The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup

[paco]

To be honest the Spanish aren't up to much. They will be knocked out by the first good team they meet. They will go the way of England if they get to play Argentina ir Germany in the semis.

I think Villa would have a field day against either defence, I don't think Germany are as good as we are led to believe.

I agree Minder, Germans look good but they haven't really been up against much, and they were beaten by Serbia. Can't understand why everyone is playing down Spain's chances, they've done what they need to to get where they are and I still believe they'll not be far away, between them and Argentina I reckon. For the sake of my Spain/Higuain and Argentina/Villa doubles if nothing else! Re: Paraguay beating Spain on penalties, surely you were joking?

[mc_grens]

Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?

[paco]

Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?

Doubtful. They raised a valid point tonight that some teams are going out to stop these players playing, some, like Rooney and Ronaldo have been successfully taken out of the game, whereas the likes of Messi continue to perform and will continue to get better as the tournament progresses.

[Celt_Man]

Is Lawro doing a piece on the Boer war on the BBC now??  WTF?

[Hoof Hearted]

Haven't seen a lot of the World Cup but has Messi been that great? Haven't heard much about him.
Rooney, Gerrard and Torres have been pish, it seems.

Add Ronaldo, Drogba, Fabregas, Lampard, the Premierships finest and ex-finest, and there is 2 goals between them. Some Slovakian has 4 on his own, Doesnt make sense

[The Real Laoislad]

Is Lawro doing a piece on the Boer war on the BBC now??  WTF?

Spion Kop

[pintsofguinness]

Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?

Doubtful. They raised a valid point tonight that some teams are going out to stop these players playing, some, like Rooney and Ronaldo have been successfully taken out of the game, whereas the likes of Messi continue to perform and will continue to get better as the tournament progresses.

Portugal did a good job taking Ronaldo out of the game themselves!

[Capt Pat]

The BBC have been laying on the socially conscious propaganda during half time of all the games as well. The pieces, tonights included are ok in their own right, but I only want to know about the football on these programmes. Give the other stuff its own programme if it is worth talking about.

[Aaron Boone]

Holland beat Brazil in 1974 and can do it again. It's he first WCup I remember without the Dutch team imploding with classic in-fighting.

[longrunsthefox]

Haven't seen a lot of the World Cup but has Messi been that great? Haven't heard much about him.
Rooney, Gerrard and Torres have been pish, it seems.

While he ain't scored (yet) Messi has been a bit special imo.

[J OGorman]

Is Lawro doing a piece on the Boer war on the BBC now??  WTF?

enjoyed that piece

[magpie seanie]

Was Villa definitely onside for that goal? I never saw a definitive replay. It was close when the flick was done. Don't think Spain will in the tournament with that team. Need to rejig it somehow. Get Fabregas in and use Torres off the bench in last 20 if necessary.

Hoping Holland win it for financial reasons and think they're not without a chance but Brazil looked really good last night.

[Main Street]

Villa was onside according to the rule. Barca have invested their zillions well.
I enjoyed that game. There is a lot to be said for foreplay.
Spain are certainly getting their act together.

[paco]

Surely there's nobody out there who'll still claim Ronaldo is a better player than Messi?

Doubtful. They raised a valid point tonight that some teams are going out to stop these players playing, some, like Rooney and Ronaldo have been successfully taken out of the game, whereas the likes of Messi continue to perform and will continue to get better as the tournament progresses.

Portugal did a good job taking Ronaldo out of the game themselves!

Fair point pints. What was wrong with Ronaldo tonight? Spain dominated possession but Portugal had their chances, I can only remember Ronaldo having one touch in the second half, that extravagantly flicked cross on the right wing. Didn't look interested! Deco was another who was awful. Spain's main problem has been their reliance on an unfit Torres as their main striker, Villa's job is coming in off the wing. Sort of a role reversal from Euro 2008. Llorente proved they have a plan B. Will be very interesting to see if Torres starts on Saturday or what way they play, surely he has to drop Busquets?

[A Quinn Martin Production]

Sobered up a bit now.  Agree there is no logic for keeping Torres in the team.  His touch is worse than Heskey's and he's too slow for these types of matches.  His big sulky gurn when he's taken off isn't helping matters.  He needs to be taken aside and told "you're playing shite, big lad".  Busquets main role seems to be to constantly dive to win frees.