World Cup 2006

[bluevorlon]

The wait is over and the FIFA world cup kicks off this friday with the hosts; Germany vs Costa Rica. I can see this becoming a big issue with most of the europeans, south americans, and even a few north americans on the boards, so here's the thread for all comment, reaction, despair (if you support england) and gloating (if you happen to come from brazil).

Everyone here in England is currently waiting keenly for the results of scan (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5054240.stma )on one tiny bone in a footballer's toe, with the newspapers here wildly speculating about his chance to make it to Germany.

With Michael Owen looking dull and out of form, does the only hope rests with the six foot seven inch dancing (http://youtube.com/watch?v=96eSrFlUVh0&search=peter%20crouch) stiker/laughing stock Peter Crouch?

My previous tip was for Italy, but with most of the squad accused of throwing matches or being on the take, I think they won't be 100% there mentally. Of the other big teams, France and the Czech's are too old. Brazil have no defence. Spain always bottle it. And Argentina are a team in transition, although I think Riquelme and Messi, if performing to the ability they can, could take the tournament by storm.

Any one else got any thoughts, predictions, tips for shocks and suprises?

Current Tournament Status

Through to the second round.

Germany
Ecuador
Argentina
Holland
England

Eliminated

Ivory Coast
Poland
Costa Rica
Paraguay
Serbia & Montenegro

Golden Boot standings

Omar Bravo: 2 (Mexico)
Tim Cahill: 2 (Australia)
Agustin Delgado: 2 (Ecuador)
Miroslav Klose: 2 (Germany)
Tomas Rosicky: 2 (Czech Republic)
Carlos Tenorio: 2 (Ecuador)
David Villa: 2 (Spain)
Paulo Wanchope: 2 (Costa Rica)

[reki]

blu sucks at linking.

[Scribble]

I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that the best team in the world will not lift the world cup. Instead I suspect a European team; England, Italy or Holland with Spain or Germany as an outside bet. Statistics seem to rank France as the 2nd favorites but I can’t see it and with their internal disunity and corruption they certainly don't deserve the golden cup (same could be said for Italy mind you)..

[General Blaze]

Three words regarding the finals. Bet on Brazil. Almost never fails for me at least. (except for World Cup 98)

[esty]

Australia without a doubt

[Qwaar-Jet]

Well, everyone here in Scotland (just about) is waving their anti-England flags, and the good thing is England are more cocky and confident than ever, so seeing them get pasted will be even better.

As per usual, i'll be supporting Germany this year, and I think they have a good chance, considering the home advantage and improved squad of 2002, especially Lukas Podolski.

Holland are looking solid, although not great. Obviously Brazil are the best bet, but the Czechs would be a team i'd be willing to bet on to reach the final.

As for France and Italy, they are both pretty garbage, and France's performace at the last world cup (Lost 1-0 to Senegal, Drew 0-0 with Uruguay and lost 3-0 to Denmark) was one of the worst i've ever seen.

I'm really exited regardless, and can't wait for opening ceremony, followed by Germany vs Costa Rica.

[Master Azrael]

If Germany loses his first match ahaist Costa Rica, I'll be laughing my ass off and if they don't make it through the first round, I will probably choke myself with laughter. Seriously, Germany is in such an easy group, only Poland can kick a ball without breaking his foot.

My home country (The Netherlands) on the other hand has their hands full in their 'Group of Death'. With the FIFA ranke number number 3 (The Netherlands) 9 (Argentina) 44 (Serbia and Montenegro) 32 (Côte d'Ivoire). These rankings suck by the way. Côte d'Ivoire is way better the 32 spot, they should at least be in the top 20, which in turn doesn't says much since the top 20 is very close with exception of Brasil. Same goes for Serbia. We will have a chance when we win our first match (against Serbia on sunday) and make it through the first round, if we manage to do that, we will have a chance of ending high.

[Kroggy]

We're having our collective arse handed to us in such a beatiful way...

It's not that Costa Rica's been playing badly; it's that, so far as I can tell, our team isn't playing at all.

[Moe]

Germany is going to be out of the cup really fast. I'm afraid the glory days of soccer are over. Oh well, we still are quite high up on the list of nations with the largest debts.

[fneep]

Aussie!!!

[Nurizeko]

Well, everyone here in Scotland (just about) is waving their anti-England flags, and the good thing is England are more cocky and confident than ever, so seeing them get pasted will be even better.

Apparently any scot waving an anti-english flag can get booked for racism by the cops (as if the Scottish police are going to arrest us) and yeah it seems the thing this time is some English getting all wound up because they think Scotland owe's their stupid team some sense of loyalty blah blah blah were the only british team going blah blah blah were technically the same country blah blah blah not supporting us amounts to racism blah blah blah.

I hold no loyalty to England, i never have and never will, its not my country, it does happen to be the seat of my government but ohwell, no-one's perfect. :rolleyes:

Nah good luck to England, the second thing about this times English effort is "HOPE", everyone should hope and plan for victory and it will come.

As Qwaar-jet said, this appears to him anyway as cocky arrogance, but as he said, it will be even sweeter (or sad, depends) when England eventually get chucked out yet again.

I could support Germany for my ethnic roots, but bah I've never been that big on always supporting the "home team" or "the team of the place my grandpappy is from".

The world cup is about the only time I have any real interest in footie anyhow.

If South Korea are in again i might support them again, i dunno why i did last time.

To the Americans here who dont know what were talknig about.

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/

The world cup is basically a global tournament of epic size for a sport you call "soccer" which nearly every country play's but you, so unlike perhaps an American world series in baseball, this is actually a global event, this is when people, even people not formerly soccer fans go nuts over the sport.

You guys do have a team, but i dunno if it managed to qualify this time and ussually it seems to fade out of the tournament without anyone noticing or caring...kinda harsh really...

Also its an ancient soccer tradition for the English national team to get folk hyped up to believe "THIS TIME!" (similar to how we shout science) and then get utterly creamed or just by the skin of their teeth (both harsh) kicked from the tournament by a better team.

If England broke with this tradition satan would ascend to the mortal earth and consume it in hell-fire and an endless stream of his favoured horrors.

[Brian]

Hopefully England will go out on Penaltys...they love that :rofl:

As for us Irish...rather not talk about it...gogo rugby ftw when it comes to irish international sport.

Soccer team isnt that bad...has a few good players.But not enough.

[Benjamin]

I don't think england will do any better then they have done before (excluding 1966 :p) And no, we won't do any better if we had Roony. In fact we would be at a disadvatage using him on the field since he hassn't made a full recovery as yet.

It will be good to see how Wilcott gets on this cup.

My money is on Brazil... as always.

[Martian]

While I do not expect the Dutch team to do very well this time around, you never know... I will have fun regardless of that.

Our under-21 team just became European champion, the under-19 team lost the finals in their tournament and thus ended second, and the under-17 team finished as third in theirs... We have a great generation coming, and I have much hope for our national team in the coming decade :)

[Shinryuu]

I'm expecting the Australian team to get, if you pardon the vernacular, WTFPWNZED!?!.
We aren't a soccer-playing nation, and a couple of expensive imports isn't going to make up for our dire lack of experiance.

[Ammon Ra]

Requirements for a good world cup:
a) Germany must beat england OR get further in the classification than england to annoy the brits even more [UK haven't won world cup since 66, predominantly germany pops up]
b) Some underdog country must pwn a very favourite country.
c) Brazil win.
:tooth:

[Master Azrael]

Martian, you are really living up to your name aren't you? Don't be so pessimestic. I'll sketch the possible scenarios for you:
Scenario 1:we get kicked out in the first round.

Scenario 2: If we make it through the first round in the second place (seems more likely since Argentina looks very strong) we will probably play against Mexico or Portugal (since both Iran and Angola can't kick a ball without falling over in my opinion) and those are both countries we can beat, so it's not unreasonable we would at least make it to the quarter finals.

Scenario 3: We make it through the first round in the first spot (seems unlikely but not impossible) we will have to play against either Portugal or Mexico (again) and we can beat those.

So there you have it, as long as we make it through the first round all should be fine.

[Nurizeko]

Man, emagine the world cup where Scotland qualifies, and faces England in the final.

Haha, I could see civil war errupt over it. ^ o ^

[boolybooly]

Well that would be fun, as long as it didnt degenerate !

Looking forward to Saturday 2pm.

Engerland will have to work for every match and I wish them the best and hope they enjoy it, I am sure I will.

You really can't tell the outcome of a game before its played so I am not going to second guess the likely outcome but there is a chance England will meet Brazil in the semifinal.

Brazil are incredible players but the English team are capable of beating them and that would be the a good time to meet them. Better later than sooner because of Rooney and yet better not the final because I think that would be more pressure than would be easy to cope with.

All I am saying is England got a good draw and now its up to the team.

goo oon myy saaan !!

[Invictus]

I reckon fate favours England this time.

40th anniversary of winning the 1966 World Cup and Germany are hosting.

Good enough for me!

[Siguld_001]

Come on Ecuador!

[bluevorlon]

Latest news for england is that Rooney is free from Injury and should be match fit when/if we get to the knockout stages. Bad news is that Gerrard is now doubtful for the opening game against Paraguay.

Looking forward to watching the whole tournament kick off tommorow afternoon at 5pm.

Anyone here doing a world cup sweepstake at their school/work/home?

[ceejayoz]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Flag_of_Australia.svg/800px-Flag_of_Australia.svg.png

[Brian]

Unfortunatly I have exams so the first week of the world cup ill miss.

*rant* fecking weather, sunny once a year and it is during exams*end rant* :deal:

[The fizu]

ITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gilardino, Del Piero and the IMBA Francesco TOTTI

to be sincere...you have no chances...

hf all !!!

Let's hope for a clean World Cup-
NMM Committee (No More Morenos)

[fragba1t]

italy and czech will be going up against brazil and whicver other team qualifies from that group.

my money is on either brazil OR italy since both cannot proceed further. really tough draw. if brazil actually make it thru this, they might square off against france... OMFGWTFBBQ ronaldinho versus zidane !!!!!

alternately, england has got lucky imo in their fixture but i seriously doubt beckhams capabilities. Lampard, rooney and gerrard are all that england have and the latter 2 are not in top physical form.

[Martian]

Martian, you are really living up to your name aren't you? Don't be so pessimestic.
Heh. It's not that I am sure that they will be kicked out, just that I have low expectations. I may be wrong.. I hope I am :)

Besides, I may be a little pessimistic about this tournament, I am very very optimistic about the next decade of our national team! The future is bright, the future is orange!

[The fizu]

OMFGWTFBBQ ronaldinho versus zidane !!!!!

no Zizou ... from what i know

[Hellraiser]

If my country's team(Poland) will get out of the group it will either face England(by the emperor not them) or Sweden or Paraguay(that's highly improbable). Betting shops estimate our chances of getting the cup at 1% so I doubt that that will happen.

[Scribble]

England is the second favorites at 6% :P so the odds aren’t all that tight. I suspect that we will face Poland in the opening round of knock outs, followed by a victory over Argentina but going out to Brazil in the Semis. Though anything’s possible.

I can't see us loosing to Poland unless Borus pulls off a Tomaszewski and bricks up the goal mouth.

As an aside is anyone else appalled by the way the majority of tickets are going to corporations this year with something in the region of a third of tickets going to actual fans.
:mad:

[Invictus]

The majority of tickets going to corporations is a real sham, it's just crap.

Well, Lahm gets the opening goal of the World Cup for Germany at 5 mins against Costa Rica. Good goal.

EDIT: And Costa Rica get an equaliser at 12 mins from Wanchope.

EDIT2: Germany's second by Klose at 17 mins.

EDIT3: Germany's third by Klose at 60 mins.

EDIT4: Costa Rica's second by Wanchope at 73 mins.

EDIT5: Germany's fourth by Frings at 87 mins.

EDIT6: Final score: Germany 4, Costa Rica 2.

[Master Azrael]

What also sucks about the tickets is that we (The Netherlands) get as many tickets as cote d'ivoire while we Germany is fecking around the corner.

Germany leading against Costa Rica, damn I was hoping for a Costa Rican win.

[Scribble]

That's the best opening match Ive seen great stuff. That final goal of Frings was an absolute belter. All in all I felt Germany where playing very well up frount but poorely defensively.

[Invictus]

It was an alright game, and I agree than Frings' goal was a great one. However Germany looked poor or adequate at best, there doesn't seem to be as much skill there as previous German teams. Plus they were really weak defensively. Wanchope had 3 shots on goal and scored twice. Not good odds for Germany, especially considering it was Coasta Rica.

[Kroggy]

Well, that was better than I expected.

I had us losing 5-0.

[Ammon Ra]

2 good reasons to put Khan back between the posts. :p

[Moe]

HAY KROGGY I WAS ROOTING FOR YOUR TEAM K

/me fluffles the guy from .cr

Oh and ammon, he is not Khan. :D

[Cash_Fish]

Ecuador just beat Poland 2-0. A good game, though not quite up to par for Poland from what I expected. So much for Ecuador's supposed 'home field advantage' at the elevation of 9,000 ft. :slow:

[Siguld_001]

Come on Ecuador!

Holy crap I was right! I really didn't expect that to happen

[Qwaar-Jet]

It was an alright game, and I agree than Frings' goal was a great one. However Germany looked poor or adequate at best, there doesn't seem to be as much skill there as previous German teams. Plus they were really weak defensively. Wanchope had 3 shots on goal and scored twice. Not good odds for Germany, especially considering it was Coasta Rica.

alright? It was fantastic, and Lahm and Frings' goals were spectacular. Germany are a real threat, and your making a big mistake discounting them. I expect Germany to go as far as they did at the last world cup 9which had a worse team).

[Kroggy]

Moe, I had said I would only stay until Germany's 3rd goal difference, then go home and get some sleep, and I was tired, so I was half rooting for Deutschland anyways.

[Tiresias]

There I was Kroggy rooting for your team and you go and go for the other team! Also I miss you on irc :(

[Kroggy]

I really dislike the current team and would prefer they came in last within group A.

They're over-confident and too full of themselves to be any good.
They think they're gods over here, and the vast mayority quite simply don't give a fuck about improving as a team. Wanchope aqcuired a solid mentality during his years playing in Europe, and that's the only reason he stands out. Compare him to Centeno, who would approve if there was a small throne to carry his person onto the pitch each time.

A humiliating defeat in Germany may be the only way to burst their little bubble and make way for a better team for 2010.

[Tiresias]

*huggles Kroggy*

[Kuscheltier]

I might be a minority, but this time the Worldcup is seriously pissing me off. The whole country has gone completely nuts. Everyone talks about it. Each and every time you switch on the radio they are talking about it on all channels without a single break. I actually specifically listened to the radio and there was not even ONE commercial without a reference it the worldcup.
The newspapers arent doing any better. In the cities every available m2 of advertising space is covered with Worldcup-stuff.

And dont get even me started about all the fans who lost their last bit of sanity compared to the last cup.

I'll be glad when this is finally over.

[General Blaze]

You should've been in Malaysia during World Cup. We catch that fever there very often, and World Cup is usually the time when work productivity goes down. :p

[Scribble]

You should've been in Malaysia during World Cup. We catch that fever there very often, and World Cup is usually the time when work productivity goes down.

Though I recall reading that a worldcup win brings an average .9% boost to GDP :nod:

[Ammon Ra]

I have an exam when England start their match >_< Although the [lack of] noise would probably indicate if they won or not :D

[Wargrim]

Im really curious how we ( Germany ) will do in the next matches, i mean the offensive work was good, but the defense was poor, like in all the last games. I hope they manage to fix that, else they could as well scrap the defense and put some more offensive players on the field, resulting in matches withs scores like 8:6 :D

[Grabnutz]

Excellent, I just finished work (morning shift) and I can watch England fuck up again, great stuff. (My moneys on England 1 Paraguy 0 first half, England 1 Paraguy 2 full time)

Not that I'm not partriotic or anything...

Go England! (Wish Wales made it though - not that I'm welsh...)

It was funny to see everyone at work trying to get their lunch breaks for 2 :D

[Hellraiser]

Well Poland lost I guess they can start packing unless they pull of a football version of the miracle at vistula during the match with germany but that's not going to happen.
Oh and that wasn't an offside that was a legit goal >_<

[Master Azrael]

That last goal of Germany was such a beauty! Makes me wish this World Cup would last forever.

And by they way: 2 games played, 2 predictions wrong, I'm such an idiot.

[Grabnutz]

Excellent! 1-0 England after 3 mins :D

EDIT: Win 1-0

[Scribble]

Rubbish game though :blah:

[Raptor_Shadow]

Agreed. Definitely not in top form...

Some dodgy decisions from the referee didn't help though.

[Ammon Ra]

England played CRAP in the 2nd half. Seriously. Even worse was beckham playing footie while on all fours The deserved to not get those fouls.

I seriously want England to be kicked out of the world cup at the end of the next few rounds as the noise (large groups of men singing, ranting, cheering etc), flags, and general In-your-face-english-nationalism/patriotism is really annoying.

[Siguld_001]

Agreed, its giving me a headache

[Brian]

You should watch english media...they insist on shitting on about how this is the year, team is great blah blah which will inevitably soon be replaced by "it was the refs fault we lost, oh and the team sucks we are doomed!"

Like the euro champ two years ago :rip:

Still what can you do, Irish tv lacks any sensationlism and is more then a bit dry...

[Thaum]

There is nothing wrong with a bit of national zeal. Christ if the Irish were in it, we would be dancing and screaming about how great we are.

Let the English have their glory. They are after all the only home nation in the World Cup and we should root for them (well at least a little bit).

In fact all this jingoism makes it even better so when the Germans hand them their arses in the first round we can all point our fingers and gloat ;) (hahahahah only joking).......

[Brian]

I dunno...ive yet to see an rte news reported get excited about anyting, and rte sports pannels or any irish ones for that matter are usually fairly depressing to listen to.

Example of rte news broadcasting" In other news the end of the world is here, we are awaiting confirmation from the goverment.Have a good, im going back to my factory where I was produced to be as boring as possible.

Good night."

Anyhow swiftly moving on, im a firm supporter of whoever is the underdog in each match.

Except of it is england because im bitter :comment:

[Ammon Ra]

0-0 for trinidad and tobago vs sweden, normal game time is over, and i must say, Trindad were wickid. With 10 players they succsesfully defended against sweden, who's team was 1/3 strikers by the last 15 mins. Not to mention the pure frustration on the swedish player's faces after loosing bal after bal is pure ennjoymant :D
link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4852634.stm)

T&T Get my Respect. THey've played MUCH better than england did. period.

Reminds me of Senegal pwnting the french 4 years ago, and again 2 years ago in the eurocup where greece won, both cases thanks to very good teamwork.

Edit: Argentina vs Ivory coast is about to begin!

[Rent-a-Zilla]

Yep, the England<>Paraguay game was very scrappy. The English team have a lot of talent (they could win), but they need to play better than that.

Argentina are 1-0 up against Ivory Coast. Gits.

[Invictus]

Bollocks...

Yep, England played rubbish in the 2nd half but we won, so there!

And Joe Cole is the GREEDIEST player I've seen in an England side in my life (don't hurt me, I'm young). All those chances he had to pass to Ashley Cole and he did some crappy dribbling before passing the ball backwards, what a twit.

[darkelf]

2-0 Argentina by halftime. YAY!

And I'm pissed Norway didn't qualify. :steam:

[Master Azrael]

T&T - Sweden 0-0 Go Don Leo! (In case you didn't know: Don Leo is the nickname of the dutch coach of T&T Leo Beenhakker)

Magnificent game, the stadium almost exploded! That'll teach Sweden they've got some international top strikers (Larsson, Ibrahimovich, Ljungberg) and they almost got no chance against Don Leo's disciplined pub-footballers.

Righteo, Holland is playing their first match at 3 p.m. and I'm a bit nervous.

[Brian]

Ivory coast I thought played exellent vs Argentina.

If they could finnish there moves a little better they could have drawed that game.Still they showed good spirit and played attractive football.

Oh and the ivory coast flag rocks...yep way better then most flags.

[anyone who knows the ivory coast flag will understand the above once you look at my location]

[Rent-a-Zilla]

I'm looking forward to the Netherlands<>Ivory Coast game

[Ammon Ra]

If i remember my dutch footbal correctly, holland has been a good team in past world cups when they qualified. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action.

Also, T&T is a perfect example of how teamwork > individual super-star-footballers, as greece showed europe 2 years ago, and as Dakar denied franch's progression in the last world cup.

[Harmanoff]

That'll teach Sweden they've got some international top strikers (Larsson, Ibrahimovich, Ljungberg) and they almost got no chance against Don Leo's disciplined pub-footballers.No chance? No we only got like 18-6 in shots on goal, 9-1 in corners and 70% of ball possession! Nope not a single chance there...

Sorry but your 'disciplined pub-footballers' should in fact be boiled down to one name: Shaka Hislop. Oustanding performance and the only reason T-T pulled this off. Other than that i don't give much for the way they snailed their way trough the entire second half. Not so much proof of T-T's quality as proof of Sweden's complete offensive meltdown.

I'M NOT BITTER!! :murph:

[Homdax]

NEITHER AM I! :iws:

[Ammon Ra]

Of course sweden was agressive, of course they kept on shooting at the goal, but they completly failed to score even though T&T only had 10 people, and they were using their backup goalee who didn't quite feel up to the job. Try as you might, i dont see how you can put all the "blame" on one man for defending against swedish offense.

[Harmanoff]

I aint putting all the 'blame' on him. I put the rest of the 'blame' on the swedish offence. IE i am saying the draw came into being due to a great goalkeeper and an extremely ineffective swedish offence. As for the rest of T-T i don't think they deserved the final score. That's what aggrevates me the most actually.. had they played great i could've taken this result but as it is now it is just Sweden utterly failing at beating the team that played the lesser football. :/

[Dimension]

OK, awesome start with germany 4:2, was much fun to watch. Germany (my home team btw) was unrecognizable. They were aggressive and fast. But the defense is complete bullshit. I had high hopes for lehmann, and he didn't quite deliver.

Btw, that game was really a 4:1, the second tico goal was clearly invalid.

still, germany needs to improve by quite a bit. as they are right now, I'd expect them to not make it into the quarterfinals. but germany has always been good at improving their game during tourneys, so I guess they'll make it there.

ivory coast broke my heart. they really deserved to at least tie this one, but on the other hand they were not effective enough, their goalie was incompetent and their defense not alert. I fell in love with Boka and Drogba though. Kone B was pretty good as well.

As for the argentinians, once again they've proven how they can seize opportunities. Riqelme is a god, and Heinze/Ayala shut down quite a bit of what the Ivorians were doing. Both Teams I could expect to individually last into the quarters at least.

England was a freaking embarassment. I went into the tourney thinking they were among the only teams to be able to mess up brazil, and then they go on playing this sleeping pill of a game. They'll not survive against any decent opponent, unless something drastic happens.

[Master Azrael]

Pfew, we won our first match against Serbia, I'm glad my worst fears aren't confirmed.

And now t entartain you some pearls of wisdom from Johan Cruyff concerning the match:

"If you have lot's of posession, you don't have to defend, because there is only one ball in the game."

"A ball is an essential part of the game."

[MooFreaky]

I don't think Sweden's offense can be blamed too much. They were aggressive, they got lots of chances. They had plenty of shots, and more importantly, created alot of opportuinites.
However, T&T defended very vigorously and made alot of last ditch tackles and Hislop made some great saves.

And saying T&T are a poor team because they defended isn't exactly fair. If they had been overly aggressive they would have eben belted. They needed to play to their strengths and they did that well. They defended hard, and played some nice counter attacks. They could well have nicked the match, but hit the apex. I have huge respect for the game T&T played, and felt they deserved their result.

Don't get me wrong, Sweden have superior talent and ability. But T&T just did what they needed to do and did it well.

[bluevorlon]

Great world cup so far, only the England game has been dull. Attacking football and positive attitudes all round. Ivory Coast and Argentina both look very hot, Riquelme ran the game for the first half quite beautifully for the argentinians, and it was nice to see Saviola getting some game time too.

Holland look a bit hot and cold to me, Robben was outstanding, and they have a nice neat team, but possibly lacking the inspiration (and flakiness) of some of the more legendary dutch sides. Similar problem to england in playing well, getting the first goal, and totally failing to kill the game off and thus letting the opposition back into it.

Good things for England are that we can only improve, and we proved we can win (albeit against paraguay) when playing pretty dreadful stuff. I still think in the first half we looked very strong going forward, and even in the second they created only a few clear cut chances. Three points on the board, onward and upward.

Hopefully.

[darkelf]

Blue, England only won because Paraguay scored in the wrong goal.

[bluevorlon]

And if Gamarra hadn't got his head to it, either a) Michael Owen would have scored, or b) it would've gone straight in anyway?

What's your point? These things happen in football, you can't just write off something you don't like or that's lucky just because you don't agree with it.

England were made to look very ordinary yes, but they had more shots on target, more possesion, more corners, and more scoring opportunities than (for all their second half dominace) the paraguayans.

[darkelf]

Ok, but the way I saw the goal, it would have hit Michael Owen or gone outside. But I may well be wrong.

[Invictus]

Meh. That referee in the Engand/Paraguay game was complete shit. I think he only gave one decision England's way in the entire 2nd half, and that Paraguay player with the blonde mop of hair - what a diver. Seriously, that guy is a fucking top class actor!

[The fizu]

i go a little off topic... so sorry...
but i avoided to open a new thread for this...amazing and seems true...

http://www.corriere.it/openxlink.shtml?http://www.fingerskilz.tv/dasblog/

need a world cup for this too!

[darkelf]

/me stares at the awesomeness of those fingers.

[Dys]

Mexico 3 - Iran 1

Ole :bunny:

Although I wasn't too impressed with Mex's play really. I thought they lacked class and regular passing ability. Both sides made many unforced mistakes and game the ball away frequently. And there were only a few outstanding plays...

[Jaen-ni-rin]

Poland - Equador 0:2

Well...
We have a dull selectioner (sp?), so we suck, and suck really hard, not like 30 years ago.
Period.

[Captain Taco]

Too bad I'm at work during the USA/Czech Republic game tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to the US getting started in Group E.

[Tails]

The Iranian goalie totally screwed up in that Iran-Mexico game.

[Invictus]

The USA have got no chance against the Czech Republic.

Well, maybe a small one... I predict a likely draw or a Czech win.

[Dimension]

Portugal was utter bollox, as was angola.

If they keep this up, Portugal is gonna be DESTROYED by the next semi-decent entry. Teams such as ivory coast and argentina, while far from being perfect, are in an entirely different league to what was shown in the portugal - angola game.

[Zepherian]

Sorry to burst your bubble guys but portugal was better than both germany and england. So was angola for that matter, they had a solid defense and the end result shows it. I have seen Italy win using similar tactics.


Its a nice world cup, no clear cut winner, well, at least untill we see Brasil play...

[Kroggy]

Dimmy, if your team couldn't beat ours by 5-0 at the very least, they should seriously consider what they're doing on the pitch.

[Homdax]

I think Italy-Ghana might be interesting tonight.
Those africans sure comes with surprises...remember Kamerun?

[MooFreaky]

Its a nice world cup, no clear cut winner, well, at least untill we see Brasil play...
But once us Aussies beat the Brazilians, everyone will change their tune on this...

[Akranadas]

We have a habit of winning as underdogs

[Scribble]

I'd really like to see an African Team get through the group stages, though I doubt it'll happen Ghana aren't really good enough and the Ivory Coast are in the 'group of death'.

But as sporting institutions go the World Cup is pretty elegatarian. (Second only to cricket in terms of sucess for poorer nations) But Asia and Africa are proportionately under represented; 2002 not only meant a hell of a lot for the 'little countries' that did well but it generally benifited football to see those countries perform so well.

Regarding England: What are your opinions of Sven? I still find myself mystified by the exclusion of Bent and Defoe: sending a team that features NO fit world class strikers to chase the Jules Rimet seems barking. His substitutions where also baffling... why in the name of hell put Joe Cole in Walcotts position? If Sven doesnt trust the lad to play he shouldnt be in the damned squad to start with.

[General Blaze]

The first half of the Australia vs Japan game was an outrage! The Aussie goalie was clearly mobbed by the other players, literally! And Japan STILL got a goal from that!

[Akranadas]

Yes, and did you hear; Japan has lodge a formal complaint to fifa claiming that Australia's style of play is "too rough" which they got from spying watching our training sessions.

[Wargrim]

HOOORAY Australia! 3:1 vs Japan!

What a game! At the beginning i did not care who would win, but then Japan got that goal when they clearly pushed the aussie keeper aside, so i was angry and thought: "Hey, i dont want you to win with that goal!"
A big part of the game i found myself shouting at the australian players "move!" cause they moved really slow over the green and just did not hit the goal, and ten minutes before the end i could have beat up both teams, Japan for that unfair goal, and Australia for not fighting hard enough, but then the last 10 minutes were just wonderfull! 3 nice goals from Australia, great!

:clap:

[Ammon Ra]

Hey, dont complain, japan lost 1:3. The last 3 goals were scored luteraly in the last 20 mins. 'hats off' to aussieland though, although japan were just drained from all the runing, defending and the heat. That last change was a bad idea aswell.

Although japan played a good game they wasted MANY good attempts at goals. The right aussie wing was pretty much open to japanese strikers. Well done for aussieland though .

[MooFreaky]

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!

We put on so much pressure and finally it paid off! Timmy Cahill you little beauty!
So many good attempts that just went wide or were saved or something! But an awesome result!

Whatever happens now, they will be heroes back home!

[Master Azrael]

Justice is done, the AUssies win in spite of the goal for Japan which was clearly a foul. You should have heard the dutch commentator: he actually said it was an legitimate goal! :mute:

[Ammon Ra]

one one hand you could argue that the aussies pushed/shoved the japanese striker. Still, who cares about that goal? especially you aussies, you got 3 goals int he last 20 mins due to japanese exhaustion.

[Starfisher]

Poor Austrailians! They won a game!

You've got one more reason to be happy you're not an American around World Cup time. All our decent athletes play different sports. Damnit.

[Invictus]

Don't you reckon it's time the USA got with the rest of the world and put together a decent football side?

[Scribble]

Czech Republic/USA game was a good one, the Czech Republic where fantastic, best football so far this world cup. Tomas Rosicky's goal being magestic. The USA didn't seem to live up to their promise however.

[Wargrim]

I think the US played good, but the Czechs played way better. I allways love to see them play, thats the way football is really meant to be, fast, controlled, dynamic and with a good fighting spirit. :)

[bluevorlon]

Agreed that the Czechs put in possibly the best attacking performance of the world cup so far, Rosicky, Nedved, Galasek, their right back (forget the name) and Koller (who they'll miss) ran the show.. Looked very energetic for the oldest team in the competition too.

10 games, 25 goals, not bad so far!

Italy ghana tonight should be very intriguing, a very talented, but ageing squad that's suffered a very disruptive build up, against a very physical, compact, and useful Ghanian team. I'm still going for Italy as my dark horses of the competition.

[Starfisher]

RE: US not having a decent team ever -
We can't. Our best athletes play American football, or basketball or hockey or tennis or don't play sports before they even consider playing soccer/rest of the world football.

To see what I'm talking about, look at just about any team out there. All those people would be playing American football or basketball or baseball or something in the US.

There's a lot of jokes floating around that compare the size and quality of the US military to everyone else's military, then the quality of the respective football teams. Current theory is that if the US won a World Cup, World War III would erupt since there'd be nothing left the US wasn't imperializing.

[Captain Taco]

The Czech Republic is the best side I've seen thus far - the Americans looked very flat. I hope this was a demonstration of how good the Czechs are rather than a demonstration of American mediocrity.

[Scribble]

To be honest: I don't think the USA could put together an ultimate football team even with perfect national commitment. One of the lovely things about football is the way it thwartnational ambition. England might have the wealthiest premier league and best paid players with obsesstional grassroots support. But it can't win the damn world cup. Likewise the emerging powers in football are African, not Asian.

One of the prime reasons that the World Cup trumps the Olympics to the 'greatest sporting event' title.

The Czech Republic is the best side I've seen thus far - the Americans looked very flat. I hope this was a demonstration of how good the Czechs are rather than a demonstration of American mediocrity.

Nah, I thought the Czechs where outstanding.

[Starfisher]

Scrib: I was more trying to point out that soccer/football isn't considered an option for young athletic talent. People will do just about anything but play soccer. For the US to field a decent team, it needs to have a major shift in what sports it cares about. It won't, hence no good American team ever.

[MooFreaky]

Likewise the emerging powers in football are African, not Asian.
There are a few big threats coming out of Asia.
China is a sleeping giant. Once their next generation comes through they will be a world power.
But that is a decade or more away still

EDIT : I'm very interested to hear what the other Nation's commentators said of the incident with Japan's goal.
I agree with our commentators and football experts that it was a foul. However, naturally it's hard to know if there is any/alot of bias in such beliefs.

Is the general concensus that it was a foul? or was it a Keeping error?

[Scribble]

Ah yea, there is that, but I took the oportunity to expound on one of my favourite aspects of the World Cup.

-Ghana are holding up well against Italy

[Harmanoff]

:up: @ Timmy Cahill

[darkelf]

Moo, I think that was a foul, the keeper was forced out of the way, and the ball went in. Not allowed.

And I actualy hope Ghana will beat Italy.

[Invictus]

It was a foul, but Cahill scythed down the Japanese player in the Aussie pen box in the last 15 mins, which should've been a blatent penalty to Japan. The ref didn't give it, because I think he wanted to 'balance' out his screw-up with the Japanese goal early on.

[BattleTank]

Those two fouls, which he didn't see, don't give that referee a very good reputation for the final match in Berlin, I'd guess.

[Scribble]

Those two fouls, which he didn't see, don't give that referee a very good reputation for the final match in Berlin, I'd guess.
The ref' in the Para-England game was a prat also. Bring back :bow: Pierluigi Collina :bow:

[SpinDizzy]

Joy for a new World Cup.

What is it with the scots anyway? I suppose England shouldn't expect any support from them but whats with the fueled hate?

Mind you, all the media attention and all the banners, posters etc is finding to be a little too much for myself at times. If it it was neverending coverage on Scotlands football team I'd have no real problem with it and be happy for their success. I guess they feel repressed by England.

The best players in the England team for me.

Joe Cole (The guys a genius, almost untacklable)

David Beckham (Could land a ball in a bucket 2 miles away if his crosses got any more spot on.)

Peter Crouch (Okay so it's partly his height advantage, but there's deffo more too him)

Wayne Rooney (Excellent Striker)

Frank Lampard (Excellent Striker, opportunistic)

Most overrated for me:

Michael Owen - I refer to him as the Tim Henman of football.

David James - Butterfingers, even at his best never as good as Seamen, actually find the sub goalies to be better.

I favour our chances, but if we go against Brazil, ugh, probably about a 28% chance of survivial.

[Invictus]

Bring back :bow: Pierluigi Collina :bow:

Seconded.

I think Joe Cole is the greediest player in the England squad at the moment. And I don't think Own is overrated. I'm suprised that Calamity James is still in the squad after his numerous screw-ups.

[Brian]

I assume the scots like many irish and the odd welsh guy generally like to have a good moan about england and the english, kinda like a national pastime now.

I like Michael Owen, on the big stage he does the job and seems humble enough compared to other footballers.

David Beckham just seems idiolised to me, iirc his time in spain has not been so succesful and only now does he seem to be liked again...remember euro champs he missed that penalty against Portugal by a good bit and was disliked, or in world cup 2002 and his jumping out of a tackle in the Brazil game leading to a goal for Brazil.

Not to mention he has a right poncy voice :naughty:

Oh and named his children so they will ever be fecked up.

[Benjamin]

What did everyone think of the Italy Vs Ghana match?

Personaly I was rooting for Ghana as they're first timers and Afican nations havn't done all that well in the past. It would have been nice to see a team like Ghana make it further then the others before.

Unfortunatly they lost 2 - 0. Though Ghana realy did play with conviction, even if they were a bit hessitant and a little sloppy in places, but they put up a good fight.

Much more enjoy able then the England game.

Australia's 3 goals against Japan in 6 minuets was amazing... even if I did want the Aussies to lose :p

[Scribble]

I really enjoyed the Ghana game, I was jumping up and down on the sofa shouting my head off.

Overall I believe 2-0 to be a fair reflection of the teams performances Ghana had a lot of guts but no real chance, Italy outperformed them in almost every way. Particuarly in terms of guile and tacics, the Ghananians where constantly being suckered forward allowing the superb italion forwards to take apart the weak Ghananian back.

However: I think most of ghanas failings where down to inexperiance and less than stellar coaching. Potentially they are a great side, equal to much of europe.


As an asside... was I the only one who enjoyed seeing Italy getting chopped to hell? After that Para-England game with its non stop diving (on both sides) I loved the africans just getting stuck in.

...What the man said about Owen is spot on. He should never have been selected, Hes not that great and clearly not fit. Defoe should have gone in his place. Taking 2 injured strikers is mad. raaa.

[Ammon Ra]

GHana played very well, especially against italy. The technical ability and experience was clearly obvious for the italiens, but regardless, the Ghanians had real guts. very good game, hope to see more african teams emerge into the international scale, and i'd love to see some over-confidant "favourite" getting beated, or tied to underdogs.

Tomorrow is going to be a VERY exciting day. France Vs Swizerland.
/me smiles at the memory of them not scoring a single goal against senegaleese (sp?)
S. korea vs toba, and the first match from brazil. *Much* anticipation there. :D

[Scribble]

Tomorrow is going to be a VERY exciting day. France Vs Switzerland.
* Ammon Ra smiles at the memory of them not scoring a single goal against senegaleese (sp?)

Senegal [Senegalese] where a great team, but neither I nor anyone else within my acquaintance shall cheer Switzerland. 'Tis one thing to gift hope to a nation of 20 million who play football in their bare feet. It is another to wish well for a country of 5 who watch football in between collecting bonuses on dictator trust funds.

No offence like.

[reki]

yay aussie!@

first Japan, next Brazil, then THE WORLD MWHUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.

[General Blaze]

I dunno, Reki. I think (being a Brazil fan) that Australia might not have a chance against Brazil. Taking on Brazil is like, taking on a two headed Goliath. :p

[Ammon Ra]

*cough* 2 headed david *cough* :p

Brazil will easily handel them though. And what's wrong with switzerland? (besides their atrocities of hacking of nearby languages, i.e. swiss french, german, and italien are incomprehensible to non-swiss.)

[Unk]

Michael Owen - I refer to him as the Tim Henman of football.

But when he delivers its worth it. Anybody remember that one he put in against Portugal in the last European Championships?

Personally I think that the biggest problem with England is Sven. He has a habit of putting players into the wrong positions, but I suppose every football fan believes he is the perfect manager :).

Respect to the Aussies, they came back very well. Also glad it was an Everton player who scored of course :)

[Scribble]

Personally I think that the biggest problem with England is Sven. He has a habit of putting players into the wrong positions, but I suppose every football fan believes he is the perfect manager .

I agree with you mate. Sven costs 2 million pounds (3million euros/dollars) a year more than his next best qualified rival and frankly Im baffled by what he has done to justify it. He may be better than Hoddle, but then again so is my doormouse. Sven is no Wenger, but we put our faith and our money behind him becoase the incompitant FA give us no choice. Its time to tick out Sven and kick out the FA. (rant)

[Invictus]

Well, do you reckon Steve McLaren will be better than Sven?

[Scribble]

I understand hes being paid 2.5 million a year less without all that bullshit golden handshake. If so... YES... think about the amount of good that cash could do at grass roots. Frankly I believe that buying 60 more pitchs for kids does english football more good than paying a slightly better (but still dubious manager).

Of course I believe we should have offered Wenger the kitchen sink. But hes in a whole different level than Erricson.

[Invictus]

I do agree on the Wenger issue with you, but it would have been very difficult to get him, being French and naturally wanting to coach his own country's side.

TBH I don't really care who manages England, but if McLaren can get decent or better results on a less salary, that's more money going towards sport for children as you said, which is a worthy and noble cause.

[The fizu]

Italia - Ghana : 2 - 0

Clean...
The Ghana offered a fast game and several intersting incursions.
The last touch is probably the bigger problem for this african team.
Nice Goals and a pretty good feeling with the "Azzurri".
Loosing some of our national starlettes , like Bobo Vieri (one for all), the team have now more heart and less sponsor's influence... we will win...all

[MooFreaky]

People criticise Sven like he's done something really wrong. In his time, he's got a pretty damn good record for the country.
He's lost just a handful of games, should have won the Euro (that was a shocking decision to disallow Campbell's goal!) and have a real chance in the World Cup.

If he'd been losing lots of games due to his bizzare decisions then I would agree completely. But so far he seems to have made some exceptional choices, even if they are hard to understand at times. I feel his squad selection was quite terrible. But let's wait and see what happens before jumping all over the guy. Personally, I feel he's done a good enough job to warrent peoples' support and faith until it's actually proven wrong.

EDIT : Go Brazil! Thump those Croatians for us!

[Handarazuur]

Go Australia, it's your birthday!

/me gyrates

The world, Reki? You think too small.

-Hand

[Ammon Ra]

I'm inherently a suporter for the underdogs, with single exception being brazil. They just play so extraordinarily well. LAst world cup was a bit of a disapointment for them, lets hope they're back up on their feet!

[Invictus]

They won the 2002 World Cup didn't they? They lost the 1998 to France.

[Ammon Ra]

togo just scored vs S. korea, who definatly aren't the same team as the last world cup. Kudos to Togo so far. :)

[Rent-a-Zilla]

Great goal for Togo - go them

[Ammon Ra]

S.Korea just equalized. Very impressive :thumb:

[Invictus]

And South Korea are in the lead, as of several minutes ago.

EDIT: Match over. South Korea win 2-1.

[Master Azrael]

It's the same as with the Aussies: the team with the longest breath wins (not surprisingly both games were played at 3 P.M. with that bloody hot temperature of 30+ C)

[MooFreaky]

The ref in the France vs Switzerland game was absolutely shocking.
What was with giving so many Yellow Cards?! It was absolutely rediculous.
And one of the most clear cut yellows was ignored, when he should have been given his second yellow and sent off.

And that yellow for handball?! The poor guy was diving to header it, had his hand in the air as he dived head long. the ball clipped his hand and got a yellow for it! What the?!

Zidane's booking was so harsh too. The poor players, who may miss a game because of some stupid bookings. Especially if it costs their country a chance to go through.

I was dismayed by his performance. I definately feel it was the worst reffing display so far.

[bahmehbah]

Lots of yellows? Check out this Brazil game. Ref is going crazy with them. Other than that though, it's a good game so far. 1-0 to Brazil at halftime, Croatia is putting up a good fight.

[Starfisher]

I have noticed a lot of yellows being handed out. I think there's been some sort of initiative to cut down on fouls... but, and sorry to say this, from an American football perspective on the whole thing, the problem is that soccer is full of pansy-asses who collapse and then hold their legs for some reason in search of a penalty. The hilarity of some short, skinny US player clipping a six and half foot strapping Czech only to have the Czech go flying and come up holding his leg was almost worth the horrible trouncing. The reffing might benefit from a few people watching the live camera feed and radioing the ref to let him know if it was a dive or an actual foul, not yellow carding everyone.

[MooFreaky]

Diving or "simulation" is now subject to fines at the world cup. anyone found to have been faking can be fined for it. Even if the ref doesn't pick up on it. Replays can show this.
But it would take far too long to have someone watch replays then radio the ref.

People also don't understand just how painful it is to get your foot clipped when you're both moving at pace. It may not look like much but it does fucking hurt. It doesn't hurt long, but often it really does hurt. So often that's not actual faking.

However, there are a number of teams that do go down far too easily.
Japan did it to Australia. The Portugese, Spanish and Italians are well known for it (especially the first 2). Argentina are that way too.

[Starfisher]

Well, anyone who has played the game knows how much it hurts to get clipped or straight up kicked in any part of the lower leg. In my own experience, though I hate to say it, if its two Americans running into each other, they usually both get up as quickly as possible and keep playing in order to prove their toughness. Whenever some foreigner is playing with us, they usually dazzle with their touch but then roll around on the ground if they get hit with a hard tackle. I really hate sounding racist and/or ignorant, but this is my experience. Maybe I've only played against pansy foreigners, but it was a noticeable difference in attitude.

Flopping happens in just about any sport where drawing a foul is rewarded, so it's not necessarily that people are diving, just that instead of trying to shake off a hit, they milk it.

[Invictus]

It's a decently accurate statement to say that 'all non-English speaking teams are professional divers'.

[Scribble]

To be honest, the english arnt brilliant either, most African sides seem to be pretty straight forward though.

-Re Brazil-Croatia. Hmmm Not the game we'd all hoped for and someone seemed to have slipped ketamine into ronaldos coffee; that was the worst performance I've ever seen from such a skilled player. It was like watching Cantona play after he got fat. Croatian fans where amazing though (pitch invader asside)

[MooFreaky]

Well whoever slipped it into Ronaldo's coffee better do it again on Sunday night (German time).
I desperately wanted Croatia to lose. But their fans were so amazing, and their players were so determined that I felt bad for wanting them to conceed another goal...

[Ammon Ra]

Ronaldo was asleep. Could his extra lumber have had an affect on that? Besides kaka's goal, the game was very mediocre. Croation were by far the better team, and their suporters were more interesting than the actual game :D

then again, you could also argue that simply because our expectations were so high from the brazilians that we simply overestimated them, but they played decently, but still the game was rather sub-average for the brazilians.

I hope now that after the 'big' teams have won their first matches that they will relax a bit and play better football.

[Invictus]

You wanted Brazil to win, Moo? Why?

[MooFreaky]

Because by Brazil winning it helps Australia's qualification chance.
We assume we will lose to Brazil... so that keeps us 3 points clear of our major rival for 2nd spot, Croatia.

[Invictus]

Fair enough. Most Aussies I've run into say they wanted Brazil to lose to Croatia so Australia could beat them as well.

[darkelf]

Ok, Spain just pwned Ukraine 4-nil. Good match, though the penalty shot was a bit cheap.

[Martian]

That last goal was the most beautiful goal so far in the tournament. Great passing.

[EchoEffect]

I find the fat moronic rude and rasict element of the England support disgusting as well.

But remeber the majority of England supporters are normal, nice people.

Much like myself.

[Starfisher]

Just read an article about 120 German "hardcore hooligans" being surrounded and beaten to the ground by German police in a pitched battle.

Hardcore hooligans that are recognizable by sight are just what golf needs.

[Kroggy]

Most people on the street today were cheering for Germany for pretty much the same reason, Moo.

Then again, they still think we can beat Poland and Ecuador.

Idiots.

[Ammon Ra]

Equador won 3-0. England could face germany or ecuador if they qualify. :jest:

If it does come to england vs germany, My bet is on Germany, simply because they've denied the english many times since the 66 world cup :D

[Invictus]

Yeah, but the new German team is a bunch of teenagers coached by the diving maestro himself. Are you Scottish, Ammon?

[Ammon Ra]

What? :screwy: Just because i dont want england to win i'm suddenly scottish? :wtf:

I have exams and the last english "victory" was just completly disturbing. Them being beaten by germany a) would give me the quite i need, b) remove the SILLY english flags, banners (on cars) and all the red crosses around here. c) just comedy getting beaten by the germans for the Xth time.

[Kroggy]

Ecuador 3 - 0 Costa Rica

Good fucking ridance.

I would have prefered if they came back without having scored a single goal, though.

[Ammon Ra]

England just scored a goal in the 83rd minute. Good defending from T&T throughout the game though , and a near-goal in the 42nd minute for T&T.

[Invictus]

And England have won 2-0. England are now guaranteed for qualification.

[Wargrim]

Well, we will see you in the knockout stages then England! :wave:

T&T did really well, but England just got the bit better it needed to get in the very last minutes. I really wonder what they thought they were doing the first half of the match...

And what will all the non - English Brits say when they find out that the British embassy here in Berlin took down the British flag and instead displayed the English one? :D

[Invictus]

You mean the Brish Embassy replaced the Union Jack with the St. George Cross?

[Wargrim]

Jea, exactly. :yippee:

[Invictus]

That's really weird. Do you have a picture or a link?

[Scribble]

You mean the Brish Embassy replaced the Union Jack with the St. George Cross?

They do do that kind of crap from time to time, I recall they put the soltaire for a Scotland match once...

Generally I think British institutions need to ease up a bit on supporting UK nations, though they must be carefull to do so equally. I see no problems with putting up the Flag of st David during a france-wales rugby match or st george during the World Cup. It might even help the differing nations to get over their mutual amosity and actually support each other.

[Dimension]

I'm really surprised noone commented on germany vs poland yet.

fucking awesome. me and my mates were criticing germany throughout the first half, but they gradually picked up the pace in second half until they were unstoppable by the last 15 minutes. It still baffles me that the game didn't end with something like 5-0, 2-0 or 3-0 for germany. bad luck.

poland put up a valuable fight, and they were at least slightly favoured when it came to penalty shots (not so much with yellows).

Really strong show by the entire german team, except for friedrich, he sucked.

oh, and the polish keeper was pretty awesome too, great intuition and positioning.

[snrjefe]

Amen Dimension, that game was a joy to watch. Too bad Poland went down a man, or that stoppage time goal would have been all the sweeter. The subs really turned it up for Germany. Odonkor was on fire!

[Harmanoff]

Take that Paraguay!

Damn them for wrecking my nerves though. It should've been 1-0 far earlier. This is almost like a replay of the TT game, only this time we applied even more pressure. I try to avoid it but this time i say we were plain unlucky we didn't score earlier.

But who cares? Wiii! :D

[Scribble]

I was waiting for the Duetchers to comment on this one. Very good game though, Not quite up their with Argentina/Ivory Cost, but close.

Feel bad for Poland going out though.

[Brian]

I thought Germany was quite lucky not to get a draw, still they played better then poland but you have to always like the underdog in a game.

As for the enlgand game today, probably a good thing English fans don't watch Irish sports coverage because they had a right session on how the English team is over hyped, a load of rubbish compared to the good teams, Beckham and svens after match comments were torn apart, the english media was described as "stuffed" and they had a nice ramble about how the Premier ship is over hyped as the greatest league.

Was fecking funny as long as you did not support England that is.

Comments of this nature regarding -any- nation have no place on this here. While light needling has its place, this is a thread that celebrates football rather than giving succor to jingoistic nationalism. Criticism of teams is welcomed unthinking criticism of countries is not.

-Scribb


Anyhow personally my own heavily biased biased opinion is...it will be nice to see England face a decent side who have skill throughout the team.Tnt were okay but had no real chance.

[Ammon Ra]

haven't watched that many games due to me finally taking exams seriously.

[Invictus]

You're doing a lot better than me, Ammon. I want to take them seriously, but I'm lazy and my 'Z0mG! World Cup is here!!1!!1!' is kinda getting in the way.

Anyway, who are the USA playing next? Hopefully they'll qualify (hopefully).

[Scribble]

The US next play Italy on the 17th (I think).

To be honest I think their going to be completely outclassed though I hope they do well. Saying that Ghana is my 2nd team so theres a limit to my goodwill :hippy:.

[Invictus]

Oooh, that's a tough match! [/understatement of all time.]

Meh, I want the USA to win, even though Italy is my second team. Weird.

COME ON USA, WE :luff: YOU!!! [/insanity.]

[Dimension]

I thought Germany was quite lucky not to get a draw, still they played better then poland but you have to always like the underdog in a game.


Are you kidding? Poland was (sort of) lucky not to have the game at 1:0 after first half and 4:0 (or possibly 4:1) at the end of the game.

Up to this game, germany actually was sort of an underdog themselves, after the glaring defense weaknesses they showed vs costa rica.

Not to mention the german first half vs poland wasn't exactly glorious, there was a lot of fumbling going on.

IMO germany is still not the very best team out there, but they're showing a lot of promise, and now I don't deem it to be impossible to win vs teams like argentina.

[Invictus]

Er, nah. Germany played crap and won by the skin of their teeth. Just face it.

The fact that an apparently superior team won by the only goal in the match, which was scored in stoppage time, clearly shows that Germany aren't a first rate team.

[Benjamin]

The fact that an apparently superior team won by the only goal in the match, which was scored in stoppage time, clearly shows that Germany aren't a first rate team.

Germany was poor that day, but even good teams have bad days. 1 match doesn't say it all. Germany arn't the exactly Brazil, but they definatly arn't a team to be sniffed at.

Ghana is my 2nd team

You and me both mate :D

[General Blaze]

Unlike the US Soccer Team, which is consistently crap, I'm sorry to say.

[Invictus]

Germany was poor that day, but even good teams have bad days. 1 match doesn't say it all. Germany arn't the exactly Brazil, but they definatly arn't a team to be sniffed at.

*Psygunner motions to the two goals conceded by Germany in their first match against Coasta Rica

BTW I think the US team just needs a better manager. Perhaps Sven could go and coach them when he leaves his England managing job. Not likely, but it could happen.

[Dimension]

The fact that an apparently superior team won by the only goal in the match, which was scored in stoppage time, clearly shows that Germany aren't a first rate team.

First off, have you watched the game? Because the way you talk about it makes it sound like you didn't, then looked at the score and maybe the summary. endscores aren't the be-all end-all.

Second off, my argument wasn't that germany is a first rate team. My argument is that they're getting there.

Third off, what exactly are those supposed first rate teams then? Brazil is failing to impress, as is england. Portugal is incredibly shite. the best teams that I've seen in action so far are argentina and ivory coast. If argentina could be arsed to play more actively, they'd be in another league of their own, considering their efficiency.

[Invictus]

1. Yes. I did watch the game. Germany should have beaten Poland by several goals like they did with Costa Rica.

2. I personally haven't seen any improvement between their two matches.

3. While I agree that we haven't seen any classic action that could be considered first-rate (possible exception being Spain), this German side looks amateurish and average. There's little-to-no resemblance to the great German teams of the past.

[Fitz]

Assuming England manage to win group B, i am still seriously concerned about their ability to beat Ecuador in the next round. And as for the likelyhood of Brazil in the Semi... GG nice world cup etc.

[MooFreaky]

England has played crap. But let's not forget they took 6 points while still playing completely useless. All it takes is 1 moment in a game, from any of their many players who can do something amazing, and the team can click into gear and be on their way.
Who knows, after Beckham finally getting a good cross in and then Gerrad's goal, England could finally have pulled themselves together. Regardless of whether it happens in round 1 or the 80-something minute of game 3 or 4, you shouldn't underestimate a side with as much talent as England has.

Many competitions, World Cup or otherwise, have been won by teams that look medicorce at first and then get better as the Tournament progresses. Brazil played like crap, yet no-one would dare write them off.
Even if they somehow lost to Australia in the next match, I would still consider them one of the favourites to win the Cup. Purely because in Soccer a team can suddenly just come together and be on their way.

And perhaps Rooney coming back will give England that boost they need. They did look much better after his arrival.


EDIT : Germany haven't been looking overly impressive either. THey have shown they can create chances. However their defence has looked lack-luster. And their finishing has left something to be desired.
They also don't have the depth of Quality of the "big teams", so don't see them being able to improve massively.
Personally, I wouldn't be suprised if Equador came top of Group A

[Qwaar-Jet]

I don't know what all the moaning about Germany is about. They look better than England do.

Bear in mind that the 2002 German team was worse than this year's, and they managed to get to the World Cup final with a "crap team". This year they have Podolski instead of that loser Carsten Jancker, and Klose is in even better form than last time.

Assuming Germany draw with Ecuador and come second, they will likely face England in the last 16, and I honestly believe that Germany can win that one.

[Unk]

Bear in mind that the 2002 German team was worse than this year's, and they managed to get to the World Cup final with a "crap team". This year they have Podolski instead of that loser Carsten Jancker, and Klose is in even better form than last time. Do you remember what happened when the 02 team faced England in the qualifiers?

Also, I think with Rooney and Beckham England can pose a significant threat to the German defense. Rooney particularly has a habit of getting into difficult positions.

[Invictus]

5-1. Germany got trounced, and their side was better than this one IMO.

The German defense, as said before, leaves a lot to be desired. I think there's a high possibility of the English midfielders and strikers sweeping through the German defense, and Lehmann can't hold out forever.

[Wargrim]

From what i have seen so far, the team we have now is wayyyy better then the team of 2002. But i think we literally lucked our way into the final in 2002, i am still wondering today how we could get that far when we played as bad.

When judging the chances of Germany in the cup, you need to remember that the German teams allways had the nasty tendency to loose when they should have won, and to win when they should have lost. By that i mean they loose against easy teams outside of contests, but win against strong teams in contests.

So you never really know what they can reach, they could get thrown out in the first knockout match, or reach the final, or anything in between.

On England: I do not think they did show what they really can do so far. I think they can do better. But if i am wrong, then in a direct match Germany vs. England, with the current teams and in a German stadium, my bet would be 70:30 for Germany. If England shows what i think they have of hidden potential it would be 50:50, very open.

By the way, the team i would like to see in the final ( after Germany of course ) is the Czech team! They allways play really really beautyfull football, but 1 match doesnt give you a base to judge their chances.

[Scribble]

I think most of the moaning re Germany stems from their 'fall from grace', given that they are historically one of the best teams in the world, its a little discomforting to seem them in such a state. Saying that, I concer with Dimmy in that they had improved when they played vs Poland, but where FAR too deep.

Saying all that, Englands also a touch embarising. Theres just something missing from their line up and wtf was all that nonsence about throwing balls forward?

The good teams so far this world cup are (IMO): Argentina, Ivory Coast, Holland and Spain.

Italia is... hmmm. a maybe

Brazil and England have potential but bad form to date.

The remainder, including Germany, Korea and France are probably also-rans.

[MooFreaky]

But i think we literally lucked our way into the final in 2002, i am still wondering today how we could get that far when we played as bad.

2 Words... Oliver Kahn

[Master Azrael]

The good teams so far this world cup are (IMO): Argentina, Ivory Coast, Holland and Spain.

too bad three of them (Argentina, Côte d'Ivoire and Nederland) are in the same pool and if Nederland manages to beat Côte d'Ivoir today they are through.

[Fitz]

At the moment Argentina are my pick to win.

[Invictus]

Gee, it wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that they're currently winning 3-0, would it? :p

[darkelf]

4-0 you mean ;)

[Fitz]

i've watched every game bar one so far. And the Argies just look the most confident right now. They are comfortable on the ball, they finish well when chances arise, and they look happy at the back. Serbia may not be the best team in the tournament but several other top teams have faced mediocre oposition in this tournament so far and not played as well as Argentina.

[Benjamin]

6 - 0

That game was just amazing.

Argentina's possesion was just superb from start to finnnish, great match.

Compeared to Argentina It just goes to show how sloppy England are in midfield... we havn't got a midfield. Phah!

[Aussiemoo]

Oh man, poor poor Serbia Montenegro, I mean, damn! 6-0?

[Invictus]

Do you really think they tried to win against Argentina? There was no drive in that team for that match, which is why I odn't find the result suprising.

[Benjamin]

Well, yeah I do. No team goes into a match with no intention of winning. when it gets to a point where it's obviously no come back is when they start to give up.

When they left the first half 3nill down, they did start the 2nd half stronger then they did in the first. I doubt they thought they could win, but I don't think they wanted a no-score defeat. But when the 4th was scored, they obviously started to be very sloth like, they had no chance and they knew it.

[Rent-a-Zilla]

Barring a miracle, CIV are doomed - I so wanted them to beat the Neds

[Taiidan Admiral]

So I'm guessing the US is fuckt?

[Tails]

Yeah, that's a safe assumption.

[Labrat]

A bit of a nailbiter in the second half, but we (the Netherlands) won. 2-1

[Invictus]

Dang.

[Ammon Ra]

Van robben ftw. I was making lunch, looked at the game it was 0-0. a few mins later i came back and it was 1-0. Then after finishing lunch went back and it was 2-0, all in the span of 10-20 mins :-» Nederlands ftw :D

[Scribble]

Holands looking very strong, at this rate your game vs the Argies might be a forunner of the final :D

[Ammon Ra]

the 91th minute and angola have defended their goal VERY well, and/or mexico haven't done all that well. Either way angola has definatly proven themselves.

[bluevorlon]

A couple of funny alternative views on the world cup.

Charlie Brooker's (http://football.guardian.co.uk/worldcup2006/comment/story/0,,1799419,00.html) Screen Burn: Supposing a Robot World Cup.

But the really exciting bit is this: the organisers reckon by the year 2050, the robots will be good enough to compete in - and win - the "real" World Cup. Now that I want to see: plucky little England taking on the might of an emotionless army of steel. The tabloid coverage would be priceless.

I'd support the robots, obviously. Especially if they're allowed to eviscerate their human opponents using extendable buzzsaw arms. Because they're robots - that's what they do. Do us proud robolads! Come on you rivets!

And scottish football loving (thus england hating) general band of awesomeness, Mogwai ("http://www.mogwai.co.uk/)

No Chance England

It's happened for 40 years and has no sign of fading. I'm talking about the foolish English optimism/arrogance that attends every World Cup and after watching the first half between Trinidad and Tobago and England, they have a Kit Kat's chance in Hell of winning the tournament. You'd think they deserved to win the cup the way the English media blabbers on and it's plain embarrasing to watch, and not a little infuriating. Jingoism is nothing to be proud of (ironically) but it rears its ugly head every 4 years. England: are shite. Get over yourselves and start supporting Brazil or Argentina. That way you wont be disappointed at the final.

[Ammon Ra]

brazil was actually disapointing. :hmm:

[Sanctimonius]

Its a shame when the scots start to england-bash like this. Seriously, if it bothers you that much then just ignore it. I have recieved little else but antagonism, verbal attacks and even aggression simply for being english. I don't think the team we have can win, but I support my country, as I'm sure the scots would if they were in the competition. My advice is: get over it.

[Chosen Terminat]

Dude, i was watching it once and it was 0-0 Angolo-Mexico for like, an hour.:blah:

[Qwaar-Jet]

You can't ignore it if your British. We get the same coverage as England, so we have to listen to the English contantly assume they are going to win the World Cup every 4 years. I don't appreciate the likes of Gary Lineker and Ian Wright talking 7 levels of bullshit about England all the time. I tune in to watch whatever game is on at that time, not a report on what the England team are having for dinner in their freaking hotel.

And whenever Scotland are in the world cup, I support them, but also other teams, and unless Scotland are playing, I forget about them and enjoy watching the other teams. The World Cup is above all this stuff. It's about 32 teams of players plying their craft on the grandest stage of all.

[bluevorlon]

Dude, i was watching it once and it was 0-0 Angolo-Mexico for like, an hour.

I am struck by the thought of Keanu watching the world cup.

Dude, like, this british sport, like, sucks, y'know, you guys should all, like, make the goals bigger or something. Lets go like, surf, like, instead of watching these european losers with their, like, nil-nil draws.

[Thaum]

Now now blue....... :wag finger: very funny though

English game the other night was pretty dull up until Sven got Owen off the field. What has happened to him. He used to be brilliant. He is a shadow of his former self. But they seemed to come alive after that. Crouches goal was well placed by Beckham but Gerrards was brilliant. They need more play like that.

I really don’t know who is going to win. The Argentineans look very impressive. A lot of passing and possession. The Spanish also look very good. Not going to mention Brazil as I think they have won it enough. jk

Well we shall soon see who is going to get through. But I think I am going to put my money on Spain and hope that they finally do it after all these years. Like to see England do well, but I am afraid that if you win you will roll out that old crank Jimmy Hill and we will have to hear about it for the next million years. ;)

[bluevorlon]

I just saw the highlights of the Argentinian game and they were truly frightening.

[Tails]

Angola's goalie is a god.

And their defense is tougher than a brick wall.

[Scribble]

So far argies are the best team by a bloody wide margin, with only spain and holland there to provide challenge.

Re the whole england/britan thang: its tricky cos when Scotland/Ireland/wales are playing the coverage is equally biased. However given that they play international competitions so rarely its bound to create the impression of favouritism. Short of banning any home team jingoism (victory for the PC dimwits) I can't think of a solution though. Things have got to far when England fans are assualted and burned out of their homes in Scotland however. I would actually like to see a 'peoples' commision look into the affair; It would be nice to see the home nations support each other rather than wind people up.

However, I suspect this topic deserves it's own thread, as its a common theme in many 'compound' nations.

[bluevorlon]

Blu's team of the tournament so far.

Playing 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Joao Ricardo (Angola)

Right Back: Zdenek Grygera (Czech Republic)

Centre Half: Rafael Marquez (Mexico)

Centre Half: John Terry (England)

Left Back: Philip Lahm (Germany)

Right Midfield: Didier Zokora (Ivory Coast)

Central Midfield: Thomas Rosicky (Czech Republic)

Central Midfield: Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina)

Left Midfield: Arjen Robben (Holland)

Striker: Fernando Torres (Spain)

Striker: Luca Toni (Italy)

[Master Azrael]

Am I the only one who thought that Côte d'Ivoir's keeper wasn't looking strong with both the Dutch goals? I mean, the was going very fast but IMO it didn't look unholdable they were both very near the keeper and that free kick! It went into the corner the keeper was supposed to be defending, shees. Anyhow the Dutch are through, the Argentinians are through and Côte d'Ivoir is knocked out.

Oh and blu:

Quote:
Dude, i was watching it once and it was 0-0 Angolo-Mexico for like, an hour.

I am struck by the thought of Keanu watching the world cup.
Dude, like, this british sport, like, sucks, y'know, you guys should all, like, make the goals bigger or something. Lets go like, surf, like, instead of watching these european losers with their, like, nil-nil draws.

If you are talking about Angola-Mexica (that's what I'm thinking anyway) you are absolutely wrong, since Mexico is an American country and Angola is an African country.

PS Blu: perhaps it's an idea to edit you first post with all the results and standings and who's through and who's not.

[Fitz]

Blu, get out of that 4-4-2 homo gheyity... I shall concoct a suitable 3-5-1-1 when i have thinking time.

[Qwaar-Jet]

Since we're doing team of the tourney...

playing 4-3-3

GK : Edwin Van Der Saar
Defenders : John Terry, Phillip Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst
Midfielders : Arjen Robben, Juan Riquelme, Tim Cahill
Attackers : Miroslav Klose, Mark Viduka, Carlos Tevez

[Scribble]

Seeing as people are already making teams, any thoughts on the Beebs World cup game (http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldcupdaq/)?

[bluevorlon]

Azrael, not sure if that remark was aimed at me, but I do realise where Mexico and Angola are yes, I was poking fun of American perception of the game as played by pansy european wet blanket types who like to draw so nobody loses.

Good idea about the first post, I'll edit in a tournament status so far.

[Zepherian]

Portugal 2 - Iran 0.

Any questions? :santa:

[Starfisher]

...I was poking fun of American perception of the game as played by pansy european wet blanket types who like to draw so nobody loses.Wait, we're wrong?

;)

[Wargrim]

Ghana 2:0 Czech Republic...

Really good game from Ghana, but i was very disappointed from the Czechs performance, why the hell did they play that bad, when they started so good against the USA? :disgust:

[Scribble]

Woot! First African win of the WC finals Ghana 2, the Czech Republic 0. Asamoah Gyan did extremely well I thought.

[MooFreaky]

The Czechs are like that. They can be really good, but are soooooooooo inconsistent. If it wasn't for Cech they would have been slaughtered.

Go Ghana!

[Rent-a-Zilla]

3 sent off in the USA<>ITA game already - the team with the most players left after full time should win (if the score remains even).

[Invictus]

*Psygunner chants 'Come on U.S.! Come on U.S.!'

Even though my second team is Italy, the USA deserve a win more than the Italians do, plus they've been playing so well.

EDIT: YES! The U.S.A are still in the runnings. Good game all round!

[snrjefe]

The USA v ITA game was entertaining, if somewhat over-officiated. At least we didn't embarrass ourselves as I thought we might, and with a good showing against Ghana, we just might back our way into the next round. Keller made a couple of good, key saves; and that's a good sign. Still...haven't...really...scored...though. That's very, very bad.

The worst part of the game--the commentary. I tried to give them a chance, but ended up watching most of it with the sound off. Maybe next time I'll try Univision. If nothing else, it'll be a chance to brush up on my Spanish.

[Dimension]

that was a barhouse brawl

overall, with all the chaos going on during most of the game, its pretty impossible to tell who was actually stronger, the americans were really pushing during first half, while the italians made a comeback in second half. for some reason i found myself rooting for the USA to win. they had a couple of hot fans too i might add.

I must say Ghana impressed me. wouldn't have expected them to play as they played. They're not quite as strong on the technique as the ivorians, but they have a solid defense and they do get their chances as well. I'd expect them to beat the US 2:1 or something along those lines. but anything can happen.

[Invictus]

I reckon the U.S.A v Ghana game is going to go right to the wire. Both teams are well and equally matched I feel. You've gotta watch it, if only to see whether the U.S.A manage to get through to the next round.

[bluevorlon]

but i was very disappointed from the Czechs performance, why the hell did they play that bad, when they started so good against the USA?

When your two first choice strikers are injured (Milan Baros and Jan Koller) and your alternative (Lokvenc) is rubbish, you're going to have a hard time playing decent football in a 4-5-1 like the czechs play.

[Starfisher]

Red card bonanza in the USA Italy game.

I missed the post-game commentary. Did anyone find out why the freaking hell the US coach didn't use his last sub? Everyone is completely dead on their feet, not even challenging stuff in the air, and he just sits there for the last fifteen minutes with a sub?!

Gar.

The ref was also very card happy, though I gather that's been the spirit of this World Cup. The Ghana-Czech game had one yellow in the beginning that shouldn't have even been a foul. Then a few minutes later, a much harder and much dirtier play gets nothing.

[MooFreaky]

I missed the post game commentary also. What were the critics, experts and commentators saying about the Refs performance?
I know he was giving a butt load of freekicks and cards. But did they feel he was just being too harsh?

I think the Italian red card was disgusting. That player should be absolutely ashamed of himself, it was a complete disgrace. He wasn't even looking at the ball, he was purely trying to injure McBride.

I don't want the Americans to go through. I wanted Ghana and the Italians to go through but now I really hope it's Ghana and the Czechs. And after that incident I really wanted the Americans to win. Players that do that type of thing should be banned for extended periods.

And after Totti's spitting in the last Euro, I really don't have time for Italia any more.

[xNevermorex]

I missed the post game commentary also. What were the critics, experts and commentators saying about the Refs performance?

During the game, the announcers suggested that perhaps the red card against Mastroeni was a make-up call, as in making up for the Italian who was thrown out of the game for intentionally elbowing McBride in the face. I don't believe that at all. At worst Mastroeni's tackle was a yellow card. It was comparable to any other late tackle in the tournament where a free kick was awarded to the opposite team. Mastroeni was doing very well for the US team.

"Players win games, coaches lose them, and referees ruin them." -- Eric Wynalda (during post game commentary)

Wynalda's last world cup was in 1998, when the US National team had a horrible coach, and went nowhere. In the states broadcast he was one of the post-game commentators. Although here there were only about 2 minutes of "post game commentary." Someone mentioned that the referee of the USA:Italy match had been previously suspended. Not sure what for though.

I think after his poor performance yesterday that referee will receive more than a suspension.

[darkelf]

Nevermore, didn't Mastroena already have a yellow card? And 2 yellows = 1 red, right?

[Martian]

Mastroeni's tackle was with 2 legs forward, with his studs up, and he went straight for the Italians ankles. He could easily have broken a leg. The red card was completely justified, whatever your american commentators may say. Honestly, watch it again... it was unlike other tackles so far this tournament.
The ref did a very good job and did not make a single significant mistake (besides not giving that one corner kick to the Americans). I think he will be praised by the FIFA for how brave he was; giving three red cards when the easier way out is to let Pope continue even though he deserved his second yellow takes a lot of balls.

I am very glad that Team USA gave Italy a bloody nose though... those arrogant bastards :).

[Master Azrael]

I'm with Martian, those first two red cards were completely justified, the tackle from Mastroeni on Pirlo could have easily ment the end of the tournament for him, he's lucky he didn't break a leg.

As a side note I don't get the commotion bout the ref; have you seen hos positioning during the two red cards? He whas no more that 2 or 3 metres away, makes the fouls even more stupid. As for the last red card (which was a 2 yellows I think) I can't judge it cause I didn't see it, but Pope shoudl have been substituted after the Italian red card, you could see it from a mile off he was going to get his second one sooner or later.

[Martian]

Yeah, and he was partly to blame for the Italian goal as well, standing there with his hand in the air claiming that it was offside instead of covering his man :\

[Wargrim]

All 3 red cards were absolutely correct. German TV did show various slow motion captures from different angles off all the fouls. The last one of Pope was really stupid, i mean both teams had lost a man with a red card, and he allready had a yellow, but he still does that foul... :disagree:

[darkelf]

Sorry, thought of pope, not Mastroeni. Mastroeni's was completely justified. As was Pope's.

[Master Azrael]

The Aussie-Brazil match is on the verge on beginning. Personally I am rooting for th Aussies. Not just because their coahc is Dutch but also because I love to see great teams get humiliated. Even more when the ones humiliated have a superior technique and brilliance and the others do it with cold hard work and a shit load of guts.

I don't know how you think about it, but I can just as easily enjoy a hard worker who is flying all over the field tackling here, intercepting there and throwing all he has into the battle, playing whit his hearth instead of his head. As much as an completely brilliant player scattering brilliant passes far and way.

Must have got something to do with that fact that I'm the former.

Edit: Half-time and a fantastic game so far, the Aussies are putting up a great fight.
45 min. gone: 0-0

[Ammon Ra]

Ronaldo is moving a bit more than last time, but the aussies are doing an excelent job of marking the brazilian 4. Ronaldo had a great chance, but spoilt it. :(

[Invictus]

The Aussies are losing 1-0. Dang, I want them to win!