CAG World Cup Thread

[sarausagi]

Hi. I am eagerly counting the days until the beginning of the World Cup. I was wondering if there was a thread already or if anyone was going to start one? The first game is on the 9th of June and will feature Germany versus Costa Rica, there will also be a 2nd game on the 9th: between Ecuador and Poland.

I have not been able to watch or keep up with any of the friendlies, so I can not say much about who I think will make it to the later stages of the cup but I am very excited about this one since it is my first in HD [for the most part, I might have to watch some of the games on non HD local channels in Spanish..]

So anyone else excited?

[wubb]

I'd say this could be the official thread. I'm sure Scorch will let us know if there is another ;)

I'm excited about it too, but apparently the US got screwed with the groupings. Hope they manage to claw their way out.

[ph33r m3]

England's got a good chace this year, but, Italy will probably take it.

[sarausagi]

I hope my thread becomes the official threads for the world cup. I do not have any particular team in mind for the win, I just love football and watch it whenever I get the chance. I recently got the Fox Soccer Network and have been watching tons of classic games from Manchester and the Premeireship

I agree about the USA getting screwed with groupings: it is kind of scary to see them up against Italy and the Czechs....it's all good though, USA's bought enough players to stand a chance at beating any team = D [just kidding]

If anything, GROUP F is the most interesting group: Brazil, Japan, Australia, Croatia, Brazil always makes for good football, Japan has a very strong team this year, and wth Australia and Croatia in the mix there is no telling what would happen.

But anyways, in the end we must all cheer for USA!

[wubb]

Updated your title to someting a little more confident ;)

I'm like many Americans, I don't watch much soccer, except for the World Cup and maybe some Olympics. But I do like to get into the Cup. Last time was rough with the time difference, but at least we'll be able to watch the matches live at reasonable hours this go around.

Do you know if ABC is planning to re-air (at least the US matches) in prime time? Actually just checked my on-screen programming for Monday (when the US plays) and it looks like that's a no.

[sarausagi]

Updated your title to someting a little more confident ;)

I'm like many Americans, I don't watch much soccer, except for the World Cup and maybe some Olympics. But I do like to get into the Cup. Last time was rough with the time difference, but at least we'll be able to watch the matches live at reasonable hours this go around.

Do you know if ABC is planning to re-air (at least the US matches) in prime time? Actually just checked my on-screen programming for Monday (when the US plays) and it looks like that's a no.

Unfortunately, from what I see online and according to my DVR box, there's a lot of NBA play offs but no soccer. Check your local Spanish stations, they should show US matches as well as Mexico, Germany, etc

[Mike23]

England's got a good chace this year, but, Italy will probably take it.

I agree.

I should preface this by saying that I'm a diehard Calcio fan. I, along with BigDirty, were the only people in the CAG premiership league. I absolutely love soccer.

I think Italy has the goods this year. Rock-solid in D, dangerous strikers and a ball moving and defending midfield that can shut down opposition and attack, depending on the situation. Italy traditionally plays Catenaccio, a philosophy in which they score one goal and then "put everyone on the goal line". or so they say. With Marcello Lippi coaching, they've opted for attacking flair over defensive grit, and it showed well in beating Holland and Germany heavily in pre-tournament friendlies.

Our group is tough, though. Ghana is perhaps the best African team in the tournament, containing powerhouses such as Muntari, Appiah, and Essien. The USA has defensive grit and a cohesiveness to their team not seen in Europe, and will be hard to beat. The Czech boast superstars such as Tomas Rosicky, Pavel Nedved and Petr Cech, all of whom would step into any team in the world and be placed in the starting lineup.

The tournament will be awesome, though. Forza Azzurri!

[humidore]

Can't wait too! Sucks about the times though, it'd be great to watch em at night at the pub or something instead of waking up to see em.

I hope to see why FIFA made the US #5 in the world, cause so far I am not impressed! When all you play is Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, I can see how you get a good record...but who knows, they may get past the first stage with Italy (who I hope win).

Group C (Argentina, Netherlands, etc.) looks to be fun to watch!

[XxFuRy2Xx]

All 64 games will be aired on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC. They will all be in HD and due to time differences most games will start around 8:30AM or 9AM and run through until about 4PM. It will be about 3 games a day. Games will be rebroadcasted on Galavision starting at 5PM. Just think of it as an exciting way of learning Spanish, lol.

Also, France player Djibril Cisse broke his leg playing against China, so he won't be playing in the World Cup.

Fox Soccer Channel is awesome, I am watching Fox Sports World Report right now. It's how I found out about Cisse, saw the video and it looked nasty.

[Prepster]

I can't wait until Friday, but damit did the US get screwed. Its alright though, I still have faith after the last World Cup I think they can make it just as far, if not farther this time around.

[Ikohn4ever]

I'm excited about it too, but apparently the US got screwed with the groupings. Hope they manage to claw their way out.


we are prob in the second toughest group, and even if we make it out we have a 50 50 chance playing brazil

[XxFuRy2Xx]

A little something to get you excited about the world cup: http://youtube.com/watch?v=BX3RqJHrALw

Oh yeah, they are going to be showing games from the 2002 world cup on ESPN classic. US vs Portugal (2PM EST) and US vs Mexico (4PM EST).

Just found out that ESPN Classic will be re-airing world cup games starting at 5PM EST. So, for those of you who don't want to watch it on Galavision, can watch it on there.

[ph33r m3]

The only reason I would say "no" for Brazil is that their two defenders are more of attackers then actual defenders.

[Sleepkyng]

I agree.

I should preface this by saying that I'm a diehard Calcio fan. I, along with BigDirty, were the only people in the CAG premiership league. I absolutely love soccer.

I think Italy has the goods this year. Rock-solid in D, dangerous strikers and a ball moving and defending midfield that can shut down opposition and attack, depending on the situation. Italy traditionally plays Catenaccio, a philosophy in which they score one goal and then "put everyone on the goal line". or so they say. With Marcello Lippi coaching, they've opted for attacking flair over defensive grit, and it showed well in beating Holland and Germany heavily in pre-tournament friendlies.

Our group is tough, though. Ghana is perhaps the best African team in the tournament, containing powerhouses such as Muntari, Appiah, and Essien. The USA has defensive grit and a cohesiveness to their team not seen in Europe, and will be hard to beat. The Czech boast superstars such as Tomas Rosicky, Pavel Nedved and Petr Cech, all of whom would step into any team in the world and be placed in the starting lineup.

The tournament will be awesome, though. Forza Azzurri!

That's a pretty good breakdown - but i don't think Ghana is the strongest African side - because it's hard to say with those teams. For instance, Ivory Coast could really be something this year - they've been solid for a while (and they did make it to the African Nations Cup Final).

I don't think the US can make it out of the group though - we barely eeked out of the 2002 (thank god for Portugal choking so bad).

In all honesty, i don't see anyone coming close to Brazil (maybe argentina)

England without a healthy Rooney and a poor coach will falter - and as for the Azzuri, Maldini is too old, and I don't see a clutch player who will pull them through, especially after all that shit with Juve after the Serie A ended.

France is a wild card - they're old, but they've got arguably the best midfield in the game, and definitely second to none in experience - but they're lazy and don't really care.

cheers, i'm glad there are other football fans on the boards.

do you guys know about www.soccerpulse.net - they update a lot of good videos and comps.

[Beana Blasta]

Im going for Mexico~!

[sarausagi]

Im going for Mexico~!

Lots of people are, I honestly can not wait for US - MEXICO all over again, it's happened in exhibition games, the last cup, and so many times, it's always a thrilling game, but that all depends on how the us fares in its group, the more i read up on players and stats, the more i think the us doesn't stand a chance right now

oh well, footbal is sometimes as unpredictable as the weather, anything can happen.

[trytej]

I want US to win, but if that doesnt happen BRAZIL!!!

[shieryda]

I drew 2 teams from an office pool:

Sweden and Korea

[Ikohn4ever]

Damn US game monday early afternoon, might have to duck out of work for a lil to catch some of it

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

Go Germany! What an amazing goal by Frings! Too bad I hated how Germany played defense (good thing they had possession of the ball for the most part of the game), specifically the backline. Those 2 goals shouldn't have happened. Hell, one of them Wanchope was offsides. But whatever, Germany won and that's all that matters.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Those were two amazing games. An awesome way to start off the World cup.

[ph33r m3]

England at 6 A.M. Tommorow...ridiculous.

[Mike23]

Go Germany! What an amazing goal by Frings! Too bad I hated how Germany played defense (good thing they had possession of the ball for the most part of the game), specifically the backline. Those 2 goals shouldn't have happened. Hell, one of them Wanchope was offsides. But whatever, Germany won and that's all that matters.

I thought Lahm's goal was nicer. But, all in all, a great first day to what will hopefully be a great world cup.

[Sleepkyng]

poor Polska! two off the bar, WHERE IS THE JUSTICE!

[Ikohn4ever]

Go Trinidad!

[trytej]

Pheww. Ialmost put a combination bet on 6 teams for $20, one of the teams being Sweden.

[Demolition Man]

Damn it... Argentina got ROBBED on that should of been a goal. :cry:

[Demolition Man]

Wow was that goal by Argentina nice... 1-0. :D

[ph33r m3]

2-0 Argentina, i'm pulling for IVC though.

[Demolition Man]

2-1 now as IVC finally scored.

[Mike23]

The Ivory Coast deserved better.

Congrats to the Soca Warriors of T&T, played courageously out there.

I'm enjoying this world cup immensely so far, and with the better teams starting to play, it'll only get better.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Wow, IVC deserved a penalty kick or two.

[Sarang01]

When the fuck does the WC end because some extra channels I can get are coming at the end of this.
Fucking Dish, I want OCN, KMTV and m-Net already.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

The world cup ends July 9th, barring some terrorist attack or something (lets hope nothing like this happens).

[GrimNecroWizard]

Go Germany! What an amazing goal by Frings! Too bad I hated how Germany played defense (good thing they had possession of the ball for the most part of the game), specifically the backline. Those 2 goals shouldn't have happened. Hell, one of them Wanchope was offsides. But whatever, Germany won and that's all that matters.
I see those BANANAS you are hiding!!












What? Someone had to say it.

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

The Iran/Mexico game was a good game until Iran started screwing up.

I placed a $10 bet that Germany, England, Argentina, Iran, Portugal, Italy, and Brazil would win. Looks like I'm going to get all of them right except Iran. I would've won $489.20 if I got them all right.

[GrimNecroWizard]

The Iran/Mexico game was a good game until Iran started screwing up.

I placed a $10 bet that Germany, England, Argentina, Iran, Portugal, Italy, and Brazil would win. Looks like I'm going to get all of them right except Iran. I would've won $489.20 if I got them all right.

So did you have to get them all right to win it?

[Mike23]

Mexico played well, the forwards looked dangerous all day and they took their goals nicely.

I was disappointed with Iran, though. They scored a VERY lucky goal, and otherwise looked disorganized and lacked defensive skill and grit.

I hope Angola does a better job with their game against Portugal in an hour.

[Demolition Man]

Iran pretty much looked like an amature team against Mexico. Hopefully the next game will be a contest of wills and strength. :D

[yester]

Iran pretty much looked like an amature team against Mexico. Hopefully the next game will be a contest of wills and strength. :D

Mm... Mexico won, thats what counts.
BUt it took Mexico to the 76 minute to lead. Irans defence was just bad.
But Mexico is my favorite in group D anyway.

Check tomorrow for the game Angola vs. USA.

[nefaquotek]

YAY MEXICO WON!!!!!

Enjoy it now because Mexico doesn't have a good track record of staying in the world cup.

Maybe things will change?

[Demolition Man]

Mm... Mexico won, thats what counts.
BUt it took Mexico to the 76 minute to lead. Irans defence was just bad.
But Mexico is my favorite in group D anyway.

Check tomorrow for the game Angola vs. USA.

You mean the Czech vs USA. USA better pull this one off. :pray:

[Demolition Man]

YAY MEXICO WON!!!!!

Enjoy it now because Mexico doesn't have a good track record of staying in the world cup.

Maybe things will change?

I would imagine they are really rioting down in Mexico right now.

[Wolve11]

Why hasn't the CAG Bookie been involved in this yet? This could be a lot of fun.

I think the US is overrated, and I get tired of hearing these announcers just talk about the US during every game and almost missing key parts of the game (ie. Mexico just now when they switched to a different part of the US training while Mexico scores a minute later). I wish the announcers would discuss more about the players on the field and the countries they represent. Ivory Coast has an awesome story by the way.

[DT778]

^ vbookie is pretty much dead. Also you should have been watching it on a spanish channel, even if you don't know spanish.

I was kinda asleep while the mexico vs iran game was on but I could hear all the yelling from my family after the goals. My time does the US play? I know its on monday.

[nefaquotek]

I would imagine they are really rioting down in Mexico right now.

That's true. It'd be great to be back home. I think I just mised a game right now.......... Oh well.

[yester]

You mean the Czech vs USA. USA better pull this one off. :pray:

Yea... unfortunally i could only watch the first 30 mins. tomorrow. The USA team is not bad at all, but Czech is strong too. They were on to top at the qualifications. So it will be a tuff match fir the USA.
Well, lets see.... i hope the USA wins, but i think the Czech have a better chance.

[ryanbph]

Most of the matches have been very good so far.

[humidore]

Yeah I can't stand watching with the American commentators....I noticed on the Portugal/Angola match though, that they have the "normal" guys that do the Champions League too, so at least they got them...otherwise I'm on Univision all the way.

[Wolve11]

It seems like some of the more well known teams are struggling in their opening games. England, the Netherlands, Portugal, Argentina, all of them haven't really played their best. It seemed like during the last World Cup some of the major teams' sloppy performances caused them to be knocked out early, and it could be that way this World Cup as well. Great players all on one team doesn't necessarily mean good team play.
I can't wait to see Argentina VS the Netherlands. The Czechs VS Italy should be great too.

[ph33r m3]

I can't stand the U.S. commentators, the one is a former goalie that talks about his playing days to much, gimme the Premiership League Commentators anyday.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

He wasn't a goalkeeper, he was a defender. I'm dissapointed that ESPN and ABC aren't putting some of their best commentators to work...

[Ikohn4ever]

My time does the US play? I know its on monday.

11:55am

[Demolition Man]

Yeah I can't stand watching with the American commentators....I noticed on the Portugal/Angola match though, that they have the "normal" guys that do the Champions League too, so at least they got them...otherwise I'm on Univision all the way.

Too bad the HD broadcast on ABC/ESPN doesn't make use of SAP so we could have an alternate play by play during the show. Oh well.

[elprincipe]

I think the US is overrated, and I get tired of hearing these announcers just talk about the US during every game and almost missing key parts of the game (ie. Mexico just now when they switched to a different part of the US training while Mexico scores a minute later). I wish the announcers would discuss more about the players on the field and the countries they represent. Ivory Coast has an awesome story by the way.

Of course we're overrated..no way we are 5th best in the world! But I think we will do okay, or at least I hope. We should at least be able to give the big boys a good game, and who knows, some Czech players are injured, maybe surprise them. Hope they aren't at their best!

The ESPN/ABC commentators are a disgrace. They get names wrong, facts wrong, even the laws of the game wrong. Just today I "learned" from ABC that the language they speak in Iran is...Persian. Go figure! They are just idiots, especially Eric Wynalda, but ESPECIALLY Brent Musburger (seriously, STFU, forever).

Who has played the best so far do people think? England, Holland and now Portugal have put in "meh" performances, yet won. Germany looked frail at the back when Costa Rica attacked (admittedly, very infrequently). Sweden failed to beat what I consider the worst team in the tournament (with an extra man for 1/2 the game), and looked especially anemic. Brazil are looking more and more unstoppable unless something happens.

[yester]

Of course we're overrated..no way we are 5th best in the world! But I think we will do okay, or at least I hope. We should at least be able to give the big boys a good game, and who knows, some Czech players are injured, maybe surprise them. Hope they aren't at their best!

The ESPN/ABC commentators are a disgrace. They get names wrong, facts wrong, even the laws of the game wrong. Just today I "learned" from ABC that the language they speak in Iran is...Persian. Go figure! They are just idiots, especially Eric Wynalda, but ESPECIALLY Brent Musburger (seriously, STFU, forever).

Who has played the best so far do people think? England, Holland and now Portugal have put in "meh" performances, yet won. Germany looked frail at the back when Costa Rica attacked (admittedly, very infrequently). Sweden failed to beat what I consider the worst team in the tournament (with an extra man for 1/2 the game), and looked especially anemic. Brazil are looking more and more unstoppable unless something happens.

Well, if the US win tomorrow against Czech, then they really have a chance to win against Italy.
The performance from Portugal was a disapointmend. Only a 1:0 against an outsider is not a big accomplishment. I was really surprised about their defence. Both teams had 3-5 goalchances, but failed to nail the ball in the net.


p.s. do you guys wanna post your favorites?

[evan11221]

This year the world cup is gonna be awsome! Italy has one amazing team this year, but i am still going for my fave team, Brazil!

[Wolve11]

I don't see why if the US beats the Czechs they have a better chance to beat Italy. Italy is a stronger team with less injuries. If the US beats the Czechs they probably beat them cause of the injuries. If they win, the US has a great chance to make the next round, if they lose I think they are out. Now if the US can manage to beat Italy, then finally I think they'll have proven that they are worthy of their ranking. I still think the US will finish third in their group.

My favorite team will of course be the country I was born and raised in: The Netherlands. I figure this is their chance to win it, since they always have a lot of fans, but now that they are so close to home it will be insane with the fans alone. They have a lot of young players, Robben played a great game. Van Nistelrooy was a little out of it, mainly because they had him (double) marked the entire game. I'm a little worried about the bunch of opportunities they gave away and I think those opportunities would have been goals if they had played a better caliber team. The Dutch seem to have a good offense, but I'm worried about their defense costing them to drop out the tournament. I at least expect them to reach the Quarter if not Semi Finals though.

If i had to put my money on a team though it would definitely be Brazil. They are just always so damn talented.

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

The ESPN/ABC commentators are a disgrace. They get names wrong, facts wrong, even the laws of the game wrong. Just today I "learned" from ABC that the language they speak in Iran is...Persian. Go figure! They are just idiots, especially Eric Wynalda, but ESPECIALLY Brent Musburger (seriously, STFU, forever).

They also speak Armenian in Iran.

Who has played the best so far do people think? England, Holland and now Portugal have put in "meh" performances, yet won. Germany looked frail at the back when Costa Rica attacked (admittedly, very infrequently). Sweden failed to beat what I consider the worst team in the tournament (with an extra man for 1/2 the game), and looked especially anemic. Brazil are looking more and more unstoppable unless something happens.

So far, I'd say Germany, Argentina, and Mexico have played the best. Germany just needs to fix their defense. Their offense is beastly. Argentina played superb. I'd say the same for Mexico, but Iran basically screwed themselves with a series of mistakes. However, I can't take away anything from Mexico. They played a great game.

[DT778]

11:55am
thanks.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

People are probably overlooking Ghana a bit too much. Also, The Netherlands are self destructing right now. Van Percie got all bitchy because he thought Robben was being a ball hog, lol.

[Wolve11]

The Netherlands has always had major "team play" issues. A couple of years back there was a lot of issues, a lot of clicks inside the Dutch team. It was very noticable whenever a player would score, people from the other clicks wouldn't even celebrate. Plenty of smack talking too. It seems like they really need to try and get together and form a team.
In my opinion though, Robben despite being a ball hog played a great game while Rob van Persie....well did he even play? There's a lot of other, better forwards the Dutch should have picked over him.

[Wolve11]

I'm watching the Japan - Australia game right now and wow, this is a good game, probably the best game I've seen so far. I wish I could watch the entire game. Japan just scored on a somewhat controversial goal off a cross but the Australians are pushing hard and are creating some great chances. So far the best game when it comes to opportunities and seeing some nice gameplay. It'll be interesting to see how Australia ends up trying to make a come back.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Wow, Japan just gave that game away. Although I'm surprised the ref didn't call a penalty when the australian took down the japanese player in the box. It was after the first australian goal.

[Mike23]

Gutsy game.

And as much as it hurts me to say...GO USA! today, anyways. :)

[Soodmeg]

Damn Japan......way to blow it hardcore.


Cant wait till the USA game....i am so excited

[nefaquotek]

A quick question.......does anyone know why in the Mexico Iran game, Mexico was considered local?

I dont want state the obvious because I only understand the basics of sports in general much less soccer BUT why local?

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Who knows? FIFA does a lot of weird things.

[nefaquotek]

Who knows? FIFA does a lot of weird things.

Ja, thanks. I was not expecting that Czech goal so fast.

[depascal22]

Reyna just hit the damn post. Oh man, that was close.

[nefaquotek]

Reyna just hit the damn post. Oh man, that was close.

It's funny that its a Latino. Makes me wonder about the last world cup and how US beat Mexico....

and the second goal comes in!

[Wolve11]

Beautiful second goal.

As for the Local team. Despite the fact that both teams are abroad you still have your "home and away" jerseys. So a team that wears its home jersey is considered local.......right now the US is considered the away team.

[Wolve11]

I think I'm enjoying this too much. I wish I could've caught the second half on Australia - Japan.

[shipwreck]

Beautiful second goal.

As for the Local team. Despite the fact that both teams are abroad you still have your "home and away" jerseys. So a team that wears its home jersey is considered local.......right now the US is considered the away team.

2 months of heavy advertising trying to get the U.S. to give a damn about soccer go straight down the crapper in less than a half. :)

[BigDirty]

I really thought Henry would be the first Arsenal player to score a WC goal, but it looks like the new boy, Tomas Rosicky, beat him to the punch. Still, France is my pick, and I'll stand by it, even w/o Cisse.

[nefaquotek]

Beautiful second goal.

As for the Local team. Despite the fact that both teams are abroad you still have your "home and away" jerseys. So a team that wears its home jersey is considered local.......right now the US is considered the away team.

Thanks. Makes sense.

That was a beautiful goal. I hope that guy that was injured isn't out of the cup.

[nefaquotek]

2 months of heavy advertising trying to get the U.S. to give a damn about soccer go straight down the crapper in less than a half. :)

there was heavy advertisement for this??? I dont remember seeing this?

[depascal22]

There's been a lot of advertising around NY. I hope this game doesn't too much worse or that #5 ranking will be the best we'll ever see.

[shipwreck]

there was heavy advertisement for this??? I dont remember seeing this?

For soccer, yes, there was quite a bit of advertising on stations like ESPN. I know I've seen those Nike soccer commercials a lot and whatever the commercials are for that have the little kids picking all the World Cup players for a pick-up game (could still be a Nike commercial, I don't remember). All I know is that it seemed like they were trying to convince the U.S. that we should really care about this.

[Tyga24]

For soccer, yes, there was quite a bit of advertising on stations like ESPN. I know I've seen those Nike soccer commercials a lot and whatever the commercials are for that have the little kids picking all the World Cup players for a pick-up game (could still be a Nike commercial, I don't remember). All I know is that it seemed like they were trying to convince the U.S. that we should really care about this.

Yeah, Adidas (that's the kids picking the players, shipwreck) and Nike have been advertising heavily for the World Cup. I believe I started seeing the Nike commercials back in March with that guy from Brazil who's supposed to be the best player in the world (ronaldinho I think, I saw something on ESPN that's the only reason I recognized him from the commercial). I really have no interest in soccer but my brother and cousin like it and have been trying to help me understand the game. So far after watching some of this US-Czech match I don't understand how this team is ranked 5th in the world? The sport is still too slow and unexciting for me, I would actually prefer to watch golf on TV. Oh well, hopefully the US does well in its next match.

[Wolve11]

Those Nike commercials are all over the world. They used to have them when I lived in Europe, but they never showed them in the US till recently. They had all kinds of cool Nike commercials.

As for the ranking.......yea the US can forget about their #5 ranking by the end of this cup.

Rosicky is an awesome shooter.

[nefaquotek]

For soccer, yes, there was quite a bit of advertising on stations like ESPN. I know I've seen those Nike soccer commercials a lot and whatever the commercials are for that have the little kids picking all the World Cup players for a pick-up game (could still be a Nike commercial, I don't remember). All I know is that it seemed like they were trying to convince the U.S. that we should really care about this.

I must have missed all those. I guess that's cause I dont watch ESPN.

[GrimNecroWizard]

Hax!!!!! Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[nefaquotek]

Honestly I dont like sports but there is something about the world cup. Its that feeling of seeing so many nations. Plus there is a sense of pride in seeing your country there even if for me Mexico always screws up badly.

GOOOOAL!!!! Score C. Republic!

Anyway I think if one doesn't like the sport they are bound to find it unexciting and slow. I personally think baseball and football are too complicated, slow and lack variety.

But that's just me.

Golf is fun to play in video games though. I just wouldnt' buy a game just to do so.



Yeah, Adidas (that's the kids picking the players, shipwreck) and Nike have been advertising heavily for the World Cup. I believe I started seeing the Nike commercials back in March with that guy from Brazil who's supposed to be the best player in the world (ronaldinho I think, I saw something on ESPN that's the only reason I recognized him from the commercial). I really have no interest in soccer but my brother and cousin like it and have been trying to help me understand the game. So far after watching some of this US-Czech match I don't understand how this team is ranked 5th in the world? The sport is still too slow and unexciting for me, I would actually prefer to watch golf on TV. Oh well, hopefully the US does well in its next match.

[shipwreck]

3-0 now. At this point, little kids are looking for another way to get their orange slice fix and soccer fields are being made into parking lots.

[Tyga24]

Honestly I dont like sports but there is something about the world cup. Its that feeling of seeing so many nations. Plus there is a sense of pride in seeing your country there even if for me Mexico always screws up badly.

GOOOOAL!!!! Score C. Republic!

Anyway I think if one doesn't like the sport they are bound to find it unexciting and slow. I personally think baseball and football are too complicated, slow and lack variety.

But that's just me.

Golf is fun to play in video games though. I just wouldnt' buy a game just to do so.
I like the fact that it's an event where many nations are involved and it occurs once every four years, but I'll take the massive event in the Olympics to get my fill for that (which also includes soccer). I enjoy waching most sports, even baseball to an extent. I tried to enjoy watching soccer but I guess I need to learn more of the intricacies of the game to better appreciate what goes on. I can understand your thoughts about baseball and football being complicated for those that haven't followed them but football is anything but slow and lacking variety. Golf is fun in games and having tried to take up golf over the past few years I understand how difficult and challenging of a sport it is. I'll probably keep checking into the World Cup (if only because it's plastered all over ESPN) during the offtimes when I'm not watching the NBA Finals and Wimbledon and see how things turn out.

[Demolition Man]

USA looked aweful. Just plain aweful.

[nefaquotek]

Quite true. I'm also trying to see some more of courling. I think that's what its called. That one northern sport with the brooms and the 52lb granite stone thing. I saw a movie about it and I want to see it actually played. Looks weird and odd.

3 to 0..............OUCH.


I like the fact that it's an event where many nations are involved and it occurs once every four years, but I'll take the massive event in the Olympics to get my fill for that (which also includes soccer). I enjoy waching most sports, even baseball to an extent. I tried to enjoy watching soccer but I guess I need to learn more of the intricacies of the game to better appreciate what goes on. I can understand your thoughts about baseball and football being complicated for those that haven't followed them but football is anything but slow and lacking variety. Golf is fun in games and having tried to take up golf over the past few years I understand how difficult and challenging of a sport it is. I'll probably keep checking into the World Cup (if only because it's plastered all over ESPN) during the offtimes when I'm not watching the NBA Finals and Wimbledon and see how things turn out.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Man, that was disgusting. The US soccer team showed no heart...

[Tyga24]

Is Freddy Adu on the World Cup team? I remember seeing on PTI a few years ago this 15 year old kid signed a huge contract and endorsement deal and I was wondering if he was on the roster because I didn't see him on the field. Is there an age requirement to play in the World Cup? If he has that much talent I'm sure he could'vbe filled somebody's spot on the firld because they looked awful. Is Italy better than Czech, because all that I heard was that the Czech team was old and with this result I wonder how good the rest of the teams in the group are.

[ryanbph]

the usa team looked horrible...freddy adu is not on the team.....well technically the czech team is ranked 2nd, with brazil being number 1. So the czech team should be better then the italien team, but I don't know how reliable the rankings are.

[BigDirty]

Is Freddy Adu on the World Cup team? I remember seeing on PTI a few years ago this 15 year old kid signed a huge contract and endorsement deal and I was wondering if he was on the roster because I didn't see him on the field. Is there an age requirement to play in the World Cup? If he has that much talent I'm sure he could'vbe filled somebody's spot on the firld because they looked awful. Is Italy better than Czech, because all that I heard was that the Czech team was old and with this result I wonder how good the rest of the teams in the group are.

He didn't even make the squad. He could have played for Ghana, but that would have killed his eligibility to play future games for the US Squad.

As for the Czech team, they're more solid than most would think. I'd be scared to go against Petr Cech, especially after the season he had for Chelsea, Nedved is another of the world's best, and of corse Rosicky, well he now plays for the greatest club team in the world, so nothing less than the best can be expected of him.

(And if you haven't figured it out, I have a very strong bias towards Arsenal)

[XxFuRy2Xx]

The Czechs didn't even have baros out there either, he is a good player. Me thinks they could end up with 9 points.

[Wolve11]

Yea Milan Baros and Smicer both great players for the Czechs were out.
The rankings aren't always very reliable. Usually the good teams will stay in the top 20 and those teams are usually tough.

As for liking the sport. I grew up in a country where soccer is the national sport, and you don't really see much else sports wise on tv. Pretty much everyone learns to play it and you grow up with learning the rules and stuff. Seeing an entire nation get excited for a World Cup is bound to get you into the game (the US isn't near that point yet). The US has too many other sports: Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey and it may accelerate at those sports, but I think that's mainly because not many other countries really have much support for those games, they are all obsessed about soccer. Although it is becoming a more popular sport in the US. It took a few years of living in the US before I figured out the rules of Football.
I suppose it is all on how you grow up.

[jPoD]

w0000000t go Israel! :/

[humidore]

Yeah, Adidas (that's the kids picking the players, shipwreck) and Nike have been advertising heavily for the World Cup. I believe I started seeing the Nike commercials back in March with that guy from Brazil who's supposed to be the best player in the world (ronaldinho I think, I saw something on ESPN that's the only reason I recognized him from the commercial). I really have no interest in soccer but my brother and cousin like it and have been trying to help me understand the game. So far after watching some of this US-Czech match I don't understand how this team is ranked 5th in the world? The sport is still too slow and unexciting for me, I would actually prefer to watch golf on TV. Oh well, hopefully the US does well in its next match.

Oh god I hate the Nike ads, that Brazilian stuff gets old fast...football is NOT about Brazil only, but I admit, it's easier to market. The old Nike ads with Davids were cool, and I think it was Puma who had a nice one with Del Piero...

On a side note, HAHA Mr. Eric Cantona, time to eat your words! "America, the world no longer looks forward to playing you!"

[Sleepkyng]

the US won't get out of their bracket - we won't have the power to out-do Ghana, and we won't have the class to out-do Italy.

oh well, go mexico!

[BigDirty]

Oh god I hate the Nike ads, that Brazilian stuff gets old fast...football is NOT about Brazil only, but I admit, it's easier to market. The old Nike ads with Davids were cool, and I think it was Puma who had a nice one with Del Piero...

On a side note, HAHA Mr. Eric Cantona, time to eat your words! "America, the world no longer looks forward to playing you!"

The Nike ads aren't brazil heavy, there's only the ronaldinho one, (IMO which is the one in heaviest rotation), there's also ones featuring Thierry Henry (the streetball one), and Wayne Rooney/Alex Furgeson (the training one).

The result Saturday will be the tell-all if the US Advances, anything less than a win, and the campaign is toast.

As for today: I call Korea/France/Brazil, should be an exciting day, hopefully I'll get to catch some of the France fixture during lunch

[Sleepkyng]

hey BigDirty - i'm a hardcore arsenal fan too, just thought i'd share the love :D

[Wolve11]

Todays picks are definitely a no-brainer. Korea/France/Brazil are all better on paper and I don't predict any upsets just yet.

[Wolve11]

The American announcers should take notes from the announcers of the Togo - Korea game....They know a lot of their stuff and they are actually ripping on each other. I wish they'd announce every game.

[Sleepkyng]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL

Togo for life.

[Sleepkyng]

oh, snap!

money korea goal.

[Soodmeg]

Man i am very excited to see my boys zidane and Herny play.

Since zidane retired from match play this is most likely be the last time i will ever get to watch him........

So sad.

[Wolve11]

Yea it is pretty cool that Zidane is going out while playing for his country.

[Wolve11]

The swiss are playing surprisingly well

[Sleepkyng]

well, they tackle well anyways...

[Sleepkyng]

wow, what an uninspired french performance.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

I'm watching the brazil vs croatia match on univision right now. The univision guys are such pervs, ROFL. Here is a little convo:

announcer 1: "I know this has nothing to do with football, but the Croatian girls are hot."
announcer 2: "Well, so are the brazilians."
announcer 1: "Well, everyone knows that. Their sensuality is well known. I'm just saying that the Croatian girls are really attractive. Croatian beauties"
announcer 2: "Indeed, they're tall too."

Hahahaha, I love univision.

[nefaquotek]

Pervs??? they are not perverts! That's exactly what I was thinking...... we are just men.

Anyway, I think ALL nationalities have HOT girls. It's just that some have bigger populations so it shows more.

Freaking Brazil. I know it's going to win but part of me wants Croatia to win just cause they are the somewhat underdog.

France vs Swiss? was a boring match. I was expecting more from France.


I'm watching the brazil vs croatia match on univision right now. The univision guys are such pervs, ROFL. Here is a little convo:

announcer 1: "I know this has nothing to do with football, but the Croatian girls are hot."
announcer 2: "Well, so are the brazilians."
announcer 1: "Well, everyone knows that. Their sensuality is well known. I'm just saying that the Croatian girls are really attractive. Croatian beauties"
announcer 2: "Indeed, they're tall too."

Hahahaha, I love univision.

[Wolve11]

if it is by population then you'd see ton of hot girls in the US crowds too......

How was the Brazil/Croatia game though? Was it close or was Brazil clearly dominant?

[Theduck]

if it is by population then you'd see ton of hot girls in the US crowds too......

How was the Brazil/Croatia game though? Was it close or was Brazil clearly dominant?

Croatia played like Brazil and Brazil played like Croatia. It was very close and brazil was mediocre. Ronaldo was just walking around the field, not doing much of anything. As much as I want them to lose, Robinho for Ronaldo will give them a ridiculous advantage. Out with the old in with the new.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Pervs??? they are not perverts! That's exactly what I was thinking...... we are just men.

Anyway, I think ALL nationalities have HOT girls. It's just that some have bigger populations so it shows more.

Freaking Brazil. I know it's going to win but part of me wants Croatia to win just cause they are the somewhat underdog.

France vs Swiss? was a boring match. I was expecting more from France.That's just the tip of the iceberg my friend. They have said and done much worst while on-air. I also meant pervs in a joking fashion.

[Scobie]

The Czechs didn't even have baros out there either, he is a good player. Me thinks they could end up with 9 points.

Depends on how serious Koller's injury is and if he'll be fit for the match vs Italy. If their old bones can take the pounding, and with a little luck, the Czechs could go to the final.

So far I've been most impressed by Germany and the Czech Republic and least impressed by England, France, Netherlands, and Brazil in that order. Team USA just left me sickened.

[nefaquotek]

Ya, well eating habits help to. I'm satisfied with the girls here.


if it is by population then you'd see ton of hot girls in the US crowds too......

How was the Brazil/Croatia game though? Was it close or was Brazil clearly dominant?

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

Germany baby! What an amazing game!

[Sleepkyng]

that was tight...

NEuVILLE!!!!!!!!

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Today was a much better day than I thought it would be. Every game was entertaining.

The US soccer team is getting slammed by EVERYONE. On top of that, no one is giving them a chance to win against Italy. Hopefully this serves as great motivation.

[nefaquotek]

I didn't watch any of the games, too busy playing Shadow of the Colossus.

Anyway I did notice that on the Saudi Arabia vs Topoli? or Angola or someone...... that Saudi Arabia was about to win until the last moment when they tied.

That must have hurt. Badly.

[Scobie]

...Tunisia... surprisingly entertaining match, too.

Anyway, back to Group B tomorrow with the highlight for me being England vs. Trinidad and Tobago. T&T is riddled with guys who play in England, and it'll be interesting to see if Shaka Hislop can muster another inspirational performance in the net, and also if England continues with their inevitable World Cup Choke.

[elprincipe]

On a side note, HAHA Mr. Eric Cantona, time to eat your words! "America, the world no longer looks forward to playing you!"

That's nothing. Remember the first "Joga TV" or whatever it is commercial, where Cantona decries a player trying to karate kick another player? That was hilarious considering who was doing the talking!

To tomorrow's games, I'm going to go for Costa Rica, England and a draw between Sweden and Paraguay. T&T already had their miracle, and it took Sweden looking like the worst Sweden side I've ever seen to do it. And the fourth Spanish goal today (by Torres) against Ukraine was the best so far IMO of the competition. Puyol is a beast.

[Sleepkyng]

woah, peter crouch really blows ass, i mean, really sucks - i mean i thought he was a joke with liverpool - but he absolutely blows giant massive donkey balls.

[Mike23]

I think Rooney, if his ankle/foot holds, will make this game impossible for Trinidad to hold.

[Sleepkyng]

crouch! wow... still think he sucks.

but what can you say about gerrard? classy finish.

[elprincipe]

Wow, Ivory Coast really got robbed against the Dutch. Two clear penalties! They should have had at least a draw from that.

[Mike23]

FORZA AZZURRI!

Nothing against all the 'Mericans, but, you know. :D

[Soodmeg]

God damn i am excited to see the USA game.....though they will get their ass beat i just hope they dont go out like fucking bitches.

[Soodmeg]

OMG i feel sorry for anyone who missed that Ghana Czec game. That was the best game by far in the World cup.

Ghana was such an underdog and through just plain hard ass work they beat the of the best teams on the earth.

Good show. Makes me remember why I love Futball so much.

[Prepster]

OMG i feel sorry for anyone who missed that Ghana Czec game. That was the best game by far in the World cup.

Ghana was such an underdog and through just plain hard ass work they beat the of the best teams on the earth.

Good show. Makes me remember why I love Futball so much.

Amen :applause:, but I hope the USA game can top that one. Lets all pray for a MIRACLE!

[Soodmeg]

Fucking dumbass refs. That USA tackle didnt derserver a red card. Your telling me that a late tackle is the same as directly elbowing someone in the face ON PORPUSE is the same?

What the fuck.

[humidore]

I call BS on this USA-Italy game, but I'm not giving up hope for Italy....

[mtxbass1]

I cannot believe the bullshit-ness that is this USA-Italy game. This is absolutely incredible how terrible this game has become.

Edit: Thank God the USA tied this one. Let's hope this will be that ref's last game. Terrible.

[CappyCobra]

That ref is handing out cards like it's candy. If the US comes out with a tie they're lucky. The only way they're going to win is if Italy scores another goal for 'em ;)

[CappyCobra]

England at 6 A.M. Tommorow...ridiculous.
Yes is it rediculous seeing that this is the WORLD cup being held in Germany. Sorry if it's not to your schedule but the people who pay to see it would like to watch it at a normal hour. :roll: Invest in a DVR and STFU.:lol:

[XxFuRy2Xx]

That ref was HORRIBLE. I also can't believe they called back that Beasely goal, damn it! Now we actually have to cheer for the Italians. :wall:

[Ikohn4ever]

That ref was HORRIBLE. I also can't believe they called back that Beasely goal, damn it! Now we actually have to cheer for the Italians. :wall:


ehh McBride was blocking the view of the keeper, I still dont know why they didnt put in Johnson towards the end of the second half. Could have used a fresh pair of legs.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Agreed, I was yelling at the tv, "put in johnson damn it!" My best guess is that he might have been a liability on defense, since they were down a man and all.

[elprincipe]

Wow, both those red cards on us were total bullshit. The Mastroeni one was in no way a red card foul and Pope's first yellow was bullshit (he and the Italian player were both grabbing each other), even though the second yellow was obviously justified. Too bad about Beasley's goal being disallowed, but it was the correct call. I think we showed the world what we can do, even down a man, since we outplayed Italy on the whole and even during large stretches of the second half being down to 9. Even Landon Donovan decided to show up in Germany for the second half for the first time in the tournament or otherwise, and was very effective.

We need Brazil to win. If they win and it looks like they'll win their group, Italy will have more motivation to go for a victory against the Czechs instead of looking for a draw like they did against us. No way they want to see Brazil on the other side for the second round, and if they finished second to Ghana or the Czechs that would happen. So go Brazil! And then go Italy!

[Mike23]

Decision 4
A tackle, which endangers the safety of an opponent, must be sanctioned as serious foul play

A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences:
1. is guilty of serious foul play


Mastroeni's two footed, studs up slide tackle, from behind, was serious foul play and deserved a red.

Pope's two yellows were warranted as well.

The US played a gutsy game though. Landon Donovan looked great out there, as did Bobby Convey and DaMarcus Beasley.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Mastroeni's red card was unwarranted. He was a little late, that is all. I have seen much worst get a lot less throughout the tournament. Also, it wasn't from behind. As another poster stated, the Italian player was yanking on Pope's jersey for the first yellow. The ref is full of crap.

[Mike23]

Mastroeni's red card was unwarranted. He was a little late, that is all. I have seen much worst get a lot less throughout the tournament. Also, it wasn't from behind. As another poster stated, the Italian player was yanking on Pope's jersey for the first yellow. The ref is full of crap.

Dude, I'm sorry, but the rule is that a steel cleated, two-footed slide tackle from behind is a red card. That could have EASILY broken the Italian guy's ankle.

EDIT: Even Bruce Arena agrees.

Arena agreed that the offside call disallowing a goal for Beasley was correct. He said the foul by Mastroeni "was a poor error in judgment on the part of Pablo in a play with about a minute left in the half in an area of the field where it didn't matter."

[elprincipe]

Dude, I'm sorry, but the rule is that a steel cleated, two-footed slide tackle from behind is a red card. That could have EASILY broken the Italian guy's ankle.

EDIT: Even Bruce Arena agrees.

I don't see anything in that quote that indicates he agreed with the red card, only that it was a bad decision by Mastroeni (and we can assume he agrees it was a foul, although I don't think that's in dispute). It wasn't from behind and he didn't catch the Italian player with his studs. Rather, the Italian player went over his ankles. A bad foul, yes, yellow card, yes...but not a red card. IMO of course...

On another subject, I'm sick and tired of South Korea getting all the calls from the referee in every match. This needs to stop, NOW. And them being very dirty doesn't help matters. Also, the yellow card to Zidane was laughable and a terrible dive/acting job by the Korean player, who should be ashamed of his stupid cheating ass.

[Soodmeg]

Mastroeni's two footed, studs up slide tackle, from behind, was serious foul play and deserved a red.

Pope's two yellows were warranted as well.

The US played a gutsy game though. Landon Donovan looked great out there, as did Bobby Convey and DaMarcus Beasley.


This statement doesnt even makes sense.

For one....it wasnt from behind it was frome side in which the guys was turning to....making it legal. Then at most all you can say was that it was a late tackle....the guy though he did get hit was barely touch at all..fucking italy spent most of that game diving this wasnt any differnt.


At most that was just a foul...give them a free kick and get on with the game.

Again....are you telling me a late tackle is equal to cocking back and elbowing the shit out of a player for no reason at all?

I love how there was no warnings given to any players...it was either straight to yellow or red no ref in the history of futball would have done that especially in a tournament as imporant as the World Cup. Again both yellow cards for Eddie Pope were harsh to say the least.

Though i want the USA to do well i far prefer fair play..because that is what makes Futball differnt from other sports it not so much about winning (which american sports are set up on..win at all cost no matter what) its more about teamplay and the beauty of the ball. So even if the USA lost i would sti enjoy the game.


In any sport a ref is not suppose to dictate the game. Let the players win or lose but keep it in a box. The ref in this game was decitating what was happening thus over stepping his law.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

I believe others have already done a good job of making the argument Mike23. No red card was needed. Most of the football experts agree on this as well.

[Mike23]

I believe others have already done a good job of making the argument Mike23. No red card was needed. Most of the football experts agree on this as well.

I'm not trying to sound like a soccer snob, because, really, I am not. But, both commentators on the Canadian broadcast agreed with red card. Have you guys played soccer at a semi-high level? I've been slide on, from that angle, two-footed and studs up. That tackle will break ankles half of the time, guaranteed. Say what you will about diving, but it doesn't change the fact it was definitely "serious foul play".

It might not have been at the same level; De Rossi will probably get extra games. There is, however, also an argument that De Rossi "accidentally" threw up his elbow, to gain leverage on McBride. Would that only warrant a yellow, a lack of malicious intent?

The referee interpreted that the elbow by De Rossi was malicious and serious foul play, which I agree with. It definitely was a red card.

He also interpreted that Mastroeni's slide tackle was serious foul play, and malicious enough that it deserved a red card.

Pope's red is debatable; I wouldn't have given a *second* yellow card for his offense, but I missed the first yellow.

It's fun to debate soccer though, guys. Keep it coming! :applause:

[Sleepkyng]

dude, mastroeni went in cleats up - two footed - that's a red card everytime

i'm in Koln now, and it is fucking crazy here - i saw ghana and czech repulic live on saturday which was ridiculously awesome, the whole crowd (except for the czechs) went nuts and now i see all manner of people with ghana t-shirts. - i'll post pics when i get home.

the atomosphere here is nuts, brazil decided to make koln their home base so there's crazy dancing and brazillian girls eveyrwhere - there's people from korea, japan, france, england, usa, ghana, togo, iran, mexico, sweden, czech republic, croatia, etc. and everyone is wearing their countries' colors.

last night we watched the games in front of a huge screen near the koln cathedral and it started thunderstorming - everyone went nuts, singing national anthems, drinking copious amounts of booze, sausages, hot chicks, fat eastern european dudes, england hooligans etc.

anyways it's awesome - one of the craziest things i've seen.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Well, the guys on ESPN and Fox Soccer Channel don't believe it was a red card. They believe it merited a yellow. Also, I JUST saw a guy from Togo do the exact same type of tackle (sliding, cleats up, at full speed), except he sent the dude flying into the air. All he got was a yellow.

[Soodmeg]

Have i played on a semi-high level? Yes i played 4 years in college full ride. I have seen that tackle a million times i have done it..i have had it happend to me. NO TIME HAVE I EVER SEEN IT A RED CARD FIRST .....NOT ONCE. I pretty much know because i lead my division in yellow cards!!!! :lol::-#:applause:

That tackle is a routine late tackle..it happens all the time in 98% of every game played.....at most its a yellow card with a warning to the player telling him to not even atempt another late tackle or he is off.

I dont know what the fuck your on....If you watch futball alot you should know how many times that happens in a game. Plus given that it was in stoppage time with no more than half a minute to go......you give that player a yellow at most.

Do you think that italy did more than their fair share of dving that game? I seen alot of fouls that were just italy players being unfit and falling over.

I hate to say this but i think alot of it was indeed that USA dont get any respect which is derseving up until this year. But now they we are trying to prove our worth people are getting upset. Italy is a futball powerhouse...and they were struggling against the USA. If Raberto Carlos would have dont that same tackle WHICH I HAVE SEEN HIM TO THOUSANDS OF TIMES he would have gotten sent off without even so much as a warning? Hell no.

[Mike23]

Serious foul play and violent conduct are two sending-off offences in Law 12 involving unacceptable levels of physical aggression.

Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force and endangering the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.

If you don't agree with the rule from FIFA, that's a different matter altogether. But the referee's job is to enforce these rules, and he did. End of story.

Ukraine just scored a saucy ass goal.

EDIT: Grant Wahl, from SI.com, agrees with me as well.

SI.com: What was your assessment of the refereeing in a U.S.-Italy match that featured three ejections?

Wahl: I thought the two red card calls [against U.S. midfielder Pablo Mastroeni and Italy's Daniele De Rossi] were legit, just total red card challenges

[Soodmeg]

If you don't agree with the rule from FIFA, that's a different matter altogether. But the referee's job is to enforce these rules, and he did. End of story.

Ukraine just scored a saucy ass goal.

EDIT: Grant Wahl, from SI.com, agrees with me as well.

OHHHHHH dont bring that shit up man. That being the rule doest mean a god damn thing and you know it. The referees job to enforce it? Bull fucking shit man. Like i said....R.Carlos does that shit all the time and rarely every gets a red card for it. A Millon players do it every game and its never a goes to a red card without at first a yellow.

End of fucking story my ass.

Its also a rule in basketball not to move more than 2 steps without first taking a dribble.....hmmm i think i just discounted 90% of every fastbreak dunk every scored.

By the way....i am not like yelling or anything.....its the way i talk. Full of swears....think of it as a little way to so i fucking love your man pipe!?!?!?!?!

Who said that?

[Mike23]

OHHHHHH dont bring that shit up man. That being the rule doest mean a god damn thing and you know it. The referees job to enforce it? Bull fucking shit man. Like i said....R.Carlos does that shit all the time and rarely every gets a red card for it. A Millon players do it every game and its never a goes to a red card without at first a yellow.

End of fucking story my ass.

Its also a rule in basketball not to move more than 2 steps without first taking a dribble.....hmmm i think i just discounted 90% of every fastbreak dunk every scored.

By the way....i am not like yelling or anything.....its the way i talk. Full of swears....think of it as a little way to so i fucking love your man pipe!?!?!?!?!

Who said that?

So, by this logic, you can run a red light because others in the past have done it? That's bullshit and you know it.

Also, Roberto Carlos is almost never in position, so he has to run back and slide. But the difference is, he keeps his studs DOWN and only challenges with one foot. Had Mastroeni done this and got a red, I'd have no problem with people being upset with it, it would have been a bad call.

Have you heard of Marco Van Basten? His career was cut short by a tackle like that. FIFA, not wanting their stars to end their careers early like that, sent out an edict to stamp this shit out of soccer.

[elprincipe]

Group A Best XI

Mora (Ecuador)

Lahm (Germany)
Hurtado (Ecuador)
Mertesacker (Germany)

Frings (Germany)
Ballack (Germany)
Mendez (Ecuador)
Smolarek (Poland)
Bolanos (Costa Rica) <-- yeah, didn't get much playing time I know, but should have.

C. Tenorio (Ecuador)
Klose (Germany)

Agree/disagree/thoughts? I'll post my Group B Best XI later on when I finish watching the T&T-Paraguay game!

[Mike23]

Group A Best XI

Mora (Ecuador)

Lahm (Germany)
Hurtado (Ecuador)
Mertesacker (Germany)

Frings (Germany)
Ballack (Germany)
Mendez (Ecuador)
Smolarek (Poland)
Bolanos (Costa Rica) <-- yeah, didn't get much playing time I know, but should have.

C. Tenorio (Ecuador)
Klose (Germany)

Agree/disagree/thoughts? I'll post my Group B Best XI later on when I finish watching the T&T-Paraguay game!

No Paulo Wanchope? Still, looks about right.

[BodyShot213]

Which winning eleven game is better 8 or 9?

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Well, if you want to play online then 9 is the way to go.

[Tyga24]

Maybe it's me but how good is Landon Donovan because it seems to me he's overrated with as much as the media talks about the guy.

EDIT: Edited to remove score and results for those watching later.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Landon Donovan is good, but it seems as if he went back to Germany to twiddle with his thumbs and not do anything else. The penalty kick really changed the entire game. Had they not called it, the US probably would have won. DaMarcus Beasely didn't do a damn thing either. I'm just overall pissed because the team played like garbage throughout the group stages.

[Sleepkyng]

landon donovan is... fucking terrible.

and what are you talking about!? DaMarcus Beasley was the only guy doing anything (creating chances, tackling, distrubting) and the only one with vision on the pitch.

i mean, WHAT did Donvon do except botch a ton of free kicks and an easy open chance half volley. He sure as hell didn't win a tackle against three Ghanans, and send a picture perfect cross to Dempsey for a great finish.

Beasley is so much better than him now - which is just more proof of how weak the MLS is. Donovan gets to play king in a shitty league, and Beasely gets better as he plays will real footballers in the eredivisie in Holland.

[CappyCobra]

U.S. loses to Ghana 2-1. Italy defeated Czech Republic 2-0. Italy and Ghana advance to the next round. A golden opportunity wasted for U.S. team in this World Cup. The is U.S. still winless on European soil. I'm not a big soccer fan but I was real disapointed in the hype for the U.S. and the way they played all of the games. Maybe it's me but how good is Landon Donovan because it seems to me he's overrated with as much as the media talks about the guy.

ARRGH! Use a SPOILER TAG if you're going to be spouting off scores you asshat!:bomb:

So much for watching the game when I get home..

[Tyga24]

ARRGH! Use a SPOILER TAG if you're going to be spouting off scores you asshat!:bomb:

So much for watching the game when I get home..

I apologize for placing the info up there without spoiler tags and I forgot after finishing watching the game about those that weren't able to see it live. Got caught up in being frustrated with the result and just ended up putting the info on there to bump the thread and see how others wanted to vent on how disappointing it was. My bad, man.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

landon donovan is... fucking terrible.

and what are you talking about!? DaMarcus Beasley was the only guy doing anything (creating chances, tackling, distrubting) and the only one with vision on the pitch.

i mean, WHAT did Donvon do except botch a ton of free kicks and an easy open chance half volley. He sure as hell didn't win a tackle against three Ghanans, and send a picture perfect cross to Dempsey for a great finish.

Beasley is so much better than him now - which is just more proof of how weak the MLS is. Donovan gets to play king in a shitty league, and Beasely gets better as he plays will real footballers in the eredivisie in Holland.LOL, Beasely did ONE good thing in 3 games. He is expected to do good things much more than that. He played like the rest of the team, garbage.

[ph33r m3]

They were simply outplayed, I think the media blew the team up better than it was. They're strongest player, Keller who I would say is one of the top goalies in the world, was off.

No need to throw blame around, just simply the Czech's, Ghana, and my pick Italy are better.

[Sleepkyng]

LOL, Beasely did ONE good thing in 3 games. He is expected to do good things much more than that. He played like the rest of the team, garbage.

the whole team played like crap in the czech game, the italy game was just crazy and unplayble - and beasely made a lot of plays in the last game.

just because you don't score every time you get the ball doesn't mean you're not making impact in the game - like i said, the only person who was even thinking about a counterattack or trying to thread passes to pierce the defense (as opposed to just lobbing the ball in against a GIANT AFRICAN TEAM) was Beasely.

he's a cocky bitch, and he needs to grow up, but he's still way more talented than Donovan.

[elprincipe]

No Paulo Wanchope? Still, looks about right.

Thought about it, but he really only showed up for one match. Two goals against Germany is nothing to sneer at, though..just he didn't do anything in the other two matches, and missed horribly with a great chance laid on for him against Poland.

[elprincipe]

Group B Best XI

Robinson (England)

Caniza (Paraguay)
Ferdinand (England)
Caceres (Paraguay)
Lucic (Sweden)

Gerrard (England)
Lampard (England)
Yorke (Trinidad & Tobago)
Linderoth (Sweden)
Joe Cole (England)

Larsson (Sweden)

[elprincipe]

Group C Best XI

Van Der Sar (Netherlands)

Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Ayala (Argentina)
Van Bronkhorst (Netherlands)

Cambiasso (Argentina)
Riquelme (Argentina)
Robben (Netherlands)
Van Persie (Netherlands)

Saviola (Argentina)
Crespo (Argentina)
Dindane (Ivory Coast)

[elprincipe]

Group D Best XI

Ricardo (Portugal)

Miguel (Portugal)
Carvalho (Portugal)
Meira (Portugal)
Osorio (Mexico)
Salcido (Mexico)

Figo (Portugal)
Maniche (Portugal)
Mahdavikia (Iran)
Ze Kalanga (Angola)

Bravo (Mexico)

[elprincipe]

Group E Best XI

Buffon (Italy)

Mohammed (Ghana)
Nesta (Italy)
Cannavaro (Italy)

Pirlo (Italy)
Perrotta (Italy)
Nedved (Czech Republic)
Essien (Ghana)
Rosicky (Czech Republic)

Appiah (Ghana)
Gilardino (Italy)

[elprincipe]

Group F Best XI

Pletikosa (Croatia)

Neill (Australia)
Lucio (Brazil)
Moore (Australia)
Juan (Brazil)

Srna (Croatia)
Cahill (Australia)
Kaka (Brazil)
Nakata (Japan)

Robinho (Brazil)
Ronaldinho (Brazil)

[Mike23]

Nesta seems to be out for the tournament, shit!

At least this makes me laugh...

http://img438.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awwnga0ez.jpg

[XxFuRy2Xx]

WOW, S. Korea just got royally screwed. Something has to be done about this crappy officiating.

[mtxbass1]

WOW, S. Korea just got royally screwed. Something has to be done about this crappy officiating.

NOOOO shit. That was a TERRIBLE call. Every single South Korea player should have jump kicked that ref in his head after that call.

[oNeWiNgEdAnGeL]

Germany almost scored 23 goals.

Klose > Sweden

[elprincipe]

Nesta seems to be out for the tournament, shit!

At least this makes me laugh...

http://img438.imageshack.us/my.php?image=awwnga0ez.jpg

:lol: awesome!

WOW, S. Korea just got royally screwed. Something has to be done about this crappy officiating.

1. Yes, it was a terrible call. It wasn't offside, but the linesman raised his flag and the players stopped.

2. It didn't matter in any case as Korea was outplayed for the entire match and no way they were going to win the match, which they needed to do to advance.

3. It's about time they felt what the countries playing them have felt (Italy, Spain, France). I'm glad they're gone.

[elprincipe]

Group G Best XI

Zuberbuhler (Switzerland)

Sagnol (France)
Senderos (Switzerland)
Gallas (France)

Park Ji-Sung (South Korea)
Cabanas (Switzerland)
Barnetta (Switzerland)
Makelele (France)
Viera (France)

Henry (France)
Kader (Togo)

[elprincipe]

Group H Best XI

Shovkovski (Ukraine)

Sergio Ramos (Spain)
Puyol (Spain)
Jaidi (Tunisia)
Pablo (Spain)
Trabelsi (Tunisia)

Sulimani (Saudi Arabia)
Xavi (Spain)
Kalinichenko (Ukraine)

Shevchenko (Ukraine)
Fernando Torres (Spain)

[elprincipe]

Group Stage Overall Best XI

Van Der Sar (Netherlands)

Caceres (Paraguay)
Puyol (Spain)
Senderos (Switzerland)
Nesta (Italy)

Viera (France)
Kaka (Brazil)
Figo (Portugal)
Frings (Germany)

Fernando Torres (Spain)
Klose (Germany)

[CappyCobra]

Anyone catch the blind linesman calling offsides on Argentina in the closing minutes of regulation time? What a robbery that was. I was routing for Mexico (I don't want Portugal facing Argentina down the road). Definatly a close match. Both teams were nipping at thier posessions for an exicting match.

[humidore]

Off topic, but anyone else want to do a WE9 (PS2) mini-tourney? I am getting bored of "Brazil v. Barca", "Brazil v. Juve", etc etc...I don't think we'd have enough people tho.

And ARG v. MEX was awesome, started off with a bang. I somehow don't see Portugal v. Holland goin down quite as well, but we'll see...

[elprincipe]

I wanted Argentina, so I'm glad although I don't think they played very well at all. Also they did indeed get screwed near the end of regulation as it was definitely not offside. They will need to improve to beat Germany though!

I predict Holland-Portugal will be the first match to go to penalties.

[gofishn]

Keller should've never been the keeper in the first place for USA. Tim Howard is superior, but once again USA Soccer is more politics than substance.

[elprincipe]

Keller should've never been the keeper in the first place for USA. Tim Howard is superior, but once again USA Soccer is more politics than substance.

Keller is waaaay better than Tim Howard.

[gofishn]

Yeah right, he made so many mistakes in this World Cup it proved my point. At 36, hes too old, too slow, and didn't seem totally in the game mentally.

[humidore]

This is why I watch Univision instead of ESPN (http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=121FE76C4A62A1E7)
Anyone know why he did this throughout the match?...

Holland deserved to lose with the crappy attack they had going. Crazy ref or not, I didn't see much cohesion between players (lots of good crosses not connecting with anyone). And someone should've been checking van Basten's pulse, the man was DEAD! I thought Scolari'd have a heart attack, then they show van Basten and he might as well of been having dinner with his inlaws...

[Mojimbo]

Whoa, the Portugal game was fucking craaaazzzy. To be honest I thought the Netherlands were going to get it because they had a couple of strong attempts in the first 10 minutes or so but I'm glad they lost after that shit they pulled. It seemed like almost all the time they would have an opening they'd hesitate and throw it all the fucking way back.

I do have to say the theatrics in the second half made it one of the more enjoyable games I've watched so far. I was really hoping for a last minute score so we could get treated to another 30 minutes of it.

As far as Mexico/Argentina I was dissappointed by Mexico since I was rooting for them but Argentina was clearly the better team(and they wouldn't have been in that situation if they had done better in group play, I was angry that they didn't beat Portugal so they could face the Netherlands). That being said, I was really glad for Argentina and was rooting for them too in group play so I hope they can advance a bit more. It'd also be nice if Germany can take it at home.
This is why I watch Univision instead of ESPN (http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=121FE76C4A62A1E7)
Anyone know why he did this throughout the match?...

Holland deserved to lose with the crappy attack they had going. Crazy ref or not, I didn't see much cohesion between players (lots of good crosses not connecting with anyone). And someone should've been checking van Basten's pulse, the man was DEAD! I thought Scolari'd have a heart attack, then they show van Basten and he might as well of been having dinner with his inlaws...Yeah, I got a kick out of that. Sabrosa means tasty in Spanish so it's an ongoing joke to pronounce it that way("Tasty!").

Speaking of which, anybody else find ABC/ESPN coverage off? There's almost no pre-game or post-game and they don't show the openings or anthems. On top of that the juggling is a bit much. For example, this morning(and last) the England/Ecuador game was preempted locally by a televised church service and informercials and since ABC was covering that one you were SOL if you only spoke English. Then they pass the other games off to ESPN so ABC can cover golf, so I don't get an HD feed because I don't get ESPN/ESPN2HD (and people who only get OTA signals are SOL). Personally it's not that big of a deal to me because I prefer Univision's coverage(I speak decent Spanish so I can make out fine) and I only use the HD feed so I can get a wider view of the field on my SDTV, but it seems like a shitty thing to do.

[elprincipe]

The referee's first mistake was not to send off Boulahrouz for that horrific assault on Cristiano Ronaldo early in the match. It caused Ronaldo to go off injured later and that was the dirtiest tackle of the tournament, only matched in cynicism perhaps by De Rossi's elbowing of McBride. I think not sending someone off for something like that kind of set the tone for the game.

I was very disappointed with how conservatively Portugal played. Their response to a red card was to bring off their only forward! But Holland, especially the ineffectual Sneijder and Kuyt, were far from incisive. I just have no idea why anyone rates Snejder...every time I see him play, I feel he should be on the bench in favor of Van Der Vaart. Also, why Van Nistelrooy didn't enter the game as a sub is an absolute mystery to probably everyone but Van Basten.

Anyone else think Portugal's two reds were through absolute stupidity? I have no idea what, if anything, Costinha and Deco were thinking in those moments.

And ESPN's coverage is an absolute joke, as everyone pretty much agrees. Not only do they cut the national anthems more often than not, screw up lineups and graphics, even show footage of the US training over the beginning of the second half of one match, but the commentators (with the notable exception of FSC vet Allen Hopkins, who is excellent) are TERRIBLE. I don't think I can stand one more sentence from Marcelo Balboa...I never thought I'd ever wish for that idiot Tommy Smyth over someone, but there you go!

[Mike23]

Dirty fuckin' game today, not joga bonito at all.

I'm scared for the Italy-Australia game tomorrow. Hiddink is a great coach and has beaten Italy with inferior teams before (2002 anyone?). Should be a great match though, and who knows, maybe Materazzi will score again.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

ABC and ESPN seem to want to respect the World Cup, but then put on crappy announcers and offer the bare minimum in terms of pre-game and post-game talk. They know they can get away with it since the only other option is Univision. They should really have their best commentators on the job, it is the World Cup afterall. If they're not gonna put in a full effort, then they should let someone else do it.

[Rocko]

Don't watch much soccer, but the Holland game seemed full of tussles and cards. Very entertaining.

[Tha Xecutioner]

I could have sworn it was WWE on the field during the Netherlands vs Portugal game..

[CappyCobra]

The referee's first mistake was not to send off Boulahrouz for that horrific assault on Cristiano Ronaldo early in the match. It caused Ronaldo to go off injured later and that was the dirtiest tackle of the tournament, only matched in cynicism perhaps by De Rossi's elbowing of McBride. I think not sending someone off for something like that kind of set the tone for the game. No argument there. That gross oversight by the ref set in motion what was to come.


I was very disappointed with how conservatively Portugal played. Their response to a red card was to bring off their only forward! ... You would be MORE offensive with one man down? :dunce: Scolari called this one correctly in my eyes. If you're up one point and down one man, a defensive position is a logical decision.

Anyone else think Portugal's two reds were through absolute stupidity? I have no idea what, if anything, Costinha and Deco were thinking in those moments.... Costinha, yes I agree with you there no contest. But Deco? That 2nd yellow was totally uncalled for. The whistle was blown and all he was doing was handing the ball over to the ref. It was the player from the Netherlands that THREW Deco down should have been carded.

[CappyCobra]

I could have sworn it was WWE on the field during the Netherlands vs Portugal game..
I was thinking more UFC... The ref had ZERO control of the game. I'll be surprized if FIFA allow him to oversee future cup matches...

[Mike23]

Italy got unlucky, and STILL won. :D

Materazzi's "red" was a yellow had he connected with Bresciano's feet. He missed, but took out the man. A foul would have been more then acceptable.

The PK was the right call, Lucas Neill took out Grosso, impeding a scoring chance unfairly. It was a stupid move, though; he would have never scored on Schwarzer from that angle.

FORZA AZZURRI!

[Tha Xecutioner]

fuck Italy, I wanted the Aussies to move on

[daphatty]

Soccer is for pussies.

[DT778]

sleeping is for whores and fat people.

[Sleepkyng]

best quote of the tourny so far:

But Scolari said Figo only did what a committed player should do when goaded by his opponents, adding 'Jesus Christ said he would turn the other cheek but Figo is not Jesus Christ. I thought he was more correct than the Dutchmen'.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=372569&cc=5739

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Italy got unlucky, and STILL won. :D

Materazzi's "red" was a yellow had he connected with Bresciano's feet. He missed, but took out the man. A foul would have been more then acceptable.

The PK was the right call, Lucas Neill took out Grosso, impeding a scoring chance unfairly. It was a stupid move, though; he would have never scored on Schwarzer from that angle.

FORZA AZZURRI!If you think that was worthy of a PK, then you're nuts. The Australian player fell and the Italian tripped over him. The ref ruined a perfectly good game and screwed the Aussies.

[gofishn]

If you think that was worthy of a PK, then you're nuts. The Australian player fell and the Italian tripped over him. The ref ruined a perfectly good game and screwed the Aussies.

Sounds like the Italy-U.S. game.

[CappyCobra]

Soccer is for pussies Americans.
FIXED

The Rest of us call it Futebol where it's really played!:booty:

[DT778]

FIXED

The Rest of us call it Futebol where it's really played!:booty:
futbol

[CappyCobra]

futbol fútbol = Spanish
futebol = Portuguese

Since Brazil is the top ranked country, I thought it would be more appropriate to word it in thier language. ;)

[DT778]

It's ok, everyone makes mistakes ;)

So I played winning eleven with my brother yesterday and I noticed a few of star player were on the Spanish league. Players like ronaldo, ronaldio (sp?) and beckham (I think one of us was Madrid and the other... maybe barcelona). So I was talking to my dad about it and he told me they went where the money was (which is obvious) then he goes on to tell me that the players in Mexico are paid in dollars, not pesos which I thought was interesting.

[gofishn]

Real is aging, and aging fast.

[Mike23]

The red was the call that unjustly put Italy in a horrible position, and yet the Aussies NEVER looked like scoring.

In real time, it looked like a penalty. He throws his arm up and leaves his body impeding the progress of Grosso in the box. Penalty. It's more Neill's fault then anything though, if you have "soccer smarts" you know not to slide in such a position, with the possibility of a penalty being called.

The better team, on the day and overall, won.

I'm taking Brazil and Spain tomorrow though, and then in a juicy QF I'm taking Brazil in a high-scoring 3-2 match, with some Ronaldinho magic deciding it.

[humidore]

Poor Puyol, man...gets fouled, and a yellow card! I shoulda seen it coming though, sponsors/FIFA had to have wanted a Brazil-France re-match. (sigh)

[XxFuRy2Xx]

Is it just me, or are Bruce Arena and Eric Wynalda taking shots at each other?

[Demolition Man]

Whew... finally a few days to rest from all this World Cup couch slothing. ;)

My predictions for the next round of games - winners in BOLD.

Friday
Germany vs Argentina
Italy vs Ukraine

Saturday
England vs Portugal
Brazil vs France

[Eviltude]

Whew... finally a few days to rest from all this World Cup couch slothing. ;)

My predictions for the next round of games - winners in BOLD.

Friday
Germany vs Argentina
Italy vs Ukraine

Saturday
England vs Portugal
Brazil vs France
I take it France won today. Anyone want to clue me into the score? I saw Spain with the penalty shot goal and then France's return right after Spain SHOULD HAVE HAD ANOTHER PENALTY SHOT DAMNIT! but then I fell asleep.

[DT778]

3-1

[elprincipe]

You would be MORE offensive with one man down? :dunce: Scolari called this one correctly in my eyes. If you're up one point and down one man, a defensive position is a logical decision.

Not MORE offensive, just not all defensive. He took off Portugal's only recognized forward and just had Figo and Simao pressure up a little once in a while. You still need to have some threat even when playing defensively. But then again, can't really argue with the result!

Costinha, yes I agree with you there no contest. But Deco? That 2nd yellow was totally uncalled for. The whistle was blown and all he was doing was handing the ball over to the ref. It was the player from the Netherlands that THREW Deco down should have been carded.

Come on now, you know full well Deco picked up the ball when it was a Dutch free kick to run off with it and delay the game. The referees are clamping down on this more in this competition, and I'm glad for that. Now if only they would institute the rule they used in one of the youth competitions where any player kicking or touching the ball when it was the other team's ball got an automatic yellow card, this crap will stop once and for all.

[elprincipe]

Is it just me, or are Bruce Arena and Eric Wynalda taking shots at each other?

It's not just you. Eric Wynalda is a dumbass who hates Bruce Arena and DC United. This comes through loud and clear in between his factual mistakes, insipid "analysis" and other drivel.

[XxFuRy2Xx]

I Lol'd when Wynalda called Arena, "an arrogant guy." He put on a face of disgust when he said it too.

[gofishn]

Wynalda has been way out of line with his comments, but I can't say that I disagree with the him when he says that Arena's time has passed. The US really needs a top flight European coach to take the program to the next level. Arena wasn't bad, but I think he's taken the team as far as he can.

[Sleepkyng]

Ribery owned the spanish side.

So did Makelele and Zizou.

the french didn't look spectacular, but they did look seasoned.

allez les bleus!

[Mike23]

Wynalda has been way out of line with his comments, but I can't say that I disagree with the him when he says that Arena's time has passed. The US really needs a top flight European coach to take the program to the next level. Arena wasn't bad, but I think he's taken the team as far as he can.

Juergen Klinsimann anyone?

[elprincipe]

Wynalda has been way out of line with his comments, but I can't say that I disagree with the him when he says that Arena's time has passed. The US really needs a top flight European coach to take the program to the next level. Arena wasn't bad, but I think he's taken the team as far as he can.

Depends on the direction the US federation wants to go. Nobody in their right mind doubts that Arena is clearly the best American coach around. So if we want an American coach, we should try and keep Arena in the job. OTOH, if it's felt it's time for a foreign coach, Klinsmann isn't a bad choice considering his current living arrangements. I can't see any real top European coach wanting to come here to coach the national side, I really can't.

[gofishn]

Depends on the direction the US federation wants to go. Nobody in their right mind doubts that Arena is clearly the best American coach around. So if we want an American coach, we should try and keep Arena in the job. OTOH, if it's felt it's time for a foreign coach, Klinsmann isn't a bad choice considering his current living arrangements. I can't see any real top European coach wanting to come here to coach the national side, I really can't.

I absolutely agree that Arena is the best American coach around, but IMHO I think it's time to move on. Klinsmann wouldn't be bad, and I'm sure with the right amount of money quite a few European coaches could be persuaded into coming "across the pond."

[elprincipe]

I absolutely agree that Arena is the best American coach around, but IMHO I think it's time to move on. Klinsmann wouldn't be bad, and I'm sure with the right amount of money quite a few European coaches could be persuaded into coming "across the pond."

Klinsmann is already living here, so that would work. But do you think the Mourinhos, Wengers, Lippis, Rijkaards, Benitezes or even Hiddinks of the world will want to be "out in the boonies" so to speak, with a few friendlies and the glamor competition being the Gold Cup (until another 4 years have passed)? I don't really think so.

[Mike23]

Great games today. Italy looked dominant, but beating Germany at home will be a tall task, to say the least.

[jPoD]

Im not a soccer fan, but that Germany, Argentina game was INSANE. Good watch.

[RiCeBo1]

I take Brazil tomorrow!

[mtxbass1]

Does anyone else hate penalty kicks?

[Sleepkyng]

i hate penalties, but god i hope england lose

i hate england fans.

[Mike23]

Damn, Portugal got lucky. wow.

[Sleepkyng]

ah, so good.

[gofishn]

Stupid ass Rooney!!!

[Sleepkyng]

exactly - what a chump.

but lampard and gerrard both missing?

talk about choking!

[Soodmeg]

Ricardo was amazing that why they missed. He guessed right EVERY single time.

God i love futball.

I have to go to work though so i will miss the brazil game. Is there a radio staion i could listen to it on? Xm has it but damn if i would ever pay for that shit.

[Sleepkyng]

ah, i'm going to a brazillian bar in paris to watch the game :D
should be fun.

[gofishn]

ah, i'm going to a brazillian bar in paris to watch the game :D
should be fun.

Hopefully the French don't burn that place down after they get worked by Brazil.

[Sleepkyng]

oh snap - what was that you were saying?

HENRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[alucard8319]

Brazil played like shit, only 1 shot at the goal.

[Sleepkyng]

or france has got the money defense?

[gofishn]

Hopefully the French don't burn that place down after they get worked by Brazil.

Alright so I was wrong, but that doesn't stop me from hating France and its fans.

[Sleepkyng]

hahahah, fair enough!

[humidore]

Is there a radio staion i could listen to it on?

Football on the radio? Where do you think this is, every other country in the world?....hell, I'd even be happy with a Spanish broadcast on radio, and I don't speak Spanish.

France/Zidane played their best yet. I could get used to this crap Brazil performance...

[elprincipe]

Damn, Portugal got lucky. wow.

No way. Portugal was the better side, Rooney deserved to be sent off, Ricardo was the better keeper, and Portugal were the better penalty-takers. Portugal absolutely deserved to go through. Oh, and David Beckham was (once again) absolutely fucking useless and should have been substituted even if he wasn't injured. Lennon is a better player hands down.

On France-Brazil: France were incredible, and Brazil's attack was anemic. Zidane was incredible, the best performance he's had in probably 3 years. Makalele was also awesome. Ronaldo looked out of sorts, Cafu was overmatched on the right. Ronaldinho was the pick of the Brazilians and made some good passes, but there was no one really to aim for.

My Ratings

France - Barthez (4) : Sagnol (6), Thuram (6), Gallas (7), Abidal (6) : Makalele (8), Vieira (6), Ribery (7), Malouda (6), Zidane (9) : Henry (7)

Brazil - Dida (5) : Cafu (3), Juan (5), Lucio (6), Roberto Carlos (4) : Gilberto Silva (4), Juninho (5), Kaka (4), Ze Roberto (5), Ronaldinho (6) : Ronaldo (4)

On another note, I really, really hate 4-5-1 at this point. Every team is playing it except for Germany, even teams that have no business playing it like England and most especially Brazil. I think I might have to cheer for Germany due to this!

[graf1k]

I watched the last four games. Man, I almost had a heart attack at the end of the Germany v. Argentina game. I can't believe my team is going to the Semis! Maybe it's time to bring back my 'Deutscheland Uber Alles' sig. Of course, there is a tough road to hoe now. Italy rocked Ukraine and Ballack looked pretty bad at the end of Germany's game.

Actually, for being a futbol novice, I've done a pretty good job of picking the winners of the games I watched. So far I'm 3-1, the only time I was wrong being the Portugal v. England game. When Rooney got the red card, it was pretty much over. I'm actually surprised it went to PKs. The France v. Brasil game was the game I was most nervous about just because Brasil is such a powerhouse, but that free kick by Zidane to Henry was pretty brilliant. I think the French did an admirable job of keeping the Brasillian offense in check until right up to the end. When Brasil started to rally at the very end I thought they were going to tie it up for sure.

Even though I'm probably going to be wrong, I'm going to pick the Finals as Germany v. France. It definitely could be any pairing of the remaining four teams, but seeing as France is the only team in the past 3 World Cups to beat Brasil and they've now done it twice, I think they are on a roll and barring any shenanigans should roll over Portugal. Germany is definitely fighting more of an up hill battle but hey, I'm half German. That's just how it goes. Maybe the home field advantage will be enough to propel Germany to the finals.

[DT778]

Football on the radio? Where do you think this is, every other country in the world?....hell, I'd even be happy with a Spanish broadcast on radio, and I don't speak Spanish.

France/Zidane played their best yet. I could get used to this crap Brazil performance...
there should be a spanish station playing the games. especially in california, cmon if you cant find it then your not really looking for one.

[CappyCobra]

Damn, Portugal got lucky. wow. Yes it was luck that had Portugal beat England 9 out the last 10 meetings too. :roll:
Needless to say, even without Rooney, I have to commend the English for holding on until the end. They had alot of heart, but that alone does not produce goals.

France just simply cut out the space for Brasil to make plays. Very well played indeed

Next up; Portugal vs France! (We Portuguese have a score to settle!!!)

[Mojimbo]

I'm glad for Zidane and Henry but I'm dissapointed with Brazil, although I suspect I was mainly rooting for them because they the last non-Europeans left(and the defending champs). Argentina was a huge loss for me too, although I found it odd that Messi has been hyped as the next Maradona but he didn't get any play time in the quarter-finals.

From the remaining I'd really like a Portugal vs Germany final. I could go either way with it, Germany taking it at home would be great but so would Portugal pulling an upset. As long as the game remains competitive and clean I don't mind either of those two getting it.

Football on the radio? Where do you think this is, every other country in the world?....hell, I'd even be happy with a Spanish broadcast on radio, and I don't speak Spanish.

France/Zidane played their best yet. I could get used to this crap Brazil performance...http://www.laradiodelmundial.com/radionet-espanol.htm

I've been using it for the last month since I've been having to run errands in the mornings and missing the games so it's been great being able to keep up with the game while I'm out.

[humidore]

http://www.laradiodelmundial.com/radionet-espanol.htm

I've been using it for the last month since I've been having to run errands in the mornings and missing the games so it's been great being able to keep up with the game while I'm out.

Awesome, thanks, I'll check it ou....wait, nm, Tuesday there's no work and I'm outta here on Friday goin to Holland, so...darn! I scanned some AM stations last week goin to work, hoping i could listen to some of the early games, but I don't think I get good reception when I head towards Livermore...

[Ugamer_X]

Man, that was awesome. First 90 minutes were kinda "meh," but the overtime was great.

[CappyCobra]

Man, that was awesome. First 90 minutes were kinda "meh," but the overtime was great. Italy's goals in the final TWO minutes was just awesome! I agree with the first 90 minutes were a bit meh, but Italy was playing the posession game and they played it well. A little too much diving for my taste, but I was glad to see the ref not fall for that shit (mostly).:bouncy:

[Ugamer_X]

Italy's goals in the final TWO minutes was just awesome! I agree with the first 90 minutes were a bit meh, but Italy was playing the posession game and they played it well. A little too much diving for my taste, but I was glad to see the ref not fall for that shit (mostly).:bouncy:
Yeah, best officiating in a game thus far.

[stag8603]

Yeah, best officiating in a game thus far.

In my opinion, that is not saying much. But I know what you're saying.

[CappyCobra]

In my opinion, that is not saying much. But I know what you're saying. This is true. All we need now are blue and green cards, then the refs can play Uno! :-P

[Mojimbo]

Wow, those last ten minutes were ridiculous. Despite their questionable theatrics, Italy played excellently throughout the game(although especially in overtime) and deserved the win.

[Mike23]

So, in a Bundesliga cup game, in a shootout, do they just shoot for days? I've never seen a German miss a PK.

Still, Forza Italia! I'm glad we won, we deserved it. I hope to play Portugal in the final.