Dunno about that, German team seems weaker than the last few times.I´m pretty sure we will get out asses kicked on Monday versus Portugal. We will then make it to the next round by points as 2nd of our group.
I'm actually putting my bets down on Italiy winning, beating Argentina in the finals.
2014 World Cup:
Where the hell is Finland
My bet's on Germany this year. Because England will do precisely as EU says and I don't want to get my hopes up, I'm cheering most heartily this year for plucky little Belgium.I think germany looks weaker than earlier world cups. Also, the heat of brazil is to be taken into consideration for the northern european countries.
Yeah it's not that I believe that much in Argentina, it just happens the way I predict the knockout stages.
I'm actually putting my bets down on Italiy winning, beating Argentina in the finals.
You are quite generous to be honest, I think Argentina will get eliminated from the Semi Finals by Italy and then beaten 3-0 by the Germans, Spain being the champion.
I don't know, there is no clear favorite. I want an African team in the Semis for a change.
Yeah it's not that I believe that much in Argentina, it just happens the way I predict the knockout stages.Fy\ujnny, I have something similar, but it is because I think Messi will finally show what he is capable of in the national team (contrary to what he has shown in the past: good in club, bad in national team), and because everyone is focusing on Brazil and not so much on Argentina. Argentina will be hellbent to win in the homeland of the arch enemy, so that's an extra motivator.
Argentina wins their group, faces off against Ecuador - wins.
Quarter finals: Argentina - France (argentina wins)
Semi finals: Argentina - Germany (argentina wins)
I'm kinda curious either Belgium is really as good as is predicted internationally (so i don't mean all the hyping in Belgium), or we just had some luck in the past and we'll drop in the first round. I guess the Brazilian weather won't do much good for us anyway.
Brazil clearly shows that they are the home team.Fixed that for you. How nice that the organising country gets the first atch as a present. If I were Coratian, I'd be furious right now: an undeserved penalty and a deserved goal denied. Shameful display.
Fixed that for you. How nice that the organising country gets the first atch as a present. If I were Coratian, I'd be furious right now: an undeserved penalty and a deserved goal denied. Shameful display.
I sincerely hope the rest of the matches are more, how can I say this, natural.
QuoteFixed that for you. How nice that the organising country gets the first atch as a present. If I were Coratian, I'd be furious right now: an undeserved penalty and a deserved goal denied. Shameful display.
I sincerely hope the rest of the matches are more, how can I say this, natural.
In all honesty, it was just the penalty, which was cleary non existant. Their disallowed goal was a clear foul by Olic as he jumped and took Brazil's GK off balance, the camera shows it ABSOLUTELY clear.
Brazil clearly shows that they are the home team.Fixed that for you. How nice that the organising country gets the first atch as a present. If I were Coratian, I'd be furious right now: an undeserved penalty and a deserved goal denied. Shameful display.
I sincerely hope the rest of the matches are more, how can I say this, natural.
I will conscientiously agree to that if you acknowledge that the 2006-2010 The Netherlands team is the dirtiest elite team ever.FYI, I like football a lot, so I watch as many games as possible. I dislike stuff like I saw yesterday, giving away penalties to certain teams, etc. I like the game to be as "clean" as possible.
The Dutch team is just, well dirty.Still the same opinion?
Lol spain just got their clocks cleaned.by the new clockwork oranje
The Dutch team is just, well dirty.Still the same opinion?
1-5 against Spain ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I'd rather had seen two of those goals in 2010, but well, you can't have it all.
Well, they don't have that much facility to train together, don't they? Talents are found in rural areas, not major cities. Ask Djinn, he is from Ghana. I believe, anywhere besides Accra, a proper training ground are quite rare.
So, here is an honest question. What makes a country better in Football(Soccer) than another country?
So, here is an honest question. What makes a country better in Football(Soccer) than another country?
A proper football country must have a proper football culture, or sports culture at least. Indonesia has a big football culture, but it doesn't have that sports culture. USA is the complete reverse, and so does its history in the international football competitions. But as individualism and self-determination goes, USA's self-made soccer team is doing very well and has shown itself why they are worthy among the big elites. Well, if you compare to Central American countries that goes to war because of the sport (see Soccer war (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_War)). Americans, being arrogant and abrasive, also holds other virtues such as sincerity and passion, hence they succeed in a lot of unfamiliar things.
....
This why USA is one of my favourite teams here. They trampled Spain in 2009 Confederate Cup. I hope they surprise us once again in this event. They are the definitive cheerful underdog worth its own box office movie.
From what ive seen so far, Brazil & The Netherlands look the best.
England looked horrible & Italy got lucky.
From what ive seen so far, Brazil & The Netherlands look the best.Oi that was some of the best work I've seen England do in a long time!
England looked horrible & Italy got lucky.
USA Ghana win tomorrow: 3-0
;)
@Tore: He was playing tonight.
Wow, Germany's Mueller's gets the hat-trick & they dominate.Good game by Germany, but the red card helped them tremendously (otherwise it wouldn't have been 4-0 I bet).
The modern meaning of the term 'hat-trick': a player scoring three goals in a match.http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/fifafacts/mcwc/ip-301_02a_fwc_goals_22689.pdf
Remember that in a proper hattrick like Slayer mentioned, you also need to score one goal with a header, one from a regular shot, and one (i believe) form a penaltyReally? Never heard of that one. Maybe "my" definition is also a devaluated one, from an even older definition of hattrick.
Remember that in a proper hattrick like Slayer mentioned, you also need to score one goal with a header, one from a regular shot, and one (i believe) form a penalty
hopefully de Brunye's sunburn will not put him out of the rest of the world cup.
Poor old fair-haired lads playing in Brazil. I look exactly the same after much exertionhopefully de Brunye's sunburn will not put him out of the rest of the world cup.
Don't worry. De Bruyne always looks like he's just been pulled out of a barrel of red paint after a game.
Update: yeah, good bye England! I hope they learned a lesson: They shouldn't shoulder any burden to show their worth. Perhaps they shouldn't even consider themselves amongst the European elites.
Greece and Iran, the biggest Anti-Football teams I ever saw in my life.Well, Iran was surprisingly good against Argentina, I was quite shocked about the incapability of the Argentinians to punch a hole in the Iranian defense. This, while Iran created a few good opportunities to score a goal.
Greece and Iran, the biggest Anti-Football teams I ever saw in my life.What other choice do they have? Play a more open and entertaining game and lose 0-5?
On the other hand, what a hell of a match between Ghana and Germany. I have always had a real soft spot in my heart for the Black Stars.Same here, very exciting game! I was hoping for Ghana to win, because they really need to proceed into the next round, and not US or Portugal. Also, Germany wasn't really itself, it seemed. A bit uneasy on the field.
Greece and Iran, the biggest Anti-Football teams I ever saw in my life.What other choice do they have? Play a more open and entertaining game and lose 0-5?
If you weren't an Argentina fan it was actually a rather exciting watch.
Put the shark back in the pajama, captain, Zoo just likes football wars. He hates the Dutch team too.
Spectacular match Portugal vs USA! Ghana still has a chance now, but maybe Germany and USA will make a deal for a draw so they will both go through.
Yes, for a neutral spectator, who loves football and likes WC the most because of teams you almost enver see play. I had great fun watching the game. Yes, there were a lot of mistakes, and yes, Portugal played way below their usual level, so I can understand you are a bit sore. But for me: I had fun!Spectacular match Portugal vs USA! Ghana still has a chance now, but maybe Germany and USA will make a deal for a draw so they will both go through.
Spectacular ?
Watching Nigeria vs. Argentina now.
Can't believe what I am seeing. This is very unlike the matches in this world cup so far... far from boring.
Watching Nigeria vs. Argentina now.
Can't believe what I am seeing. This is very unlike the matches in this world cup so far... far from boring.
You are saying that this world cup has been boring ?
Have you watched the previous editions ? Those were boring.
This world cup has been fantastic overall, full of upsets, great matches and alot of goals.
Hmm, didn't Italy also go out in the group stage in 2010? Perhaps they too are no longer an elite European side! :PWatching Nigeria vs. Argentina now.
Can't believe what I am seeing. This is very unlike the matches in this world cup so far... far from boring.
You are saying that this world cup has been boring ?
Have you watched the previous editions ? Those were boring.
This world cup has been fantastic overall, full of upsets, great matches and alot of goals.
WC2010 was goalless, teams were confused (a lot of incomplete passes), and the atmosphere is bad. But compared to Germany 2006, Korea/Japan 2002, and France 1998 - I remembered seeing more spectacular show there. The one like shown by the Argentinians and Nigerians today. Congratulations to both of them.
Maybe I am just biased by my favourite team's performance (Italy) in this World Cup.
Yup, the performance cycle of Italy is wrong. Perhaps they used all of their luck to get into Euro 2012 final.
Anyway, England is not doing that bad, but the whole nation was engaged in such a big fuss. Italy on the other hand, with 4 championship titles, should be stirring more drama. England lost against 4 times world champion and the last world cup's semifinalist, then tied against a shocker team that managed to defeat the other two. Not bad at all.
Exciting world cup? Well, there is a lot of goals for sure. Also great matches like every games by the Netherlands, Italy vs. England, Argentina vs. Nigeria. I like the last one, a lot of individual skills and teamwork shown by both team as they desperately try to win the match. This is so unlike Italy vs. Costa Rica, where Italy just stalled (when compared to their performance against England) and Costa Rica, lacking in individual skills, failed to convert chances. Then Germany vs. Portugal, despite the generally disappointing performance of Germany, Portugal tops them in terms of disappointment, so 4 goals were scored against them.
(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/leaguelogos/soccer/500-dark/4.png&w=126&site=espnfc)Or incredibly boring.
Well today is a big WC day.
(http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/soccer/500-dark/481.png&w=126&site=espnfc) (http://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/soccer/500-dark/660.png&w=126&site=espnfc)
Germany vs USA
Both deserve to advance & I guess a tie will guarantee that.
Should be exciting.
8)
Update: Ghana lost Boateng and Muntari... what a shocker. Apparently 2010 France scandal has struck our community's African favourite. The Black Stars has withdrawn Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Ali Muntari's world cup license and sent them home. They will be playing Portugal without both of their main starters. :-\
That is brasil now, luck. They suck, Neymar was a ghost today, with few interventions compared to what he did in previous matches, Oscar, was he even playing?, Fred is like Cristiano Ronaldo, we don't know if he made it to Brasil to play the WC at all. Hulk was a ghost in the previous matches but today was much better, the defense is still terrible, as it was during groups stage.
It's far from being the SuperBrasil of Ronaldo, Cafu, Romario, Pelé...
the defense is still terrible, as it was during groups stage.I'm so surprised by this, when you just look at the names... man, it shoud be impregnable! I also think this will kill Brazil in quarter finals, or, at the latest, in semi-finals. They are nothing compared to the Confed Cup final, when they blew away Spain.
The last 2 minutes attempt by Mexico were thwarted by the Dutch team, and in the midst of injustice, the Netherlands advanced to the quarter final.
So maybe the moment of the penalty given was not 100% correct, but at least one penalty was deserved right.
More room for time crunching faggots then.It was an exciting game, but if Greece couldn't put out a 10 man Costa Rica then they never had a hope in the world against the Dutch. The better team won.
Well done to Greece for the effort, too bad Gekas missed his penalty shot.
OK, I agree, he should have given the penalty in the 43rd minute already. Then it would have been 1-0 instead of 0-1 and the match would have been totally different (except for the outcome, I think ;)).So maybe the moment of the penalty given was not 100% correct, but at least one penalty was deserved right.
Honestly I think it is stupid to give a penalty for a small foul only because earlier an obvious penalty was not given. This way, the ref does two mistakes instead of one... Moreover it was during additionnal time, which means 99,99% chances of victory if not missed. A referee should never compensate (not sure about this word :D )
I feel kinda sad for Enyeama, he gained my respect on 2010 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li_vlSw0VIk), did a damn good job against Argentina again in 2014 saving that amazing Free Kick by Messi and against France he showed once again that he is a very good GK. It's kinda his fault on Pogba's (another amazing player!, I'm sure Manchester United has something to say about him hehe) goal and it's 50/50 on the second goal I think, but still he made some superb saves.I also love Enyeama, he is a very humble and amiable player. He was joking around with Messi after being scored on by him last week, and also with the ref. He's a pretty exciting keeper to watch, and keepers are usually my favourite.
It's the kind of Goalkeepers I like, those who fly around making amazing saves, even those that are nearly impossible, he is quite humble (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV9Umxt0lmk) too
Yes!!!! I love Kevin de Brunye.
I live in Ohio, yeah. However my mother spent a long time in Belgium in her youth and my family has gone on holidays there many times, I really love the country, and I'm cheering for them because I want to see them do well not out of spite for the Americans. I live in the States but I don't feel any real connection, I have never considered myself American. The Yanks have enough sports wins I couldn't stand the smugness should they ever win a World Cup.Yes!!!! I love Kevin de Brunye.
Are you in the US mate? Why you are not excited to defend the new football fan recruits?
They invented this new cute term for diving, called "flopping."
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28100892
The best finals would be Belgium vs the Netherlands. Sadly one of them is on the wrong side of that whole bracket thingie.
Germany vs Netherlands would be fun. Where the Netherlands would proceed to lose with 0-7.
It's like they play well only every second game.But France only plays well every second World Cup! I don't know what to believe anymore
In this game both France and Germany deserved to lose, it was a horrible match to watch.
Slayer, the referee was terrible, please reconsider, 60 minutes and not a single Yellow card was given, while some fouls were not Yellow card worthy, the FIFA says that if the game is interrupted by fouls too often the Ref. must start showing the yellow card.It's also the habit of the teams which played yesterday to fake injury, which made the refereee not show yellow cards more often. In the Netherlands there is a lot of attention for the reaction in the international media about the "dive" of Robben which gave us the penalty vs Mexico, but if you watch another game vs two South American teams, you can see som 25-50 dives in one single game.
??? ??? ???
That's not a foul, you know.
Wow, Surfbird. You must be really scared to play against our team, right? So much hate, incredible. "Tryhard boy", lol, that sounds like he didn't succceed. I only see one tryhard boy here, Surfbird ;) "Bad sportsmanship" was there from Bryan Ruiz, writhing on the grass like he was dying and when the ball got played out by Sneijder he quickly stood up again. And "slimebag" from the mouth of a German is really killing me, the country of all slimebags actually is Germany when it comes to football, the word schwalbe isn't a German word for nothing, you know. ;)??? ??? ???
That's not a foul, you know.
It's a fucking dutchy moron giving me all reason to hate on your football team once more. Bad sportsmanship, typical slimebag tryhard boy.
Fully agree with Hjaldrgud.
...
No need to insult me because I don't like your favourite football players.I honestly didn't intend to insult you. The last few lines weren't aimed at you, but more in general. I have posted them before, in another thread which was about football rivalry. It was meant to be more in the line of thought which shows that extremism is more common with youngsters, etc. Sorry that it came across like an insult to you.
It's well measured dislike resulting in me hoping for the opponent teams rather than NL.Good, I like that :)
Anyway, at this point I really want this Germany - Netherlands final so I actually hope you advance vs Argentina, who I don't really like either. But I won't cry when you go home either ;)Of course you won't cry, because it will improve the chances of your team to win this WC ;) See you on Sunday!
Don't get why you dutchies are so sensitive about itI think sensitive is a tad too heavy a word for it, but what I personally can't stand, is that people take over outdated info they heard somewhere and then simply accept it as truth and start spreading it further.
I think final will be Netherlands vs Germany and the Germans do what they always do, win in the last minute :(
We don't have the best defense, nor the best goalkeeper, but we have the best player in the World.He just isn't really in top shape now, is he? Against Belgium he didn't really show what he is capable of. I sincerely hope that he will finally show his best skills next Saturday ;)
wat
They lost the world cup in the game against Columbia.
wat
They lost the world cup in the game against Columbia.
So you are saying the whole team of Brazil is basicly Neymar and his gang of goons?
wat
They lost the world cup in the game against Columbia.
So you are saying the whole team of Brazil is basicly Neymar and his gang of goons?
(http://x4.fjcdn.com/thumbnails/comments/Who+knows+this+might+get+front-page+Some+funny+_649b6a437989510a5067e62d159a5030.gif)
The announcers said Brazil hasnt lost a home game this big in 40 years.
it is Germans, they roll over everything, whether you are ready or not.Like in the good old times.
Poor Fred.
Poor Fred.
I missed that part, what did the poor guy do to deserve that relentless disapproval of the Brazilian public?
He's underperformed this tournament.Poor Fred.
I missed that part, what did the poor guy do to deserve that relentless disapproval of the Brazilian public?
Brazilian fans giving the German team an "Olay"....
whatever the hell that is.....
:P
Loving it so far! I wish Germany shows the same quality next game :)You think Argentina will win tomorrow, or what?
Total Football, in your face Greece&other antifootball teams!Total football, brought to you by the Dutch team in 1974. :)
3) Brazilian towns and favelas will still stand tomorrow and not being burned down tonight.
You know how especially the British press likes to use WW2 analogies when it comes to Germany in football?I giggled at the colors of their shirts though
I think the Germans cut them some slack and left them to score a goal. In my opinion if the Germans have pushed more it would have been much, much worse for the Brazilians.I think the last counter goal was done on purpose. IIRC, there was even only 1 defender running back in the end. My guess would be that they just wanted to avoid riots by letting the Brasilians go home with a goal.
That's why I'm not afraid of playing the Netherlands in the finals for example. They can only play their 3-4-3 lineup.Mmm, I thought you knew more about the game, Surfbird. We have played 3-4-3 exactly zero times this WC. We have played 5-3-2, 4-3-3, 3-3-4 and even 4-2-4 for a short time.
what fucking idiot decides to play a fucking final on a fucking sunday? I gotta work the next fucking day early.
That's why I'm not afraid of playing the Netherlands in the finals for example. They can only play their 3-4-3 lineup.Mmm, I thought you knew more about the game, Surfbird. We have played 3-4-3 exactly zero times this WC. We have played 5-3-2, 4-3-3, 3-3-4 and even 4-2-4 for a short time.
Awsome your working other shifts.. Totally..Why? It's a traditional resting day so people in Brazil are all free to watch. Why is this "insanely stupid"? Because you have your 9 to 5 shift on Monday and find it ridiculous that Brazil doesn't look at your time zone and work schedule?
Doesnt change playing a final on sundays insanely stupid.
Awsome your working other shifts.. Totally..Why? It's a traditional resting day so people in Brazil are all free to watch. Why is this "insanely stupid"? Because you have your 9 to 5 shift on Monday and find it ridiculous that Brazil doesn't look at your time zone and work schedule?
Doesnt change playing a final on sundays insanely stupid.
BOOOOOORING.Agreed, but for fans of both teams, this is a thriller.
Awsome your working other shifts.. Totally..Why? It's a traditional resting day so people in Brazil are all free to watch. Why is this "insanely stupid"? Because you have your 9 to 5 shift on Monday and find it ridiculous that Brazil doesn't look at your time zone and work schedule?
Doesnt change playing a final on sundays insanely stupid.
alcohol
Argentina played a tad better and won rightfully so (although I hoped for NL vs GER). And now...I disagree, especially in the end the Netherlands were playing better. Overall it was a typical 0-0 game. Sadly our team couldn't do the penalty trick twice. Congrats to Argentina, I'm looking forward to the final, even though our team isn't in it.
That "trick" left your boy Cillisen without any confidence in that penalty shootout.Nah, I don't mean the goalkeeper exchange thing, but the shoting of the penalties itself. Previous shootout, our team shot 4 out of 4. This time we missed two, which is worse than Cillissen not stopping any. And well, I really don't believe in karma.
I'm sad we can't see a classic final between Ned and Ger, but I'm sure we get a chance next EC, or maybe next WC.
A classic final would be Brasil v. Argentina as they have one of the most recognized rivalries in Football, that'd be awesome.
But you know, Brasil sucks...
GER.ARG is the most played final in WC history, counting 3. First one in 1986 which ended in a victory for Argentina and then in 1990 which ended in a victory for Germany, with a penalty that even wasn't a penalty.
A classic final would be Brasil v. Argentina as they have one of the most recognized rivalries in Football, that'd be awesome.Yes, that would be one classic final. Ned-Ger would be another classic final. In South America the Bra-Arg rivalry is the most famous, but in Europe, the Ned-Ger rivalry is one of the classics.
Germany (..) trimmed their facial hairs, ...Except Andre Schurrle ;)
Btw, you posted a lot about anti-football, while Argentina was playing exactly that yesterday, too.
Did they? I haven't seen Argentine players fouling constantly on Dutch players, I didn't see Argentine defend with 11 for 85 minutes..., in fact, that applies more to the Netherlands... to be honest.
Did they? I haven't seen Argentine players fouling constantly on Dutch players, I didn't see Argentine defend with 11 for 85 minutes..., in fact, that applies more to the Netherlands... to be honest.
You didn't see the guy trying to cut Sneijder's lower leg in two? All the fouls on Robben? The Dutch didn't play clean either I won't deny that, but don't pretend Argentine played fair.
Argentine played cowarly against Belgium last week :/ the most time stalling match ever.The Belgians didn't exactly look wonderful either though, did they? And I was backing them 100%. I think we really only saw their full potential vs the Yanks.
Did they? I haven't seen Argentine players fouling constantly on Dutch players,OK, agreed. Not constantly. In fact, I was glad to see that Argentina only used the foul a few times (although the Sneijder kick was too much).
I didn't see Argentine defend with 11 for 85 minutes..., in fact, that applies more to the Netherlands... to be honest.Really? Wonderful how you can see the same match and think almost 100% the opposite. Both teams were mostly defending, but especially in the second half and in the extra 30 minutes, the Netherlands went for a goal harder than Argentina. And so they were defending with 10 (not Messi), for 75 minutes.
If the next coach reverts back to 4-4-3. We would have Depay on left, Huntelaar central, he is still young enough and on the right Lens ??Yes, Huntelaar can still play for a few years, but I was thinking more about his successor. Do you know any Dutch central attackers which can be good enough to play in Oranje?
If the next coach reverts back to 4-4-3. We would have Depay on left, Huntelaar central, he is still young enough and on the right Lens ??Yes, Huntelaar can still play for a few years, but I was thinking more about his successor. Do you know any Dutch central attackers which can be good enough to play in Oranje?
@ Zoo: nice analysis, mostly agreed.
If the next coach reverts back to 4-4-3. We would have Depay on left, Huntelaar central, he is still young enough and on the right Lens ??I tought it was a mistake the first time, but it's the 2nd time you talk about this 443. You do know that there are only 11 players who can play, of whom only 10 are field players. Never hear of a 443 line up in this sport, 343 and 433 on the other hand could work.
Mmm, De Jong did nice when he was still playing for FC Twente, but after that he failed both in Monchengladbach and in Newcastle.He should come back to the Dutch competition, grow a bit stronger and betetr and then try again. Then, maybe he can be the central striker for Oranje.
Could happen, he is still young enough.
I dunno if going back to Holland will help him get better as a footballer, he needs refulare first team in a big league. Eredivisie isn't a huge league.I think he went too soon, many players leave Holland, but the wiser players wait until they can't learn anything here anymore. De Jong wasn't at that point yet.
It's time. I have not experienced a won world championsship for the Netherlands in my lifetime. I really want it to happen. We have an awesome generation of football players with many of them playing their last world cup. The team is on it's peak not only in skill, also in experience. I really admire them for their great team spirit and for realizing that is the last big opportunity with this generation. The final being lost 2010, the end in the semi-finals 2014, always close but never there.
Time has come. We have to win in 2018.
It is Dutch thing, we use it. Thought it was known elsewhere too. Google itIf the next coach reverts back to 4-4-3. We would have Depay on left, Huntelaar central, he is still young enough and on the right Lens ??I tought it was a mistake the first time, but it's the 2nd time you talk about this 443. You do know that there are only 11 players who can play, of whom only 10 are field players. Never hear of a 443 line up in this sport, 343 and 433 on the other hand could work.
Yeah "congratulations" Germany
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs8d2lqo_0o
1990, 2014, always the same bullshit.
Fútbol Para Todos
Argentinian players treat Kramer and Schweinsteiger like some street dogs. Yellow-Red card for Aguero not given, also Mascherano can be happy to have been playing until the end.Now don't exaggerate ;) The clash with Kramer was more some sort of an accident. I mean, Neuer's clash with Higuain was more intended than the Kramer clash. Agreed with Schweinsteiger and the card for Aguero, though.
Gameplaywise there were quite a bunch of unspectecular games, but a lot of extra times and a fair amount of penalty shootouts. The action in the K.O phase was kind of limited this way, not too many goals being scored. Excitement level for many games was very nice this way though.I believe this WC was the tournament with the most prolonged games (extra time and/or penalty shootouts): nine in total. Iirc the previous record was eight. Sadly the record of most goals wasn't broken. The presumed German walkover in the final didn't happen after all, so there was little chance for that record to fall.
This is the cleanest world cup I have ever seen.What do you mean by thias? You mean fouls, or diving? I think diving was done less than before by some teams (eg Spain), but more by others (Brazil mostly). Refereeing this WC was good at times (I hope the Gambia referee we had in the match vs Chile will be chosen again for big tournaments, as he was really cool and didn't fall for all the Chilean diving), but often very bad too. The Algerian Haimoudi who was whistling in the 3rd place match was a total joke. Like Surfbird I'm hoping for the best referees next time, and not for example the best referee from Polynesia, just because he is from Polynesia.
This is the cleanest world cup I have ever seen.What do you mean by thias? You mean fouls, or diving? I think diving was done less than before by some teams (eg Spain), but more by others (Brazil mostly). Refereeing this WC was good at times (I hope the Gambia referee we had in the match vs Chile will be chosen again for big tournaments, as he was really cool and didn't fall for all the Chilean diving), but often very bad too. The Algerian Haimoudi who was whistling in the 3rd place match was a total joke. Like Surfbird I'm hoping for the best referees next time, and not for example the best referee from Polynesia, just because he is from Polynesia.
About unspectacular games: I have seen more unspectacular games in 2010, so I guess there has been some improvement. I also noticed that last three WC finals all have been decided in extra time or with penalties, which means that teams are either more careful in a final, or more equal opponents than before (I mean, 1998 final was almost a walkover for France and 2002 final was not very difficult for Brazil). Calculating the amount of chances to score, though, I believe in the latter.
The midfield is Argentina's under performing side. Messi is forever alone. Argentina has loads of top class attackers, and yet they still keep Tevez, Milito, etc from the squad.
Castroman
'As you know, I'm no soccer fan,' she [Argentina President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner] said, while standing next to Messi and Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella. 'I didn't see a single match, not even the one yesterday (on Sunday).' Kirchner revealed she phoned Sabella after the match because it felt like the team had won, regardless of the result. 'That's how I felt and how 40 million Argentines felt too,' she added.
Just wondering, since you're an Argy bargy, what is your opinion of Messi? I read an article in the Economist recently that says he is considered too Spanish by most Argentines. I know he's not Maradona, but do you like him, personally?The midfield is Argentina's under performing side. Messi is forever alone. Argentina has loads of top class attackers, and yet they still keep Tevez, Milito, etc from the squad.
Castroman
Tévez is an asshole, he always sucked on the National Team, he is having a great time in Juve but he was average on the national team. Diego Milito is too old, in fact he just returned to Racing from Inter during the World Cup, nobody noticed.
Castroman, you got to be kidding me.
Just wondering, since you're an Argy bargy, what is your opinion of Messi? I read an article in the Economist recently that says he is considered too Spanish by most Argentines. I know he's not Maradona, but do you like him, personally?The midfield is Argentina's under performing side. Messi is forever alone. Argentina has loads of top class attackers, and yet they still keep Tevez, Milito, etc from the squad.
Castroman
Tévez is an asshole, he always sucked on the National Team, he is having a great time in Juve but he was average on the national team. Diego Milito is too old, in fact he just returned to Racing from Inter during the World Cup, nobody noticed.
Castroman, you got to be kidding me.
On that note:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/messi-im-sorry-i-let-down-the-people-of-barcelona,36456/
Yea I know that from 2006 & 2010. It's like, "We were close but with that 3th place we achieved something and had a nice game. Next time we do better"- attitude. It's good and somewhat deletes the negative feelings of a lost semi finals.Therefore I hope our team can make the steps the German team made in the past few years.
Young Germans claim continental crown (German U-19 won the UEFA U-19 Euro Cup)
http://www.fifa.com/u20worldcup/news/newsid=2414758/index.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news
Holy shit, they are unstoppable.
Looking at other countries, such as UK's England, they can designate Liverpool FC as the team development club, just like German's FC Bayern Munich and Spain's Barcelona FC. Where almost half of their starting national players come from.