[Football] The Official World Cup thread - No GDT!

Well, the World Cup starts in three days.


Friday :
Germany - Costa Rica (6 PM)
Poland - Ecuador (9 PM)

Saturday :
England - Paraguay (3 PM)
Trinidad and Tobago - Sweden (6 PM)
Argentina - Ivory Coast (9 PM)

Have fun!

Can't wait for the opening kickoff. I only work a half day on Friday so it's all good. :D

Just curious...what timezone is Germany in? (GMT)

Can't wait for the opening kickoff. I only work a half day on Friday so it's all good. :D

Just curious...what timezone is Germany in? (GMT)
+1

Can't wait for the opening kickoff. I only work a half day on Friday so it's all good. :D

Just curious...what timezone is Germany in? (GMT)

Central European time (6 hours ahead of EST.)

+1

Cool thanks, so Game 1 starts at 1Pm for me. Which works out well since I got off at 12:15.

I don't see Costa Rica putting up too much of a fight against Germany. Germany should cruise to an easy 3-0 win.

Shall we fix GDT's along with this one as a more general discussions thread?

And how about our prediction game?

This place will be flooded with football talk :D

Shall we fix GDT's along with this one as a more general discussions thread?
I think we should have GDT only after the group matches.
Before that, we should try to stick everything into that thread, otherwise, we won't have an "Other Sports forum" but a football forum.
Not that I mind, but... :D


And how about our prediction game?
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=257833

HFBoards needs to create a smiley that shows "salivating at the thought"


AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE, OI OI OI!!!

How about eight different threads for each group? GDT, discussion and everything related to each of the four teams belongs in there.

What's the story on Ballack? Is he playing in the first game?

How about eight different threads for each group? GDT, discussion and everything related to each of the four teams belongs in there.
I wouldn't be opposed to something like that. This is the world's biggest sporting event, and even casual fans might pop in for a few comments here and there. I think some discussion might be lost in a massive thread.

I wouldn't be opposed to something like that. This is the world's biggest sporting event, and even casual fans might pop in for a few comments here and there. I think some discussion might be lost in a massive thread.

That's my thinking too.

We could do 8 group threads and then sticky the relevant threads of the groups that will be playing on a particular day.

We could even close the other group threads so they won't all spoil the front page.

Let's just create a football board??? :bow:

Let's just create a football board??? :bow:

Nah, we don't want to push our luck with the big boys up stairs running this place. We were lucky they gave us this board to toy around with in the first place ;)

We're still a hockey board first and foremost. Although the football talk is great here because we've got so many people from many different countries.

*cough*http://hfboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77 *cough*

I may well have missed something, but why the lock on group B and C??

Because we don't want the full front page to be loaded with WC threads.
So we'll close it until the group is active.

That's my thinking too.

We could do 8 group threads and then sticky the relevant threads of the groups that will be playing on a particular day.

We could even close the other group threads so they won't all spoil the front page.
Done for the first 4 groups.
I'll take care of the other 4 either tonight or tomorrow.

Argentina-Ivory Coast looks to be the first interesting game of the tournament, with Czech Republic-USA following on Monday.

I aint here from the 9th to 18th so I wont see the first games :(.

I am so damn excited! Only a few more days now!

And i was freaking out, i have to work Saturday morning, and I didnt know if the England game was on ESPN, ABC or ESPN2. Turns out its on ABC, so i can watch it at work!

"Vi har scoret i Marseille! Vi har scoret mot Brasil. Vi har scoret ved Tore André Flo. Jeg tror det ikke! Flonaldo i Marseille og for en oppreisning for supporterne. 1-1, ikke noe er umulig i fotball. Vi har aldri tapt for Brasil!"

"Scheie:Er det straffespark?
Tjærnås:Nei det er...
Scheie:Er det straffespark?
Tjærnås:Ja det er det!
Scheie:Er det straffespark?
Tjærnås:Ja det er det!
Scheie:Er det straffespark?
(...)
Scheie:Rekdal er kald som en fisk. Vi har reist oss fra plassene våre, og Kjetil Rekdal fra...han scorer! Jaaaaa!"

God, I miss the buzz around Norway. Just isn`t the same without Norwegian Vikings participating at the greatest stage in world football. Who can forget Kjetil Rekdal giving us the first win ever in a world cup match back in 1994 against Jorge Campos and Mexico. Not to mention Flonaldo and Rekdal once again providing unforgettable moments, a warm June Night in Marseille 8 years ago, against the mighty Brazilians. An entire nation in celebration and joy, parties all over the country and proud people everywhere. It wont be the same without us there and you all know it!

Screw Fifa!

I see the Italian training sessions are coming along nicely. I think Derek Roy took that video.

http://usa.worldcupblog.org/group-e/secret-italian-training-video.html

Sure going to miss the Norwegian Vikings, but at least we're sending Arne Scheie to Germany!

I remember watching a guy throwing his screaming wife into the ocean when the ref blew his whistle, ending the game in Marseille.

I aint here from the 9th to 18th so I wont see the first games :(.
Where are you going that you can't watch the World Cup? A jungle or an island or something? :D

Hey Tricolore mind if I swipe your avatar for the WC? Need to represent the motherland here.

No problem man. If you want a different player too, let me know, and I'll try to work something up.

No problem man. If you want a different player too, let me know, and I'll try to work something up.

Oh cool. Well since you're offering, a Lampard avatar would rock my socks off. :D

For the novices like myself who only follow the world cup when it comes to football: is there a site that shows the good players for each team, each team's strength/weaknesses, and how they play(formations, agressive/passive style, etc)? I'm really excited for the start of the tournament and would like to get some info on the teams I'll be watching so a site like that would be great.

Oh cool. Well since you're offering, a Lampard avatar would rock my socks off. :D

Outstanding! :handclap:

If anyone wants to challenge the Swedish 'experts' in a mini World Cup prediction contest over at the Sweden board (and from a Swedish point of view), go here http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=258033 ;)

For the novices like myself who only follow the world cup when it comes to football: is there a site that shows the good players for each team, each team's strength/weaknesses, and how they play(formations, agressive/passive style, etc)? I'm really excited for the start of the tournament and would like to get some info on the teams I'll be watching so a site like that would be great.

Here you go.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/default.stm

I see the Italian training sessions are coming along nicely. I think Derek Roy took that video.

http://usa.worldcupblog.org/group-e/secret-italian-training-video.html
:boredom:

:boredom:
I thought it was very funny. :D

What's the story on Ballack? Is he playing in the first game?
Didn't practice the last two days and probably won't practice today. But he expects to be ready to play on friday.

God, I miss the buzz around Norway. Just isn`t the same without Norwegian Vikings participating at the greatest stage in world football. Who can forget Kjetil Rekdal giving us the first win ever in a world cup match back in 1994 against Jorge Campos and Mexico. Not to mention Flonaldo and Rekdal once again providing unforgettable moments, a warm June Night in Marseille 8 years ago, against the mighty Brazilians. An entire nation in celebration and joy, parties all over the country and proud people everywhere. It wont be the same without us there and you all know it!


Oh, yes! And who could forget Finland placing 4th in the 1912 Olympics?! After beating Italy 3-2 and Russia 2-1, our boys gave the eventual Gold medal winners Great Britain a run for their money in the semi finals, losing only 4-0 and finally completed their run in a spectacular Bronze medal match against the Netherlands that featured a whopping 9 goals (all scored by the Dutch)!

It's a huge shame that World War One spoiled the careers of our Golden Generation. Now they're a bit past their prime I'm afraid. :(

Oh, yes! And who could forget Finland placing 4th in the 1912 Olympics?! After beating Italy 3-2 and Russia 2-1, our boys gave the eventual Gold medal winners Great Britain a run for their money in the semi finals, losing only 4-0 and finally completed their run in a spectacular Bronze medal match against the Netherlands that featured a whopping 9 goals (all scored by the Dutch)!

It's a huge shame that World War One spoiled the careers of our Golden Generation. Now they're a bit past their prime I'm afraid. :(

If we`re talking Olympics its a shame not to mention "Bronselaget" from Berlin in 1936. We even beat Germany in the group stages with Adolf himself at the game. Fell to Italy in the semifinals, but got a goal very controversially disallowed (Germany and Italy had pretty decent relationship back in those days....................) We probably should have been in the final, but only got bronze after beating Poland in the bronze medal match. Who can forget the likes of Jørgen Juve, Reidar Kvammen from my homecity of Stavanger, Arne Brustad and Henry "Tippen" Johansen? Those were the days!

Thanks for the link Steve.

Where are you going that you can't watch the World Cup? A jungle or an island or something? :D
I am going to a country which is in the WC's but the question is, whether I will have access to a TV (or time for watching).

The link doesnt work.

Just in case anyone has missed the thread, here it is. We have currently 11 people, more is welcome!

I set up a group on the fifaworldcup site, everyone's free to join!

http://en.fifaworldcup.fantasysports.yahoo.com/ff

http://en.fifaworldcup.fantasysport.../ff/group/29914

The group name is hfboards, password is also hfboards.

I'm Stonecutters FC. You pick 23 players and that's only for the group stages. Rules are there if you need them.

Group ID is 29914.

Van der Vaart might be ready after all. He won't be send home but I still question his efficiency considering a gentile kick vs his ankle's would be enough to sideline him for a month.

Sneijder appears to be "ok" as well, but is unlikely to make the 12th of June. Philip Cocu, probably our best player in general, is the most questionable player. He already had to walk off after 10 minutes during practice. Expect U21 Captain of the European Champions Stijn Schaars to replace him if it comes that far.

I'm afraid we won't see Cissé in Germany. Looks like he suffered a nasty injury just a few minutes ago.

OMG.
Cissé borke his right leg again. :eek:

The guy is really unlucky.

I wonder how Anelka feels about it.

£££####????!!!!!!!!!


***! Sue them! We want our money!



Seriously, good luck in his recovery. I'm hearing he broke it in the same place again as last time (I'm not watching)? If so he'll be lucky to ever play football at a top level again. Very unlucky indeed :(

I am not a big fan of him as a player but I really feel very sorry for him. It really looks very nasty. Poor guy.

Sucks about Cisse

But.....Rooney appears to be able to play in the World Cup!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5057514.stm

Eventually great own goal by Wang Yun in the 90th minute, France wins 2-1.

Make that 3-1 (Henry)

I am not a big fan of him as a player but I really feel very sorry for him. It really looks very nasty. Poor guy.
Hes a wifebeater so I dont feel sorry for him.

Ive always tried to get into soccer but i just cant i try to like all sports sometimes its hard when u have no intrest in some though but im gion to try to follow it this year

Hes a wifebeater so I dont feel sorry for him.
Not true.

Teams I'll look out for:

Brazil: Well, duh.

Argentina: Inspired footballers up and down the lineup, and more defensive mettle than Brazil, imo. Not afraid to play with... passion... if that's what it takes to win.

Holland: Too good a team to be anything below a quarterfinal party, or more. Now if only they could get a proper outfit...

England: Rooney or no Rooney, this team plays exciting football, imo.

Spain: This team consistently underperforms at the big tourneys. Still, they have to get it together at some time, and have a solid team.

Germany: Home team thing going on. They also have an underrated offensive duo in Podolski and Klose.

________________

Don't think/hope will do well:

Italy: Hard to like a team that plays Totti (and Gattuso, for that matter). I suspect the troubles in the home league may have quite a few players' heads elsewhere.

Sweden: Zlatan is out of shape, Larsson is his usual self (very good), but... I just don't see it.

_________

The no-ideas:

Czech: This could a boy, or a girl, really. They could do very well, or they could do poorly. If on top of their game, a very good team.

France: Little hunger, lots of years. Still, too much quality to rule out.

well I just did my pool. Me and some buds just drew names randomly out of a hat, its pretty fun and sometimes you get a stacked roster.

I did pretty good..

England
France
Paraguay
Togo
Tunisia
Iran

France: Little hunger
I disagree with that. The french are VERY hungry, more so than I remember since WC 98 (home WC) and Euro 00 (wanted to show the UEFA for not seeding them).

I disagree with that. The french are VERY hungry, more so than I remember since WC 98 (home WC) and Euro 00 (wanted to show the UEFA for not seeding them).

Perhaps your most important player, Zidane, don`t look hungry at all. France is in trouble if Zizou don`t elevate his game to another level come tournament time, and to tell you the truth I`m not sure he has it in him anymore. Henry also looks a bit tired. For some reason he always seem play better in Arsenal than for the national team.

Perhaps your most important player, Zidane, don`t look hungry at all. France is in trouble if Zizou don`t elevate his game to another level come tournament time, and to tell you the truth I`m not sure he has it in him anymore. Henry also looks a bit tired. For some reason he always seem play better in Arsenal than for the national team.
:eek:
Have you seen Zidane against China yesterday? He looks hungrier than ever!
You couldn't be more off-base.

Zidane was better yesterday than the 2 previous games. Still, it was vs China, not Switzerland... it will be a lot more physical. China was good but barely made an intense pressing.
Still, I'm more confident about Zidane after this game... but IMO he shouldn't be there at all. Hopefully he's going to prove me wrong, and I think he can... but probably not for a full game with a high tempo.

:eek:
Have you seen Zidane against China yesterday? He looks hungrier than ever!
You couldn't be more off-base.

Time will tell. He had a sub-par season in Madrid and isn`t looking like the same player who dominated the footballworld a couple of years back. I`d love for him to come in and play great in the World Cup (again), but I just don`t see it happening.

I think I was fair in my assesment of France.

On one hand their profiles have already won the thing, and are getting a bit old, or have played a lot of footie this season. Neither Zidane or Viera looked anything like the players they have been, in the game against Denmark.

On the other hand, I also wrote that there's just too much available quality on that team to rule them out.

On a side note, I heard something about a rift between the goalies and the coaching staff, on the French team?

A little bit.
Domenech sent Barthez as the clear starter and Coupet as the backup. Coupet, who worked very hard and was 4 times in a row best GK of Ligue 1, didn't appreciate... especially when Barthez gave up in a climb in moutains during the Tignes training camp.
Coupet nearly left the team before coming back and it seems everything is now alright, though Coupet is still very upset.

Nah, that was two weeks ago, when Coupet made his feelings known.
Since then, everything's fine.

Anyway, after Cissé's injury, Domenech must face a choice :
1- calling nobody to replace Djib. Wiltord can play as striker anyway.
2- calling a nice team guy that won't play many minutes (Govou?)
3- calling one of his two glaring omissions (Giuly, Anelka) even though they criticized him. Micoud and Pires don't fit the profile (speedy strikers)
4- calling one of the U21 young strikers, since they aren't in vacation yet (Giuly is rumored to be in Australia). Sinama is a possiblity, Briand a longer shot. Le Tallec is injured. Gouffran would be a surprise.
5- calling a guy playing another position and move Wiltord up front. In that case, Toulalan is the most logical possibility.

My prediction (not necessarily the choice I'd make) : 2 or 4.

I haven't seen that many games with France this year but they looked quite interesting against China (I know, it is China but still...), Zidane had some beautiful passes, Trezequet and Henry looks dangerous together and I REALLY liked Ribéry. He had a nice intensity in his game.

I REALLY liked Ribéry. He had a nice intensity in his game.
No kidding.
Now every game, starting in the 60th minute, the crowd starts to chant : "RIBERY, RIBERY" until he comes on the pitch. And that in every stadium they've played so far (Paris, Lens and St Etienne).
And everytime he comes, he doesn't disappoint.
He's amazing.
People here are in for a surprise when they see him in the WC.

Nah, that was two weeks ago, when Coupet made his feelings known.
Since then, everything's fine.

Anyway, after Cissé's injury, Domenech must face a choice :
1- calling nobody to replace Djib. Wiltord can play as striker anyway.
2- calling a nice team guy that won't play many minutes (Govou?)
3- calling one of his two glaring omissions (Giuly, Anelka) even though they criticized him. Micoud and Pires don't fit the profile (speedy strikers)
4- calling one of the U21 young strikers, since they aren't in vacation yet (Giuly is rumored to be in Australia). Sinama is a possiblity, Briand a longer shot. Le Tallec is injured. Gouffran would be a surprise.
5- calling a guy playing another position and move Wiltord up front. In that case, Toulalan is the most logical possibility.

My prediction (not necessarily the choice I'd make) : 2 or 4.
My prediction was dead on : Govou has been recalled... :shakehead

Good news for Togo, Switzerland and Korea. Their defenders can mark the other players because Govou won't score anyway. :D

Somebody is pulling the Marek Svatos prank :biglaugh:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/gshoe/index.html (click on vote results on the right side)

OK, I'm all set now for the World Cup, my avatar has been adapted and my sig has been updated. Let the games begin :yo: :yo:

OK, I'm all set now for the World Cup, my avatar has been adapted and my sig has been updated. Let the games begin :yo: :yo:

There's no hatred or dislike from the Dutch towards the Belgians though. It's a one sided one.. Even though we still like to make fun out of Belgiums as much as we can.. ;)

Somebody is pulling the Marek Svatos prank :biglaugh:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/gshoe/index.html (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/gshoe/index.html) (click on vote results on the right side)

:handclap:

There's no hatred or dislike from the Dutch towards the Belgians though. It's a one sided one.. Even though we still like to make fun out of Belgiums as much as we can.. ;)

It's not real hatred from our (at least my) side either. I'd say the sentiment from the Dutch towards the Germans is much, much stronger then the sentiments from Belgians (Flemish) people towards the dutchies.


Still it's my duty to at least have this silent form of protest against all the support the dutch are getting from people who should know better
(ie not dutchies but other people who like the dutch because 'they play attractive football')

There's no hatred or dislike from the Dutch towards the Belgians though. It's a one sided one.. Even though we still like to make fun out of Belgiums as much as we can.. ;)
That's always fun, correct.

Belgians are the most friendly people on earth IMO though. :)

Ik heb er wat van afgelachen met dat volk ! :D

The French on the other hand... :innocent:

Well Friday is finally here! :hyper:

The video of the Italian Training video is hilarious

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Hahahaha thats great

That's always fun, correct.

Belgians are the most friendly people on earth IMO though. :)

Ik heb er wat van afgelachen met dat volk ! :D


You see, we're just here to serve, we're that friendly :)


You'll have to get used to more belgians though, Huysegems and De Ceulaer will take Feyenoord back to the top next year :biglaugh:

The French on the other hand... :innocent:
Nope, you won't get me there.... ;)

Anyone think Ballack is not going to perform his best today and/or could possible re-injure that leg? That would be a huge loss to Germany if he got hurt even more against Costa Rica

RE: WORLD CUP IN CANADA

Does anyone know of a podcast or internet radio feed I can listen to? Seems the BBC one is for UK listeners only.

Thanks!

-C-

Go Aussies Go! :)

Nope, you won't get me there.... ;)
Wise decision. ;)

Nonetheless I like the country !

The video of the Italian Training video is hilarious


Hahahaha thats greatWould that be the Italian team, maybe..

Would that be the Italian team, maybe..

Yes indeed, im not fully awake yet, need more coffee :D

After throwing every Germany cliche in the book at the audience in the first half hour, they finally get something right: parading all (surviving) players from every championship team from 1930 to 2002. Great idea! The first Brazilian fans were already crying in the stands from seeing their old heroes.

For whatever reason, Maradona was missing, though. :(

Arrrghh i dispise opening ceremonies. Lets gets onto the Football!

Just a few minutes till kickoff can't wait for it to start. Let The World Cup Begin! Go USA! And for my dad Go Italy!

RE: WORLD CUP IN CANADA

Does anyone know of a podcast or internet radio feed I can listen to? Seems the BBC one is for UK listeners only.

Thanks!

-C-
Im in the States and listening to Five Live as we speak.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/mainframe.shtml?http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/fivelive.shtml

Nonetheless I like the country !

France is a great country... only too bad it's the French living there


;)


Im in the States and listening to Five Live as we speak.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/mainframe.shtml?http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/fivelive.shtml

It will probably get turned off once the game starts so start looking for some other options pre emptively

France is a great country... only too bad it's the French living there


;)




It will probably get turned off once the game starts so start looking for some other options pre emptively
Oh you just ruined my morning, if that is indeed the case

Oh you just ruined my morning, if that is indeed the case

Hey it's not my fault :biglaugh:


They usually turn it off though when the games are on, I'm speaking of experience. Luckily I'm close enough to get it on the Mediumwave myself so it's not that bad for me.

you were right :cry:

and to add insult to injury I had a soccernet gamecast loaded up as a backup and 5 seconds after the match started i got a fatal I explorer error.

now i cant bring it back up because of the websense filters at work

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

What a cracking goal

What a cracking goal

Indeed it was.

:banghead: :banghead:

Costa Rica GOAL!!!

1-1 now well onside no doubt a goal

Costa Rica was being totally dominated...that came out of nowhere.

1-1

Looked offsides to me but Lehmann should have stopped it anyways.

2-1 Germany Klose

2-1 Germany...WOW.

2-1

2-1 Germany, very nice goal.

KLOSE baby, woot!!!!!!

Btw, last WC had to stay up late to watch the games in Japan/Korea, now I have to stay up late again lol.

Btw, last WC had to stay up late to watch the games in Japan/Korea, now I have to stay up late again lol.

:D

Looked offsides to me but Lehmann should have stopped it anyways.

Replay clearly showed that when the pass was made, Wanchope was on-side. Good vision by the linesman.

Thank god we have soccer...hockey need at least one sport that people in the US care about less...

Replay clearly showed that when the pass was made, Wanchope was on-side. Good vision by the linesman.

Ok thanks, didn't see the replay as I was getting a drink, plus my Chinese isn't good enough to know what the announcers here are saying :)

The announcers here are calling Klose "Tiger"... :dunno:

Im liking Schweinsteiger out on the left wing he looks dangerous

Thank god we have soccer...hockey need at least one sport that people in the US care about less...
:clap: congratulations on one of the most pointless posts Ive seen. Great job.

Wow, great try by Podhalski.

One annoying thing with the broadcast here in Taiwan is they don't show the time of the game. :rant:

Very entertaining first half, even if I can't understand 9/10ths of what the announcers here are saying :biglaugh:

Pretty awful defending by Germany on numerous occasions. Mertesacker, Friedrich (very much to blame for the goal) and Metzelder just can't get it right at the back.

Nice goals, and a good start to the WC, some good football being played despire the bad defending.

My TV provider isn't doing ESPN for some reason, so I have to watch on Telemundo I think. Good game so far. Germany have had more possession, but I feel that the backline is very static and the Costa Ricans have looked capable of getting past it at times. Should be a great 2nd half.

Pretty awful defending by Germany on numerous occasions. Mertesacker, Friedrich (very much to blame for the goal) and Metzelder just can't get it right at the back.

Nice goals, and a good start to the WC, some good football being played despire the bad defending.

Agreed, the defense has looked very shakey. I would guess though it's just a bit of nerves playing in front of a huge home crowd. We'll see how they do 2nd half.

Agreed, the defense has looked very shakey. I would guess though it's just a bit of nerves playing in front of a huge home crowd. We'll see how they do 2nd half.



Moved response to Group A thread

Norway>>Costa Rica

Klose 3-1

Wooooooooot Klose!!!!!!!

Well that pretty much kills off Costa Rica for this game.

What a finish! 3-2

Costs Rica scores. 3-2.

3-2 Wanchope again. Damn Lehmann by letting in 2 goals you are ruining my fantasy league team.

Jesus the defense is horrid and Lehmann isn't looking great either. STOP watching the ball and go after it!

Klose off, Neuville in.

This is so typical for Germany. At the beginning they play strong and if they think, they are winning, they get tired and slowly. they already lost lots of games like that.

I watched five minutes on ESPN2, then switched to Univision, and even though I speak no Spanish, their commentary is way better.

I watched five minutes on ESPN2, then switched to Univision, and even though I speak no Spanish, their commentary is way better.

ZING. I'm inclined to say the commentary here in Taiwan is better too even though I don't get ESPN2 here :biglaugh:

Nice dive by Schneider. :shakehead

These Spanish guys kick *** though...the guy gets so excited over everything, and has the classic "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL" call.

Haha, nice try by schneider to get the penalty shot. :D

These Spanish guys kick *** though...the guy gets so excited over everything, and has the classic "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL" call.


I love that, it sounds like they are insane when calling a game.

Holy **** what a shot by Frings with the hair flying!!!!

That was amazing, what a rocket! Beautiful!

There have been some nice goals.

That was amazing, what a rocket! Beautiful!

Best goal of the match IMO, what a shot.

Best goal of the match IMO, what a shot.

Agree 100% Schneider off, Odonkor in.

good goal.

Game over.

I'm dead tired, 2am here in Taiwan.

Good game overall, fun to watch although the German D really needs to turn things around as has been pointed out.

Night all.

I watched five minutes on ESPN2, then switched to Univision, and even though I speak no Spanish, their commentary is way better.


I wish I got Univision....this commentary is wearing down my soul.



Man, that shot by Frings was even better than the Lahm goal, which is saying ALOT.



Great match.

:bow: the world cup

:bow: the world cup
amen brother :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow:

The end.

4-2

Some nice goals by Germany but most of their defensive game was.... :loony:

Well. Game 1 was great. Hopefully this sets the bar high for the other matches. Go Germany! :handclap:

Amazing goal by Frings :D

Im liking Schweinsteiger out on the left wing he looks dangerous

He's quickly becoming a favourite with me :thumbu:

Would be cool if you guys saved the game comments for the Group thread (A in that case).

Well, with that Frings goal and the comments made by goalies, we should see plenty of goals this WC.
The ball seems extremely light and easy to rocket from 30 meters.

It always amazes me how much these guys can get the ball to curve.

Just one hour until Poland - Ecuador is on...

Not that exciting but i can't wait. :D

I love the World Cup.

Unauthorized use of the: :banana:

Would be cool if you guys saved the game comments for the Group thread (A in that case).


It will be done my lord.

(Star Wars nerd me? Nah)

It always amazes me how much these guys can get the ball to curve.

That's exactly the problem, in this case Frings harldy put any curve on the ball as you could see by the replay.
The balls are really becoming so light these days that the least away from center striking has huge effects. As evilo said (and the goalkeepers already complained about earlier) there's going to be plenty of long distance goals.



By the way Lehmann looked a bit shakey today I thought.

By the way Lehmann looked a bit shakey today I thought.

He did.

I think Kahn would have gotten a limb on either of them.

He did.

I think Kahn would have gotten a limb on either of them.

News and Notes from the WC:

-Togo players state they won't play in the WC unless they are properly compensated finicially for it. Togo President flys to Germany to try to resolve the problem

- German goalie Jens Lehmann twisted his ankle in win over Costa Rica. Looks like Kahn will get game action after all

What an opening day. It wouldn't surprise me if Lahm's and Frings's goals were amongst the top 10 of the tournament when all is said and done. They were outstanding. If we see more goals like that, this tournament will be a memorable one.

What an opening day. It wouldn't surprise me if Lahm's and Frings's goals were amongst the top 10 of the tournament when all is said and done. They were outstanding. If we see more goals like that, this tournament will be a memorable one.

Hopefully we'll see some great replay reel goals come from England tomorrow morning ;)

What an opening day. It wouldn't surprise me if Lahm's and Frings's goals were amongst the top 10 of the tournament when all is said and done. They were outstanding. If we see more goals like that, this tournament will be a memorable one.

I'm not so sure to be honest. The ball is swerving incredibly and we still have 62 games left with the world's best still to play, I think we'll see quite a few that are better. That being said, both were fantastic.

So, looks like I will be watching all the games at home, I just got back from the hospital, where they said i have torn my mcl...sweet

VAMOS ESPAÑA!!!We will win the world cup :yo: :yo: :yo:

Day two over. I'd say the best match of the day was Sweden vs T&T.
Best team effort was from The Ivory Coast.
Whatcha think?

Oh yea, and a big :p: to Argentina for the world class dives.

Aaaaand, Frings goal still stands as the most impressive thus far ;)

I'm quite shocked by the weakness of some countries. :o

Paraguay (And I always get flamed when I say Argentina, Brasil have an easy route to the WC. I can't imagine one will ever be absent at the World Cup)
Costa Rica (Good Lord)
Ecquador (Good for them they faced Poland)
T&T (You can't blame them. Country is as big as the region I'm living in and it's a miracle they made it)

Jesus lord almighty, im loving this. We're 6.5 games into the tournament and i have not watched a boring game yet (the England match may have been for a neutral but when your own team is involved it becomes much more intriguing). We've had stunning goals, end-to-end football and incredible atmospheres. This will be the best world cup ever, i'm calling it now!

I was really looking forward to seeing England, but you're right, It was easily the least impressive game thus far.

As i keep saying, the next couple of games will show you the real England. We'll know what to expect with regards to the weather and the referees. We'll cream T&T and then finally beat Sweden.

I'm, looking forward to the next match. My house is split with 2 cheering on England and 2 cheering on Germany.

The two cheering on Germany still want to see England go far and wouldn't mind seeing them take the cup either ;) .

I'm, looking forward to the next match. My house is split with 2 cheering on England and 2 cheering on Germany.

Invite 2 Holland fans over and have a brawl then. :D

Invite 2 Holland fans over and have a brawl then. :D

Actually, there are plenty of Dutch people in this area, wouldn't be hard to find sparring partners :D

What's up with everybody slipping up, every single game a few players go down as though they were playing on the ice. Do they water the pitch right before the games?

What's up with everybody slipping up, every single game a few players go down as though they were playing on the ice. Do they water the pitch right before the games?

It's a conspiracy to favor teams with good ice hockey teams. :sarcasm:

What's up with everybody slipping up, every single game a few players go down as though they were playing on the ice. Do they water the pitch right before the games?

They usually do that so that shouldn't be an excuse.
In fact I think in the England game it wasn't done and the Paraguayan GK got injured because of that, his foot got stuck on the dry grass.

It's a conspiracy to favor teams with good ice hockey teams. :sarcasm:

Sweden haven't read the script then....

Is it just me or has there been a lot of shoving, blocking, and bodychecking so far?

Welcome to African football my friend...

Sweden haven't read the script then....

They weren't in on it, too busy being distracted by that one player's rat tail, Mikelsson, I think? ;)

They weren't in on it, too busy being distracted by that one player's rat tail, Mikelsson, I think? ;)

na it was Wilhelmsson.. awful awful haircut... but this angolanian guy "loco" tops even wilhelmssons haircut.

Zinedine Z about Frank Ribery :
"He's good. Sometimes, you try to play as you like it and you aren't good. But he's very very good. He'll put his stamp on people's mind everytime he'll be on the pitch. He'll become someone important".

Just read both Vonlathen and Vidic are out of the WC after injuries in training :(

After seeing every team battle once, here are my rankings of the favourite teams :
1- Italy
I liked the way they played. Sure they had trouble, but Ghana is a hard opponent.

2- Spain
Destroying Ukraine is impressive, but Ukraine have really misplayed and the offsides also should remind everyone Spain has some work ahead.

3- Argentina
They had a very tough opponent and still looked calm and good.

4- Brazil
Can't rank them lower. They haven't impressed, but Kaka's inspiration was the difference. They were better than I thought defensively.

5- Germany
Impressive game against Poland and lot of will on this team.

6- Holland
You can see the potential. Counter attack should be the forte.

7- Czech Republic
They didn't play as well as they can, and the Koller injury will hurt, but the potential is there.

8- Ivory Coast
Sure they lost and could be eliminated tonight, but they've played very well in their first.

9- Croatia
Should have at least got a point out of the Brazil game.

10- Ecuador
Nice simple football. Slow paced, but efficient.

Biggest disappointments :
1- France
Showed nothing.

2- Portugal
Had zero inspiration.

3- Ukraine
I expected them to be much better.

4- Sweden
They could have been eliminated already.

5- England
Sure they're through, but they didn't show much. Players and coaches are happy with their play against T&T, which says a lot about the mediocre ambition.

After seeing every team battle once, here are my rankings of the favourite teams :
1- Italy
I liked the way they played. Sure they had trouble, but Ghana is a hard opponent.

2- Spain
Destroying Ukraine is impressive, but Ukraine have really misplayed and the offsides also should remind everyone Spain has some work ahead.

3- Argentina
They had a very tough opponent and still looked calm and good.

4- Brazil
Can't rank them lower. They haven't impressed, but Kaka's inspiration was the difference. They were better than I thought defensively.

5- Germany
Impressive game against Poland and lot of will on this team.

6- Holland
You can see the potential. Counter attack should be the forte.

7- Czech Republic
They didn't play as well as they can, and the Koller injury will hurt, but the potential is there.

8- Ivory Coast
Sure they lost and could be eliminated tonight, but they've played very well in their first.

9- Croatia
Should have at least got a point out of the Brazil game.

10- Ecuador
Nice simple football. Slow paced, but efficient.

Biggest disappointments :
1- France
Showed nothing.

2- Portugal
Had zero inspiration.

3- Ukraine
I expected them to be much better.

4- Sweden
They could have been eliminated already.

5- England
Sure they're through, but they didn't show much. Players and coaches are happy with their play against T&T, which says a lot about the mediocre ambition.

I pretty much agree with this. And I think that both England and Sweden still have a lot more to give, and both teams usually plays better, the better the opponents are.

Yeah, its pretty typical of England to play down to their opponents level. Eitherway, Im dissapointed with their performance. However I do expect them to play alot better.

After seeing every team battle once, here are my rankings of the favourite teams :
1- Italy
I liked the way they played. Sure they had trouble, but Ghana is a hard opponent.


The first unbiased thing you've said all WC! ;) :clap:

Dallas backup goalie Johan Hedberg has a short travel story from the world cup at dallasstars.com

http://www.dallasstars.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=5826 (http://www.dallasstars.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=5826)

3- Argentina
They had a very tough opponent and still looked calm and good.


They should head the rankings now, after that 6-0 thrashing. There was a lot of unreal passing involved. Wow. :amazed: :amazed: :amazed:

They should head the rankings now, after that 6-0 thrashing. There was a lot of unreal passing involved. Wow. :amazed: :amazed: :amazed:
We'll have to see Italy and Brazil, but it's reasonnable to think they'll take over #1.

I think today's events may argue against Italy as being a potential #1 team. :D

Hey, this is kind of neat. Apparantly, there are slogans on all the WC team buses in Germany decided by the fans. On Yahoo!'s site, the slogans for each nation are listed for people like me who do not see these buses. (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/hfc/bt_ws.html)

Switzerland's slogan in English, I'm confused by Paraguay's, Japan's slogan sounds like something I'd see in a bad anime, and America's isn't so bad.

So what do you people think about the first eights?

Germany-Sweden
Ecuador-England

Some german people are already talking about the quarter final, perhaps a small chance of underestimation by the germans there? How good are really Ecuador, winning against a poor Costa rica and poland, though convincingly? The game against germany don't really count as they rested some of their players.

England cannot play in their own end with the lead, so they have to continue to attack even if they get up a goal or two. Sweden is going to go all out as Germany will have all the pressure in that game.

Isaaksson (sp) did not have a good game today from what I saw.

I'll say England and Germany advance.

How many chances for Zlatan to be back in the 1/8s?

How many chances for Zlatan to be back in the 1/8s?

I don't think he will be back and even if he was healthy I doubt he would play, he hasn't been in a good shape for a while and Allbäck is doing a great job.

How good are really Ecuador, winning against a poor Costa rica and poland, though convincingly? The game against germany don't really count as they rested some of their players.

I really liked the way Ecuador played in the first two games, but the Germany game showed their biggest drawback. They did everything as if in slow motion, compared to the more intense German team. It wasn't really evident in the first two games, as Poland was sleepwalking for 80 minutes, and Costa Rica plays at a similar pace to Ecuador. They had to make decisions a little quicker against the Germans, and they just couldn't. I don't know, maybe it was just the hangover from having already advanced, but if they play this way in the next game, England will have a walk a park.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5101976.stm

Just curious what the quarterfinal setup is? Say England beats Ecuador, then what winner would they play against?

Just curious what the quarterfinal setup is? Say England beats Ecuador, then what winner would they play against?

Someone from Group C or D. I know that much, they said it on Fox Soccer Channel on the sky sports news thing.

Someone from Group C or D. I know that much, they said it on Fox Soccer Channel on the sky sports news thing.

how they did it in '02

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_World_Cup_2002

Top Half

Group A winner vs Group F Runner Up
Group C winner vs Group H Runner Up
Group F Champ vs Group A Runner Up
Group H Champ vs Group C Runner Up

Bottom Half

Group B Champ vs Group E Runner Up
Group D Champ vs Group G Runner Up
Group E Champ vs Group B Runner Up
Group G Champ vs Group D Runner Up

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup#Knockout_stages ... but I hope wikipedia is right and I'm wrong ... :dunno:

Just curious what the quarterfinal setup is? Say England beats Ecuador, then what winner would they play against?
This is how it shapes up :

1-
Germany - Sweden
vs
Argentina - Mexico

2-
1st Group E (Italy?) - 2nd Group F (Croatia, Australia?)
vs
1st Group G (Switzerland, France?)

3-
England - Ecuador
vs
Portugal - Holland

4-
Brazil - 2nd Group E (Ghana, Czech Republic?)
vs
Spain - 2nd Group G (France, Switzerland, Korea?)

Then in the semis :
1 vs 2
3 vs 4

Cool, thanks guys. Gonna be some great matchups come the round of 16 and forward.

What's the GPG average after Wednesday's games?

Just curious what the quarterfinal setup is? Say England beats Ecuador, then what winner would they play against?Somehow updated:



Germany - Sweden

Argentina - Messico


Italy?- Australia?

Switzerland/France? - Ukraine?



England - Ecuador

Portugal - Holland


Brasil - Ghana?

Spain - France/Switzerland?

DeRossi gets 4 games for his elbow on Brian McBride

DeRossi gets 4 games for his elbow on Brian McBride
And Mastreoni somehow got three games when he shouldn't have even been ejected in the first place.

And Mastreoni somehow got three games when he shouldn't have even been ejected in the first place.

It was a two-foot tackle. The red card was well deserved. Not sure about the 3 games though.

Somehow updated:



Germany - Sweden

Argentina - Mexico


Italy- Australia

Switzerland - Ukraine



England - Ecuador

Portugal - Holland


Brazil - Ghana

Spain - France

Updated! "My winners". I'm seriously thinking about to bet on Ecuador. :D

I wouldn't bet on us losing just yet. We tend to turn it up in the second round, but only for one round. We'll have enough to get past Ecuador but will fail to beat who we face in the quarters.

Germany - Sweden 2-1
Argentina - Mexico 3-0

Italy- Australia 1-1 (3-2 pens)
Switzerland - Ukraine 2-0

England - Ecuador 1-0
Portugal - Holland 2-1

Brazil - Ghana 2-0
Spain - France 3-2

And Mastreoni somehow got three games when he shouldn't have even been ejected in the first place.

Not seen the incident but surely the fact that he has recieved three games suggests he should have?

It was a two-foot tackle. The red card was well deserved. Not sure about the 3 games though.

It was two-footed in the sense one foot hit him and the other foot didn't. It was a half-of-second late, but there was no intent to harm the player and Mastroeni did try to go for the ball (of course, he was late, so he got an ankle).

You see this tackle constantly in club play (EPL, La Liga, Serie A, hell even MLS) and the worst I've seen for is a yellow. A red and 3 games? Come on, FIFA.

I wouldn't bet on us losing just yet. We tend to turn it up in the second round, but only for one round. We'll have enough to get past Ecuador but will fail to beat who we face in the quarters.

Germany - Sweden 2-1
Argentina - Mexico 3-0

Italy- Australia 1-1 (3-2 pens)
Switzerland - Ukraine 2-0

England - Ecuador 1-0
Portugal - Holland 2-1

Brazil - Ghana 2-0
Spain - France 3-2

I thought you said you could take us ;)

English fans have once again rioted in Stuttgart. :shakehead

I thought you said you could take us ;)

I'm worried about Holland mate ;)

English fans have once again rioted in Stuttgart. :shakehead

Once again? We've behaved immaculately in this tournament so far.

I hear your guys were around too, but at the first sign of violence they ran away :sarcasm:

Once again because at every WC we have these type of incidents with drunk stupid fans.
Maybe you were too young to remember though.

Once again because at every WC we have these type of incidents with drunk stupid fans.
Maybe you were too young to remember though.

Good attempt at condescension, but it doesn't work mate. There are a few out there that like to cause trouble, but don't you dare try and tar us all with the same brush. Nothing makes me angrier than that. The vast, vast majority of English fans watch their football without a hint of violence or trouble creeping in. I also know for a fact that last nights trouble was started by a small band of Ecuadorian hooligans, i have a friend who was right in the middle of it.

Good attempt at condescension
Well, it's an honest question. You're very young.

There are a few out there that like to cause trouble, but don't you dare try and tar us all with the same brush. Nothing makes me angrier than that. The vast, vast majority of English fans watch their football without a hint of violence or trouble creeping in.
Where have I said that?

Stop making some stuff up.

I also know for a fact that last nights trouble was started by a small band of Ecuadorian hooligans, i have a friend who was right in the middle of it.

Great. So you know better than all the media.
BTW, the fight happenned between german and english fans. No word of ecuadorian hooligans in any paper. :sarcasm:

Well, it's an honest question. You're very young.

I'm 20 mate. You're 7 years older than me, so you've probably only got one world cup on me.

Where have I said that?

Stop making some stuff up.

I could see where you were going with this.

Great. So you know better than all the media.
BTW, the fight happenned between german and english fans. No word of ecuadorian hooligans in any paper. :sarcasm:

That is why i know more than the media. There were a small band of Ecuadorians causing trouble in the city centre. The media picked up on the Germans and the English causing trouble because there was a much larger number of them. When it all comes out, i do hope you'll offer me an apology.

I'm 20 mate. You're 7 years older than me, so you've probably only got one world cup on me.
I followed the 86, 90, 94, 98, 02 and 06 WC. I was too young for the 82.
You probably started to watch the WC since 94, right? 98 maybe? Even in that case, you'll remember the numerous incidents in every WC involving english fans (not just them, but at least one incident involves them).


I could see where you were going with this.
Apparently, you didn't. I never even said a word involving every english fans in actions of a minority.

Again, stop making some stuff up.


That is why i know more than the media. There were a small band of Ecuadorians causing trouble in the city centre. The media picked up on the Germans and the English causing trouble because there was a much larger number of them. When it all comes out, i do hope you'll offer me an apology.
Lol, an apology for what?
For saying what the media is reporting??? :amazed:

Not sure if this has been posted, but I thought this was kind of cool.

http://www.minimalsworld.net/BrazilName/brazilian.shtml

My Brazil name is Brião.

I like it.

Vazisco!
:D

"Thomezo"

Police being wrong again.
They arrested 378 english fans... :sarcasm:

"Kvendsinho"

Nicolmar lol
A kind of more talented Nilmar... :D

Police being wrong again.
They arrested 378 english fans... :sarcasm:

Aye, just read that. We were doing so well too :(

Know how many other arrests there were?

#13: Smardo Pau

*** is that supposed to be, haha :D

And Mastreoni somehow got three games when he shouldn't have even been ejected in the first place.:speechles

Three South American teams out of four have made it to the second round, that's 75%.
Europe: 10 out of 14, that's 71%
Concacaf: 1 out of 4, 25 %
Both Asia/Oceania and Africa: 1 out of 5, 20%

Not sure if this has been posted, but I thought this was kind of cool.

http://www.minimalsworld.net/BrazilName/brazilian.shtml

My Brazil name is Brião.

I like it.

Campbinho? They just took the first 5 letters of my last name and added an "inho."

Know how many other arrests there were?

I think the running total was over 4000 in one report I read a couple days ago. (of all nationalities)

Not sure if this has been posted, but I thought this was kind of cool.

http://www.minimalsworld.net/BrazilName/brazilian.shtml

1. Paão
2. Gosa
3. Ashlildo
4. Teca
5. Ferdinisco
6. Hargreavimo
7. Claudio Beckhson
8. Lampinho
9. Wayniano :biglaugh:
10. Stephandro Peres
11. Colincha

Guess the team ;) You just cant make em play like Brazil

Figo not suspended, will play England:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=372563&cc=5901

So I guess that yellow was for the headbutt. Figo got off lucky. It should have been a red.

Campbinho? They just took the first 5 letters of my last name and added an "inho."

You're lucky. They took my first 5 letters of my last name and added an "inhosa"

Fischinhosa! I AM NOT A HOSA.

1. Paão
2. Gosa
3. Ashlildo
4. Teca
5. Ferdinisco
6. Hargreavimo
7. Claudio Beckhson
8. Lampinho
9. Wayniano :biglaugh:
10. Stephandro Peres
11. Colincha

Guess the team ;) You just cant make em play like Brazil

That is awesome!

I got Zhão.

we got bloody robbed!
crap emotional decision in 93rd minute awards italy with a spot kick.
load of crap.

Figo not suspended, will play England:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=372563&cc=5901

So I guess that yellow was for the headbutt. Figo got off lucky. It should have been a red.

Can someone please point me in the direction of a universe in which Figo's headbutt is worthy of a yellow whilst Rooney's stray heel deserves a red?

Oh, i'm already here.

Can someone please point me in the direction of a universe in which Figo's headbutt is worthy of a yellow whilst Rooney's stray heel deserves a red?

Oh, i'm already here.

Im sorry big fellow but a nudge on the head isn't worse then a kick in the nads. You can slso thank Van Bommel for his thatrics like a school girl after wards, you can bet fifa saw that.

Can someone please point me in the direction of a universe in which Figo's headbutt is worthy of a yellow whilst Rooney's stray heel deserves a red?

Oh, i'm already here.

Hmmm, headbutt vs spikes on sack?

Hard to say. Probably in the same universe in which England is on a plane back to Heathrow, and Beckham is no longer the captain...:cry:

Of course there's no denying both Figo's and Ronaldo's headbutts (aka "nudge on the head" :banghead: ) were clearly intentional, whereas Rooney's intent is highly subjective.

Of course there's no denying both Figo's and Ronaldo's headbutts (aka "nudge on the head" :banghead: ) were clearly intentional, whereas Rooney's intent is highly subjective.

This Ronaldo headbutt is being blown out of proportion, with Rooney's mentality you know he would have attacked Ronaldo. I think it was just his way of trying to psyche out Rooney, I doubt it was a big time headbutt. A headbutt is viscous moving your gead at a player and it causes bruising and broken nose's most of the time. Did either have anything? no

Oh okay, it wasnt a "big time" headbutt. That's okay then!

Since when did headbutting your opponent become okay?

Secondly, it'd be hard to break Rooney's nose considering he headbutted him from behind :)

Oh okay, it wasnt a "big time" headbutt. That's okay then!

Since when did headbutting your opponent become okay?

Secondly, it'd be hard to break Rooney's nose considering he headbutted him from behind :)

:biglaugh: headbutting from behind is brilliant it hurts you more then they other guy. It was before the game started so what does it matter anyway and you didn't see it so how can you judge?

Ronaldo had also feigned a head-butt towards Rooney seconds before the match kicked off as he was walking past his club mate to take up his position on the left-wing according to Yahoo.

Definiton of feigned:Not genuine

Is that what the complaining is about?

Grondona thinks he will take seriously Jose Pekermans suggestion that Maradona be appointed as NT manager .

Is he mad ? A great player(if not the greatest) doesnt not make a good manager esp.when you combine it with Maradons track record off the pitch.

I want Bianchi in at the very least or JP to stay on despite gifting the match to the FIFA team with his extraordinary sibstitutions.

That is awesome!

I got Zhão.

Petildo for me... :)

This Ronaldo headbutt is being blown out of proportion, with Rooney's mentality you know he would have attacked Ronaldo. I think it was just his way of trying to psyche out Rooney, I doubt it was a big time headbutt. A headbutt is viscous moving your gead at a player and it causes bruising and broken nose's most of the time. Did either have anything? no

For me, the Ronaldo headbutt wasn't with malicious intent, just a team-mate thing i'd guess. However, Figo's headbutt was undoubtedly intentional and a disgrace that he wasn't banned. Rooney's red card was accidental, there cannot be a question about it.

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/5239/roon9xh.jpg

do you really think Rooney had balance there? Considering his body weight is going firmly to the left, i'd say he certainly did not.

Hmmm, headbutt vs spikes on sack?

Hard to say. Probably in the same universe in which England is on a plane back to Heathrow, and Beckham is no longer the captain...:cry:

Hmmm...intentional vs non-intentional? Don't be like that, you know you were lucky to go through again. That's the difference between the sides. Everyone dismisses PS-O's as a game of luck but it's more than that. You simply have more composure than we do.

Frings suspended for the Italy game.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul3l.html

That's a joke, a friggin disgrace.

There was absolutely nothing worthy of suspension coming from Frings. Heck, there isn't any kind of hitting motion to be seen, no matter the angle. Even the one who was supposedly hit by Frings said he didn't feel anything, how can you suspend someone for that?

That's close to a fraud.
Perhaps Germany should arrest every Italian who tried to dive in this tournament, for trying to swindle, lets see how the FIFA would react to that...it certainly would be on the same level as this ridiculous suspension :shakehead

Frings suspended for the Italy game.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul3l.html

Now isn't that a shame. :biglaugh: Germanys limitless depth of talent will surely be taxed with either Kehl or Borowski thrown in. :sarcasm:

Forza Azzurri.

That's a joke, a friggin disgrace.

There was absolutely nothing worthy of suspension coming from Frings. Heck, there isn't any kind of hitting motion to be seen, no matter the angle. Even the one who was supposedly hit by Frings said he didn't feel anything, how can you suspend someone for that?

That's close to a fraud.
Perhaps Germany should arrest every Italian who tried to dive in this tournament, for trying to swindle, lets see how the FIFA would react to that...it certainly would be on the same level as this ridiculous suspension :shakehead


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwMpaKiRyD0&search=frings

That is no punch, that is something Riquelme does three times per game...
Cruz said he didn't feel anything, if he didn't feel anything, it can't have been much of a punch, can it?

Lets just say that some German fans aren't all that happy with that decision. Sadly Italy could get a bad treatment by the fans before and during tomorrows game, Blatter won't be happy about it.

2 retirements.Hidetoshi Nakata from Japan & Roberto Carlos at last for Brazil.

For me, the Ronaldo headbutt wasn't with malicious intent, just a team-mate thing i'd guess. However, Figo's headbutt was undoubtedly intentional and a disgrace that he wasn't banned. Rooney's red card was accidental, there cannot be a question about it.

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/5239/roon9xh.jpg

do you really think Rooney had balance there? Considering his body weight is going firmly to the left, i'd say he certainly did not.

I never said Rooney did it intentionally but the ref sure did he is the one that counts not us