summary bullitons in the same way that baseball and American football highlights are. I know this because I have watched them every night.
Nobody is claiming its bigger than baseball or American football but does it need to be as big as them for Americans to be considered "into" soccer ? Rugby is second to GAA and Soccer in Ireland. I'm sure you'd be a bit perplexed if someone expressed surprise that Irish people were "into" Rugby though ?
I think I heard somewhere that soccer is the biggest sport in the US for the U18 (maybe a lower age bracket??) Demographic, but its way down the pecking order viewing wise for 30 to 45 demographic. This will change with time.
Heard an interesting piece on the radio on this. Soccer is an elitist sport in US - you have to pay to play as a kid and if you are really serious about joining a good team that will lead to development and maybe professional parents may need to have to shell out $3k-$5k.
Quote from: HiMucker on July 09, 2014, 01:02:24 PM
I think I heard somewhere that soccer is the biggest sport in the US for the U18 (maybe a lower age bracket??) Demographic, but its way down the pecking order viewing wise for 30 to 45 demographic. This will change with time.
Agreed. Its definitely a younger generation thing and the current viewing numbers are poor enough relative to baseball , American football etc but the profile of the sport is not "deep into the sporting background" that's for sure. Its plenty visible. When I first came over you'd rarely see league game highlights on sports bullitons but now its very common.
Also, if viewing numbers for domestic soccer leagues is the criteria then Ireland must rank near the bottom so :)
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on July 09, 2014, 12:38:45 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 09, 2014, 02:32:53 AM
Surprised at just how much my American friends have gotten into soccer for the World Cup. My Facebook feed has been filled with WC-related stuff from them and it hasn't stopped just because the USA are out. Soccer is growing in the US but it the World Cup as an event has really took hold at a level that's surprising to me because outside of the World Cup soccer is still pushed deep into the sporting background and most of the Americans I know would hardly watch any games.
It probably helps that the World Cup is on when college sports, the NFL NBA, NHL and indeed every major US sport besides baseball are in their off-seasons.
The statement in bold is completely untrue. MLS league games are on TV all the time during the season and the average attendance at MLS games is on a par with Ligue 1 in France. Highlights in MLS games are reported in sports news summary bullitons in the same way that baseball and American football highlights are. I know this because I have watched them every night.
Nobody is claiming its bigger than baseball or American football but does it need to be as big as them for Americans to be considered "into" soccer ? Rugby is second to GAA and Soccer in Ireland. I'm sure you'd be a bit perplexed if someone expressed surprise that Irish people were "into" Rugby though ?
The USA is absolutely huge. It's the size of a continent in area and in population. Comparing raw numbes between France and the States is comparing apples and oranges.
Soccer would be doing well to be the six or seventh sport in the country and is still treated with a detached amusement in some quarters. The people who are watching the WC are mainly people who would have barely seen an MLS game on TV in their lives. The sheer level of interest the World Cup gets is far beyond what the sport in general gets.
Quote from: Syferus on July 09, 2014, 02:28:59 PM
Quote from: Mike Sheehy on July 09, 2014, 12:38:45 PM
Quote from: Syferus on July 09, 2014, 02:32:53 AM
Surprised at just how much my American friends have gotten into soccer for the World Cup. My Facebook feed has been filled with WC-related stuff from them and it hasn't stopped just because the USA are out. Soccer is growing in the US but it the World Cup as an event has really took hold at a level that's surprising to me because outside of the World Cup soccer is still pushed deep into the sporting background and most of the Americans I know would hardly watch any games.
It probably helps that the World Cup is on when college sports, the NFL NBA, NHL and indeed every major US sport besides baseball are in their off-seasons.
The statement in bold is completely untrue. MLS league games are on TV all the time during the season and the average attendance at MLS games is on a par with Ligue 1 in France. Highlights in MLS games are reported in sports news summary bullitons in the same way that baseball and American football highlights are. I know this because I have watched them every night.
Nobody is claiming its bigger than baseball or American football but does it need to be as big as them for Americans to be considered "into" soccer ? Rugby is second to GAA and Soccer in Ireland. I'm sure you'd be a bit perplexed if someone expressed surprise that Irish people were "into" Rugby though ?
The USA is absolutely huge. It's the size of a continent in area and in population. Comparing raw numbes between France and the States is comparing apples and oranges.
Using your logic the average attendance at MLS games would have to rise to 90,000 before we can say that the comparison is fair ::)
Also, you are changing the argument. I never claimed that the huge WC viewing numbers are , somehow, a true reflection of the sports popularity. I was addressing your statement that the sport gets pushed deep into the background after the world cup. It does not. It is quite visible throughout the season. Both domestic and foreign games get plenty of coverage.
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 09:16:10 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
Brazil were found out. A distinctly average team. One thing they might learn is that waving a shirt and shouting and blubbing during the anthem will not a World Cup win. Even with Silva and Neymar they still would have been hammered.
shows how important Silva was to that Brazilian defence and he and Neymar should make it onto the team of the tournament.
It's a vague concept, but I don't think soccer is part of the national conversation in the States in the way that rugby, despite its minority status and lack of geographical spread, is here in Ireland. Even someone who has never watched a lick of rugby would know who Brian O'Driscoll is. I would say there is no MLS player who is universally known solely on his status as an MLS player.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 03:08:48 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 09:16:10 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
Brazil were found out. A distinctly average team. One thing they might learn is that waving a shirt and shouting and blubbing during the anthem will not a World Cup win. Even with Silva and Neymar they still would have been hammered.
shows how important Silva was to that Brazilian defence and he and Neymar should make it onto the team of the tournament.
Cant see how either would make it onto the team of the tournament, if Messi makes the final, he will take the 10 shirt and if not with Rodriguez likely to be top scorer he would be second choice IMO.
Plus you take then that Hummels/ Koscienly/ kompany and even Chaill would be ahead of Silva. Just because he missed out on a thrashing doesnt make him a great player at this tournament.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/index.html
At the moment Messi isn't in top 11!
Quote from: WT4E on July 09, 2014, 03:55:41 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/castrol-index/index.html
At the moment Messi isn't in top 11!
Would have too much faith in those stats from FIFA sure they have the Swiss ranked in the top ten teams going into the world cup.
Yeah but I wonder is it this Castrol index that determines the team or do they give it to a judging panel?
Quote from: AQMP on July 08, 2014, 10:39:24 PM
WTF were the odds on this scoreline??
500/1 as it turns out.
Knew Silva was good just didn't realise how good if he managed to hold that shambles together the past few years without been found out unless he missed out on a game. How bad are they, well Algeria had a chance to beat Germany and Ghana drew with them,w e see what the night match brings then decide on their greatness or not come sunday, still not convinced beating the worst Brazil team of all time
Germany took full advantage as Brazil disintegrated. Made it very easy for Germany and more of a case of Brazil being awful than Germany great imo. Hard to know how this will affect Germany for the final - give them a massive confidence boost or a false sense of where they really are?
The World Cup reverts to type ::)
Holland look like they're playing for pens.
Please let someone score,this is dreadful and extra time won't be any better.
Quote from: laoislad on July 09, 2014, 10:36:16 PM
Please let someone score this is dreadful and extra time won't be any better.
I wouldn't even mind if Brazil scored at this stage
Took off their best player on the night. Enzo Perez for that donkey with the silly dreadlock.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 09, 2014, 10:41:41 PM
Took off their best player on the night. Enzo Perez for that donkey with the silly dreadlock.
Agreed thought Perez did well
Would Messi get in the German team??
Pens written all over this.
Germans will be delighted,extra days rest after a handy game last night and who ever they play will have a day less and extra time tonight.
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 10:53:23 PM
Would Messi get in the German team??
Dunno about Germany but can anyone who saw him play imagine maradonna being as ineffective?
Quote from: passedit on July 09, 2014, 11:01:43 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 10:53:23 PM
Would Messi get in the German team??
Dunno about Germany but can anyone who saw him play imagine maradonna being as ineffective?
Maradona would have had a field day against these modern automatons...coked up or not!!
This is absolute shit
Is Messi playing?
He'll probably score a hat trick now
When did Holland last score in this tournament??
Did he change the keeper?
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 11:34:04 PM
When did Holland last score in this tournament??
They haven't scored in over 240 minutes.... ::)
Complete Muck!
They should kick the two teams out and let the Germans at Brazil again, more entertaining.
Wexford goalkeeper having a stormer.
Right i hope that the end of Messi a better player than Maradona, i dont even wana to hear that any more,
Repeat of 1990 world cup final and probably a repeat result.
You couldn't be happy for either team.
But but but Van Gaal is a tactical genius, how can this happen? :o
Fancied Romero to save a couple of pens
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 09, 2014, 11:47:47 PM
But but but Van Gaal is a tactical genius, how can this happen? :o
He should have put that w**ker Krul on
Mascherano was brilliant tonight, I hope he remembers it tomorrow.
I enjoyed that.
Two brilliant defensive performances.
Quote from: ONeill on July 09, 2014, 11:50:14 PM
I enjoyed that.
Two brilliant defensive performances.
Typical Tie-Rone
Quote from: Harold Disgracey on July 09, 2014, 11:50:05 PM
Mascherano was brilliant tonight, I hope he remembers it tomorrow.
Him and Kuyt. Probably says allot about the sort of game it was?
Oh come on. We know what Robben and Messi can do against crap defenders. The defences never put a foot wrong. I thought it was mesmerising. World Cup semi.
No goalkeeper change this time, why? strange a central defender taking the first penalty
Glad to see the orangies out. The Argies haven't really got going in this tournament ;)
Quote from: ONeill on July 09, 2014, 11:55:18 PM
Oh come on. We know what Robben and Messi can do against crap defenders. The defences never put a foot wrong. I thought it was mesmerising. World Cup semi.
Would agree with this too
Last night was a blip. Modern football is shite...the standard of crossing, free kicks and corners has been woeful. That game was a disgrace to the game that Engerlund gave the savage world.
Yiz are a pack of wemen looking goals and stuff.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 09, 2014, 11:55:25 PM
No goalkeeper change this time, why? strange a central defender taking the first penalty
They'd used their 3 subs in normal time. Not being wise after the event, but when I saw Ron Vlaar coming up to take the first I was shocked too.
Quote from: ONeill on July 10, 2014, 12:02:22 AM
Yiz are a pack of wemen looking goals and stuff.
Typical Tie-Rone
Quote from: clarshack on July 09, 2014, 11:57:26 PM
Quote from: ONeill on July 09, 2014, 11:55:18 PM
Oh come on. We know what Robben and Messi can do against crap defenders. The defences never put a foot wrong. I thought it was mesmerising. World Cup semi.
Would agree with this too
Jesus lads, there's paint drying somewhere get yourselves there sharp so the fun doesn't have to stop!
Why don't Dunphy et al admit...Messi was shite
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 09, 2014, 11:45:47 PM
Right i hope that the end of Messi a better player than Maradona, i dont even wana to hear that any more,
Maradona was anonymous in '90 final too.
What was song RTE closed with tonight?
Quote from: mouview on July 10, 2014, 12:14:41 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on July 09, 2014, 11:45:47 PM
Right i hope that the end of Messi a better player than Maradona, i dont even wana to hear that any more,
Maradona was anonymous in '90 final too.
Messi is a better player than Maradona and nothing that happens on Sunday has any impact on that. The only thing a win will do is make the Argies like him a little more.
Quote from: AQMP on July 10, 2014, 12:06:06 AM
Why don't Dunphy et al admit...Messi was shite
Breathe man !
Poor much alright. For those of a slightly younger vintage, there was plenty of club and international games that Maradona went missing in
A place in the WC final, hectic schedule in warm humid conditions, end of a long season, huge pressure. Was always gonna be a cagey affair.
The final will be more of the same...they usually are
Messi is not a better player than Maradona, Maradona would shine at Barca in that current team of recent years, compared to the team he played on, there no way Messi could have took Napoli to 2 Italian leagues in a time Italian football was the worlds strongest. Back then a defender could cut u in 2 and often did, all the great players these days get plenty of protection, old Diego got very little. I remember watching Maradona from the mid 80`s and seen plenty of Messi, and he very good but still would not eclipse Maradona
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 13, 2010, 07:06:56 PM
Brazil, Ghana, Germany and Argentina will be the contenders next time. England will do better but they really missed the boat this time.
Not a bad auld prediction there from the Captain.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 10, 2014, 12:46:20 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 13, 2010, 07:06:56 PM
Brazil, Ghana, Germany and Argentina will be the contenders next time. England will do better but they really missed the boat this time.
Not a bad auld prediction there from the Captain.
60% of it was totally wrong.
Quote from: Syferus on July 10, 2014, 12:52:31 AM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on July 10, 2014, 12:46:20 AM
Quote from: Capt Pat on July 13, 2010, 07:06:56 PM
Brazil, Ghana, Germany and Argentina will be the contenders next time. England will do better but they really missed the boat this time.
Not a bad auld prediction there from the Captain.
60% of it was totally wrong.
60% correct, you mean
Brazil, Germany and Argentina contenders (semi finalists so 3 out of last 4 in contention)
Ghana meh and England incorrect
Out of the five teams named, three correct predictions and two incorrect
For me, Maradona was better. Messi dandered about today and only played if the ball came to him. Maradona demanded the ball.
Messi was blessed with the players around him at Barca. He's still the best on the planet right now but no way would Messi have landed that '86 World Cup or the Napoli titles.
Would those 3 not have been in most peoples's predictions?
Quote from: Zulu on July 10, 2014, 01:06:59 AM
Would those 3 not have been in most peoples's predictions?
I don't know, read back in the thread
I mean generally, not just on GAAboard. Not taking away from Pat's soccer knowledge but I would have thought 3 of those teams would have been highly regarded by everyone.
Quote from: ONeill on May 14, 2014, 12:02:25 AM
Here's one for ye - Spain not to qualify out of their group. Netherlands and Chile to pip them. What odds?
Decent prediction there.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 11:47:07 PM
Repeat of 1990 world cup final and probably a repeat result.
Also a repeat of the 1986 final.
Quote from: ONeill on July 10, 2014, 01:06:36 AM
For me, Maradona was better. Messi dandered about today and only played if the ball came to him. Maradona demanded the ball.
Messi was blessed with the players around him at Barca. He's still the best on the planet right now but no way would Messi have landed that '86 World Cup or the Napoli titles.
And me. Well said Wildweasel74.
Quote from: ziggy90 on July 10, 2014, 06:16:11 AM
Quote from: ONeill on July 10, 2014, 01:06:36 AM
For me, Maradona was better. Messi dandered about today and only played if the ball came to him. Maradona demanded the ball.
Messi was blessed with the players around him at Barca. He's still the best on the planet right now but no way would Messi have landed that '86 World Cup or the Napoli titles.
And me. Well said Wildweasel74.
When Maradona was shackled like Messi was last night he usually lashed out and spent the rest of the game in the bath. A different player in a different time and a different type of game.
Dutch keeper should have saved two of those penos last night, no wonder Van Gaaaaaaaaaaaal changed him out the other night, nifty enough ballwork during the game, but poor at the penos.
As for Kuyt, he'd a shit load of ball but as usual did the sum total of SFA with it. Mascherano was the best player on the pitch with or without the ball.
Messi doesn't look fit IMO, he saunters about and every once in a while we get a little burst out of him, then he's back to his sauntering. In saying that he made a great chance for Maxi who messed up the volley!!
Germany too strong IMO and will win by 2.
To be fair to Kuyt they were playing a guy who was once a striker as a left back in the end...
I thought Demichellis was one of the best on view.
Mascherano showed why Robben doesn't get as much kudos as the real top guys(Messi, Ronaldo etc). He's got bucketloads of pace but if you maych him at pace he's lacking in a few areas. Mascherano did a great tackle on him at the last minute but he should have pulled the trigger earlier - a guy who's supposed to be as good as that shouldn't be missing.
Have a feeling the Argies will win the final in a dour game.
It seems Van Gaal had trouble finding a player to take the first penalty. I find it hard to believe that Dirk was one of the refuseniks, just knew he was going to rattle home his penalty.
Maradona v Messi? Messi may be a better player, but Diego was (and is) rock & roll. 40 million Argies can't be wrong.
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 03:45:01 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 03:08:48 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 09:16:10 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
Brazil were found out. A distinctly average team. One thing they might learn is that waving a shirt and shouting and blubbing during the anthem will not a World Cup win. Even with Silva and Neymar they still would have been hammered.
shows how important Silva was to that Brazilian defence and he and Neymar should make it onto the team of the tournament.
Cant see how either would make it onto the team of the tournament, if Messi makes the final, he will take the 10 shirt and if not with Rodriguez likely to be top scorer he would be second choice IMO.
Plus you take then that Hummels/ Koscienly/ kompany and even Chaill would be ahead of Silva. Just because he missed out on a thrashing doesnt make him a great player at this tournament.
Koncienly had a average tournament and was dropped for the Germany game, so he wouldn't be ahead of Silva. Chaill as in Gary Cahill? noway was he ahead ofThiago Silva.
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 09:52:59 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 03:45:01 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 03:08:48 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 09, 2014, 09:16:10 AM
Quote from: NAG1 on July 09, 2014, 08:58:29 AM
Any one else feel that Brazil kind of got what was coming to them?
All the emotional crap before the games, the constant praying and posturing. In my mind they had completely lost the run of themselves and couldnt hack the occasion. The final straw was bringing out Neymar's jersey pre game, yes they want to show solidarity with their team mate but its not like he had died or that he even had a career threatening injury, they seem to have got so carried away with all that stuff and actually forgot to prepare mentally for the game.
Still difficult to decipher if Germany were just different class or that Brazil were just simply woeful, maybe a little of both me suspects.
Brazil were found out. A distinctly average team. One thing they might learn is that waving a shirt and shouting and blubbing during the anthem will not a World Cup win. Even with Silva and Neymar they still would have been hammered.
shows how important Silva was to that Brazilian defence and he and Neymar should make it onto the team of the tournament.
Cant see how either would make it onto the team of the tournament, if Messi makes the final, he will take the 10 shirt and if not with Rodriguez likely to be top scorer he would be second choice IMO.
Plus you take then that Hummels/ Koscienly/ kompany and even Chaill would be ahead of Silva. Just because he missed out on a thrashing doesnt make him a great player at this tournament.
Koncienly had a average tournament and was dropped for the Germany game, so he wouldn't be ahead of Silva. Chaill as in Gary Cahill? noway was he ahead ofThiago Silva.
Koscielny only started 2 games. The Ecuador game when France were already through then the Nigeria game when Sakho was injured. So I wouldnt describe it as being dropped as Sakho was Deschamps first choice along with Verane. I thought in the games he played Sakho was excellent!!
Hardly enough to be considered for the team of the tournament, Varane was good
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 10:01:43 AM
Hardly enough to be considered for the team of the tournament, Varane was good
See I thought Varane was poor. The way he got bullied for Hummel's goal was criminal.
A quick guess my side (4-2-3-1) would be:
Neuer
Isla
Hummels
Silva
Blind
Mascherano
Kroos
Robben
Rodriguez
Messi
Muller
A few Colombians and Chileans can feel hard done by
Last night was about as poor a game as I have ever watched. "highlight " was Mascherano's tackle and that was it.
Hope Argentina win it now but would be happy to see Germany win it also (if that makes sense).
WC entertainmentwise has fallen off a cliff since the group stages imo. Can't think of a memorable game in the knockout stages bar the Brazil semi which we will never forget for obvious reasons.
Quote from: johnneycool on July 10, 2014, 09:11:08 AM
Dutch keeper should have saved two of those penos last night, no wonder Van Gaaaaaaaaaaaal changed him out the other night, nifty enough ballwork during the game, but poor at the penos.
Commentary last night said that he had never saved a penalty in his professional career . Its not a bit wonder LVG changed him ! Unreal statistic if true ?
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 10, 2014, 10:16:53 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 10:01:43 AM
Hardly enough to be considered for the team of the tournament, Varane was good
See I thought Varane was poor. The way he got bullied for Hummel's goal was criminal.
A quick guess my side (4-2-3-1) would be:
Neuer
Isla
Hummels
Silva
Blind
Mascherano
Kroos
Robben
Rodriguez
Messi
Muller
A few Colombians and Chileans can feel hard done by
How many other mistakes did Varane make, he had a good tournament for a player of 21. Yepes, David Luiz despite his performance against Germany also had good tournaments, Ron Vlaar too.
Lift the Cup
Germany 8/11 Argentina 11/10
Draw at 90 mins is 9/4
Hard to call but I think maybe Germany after extra time.
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 12:35:34 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 10, 2014, 10:16:53 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 10:01:43 AM
Hardly enough to be considered for the team of the tournament, Varane was good
See I thought Varane was poor. The way he got bullied for Hummel's goal was criminal.
A quick guess my side (4-2-3-1) would be:
Neuer
Isla
Hummels
Silva
Blind
Mascherano
Kroos
Robben
Rodriguez
Messi
Muller
A few Colombians and Chileans can feel hard done by
How many other mistakes did Varane make, he had a good tournament for a player of 21. Yepes, David Luiz despite his performance against Germany also had good tournaments, Ron Vlaar too.
You could argue the French didnt meet much before the German game. Forgot about Vlaar. Probably should be in there ahead of Silva.
Maybe so, saying that I couldn't believe Vlaar was the first player to take a penalty for Holland last night. Messi the first for Argentina and a centre for the other team.
I was trying to figure out who the 2 Dutch players were that pulled out. Daley Blind one perhaps?
Probaly was one alright. Suppose Vlaar was brave enough to be the first anyway. He is being linked with Utd today.
i have to say the world cup has become a real disappoinment no matter what channel you watch it on as some believe its down to the commetary :o
as regards messi being better than maradona,messi not in the same league as maradona
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 12:56:36 PM
Probaly was one alright. Suppose Vlaar was brave enough to be the first anyway. He is being linked with Utd today.
I take it he wasn't linked with them before last nights game, or the World Cup?
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 10, 2014, 12:48:52 PM
I was trying to figure out who the 2 Dutch players were that pulled out. Daley Blind one perhaps?
I would imagine it was 2 out of Robben, Huntelaar and Sneijder. Van Gaal only said they refused to take the first penalty, not a penalty.
Quote from: Kidder81 on July 10, 2014, 01:10:30 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 12:56:36 PM
Probaly was one alright. Suppose Vlaar was brave enough to be the first anyway. He is being linked with Utd today.
I take it he wasn't linked with them before last nights game, or the World Cup?
He could have been - not like he was brutal up to last night. He had a very good tournament. Utd have been linked with lots of players and practically all the Dutch as it is.
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 12:56:36 PM
Probaly was one alright. Suppose Vlaar was brave enough to be the first anyway. He is being linked with Utd today.
Can't take a peno under pressure
He'll fit in well at United ...http://youtu.be/aSqg8K7q3Xc
Looks like it's back to a bit of childish back and forth again already ???.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi-SdzOlef4
Quote from: beer baron on July 10, 2014, 05:50:48 PM
Looks like it's back to a bit of childish back and forth again already ???.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi-SdzOlef4
Couldn't script it.....
He made it sure it didn't slip...
Did Martin O'Neill say last night on ITV he never really rated Mascherano ? Pretty remarkable if that's the case
Quote from: beer baron on July 10, 2014, 05:50:48 PM
Looks like it's back to a bit of childish back and forth again already ???.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi-SdzOlef4
That will never get old. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
4 Fish caught today...
Bitta Thursday trout always tasty,caught meself 1 too.
Thought this was good
Three Brazil fans walked into a food court in Porto Allegre
http://youtu.be/UwFhPqLcW3U
Quote from: laoislad on July 10, 2014, 07:19:03 PM
4 Fish caught today...
Always plenty of bites with that lot. Small brains like fish.
Mertesacker Emptiness: http://youtu.be/zV4CTHUFhig
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
If only I had put some money on one of them.
Quote from: nrico2006 on July 11, 2014, 03:48:12 PM
Quote from: nrico2006 on June 24, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
I picked Germany or Argentina to win it before the tournament started, still can't see anybody but these two winning it.
If only I had put some money on one of them.
Argentina were 7/2 . Not very exciting. Germany were 13/2
BBC documentary on Alan Hansen tonight 10.35, his last appearance on Sunday http://t.co/b8cv6oOn9o
Quote from: ONeill on July 11, 2014, 09:18:01 AM
Mertesacker Emptiness: http://youtu.be/zV4CTHUFhig
Excellent! Some class Old School Panini hairdos.
Think argentina will sneak it on Sunday. They've been harshly criticised IMO as every team they have played (apart from Nigeria) have parked the bus against them. Nigeria went out and played football and it was a 3-2 score line. All the other teams were terrified of messi and went ultra defensive and it's therefore been easy to label the argentines as boring.
Also, whether it's gaa or soccer more often than not, when a team wins a semi-final by a big score they end up losing the final. Don't forget the Germans can also tend to be over confident.
plus Germany have knocked argentina out of the last 2 world cups. Will it be a 3rd World Cup in a row? Law of averages and all that...
looking messi to score hattrick in final. that should see my argentins/messi bet up.
Golden Ball (best player) short-list: Di Maria, Hummels, Kroos, Lahm, Mascherano, Messi, Muller, Neymar, Robben, James Rodriguez.
Quote from: dec on July 10, 2014, 04:06:07 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 11:47:07 PM
Repeat of 1990 world cup final and probably a repeat result.
Also a repeat of the 1986 final.
They never met in those finals. That was West Germany. Germany haven't won the World Cup before.
Quote from: BennyCake on July 12, 2014, 04:49:07 PM
Quote from: dec on July 10, 2014, 04:06:07 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 11:47:07 PM
Repeat of 1990 world cup final and probably a repeat result.
Also a repeat of the 1986 final.
They never met in those finals. That was West Germany. Germany haven't won the World Cup before.
FFS Germany, get those 3 stars off your jersey :o ::)
If East Germany had won the WC would they have 4 stars?
So, when Ireland is one we can combine our....erm....shooting gold medals?
Apres match covering the game tonight. Class craic. As was the Garth brook's tune the other night.
'Some business by José to get rid of David Luis for €50m before the rest of the world realised he was a bellend'
Must say the Rte coverage of the world cup has been first rate. Fair dues Biiiiiiiiiiill
These games are often high scoring 3-2, 4-3....
Ned 8 Bra 4
Quote from: BennyCake on July 12, 2014, 04:49:07 PM
Quote from: dec on July 10, 2014, 04:06:07 AM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on July 09, 2014, 11:47:07 PM
Repeat of 1990 world cup final and probably a repeat result.
Also a repeat of the 1986 final.
They never met in those finals. That was West Germany. Germany haven't won the World Cup before.
Technically the country was and is called the Federal Republic of Germany, and DDR was re-integrated into it. So they have won the world cup before.
What a nasty piece of work that Robben **** is. Screaming for a red card in a third place play off?
not looking good after 15 mins, could be another tear feast at the finish here
Oscars a lovely wee footballer.
He's a cheatin Chelsea hoor.
Brazil very like Tyrone this year.
Not that bad surely Shirley??
Quote from: Walter Cronc on July 10, 2014, 10:16:53 AM
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 10, 2014, 10:01:43 AM
Hardly enough to be considered for the team of the tournament, Varane was good
See I thought Varane was poor. The way he got bullied for Hummel's goal was criminal.
A quick guess my side (4-2-3-1) would be:
Neuer
Isla
Hummels
Silva
Blind
Mascherano
Kroos
Robben
Rodriguez
Messi
Muller
A few Colombians and Chileans can feel hard done by
The a Match of the Day lads must have been looking at my side. 9 out of 11. Not bad
MOTD XI:
Manuel Neuer (Germany), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Costa Rica), Mats Hummels (Germany), Daley Blind (Netherlands), Javier Mascherano (Argentina), Toni Kroos (Germany), Arjen Robben (Netherlands), Lionel Messi (Argentina), James Rodriguez (Colombia), Thomas Muller (Germany)
In fairness I think most people would have had most of those players anyway
Jeez Rodney are you not still in the bar after yesterday ;)
Lahm'd be lucky to get in the team of the tournament unless he has a cracking game tonight. Poor Neymar probably deserves a place too,we seen how much they created without him the last 2 games.
As mad as it sounds i can see Hummels getting player of the tournament if he has a big game tonight,has been outstanding.
For me Mascherano is the best player at this thing....................... Just about over Mueller.
Quote from: stew on July 13, 2014, 05:21:57 PM
For me Mascherano is the best player at this thing....................... Just about over Mueller.
Better than Neuer? Madness.
Come on the Argies!!
Would really love to see Germany win just to see that woman bounce around cheering
Good game so far. Argentina should be ahead. Neuer doing a bit of a Schumacher ref gives him a free!
The game goes into extra time unsurprisingly.
Both sides giving a masterclass in tackling
Messi cannot be firing on all cylinders
Argies need to win in et here as you would fancy neuer to save at least 2 pens.
Germany may well nick this in the 2nd half of extra time as ageuro and messi are doing zero work in closing players down and inviting pressure on. The Argentine midfield will run out of puff
Germany struggle without a striker though. All the possession and minimal enough chances.
Could haunt them.
Aguero has been brutal and Messi looks like he's phoning in his game.
Jav Masc mom at the minute.
Relying on gaa board for final updates. Keep the posts coming
Still no tv or radio. Please update on game
If you can get gaaboard you can get internet?? 1-0 germany. 3 to go. Goetze.
Well done to the Germans. Messi unable to step out of the world cup shadow of Diego Maradona.
Game lost by subbing Aguerro for Levetzi, who was having a great game.
Best team won. Really without an effective striker too.
Good finish for goal. Higuan will have some sleepless nights.
Some goal to win it. Mascherano motm by a country mile. Ageuro not fit, Messi not well by the looks of it, JM really stood up and gave a peerless performance as a defensive midfielder. Some drive
Yer man with the wee tail who always came on as a sub for Argentina makes Fred look like Cruyff. Bucket of a player
Argentina should have won it in 90 mins but Germany deserved it over the whole tournament. Agree about aguero sub he clearly wasn't fit. Messi not fit to lace maradona's boots.
Thought Argentina should have scored in normal time
Dont Cry for me Argentina!!,
Gee lads cut out the tears,u nearly me gona start
Messi gets the golden ball. wtf?
Messi poor enough on the night but still a great player, i feel players have got wise of him playing down the right and to push him out all the time, better suited if Argentina try play him down the centre.
Didnt think he be player of the tournament, def think that was the young columbian lad James R!
No idea how Messi got that. 3-4 players ahead of him.
Quote from: Muck Savage on July 13, 2014, 10:59:33 PM
No idea how Messi got that. 3-4 players ahead of him.
30-40 players ahead of him would be closer to the mark.
Quote from: Muck Savage on July 13, 2014, 10:59:33 PM
No idea how Messi got that. 3-4 players ahead of him.
Quote from: Asal Mor on July 13, 2014, 10:58:21 PM
Messi gets the golden ball. wtf?
He wasn't even Argentina's best player Mascherano was.
Be some celebrations in Pyongyang tonight. North Korea Abu.
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on July 13, 2014, 11:06:31 PM
Be some celebrations in Pyongyang tonight. North Korea Abu.
Portugal even give them a game?! :-)
Okey Dokey Bill.
Schweinsteiger was stuck in everything tonight. What a great nation Germany is.
Tevez would've won that for Argentina tonight. Baffled why he was left out!
Quote from: JimStynes on July 13, 2014, 11:29:06 PM
Schweinsteiger was stuck in everything tonight. What a great nation Germany is.
He spent the majority of the night rolling about on the floor like a spoilt child.
Quote from: Syferus on July 13, 2014, 11:34:55 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on July 13, 2014, 11:29:06 PM
Schweinsteiger was stuck in everything tonight. What a great nation Germany is.
He spent the majority of the night rolling about on the floor like a spoilt child.
Me hole, he was excellent despite shipping several knocks.
Quote from: J OGorman on July 13, 2014, 11:08:52 PM
Quote from: 93-DY-SAM on July 13, 2014, 11:06:31 PM
Be some celebrations in Pyongyang tonight. North Korea Abu.
Portugal even give them a game?! :-)
Nawh Koreans won 10-0.
On a side note...Jogi was looking particularly handsome tonight
Quote from: JimStynes on July 13, 2014, 11:29:06 PM
Schweinsteiger was stuck in everything tonight. What a great nation Germany is.
Think you'll find it's that young fella Götze who will be stuck in everything the night and for some time to come.
Wish I was German.
Carlos Tevez would have been a better player to have in the Squad then Palacio. Well done to the Germans efficent as ever, great finish by Gotze.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
I was heart broken to miss out on a penalty shootout. I think they are a great way to settle a game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjsWfkbYc9c#t=88
Quote from: rodney trotter on July 14, 2014, 12:05:11 AM
Carlos Tevez would have been a better player to have in the Squad then Palacio. Well done to the Germans efficent as ever, great finish by Gotze.
Eva Peron would've been better in the squad than Palacio. Useless rat tailed fecker.
When Arsenal start off against Crystal Palace in 5 weeks time, they will have two World Cup winners in the team. Palace to win 8)
3
I did see Podolski on the winners podium right enough, kinda like David May. 3 it is.
He did play in 2 games.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on July 14, 2014, 01:08:05 AM
I did see Podolski on the winners podium right enough, kinda like David May. 3 it is.
Why would he not be on the podium?
Messi as player of the tournament :o I'm as big a fan of his as anyone but that's ridiculous.I agree with the lad praising Schweinsteigers performance,himself and Hummels will be in pieces today but they'll hardly give a feck :P
What a goal by Gotze too 8)
My wife was like Vesuvius last night. I think the English need to mature as a nation.
I'd say his Daddy's as happy as i am this morning ;D
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/14606095684_988d24eb2b_c.jpg)
I hope the young lad gets a cool toy :P
Quote from: ONeill on July 13, 2014, 11:56:27 PM
Wish I was German.
From 1966 to now there have been 25 major international tournaments for European countries, 13 World Cups and 12 European Championships. Germany have appeared in 13 finals (3 WC wins 4 runners up, 3 Euro wins 3 runners up). The biggest gap between final appearances in that time is 6 years.
Disgraceful decision to award Messi the golden boot. Probably sponsor driven with FIFA getting a nice cut.
He wasn't in the top 10 players in that tournament.
Would a better way not be some sort of online poll where the fans get to choose the top player?
Golden Boot is decided on by the journalists I think. They vote on the award before the final.
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 14, 2014, 03:46:15 PM
Golden Boot is decided on by the journalists I think. They vote on the award before the final.
Messi was man of the match in 4 out of the 6 games he played before the final.
I'd not have had Messi in my team of the tournament let alone player of the tournament... I do wonder however how much people read into these things. Will anyone know/care who was the player of the tournament in a few months?? I could name every winner/finalist back to 1930 but I've no clue who was player of the 2010 tournament other than he was probably Spanish??
Quote from: Boycey on July 14, 2014, 03:50:12 PM
I'd not have had Messi in my team of the tournament let alone player of the tournament... I do wonder however how much people read into these things. Will anyone know/care who was the player of the tournament in a few months?? I could name every winner/finalist back to 1930 but I've no clue who was player of the 2010 tournament other than he was probably Spanish??
Diego Forlan.
Messi's embarassed himself i'd say.
Soccerway.com's team of the tournament was:
Neuer
Lahm Hummels Gonzalez Blind
Mascherano Kroos
Robben Messi Rodriguez
Muller
Hard to argue with any of that I suppose. Possibly Dimichelis or Garay instead of Gonzales, but that would be marginal IMHO.
The tournament in number - interesting (to me anyway):
136 - Goals scored in the group stage; the best of any tournament since expanding to 32 teams and the best goals-per-game average since 1958
8 - Knockout games decided in extra time or by a penalty shoot-out; more than any tournament since expanding to 32 teams
35 - Goals scored in the knockout stages
10 - Red cards; fewer than any World Cup since 1986 with the record of 28 having been set in 2006
1 - Yellow cards shown for diving; the first one was handed out to Brazil midfielder Oscar in the third-place play-off
4 - Months Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was banned after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. He was also slapped with a nine-match ban from competitive international appearances
382 - Minutes that Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero went without conceding a goal in Brazil before Mario Gotze beat him in the final
24 - Fouls conceded by Brazil before they were shown their first yellow card in their 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia
401 - Seconds between Germany's second and fifth goals versus Brazil in their 7-1 semi-final thrashing
30 - The amount of seconds it took United States captain Clint Dempsey to open the scoring against Ghana; the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history
6 – Goals scored by Colombia's James Rodriguez, winner of the tournament's Golden Boot
Messi
I don't understand how anybody could be overly critical of Messi's performance last night or in the whole World Cup.
I thought the man who the German's clearly had game planned for, was the centre of most of Argentina's attacking play last night. The fact that the German's controlled the ball for long periods shouldn't negatively impact the opinion of Messi's performance (i.e he went missing for long periods when his team didn't have the ball). Compare how well Messi did to Muller etc, who played on a team who controlled the ball, and had less impact.
As an attacking player, with the exceptions of Lavezzi, he was the only one between Germany and Argentina who performed anything close to expections. He nearly got two passes in the box to players in better positions, only for great last second German defending. Had one shot saved off the line after an amazing run. Gave a great pass to the winger who crossed for the offside goal, and of course missed the one on one.
He was the only man in the tournament to be marked by three players all the time, yet significantly contibutedin every game .
For example, Switzerland, layed on the pass for the final goal. Belgium, amazing skill and pass which resulted in the blocked shot that was volleyed in. Holland, put a couple of players through who should have scored
And for the comments comparing him to Maradonna, does nobody remember the 86 final. Maradonna was totally played out of the game, except for two passes for goals. But Messi's performance last night was better that Maradonna's in 86, and was getting on the ball and challenging the Germans.
Last point, instead of talking about Messi, the whole conversation should be around Lavezzi, why was he taken off? He was creating space for Messi, that was missed once he was taken off
(https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/996110_330382103796142_8570647687202330968_n.jpg)
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
8)
Quote from: dec on July 14, 2014, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 14, 2014, 03:46:15 PM
Golden Boot is decided on by the journalists I think. They vote on the award before the final.
Messi was man of the match in 4 out of the 6 games he played before the final.
Apparently he didn't touch the ball inside the Dutch box in 120 mins. Missed a sitter in the final too. But yeah, v good against Iran.
Quote from: muppet on July 14, 2014, 06:22:15 PM
Quote from: muppet on June 03, 2014, 03:54:54 PM
Quote from: beer baron on June 03, 2014, 12:25:03 PM
No Ribery apparently lads,would be a bit concerning if i were following France. Germans for me, Reus to be in the running for Player of the Tournament too i reckon.
World Cup Commandments
1.Thou shalt never write off the Germans.
8)
:D
As for Lavezzi i think he was injured,was doing a bit of stretching as if something was amiss in the corner at 1 stage not long before he came off.
Quote from: AQMP on July 14, 2014, 07:28:33 PM
Quote from: dec on July 14, 2014, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 14, 2014, 03:46:15 PM
Golden Boot is decided on by the journalists I think. They vote on the award before the final.
Messi was man of the match in 4 out of the 6 games he played before the final.
Apparently he didn't touch the ball inside the Dutch box in 120 mins. Missed a sitter in the final too. But yeah, v good against Iran.
He didn't touch the ball inside the Dutch box for 120 mins... Maybe had more to do with the tactics of both teams, the Arges played really defensively in the semi, and the tactics (along with the dutch high offside line, kept Messi and co away from the box. The dutch didn't have a single shot on target in the first 90 mins, does that mean Robbin had a bad World Cup.
The in final, Messi missed the sitter, I agree, but he also had an effort cleared off the line.
I just don't understand how black and white some of the opinions are about Messi. HE didn't play to his amazing standards, but he didn't play terrible either
Just another 4 years to wait! Class montage here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgG17PadCOE
Quote from: AQMP on July 14, 2014, 07:28:33 PM
Quote from: dec on July 14, 2014, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 14, 2014, 03:46:15 PM
Golden Boot is decided on by the journalists I think. They vote on the award before the final.
Messi was man of the match in 4 out of the 6 games he played before the final.
Apparently he didn't touch the ball inside the Dutch box in 120 mins. Missed a sitter in the final too. But yeah, v good against Iran.
Bullshit. He shouldn't have won the golden ball but anyone saying he had a poor tournament is talking through their arse.
Quote from: gallsman on July 15, 2014, 04:33:01 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 14, 2014, 07:28:33 PM
Quote from: dec on July 14, 2014, 03:48:42 PM
Quote from: Sea The Stars on July 14, 2014, 03:46:15 PM
Golden Boot is decided on by the journalists I think. They vote on the award before the final.
Messi was man of the match in 4 out of the 6 games he played before the final.
Apparently he didn't touch the ball inside the Dutch box in 120 mins. Missed a sitter in the final too. But yeah, v good against Iran.
Bullshit. He shouldn't have won the golden ball but anyone saying he had a poor tournament is talking through their arse.
Golden Ball was decided by a special committee. Roy Hodson would have been on it if he wasn't underachieving with England. That tell you all you need to know about that committee.
Philipp Lahm retires from international football. Still only 30.
Quote from: AQMP on July 18, 2014, 11:21:15 AM
Philipp Lahm retires from international football. Still only 30.
Ewe serious?!
Heard that,i'm slightly surprised but not completely shocked. He's been bombing up and down the wings for the last 12 years and is now playing midfield with one of the best club sides in the world and wants to ensure he can get as many years there as possible.
He just won the World cup captaining his Nation so why not bow out at the top?
Quote from: J OGorman on July 18, 2014, 04:24:47 PM
Quote from: AQMP on July 18, 2014, 11:21:15 AM
Philipp Lahm retires from international football. Still only 30.
Ewe serious?!
Went out at the top. Great decision. Not many get the opportunity or have the sense to carry it off.
He would have been 34 come the next World Cup. Better to quit while he's ahead before they accuse him of being mutton dressed as . . . I'll get my coat.
Quote from: deiseach on July 18, 2014, 05:04:30 PM
He would have been 34 come the next World Cup. Better to quit while he's ahead before they accuse him of being mutton dressed as . . . I'll get my coat.
Hahaha,that made me giggle like a little girl.
Quote from: deiseach on July 18, 2014, 05:04:30 PM
He would have been 34 come the next World Cup. Better to quit while he's ahead before they accuse him of being mutton dressed as . . . I'll get my coat.
Coulda went another two years and retire after the Euros. Germany have every chance of winning it too. Seems premature.
So what did yiz think of it?
I probably have rose-tinted glasses about Mexico'86 but that's hard to match for me.
Italia '90 was exciting from an Irish POV but I think outside of Cameroon's run it was boring enough.
I don't remember an awful pile about '94. '98 and Bergkamp's goal as well as Zidane's final but I think it was average.
'02...'06 and '10 seem to merge into one big World Cup blob.
This year was good. The goals, the Brazilian pressure, USA, Colombia, Chile, the Messi show....I'd give it a 7.5/10.
Quote from: ONeill on July 18, 2014, 05:43:52 PM
So what did yiz think of it?
I probably have rose-tinted glasses about Mexico'86 but that's hard to match for me.
Italia '90 was exciting from an Irish POV but I think outside of Cameroon's run it was boring enough.
I don't remember an awful pile about '94. '98 and Bergkamp's goal as well as Zidane's final but I think it was average.
'02...'06 and '10 seem to merge into one big World Cup blob.
This year was good. The goals, the Brazilian pressure, USA, Colombia, Chile, the Messi show....I'd give it a 7.5/10.
I would rank it as the best I can remember. As a 10 year old watching Maradano in 86 you would think it would be hard to beat, but I don't remember a huge pile about many of the other games apart from Engerland and Belgium matches. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_FIFA_World_Cup#Group_A (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1986_FIFA_World_Cup#Group_A)
the 1986 world cup is still my favourite. one game that always sticks out for me is the brazil v france 1/4 final that went to penalties.
1982 was one of the best ever. Every match Brazil played I. Was a delight to watch. W Germany France semi final considered by many to be one on the best matches of all time