greaserkat 16.02.2010 15:46 |
Who is everyone's early choice to win this years football World Cup? Im going with Holland. |
PauloPanucci 16.02.2010 18:02 |
i'm brazilian... but i'm going with holland too |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 16.02.2010 19:22 |
bit early for this isnt it? still 4 months to go :-p |
ParisNair 17.02.2010 14:28 |
Argentina!! Unlikely, but still!! |
mooghead 17.02.2010 15:17 |
Spain or Germany. Probably Spain. |
L-R-TIGER1994 17.02.2010 18:07 |
Feroe Islands. |
Mr.Jingles 17.02.2010 22:00 |
Spain is definitely not going to win because super favorites haven't won a World Cup since Brazil in Chile 1962. |
Micrówave 18.02.2010 01:59 |
I'm American. So there's really no reason for me to watch. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 18.02.2010 05:13 |
Micrówave wrote: I'm American. So there's really no reason for me to watch. apart from the USA being in the same group as England so it be Beckham against his LA Galaxy pals? |
FlorianS 18.02.2010 09:27 |
I think it's gonna be Spain |
*goodco* 18.02.2010 14:08 |
One of many local watering holes get big-time interest here in suburbian DC/Balto for the roundball. Will make sure I go to my favorite tavern for the UK-USA first round match. Really don't care who wins, just know that the place will be packed. Brazil, Germany or France are my best bets to win it all. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 18.02.2010 14:50 |
*goodco* wrote: One of many local watering holes get big-time interest here in suburbian Baltimore for anything soccer. Will make sure I go to my favorite tavern for the UK-USA first round match. Really don't care who wins, just know that the place will be packed. Brazil, Germany or France are my best bets to win it all.germany and france have very average teams,i dont expect them to go far in the tournament at all.i'm expecting an african team to go far though,maybe the ivory coast but i'm off the opinion that Brazil,Spain and England will be 3 of the 4 semi-finalists and then its 'take your pick' from there. |
mooghead 18.02.2010 16:56 |
Micrówave wrote: I'm American. Really? But you write as if you have no intelligence whatsoe....... oh, sorry. |
Micrówave 20.02.2010 15:34 |
ha ha!!! Actually, I was saying that because as an American, I know my "home team" has no shot of winning the World Cup... EVER. And while most of the time, you're right mooghead... check out the Freedom of Speech thread and how I SOLVED the problem of public campaign donations. Everyonce in a while there's a flash, but I blame the DMT that Treasure Moment gave me. |
YourValentine 22.02.2010 10:21 |
Joxer - Germany did not have any better than "average" teams in the FIFA cup 2002 (2nd place), FIFA cup 2006 (3rd place) and Euro 2008 (2nd place). It needs a good tournament team to get far in the World Cup. England did not win anything after the World Cup 1966 although they have the biggest league along with Spain and Italy and have great teams which won numerous international cups etc. Maybe now they have a good tournament team with their Italian coach:-) African teams have never won anything although there is always an expectation that an outsider will reach the semi finals. You forgot Italy and Argentina who are always candidates for the cup. |
John S Stuart 22.02.2010 10:54 |
Portugal could be a good dark horse to win. |
Mr.Jingles 12.06.2010 10:28 |
Germany does better when they are under the radar. Brazil does better when their fanbase criticizes their lack of "jogo bonito". France does better when they are bashed by the press. I personally think that overhyped teams hold a huge burden on them. |
ParisNair 12.06.2010 13:32 |
Mr.Jingles wrote: I personally think that overhyped teams hold a huge burden on them.For example..England? |
Amazon 12.06.2010 13:42 |
I'm going for Australia, however once we are eliminated, I'll switch my support over to Argentina. |
YourValentine 13.06.2010 01:53 |
England vs USA 1:1 - the first big surprise. With such a goalkeeper England needs to score more goals if they want to be successful in this world cup. Thre vuvuzelas are a pain, they kill the atmosphere in the stadium. Even the English fans were muted by this monotonous horrible noise. Let's hope that the FiFa does something after even the players complained that they are unable to communicate. To watch Messi is pure joy. What an outstanding player, he is in his own league. |
its_a_hard_life 26994 13.06.2010 15:29 |
GERMANY 4 - AUSTRALIA 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO SURPRISES HERE. GERMANY IS ONE OF THE BEST. |
Mr Mercury 13.06.2010 17:03 |
YourValentine wrote: The vuvuzelas are a pain, they kill the atmosphere in the stadium. Even the English fans were muted by this monotonous horrible noise. Let's hope that the FiFa does something after even the players complained that they are unable to communicate. To watch Messi is pure joy. What an outstanding player, he is in his own league.I agree that the vuvuzelas really are a pain. They were a nice novelty when the home team were playing, but now they are just a dreadful bore. Never thought I'd say this, but I wanted to hear the English fans after a while....... Still have to get round to watching the Argentina game.... |
Mr Mercury 13.06.2010 17:06 |
its_a_hard_life wrote: GERMANY 4 - AUSTRALIA 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO SURPRISES HERE. GERMANY IS ONE OF THE BESTThe Aussie's are hardly a side to be reckoned with tho. The Germans hardly broke sweat in beating them they were that poor |
Amazon 13.06.2010 23:18 |
its_a_hard_life wrote: "GERMANY 4 - AUSTRALIA 0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO SURPRISES HERE. GERMANY IS ONE OF THE BEST." I am so depressed. I was hoping that we could have a 1-0 loss, and perhaps even aim for a draw. When I saw that we were down 2 goals in the first half, I was upset but I was hoping we would recover in the second half. Maybe score a goal, perhaps even 2. Little did I know. We need to beat Ghana. If we do, and we then beat Serbia, we will make the second round. But it's going to be tough, and as much as I hate to admitt it, we probably won't succeed. |
Yara 14.06.2010 00:13 |
It's all going well so far. There have been some good matches. Germany got off to a great start! The squad is very tight and well-coordinated. The vuvuzelas are a tad bit annoying, though. It's as if the stadium had been placed inside a huge honeycomb, and the noise starts to get tiresome after awhile. : ( |
john bodega 14.06.2010 02:20 |
I like to think of myself as a fairly worldly individual, but I can't wait until our amateur soccer team gets the shit beaten out of it again so that they're out of contention and I can stop seeing this blanket coverage of crap on every TV channel. It's not even a real sport. I'm utterly sick of all of the homoerotic advertising that goes along with it. Like that ridiculous commercial where the kid is hiding behind the car and watching these sweaty soccer legends duke it out with some CG animals. Honestly, it's getting old. I also like that all of the hard hitting journalism shows here (60 Minutes and what have you) only seemed to give a shit about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa when there's a World Cup on. Fuck off with this lousy soccer, put some women's beach volleyball on instead. At least someone's guaranteed to score. |
Bo Rhap 14.06.2010 04:08 |
I cant be bothered with those vevuzelas as well. They are worse than Slayer and Rage Against The Machine together at their loudest. |
Micrówave 14.06.2010 04:50 |
Yes, the UK/US game was a tie... but it was a victory for us Americans. We just won the fricking Super Bowl!!!! Now we can go back to not giving a damn about soccer. Perhaps round II will be a little more exciting. |
Bo Rhap 14.06.2010 14:39 |
Micrówave wrote: Yes, the UK/US game was a tie... but it was a victory for us Americans. We just won the fricking Super Bowl!!!! Now we can go back to not giving a damn about soccer. Perhaps round II will be a little more exciting. You were'nt playing against the UK.You were playing against the English football team.Please get it right. There was no Scottish Irish or Welsh in that team. |
The Real Wizard 14.06.2010 14:55 |
1 in 4 Americans think french fries (or 'chips' in your fine land) are a vegetable, so I'm not counting on a large number of them being able to distinguish England from the UK. |
GratefulFan 14.06.2010 18:14 |
Okay, I'm really trying, but this is a crazy game. The entire first half there were only three scoring attempts, which is like watching snails nursing sore feet, and then the second half starts and Denmark scores on themselves. What the hell? And why is there a constant screaming drone in the background? Seriously, what *is* that? Did you know that while Canada surely sucks at international soccer, we engineered the grass seed for that field? It's true. |
Veila 14.06.2010 22:17 |
i will apologize but in the U. S . we call it the "world coma".. sorry not my line. heard it on the radio...personally i am rooting for the U.K. |
The Real Wizard 14.06.2010 23:07 |
GratefulFan wrote: "Did you know that while Canada surely sucks at international soccer, we engineered the grass seed for that field? It's true." Wow, really? Where'd you hear about that? I'd love to read up on it. |
YourValentine 15.06.2010 01:27 |
Sorry, Amazon, that you feel so bad about your team losing but there are 2 more chances to move on to the next round. @ Zebonka: the FIFA world cup is the biggest single sports event in the world. Football is played all over Europe, in South America, Asia and Africa. For example 28 millions out of 80 million Germans watched the first group match of our team - that is more than a third of the complete population from cradle to grave. You will find similar numbers in other football-crazy countries. We do not have cricket or rugby and only very few hockey and American Football teams. However, we do not laugh about other sports and we do not give them other names. "Soccer" is a word that was invented by the USA because they think their own game needs the exclusive use of the word "football". But football has been played all over the world since the 19th century. It's Fussball, futbol, football in all languages because the teams play with a ball which is kicked with the feet ;) It is not allowed to touch the ball with your hands. On the other hand American football does not use a ball, they use some other item and this item is not kicked, it is carried and thrown. Only very few times the ball is actually kicked - so why they call it football I do not know but they do not need to use another word for "real" football. On to the next round, I could not be more excited :-) |
Rick 15.06.2010 02:14 |
Us Dutchies played a rather bad match, but still won with 2-0. I guess that's a quality too. A quality which could make this team world champion (referring to Italy and Germany here). |
YourValentine 15.06.2010 02:59 |
Absolutely, Rick. Remember the UEFA cup in 2008 when Holland played 3 beautiful matches only to be kicked out early. Playing good matches is one thing - winning the cup is a totally different matter. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 15.06.2010 03:03 |
although the "bag of teasy wasps" were annoying when i first heard them i have grown to like them only because they drone out the inane ramblings of that Andy Gray wannabe Scottish twat Craig Burley and "mr stumbles" Mark Bright. Italy played crap last night which means they will be in the final and France have been the worse team so far which means they will go far too. Personally i am cheering on South Korea,any team managed by a bloke called Mr Hu Moo gets my seal of approval :-D ps,notice that i didnt mention England or Mr Margarine Green at all? only because England do this every World Cup and i look on the bright side and think "could be worse i could be a Scot" :-D |
Mr Mercury 15.06.2010 06:20 |
To us Scots, Craig Burley is nowhere near annoying as Scotland's finest "Englishman" Alan Hansen - born in Clackmannanshire, played for Partick Thistle, moved to Liverpool and gained an accent of indeterminate origin. Seriously, can you understand what he is on about????? |
Holly2003 15.06.2010 07:21 |
At least Hansen doesn't say "we" when referring to England, unlike certain part-time paddies working for the BBC. So far the World Cup has been a huge bore: boring games, boring drone from those african horns, boring players, boring boring boring. |
Saif 15.06.2010 07:29 |
I haven't seen every match, but has We Will Rock You been sung yet? :P |
freddiefan91 15.06.2010 07:55 |
I suspect Germany will get qutie far and im sure that Argentina or Brazil could make it to the final |
GratefulFan 15.06.2010 08:38 |
Sir GH wrote: GratefulFan wrote: "Did you know that while Canada surely sucks at international soccer, we engineered the grass seed for that field? It's true." Wow, really? Where'd you hear about that? I'd love to read up on it. ============================ http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100609/world-cup-soccer-100609/20100609/?hub=MontrealHome :) |
GratefulFan 15.06.2010 08:46 |
From the comments in the above article: "You're going to need some good Canadian grass if you want to enjoy soccer!" ahhahahaha |
Rick 15.06.2010 09:03 |
I'm so happy for the New Zealanders. They definitely deserved a point. |
The Real Wizard 15.06.2010 11:22 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: "Italy played crap last night which means they will be in the final" Haha, it's true. We all know (minus Italians, of course) that they cheated their way to the final 8 in 2006. |
Amazon 15.06.2010 12:13 |
Sir GH wrote: "JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: "Italy played crap last night which means they will be in the final" "Haha, it's true. We all know (minus Italians, of course) that they cheated their way to the final 8 in 2006." You don't have to tell me that. |
Amazon 15.06.2010 12:16 |
YourValentine wrote: "Sorry, Amazon, that you feel so bad about your team losing but there are 2 more chances to move on to the next round." True, however my concern isn't that we lost but the manner in which we lost. My fear is that we are simply not good enough to beat Ghana, and if we lose to Ghana, it won't matter how well we play against Serbia; we'll be out. Germany didn't simply beat us, they destroyed us, they exposed our weakness, and Tim Cahill (our most important player) has been red carded. Our future at this World Cup does not look good. |
The Real Wizard 15.06.2010 12:23 |
Amazon wrote: Sir GH wrote: We all know (minus Italians, of course) that they cheated their way to the final 8 in 2006." You don't have to tell me that." Right, you're from Australia ! Even though I'm cheering for Germany, I still wish you guys the best, especially after being so cheaply shortchanged by Italy last time around. |
Mr Mercury 15.06.2010 12:27 |
Holly2003 wrote: At least Hansen doesn't say "we" when referring to England, unlike certain part-time paddies working for the BBCSorry to burst your bubble, but Hansen has been guilty of that misdemeanor....... |
Holly2003 15.06.2010 12:50 |
Mr Mercury wrote: Holly2003 wrote: At least Hansen doesn't say "we" when referring to England, unlike certain part-time paddies working for the BBC Sorry to burst your bubble, but Hansen has been guilty of that misdemeanor....... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maybe it was a royal "we". |
Amazon 15.06.2010 12:59 |
Sir GH wrote: "Right, you're from Australia ! Even though I'm cheering for Germany, I still wish you guys the best, especially after being so cheaply shortchanged by Italy last time around" Thanks. :D |
Yara 15.06.2010 14:30 |
This is for sure the worst Brazilian squad that I've ever seen play. |
GratefulFan 15.06.2010 15:05 |
YourValentine wrote: ...we do not laugh about other sports and we do not give them other names. ============================================= We're not laughing. You don't understand! It's just so confusing. It hurts us inside. :'(
SETUP
30 minutes cycles of play. Eg: offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, offside, oh...oh....oh....
The team with 1* goal wins when a) the whistle is blown, or, optionally b) when the TV announcer pronounces it hopeless for the other
Dutch team officials may be wearing shiny suits. This is normal and no cause for concern. Those sensitive to a noise that is the aural embodiment of complete and utter fucking insanity may wish to place their eardrums in a safe deposit box for the duration of the tournament. * See 'Miracle in Madrid, 1972' for historic 2 goal win** ** I made that up |
Mr Mercury 15.06.2010 17:26 |
Yara wrote: This is for sure the worst Brazilian squad that I've ever seen play.Couldnt agree more. No imagination, no flare, no style. The squad of 1982 would have torn the Koreans apart... |
Saif 15.06.2010 23:32 |
Yara wrote: This is for sure the worst Brazilian squad that I've ever seen play. Yara's back! |
Raf 16.06.2010 01:43 |
Yara wrote: This is for sure the worst Brazilian squad that I've ever seen play. ------------------ I'm not very good with these things and I probably can count on my fingers all the matches I've watched since the last World Cup, but I'd say this year's team is better than 2006's. But I have to admit I was rather bored during today's match's first round. |
YourValentine 16.06.2010 02:14 |
They did not move !! I do not remember that I ever saw a Brazilian team with such a lack of ideas and creativity. They say it's the fault of the coach who demands discipline but I do not believe he forbade them to run. However, they won the match, that counts in the end. |
Raf 16.06.2010 02:30 |
YourValentine wrote: They did not move !! I do not remember that I ever saw a Brazilian team with such a lack of ideas and creativity. They say it's the fault of the coach who demands discipline but I do not believe he forbade them to run. However, they won the match, that counts in the end. --- My complaint is the same - they didn't move. But during part of the second round they were moving, and it was exactly during that period that they scored twice. I have some faith in them. For decades Brazil's performance on the first match of each World Cup's been rather weak: 2006: Brazil 1 x 0 Croatia 2002: Brazil 2 x 1 Turkey 1998: Brazil 2 x 1 Scotland 1994: Brazil 2 x 0 Russia 1990: Brazil 2 x 1 Sweden 1986: Brazil 1 x 0 Spain 1982: Brazil 2 x 1 U.S.S.R. 1978: Brazil 1 x 1 Sweden 1974: Brazil 0 x 0 Yugoslavia 1970: Brazil 4 x 1 Czechoslovakia <----- Finally an exciting score! Except for the match against Russia in 1994 and for two ties (74 and 78), the we've always won by one goal after 1970. |
The Mir@cle 16.06.2010 02:34 |
The most important thing is that you win the first match... save the great footy till the next round. ;-) With the European Championship we (Holland) played superbly against France (4-1) and Italy (3-0). And we got kicked out in the next round aganst Russia. So I guess that Germany is gonna be the one kicked out this time in the next round. ;-) |
Rick 16.06.2010 03:10 |
Was it Germany's strength or Australia's weakness that resulted into a 4-0 outcome? |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 16.06.2010 04:01 |
is it just me or are the teams so afraid of losing that they've forgotten how to win? the vuvuzelas are keeping that 'diving winker' Ronaldo awake at night aparantly and affecting his game,i like them even more now :-D i've already had enough of ITV's coverage and change channel at half time,but at least i wont have to listen to Robbie Earle now.Spare tickets anyone? are there any ENGLISH pundits employed now or are they all Scots,Welsh,wannabe Paddys or Marcel Desailly and Edgar Davids? Alan Hansen is just "phoning it in" and looks completely bored with it all. can anyone actually here what Chris Coleman says in commentary? and now some interesting facts for those who like superstitions or lucky charms: the last time France,Uruguay and Mexico were in the same group together England won the trophy.The last time North Korea were in the World Cup,England won the trophy.The last time Spain won the Euros England won the next World Cup. soooo,the 'omens' are with England :-D or... the last time France,Uruguay and Mexico were in the same group the hosts won the trophy,the last time North Korea were in the World Cup the hosts won the trophy and the last time Spain won the Euros the hosts won the next world cup. soooo,the 'omens' are with South Africa to win :-D oh come on,you didnt actually think that England will win did you? the flags of St George will be back in the cupboards before the Scot gets beat at Wimbledon! |
Mr Mercury 16.06.2010 05:59 |
Heres another fact for you. England had to wait 12 years after the 1970 world cup before playing in the finals again. Scotland have now did 12 years without getting to a major tournament final. If we make it to the 2012 Euro's in Poland, will we suddenly turn into world beaters like the English media have made the current England squad????? NAH... thanks to the largely backward thinking SFA............. |
YourValentine 16.06.2010 06:16 |
I think the German team looked so good because Australia was not much of a serious opponent. It looked like a training match. In the past the German teams have always been criticised for their ugly, result-oriented, minimalistic (but successful) playing. Let's hope we do not "die in beauty" this time :-) Joxer wrote: "the last time France,Uruguay and Mexico were in the same group together England won the trophy.The last time North Korea were in the World Cup,England won the trophy.The last time Spain won the Euros England won the next World Cup. soooo,the 'omens' are with England :-D" The last time England won was in 1966 - 44 years ago! They won because their third goal was given, although the ball did not cross the line. Since then the national team did not win another cup but you never know - with an Italian coach things might happen for England - finally. |
Rick 16.06.2010 08:33 |
Chile played a pretty decent match. They, of course, should have scored at least three goals. After Germany, they convinced me the most. |
Daniel vZ 16.06.2010 12:44 |
The biggest suprise so far: Switzerland defeats Spain 1-0. Are there any people who saw that one coming? |
Micrówave 16.06.2010 13:10 |
Here's a scary stat, and perhaps a good explanation as to why Soccer I Mean Football is not popular in the U.S. In it's last FIVE World Cup games, dating back to the 2002 quarterfinals, the US has scored a total of 2 goals. Both by Clint Dempsey. |
Rick 16.06.2010 13:55 |
Daniel vZ wrote: The biggest suprise so far: Switzerland defeats Spain 1-0. Are there any people who saw that one coming? No, but the Spaniards can only blame themselves for this horrendous result. This World Cup is full of surprises. Love it, actually. Group H is by far the most exciting now. My guess is that Chile will end as number 1 of this group. They are able to beat Spain as well. |
Amazon 16.06.2010 16:11 |
Rick wrote: Daniel vZ wrote: "The biggest suprise so far: Switzerland defeats Spain 1-0. Are there any people who saw that one coming?" "No, but the Spaniards can only blame themselves for this horrendous result." Let's be honest, Spain has underperformed at pretty much every World Cup. While they are amazing, I'm not surprised that they lost a match they should have won. |
The Real Wizard 16.06.2010 16:58 |
Micrówave wrote: "Here's a scary stat, and perhaps a good explanation as to why Soccer I Mean Football is not popular in the U.S. In it's last FIVE World Cup games, dating back to the 2002 quarterfinals, the US has scored a total of 2 goals." Poor performance in world scale tournaments doesn't excuse ignorance. With that logic, football (I refuse to call it soccer) would be exponentially less popular in Canada because we have only been there once, in 1986. |
GratefulFan 16.06.2010 17:23 |
Sir GH wrote: Micrówave wrote: "Here's a scary stat, and perhaps a good explanation as to why Soccer I Mean Football is not popular in the U.S. In it's last FIVE World Cup games, dating back to the 2002 quarterfinals, the US has scored a total of 2 goals." Poor performance in world scale tournaments doesn't excuse ignorance. With that logic, football (I refuse to call it soccer) would be exponentially less popular in Canada because we have only been there once, in 1986. ======================================= Yeah, but we supply the grass and the music and drinks, so since we're throwing the party we kinda gotta pay attention. (For you stats people, about 13 million Americans watched the US-England game compared to 2.75 Canadians - about double the US audience adjusted for population) Accusing people of ignorance, particularly ignorace that is apparently inexcusable, is a bit off here. Soccer (and that's what it's called here, like it or not) simply doesn't have the same history or a comparable cultural presence yet in North America. It's obviously a fantastic game much loved and appreciated by the majority of the world, but people like me who try to watch it and fail miserably because I'm watching it largely without comprehension aren't ignorant and inward looking lunkheads, even if we (I) choose to never know one more thing that I know about the game right now. |
Micrówave 16.06.2010 19:10 |
No, Sir GH, it's not ignorance. The game is simply too simple and boring for the US to get into, if you really want to know the truth. Take Hockey, for example. There wasn't enough offense going on, so they changed the 100 year old rules. Soccer won't do that. In baseball, from 1995-2005 saw the biggest jump in attendance AND revenue. The reason? More offense (and steroids). The 40 year old Home Run record was broken several times. And now, they're working on defense as well. We've had three perfect games this year. There has never been a year when it happened twice. In fact, on average, it happens about every five years. The way pitchers are developed is quite different from 10 years ago, better coaches, better medical staff, better specialists. Soccer won't do that. The marketing department at the NFL is miles ahead of everyone. More NFL jerseys are sold than Basketball, Baseball, AND soccer jerseys every year. They sold 3 million Cowboys jerseys in Mexico alone last year. Soccer won't do that. Every sport seems to have a clock or some sort of time limit. That's why everyone goes crazy in the last two minutes of an NFL or NBA game. That's why the ninth inning is the most exciting. Individuals can change the course of a game with a stellar performance, like the no hitter or rushing for 200 yards. You never know when soccer will end. |
The Real Wizard 16.06.2010 22:54 |
Micrówave wrote: "The game is simply too simple and boring for the US to get into, if you really want to know the truth." Nascar is the second-most popular sport in the US. How much intellect does it require to watch cars drive in a counter-clockwise circle for 200 laps? "Take Hockey, for example. There wasn't enough offense going on, so they changed the 100 year old rules." I know. They added the shootout, the worst change ever made to the game, just to please Americans who can't be satisfied with a tie (which is obviously most of them if it necessitated such a change). The majority of Canadians absolutely despise Gary Bettman for this reason and so many others (and actually plenty of Americans hate him too - did you hear the boos in Philly when he handed out the Conn Smythe trophy?). The instant gratification culture we have created in the west has destroyed the attention span of most, so they will never appreciate the value of a draw, or of a goal that may only come once every 90 minutes. "Every sport seems to have a clock or some sort of time limit. That's why everyone goes crazy in the last two minutes of an NFL or NBA game. That's why the ninth inning is the most exciting. Individuals can change the course of a game with a stellar performance, like the no hitter or rushing for 200 yards. You never know when soccer will end." There's a clock in soccer as well - it just doesn't stop, except at half time. When it hits 90 minutes, they specify how many extra minutes will be added on for stoppage time. The excitement is in the fact that you *don't* know when it will end - but it is imminent. New Zealand scored a goal with seconds remaining, leading to a 1-1 draw with Slovakia. It is their first ever World Cup point as a nation. Has a no-hitter or a 100-yard rush ever had an entire nation in jubilation? You mentioned jerseys. You think soccer jerseys don't sell in Europe? It's a completely irrelevant argument anyway, because in the majority of the world soccer has nothing to do with marketing. Believe it or not, there are places in the world where money and enjoyment are actually two separate things. In the west (particularly the USA), it's consume, consume, consume. Marketing has sucked most people in the west into believing that happiness can only come from money, which is why it is now associated with everything from sports to music to sex. A kid playing soccer in Cameroon doesn't give a shit about buying a jersey. He's playing soccer with his buddies because he loves it. He's in a developing country and doesn't care about material things. All that's required to play soccer is a ball, camaraderie, and a competitive spirit. Maybe we could learn something from that kid. This World Cup in South Africa is more than just a game. Apartheid is over, and white and black people are united in harmony over this sport - and they are ever so proud that the world is watching. Remember the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the year after apartheid ended? How Mandela arrived at the stadium wearing the jersey of the white South African team, even though white people had jailed him for nearly 30 years? And then they won. There is no language to describe the joy that took over the nation. As long as you delegate the importance of sports to catering to a population hypnotized by marketing and media sensationalism, you will never begin to understand why football is such an important sport in 200+ countries worldwide. |
YourValentine 17.06.2010 01:51 |
It does not make sense to claim that one game is more exciting or less boring than another one. We all have our faves and football happens to be the fave of many people in the whole world. There is a lot of money in football, too and it's not for the good of the game. There are scandals with illegal betting, players are sold and bought for incredible sums (Criatiano Ronaldo was sold to Madrid for 95 million euros), Russian billionaires buy whole teams. Most people who support a team actually ignore the money part in order to enjoy the game because all the money does not change the fact that a football match brings people together more than any other event. I never understood the rules of cricket or rugby but I do not judge the game based on my total ignorance. I also would not enter a thread about cricket and mock the game claiming that my nation is too sophisticated to play that particular game - how ridiculous is that. In the USA little kids already play basket ball in little leagues - in other countries they play football. As long as the kids play the game with enthusiasm and joy, there will be a far reaching enthusiasm and joy in the game. GratefulFan, I really would like you to come here during the world cup and watch how people gather in front of TV screens during work, how nobody can be seen in the streets when the German team plays but after the match people take to the streets cheering and chanting - and it's much more emotional in Italy, Brazil or Argentina. Of course it's big business and billions are in commercials, sales of merchandising, betting and TV marketing but people do not care: they just support their team and if they win, the whole nations feels like champions :-) |
Holly2003 17.06.2010 02:28 |
Americans like team sports where they only play with themselves (oh err..) and not with foreign countries. In that way, they can claim to be world champions all the time. International football is not something Americans are likely to embrace, for that reason alone. However, it may not be too long before they have a World Series of football, where the USA plays err... the USA for the title of World [sic] champions of soccer. Then microwave can have all those rule changes he wanst to make "soccer" more American .... sorry, more "exciting." In fact, I would actively encourage it. Go for it dudes! |
Micrówave 17.06.2010 04:41 |
Perhaps Sir GH (and others) can tell us WHY soccer is so popular. I just tried to give you guys an idea why it won't fly in the US. I was not insulting your Mother or anything. I know soccer jerseys sell in Europe, but NOT AS MUCH AS NFL JERSEYS. I didn't believe it at first, but it's no competition. The two most popular Sports team in the world are the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees, not Manchester U. Sure you can say its because we Americans "consume consume consume". But then I could argue that most soccer fans can't afford to buy a jersey. Most soccer fans are from third world countries. Plus there are just too many strange customs. Sure Philly fans booed Santa, but we don't have urine bombs. Where the hell did that come from? Who came up with the first one? I'd love to hear the origin of that custom! Also, if you win the World Cup there's one thing the winning nation can't possess... The actual trophy!!! They make a gold plated replica and hide the real one at an undisclosed location. Apparantly FIFA does not have enough money to buy another one, but they claim their sport is the most popular. Well then hand out a real trophy! And what's exciting about not knowing when the game will end? I would think the losing team's fans would be upset. That's like John Elway leading a fourth quarter comeback with 1:20 to go and they just suddenly stop the game and say time's up. That is just nonsense. Why no clock? Are they thinking a ref with a stopwatch is more reliable than an actual game clock? Make the game exciting. Adopt the shoot-out. Short hand a team after a penalty. Use the clock the right way.... countdown to zero. Soccer needs something equivalent to the No Hitter, the shot clock, the Grand Slam, a two point conversion. Something to kick start this game so I don't keep falling asleep during a 0-0 game. I was lucky enough to be watching all three perfect games in baseball this year, and I gotta tell you it was amazing. Seeing Stephen Strausberg get 22 strikeouts in his first two major league starts was awesome. Seeing that dumb ass English goalie let that ball slip out of his hands was not. And buying players? Gee that's real fair. Get a salary cap or something. That's kinda why I hate the Yankees. There's no salary cap in baseball, so the owners can spend a ton of money and field the best team. OR, you could have a Tom Hicks buy a soccer team and then completely destroy it like he's doing with the Rangers and the Stars. |
Holly2003 17.06.2010 05:42 |
"Soccer" doesn't need anything. It's fine as it is. It doesn't have to conform to "the American way". This is one of the few situations that Americans have no influence over. You can't use your economic might to change things because FIFA is loaded already. You can't use political power because FIFA doesn't allow political interference in footballing affairs. And of course bombing FIFA is out of the question ;) FIFA doesn't need the USA and therefore won't be making any rule changes to cater to an American audience. It's that simple. Of course, whether or not the USA needs football is another question; I would suggest not, but still it's good to see the sport setting down roots in the US. As for the attraction of international football, I really think this is something you'll never quite understand (bear with me, this isn't a dig at you). My team, Northern Ireland, is tiny, and we'll never win a European Championship or World Cup. In fact, winning a game is quite an achievement for us. As fans, the black dog of depression follows us everywhere ;) But when we achieve any success, it is the best feeling in the world. Yes, better than sex. When David Healy scored against England a few years ago, the feeling was undescribable. I don't think anyone who is from a huge country like the US (or even England, Gernany etc) can ever know quite that feeling. But of course you get your kicks in other ways, which is fine too. Not trying to put down Americans or the US, just trying to describe it for you from a different POV. |
Micrówave 17.06.2010 06:51 |
If FIFA is loaded, why the fake trophy? I appreciate your point of view, though, Holly2003. You are a true sports fan, if you feel that way about Northern Ireland... no doubt about that. I think it comes down to us Americans need for excitement. There's just too much standing around the middle of the field. And I'm sorry, it just looks silly when they use their heads to hit the ball. And why can you use all parts of your body EXCEPT your arms? Right now, I'm trying to stay awake watching Argentina vs Korea. Ha Ha!!! Korea just knocked in a goal for Argentina. That'll be damn funny if the final is 1-0 Argentina, with the only goal being scored by a Korean player. |
Holly2003 17.06.2010 07:18 |
Micrówave wrote: Right now, I'm trying to stay awake watching Argentina vs Korea. How about now ;) |
The Real Wizard 17.06.2010 08:38 |
Micrówave wrote: "Perhaps Sir GH (and others) can tell us WHY soccer is so popular." It's popular simply due to its simplicity and its accessibility. Like I said, all you need is a ball. It doesn't need to be exciting every 30 seconds to maintain the interest of 90% of the world's population. Most people in this world have 90 minutes of patience. In our western world of "gimme gimme" and sense of entitlement (which now has high speed internet where anything we want arrives in seconds), most of us don't have it. "Sure you can say its because we Americans "consume consume consume". But then I could argue that most soccer fans can't afford to buy a jersey. Most soccer fans are from third world countries." And maybe that's a good thing. Maybe we can learn from people who don't need to buy stuff in order to have a good time. "Also, if you win the World Cup there's one thing the winning nation can't possess... The actual trophy!!!" It's about playing for one's country, and the genuine sense of competition in itself. Soccer runs far deeper than a trophy. Once again, your sense of materialism rules the day. "Are they thinking a ref with a stopwatch is more reliable than an actual game clock?" It's not about reliability. Your association with a precise clock comes from the western idea that everything needs to be rigidly scheduled. In the majority of the world, it isn't. Soccer is a reflection of that. "Make the game exciting. Adopt the shoot-out." They do have that - in knock-out matches. "Short hand a team after a penalty." They have the red card. Amazing how you're condemning a game without even knowing the basic rules. "Use the clock the right way.... countdown to zero." Yes, Microwave. The American way is the only way. We get it. Excellent posts by Holly. Soccer is perfect as it is. The sense that the US can control anything they want to control pervades their politics and a very fair portion of their population. The US will never enjoy this beautiful game that is cherished by billions because they do not know how to adapt. They want to change and control anything that contradicts their way of life ("the American dream - you must be asleep to believe it," once said George Carlin). However, soccer is one thing the US will never, ever control. Thank goodness. |
ParisNair 17.06.2010 09:29 |
Why is football also called "soccer" ? |
ParisNair 17.06.2010 09:34 |
The Agrentina - South Korea game made me very happy. I support Argentina, but was unsure of their capabiltites, considerig the way they peformed in the qualifiers. But their performance today was pretty good. They totally dominated the game through out, and the goalie hardly had anything to do. The only goal the Koreans scored was because of a mistake by the Argentinian defender; it was not like as if the defense was beaten by the striker. |
The Real Wizard 17.06.2010 09:42 |
ParisNair wrote: "Why is football also called "soccer" ?" It is an American term for football, because they have their own game of football (a bastardized version of rugby). Indeed, Argentina's victory today was very convincing. But I do admire South Korea for holding it together as long as they did. |
ParisNair 17.06.2010 09:53 |
Sir GH wrote: ParisNair wrote: "Why is football also called "soccer" ?" It is an American term for football, because they have their own game of football (a bastardized version of rugby). Indeed, Argentina's victory today was very convincing. But I do admire South Korea for holding it together as long as they did. Thanks, I knew that. I was just wondering if there's a story behind the term. Maybe I'll google it sometime. Regarding Argentina...I am especially heartened becos I was afraid they'd be like the English - world beaters on paper, but very low on actual acheivement. I dislike the English team so much for the hype created about them...I'd be almost equally happy if they get beaten in every game. I know this forum has a lot of English folk - so let me just make it clear that I am not an England-hater per se...just the football team. My fav cricket team is England, and my fav football teams are Arsenal and Chelsea. It is my dream to tour England someday. |
The Real Wizard 17.06.2010 09:57 |
ParisNair wrote: "Thanks, I knew that. I was just wondering if there's a story behind the term." Ahhh, the etymology you mean ! It derived from a short form of the word "association". They could have chosen "ass", but I don't think that would have flown too well. :-) |
Amazon 17.06.2010 11:07 |
Sir GH wrote: ParisNair wrote: ""Why is football also called "soccer"?" It is an American term for football, because they have their own game of football (a bastardized version of rugby)." That's actually not true. The word soccer, which we in Australia also uses, comes from England and orginates from the term Association Football. The term soccer has been around since the late 19th century and has nothing to do with America. |
The Real Wizard 17.06.2010 11:51 |
I stand corrected then, as I am no linguistic expert. Cheers for the details. |
GratefulFan 17.06.2010 12:25 |
YourValentine wrote: GratefulFan, I really would like you to come here during the world cup and watch how people gather in front of TV screens during work, how nobody can be seen in the streets when the German team plays but after the match people take to the streets cheering and chanting - and it's much more emotional in Italy, Brazil or Argentina. Of course it's big business and billions are in commercials, sales of merchandising, betting and TV marketing but people do not care: they just support their team and if they win, the whole nations feels like champions :-) ======================================================= I understand so well what you describe YV: the nationally shared experience, the potential ecstasy (and agony!) and the communal joy in homes and bars and streets. It's just that here all of that is experienced through the sport of hockey for most of us. It's so emotional here, just like soccer (please don't perceive any disrespect - I'm just going to confuse myself if I call it football!) in Brazil, and made even more compelling because of the complex relationship of our national psyche with America, who often ends up as the last thing standing between Canada and it's national pride. When Canada and the US were in the final at the Olympics this year, my heart was so much in my throat I literally could not watch. I set the game to record to watch later (if the outcome meant I could) and paced around my house doing housework, nervously checking the score now and then. When there was a few minutes left, and the score was 2 to 1 for Canada, I couldn't even stay in the house anymore. I went out on those dead streets you mentioned :) and went to a grocery store having left instructions with my son and my boyfriend to call me if anything happened or when the game was over. When I pulled into the store parking lot my cell phone rang with the news that the US had tied the game with 25 seconds remaining. My heart sank to my toes. So I shopped, or more properly tried to shop by putting a lot of random things in my cart with my mind racing. As I approached the checkout I saw a young stock clerk looking at his cellphone. He said simply "We just lost." and a terrible sadness, quiet and bitter disappointment settled on the few shoppers and employees there. I waited for the call on my phone as I paid for my stupid groceries (everything has suddenly become stupid) but it didn't come. When I got outside with my cart I became confused. There were only about 4 or 5 vehicles in the lot and 3 of them had people clearly attentively listening to what sounded for all the world like play by play through the windows rolled slightly open as not to fog up. I called home and asked if the game was over, if the US had won, and why hadn't they called? My son said "No. They're still playing." The clerk who had told us we had lost was outside near the doors and I said "It's not over! They're still playing!" and he said "I know! I misunderstood the text I got!" And all of a sudden from nowhere there was hope. And of course there is nothing more amazing than hope when you just thought there was none. Within about 10 seconds of hanging up the roar from the audio systems in the cars combined with the people bouncing up and down in their vehicles and pounding on their dashes seemed to tell just one, beautiful story. I looked imploringly at the closest vehicle and the driver stuck his out out the window at me and said "We just won! Sidney Crosby scored!" Everybody jumped out of their car and everybody inside and outside the store just stopped and celebrated. The guy who told me we won started pounding on the plate glass windows of the store with happiness and the manager came running up from inside and rather than yelling at him pounded right back grinning. I'll never forget the feeling of sharing those moments with a handful of strangers united by one joy and now forever tied together by time and place and a small piece of history. I think about this little anecdote molded by the hearts and minds of those others who were there, already shared with theirs many times over. So long (again!). I'm sorry. Just wanted to share that because there is so much more that unites us earthlings via common experience (joy and hope and disappointment in sport) than divides us (soccer v. football v. hockey etc.). If we're all to truly gather around one sport along with other ones we love it's definitely going to be soccer. And the seeds are there. Soccer is a hugely popular organized recreation for kids in the summer here. A coworker's daughter was offered a soccer scholarship at Harvard last year and another coworker who just turned 30 plays in a recreational mixed league twice a week in the evening. So it's already firmly part of the world of at least one generation here. We'll see what comes. :) |
Rick 17.06.2010 16:08 |
Good. France lost. Justice for the Irish. |
Bo Rhap 17.06.2010 16:13 |
Ha ha to the French. Just be like the thing if Mexico and Uruguay decide to draw their final match.Or if South Africa win against France.Which is always a possibility. |
Mr Mercury 17.06.2010 16:18 |
No offence but Frank Rubbery.... sorry Ribbery has got to be the ugliest player ever...... Glad they lost as well as they were shit. |
brENsKi 17.06.2010 16:20 |
i would also like to add my complete and utter joy at the dismal performance of the french team. they say cheats never prosper...well certainly not this time, i am so glad that the french have struggled after the cheating manner in which they qualified. ironic isn't it that the team that maybe eliminates them also wears green? i hope Mr Platini and his cronies do not bang on about integrity prior to the Uruguay/Mexico matchup...as not a single french official showed a miligram of integrity when they cheated their way into the finals. Haven't laughed so much in years. my Irish team were cheated out of a place in the last 32.....and i am sure they'd have made a better fist of things than the "surrendering cheese munchers"....KARMA !!!! |
The Real Wizard 17.06.2010 16:27 |
Bo Rhap wrote: "Or if South Africa win against France.Which is always a possibility." They'd have to score 3 goals - and either Uruguay or Mexico must score only one goal, but not tie. It's pretty slim. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 17.06.2010 17:10 |
Mr Mercury wrote: No offence but Frank Rubbery.... sorry Ribbery has got to be the ugliest player ever...... Glad they lost as well as they were shit. i'm not gonna gloat just yet as England havent played their second game yet but... hahahahahahahahahahaahaa! yes the French got wallopped :-D I wonder if Uruguay and Mexico will now re-enact the famous 1982 game between the Krauts and the Austrians and play out a boring 0-0 next week? ;-D ps,Carlos Tevez is no oil painting either,esp in HD :-p |
Rick 17.06.2010 17:17 |
Mr Mercury wrote: No offence but Frank Rubbery.... sorry Ribbery has got to be the ugliest player ever...... Glad they lost as well as they were shit. Tevez (Argentinia) is even worse, in my opinion. |
Mr Mercury 17.06.2010 17:39 |
Could you imagine Rubbery and Tevez in 3D TV???? What a nightmare...... |
YourValentine 18.06.2010 02:03 |
Great story, GratefulFan :-) I understand you well because I often run out of the room myself when the game is very tight and I cannot stand the suspense :-) I have a Russian friend who was devastated by the 3:7 loss vs Canada in the Olympics and he was overjoyed by the 5:2 victory in the World Cup but in the end the Czechs won:-) It's just a game but emotions run high when a "national" team sport is involved. I think it does not matter if it's football or ice hockey (no disrespect intended but "hockey" in Germany is field hockey ;-)) Great match of Mexico - the French had no concept and no idea - they were no team, just a bunch of players who ran next to each other with no communication or team spirit at all. I feel bad for the Argentinian players who have to bear Maradonna kissing each player when they win, lol. |
Holly2003 18.06.2010 03:39 |
YourValentine wrote: I feel bad for the Argentinian players who have to bear Maradonna kissing each player when they win, lol. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He looks a little lost, doesn't he? There were two group 'huddles' after their win and Maradonna was on the outside looking in on both of them. He put his arm run a sub, who shrugged him off. I get the feeling Argentina are winning despite him rather than because of him. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 18.06.2010 07:31 |
the spanish ref is a bit card happy isn't he? Klose sent off for them 2 tackles,there be no players left at full time at that rate :-p come on England! fingers crossed for tonight :-D |
Mr Mercury 18.06.2010 07:41 |
BBC are saying that Calamity James is in goal for England........ Actually I have to laugh at those "experts" who say that the team should be told a lot sooner so the "they could prepare themselves for the game". What a joke that is. If those players are not prepared from the minute they set foot on the plane to the world cup then they should be sent packing. |
Yara 18.06.2010 07:47 |
I can't believe Podolski lost this one. The German squad is way better, this score is so unfair. |
Yara 18.06.2010 07:54 |
Man hat den Eindruck, dass gute Fußball Spiele eine vom Aussterben bedrohte Spezies sind. |
Holly2003 18.06.2010 08:08 |
Mr Mercury wrote: BBC are saying that Calamity James is in goal for England........ Never learn, do they? When in the game do you think he'll have his customary rush of blood to the head? 70 minutes? Just before the end, so that England won't have time to come back? Joe Hart is the best goalie in England and should be playing. If you're good enough, you're old enough ... |
The Real Wizard 18.06.2010 09:28 |
I'm in shock over Germany's defeat. Even before the ref was handing out yellow cards like birthday cards at an octuplets' birthday party, Germany were not playing with confidence. The better team won. It's incredible how many of the superpowers have not been stepping up to the plate - Spain, France, England, and now Germany. They have a combined four points. |
YourValentine 18.06.2010 10:15 |
This match cost me 2 years of my life :-( No excuses for the team but 9 yellow cards and a send-off in a totally fair match with not a single vicious foul can destroy the game. What is a striker supposed to do if he is not allowed to fight for the ball? Klose did not commit a "card-worthy" foul. Now the match vs Ghana will be vital. |
The Real Wizard 18.06.2010 10:35 |
No doubt the ref wanted Germany to lose. But that doesn't excuse their lack of confidence. They weren't playing with conviction even before the card throwing began. They looked like a whole different team from the one that convincingly defeated Australia. |
YourValentine 18.06.2010 10:46 |
I am not blaming the referee- there are many reasons why the German team lost. Badstuber could not control Krasic at all, Podolsky did not score although he had many compelling chances, even a penalty (!), and the whole team could not adjust to the Serbian strategy. They let the Serbs dictate the match. Now we have a very dangerous situation and the team just has to win vs Ghana in order to avoid to be sent home early. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 18.06.2010 11:12 |
Sir GH wrote: I'm in shock over Germany's defeat. Even before the ref was handing out yellow cards like birthday cards at an octuplets' birthday party, Germany were not playing with confidence. The better team won. It's incredible how many of the superpowers have not been stepping up to the plate - Spain, France, England, and now Germany. They have a combined four points. reply: 'ere hold on there cowboy,England havent actually lost a game...yet :-p |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 18.06.2010 11:15 |
Holly2003 wrote: Mr Mercury wrote: BBC are saying that Calamity James is in goal for England........ Never learn, do they? When in the game do you think he'll have his customary rush of blood to the head? 70 minutes? Just before the end, so that England won't have time to come back? Joe Hart is the best goalie in England and should be playing. If you're good enough, you're old enough ... reply: the best English goalie wasnt even selected.Did you not see Jamie Theakston in the Sport Aid game? :-p why do I have a feeling i am gonna be swearing at the tv and barred from the pub come 9.30 UK time tonight... :-s |
Mr Mercury 18.06.2010 12:06 |
Slovenia 2 USA 2 The USA should have won that last match 3 - 2. Robbed by another dodgy referee...... |
Yara 18.06.2010 14:11 |
I wanted Germany to win and really think they deserved it today - they were able to hold back the Serbian offensive for almost the entire match despite being outnumembered. Serbia did have some good chances of scoring their second goal, but so did Germany of scoring their first, even though with only 11 players on the field. It's still possible for them to close out the first round in first place, though! |
Rick 18.06.2010 14:26 |
I'm probably the only one who thinks Klose deserved to be send off. Especially his second booking was really stupid. He should have thought twice. Pure frustration, I reckon. I keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow's match, Holland versus Japan. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 18.06.2010 15:52 |
sooooooooooooo,where do you want to start with this England team then? biggest bunch of wet farts i've seen in years,gonna get mullered if they ever get to play a decent team.useless overpaid twats! |
Mr Mercury 18.06.2010 17:17 |
They werent good enough to be wet farts either - they couldnt muster the thought or technique for it anyway....... 2 points from 2 games against teams they should have thrashed is just not good enough. If they go out next week, they have no excuses.... I have to laugh at Wayne Looney - sorry - Rooney's comment after the match when the fans started booing the team. "Nice to hear your own fans booing you, that's loyal supporters." Way to go Looney......... |
Holly2003 18.06.2010 17:44 |
I don't know why you think England should have thrashed the USA (ranked 14 in the world) and Algeria (ranked 30). These teams qualified because they are decent sides, and England have no divine right to beat them or anyone else. Slovenia are also a good side, and they qualified ahead of Poland and the Czech Republic. Gerrard saying that the game was Algeria's world cup final was the height of arrogance -- no wonder he's disliked everywhere except the land of home perms. As for Rooney, his money has insulated him from the real world where England fans pay a month's wages or more to travel to South Africa and have every right to boo £40k a week footballers who play like a pub team. |
Mr Mercury 18.06.2010 19:27 |
Holly, I am not knocking those two teams. Far from it actually. My point is that England does have the players who should be able to thrash those teams. But they didnt because they played, in the two matches so far, like a first division side. Gerrard's comment has also astounded me. If only he (and the rest of the team) had that mentality they might have done better. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 19.06.2010 03:21 |
^exactly! any team that was beaten 3-0 two weeks ago by the Irish should be getting beat by a team of millionaire premiership players.They cant blame it on the league either as 90% of the other teams players play in it too! drop Rooney,Heskey,Cole and Lampard from the team for the next game,bring in Defoe,Crouch,Warnock and Joe Cole. i would also drop Johnson too but now carragher is out of the next match he has to stay in the team. im still seething over that performance,they should be ashamed of themselves for that display! |
Rick 19.06.2010 08:31 |
Again a difficult match, but "we" managed to win. Not bad. |
brENsKi 19.06.2010 09:23 |
Brenski's Two-Word World Cup Team Assessments: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Argentina - mean business England - Dog dirt France - fucking hliarious Brazil - just adequate Uruguay - dark horses Spain - initial disappointment Germany - sudden bump South Africa - pointless hosts North Korea - disciplined fair USA - nothing special Australia - nice defeat Portugal - neutral gear Italy - do something Chile - great start Switzerland - counting chickens |
Charlie Brown 19.06.2010 16:05 |
Hi everyone, i'm curious as to what you all think about the outcome of the USA vs. Slovenia match. And has it gotten a great deal of attention in your local media? Thanks. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 19.06.2010 16:05 |
everyone wave goodbye to Cameroon and Niklas Anelka they be going home together.. *waves them off on their planes* |
Bo Rhap 19.06.2010 16:23 |
Charlie Brown wrote: Hi everyone, i'm curious as to what you all think about the outcome of the USA vs. Slovenia match. And has it gotten a great deal of attention in your local media? Thanks. I thought that USA were denied a perfectly good goal by Maurice Edu.If anything,the Slovenians were doing the fouling. It was quite an exciting match and USA deserved to win. Of tonights matches.Cameroon v Denmark match was a good game,even if there were defensive mistakes by both teams that were laughable.Still its good to see the back end of Paul Le Guen(Cameroon manager).Another man on his way home along with Anelka. |
Mr Mercury 19.06.2010 19:06 |
Trust Anelka to pick a fight with Parker from the Thunderbirds..... Anyway...... cheerio mate, your team will still be piss and wont be far at your back..... |
Charlie Brown 19.06.2010 23:46 |
Bo Rhap wrote: Charlie Brown wrote: Hi everyone, i'm curious as to what you all think about the outcome of the USA vs. Slovenia match. And has it gotten a great deal of attention in your local media? Thanks. I thought that USA were denied a perfectly good goal by Maurice Edu.If anything,the Slovenians were doing the fouling. It was quite an exciting match and USA deserved to win. Of tonights matches.Cameroon v Denmark match was a good game,even if there were defensive mistakes by both teams that were laughable.Still its good to see the back end of Paul Le Guen(Cameroon manager).Another man on his way home along with Anelka. Hey Bo Rhap thanks for responding. In America the supposed "fouling" has been front page news. It would be nice if the official would explain his decision. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 20.06.2010 03:36 |
Mr Mercury wrote: Trust Anelka to pick a fight with Parker from the Thunderbirds..... Anyway...... cheerio mate, your team will still be piss and wont be far at your back..... reply: ol' domenach is the bastard offspring of Parker and Eddie Jorda isn't he :-p and the Dutch coach is Steve Martin :-p |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 20.06.2010 03:38 |
any predictions on the score between Italy and New Zealand today? if Italy decide to play then it could be double figures me thinks :-p |
Mr Mercury 20.06.2010 05:30 |
Nah.... It will be 26 -12 to the Kiwi's........ wait, thats rugby..... wrong sport :P |
Rick 20.06.2010 06:38 |
In their last meeting, Italy beat NZ by only 4-3. Thus, this will be an interesting match. NZ has nothing to lose, whereas Italy has. Let's see if they can cope with the pressure. |
Bo Rhap 20.06.2010 07:50 |
Charlie Brown wrote: Bo Rhap wrote: Charlie Brown wrote: Hi everyone, i'm curious as to what you all think about the outcome of the USA vs. Slovenia match. And has it gotten a great deal of attention in your local media? Thanks. I thought that USA were denied a perfectly good goal by Maurice Edu.If anything,the Slovenians were doing the fouling. It was quite an exciting match and USA deserved to win. Of tonights matches.Cameroon v Denmark match was a good game,even if there were defensive mistakes by both teams that were laughable.Still its good to see the back end of Paul Le Guen(Cameroon manager).Another man on his way home along with Anelka. Hey Bo Rhap thanks for responding. In America the supposed "fouling" has been front page news. It would be nice if Edu would explain his decision. Maurice Edu was the goal scorer for USA.His goal was,in my eyes,a perfectly good one.It was the referee who disallowed the goal.For what reason i dont know.I hope that this decision doesnt cause the USA to be knocked out of the world cup. Its not the first time he has scored that type of goal though.you see he plays for my favourite team.Glasgow Rangers(Yes.A Scottish team.Just for our overseas QZers) |
Holly2003 20.06.2010 13:38 |
Let's bring some World Cup fever to Queenzone ... link |
Rick 20.06.2010 14:23 |
Wow, New Zealand is a true revelation. I love to see those guys in the next round. |
GratefulFan 20.06.2010 14:35 |
Holly2003 wrote: Let's bring some World Cup fever to Queenzone ... link ================================ Ah hahaahahaha! |
Micrówave 20.06.2010 16:22 |
Congrats to Zebonka and the New Zealand team. Glad we're not the only ones thinking that our 1-1 tie was the greatest victory ever. |
Charlie Brown 20.06.2010 19:03 |
Bo Rhap wrote: Maurice Edu was the goal scorer for USA.His goal was,in my eyes,a perfectly good one.It was the referee who disallowed the goal.For what reason i dont know.I hope that this decision doesnt cause the USA to be knocked out of the world cup. Its not the first time he has scored that type of goal though.you see he plays for my favourite team.Glasgow Rangers(Yes.A Scottish team.Just for our overseas QZers) Sorry for the mistake mate i was distracted while i was typing last night. And we only hears about teams like Man U, Chelsea, and Liverpool in America. |
Charlie Brown 20.06.2010 19:17 |
Did anyone else see a photo of several pretty Dutch girls in orange minidresses at the World Cup ? Well apparently they were part of a advertising stunt by a Dutch brewery. Two women were arrested in Johannesburg for hiring and organizing the girls because South Africa has a law against unpaid adverts at public venues. |
Raf 20.06.2010 22:42 |
Brazil vs Ivory Coast was revolting. We lost Elano, nearly lost Michel Bastos, and they've barely gotten any yellow cards. On the other hand, Kaka got a red card for defending himself. |
john bodega 21.06.2010 02:19 |
Winning an argument on the internet is like winning the World Cup. (cough) |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 21.06.2010 03:37 |
Charlie Brown wrote: Did anyone else see a photo of several pretty Dutch girls in orange minidresses at the World Cup ? Well apparently they were part of a advertising stunt by a Dutch brewery. Two women were arrested in Johannesburg for hiring and organizing the girls because South Africa has a law against unpaid adverts at public venues. REPLY: the tickets were aparantly given to the girls by British tv 'pundit' Robbie Earle who promptly got the sack for it for breaking FIFA rules. so far no one has noticed that he is no longer on our screens... |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 21.06.2010 03:40 |
so come then,who is everyone's fave player or manager in the tournament? me,i'm picking Domanech as best coach as he's managed to get the whole of France against him and take any heat off Francis Ford Capello and the England team. my fave player is the Uruguayan [i think] player called Ponce,you got to give credit for a player to wear that name on the back of his shirt :-p when are South Korea and Mr Moo back on our screens? |
YourValentine 21.06.2010 05:01 |
lol Holly :-) The French must be the team of the day: refusing to take part in the training because they have a "mole" in the team. Spain, England, Germany, Italy, France: will there be any European teams in the next round except for Holland ? |
Mr Mercury 21.06.2010 07:48 |
Well Portugal have gone 3 up against North Korea and there is 25 minutes left. And Ronaldo hasnt dived (yet).......... *edit* It ended up Portugal 7 N Korea 0 And "Ronnie O" scored...... |
The Real Wizard 21.06.2010 13:15 |
brENsKi wrote: "Brenski's Two-Word World Cup Team Assessments:" Brilliant stuff. But I bet you can't be saying the same now about these two: "North Korea - disciplined fair Portugal - neutral gear" As for.. "Italy - do something" Please no. Most of us like it this way. |
The Real Wizard 21.06.2010 13:18 |
Charlie Brown wrote: "Did anyone else see a photo of several pretty Dutch girls in orange minidresses at the World Cup ? Well apparently they were part of a advertising stunt by a Dutch brewery. Two women were arrested in Johannesburg for hiring and organizing the girls because South Africa has a law against unpaid adverts at public venues." The fact that they got away with it was worth the price of admission. I believe all the girls were immediately ejected from the game. |
Charlie Brown 21.06.2010 23:37 |
Sir GH wrote: Charlie Brown wrote: "Did anyone else see a photo of several pretty Dutch girls in orange minidresses at the World Cup ? Well apparently they were part of a advertising stunt by a Dutch brewery. Two women were arrested in Johannesburg for hiring and organizing the girls because South Africa has a law against unpaid adverts at public venues." The fact that they got away with it was worth the price of admission. I believe all the girls were immediately ejected from the game. Well Bob the brewery received its moneys worth in terms of international attention. If that actually leads to selling way more beer remains to be seen. |
Bo Rhap 22.06.2010 02:50 |
If there was a world cup for players names then i reckon the winner would be that player from North Korea called (Well) Hung Yung Jo XD |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 22.06.2010 03:31 |
Bo Rhap wrote: If there was a world cup for players names then i reckon the winner would be that player from North Korea called (Well) Hung Yung Jo XD reply: i'm still going for that Chilean player: Ponce the best name of a player since Germany's Kuntz :-D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 22.06.2010 03:33 |
we should have a little sweepstake today on how many of the "cheese eating onion wearing horse killing road blocking surrender monkeys" actually turn up to play for France against South Africa ;-D |
andreas_mercury 22.06.2010 04:09 |
my money is down to italy to beat the world cup 2-0 against on whoever else gets to the final |
Mr Mercury 22.06.2010 04:52 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: we should have a little sweepstake today on how many of the "cheese eating onion wearing horse killing road blocking surrender monkeys" actually turn up to play for France against South Africa ;-DYou forgot about the snails, frogs legs.......... and the garlic bread......... Anyway, I think four of them will turn up. They include Parker, his second in command, the right back of the b team and Thierry "Handball" Henry.... |
The Real Wizard 22.06.2010 09:33 |
Mexico vs Uruguay is an excellent match so far. If they tie, France are eliminated.. unreal! |
Mr Mercury 22.06.2010 09:40 |
South Africa are 2 up!!!!! and the French are a player down....... Au revoir les cheating blues...... |
The Real Wizard 22.06.2010 11:32 |
Damn, I was cheering for South Africa. They needed a 4-0 win to advance on goal differential, and 2-0 was pretty promising in the first half! They needed some help from the Mexico/Uruguay game, which they ultimately got too. Bummer. Now who's laughing - the French coach or Zidane for his comments, which turned out to be 100% correct !?!?? |
brENsKi 22.06.2010 12:00 |
Sir GH wrote: brENsKi wrote: "Brenski's Two-Word World Cup Team Assessments:" Brilliant stuff. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ i want to change my France review: Au revoir hahahahahahahaha |
The Real Wizard 22.06.2010 13:44 |
brENsKi wrote: "i want to change my France review: Au revoir" I love it !!! |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 22.06.2010 16:16 |
are any african countries going to get out the groups..me thinks not... i think the French showed exactly how bad mannered and unsporting a nation they are today when Parker from Thunderbirds [domenach] refused to shake hands with the South African coach after they were outplayed and beaten easily by Bafana Bafana.good riddence to them,the World Cup is better off without them! and my fave coach Mr Moo and South Korea are through..yay!! |
Micrówave 22.06.2010 16:32 |
Ok, I've been trying to give this soccer thing the fair shake. I have watched several matches... in their entirity. (See What A Fool I've Been) There are more ties in this sport than any other. Absolutely ridiculous. England or US can advance WITHOUT WINNING A SINGLE MATCH. That speaks volumes about the quality of this sport. Let's reward teams for not accomplishing a damn thing. Of course, if you like kissing your sister, then ignore my comments and enjoy yourselves. In the history of this sport, no one has been smart enough to figure out that a rule change is desperately needed? Thank God training camp is right around the corner. I like watching sports where teams try to win games, not just survive them. Like NFL Football, baseball, basketball, LaCrosse, volleyball, tennis, bowling, cricket, chess, kickball, marbles, tiddly winks, etc. Even the "sport" I have a hard time calling a "sport" (NASCAR) has a checkered flag. At least you can climb your pork skins eating, budweiser drinking ass into the car and try to win this thing. That's a sport. A bunch of guys running around midfield waiting for the tie is not. Now I realize why I stopped playing soccer at 6 and moved on to something a little more complicated. In fact, if we televised our 6 year olds playing, I think we'd be more entertained than this years World Cup. AT LEAST THEY'D TRY TO WIN!!!! |
Mr Mercury 23.06.2010 12:34 |
Well done to the USA. Group winners!!! Bet you Slovenia are kicking themselves for being so fecking lacklustre......... that said, though England were a damn sight better..... |
Yara 23.06.2010 14:21 |
Despite the lack of goals so far, Germany vs Ghana has been one of the most exciting matches of this World Cup. It's been non-stop offensive attacks from both squads throughout up until now. Let's see who's gonna win it! There's a German forward, I guess, who missed an incredibly easy chance to score. |
Yara 23.06.2010 14:50 |
Germany scored!!! What a beautiful and powerful shot by Oezil! |
The Real Wizard 23.06.2010 15:34 |
Micrówave wrote: "England or US can advance WITHOUT WINNING A SINGLE MATCH. That speaks volumes about the quality of this sport." No, that is mathematically impossible. You need at least four points to make it through to the group of 16 (a win was changed from 2 points to 3 for the 1994 World Cup). Your failure to do simple research and do basic mathematics speaks volumes about your ability to try to understand something foreign to you. Football (real football) is the best sport in the world. An American certainly isn't going to convince anyone outside of the US otherwise. Deutschland uber alles! What a great game it was. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 23.06.2010 15:48 |
Sir GH wrote: Micrówave wrote: "England or US can advance WITHOUT WINNING A SINGLE MATCH. That speaks volumes about the quality of this sport." No, that is mathematically impossible. You need at least four points to make it through to the group of 16 (a win was changed from 2 points to 3 for the 1994 World Cup). Your failure to do simple research and do basic mathematics speaks volumes about your ability to try to understand something foreign to you. Football (real football) is the best sport in the world. An American certainly isn't going to convince anyone outside of the US otherwise. Deutschland uber alles! What a great game it was. reply: England had to win to qualify for the next round.the draw would not of been enough and thankfully they played better and did win it. just the easy game against the Germans on Sunday now :-p lets hope they practice penalties over the next few days :-s |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 23.06.2010 15:50 |
Mr Mercury wrote: Well done to the USA. Group winners!!! Bet you Slovenia are kicking themselves for being so fecking lacklustre......... that said, though England were a damn sight better..... reply: come on you can do it,give England a cheer,come on,deep breath and say "well done England" *wink* |
The Real Wizard 23.06.2010 15:51 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: "just the easy game against the Germans on Sunday now :-p" Just what I was thinking about playing against England on Sunday, my friend.. ;) Best of luck to you guys. |
YourValentine 23.06.2010 16:51 |
Jon - England vs Germany is really a classic, it will be a great match. I am looking forward to the war rhetoric of the English tabloids already :-) |
Mr Mercury 23.06.2010 17:19 |
Jon, just for you me ole pirate matey..... England did rather well...... good on them. Still wont win the cup though..... :P |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 24.06.2010 02:32 |
Mr Mercury wrote: Jon, just for you me ole pirate matey..... England did rather well...... good on them. Still wont win the cup though..... :P said like a proper Scot lol :-D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 24.06.2010 02:37 |
YourValentine wrote: Jon - England vs Germany is really a classic, it will be a great match. I am looking forward to the war rhetoric of the English tabloids already :-) reply: as Basil Fawlty would of said "dont mention the war!" [i'll let you youtube it] lol the omens are good for England,the Germans havent beaten us for 10 years i think... :-p |
YourValentine 24.06.2010 03:42 |
i think this time England is the better team - the Germans are very young and inexperienced. However - the Germans often outgrow their possibilities in a tounament. The fans are happy for the team to have qualified for the second round, everything else would be a bonus. We won't suffer as much as we suffered through Germany vs Ghana :-) I seem to remember that Germany won over England when the new Wembley stadium was opened... |
Holly2003 24.06.2010 05:37 |
YourValentine wrote: i think this time England is the better team - the Germans are very young and inexperienced. However - the Germans often outgrow their possibilities in a tounament. The fans are happy for the team to have qualified for the second round, everything else would be a bonus. We won't suffer as much as we suffered through Germany vs Ghana :-) I seem to remember that Germany won over England when the new Wembley stadium was opened... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't agree with that. In all areas, the Germans look superior. They can pass the ball better, have a better shape, look sharper, and their players all seem to have good close control of the ball. And they can keep possession, which England seem unable to do: look how confident German defenders are playing the ball from their own half. Compare that to Terry and Carragher! Granted, Ghana-Germany was a very open game, and Ghana were a little unlucky, but they are the best of the African teams at the WC -- not by reputation, but through their performances. I see 3:1 to Germany. |
YourValentine 24.06.2010 06:41 |
I hope you are right, Holly ;-) English fans always downplay the abilities of their team, I wonder why. German fans always believe that their team will win the cup after they won the first group match :-) This year people are happy that the team did not get kicked out in the first round, so we are a bit more relaxed than usual. The team spirit is probably in favour of the German team : a team which is very young, even an "old" player like Schweinsteiger (75 matches in the national team) is only 25. Strikers like Müller and Ösil are u21 European champions and there is no player who plays outside of the Bundesliga. The team captain Ballack (Chelsea) cannot play , so our only international star is absent. The young players, however, seem to stick together like a real good team, playing for each other and running for each other. This is a big plus. England, on the other side, has huge names with Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard, Terry, you name them. From their class, technique and experience they are far superior to the German team. From what we hear the team does not seem to be happy with their coach, the line-up and the strategy, this can be a big minus. If all goes normal England should win. Of course nothing is ever normal when England plays vs Germany :) The two big "northern" teams in Europe are always rivals, even if the third Wembley goal had never happened! It's always possible that the German team wins - for example in a penalty shoot out ;-) Looking into other groups I think the positive surprises are Uruguay, New Zealand, and the USA. Argentina seems to be the best team by far while Spain and Italy are disappointing so far. But everything goes back to start in the second round! |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 24.06.2010 07:14 |
^lets hope there is a Russian linesman for the England v Germany game just like in '66 :-D there was a bit of a fallout in the England camp but aparantly Francis Ford Capello sorted it out with a few beers.Trust the English to sort their problems out with a pint of lager lol can see England exploiting the German left/right backs with Milner/Johnson and /GerrardCole too good for them and Rooney has got to hit form at some stage.looking more like the England team of the qualifiers now instead of a pub team |
Holly2003 24.06.2010 07:31 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: ^lets hope there is a Russian linesman for the England v Germany game just like in '66 :-D there was a bit of a fallout in the England camp but aparantly Francis Ford Capello sorted it out with a few beers.Trust the English to sort their problems out with a pint of lager lol can see England exploiting the German left/right backs with Milner/Johnson and /GerrardCole too good for them and Rooney has got to hit form at some stage.looking more like the England team of the qualifiers now instead of a pub team --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I must've been watching a different game.* In the first half, England played well, but their only stand out player was Milner. In the second half, England were hanging on. In 3 games at the WC they've had two good first halfs (not counting Green's butter fingers), one bad first half, and three poor second halfs. Rooney, Lampard and Gerrard are all playing poorly: yesterday was Terry's first good performace of the WC. Their only other on-form defender is Ashley Cole. Heskey is a donkey. *On that subject, I copied this from another forum: We've all had the 'Were you watching the same game as me?' sensation after taking a view on a match, only to find that everyone else in the world is calling you a know-nothing buffoon who shouldn't be allowed near a football ground ever again. However, the punditry teams on The BBC and RTE seemed not only to be watching a different match, but a different sport. With the wrong glasses on. Upside down. And people kept standing up in front of the telly. As compiled by The Irish Times, here are some choice cuts from their contrasting analysis of England v Slovenia: Alan Hansen: "Once England got the goal the confidence levels surged, they were excellent." Eamon Dunphy: "They just didn't grow in confidence at all after the goal." Gary Lineker: "The goal really settled them, didn't it? They pushed on from there." Ronnie Whelan: "You'd think they'd have kicked on from when they scored, but they actually got worse." Roy Hodgson: "England's crossing has been absolutely outstanding." John Giles: "Some of the crossing was just awful." Lee Dixon: "A great performance." Dunphy: "Shocking...absolutely incredibly bad...pretty awful stuff." Lineker: "He looked more like the Rooney we know." Whelan: "Rooney is a major worry, his form, his body language, his demeanour, everything." Dixon: "Gerrard was outstanding." Dunphy: "I can't believe how bad Gerrard was today." Redknapp: "Across midfield we were top drawer." Giles: "Barry got worse as the game went on, Milner, Gerrard and Lampard the same." 'Arry: "Bring it on! Whoever we play we'll be difficult to beat." Whelan: "If they don't improve they'll go straight out, it was a very, very inept performance." |
Holly2003 24.06.2010 08:10 |
Micrówave wrote: Ok, I've been trying to give this soccer thing the fair shake. I have watched several matches... in their entirity. (See What A Fool I've Been) There are more ties in this sport than any other. Absolutely ridiculous. England or US can advance WITHOUT WINNING A SINGLE MATCH. That speaks volumes about the quality of this sport. Let's reward teams for not accomplishing a damn thing. Of course, if you like kissing your sister, then ignore my comments and enjoy yourselves. In the history of this sport, no one has been smart enough to figure out that a rule change is desperately needed? Thank God training camp is right around the corner. I like watching sports where teams try to win games, not just survive them. Like NFL Football, baseball, basketball, LaCrosse, volleyball, tennis, bowling, cricket, chess, kickball, marbles, tiddly winks, etc. Even the "sport" I have a hard time calling a "sport" (NASCAR) has a checkered flag. At least you can climb your pork skins eating, budweiser drinking ass into the car and try to win this thing. That's a sport. A bunch of guys running around midfield waiting for the tie is not. Now I realize why I stopped playing soccer at 6 and moved on to something a little more complicated. In fact, if we televised our 6 year olds playing, I think we'd be more entertained than this years World Cup. AT LEAST THEY'D TRY TO WIN!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ link link |
Mr Mercury 24.06.2010 08:36 |
Holly's posts about pundits reminded me of these pearls of wisdom from Gary Lineker “The World Cup is every four years, so it's going to be a perennial problem.” “There's no in between - you're either good or bad. We were in between.” “If somebody in the crowd spits at you, you've got to swallow it.” |
The Real Wizard 24.06.2010 10:35 |
Slovakia 2 Italy 0 HAHAHAHAHA! HA! Ha. That is all. |
Mr Mercury 24.06.2010 11:07 |
Sir GH it ended up Slovakia 3 Italy 2 |
The Real Wizard 24.06.2010 11:14 |
I know. I just expressed my joy part way through :-) This couldn't go down without typical Italian melodramatics. After the first Italian goal, an Italian player punched the Slovak goalie, got punched back, and pretended to cry in the fetal position like a baby. I've never in my life seen a grown man act like that. And then at the end of the match the Italian coach walked off immediately without congratulating the Slovak coach. What a sore loser. At last, they get what they deserve for trying to half-ass their way to the final 16 like they always do. They didn't start to play until they were two goals down. Too little too late. Ciao! Sincere congratulations to Slovakia. You earned your four points. Good luck against (most likely) Holland. |
YourValentine 24.06.2010 11:18 |
The world champion defeated - the Slovakian team deserved to win. What a drama. I feel with the Italian fans who love the game with a passion and who must be disappointed by their team. This time 10 minutes of great football was not enough to reach the second round. |
GratefulFan 24.06.2010 12:21 |
And with that dramatic win Canada has finally come around. Look at these fans. Just look at them. Slovak fans? Fans of a good old fashioned comeuppance? People who are sick and goddamn tired of spaghetti? Who knows. But watch some Canadians watching that amazing win below. And look at the Canada jerseys! We don't even have a team there, but we're proud of our grass and we're proud of that 'Wavin' Flag' song and frankly we're proud of that tart we sent over to emotionally screw over that English goalie too. http://www.vuvuzela-time.co.uk/splicd.com/-RPtDT9EHGo/144/190 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 24.06.2010 12:52 |
just need Spain to lose now and it will be a good end to the week before the Germans lose on Sunday ;-D farewell to the Pasta Boys,a new name on the trophy this year may it begin with "E" :-p |
Micrówave 24.06.2010 13:38 |
Sir GH wrote: Slovakia 2 Italy 0 HAHAHAHAHA! HA! Ha. That is all. me uninformed? Maybe you should wait until a game is over before posting. The oldest line in the book... a game's not over until it's over. But then you were probably being like me. Realizing once their team's got a lead, they just play prevent defense and NOT try to score anymore. This was probably the first exciting game of the whole World Cup... and you missed it!!!! Badly!!! No, obviously not the best sport in the world. The easiest to understand and play? Yes. Constant 1-0 games do not make the best sport. 90% of these games have been some of the worst soccer ever played. |
Raf 24.06.2010 13:47 |
Microwave, for fuck's sake, this thread is for football fans willing to talk about the World Cup. If you don't even like football, what's the point in posting here so many times just to say you don't like the game? Make your own football hating thread. |
The Real Wizard 24.06.2010 14:26 |
Micrówave wrote: "Maybe you should wait until a game is over before posting." My apologies, your immanence. From now on I'll withhold my excitement until after a game is over because you said so. "and you missed it!!!! Badly!!!" What makes you assume I missed the rest of the game? |
Holly2003 24.06.2010 16:19 |
Raf wrote: Microwave, for fuck's sake, this thread is for football fans willing to talk about the World Cup. If you don't even like football, what's the point in posting here so many times just to say you don't like the game? Make your own football hating thread. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think people don't get microwave's off-beat sense of humour and take what he says at face value a little too much. He can be quite funny. |
The Real Wizard 24.06.2010 16:35 |
Umm.. There's a difference between a sense of humour and ignorantly raining on the parade of something cherished by most people around the world. This is good for a laugh. At least, for those of us who aren't under-achieving soccer players... link |
Micrówave 24.06.2010 17:56 |
What's even funnier (sp) is that you world cuppers take it soooooo seriously and then pat yourselves on the back for being a "fan of the greatest game ever"... when your game is pretty much suited for six year olds and nothing more. I doubt that many of you even own a jersey or any other kind of memorabilia. The poor man's sport doesn't lend itself to merchandising and then frowns on other sports for doing so. But back to the original point. So Sir GH (and others who think I'm taking a personal dig at them) are saying that these are the greatest soccer games they've ever seen? Please!!!! You aren't sports fans, you're show boaters. These are some of the most boring matches ever played. The talent level is a joke. Where's the dominant player? Haven't seen him show up yet, but in other sports you have Kobe, A-Rod, Peyton, Gretzky, etc. You go on watching your boring-ass World Cup. That Wimbledon match yesterday far exceeded any excitement we've seen from anyone yet EXCEPT that Italy loss.... now that was good. Then when the next one rolls around we'll see another boring tournament where univited beer girls become the bigger story. Update your game, soccer. Oh wait, your athletes are just as scrawny and underdeveloped as they've always been. That's probably why the sport will never be legit... it can't develop. There will never be a "Michael Jordan" or "Tiger Woods" of soccer.... you're just stuck with some old guy named Pele who complains that everyone isn't as good as he once was. Beckham? Yeah he sure lasted long!!! Oh, and Bob please define an "over achieving soccer player". I don't think there's ever been one. And what's an "immanence"? |
Holly2003 24.06.2010 18:20 |
Oooooh there's SO many things wrong with that, but one thing in particular sticks out: "The poor man's sport doesn't lend itself to merchandising and then frowns on other sports for doing so." How exactly does one sport frown on another? That reminds me of Homer Simpson, who writes to movies rather than actors: Dear Die Hard: you rock! Especially when that guy was on the roof. P.S: Do you know Mad Max? Dear football: you rock! What do you think of baseball? Dear Holly2003: thanks! I frown on baseball. |
john bodega 24.06.2010 21:18 |
As is usually the case, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Soccer is truly a ridiculous sport, but why begrudge people for enjoying it? There used to be people who liked watching Family Matters - is it really fair to pick on them, though? Let them have their fun ... |
Rick 25.06.2010 02:43 |
Wow, I loved Robben's comeback. What a great player. |
Sebastian 25.06.2010 04:37 |
> After the first Italian goal, an Italian player punched the Slovak goalie, got punched back, and pretended to cry in the fetal position like a baby. Both Fabio and the Slovak keeper should've been sent off, which may or may have not had prevented the second goal. We'll never know. > I've never in my life seen a grown man act like that. Have you never been on QueenZone? > And then at the end of the match the Italian coach walked off immediately without congratulating the Slovak coach. What a sore loser. Perhaps Marcello IS a QZ member after all. > At last, they get what they deserve for trying to half-ass their way to the final 16 like they always do. In a way, most super teams have done that: Brazil played at 10% (tops) of their level. The difference is that it still worked for them (same as four years ago and especially eight years ago when all they had to do was beating Turkey, China and Costa Rica [for a comparison, Argentina had to play against England, Nigeria and Sweden]). England, IMO, didn't play very well either. > They didn't start to play until they were two goals down. Too little too late. They can always argue that the ball had already crossed the line when the defender cleared, or that Fabio (IIRC) was on side, so the score 'should've been' 3-3 or 4-3 (I-S), or they can whine about Buffon being injured just like the French did with Zidane on '02 (and his red card on '06) or the Dutch with Rikjaard being (fairly, BTW) sent off in '90, etc. IMO, it was karma: Italy eliminated Australia on the last minute with a penalty that shouldn't have been awarded, and who knows how (if) history would've changed had a competent referee been there instead. Speaking of karma and speculations, I can't help but thinking Ireland would've performed way better had they had the place they deserved in the tournament. > Ciao! Sincere congratulations to Slovakia. Besides Vittrek, I think Kucka's an ace player. I think that's a lesson to all of us: a month ago, a week ago, a day ago, saying that Slovakia would eliminate the world champions would've been a joke. Who's laughing now? > Good luck against (most likely) Holland. Now that's a tough match as Netherlands tend to play well all 90 minutes instead of 10. But I really hope Slovakia take them down too: it's nice to see 'small' teams getting far. I want Ghana in the semis too. > I feel with the Italian fans who love the game with a passion and who must be disappointed by their team. In hindsight, you could see it coming: poor qualifying campaign (sure, first in the group, but they failed to defeat the only other good team there), and both Paraguay and NZ had played way better. They did deserve to be last. > This time 10 minutes of great football was not enough to reach the second round. Well... that's more than what they did on all the other world cups this century. Sure, I'm happy they won last time, but to each their own: they were a big fish in a small pond. |
YourValentine 25.06.2010 08:20 |
Before flying home, the French team visited an orphanage in Soweto. “It’s heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope,” said Sipho, aged 6. (nicked from BigV on facebook) |
The Real Wizard 25.06.2010 09:20 |
Sebastian wrote: "> I've never in my life seen a grown man act like that. Have you never been on QueenZone?" I have. But I've never actually physically seen a grown man do that, not just in text. It was quite the sight. "IMO, it was karma: Italy eliminated Australia on the last minute with a penalty that shouldn't have been awarded" 100% agree. > I feel with the Italian fans who love the game with a passion and who must be disappointed by their team. I do too, but not for all of them. They were showing people on TV who said they took their flags down before the game ended. Supporting their country only when they win? Some fans they are.. |
The Real Wizard 25.06.2010 09:25 |
YourValentine wrote: Before flying home, the French team visited an orphanage in Soweto. “It’s heartbreaking to see their sad little faces with no hope,” said Sipho, aged 6. (nicked from BigV on facebook) I googled it to see if it was true, and this is what I found: link My verdict: not true. But hilarious. |
YourValentine 25.06.2010 09:44 |
It's only a joke, Bob :-) |
Sebastian 25.06.2010 11:17 |
'N' a gr8 1 BTW. |
The Real Wizard 25.06.2010 11:24 |
I knoooow ! Actually, I have a question.. what does the second (0:2) in the scoreline mean ? link |
GratefulFan 25.06.2010 11:53 |
Sir GH wrote: I knoooow ! Actually, I have a question.. what does the second (0:2) in the scoreline mean ? link ================================= That is a soccer statistic that reflects the score when the threshold of 50% +1 of the viewers having fallen asleep is reached. (I'm just kidding! Nobody yell at me ;) ) |
The Real Wizard 25.06.2010 13:12 |
Micrówave wrote: >What's even funnier (sp) is that you world cuppers take it soooooo seriously and then pat yourselves on the back for being a "fan of the greatest game ever" It brings me great joy to share something with billions of people of all races and colours in every corner of the world. I don't feel superior to any of them, because once you remove political boundaries we're all the same. These are basic human values, as opposed to "change this," "liberate them," or "commercialize it" to make it "better" to further perpetuate one's xenophobic values. How ironically arrogant it is of you not to see past your own short-sightedness and accuse people who enjoy the world's most beloved game of patting themselves on the back. You don't see them trying to change Nascar or American football, do you? >There will never be a "Michael Jordan" or "Tiger Woods" of soccer There doesn't need to be. Soccer is a team game. Preferring to have one dominant person in a sport is a reflection of the dog-eat-dog capitalistic world of every man for himself. Most of the world doesn't work like that, and the simplicity and collaborative nature soccer is a reflection of that. Sure, soccer has its superstars but the game would be just as popular without them. |
greaserkat 25.06.2010 13:32 |
Sir GH wrote: Micrówave wrote: >What's even funnier (sp) is that you world cuppers take it soooooo seriously and then pat yourselves on the back for being a "fan of the greatest game ever" It brings me great joy to share something with billions of people of all races and colours in every corner of the world. I don't feel superior to any of them, because once you remove political boundaries we're all the same. These are basic human values, as opposed to "change this," "liberate them," or "commercialize it" to make it "better" to further perpetuate one's xenophobic values. How ironically arrogant it is of you not to see past your own short-sightedness and accuse people who enjoy the world's most beloved game of patting themselves on the back. You don't see them trying to change Nascar or American football, do you? >There will never be a "Michael Jordan" or "Tiger Woods" of soccer There doesn't need to be. Soccer is a team game. Preferring to have one dominant person in a sport is a reflection of the dog-eat-dog capitalistic world of every man for himself. Most of the world doesn't work like that, and the simplicity and collaborative nature soccer is a reflection of that. Sure, soccer has its superstars but the game would be just as popular without them. What about Pele and Maradona?? Then there's Baggio, Chilavert (One of the best goalkeepers in history), Overmars etc... |
The Real Wizard 25.06.2010 13:37 |
Soccer was already the world's most popular sport before Pele. But guys like him did make it even bigger, no doubt. I still stand my ground. :-) |
GratefulFan 25.06.2010 13:47 |
Sir GH wrote: It brings me great joy to share something with billions of people of all races and colours in every corner of the world. I don't feel superior to any of them, because once you remove political boundaries we're all the same. These are basic human values, as opposed to "change this," "liberate them," or "commercialize it" to make it "better" to further perpetuate one's xenophobic values. How ironically arrogant it is of you not to see past your own short-sightedness and accuse people who enjoy the world's most beloved game of patting themselves on the back. You don't see them trying to change Nascar or American football, do you? >There will never be a "Michael Jordan" or "Tiger Woods" of soccer There doesn't need to be. Soccer is a team game. Preferring to have one dominant person in a sport is a reflection of the dog-eat-dog capitalistic world of every man for himself. Most of the world doesn't work like that, and the simplicity and collaborative nature soccer is a reflection of that. Sure, soccer has its superstars but the game would be just as popular without them. ============================================ Groan. Great joy to do what now? Laugh at nations like France and Italy and others and take pleasure at their presumed humiliation? Didn't catch any of that kind of 'spirit' at the Olympics this year. Some of the stuff about France on this thread approaches flat out racism. And in the end that's OK, because we understand the context, and the history, and anyone who loves sport in whatever flavour understands the cherished tradition of trash talk. The problem starts when you want to make international football some kind of virtue instead of just a popular game with personal and cultural signficance for lots of people in lots of places. You *are* showboating a little, and you *are* patting yourself on the back a little, and really, that is a little absurd. |
Sebastian 25.06.2010 15:01 |
Simply put, those who don't like football can simply ... wait for it: refrain from reading these threads. If they don't, they're either: - Stupid - Bitter - Ashamed to recognise they also like the sport - All of the above And Bob, I don't know if it was already answered but (0-2) or (0:2) means that at the end of the first half, they were 0-2 or 0:2 (depending on how you put it). BTW, basketball is also a team game, and indeed there have been great football players, just like Jordan or Chamberlain, just like Woods, just like Federer, etc. I've always hated Cristiano Ronaldo but I admit he's one of the best footballers right now, if not the best. Vittek is also brilliant. |
YourValentine 25.06.2010 15:14 |
@Bob: if you are referring to the (0:2) - this is the half time result, while 0:3 was the end result of the match. @GratefulFan: I do not think that people laugh at nations - nations do not play, teams play. The overwhelming majority of the fans respect a good match and good players, no matter what country or race. There are always some idiots who live out racism or old resentment between countries but most of the time it's just good natured fun. The jokes can be very rough, though :-) edit: oops - Sebastian already answered the question... |
The Real Wizard 25.06.2010 15:33 |
GratefulFan wrote: "The problem starts when you want to make international football some kind of virtue instead of just a popular game with personal and cultural signficance for lots of people in lots of places." Ask anyone in Africa right now if it's just a game. It'd be like saying The Beatles were just a band who wrote great songs. Soccer is what kept Mandela and his cellmates full of hope for decades. It's a way of life for people all over the world. Sebastian wrote: "BTW, basketball is also a team game" Indeed, and it's the third-most popular sport in the world. No surprise there ! Thanks Seb and YV for the explanation. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 25.06.2010 15:55 |
some tasty matches coming up over the next few days. england v germany portugal v spain |
Amazon 25.06.2010 16:21 |
Zebonka12, not everyone considers soccer to be a ridiculous sport. I certainly don't. I don't get why you would post on a thread about a sport you don't like. Microwave, you are absurd. Not only do you have ridiculous- and arrogant- views on soccer, but you do realise that this is a World Cup thread? I don't like American Football, and as such I wouldn't post on a Superbowl thread. The fact that you continue to post on this thread, even though you don't like soccer indicates that you just want to provoke people. Maybe you're a troll. You suggest ways to change it, to 'improve' it. Millions of people are perfectly happy with it the way it is. But, no, it bores you or whatever, so of course the sport has to be changed. I don't much like baseball, yet I'm not going to suggest ways in which to improve it. I also don't much like ice hockey, but I'm not arrogant enough to imagine that it should be changed to please me. The same goes for gridiron which I think is just a glamorous version of Rugby (one of my least favourite sports). Personally I would hate it if non-cricket fans made suggestions on how to improve test cricket and non-tennis fans made suggestions on how to improve tennis. Just as I'm sure you won't like it if I made suggestions on how to improve American sports (other than basketball; the only American sport I really like). There are numerous sports in the world; if you don't like one, don't watch it. You talk about how the winner of the World Cup only gets a replica trophy. So what? Why does it matter what they get? Regardless, it has nothing to do with how much money FIFA has (if you really think they are broke, then you really should read the international sports pages more as they are one of the wealthiest sporting organisations in the world); and is surely not all that important if your nation wins. I was extremely upset at having lost 4-0 to Germany. The fact that we were playing in a tournament in which the winner 'only' gets a replica does not lessen my pain. It's about the experience; it's about competing against the best in the world and it's about doing the best you can do. "when your game is pretty much suited for six year olds and nothing more." You must be so intelligent. It must feel pretty good knowing you are more intelligent than millions of people around the world. You know, I hate NASCAR. I'm not a big car racing fan anyway, but I don't think that NASCAR has the elegence (that is Ferrari) of Formula One. I could make insulting statements about it and its fans, but I won't do that because while I don't much like it, I'm not arrogant enough to think that the sport is to blame for my dislike of it. It isn't. I simply don't like it. "I doubt that many of you even own a jersey or any other kind of memorabilia. The poor man's sport doesn't lend itself to merchandising and then frowns on other sports for doing so." Well, actually it isn't so poor. But, really who cares whether it does merchandising well or not. The fact that you focus on merchandising makes me question whether you are really a genuine sports fan. Personally, I can't stand private team ownership. In the primary sport that I follow (Australian rules football which I refer to as football, unlike soccer), no clubs are privately owned. They are owned by the members. I prefer it that way. Except, while I don't like private team ownership at all, I still follow NBA (Lakers won!!! :D :D :D) and I still have a favourite team in each of the major European soccer leagues. Merchandise, team ownership and other such things are not all that important when it comes to the most important thing; watching and enjoying the sport. "Where's the dominant player? Haven't seen him show up yet, but in other sports you have Kobe, A-Rod, Peyton, Gretzky, etc." The games have not been particularly great, I agree with you on that. However it's only the group stage. During the finals, expect the dominant players (Messi, Ronaldo, Kaka) to step up. "You go on watching your boring-ass World Cup." Fine, and perhaps you can contribute to another thread which interests you more. "That Wimbledon match yesterday far exceeded any excitement we've seen from anyone yet EXCEPT that Italy loss.... now that was good. Then when the next one rolls around we'll see another boring tournament where univited beer girls become the bigger story." Why don't you start your own thread on 'boring World Cups.' That way, we won't have to listen to your constant and negative negativity. "Update your game, soccer." Yet more arrogance. Why should we update soccer? Because it doesn't please you? Here's a shock; the world does not revolve around America. "Oh wait, your athletes are just as scrawny and underdeveloped as they've always been." Are you serious? Have you seen players such as Christiano Ronaldo and Messi play? This statement is so idiotic that I hope you're not serious. All you need to do is watch the Brazillians play, or watch a game in the top Europan leagues, and you will realise just what great athletes soccer players truly are. I will say though that IMO the world's best athletes are Australian rules footballers, however in your 'American sports which I understand are the best in the world' arrogance, you probably don't think that Australian Rules is a proper sport. "That's probably why the sport will never be legit... it can't develop." LOL. Never be legit? Tell that to the whole of Europe! Tell that to the whole of South America! Tell that to Africa, Asia, and countries which are not called The United States of America! You do realise, gasp, that America is NOT the centre of the universe. It is just one country. As for not being able to develop, it doesn't need to. The sport is as is it. Just because it doesn't have a million rules like gridiron, doesn't lessen it. "There will never be a "Michael Jordan" or "Tiger Woods" of soccer...." Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo, Zidane, Messi. Has it occured to you that the reason you don't perceive there to be a Michael Jordan/Tiger Woods figure is because most soccer superstars are not marketed in America? Since America is not the centre of the world. For that matter, having a Michael Jordan/Tiger Woods figure is not a measurement of how good a sport is. "you're just stuck with some old guy named Pele who complains that everyone isn't as good as he once was." Who was only the greatest practitioner of the world's most popular sport. Muhammad Ali, whilst watching Pele's last ever match, said (and quoting from memory so it might not be accurate), "now I understand. He is greater than me." To refer to Pele as "some old guy.... who complains that everyone isn't as good as he once was" is so ignorant that I think that you just want to play the fool. ""Beckham? Yeah he sure lasted long!!!" During his peak, he was one of the world's most marketable athletes. He was, and remains, more famous outside of America than most American athletes. That's the thing about it. I'm an NBA fan, but there's only a few active NBA players I can name. There's only a couple of gridiren players I can name, and one baseball player I can name (A-Rod). I can't name any ice hockey players. Yet, I can name dozens of international soccer players. I'm not alone. The truth is, many non-Americans couldn't care less about American sports. But we do care about soccer. America is not the centre of the world. |
Amazon 25.06.2010 16:30 |
This is from an earlier post, but this represents Microwave's supreme arrogance. "In the history of this sport, no one has been smart enough to figure out that a rule change is desperately needed?" Thank god, you came along. We all should bow to your superior intellect. Do you realise that sport is as much about the process as the result. The Wimbledon match was impressive because it lasted for over 11 hours. The actual result, who won and who lost, isn't all that important and will be quickly forgotten. "Now I realize why I stopped playing soccer at 6 and moved on to something a little more complicated." Maybe you moved on because you realised you just weren't good enough. Perhaps you're resentful. "In fact, if we televised our 6 year olds playing, I think we'd be more entertained than this years World Cup. AT LEAST THEY'D TRY TO WIN!!!! " So, because you would be more entertained, you think WE would be more entertained? No, Microwave, you speak for yourself. Don't you dare try to speak for me and for others! Moving along, I have to say that while I'm not surprised that France has done so badly (a very inconsistent team and arguably not as capable as some commentators thought pre-Cup), I am absolutely shocked that Italy has bombed out. Perhaps due to over-confidence and underrating their opponents, they did terribly. Although on a pleasant note, I am delighted at the performances of New Zealand. For a team which some predicted wouldn't score a single point, they scored 3!!!! :D :D :D |
Bo Rhap 26.06.2010 16:29 |
USA 1 Ghana 2 How does the song go."Bye bye miss American Pie" |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 26.06.2010 16:47 |
what was that boy from Dartford,ol rubber lips himself Mick Jagger doing cheering on the Yanks? my mother would be soooooo disappointed with him :-p |
Bo Rhap 26.06.2010 17:20 |
It'll be The Last Time he'll be at a football match. Probably thought he Cant Get No Satisfaction at the England v Germany game. Anyway Clinton told him to Get Off My Cloud |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 27.06.2010 02:26 |
Bo Rhap wrote: It'll be The Last Time he'll be at a football match. Probably thought he Cant Get No Satisfaction at the England v Germany game. Anyway Clinton told him to Get Off My Cloud reply: and you cant always get what you want |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 27.06.2010 02:29 |
right Barb,deep breath,here we go again...England v Germany,may the best team [in red] win :-D gonna put my neck on the line and predict a England win by 2 clear goals 2-0 or 3-1 no need to practice the penalties this time :-p |
YourValentine 27.06.2010 04:47 |
Jon, we both know that the best team does not always win - the luckiest team with the best daily condition, strategy, nerves will win. However : the winner will be stopped by Argentina, anyway, so let's hope it will be a good, memorable match - and may Germany win, lol :-) |
Holly2003 27.06.2010 09:36 |
I hate to say I told you so but.... England's dodgy defence at it again. Terry, Lampard and Rooney over-rated, as is the Premier League. David James has his patented rush of blood, running out of his goal when all he had to do was guard the post and the Germans would never have scored their second. And the Germans can keep possession, pass the ball well, & have good movement off the ball -- all qualities that England lack. |
GratefulFan 27.06.2010 09:42 |
How can these terrible calls be allowed in world tournament? No video tech? That's incomprehensible to me. In the NHL you've got multiple camera angles and a central war room in Toronto ready to review goals every second of every game. Just wow. Sorry England. |
Sebastian 27.06.2010 09:43 |
Hurst's 'goal' was finally avenged. |
Mr.Jingles 27.06.2010 09:59 |
FIFA is so corrupt that they would sanction Neuer for not telling the referee Larrionda that the ball crossed the line. So much for these assholes for promoting "Fair Play", when they can't even make games get fair results. |
Mr.Jingles 27.06.2010 09:59 |
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Sebastian 27.06.2010 10:55 |
It's over. Should've been 4-2 as in the '66 final... only the other way around. |
GratefulFan 27.06.2010 11:05 |
Sebastian wrote: It's over. Should've been 4-2 as in the '66 final... only the other way around. ============================================ Disallowed goals can and usually do cost more than face value. They impact team momentum and the mental and sometimes emotional states of the players, which can change everything. Is there some rationale why the game does not use video review? There must be some reasoning behind it. Does anyone know what it is? |
Holly2003 27.06.2010 11:18 |
GratefulFan wrote: Sebastian wrote: It's over. Should've been 4-2 as in the '66 final... only the other way around. ============================================ Disallowed goals can and usually do cost more than face value. They impact team momentum and the mental and sometimes emotional states of the players, which can change everything. Is there some rationale why the game does not use video review? There must be some reasoning behind it. Does anyone know what it is? Yes, cost. While goal-line technology might be relatively simple for Western countries to implement at all levels of the game i.e. not just international football, it will be much more difficult to implement that at all levels in every country in the world. However, FIFA have yet to make a convincing case that the technology can't be brought in selectively, for example, at the finals of major tournaments. Calamity James at fault for Germany's third goal too. Fell over, for some reason. |
Mr Mercury 27.06.2010 11:47 |
Holly2003 wrote: Calamity James at fault for Germany's third goal too. Fell over, for some reason.The whole team were at fault. James was by far their best player. As Alan Shearer said they have the players who we know can play well week in, week out and yet they played like a sunday league school team. I was gonna come on here and make some jokes about the game (stop all the Klocks, Klose all the doors, etc), but the team beat me to it. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 27.06.2010 12:33 |
where's a Russian linesman when you want one? in a way i'm glad they are out,watching England "play" was getting bad for my health :-p who's left worth cheering now,apart from Dirty Diego? who can i give the "kiss of death" or "Joxer's dreaded finger of doom" to next? |
The Real Wizard 27.06.2010 13:04 |
Amazon wrote: "I could make insulting statements about it and its fans, but I won't do that because while I don't much like it, I'm not arrogant enough to think that the sport is to blame for my dislike of it. It isn't. I simply don't like it." There is no arrogance in stating your opinion or the truth. It only becomes arrogance when you do it from a self-centred place. "You do realise, gasp, that America is NOT the centre of the universe. It is just one country." But that's just the thing - generally speaking, Americans are raised/engineered to believe exactly that. They're taught very little in school about other countries (I've even heard of schools that teach how the US won WWII "all on their own"), there is very little mention of other countries in their media (except those they've been at war with), there are very few internationally-flavoured restaurants to be found amidst the thousands of McDonalds, etc. etc. They breed intolerant xenophobes who chase after one thing - money. And if anything exists different from that packaged picture of reality, something is wrong with it and needs to be changed. So the philosophical question remains - is it their fault, the system's fault, or a mixture of both? Now, back to football. I felt horribly bad for England as their second goal should have counted. Indeed, a bad call can change the complexion of a match, but I think few can deny that Germany were the stronger team overall. They played the game beautifully. Their footwork out-muscled the old-fashioned kick and chase style of England. Had it remained 2-1 there would've been an outrage, but 4-1 is pretty convincing. It probably could've been even more, but the Germans were passing instead of shooting for the last 20 minutes. |
Sebastian 27.06.2010 14:13 |
Speaking of bad calls, what about Argentina's first goal? Totally unfair. While I agree one wouldn't expect third-division matches in third-world countries to make use of technology, I do think top tournaments (such as Champions League or ... surprise surprise: the world cup!) could and should benefit from it. Refusing to use the videos is as ridiculous as if they were forcing players to shit on cesspits, because you know, not all people can afford toilets. |
YourValentine 27.06.2010 14:24 |
There cannot be a match England vs Germany without some outrageous incidents: hard to believe how the referee failed to see the goal when the whole stadium and the whole world at the TV sets did see it. Now we will discuss the "2nd goal of Bloemfonteyn" for the next 50 years along with the Wembley goal! Of course the English have every right to say that the match might have turned out very different if the goal had not been disallowed but the Germany team was simply better. I do not think they did not deserve to win although the second goal was very unfortunate. The English team never lived up to their potential and they could not repeat the great performances from the qualifying matches in the tournament. However, they never gave up fighting and won the respect of the audience. It was another great game in the history of this special rivalry and as a bonus it was a very fair match. Nobody committed a really vicious foul and nobody was hurt. The diiscussion about a goal referee and video proof will start again due to the unbelievable misjudgement by the referree team. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 27.06.2010 15:54 |
^ and just when we thought the Lampard "goal" would take all the headlines up pops Mr Tevez of Argentina to score a "legit" goal even though everyone in the stadium could see that he was 5 yards offside :-p it probably didnt help the linesman involved that the VERY BIG GIANT SCREEN showed the "goal" in all its glory seconds afterwards and all the mexicans started waving imaginary offside flags at him. Sepp Blatter has got to allow goal line technology now hasnt he before the games turn into a farce? |
Bo Rhap 27.06.2010 17:28 |
The "goal"that never was was part payment for the "goal"that never was that happened 44 years ago. I'm speaking about the England v Germany game of course. Germany deserved to win |
Mr Mercury 27.06.2010 18:08 |
Based on the four games England played, you have to say from the 22 or 23 players that were picked, 3 maybe 4 turned up to play and the rest turned up only for to disappear up their own arse - Rooney being the biggest culprit along with Gerard, Terry and Lampard. And yes, Lamps' goal should have stood - even Stevie Wonder saw that and he was at Glastonbury today........ |
GratefulFan 27.06.2010 22:10 |
Sir GH wrote: GratefulFan wrote: "The problem starts when you want to make international football some kind of virtue instead of just a popular game with personal and cultural signficance for lots of people in lots of places." =============================================== Ask anyone in Africa right now if it's just a game. It'd be like saying The Beatles were just a band who wrote great songs. Soccer is what kept Mandela and his cellmates full of hope for decades. It's a way of life for people all over the world. ==================================================== There isn't a sport in the world that doesn't have amazing narratives woven around and through it. Ask the guy who bought Paul Henderson's 38 year old jersey last week for 1.3 million dollars if he thinks hockey is just a game. He bought it for a small fortune, but in his mind he doesn't own it. It belongs to all of us, he says. Pretty incredible. The power is in the shared experience, not the specifics of any one game. The truth is that once the World Cup is over, and Coca-Cola packs up and the satellite trucks leave, South Africa will sill be more divided by sport than they are united. A little less divided we hope, but divided still. And if they are a little less so, it will be because they shared something, were proud of their host duties together, and maybe because a little circle of hope that began a slow trace way back in 1995 with the World Rugby Cup has been completed. It's not going to be because soccer is inherently flawless and unassailable and the untouchable "best" game in the world. Best, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. The position that you seem to me to have taken - particulary with Microwave - that to embrace soccer is to be enlightened and morally sound, and to reject it in whole or in part is to be dull, self centred and xenophobic, leaves the overwhelming impression that more than anything in this discussion you want it noted that you're into the sport that all the cool kids like. Nothing wrong with that - we commonly use sport to say something about oursleves to the world. I have one of those provincially issued Ottawa Senators license plates on my car and a Sens Army flag on my bulletin board at work. I'm projecting a conscious message about me. It just that quite honestly I've never seen someone be quite as obnoxious about it as you seem to be being. ;) |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 28.06.2010 02:12 |
Mr Mercury wrote: Based on the four games England played, you have to say from the 22 or 23 players that were picked, 3 maybe 4 turned up to play and the rest turned up only for to disappear up their own arse - Rooney being the biggest culprit along with Gerard, Terry and Lampard. And yes, Lamps' goal should have stood - even Stevie Wonder saw that and he was at Glastonbury today........ if im perfectly honest i didnt see the Lampard goal or drei or vier goals as i had already been banished to the beer garden for laughing hysterically at the 2 german goals and taking the piss out of stroppy english fans in the pub. |
YourValentine 28.06.2010 04:27 |
@Mr. Mercury - the fact that English world class players are unable to form a great national team and succeed in an international cup has been an enigma for many decades now. Why excellent players who succeed in one of the best leagues in the world are unable to transfer their excellent performance into the national team is simply beyond comprehension. Surely, there are special problems in each tournament but once in 44 years they should have been able to put all problems behind and just win the cup! Personally, I think it's psychologigal. The expectations generated by the English media are so high that the team is simply under too much pressure. For some reasons the English public seems to think that the team must win because they are better by default. On the other hand the Germans manage to look like the underdogs although England has never won a World Cup finals match vs German teams since the famous Wembley 1966 win. While the Germans know they can win because they did it before the English teams seem to be frightened because they lost before. It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy. While Wayne Rooney did not score once after a brilliant season, German striker Klose scored two goals afte a horrible season when he did not even play for his team Bayern München but spent most of his time on the bench. It must be pschological ... |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 28.06.2010 05:05 |
^ Wayne Rooney beat David Blaine's record of doing nothing in a box for 42 days,, i knew the English were in trouble before the tournament started when Ashely Cole was interviewed at the FA Cup Final and said that he would "rather win the league/fa cup with Chelsea than win the World Cup with England". you cant win a tournament when you have players with that attitude. cheering for the Dutch today which means that with my predictions over the last few days the clog wearers will be home tomorrow too ;-D |
plumrach 28.06.2010 05:08 |
Very disapointed England were diabolical I hope Brazil go on and win the thing |
Mr Mercury 28.06.2010 07:04 |
The one thing I did find funny during the Gernany v England game was listening to Mark Lawrenson's moaning - sorry - co-commentating. I could virtually see the tears running down his face....... |
Yara 28.06.2010 09:02 |
I hope I'll manage to stay awake today during Brazil's match. Not that the squad is going to do anything to help me with that... |
Mr Mercury 28.06.2010 09:46 |
The thing is Yara, Brazil will have to try against Chile with this being the knockout phase. No second chances here in this round |
Sebastian 28.06.2010 09:57 |
I really want Slovakia to win but it looks like it's not gonna happen. Edit: It didn't happen :( But congratulations to Maarten, probably the best keeper in the tournament, only beaten by penalties. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 28.06.2010 11:13 |
some good goal keeping saved Dutch bacon today,Vittek should of scored twice,the Dutch defence looks very flat,can see Brazil or Chile beating them easily if the Dutch play like that again. on a seperate note,Francis Ford Capello is blaming "tiredness" for the lacklustre England team and wants the premier league to have a Winter break like the Germans.Problem is,this "tiredness" only seems to affect English players in the premier league as Kuyt,Van Persie,Fabregas,Torres,Evra,Pansil,Howerd,Donovan and every other foreign premier league player is running around like a 2yo and managing to pass the ball to a team mate :-p |
Mr.Jingles 28.06.2010 11:20 |
FIFA just announced that they found a solution to controversial calls. link ...by not replaying them on the giant screens. Next step, not repeating them on any TV broadcasts, or internet video. |
The Real Wizard 28.06.2010 11:27 |
GratefulFan wrote: "There isn't a sport in the world that doesn't have amazing narratives woven around and through it." That's true, but none can compare to soccer. The sport has given a sense of hope and empowerment to millions of people around the world, particularly in Africa, and to growing numbers of women who are in many cases otherwise oppressed. Your hockey story is touching, but the reality is the sport does not unite people and change lives the way soccer does. For people in many third world countries it's literally all they have. On CBC there was a documentary a few days ago about life in Africa and soccer's role in it. I really hope they show it again. Then you'll hopefully see that everything else is simply in second place. "The position that you seem to me to have taken - particulary with Microwave - that to embrace soccer is to be enlightened and morally sound, and to reject it in whole or in part is to be dull, self centred and xenophobic." Not at all. Millions of people don't like soccer and they're entitled to like or dislike whatever they want for whatever reason they want. It's when people can't simply draw the line there and insist that the sport must be changed in order to please them in their narrow worldview that they appear to be self-centred and xenophobic. It's not my fault that a large number of Americans have created those labels and trademarks for themselves, so please don't shoot the messenger for pointing it out like it is. |
Mr Mercury 28.06.2010 11:44 |
JoxerTheDietyPirate wrote: on a seperate note,Francis Ford Capello is blaming "tiredness" for the lacklustre England team and wants the premier league to have a Winter break like the GermansActually he didnt blame tiredness (*). He came up with a new disease - tie redness. You see, thats what the problem was - they were wearing the wrong colour ties. His players were tie red. :) (*) listen to the way he pronounced the word "tired".... |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 28.06.2010 12:36 |
Mr.Jingles wrote: FIFA just announced that they found a solution to controversial calls. link ...by not replaying them on the giant screens. Next step, not repeating them on any TV broadcasts, or internet video. reply: yes,ssssshhhhhhh,it never happened,what happened? nothing did :-p the sooner Sepp Blatter is replaced by Michael Platini the better! if the final ends up between Brazil and Argentina and the score finishes 10-9 this World Cup will still be remembered for "the goal that never was" and "the goal that shouldnt of been". if ever there was a reason for goal line technology those 2 incidents were it.Cant let common sense interfere with FIFA "rules" can we? |
Sebastian 28.06.2010 13:53 |
Min 22: Brazil's obviously way better than Chile, but the latter aren't going without a fight. I really want Chile to win although I know chances are minimal. But hey: look what happened with Serbia and Switzerland! |
The Real Wizard 28.06.2010 14:27 |
Brazil's defense is just too strong, and their counter-attack is a force to reckoned with. I say it'll be a 3-0 final. |
Raf 28.06.2010 15:42 |
Sir GH wrote: Brazil's defense is just too strong, and their counter-attack is a force to reckoned with. I say it'll be a 3-0 final. ------------- Spot on! I was betting on 3x1, but luckily, Chile disappointed me. :) |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 28.06.2010 16:07 |
the English may still get to the final,even if its just the referee and the linesmen.they have been the best officials by a country mile in this thing |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 29.06.2010 03:57 |
horse+barn door-open=sepp blatter he's now changed his mind over goal line technology....for now bit late for England and Mexico but hey,cant have the Germans or the Argies knocked out of the World Cup early can we? |
Mr Mercury 29.06.2010 06:14 |
Apparently FIFA and Sepp or (as the English might be calling him) Septic Blatter were offered goal line technology by the same firm that does Hawkeye at Wimbledon. They had it ready to go but were told that it wasnt needed. |
Sebastian 29.06.2010 07:05 |
FIFA is so corrupt that even the worst national government looks immaculate in comparison. Anyway, I hope Portugal wins today. Regarding Paraguay vs Japan, I honestly couldn't care less. |
The Real Wizard 29.06.2010 09:45 |
I hope he's not bluffing - link |
Donna13 29.06.2010 10:33 |
I enjoyed watching the Ghana team (during the Ghana vs. USA game). I hope I get to see another one of their games. There was one player who fell down, so badly injured, poor guy, then he was carried off in a little stretcher. Once reaching the sidelines, he jumped up off that thing. Ha. It was a miracle. But also, their defense seemed pretty good, I thought. But what do I know? I'm not used to watching soccer at this level - I've seen a few games here and there in person but nothing like this. I think the drama and mistakes must be such a big part of the game that they don't want to change the rules because that would completely change the entertainment factor. And then advertising revenues might go down. By the way, I read a news story that just under 20 million Americans watched the last USA game (the numbers of the English and Spanish broadcasts in the USA combined). Compared to 20 million people in England watching their team's game against Germany, I don't know how anyone can say that Americans don't like "football". Sure, the percentage is off, but the overall numbers are comparable! Those numbers in the USA are also going up. |
GratefulFan 29.06.2010 11:59 |
Donna13 wrote: I enjoyed watching the Ghana team (during the Ghana vs. USA game). I hope I get to see another one of their games. There was one player who fell down, so badly injured, poor guy, then he was carried off in a little stretcher. Once reaching the sidelines, he jumped up off that thing. Ha. It was a miracle. But also, their defense seemed pretty good, I thought. But what do I know? I'm not used to watching soccer at this level - I've seen a few games here and there in person but nothing like this. I think the drama and mistakes must be such a big part of the game that they don't want to change the rules because that would completely change the entertainment factor. And then advertising revenues might go down. ========================================= I had that drama and mistakes thought as well. |
GratefulFan 29.06.2010 12:03 |
My favourite offside goal ever involved Dominik Hasek when he was playing goal for the Ottawa Senators of the NHL a few years ago. Ottawa is at Washington, up 2 nothing, and then he engages in some great psy ops against the Capitals and their fans. Ha ha Dom. Loved him. |
Mr Mercury 29.06.2010 12:51 |
And now Capello has named his stars of the future........ link |
Sebastian 29.06.2010 14:53 |
Min 62 and they've scored. They deserve it. I really really really want Portugal to win but I admit Spain's playing way better. Regarding mistakes as part of the game: I think only the players' mistakes (such as a keeper failing to jump to a Ronaldinho free kick costing his team the match) should be left, but not those by the referees. Refusing to use technology to their benefit when the downside is that huge is as ridiculous, again, as if they forced players to shit on outhouses just because 'not everyone can afford toilets.' While we're at it, FIFA shouldn't have a website, Blatter shouldn't travel on plane or have a mobile or benefit from new medical treatments if he gets sick... as football's not compatible with progress... |
The Real Wizard 29.06.2010 15:36 |
link - is this guy off his rocker or not? Watch the video and discuss. |
Mr Mercury 29.06.2010 16:51 |
Good to see Specsavers getting in on the act now link |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 29.06.2010 17:05 |
here's a question for you.. its been a long 2 weeks so i may of missed a win but did Portugal only win one game and wasnt that 7-0 against North Korea? if so,that puts the Portugeuse on a par with the English but will the media go as hyberbole with them as they do the English? also,i would like to point out that Ronaldo was absolute bollox in this tournament,just as bad as Rooney. i blame that Nike advert or whatever one it was,everyone in it is out and played crap.no babies named Wayne and it wasnt just Homer Simpson saying "doh!" |
YourValentine 30.06.2010 02:03 |
You hit the nail on the head, Jon. The Portugese team was a huge disappointment and mainly Ronaldo was of no use at all. He simply is not the kind of leader who pushes a team and turns a match around. Ronaldo only looks good when the match is going well for his team, anyway. However - the Portugese media will not slaughter the team in "English fashion". It's hard to understand why the English tabloids pour torrents of abuse over the players. After all, they did not go to South Africa intending to lose, they wanted to win and - other than the Portugese team - they never gave up fighting. The English national team has not won anything since over 30 years, maybe it's time that the media rethink their policy of creating so much extra pressure. It's a good thing that the FIFA is now ready to introduce some technology into the games. Villa was also offside when scoring the only goal in the match vs Portugal. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 30.06.2010 02:27 |
^ I call it "Newcastle Delusion Syndrome" there's a football club in England called Newcastle United.they have a nice big stadium [70,000 cap],a loyal support and think they are one of the biggest teams in the world although they've won Fanny Adams since God was a boy.They just aint as good as they think they are and England are the same. ps,i now have the DT's because there's no footie until Saturday evening now *shakes* what odds on all 4 south american teams getting to the semi-finals? im now personally wishing for a Brazil/ Argentina final :-D |
Mr Mercury 30.06.2010 07:15 |
It seems the English press are just as mixed up these days. Apparently, the fan who go into the England dressing room was part of a "stunt" by some hack reporter link |
Mr Mercury 30.06.2010 11:47 |
Mind you, this is a bit exttreme from the Nigerian President.... link |
Mr Mercury 30.06.2010 16:56 |
Sorry Joxer, but these just made me laugh http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss343/mr_mercury/image0011.jpg" border="0" alt="Fabio Capello"> |
Mr Mercury 30.06.2010 16:57 |
And this one too..... http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss343/mr_mercury/image01212.jpg" border="0" alt="Fabio Capello"> |
Mr Mercury 30.06.2010 16:59 |
http://i590.photobucket.com/albums/ss343/mr_mercury/image0077.jpg" border="0" alt="Fabio Capello Emile Heskey"> |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 01.07.2010 04:15 |
^YOU MADE ME LOL :-D |
john bodega 01.07.2010 09:10 |
The only good thing to come from the World Cup thus far is the Vuvuzela button that's appeared on Youtube. I found out what it was while I was watching a rather depressing video about JFK. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 01.07.2010 13:06 |
wish the British tv companies would get their arse in gear,according to the listings there wasnt a match until saturday but there's 2 matches tomorrow :-p still gonna go for 3 south american teams in the semis although i have a feeling that Ghana may get a sympathetic referee in their game just to make sure there is still an african nation involved to the end.not that i would suggest a fixed match in the world cup at all,we know how honest they [ FIFA] are dont we? ;-p |
Holly2003 02.07.2010 05:46 |
Boring Brazil -v- Nederlands today -- C'mon the Dutch! |
The Real Wizard 02.07.2010 10:25 |
2-1 Holland, mid second half !!!! |
Raf 02.07.2010 10:54 |
Well done, Felipe Melo. 1 own goal, 1 red card and a flight back to Brazil. |
YourValentine 02.07.2010 10:56 |
Certainly not a boring match! Sensational victory for Holland vs a Brazilian team that never gave up until the end. The Dutchies played their best game so far - they have huge chances to reach the final. |
The Real Wizard 02.07.2010 10:58 |
Match of the tournament!! The momentum completely shifted, even before the second Dutch goal. The Brazilian magic simply shut down. |
Sebastian 02.07.2010 10:59 |
Good for the Dutch. I really didn't want them to win the WC but now they seem to be the candidate. |
PauloPanucci 02.07.2010 11:10 |
OMG! Netherlands 2 x 1 Brazil :( now i'm sad |
Daniel vZ 02.07.2010 11:22 |
Bye Bye Brasil!! When Brasil got behind they showed their true colors, the moment after the 1-1 Brasil didn't really know what to do and a red card for a filthy action of Felipe Melo. Way to go Holland! I think millions of people in Brasil are crying right now, and throwing their tv's out of their window. Haha. |
PauloPanucci 02.07.2010 11:38 |
no, i'm happy now! i prefer Netherlands than Brazil Dunga is a bad coach! |
Yara 02.07.2010 13:08 |
I'll just repeat what I wrote after Brazil's first match: "This is for sure the worst Brazilian squad I've ever seen". Which is not to say that the Dutch team isn't a good one - it is. A very good one, in fact, which fully deserved to win. I really enjoy Sneijder and Reuven's playing. The kind of playing that lacked in the Brazilian team. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- As for Felipe Melo's outrageously violent attack on Reuven, which could have costed the latter's career, no comments. A talentless dude is just that: a talentless dude who's out there only to harm other players and spoil the fun. |
YourValentine 02.07.2010 13:48 |
Both teams could win that match. Brazil failed to score a second goal and allowed Holland to return into the match. On the other hand Holland did not rest on their laurels after the second goal but continued to play foreward. @ Paulo - it's okay to be sad when your team loses! @ Yara - the name of the Dutch player is Arjen Robben :) |
PauloPanucci 02.07.2010 15:23 |
Yara: "This is for sure the worst Brazilian squad I've ever seen" i totally agree with you :D |
Mr Mercury 02.07.2010 16:36 |
Uruguay through on penalties against Ghana after it ended up 1 each after extra time.... Felt so sorry for the Ghanians tbh...... Good game though |
Sebastian 02.07.2010 20:08 |
Which would be your dream team for the moment? Mine: Keeper: Maarten Stekelenburg Defenders: Lucio, Philipp Lahm, Martín Demichelis Midfielders: Juraj Kucka, Wesley Sneijder, Stephen Appiah, Mesut Özil Strikers: Luis Suárez, Róbert Vittek, Arjen Robben |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 03.07.2010 08:25 |
Ghana should of won that last nght,makes me think that Uruguays name is on the trophy this year... ready and primed now for todays games,this is a tricky one coz what team does an Englishman cheer on when the teams involved are Germany and Argentina? or can i just boo both? |
Raf 03.07.2010 11:09 |
We all owe the German squad our lives for preventing us from seeing Maradona naked! |
Yara 03.07.2010 11:18 |
Das mechanische Sauerkraut, Barbara!!! |
The Real Wizard 03.07.2010 11:20 |
Ballack getting hurt is probably the best thing that could've happened to Germany. They are the most organized team in the entire tournament. Onward! |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 03.07.2010 13:10 |
Argentina are officially as bad as Australia and WORSE than England. how you ask? because at least England scored twice against the Germans and neither the Argies or the Convicts could manage that! now time for Fernando 'Samson' Torres and his pals to play Paraguay,he has been as crap as Rooney,Ronaldo,Kaka and Messi in this world cup since he cut his hair! |
Sebastian 03.07.2010 15:23 |
I really wanted Paraguay to win but whatever. I just hope the final match is Netherlands - Germany or Uruguay - Germany. |
Holly2003 03.07.2010 17:10 |
It is just before the England v Germany match. Mueller goes into the German changing room to find all his teammates looking a bit glum. "What's up?" he asks. "Well, we're having trouble getting motivated for this game. We know it's important but it's only England. They're crap and we can't be bothered." Mueller looks at them and says "Well, I reckon I can beat them by myself-you lads go down the pub." So Mueller goes out to play England by himself and the rest of the German team go off for a few jars. After a few pints they wonder how the game is going, so they get the landlord to put the teletext on. A big cheer goes up as the screen reads " Germany 1 - England 0 (Mueller 10 minutes)". He is beating England all by himself! A few pints later and the game is forgotten until someone remembers "It must be full time now, let's see how he got on." They put the teletext on. "Result from the Stadium ' Germany 1 (Mueller 10 minutes) - England 1 (Lampard 89 minutes)." They can't believe it; he has single-handedly got a draw against England!! They rush back to the Stadium to congratulate Mueller. They find him in the dressing room, still in his gear, sitting with his head in his hands. He refuses to look at them. "I've let you down, I've let you down." "Don't be daft, you got a draw against England, all by yourself. And they only scored at the very, very end!" "No, no, I have, I've let you down .................I got sent off after 12 minutes." |
YourValentine 03.07.2010 18:04 |
Why did Maradona never try to prevent his team from losing 0:4 vs Germany? Not a single change in strategy (if there was one), not a single player was taken out .. Maradona just watching like the whole game is none of his business. The best thing about the match - next to the incredible 4 goals - was that it was fair. I did not expect the German team to get that far but they improved with each match while the Argentinians did not live up to their potential. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 04.07.2010 03:33 |
YourValentine wrote: Joxer - Germany did not have any better than "average" teams in the FIFA cup 2002 (2nd place), FIFA cup 2006 (3rd place) and Euro 2008 (2nd place). It needs a good tournament team to get far in the World Cup. England did not win anything after the World Cup 1966 although they have the biggest league along with Spain and Italy and have great teams which won numerous international cups etc. Maybe now they have a good tournament team with their Italian coach:-) African teams have never won anything although there is always an expectation that an outsider will reach the semi finals. You forgot Italy and Argentina who are always candidates for the cup. reply: i think you put "the mockers" on Italy and Argentina Barb :-D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 04.07.2010 03:36 |
Holly2003 wrote: It is just before the England v Germany match. Mueller goes into the German changing room to find all his teammates looking a bit glum. "What's up?" he asks. "Well, we're having trouble getting motivated for this game. We know it's important but it's only England. They're crap and we can't be bothered." Mueller looks at them and says "Well, I reckon I can beat them by myself-you lads go down the pub." So Mueller goes out to play England by himself and the rest of the German team go off for a few jars. After a few pints they wonder how the game is going, so they get the landlord to put the teletext on. A big cheer goes up as the screen reads " Germany 1 - England 0 (Mueller 10 minutes)". He is beating England all by himself! A few pints later and the game is forgotten until someone remembers "It must be full time now, let's see how he got on." They put the teletext on. "Result from the Stadium ' Germany 1 (Mueller 10 minutes) - England 1 (Lampard 89 minutes)." They can't believe it; he has single-handedly got a draw against England!! They rush back to the Stadium to congratulate Mueller. They find him in the dressing room, still in his gear, sitting with his head in his hands. He refuses to look at them. "I've let you down, I've let you down." "Don't be daft, you got a draw against England, all by yourself. And they only scored at the very, very end!" "No, no, I have, I've let you down .................I got sent off after 12 minutes." REPLY: but they still won 1-0 coz no official saw the Lampard goal :-p |
andreas_mercury 04.07.2010 05:34 |
lol to the result of germany and argentina i have not laughed so hard since of the falklands war :D |
L-R-TIGER1994 04.07.2010 08:42 |
andreas_mercury wrote: lol to the result of germany and argentina i have not laughed so hard since of the falklands war :D You will not laugh when the doctors diagnose you cancer you prick... |
YourValentine 04.07.2010 11:21 |
Interesting that you dug this old post out, Jon:-) I was right in a way, isn't that true? The Argentinians have all these huge names and stars but stars do not win - teams win! I felt really bad when I saw the shock in Lionel Messi's face after the match: he does not deserve to play in a team that was never formed to a real team but always stayed a collection of world class players with no concept, no strategy and no team spirit. It's not the fault of the players, it's the fault of the team management who did not have a master plan which should have made use of all the excellent athletes. Maradona is probably a big motivator but he is not a coach, he has a big ego and a dream but not the means or the knowledge to make such a dream come true. The real coaches in the back ground either had no plan themselves or they did not have the authority to enforce such a plan. |
7Innuendo7 04.07.2010 11:45 |
USA gave it a decent shot, but Germany just might take it all. Just put 11 Larissa Riquelme's on the field, or let her hand out the trophy! |
Amazon 04.07.2010 15:45 |
Holly2003 wrote: "It is just before the England v Germany match. Mueller goes into the German changing room to find all his teammates looking a bit glum. "What's up?" he asks. "Well, we're having trouble getting motivated for this game. We know it's important but it's only England. They're crap and we can't be bothered." Mueller looks at them and says "Well, I reckon I can beat them by myself-you lads go down the pub." So Mueller goes out to play England by himself and the rest of the German team go off for a few jars. After a few pints they wonder how the game is going, so they get the landlord to put the teletext on. A big cheer goes up as the screen reads " Germany 1 - England 0 (Mueller 10 minutes)". He is beating England all by himself! A few pints later and the game is forgotten until someone remembers "It must be full time now, let's see how he got on." They put the teletext on. "Result from the Stadium ' Germany 1 (Mueller 10 minutes) - England 1 (Lampard 89 minutes)." They can't believe it; he has single-handedly got a draw against England!! They rush back to the Stadium to congratulate Mueller. They find him in the dressing room, still in his gear, sitting with his head in his hands. He refuses to look at them. "I've let you down, I've let you down." "Don't be daft, you got a draw against England, all by yourself. And they only scored at the very, very end!" "No, no, I have, I've let you down .................I got sent off after 12 minutes."" Ha!! That was a great one! :D :D :D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 04.07.2010 17:27 |
YourValentine wrote: Interesting that you dug this old post out, Jon:-) I was right in a way, isn't that true? The Argentinians have all these huge names and stars but stars do not win - teams win! I felt really bad when I saw the shock in Lionel Messi's face after the match: he does not deserve to play in a team that was never formed to a real team but always stayed a collection of world class players with no concept, no strategy and no team spirit. It's not the fault of the players, it's the fault of the team management who did not have a master plan which should have made use of all the excellent athletes. Maradona is probably a big motivator but he is not a coach, he has a big ego and a dream but not the means or the knowledge to make such a dream come true. The real coaches in the back ground either had no plan themselves or they did not have the authority to enforce such a plan. reply: yep,agreed. which is why i fancy Uruguay now for the cup,they have 2 strikers that have scored nearly 100 goals this season for their clubs and a team behind them that can get the ball to them and a coach that knows how to get the best out of them as a "team" Argentina didnt have the players behind Messi who could get the ball to him quickly enough or into the right spaces for him nor a coach able to get his star players playing as a "team" England had the same problem "too many chiefs,not enough indians" as the old saying goes.. |
andreas_mercury 04.07.2010 20:02 |
"You will not laugh when the doctors diagnose you cancer you prick..." lol to maybe i have written something to make you cry? poor pussy..... is my guess you werent going for germany then? ha ha |
Raf 05.07.2010 02:29 |
Sebastian wrote: I really wanted Paraguay to win but whatever. --------------------------------------------------------- Heh, don't worry. Larissa Riquelme said she'll get naked anyway. |
Sebastian 05.07.2010 06:18 |
> Larissa Riquelme said she'll get naked anyway. Thank God! |
andreas_mercury 05.07.2010 09:24 |
sounds to a slut, to me .... |
ParisNair 05.07.2010 13:58 |
Have you heard this one... Osama Bin Laden released a new video just to prove that he is still alive. In this video he says that he watched world cup football over the weekend and England's performance was truly apalling. British Intelligence have dimissed this video, stating that it could have been taped anytime in the last 44 years. |
Bo Rhap 05.07.2010 16:32 |
ParisNair wrote: Have you heard this one... Osama Bin Laden released a new video just to prove that he is still alive. In this video he says that he watched world cup football over the weekend and England's performance was truly apalling. British Intelligence have dimissed this video, stating that it could have been taped anytime in the last 44 years. Ha ha ha ha .Good one . |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 05.07.2010 17:13 |
ParisNair wrote: Have you heard this one... Osama Bin Laden released a new video just to prove that he is still alive. In this video he says that he watched world cup football over the weekend and England's performance was truly apalling. British Intelligence have dimissed this video, stating that it could have been taped anytime in the last 44 years. reply: good job he didnt say Scotland or that would of been taped any time in the last 100 years.. we have had a few good games,the 4-1 thrashing of Holland in euro 96 or the 5-1 drubbing of the germans in munich 2002 or even the 4-1 thrashing of Croatia last year... |
GratefulFan 05.07.2010 17:38 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: ParisNair wrote: Have you heard this one... Osama Bin Laden released a new video just to prove that he is still alive. In this video he says that he watched world cup football over the weekend and England's performance was truly apalling. British Intelligence have dimissed this video, stating that it could have been taped anytime in the last 44 years. reply: good job he didnt say Scotland or that would of been taped any time in the last 100 years.. we have had a few good games,the 4-1 thrashing of Holland in euro 96 or the 5-1 drubbing of the germans in munich 2002 or even the 4-1 thrashing of Croatia last year... ========================== You understand people? 4-1 is a thrash. Always. Not a trounce, not a wallop, and certainly not a drub (that's 5-1). A thrash. Every time. :) |
Holly2003 05.07.2010 17:43 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: good job he didnt say Scotland or that would of been taped any time in the last 100 years.. we have had a few good games,the 4-1 thrashing of Holland in euro 96 or the 5-1 drubbing of the germans in munich 2002 or even the 4-1 thrashing of Croatia last year... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two words: David Healy :P |
YourValentine 06.07.2010 04:26 |
Oh, oh - Paul, the octopus predicts that Spain will win tomorrow :-( bad news... |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 06.07.2010 06:35 |
YourValentine wrote: Oh, oh - Paul, the octopus predicts that Spain will win tomorrow :-( bad news... reply: thats it then,you're doomed :-D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 06.07.2010 06:36 |
Holly2003 wrote: JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: good job he didnt say Scotland or that would of been taped any time in the last 100 years.. we have had a few good games,the 4-1 thrashing of Holland in euro 96 or the 5-1 drubbing of the germans in munich 2002 or even the 4-1 thrashing of Croatia last year... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two words: David Healy :P REPLY: ouch! straight through the heart :-p still not as bad as the Scots in 1978's World Cup ;-D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 06.07.2010 06:40 |
GratefulFan wrote: JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: ParisNair wrote: Have you heard this one... Osama Bin Laden released a new video just to prove that he is still alive. In this video he says that he watched world cup football over the weekend and England's performance was truly apalling. British Intelligence have dimissed this video, stating that it could have been taped anytime in the last 44 years. reply: good job he didnt say Scotland or that would of been taped any time in the last 100 years.. we have had a few good games,the 4-1 thrashing of Holland in euro 96 or the 5-1 drubbing of the germans in munich 2002 or even the 4-1 thrashing of Croatia last year... ========================== You understand people? 4-1 is a thrash. Always. Not a trounce, not a wallop, and certainly not a drub (that's 5-1). A thrash. Every time. :) REPLY: 4-0 is a wallop 5-0 is a rout 6-0 is a trounce it is in my book anyway ;-D |
Sebastian 06.07.2010 15:28 |
Congratulations Netherlands, I hope you face the Germans in the final for a classic match. In that case, I think they're both worthy of the first place, so either case I'm happy. |
GratefulFan 06.07.2010 15:28 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: 4-0 is a wallop ===================================== 3-2 is a tulip |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 06.07.2010 15:32 |
its taken me a month to work it out but ive finally sussed out who the Dutch coach is.. its Data from Star Trek Next Gen :-p |
YourValentine 07.07.2010 02:18 |
The match was good. Both teams had a chance but Holland definitely deserved to win. Uruguay can be proud of their team, they played memorable matches and are definitely one the world's best teams Tonight it's Germany vs the European champion Spain. I hope that Paul was wrong this time - like in the European final 2008 when he "predicted" a German victory - but Spain won :-) |
Rick 07.07.2010 02:55 |
Being Dutch myself, I'm very proud of this team. Van Marwijk has delivered a job well done. Such a small country is able to write history next Sunday. It almost feels as if this team is unbeatable. They are so close now. Revenge against Germany (which we all hope for) would be a suitable final chapter of this fairytale. |
Bo Rhap 07.07.2010 04:07 |
For me,the Dutch look as though they are gonna win the World Cup. Although the Germans have been probably the most entertaining team. |
Mr Mercury 07.07.2010 06:32 |
Although the Dutch have deserved to be there as well, I would prefer the Germans to lift the cup. provided of course they win tonight. This is not based upon their 4- 1, officially at least, thrashing of England (thanks for the explanation Joxer) but they way the have played throughout the tournament. |
Mr Mercury 07.07.2010 06:43 |
By the way..... I see Heskey and Rob Green are playing really well for their new teams.... Its only a joke........ :) |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 07.07.2010 13:11 |
just want to say... COME ON SPAIN! two long time enemies of the English but we havent had a war with the Spanish for 200+ years so they get the benefit tonight ;-D |
its_a_hard_life 26994 07.07.2010 15:21 |
SPAIN FUCKING WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D |
Bo Rhap 07.07.2010 15:23 |
Well done Spain. This now means that there will be a new team winning the world cup now.Two teams that have never played each other too in the world cup. I still think that Holland will win though |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 07.07.2010 15:30 |
Spain and Arsenal: nice to watch but over play the ball too often .gonna be fun in the Tijn/Mari house on Sunday :-D |
Sebastian 07.07.2010 15:35 |
I hope the Netherlands kick their arses. |
YourValentine 07.07.2010 15:51 |
Spain was the better team, they deserved to win, certainly the best team in the world right now. I root for Holland in the final because I have so many friends in the Netherlands but it will be hard to beat Spain. Either team will be a worthy champion. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 07.07.2010 15:57 |
^also nice to have a new name on the trophy :-D gonna watch Paul the octopus with baited breath for his prediction :-p |
GratefulFan 07.07.2010 16:14 |
YourValentine wrote: Spain was the better team, they deserved to win, certainly the best team in the world right now. I root for Holland in the final because I have so many friends in the Netherlands but it will be hard to beat Spain. Either team will be a worthy champion. ==================================== Germany had nicer uniforms. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. <3 I think it's kind of funny that I, hockey head, said a few weeks ago "I'm cheering for Holland!", and they end up in the final. Seems wrong somehow, like one should have one's soccer heart shattered a few times first. I've very, very recently connected with a distant relative in the Netherlands after years of searching for any remaining family there, and this soccer business has given us something to talk about, so it's been nice. Still, I don't yet know if I can stand having a dog in the fight in another major sport. What if I cry or something? |
The Real Wizard 07.07.2010 18:48 |
It's not so much that Spain won the game.. Germany lost the game. Their defense was good, but the midfield was simply non-existent. I don't think they even managed to feed Klose the ball even once. They certainly didn't have a single good shot on net, because the Spanish defense was exquisite. At this point I'll be happy for either Spain or Holland. Both countries have played the game beautifully and deserve to be where they are. |
L-R-TIGER1994 07.07.2010 21:11 |
Sebastian wrote: > Larissa Riquelme said she'll get naked anyway. Thank God! and she DID it!!! what a pair of balls better than the Jaboulani |
tcc 07.07.2010 22:07 |
Quote from our local news website: "According to "Der Western" daily paper, there have been "a host of comments on Facebook, Twitter ... suggesting Paul should be fried, barbequed or turned into a seafood salad or paella." "Others wanted to throw him into the shark tank," the paper reported on its website. And on Berlin's "fan-mile", some sections of the crowd also turned against their former hero. Anti-octopus songs were sung." Germany - please don't kill the messenger :-) |
GratefulFan 07.07.2010 22:12 |
There are anti-octopus songs? Threaten to trade him to the Detroit Red Wings... |
Vali 08.07.2010 02:26 |
Sebastian wrote: I hope the Netherlands kick their arses. /////////////////////////////////////////// Your hopes will remain as that .... hopes. I tell you Sebastian. Yes we did it !!!! BRAVO ESPAÑA !!! congrats to Germany, they have new generation of players that will bring nice victories in the future, I'm sure ! who really think Germany lost the game ? since the moment they decided to give up their usual style, well, then I will agree. But since the moment every single team playing against Spain is giving up their style and playing only defense, defense and defense (Portugal included, wich was to me a major let down), don't you think we'll have to concede at least something positive to Spain ? Just tell me who on earth can keep that ball posession as well as Spain does and then I'll maybe start thinking we didn't win the game, but Germany lost it. Cheers and good luck to every Dutch supporter here, hoping Spain will win of course: at last we'll have the privilige to watch a world cup final where both teams will leave the word "DEFENSE" in the changing room. |
YourValentine 08.07.2010 02:47 |
It's obvious that the German team lost because the Spanish team was better! They could not develop their offensive like they did vs England and Argentina because they lost the ball all the time and the Spanish players are just so great technical players that no other team can compete at the moment. They seemed to own the ball 90% of the time. Also, the Germans seemed to be under too much pressure and had too much respect for the big names in the Spanish team. The good thing was that nobody had any excuses, they only blamed themselves and the public is happy and proud of the team. Nobody really expected in all seriousness that this team could win the cup although we all hoped against hope, of course. Now we hope for Miroslav Klose that he scores another goal because that would make him the most successful World Cup scorer together with Ronaldo. We also hope that the coach and manager sign a new contract because their work is excellent and we never had a team that was so much fun to watch. The third place is not much for the team now after they were so close to the final but for the statistics it would be another third place for German teams, so I hope they play a good match and are not too consumed by disappointment. |
pittrek 08.07.2010 03:29 |
Well the octupus was again correct. Incredible :-) |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 08.07.2010 03:36 |
the octopus should get an agent,he'd be "squids" in :-D [I'll get my coat] |
freddiefan91 08.07.2010 04:16 |
Hope Holland win Otherwise Spain will pass the ball do death without any conclusion |
tcc 08.07.2010 11:03 |
Paul has a competitor: 'Mani the parakeet' picks Netherlands as World Cup winner link |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 08.07.2010 12:06 |
^well to be honest you can have anything picking the winner its only 50/50 odds in a 2 way field :-p [i'd still get it wrong though] |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 08.07.2010 14:44 |
its official,England are in the World Cup Final! [even if it is just Cliff Richard as referee] :-D and,if you are Dutch and believe in omens then look away now.... the last time there was an English referee in the final the Dutch lost to West Germany in 74 |
Sebastian 08.07.2010 21:26 |
Sure, but the last time Howard Webb was the referee on a 2010 WC game played by Spain, Spain lost! |
***Marial-B*** 09.07.2010 00:37 |
I'm a very very very happy person: for the firstbtime there is a very solid spanish team, also I have to agree it's thanks to the Barcelona team. Of course I'm rooting for Spain, I already got divorced talking about football. I also root for Holland, even before I met Tijn, but now I can't, first my roots (My dad is Spanish). |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 09.07.2010 09:52 |
paul picked Spain to win :-D |
GratefulFan 09.07.2010 10:48 |
Yeah? Well f*ck Paul and his eight slimy legs and big blobby head. Sob. I *liked* it when I didn't care about soccer. I *liked* it. Why have you people done this to me? Whyyyyyy? |
tcc 09.07.2010 11:15 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: paul picked Spain to win :-D You seem relieved at this prediction :-) I hope there is still time left to even out the bets ! |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 09.07.2010 11:25 |
ssssh,don't tell the Germans but Paul is actually from Weymouth and is therefore....English ;-D |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 09.07.2010 11:26 |
GratefulFan wrote: Yeah? Well f*ck Paul and his eight slimy legs and big blobby head. Sob. I *liked* it when I didn't care about soccer. I *liked* it. Why have you people done this to me? Whyyyyyy? there,there,it could be worse,you could be a Scotland fan ;-D |
YourValentine 09.07.2010 13:29 |
Haha, GrateFulFan:-) Next thing you know you call it football!! The Spanish prime minister is worried about Paul, the octopus and offered him state protection:-) link |
Rick 09.07.2010 14:12 |
Seriously, if people rely on a piece of fish, they need to be taken to some random mental clinic and undergo a lobotomy. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 09.07.2010 15:51 |
Rick wrote: Seriously, if people rely on a piece of fish, they need to be taken to some random mental clinic and undergo a lobotomy. reply: he's got more predictions in this world cup right than any of us have on here :-p can he do next weeks Eurolottery for me? i wont tell anyone,honest ;-p |
Sebastian 09.07.2010 17:08 |
Octopi are not fish. They're mollusca, which is veeeeeeeeeeeeeery different. It's like saying a spider's a mammal. |
Rick 10.07.2010 06:44 |
Sebastian wrote: Octopi are not fish. They're mollusca, which is veeeeeeeeeeeeeery different. It's like saying a spider's a mammal. I know, but Paul's not a fortune-teller either. |
GratefulFan 10.07.2010 11:24 |
YourValentine wrote: Haha, GrateFulFan:-) Next thing you know you call it football!! =================================== No I will not! I will carefully consider 'socball'. But no promises. ;) |
andreas_mercury 10.07.2010 12:24 |
i cant understand the popular vuvuzela, i call it the n***r trumpet and honest to that I dont even know why they let it in the stadiom, cant they just seize them at the ticket gate |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 10.07.2010 16:49 |
still no version of WWRY on a vuvuzuela yet... |
Bo Rhap 10.07.2010 17:24 |
Dont worry. That will come.Same as We Are The Champions will come too |
Mr Mercury 10.07.2010 17:32 |
Give James Corden and Diddy Rascal time and they will sample the sound of the vuvuzela and then they will come up with a version of Champions and Rock You........ |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 11.07.2010 06:49 |
^I wouldnt put it past them :-[ good luck to the Hollish and the Spainish tonight,its been a good but not great tournament but i shall be sad to see it finish,although there will be a new name on the trophy. i will also point out that i have watched all 63 games so far [with 1 to go] and have predicted the correct winner in just one game so no need to call the media for my predictions.. |
tcc 11.07.2010 07:25 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: ^I wouldnt put it past them :-[ good luck to the Hollish and the Spainish tonight,its been a good but not great tournament but i shall be sad to see it finish,although there will be a new name on the trophy. i will also point out that i have watched all 63 games so far [with 1 to go] and have predicted the correct winner in just one game so no need to call the media for my predictions.. You need to go to Paul for lessons for the next World Cup, provided he is still around. :-) |
Sebastian 11.07.2010 08:26 |
I'm not a fan of the Netherlands (they beat my favourite Slovakia and my second-least-favourite Brazil so that's more or less balanced) but I do prefer them over Spain, so I hope they win. |
Amazon 11.07.2010 13:37 |
Rick wrote: "Seriously, if people rely on a piece of fish, they need to be taken to some random mental clinic and undergo a lobotomy." Perhaps, but he's been right every time this tournament, and in Euro 2008 he only got the final wrong. Criticise the people (such as myself) who listen to him, but he has still been more accurate than most human experts. YourValentine wrote: "Haha, GrateFulFan:-) Next thing you know you call it football!!" Don't listen to him GrateFulFan. I like the game alot, but I will never call it football, only soccer. To me, there is only one football and that is Australian Football. I will always refer to The Beautiful Game as the same word used to name Africa's biggest stadium; Soccer City. European/South American soccer fans might prefer than I call it football, in which case, they should blame the English for coming up with the term soccer. Either way, it will always be soccer to me. :p "The Spanish prime minister is worried about Paul, the octopus and offered him state protection" I hope they succeed. It would be a tragedy if he was assassinated by some mad German/Argentine fan. :D |
Amazon 11.07.2010 13:42 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: "paul picked Spain to win :-D" I know!!!! Go Spain!!!! I so want them to win, I would be devastated if The Netherlands wins. Go Spain!!!!!!!! Oh, and hopefully Villa wins the Golden Boot. |
GratefulFan 11.07.2010 15:31 |
And we just lost the satellite signal for the game.... |
Mr Mercury 11.07.2010 16:17 |
Well done Spain. 1 nil winners in the end. btw,,,,, were the Dutch team watching The Karate Kid before the game?? |
GratefulFan 11.07.2010 16:27 |
Mr Mercury wrote: btw,,,,, were the Dutch team watching The Karate Kid before the game?? ================================= They looked like a hockey team! It was awesome! Sockey! :) |
Rick 11.07.2010 16:28 |
Webb really made some dubious mistakes. Congrats to Spain, though. They were indeed better. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 11.07.2010 16:56 |
^ he was trying to keep the game flowing and keep as many players on the pitch as he could even though the Dutch were trying their very best to get EVERY one of their players booked/sent off by kicking anyone with a Spanish accent. agree with you Mr Mercury,i think the Dutch [de joong] had watched The Karate Kid before the game :-p the Dutch were dreadful and cynical and the better team won well done Spain :-D PS,Paul was right again :-p |
Sebastian 11.07.2010 17:06 |
I really didn't want them to win, but I've gotta admit they deserved it. Congratulations. |
Rick 11.07.2010 17:22 |
Holland earned a corner prior to the goal. How could Webb have missed that? It was so obvious. |
Vali 11.07.2010 18:08 |
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!!! WE DID IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! QUE VIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVA ESPAAAAAAAAAAAAÑAAAAAAA !!!!! WATC !!!!!!!!! :D |
GratefulFan 11.07.2010 19:09 |
Congrats Vali...very exciting for Spain and a special night that will last for you all a long time I'm sure. Enjoy the great feelings. :) |
YourValentine 12.07.2010 02:22 |
The final certainly won't win a beauty prize - but in the end only the cup matters and Spain was the best team throughout the tournament, the team is a truly worthy champion. I think the referees did a good job overall although they made some mistakes. There were some ugly fouls but the referee managed to cool down the heated atmosphere over again. You need that little additional piece of luck to score so late in the match. I feel sorry for the Dutch fans but there can be only one and maybe their team wins next time. Congrats, Vali - your team is the ruling European and world champion :-) |
Rick 12.07.2010 03:49 |
Holland will never become world champions. It was now or never. Trust me. |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 12.07.2010 03:53 |
^they said that in 74 and 78 and then Gullit and co came along 10 years later.. |
tcc 12.07.2010 04:16 |
Rick wrote: Holland will never become world champions. It was now or never. Trust me. Everything depends on how much reward the players can get if the team wins the World Cup. There is a Chinese saying that says a heavy bounty will bring forth a brave man. |
Vali 12.07.2010 04:31 |
Hey Barb & GrateFul fan ... many tks for your kind words :) it's been a long night .... I've become a closer friend to Mr. Jack Daniels !! :D I don't know what to say .... always believed this privilege was reserved only to Brazil, Germany, Italia, etc, but ... we did it !! it's unbelieveable !! ... and it's a well deserved reward to staying loyal to a style, to a football philosophy. cheers everybody ! Vali |
Rick 12.07.2010 04:38 |
JoxerTheDeityPirate wrote: ^they said that in 74 and 78 and then Gullit and co came along 10 years later.. Yeah, but that was the European Championship ;) What bugs me most, is that the entire world is disgusted by the Dutch football right now. Merely because Van Bommel and De Jong made some reckless fouls and proved to be perfect K1 candidates. What about players such as Stekelenburg and Van Bronckhorst? They simply don't deserve this. All the positive things have passed into oblivion. It's a downright shame. A pisspoor final and I hope De Jong will be dismissed from the Dutch team. He ruined everything. |
YourValentine 12.07.2010 05:29 |
De Jong's foul was very ugly and Van Bommel is *always* close to a send off in any match he plays! However, I do not think that the Dutch team will be judged only for the fouls in the final. They played a great tournament and probably were over-motivated vs a Spanish team that simply could not be separated from the ball with legal means! Dutch football has a reputation for it's beauty - the Dutch team used to be called the Brazilians of Europe but they did not win anything with all the beautiful matches, so maybe the pendulum turned to the other extreme and they tried to be successful with more fighting and more toughness. If Robben had scored - and he did have two excellent chances - the Dutch team even would have had a good chance to win the match. Certainly the Dutch team was the hardest opponent for Spain in the whole tournament. We all would have wished for a better final but in a final it's often an "all or nothing" situation for the whole life career of players, it's easy to overreact under such pressure. I know how you feel, Vali ! It must have been long 120 minutes for all Spanish fans:-) |
JoxerTheDeityPirate 12.07.2010 06:11 |
^with tongue firmly in cheek i have to say that Switzerland were Spain's toughest opponents as they were the only team to beat them ;-D [1-0 opening game] Sky Sports News are showing statistics for the World Cup and what doesnt surprise me is that Spain were the most fouled team and that the Dutch conceded the most fouls of the tournament,so the Dutch were statistically kicking 5 bells out of everyone right the way through and saved their biggest "kick-ins" for the Spanish. this team wont be mentioned in the same breath as the "total football" teams of the 70's and the late 80's. one British commentator actually gave a "weeeeeeeeeeeee" when Van Bommel got booked in the semi-final as he thought he would never get booked :-p |
its_a_hard_life 26994 12.07.2010 07:50 |
I'm so happy that Spain won. |
YourValentine 12.07.2010 08:02 |
Yes, I agree, Jon - they did not win historical recognition like the 1974 team but if they had won, they would be the heoes and the fouls would have been forgotten soon. As Otto Rehagel (German coach) used to say: a beautiful match is a won match :-) |
L-R-TIGER1994 12.07.2010 11:14 |
It's official,octopus Paul died this morning RIP you lucky bastard |
Mr Mercury 12.07.2010 11:42 |
According to Yahoo news, Paul the octupus didnt die at all - he only retired.... link |
L-R-TIGER1994 12.07.2010 12:01 |
He DID die,he drowned |
andreas_mercury 12.07.2010 13:03 |
my friend from argentina was on my yahoo chat complained to me about losing his team was losing, so i made a joke about general belgrano and he blocked me xD |
thomasquinn 32989 13.07.2010 10:45 |
I think the match was poorly played by both sides (IMHO they both deserved to lose), but the referee behaved appaulingly. He was quite simply excessive in drawing his yellow card. I wouldn't even call it speculation to say that Yuichi Nishimura, to name an example, would have led the match far better. Webb was unfair to both teams and appeared to be determined to stop the match from gaining momentum on the one hand, then leaving other fouls (again, from both sides) unattended at times when it is of no benefit to the game, not to speak of gross oversights like the offside-born Spanish goal. |
***Marial-B*** 14.07.2010 14:13 |
Campeones, Campeones, OEOEOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE |
Holly2003 14.07.2010 15:56 |
I thought Webb did okay in difficult circumstances e.g. the Dutch trying to kick Spain off the pitch and the Spanish players surrounding the referee every time he had a decision to make. Both teams behaved badly, but the Dutch were shocking. If Webb had booked everyone who deserved it, it would have been 9 Spanish players against 7 Dutch at the end. Which confirms my belief that I should have been allowed to referee the game. I made my services available to FIFA but they didn't even reply to my carrier pidgeon. |
Amazon 14.07.2010 16:49 |
Yes!!!!! Spain won!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It wasn't a great final; Spain didn't play as well as they were capable of and the Dutch definitely played dirty, but I am really delighted that Spain won. :D :D :D |
ParisNair 15.07.2010 12:41 |
Anyone else felt that the Ger-Uru game was more watchable than the final? |
The Real Wizard 15.07.2010 13:03 |
Absolutely. The third place game was far superior, and not just because of the scoreline. There's far more to football than the scoreline - it was a far better game technically and artistically. |
Amazon 15.07.2010 15:08 |
The Ger-Uru game was definitely superior, however the final had its moments. I love goalkeepers, and watching Cassiles was a delight. If I were a professional soccer player (and male), I don't know whether I would prefer to be a playmaker/midfielder or a goalkeeper. I really love goalkeepers, as they are the last line of defence and one single mistake can be costly, and my favourite current professional soccer player is Mark Schwarzer. |
Winter Land Man 16.07.2010 05:21 |
More like WORLD COCK 2010. The longest was mine, at 9 inches. The rest, fell behind, and had their penises burned off by Grace! |
The Mir@cle 16.07.2010 05:28 |
Sir GH wrote: Absolutely. The third place game was far superior, and not just because of the scoreline. There's far more to football than the scoreline - it was a far better game technically and artistically. Agreed.. but that's normal I guess. The "little final" is some sort of friendly match where teams play freely without any pressure. A final is something different. Finals are most often boring and not that good. |
Winter Land Man 16.07.2010 05:31 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Sir GH wrote: Absolutely. The third place game was far superior, and not just because of the scoreline. There's far more to football than the scoreline - it was a far better game technically and artistically. Agreed.. but that's normal I guess. The "little final" is some sort of friendly match where teams play freely without any pressure. A final is something different. Finals are most often boring and not that good. Didn't you rape that girl on QZ? Her name started with an S... or some bullshit. Just curious. |
The Mir@cle 16.07.2010 06:39 |
Thanks for remembering why I didn't visit this site for a loooooooooooooooooong time... Took me one hour to realise again. ;-) |
YourValentine 16.07.2010 11:18 |
I am one of those who liked the Germany vs Uruguay match better than the final :-) Uruguay was very motivated to win and the German team managed to put aside the disappointment about the missed final and performed well. It was amazing how the crowd booed Suarez until the very last minute, I am sure it must have made it hard for him to play well. Diego Forlan was elected best player of the tournament, so Uruguay did not go home with empty hands. A great team. |
***Marial-B*** 16.07.2010 11:31 |
Blue Roses Unlimited wrote: The Mir@cle wrote: Sir GH wrote: Absolutely. The third place game was far superior, and not just because of the scoreline. There's far more to football than the scoreline - it was a far better game technically and artistically. Agreed.. but that's normal I guess. The "little final" is some sort of friendly match where teams play freely without any pressure. A final is something different. Finals are most often boring and not that good. Didn't you rape that girl on QZ? Her name started with an S... or some bullshit. Just curious. I still can't believe some trolls are still around here, that's why don't visit Qzone anymore... |
Mr Mercury 17.07.2010 06:25 |
So Fabio Capello thinks that Rooney is worse the Heskey....... *edit - my original link was pulled because Fabio took the huff at someone leaking his ratings system* So here is the story, again. Fabio Capello has published his controversial Capello Index ratings for England's players from the World Cup. The England manager was prevented by the Football Association from running the marks during the tournament but has now gone public with his assessment of their performances. The goalkeeper Robert Green gets the lowest mark for the tournament with a rating of 51.67 out of 100, having made a dreadful mistake in his only game, against the USA. Jermain Defoe tops the list with an average of 62.47 across the matches he played, which included scoring the winner against Slovenia. England's second-best player according to the Capello Index was John Terry (60.48). Uruguay's Diego Forlán, who was awarded the official player of the tournament award, gets an average score of 65.77 by comparison. Wayne Rooney, widely accepted to have had a dismal World Cup, is marked at 58.87, marginally higher than Spain's Fernando Torres and only slightly less than Jérôme Boateng, part of the Germany team that finished third at the tournament. England's best individual performance of the tournament was rated by the index to be Steven Gerrard's against the USA (66.36). The marks are calculated using a complicated scoring system which awards points for categories such as long passing, assists, mistakes, dribbles, goals, shots and headers. Average mark given to England's players Robert Green 51.67 David James 59.28 Glen Johnson 57.18 John Terry 60.48 Ledley King 57.50 Jamie Carragher 59.04 Matthew Upson 60.21 Ashley Cole 59.58 Aaron Lennon 57.64 Frank Lampard 58.58 Steven Gerrard 60.98 James Milner 59.40 Gareth Barry 57.50 Shaun Wright-Phillips 61.09 Joe Cole 55.45 Wayne Rooney 58.87 Emile Heskey 60.15 Jermain Defoe 62.47 Peter Crouch did not play enough minutes to generate a mark. |
The Mir@cle 17.07.2010 12:33 |
@Barbara Suarez is used to that booing... that's what all the clubs to to him here in Holland, except his own (Ajax) fans. He even 'deserved' a role in a commercial with that. link |
its_a_hard_life 26994 17.07.2010 16:35 |
I'M THRILLED TO HAVE SPAIN WIN. OH YEAH. |
GratefulFan 28.07.2010 10:03 |
Octopi rally, press for sanctions against creeping nuclear threat |
Amazon 28.07.2010 11:29 |
GratefulFan wrote: "Octopi rally, press for sanctions against creeping nuclear threat" I read it in a local paper and I was quite amused. I guss I can add this to the list of issues on which I disagree with Ahmadinejad. :D |