[WC] GDT II: Group D -> 1/ Portugal - 2/ Mexico

11/06
Mexico 3-1 Iran (6PM)
Angola 0-1 Portugal (9 PM)

16/06
Angola 0-0 Mexico (9 PM)

17/06
Portugal 2-0 Iran (3 PM)

21/06
Mexico 1-2 Portugal (4 PM)
Angola 1-1 Iran (4 PM)

1- Portugal 9 pts +4
2- Mexico 4 pts +1
3- Angola 2 pt -1
4- Iran 1 pt -4

Portugal!!!!!!! Portugal!!!!!! :bow:

Mexico and Portugal...seems rather simple

Mexico and Portugal...seems rather simple

With us it never is, I would prefer the first place in the group as well thus hopefully not catching the dutch or argentinians who may be upset

Mexico/Portugal

I could see Mexico winning the division.

This is the easiest group. Mexico and Portgual will go through

Portugal should win this one.

But if they do, they will have a hard second round.

Mexico is ripe for the taking. If Iran beats them then Mexico will be out. That will be a big game.

Mexico can't play in Europe.

The match between Portugal and Angola should be interesting since Angola is a former Portuguese colony. Last time these two teams met, the game was called due to Angola only having 7 men on pitch due to red cards.

Portugal and Mexico advance...

Mexico will finnish #1 and Protugal will go #2 easily. not much competition for those two teams, but when they meet it will be the an awesome match.

Portugal and Mexico

I agree with Mexico/Portugal (no brainer here), but I think Iran *might* pull off an upset and advance. Mexico and Portugal aren't exactly known for their consistency or clutch performance. If one of the two teams underestimates the group they are in, Iran will make them pay.

Portugal and Mexico... if i were a betting man, I really like Mexico's odds on some websites, they are a good moderate sleeper IMO.

Mexico is really underrated in this tournament. They may not win the cup but they can advance at least to quarter final. They are really hard to be beaten

go portugal!!!

must drub angola, that way confidence is high against wildcard iranians. if they have 2 wins by mexico then they are good shape and have little pressure to win. however, if iran or angola hold or (god forbid) beat us then pressure is on against mexico and that could be scary.

Iran prob have won of the better teams they have ever assembled. They have talent and are commited. Portugal or Mexico can suffer a rude awakening. ANgola are minnows that will hopefully collapse after 30 or so minutes on the big stage. They collapsed at African Nations which is a good sign for the other teams in the group.

Deco injured in practice, extent unknown, ****!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rant:

One other thing about this group that I just thought about. I think it has all the ingredients to be the nastiest of the eight groups, in terms of fair play (or the lack of it). You have Angola playing against their former colonists, you know they will be super motivated. You have Iran, possibly having the "Us Against the World" mentality, which is always dangerous. Plus you have the always temperamental Mexicans and Portugese. This group can pretty ugly.

Mexico 1, Portugal 2.

Good luck Iran!

I think Iran has the capability to upset mexico

Iran does have the best player in Asia but I don't see them beating out Portugal or Mexico.

It's all Portugal!

Is Angola the same country who had a basketball team in the 2004 Olympics?

Deco injured in practice, extent unknown, ****!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rant:

What's Deco's status, does anybody know?

What's Deco's status, does anybody know?
He should play...

Deco will play as he has recovered :handclap: , can't wait

From the pool of death to the pool of the cruise control.. Rooting for the upsets I guess, as pointless as that may be.

Angola will be tougher than most people think. Let's remember that Angola beat Argentina in a friendly a couple of weeks ago (2-0 the final score).

Portugal is the best team in the group....Mexico is not underrated at all. People expect Mexico to do well every World Cup but imo, they are overrated. Being the best team in Concacaf is not saying a whole lot when you look at the competition in Europe, South America and even Africa.

Mexico will advance to the next round but it stops there. Only time they ever made past the second round was in 86 while playing on home soil.

Angola will be tougher than most people think. Let's remember that Angola beat Argentina in a friendly a couple of weeks ago (2-0 the final score).

Portugal is the best team in the group....Mexico is not underrated at all. People expect Mexico to do well every World Cup but imo, they are overrated. Being the best team in Concacaf is not saying a whole lot when you look at the competition in Europe, South America and even Africa.

Mexico will advance to the next round but it stops there. Only time they ever made past the second round was in 86 while playing on home soil.

Actually, the Argentinans beat them 2-0. You could make the argument that Mexico is not the best team in Concacaf considering they have a distinct advantage over opponents in Mexico and play poorly away from home. U.S must be considered the stronger side considering Mexico can't beat them in the US

Cant wait for the portugal match!

Força Pauleta, Simão e PORTUGAL!!

Cant wait for the portugal match!

Força Pauleta, Simão e PORTUGAL!!

:handclap: PORTUGAL!!!!!! PORTUGAL!!!!!!!

Good game so far between Mexico and Iran. 1-1 right now with Iran just tying it up.

Good match after the first half. Rootin for Mexico to win this one though.

Come on Iran, pull off the upset!

The dumbass ABC commentator kept talking about politics half the time. If I wanted to know how evil Iran is, I would be watching CNN instead of the World Cup.

Go Go Iran!

The dumbass ABC commentator kept talking about politics half the time. If I wanted to know how evil Iran is, I would be watching CNN instead of the World Cup.

:biglaugh:

Not even a bad game. Not at all..

Go Iran!

I've been really impressed by Ali Karimi, seems very confident and relaxed with the ball.

Portugal - Good side but not quite good enough. Out in second round.
Angola - Not a bad side but still the fodder of the group.
Mexico - Massively over-rated, will scrape through on the basis of not being quite as bad as Angola or Iran.
Iran - Energetic but not got the quality.

Portugal - Good side but not quite good enough. Out in second round.
Angola - Not a bad side but still the fodder of the group.
Mexico - Massively over-rated, will scrape through on the basis of not being quite as bad as Angola or Iran.
Iran - Energetic but not got the quality.

Ya sure just like we weren't good enough to beat England the last two times we beat them. If anyone is overated it's the English who are a medicore team at best without Wayne Rooney

Portgual starting eleven:Ricardo, Miguel, Meira, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente, Petit, Tiago, Ronaldo, Figo, Simão e Pauleta.

Interesting notes: Much like Ballack for Germany, Deco was deemed fit to play but will start on the bench. Lyon's Tiago will take his place, also Simao will be in Costinha's place in the side which gives us even more offensive punch. Paulo Ferreira due to the recent birth of his child id being replaced by Nuno Valente

Poor defending by Iran puts Mexico ahead 2-1.

Iran defence messed up there

Poor defending by Iran puts Mexico ahead 2-1.

Yup, bad play all around. Poor clearance by the goalkeeper and then the defense falls apart. Stupid Mexico...never liked them.

Wow Iran just self destructed. Nice goal but Iran looks lost out there.

Yup, bad play all around. Poor clearance by the goalkeeper and then the defense falls apart. Stupid Mexico...never liked them.
Now 3-1. Mexico has been fantastic this half.

Well Iran is showing there real class now, or lack of. :biglaugh: Mexican player didn't even have to head that one down. Two Mexcian players were left wide open with the nearest Iranian defender 10 feet away

And the rout is on...

Mexico is playing great this half and Iran's defense is umm... missing?

Ya sure just like we weren't good enough to beat England the last two times we beat them. If anyone is overated it's the English who are a medicore team at best without Wayne Rooney

Woah there boy, not so defensive. Sure, you beat us at Euro 04 but if im cherry-picking, it was only down to us having a perfectly good goal disallowed and us being incapable of taking penalties. We're not world-beaters by any means and i predict us to go out in the quarters but you're not better than us.

Well Iran is showing there real class now, or lack of. :biglaugh: Mexican player didn't even have to head that one down. Two Mexcian players were left wide open with the nearest Iranian defender 10 feet away

Iran are running out of steam. Fair play to them, pushed them a long way but this is where to good sides are separated from those playing above their station.

The heat must be unbearable.

Woah there boy, not so defensive. Sure, you beat us at Euro 04 but if im cherry-picking, it was only down to us having a perfectly good goal disallowed and us being incapable of taking penalties. We're not world-beaters by any means and i predict us to go out in the quarters but you're not better than us.

We beat ya at Euro 200 as well when you guys were up 2-0 ;) . But anyway we aren't greatest side talent wise at the World cup but were still in the top 10 echelon of teams in the tourney. The road will no doubt be rough considering we will meet either the winner or runner up in the group of death which will most likely be Argentina or Holland but we have the talent to surprise and can beat any team if we play the way we can. I truly believe that, sorry about the England comment because I actually like alot of there players like Gerrard,Lampard and Rio Ferdinand but they looked rather disinterested in the Paraguay game.

1 hour left... Hoping for a masacre :P

We beat ya at Euro 200 as well whne you guys were up 2-0 ;) . But anyway we aren't greatest side talent wise at the World cup but were still in the top 10 echelon of teams in the tourney. The road will no doubt be rough considering we will meet either the winner or runner up in the group of death which will most likely be Argentina or Holland but we have the talent to surprise and can beat any team if we play the way we can. I truly believe that, sorry about the England comment because I catually like alot of there players like Gerrard,Lampard and Rio Ferdinand but they looked rather disinterested in the Paraguay game.

Yeh, you beat us in 2000 but deserved that one. Bugger off :p

It's difficult to distinguish 'disinterest' and 'completely knackeredness' to be honest. Do not judge us on one game, we haven't had this good a side for a very very very long time.

1 hour left... Hoping for a masacre :P

Of course, because in Portugal/Angolan history that's what you're used to right?

Mexico with two great goals in the second half :handclap:

Good match.

1 hour left... Hoping for a masacre :P

Im just hoping for a win, that's enough

1 hour left... Hoping for a masacre :P

Watch your words. :teach:

Watch your words. :teach:

I agree, no way we should be over confident after what we have endured at Euro 2004 and WC 2002 in opening games. I do like Scolari's line-up as he put alot more offensive punch out there minus Deco

You know, what happened in the Mexico-Iran game is something we see in every sport. If you don't play for the whole game, you're probably going to lose. Iran just lost it somewhere around minute 73 and then the GK just gave away the ball on that poor clearance to put Mexico up one. Then they scored again...

Good job Mexico, especially without your one of your aces, Borgetti.

Of course, because in Portugal/Angolan history that's what you're used to right?

I think this is the first big ZING of all the WC threads.

I don't know what 'ZING' means but im guessing it means 'out of order'? If so, apologies, but i thought it was funny :)

All it took for Iran to fall apart was Mexico speeding it up by about half a gear, and they were also pressing their defense a lot harder in the second half. That's a problem for a majority of North African/Middle Eastern/Arabic teams- they have very good technical skills, but when you start pressing and take away their time and space they get nervous and self-destruct.

I don't know, Mexico didn't really get into Iran's box until that 70th minute or so; but you are right in that from that point on, Mexico really pressed Iran in their own end. Which, of course, led to goals. Regardless, Iran still lost 3-1 (and get at least 5 pts. in the Prediction game, SCORE).

I don't know what 'ZING' means but im guessing it means 'out of order'? If so, apologies, but i thought it was funny :)

Nah, a ZING is like a really strong insult or slam on someone. It's short for zinger.

GAME UPDATE: Within the first 30 seconds and Portugal already had a strong shot on Angola. It went wide, but wow, what a shot.

:cry: so close off the get go

lol Pauleta almost scored in the first 10 seconds

pauleta goal

IT'S THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pauleta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Figo :bow:

Pauleta scores off a Figo pass in the fourth minute.

Please, Figo, score some goals.

1-0 Portugal.

Wow, Angola is pathetic. How the hell did they qualify?

Wow, Angola is pathetic. How the hell did they qualify?

Come on they have to be nervous, there playing against some of there heroes or so they said

Wow, Angola is pathetic. How the hell did they qualify?


5 Africa nations had to qualify....

Cristiano Ronaldo already showing off, U.S. color commentator notes he has more moves than Mariah Carey.

Portugal is running and running and running; a good way to start a World Cup. Guess they did learn something from 2002. :)

5 Africa nations had to qualify....

Some pretty good ones missed out: Cameroun, Senegal, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria.

There are always some surprises with those African qualifications, this time it were Togo and Angola

Cristiano Ronaldo already showing off, U.S. color commentator notes he has more moves than Mariah Carey.

Portugal is running and running and running; a good way to start a World Cup. Guess they did learn something from 2002. :)

Was that a sarcastic comment by them :dunno:

A bit, considering his cross went right to an Angolan defender.

Angolan GK, Joao Ricardo (I think, I just quickly saw the name) got hurt. I hope he's OK. He seems to be up and about.

ASIDES: Hey, Portugal's goal is the second fastest in WC history!

Also, how difficult are the African WC Qualifiying stages? I'm not terribly familiar with how it's set up.

GAME UPDATE: Angola has stabilized and is even creating some offense. Though, Akwa really should stop with the over head kicks, his 2nd was way over the net (first one he missed).

GAME UPDATE #2: Cristiano Ronaldo gets a yellow card, stays calm.

A bit, considering his cross went right to an Angolan defender.

Angolan GK, Joao Ricardo (I think, I just quickly saw the name) got hurt. I hope he's OK. He seems to be up and about.

ASIDES: Hey, Portugal's goal is the second fastest in WC history!

Also, how difficult are the African WC Qualifiying stages? I'm not terribly familiar with how it's set up.

GAME UPDATE: Angola has stabilized and is even creating some offense. Though, Akwa really should stop with the over head kicks, his 2nd was way over the net (first one he missed).

GAME UPDATE #2: Cristiano Ronaldo gets a yellow card, stays calm.

That was a BS yellow

Angola #20, Loco, gets a yellow card for...uh...something. His stupid haircut? Figo diving? I'm not sure?

End of the first half. Portugal came out flying, but as they game went on they became less dominant. Regardless, it's looking good for Portugal.

Without Deco that midfield is in shables also Simao like I had noted has no place starting, Ricardo Quaresma would have had the Angolan's head spinning in that first half

Portugal is far from dominant right now

Pauleta scores off a Figo pass in the fourth minute.

Please, Figo, score some goals.

1-0 Portugal.


Pauleta was red hot throughout the season with PSG, if he maintains that form throughout the World Cup, Portugal could challenge for the Cup.

For anyone who wants to get drunk quick, turn to ESPN 2 and take a shot for everytime Tommy Smith says "Big Phil". He's guranteed to say it at least 10-15 more times before the match is over.

Pauleta was red hot throughout the season with PSG, if he maintains that form throughout the World Cup, Portugal could challenge for the Cup.

Will be lucky to take home a tin cup from Germany with another performance like this :shakehead

Well, it certainly wasn't a pretty game and Portugal's early dominance faded as time went on, but Portugal will take a 1-0 win and the three points.

Well, it certainly wasn't a pretty game and Portugal's early dominance faded as time went on, but Portugal will take a 1-0 win and the three points.

Just goes to show you how one important player not playing(Deco) can impact the team so much. We had no creativity in the midfield today and played very ugly. Well I guess an ugly win is better then a loss

pretty disapointed with portugal's performance, but you gotta give the angolans credit. they didnt just fold with the early goal by pauleta. but hey, 3 points is 3 points whether you win 1-0 or 4-0

Just goes to show you how one important player not playing(Deco) can impact the team so much. We had no creativity in the midfield today and played very ugly. Well I guess an ugly win is better then a loss

i agree. everytime the ball was in midfield, angola was just given the ball back. i expected to see deco in the 2nd half for sure, but i guess he isnt 100% yet.

Without Deco that midfield is in shables also Simao like I had noted has no place starting, Ricardo Quaresma would have had the Angolan's head spinning in that first half

Why isn't Quaresma on the team, btw?

Why isn't Quaresma on the team, btw?

Because of Scolari insistence on his specific players and our strength on the wings. But if you as ask anyone unbiased on who was the better player in the Superliga in Portugal this year between Simao and Quaresma, I would garner 85 percent would say Quaresma. The problem with quaresma though is that for all his superb talent he much like Cristiano Ronaldo has a bad temper and makes him do stupid stuff on the pitch causing yellow and even red cards sometimes. But on pure talent alone he should be there

Because of Scolari insistence on his specific players and our strength on the wings. But if you as ask anyone unbiased on who was the better player in the Superliga in Portugal this year between Simao and Quaresma, I would garner 85 percent would say Quaresma. The problem with quaresma though is that for all his superb talent he much like Cristiano Ronaldo has a bad temper and makes him do stupid stuff on the pitch causing yellow and even red cards sometimes. But on pure talent alone he should be there

Yeah, he might be inconsistent but he could be very valuable as a sub. And I personally love his playing style and skill level. In addition to some highlight compilations, I've only seen him play two games so far - in the first one he was mostly invisible and nothing really worked his way, but in the second one he was as astonishing as any winger I have ever seen. He ran at defenders for 90 minutes, tried a gazillion tricks, mastered them all and lost the ball exactly once. I usually pick my favorite players based on my first impression on them, but in this case the 2nd impression was simply too good to ignore. Looking forward to watching more of Quaresma in the future. :)

Viva Las Mexico

Well, when Iran goes out satisfied with 1-1 then no wonder we freakin lose... that's always been our problem ... we're weak in these situations... we have no guts to go ahead.

I don't think it was a physical problem, they looked flat right from the start of the 2nd half.

Two different teams from the 1st & 2nd half. Those that watched the game also know that Mexico didn't exactly impress... Iran just sat back in the 2nd.

Yuck! :(

Now we probably have to win BOTH games (vs Portugal & Angola) ... what an easy feat... not.

And I see that I'm not alone with my opinion...

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/your_call/?messageid=874848&hubname=soccer

Seriously, as a fan I'm really disappointed when my team settles for a tie ... it's insulting.

Our very own Swedish analyst/commentator Glenn Strömberg said it best ... Iran just quit.

Hopefully a lesson learnt.

Wow, Angola is pathetic. How the hell did they qualify?
Well we saw.
After twenty harsh minutes, Angola started to make their power do the talking.
Very powerful side with above average technique. They could have had a tie there in that game.

Scolari was awful in his subs though.

Well, when Iran goes out satisfied with 1-1 then no wonder we freakin lose... that's always been our problem ... we're weak in these situations... we have no guts to go ahead.

I don't think it was a physical problem, they looked flat right from the start of the 2nd half.

Two different teams from the 1st & 2nd half. Those that watched the game also know that Mexico didn't exactly impress... Iran just sat back in the 2nd.

Yuck! :(

Now we probably have to win BOTH games (vs Portugal & Angola) ... what an easy feat... not.

I couldn't beleive Iran's play in the 2nd half. They looked disinterested in playing the last 45. Mexico wasn't that great either but atleast they looked like they wanted to win.

I guess that's the difference between good teams and teams like Iran. As a Portugal fan, I would have loved the score to end up as a tie.... ;)

Well we saw.
After twenty harsh minutes, Angola started to make their power do the talking.
Very powerful side with above average technique. They could have had a tie there in that game.

Scolari was awful in his subs though.

Technique?? I don't really know what game you were watching but Angola had no midfield support or technique whatsoever. There was no technique in the way they played.

They were just hoping for Mantorras to do one of his strong runs and even when he did, where was the support??

Angola was valiant in their efforts, and if they had a shred of technique, they would have atleast tied the game.

Technique is not just doing 100 stepovers and the falling over when someone comes close to touching you you know :sarcasm:


;)



By the way i didn't see the match (just the highlights) but why was Ronaldo so upset at his change? Was he having a good game and unjustly taken of or was it something else?

Technique is not just doing 100 stepovers and the falling over when someone comes close to touching you you know :sarcasm:


;)



By the way i didn't see the match (just the highlights) but why was Ronaldo so upset at his change? Was he having a good game and unjustly taken of or was it something else?

I guess Scolari was playing it safe since he had a yellow card. I still wouldn't have taken him out tho.

Ronaldo was having a very good game and was subed on a poor decision.

Anyway, Feenom, Angola was IMO surprising technically. Their controls were nearly all perfect, their passes were very good.
I honestly expected to see a very weak side, and I was pleasently surprised.
They played very well defensively as well.

Angola did surprise me as well. They did play an ok defensive game but the service to the strikers was very poor. They had no wing play and the passing IMO was erratic at best. But they did exceed my expectations , I thought Portugal was going to have an easy time with them.

However, I also think Portugal played a very nervous game. They just couldn't finish off the game by scoring one more goal. If they play like this against the Mexicans, they should lose.

I think Portugal had in fact few opportunities to score.
They had the first minute chance, Pauleta's goal, and Ronaldo's crossbar.
That's it.
Angola played a defense first system which meant that their offensive help would be weak, but also meant that they would limit Portugal's chances.

I can't believe some people think Mexico played a great game, they created very little. Not that a team like Iran who only plays half the game deserves anything but Mexico certainly didn't impress.

Ronaldo was having a very good game and was subed on a poor decision.

Anyway, Feenom, Angola was IMO surprising technically. Their controls were nearly all perfect, their passes were very good.
I honestly expected to see a very weak side, and I was pleasently surprised.
They played very well defensively as well.

Angola were an amusing side to watch. On the ball they were great, some nice little touches and flicks. The difference between the sides was that Portugal could do something other than those flicks. Whenever Angola got into a position of danger, they panicked and lost it.

I can't believe some people think Mexico played a great game, they created very little. Not that a team like Iran who only plays half the game deserves anything but Mexico certainly didn't impress.

Ur right, but atleast they looked like they still wanted to play 2 halves. Iran should have just stayed in the locker room, they were very bad in the second half.

http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=43644&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs

:biglaugh: That was good for a laugh,it's nice there confident but at least be realistic. There midfield couldn't hold Deco or Figo's jock strap.

Christiano Ronaldo ... The New OUT Guy? (http://www.yahoo.com/s/327701)

http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=43644&NewsKind=Current%20Affairs

:biglaugh: That was good for a laugh,it's nice there confident but at leats be realistic. There midfield couldn't hold Deco or Figo's jock strap.

Ok, I don't think they said they're as good, they just meant they have good players too. And isn't it little insulting to mix in the jock strap? Don't be such a homer ;)

Anyway, it should be a good game!

+ this

I'm Iranian ... (if you didn't notice) ... but this is surprising.

http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?ArchiveNews=Yes&NewsCode=43615&NewsKind=CurrentAffairs

And that article also contains this link:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/gshoe/index.html

(the poll on the right side)

I mean he's good but I don't think he's that good, well maybe if he really goes all out 100% he is....

But nevertheless, it's surprising and kinda neat considering how many voted for him :)

Cheers

Christiano Ronaldo ... The New OUT Guy? (http://www.yahoo.com/s/327701)

:biglaugh: Well someone had to replace Beckham some time, alot Of Swedes on that list

Ok, I don't think they said they're as good, they just meant they have good players too. And isn't it little insulting to mix in the jock strap? Don't be such a homer ;)

Anyway, it should be a good game!

lol, I was just kidding about the jock strap but it seems the Iranians are taking us lightly

lol, I was just kidding about the jock strap but it seems the Iranian are taking us lightly

That's obviously a question of interpretation, to me it feels as if Iran is just standing up for themselves.

But obviously, it's all hogwash anyway, the game is what matters, not what they say before or after it.

:biglaugh: Well somone had to replace Beckham some time, alot Of Swedes on that list

Yes, even our men has taken over the beauty lists of the world ... not just our women!

Well im hoping the Angolans can keep the mexicans to a draw at least

Mexico will win. It shuold be close though.

Go Mexico Go!
Im expecting another great game from Marquez

is any website streaming it live i wanna watch

ZZZZZZZ. Boring game.

Concacaf teams don't match up well with African teams.

Mexico have been totally embarrassing, theres been at least half a dozen clear dives and at least 3 where no contact was made at all and I called the correct decision from the long rang camera!

The ref is brutal and hasn't got a clue about the game.

Mexico have been totally embarrassing, theres been at least half a dozen clear dives and at least 3 where no contact was made at all and I called the correct decision from the long rang camera!

The ref is brutal and hasn't got a clue about the game.Argentina + Holland weren't much better...

Anyword on weither or not Ronaldo shall play tomorow? Last I heard he practiced by himself, cuz of a thigh? injury.

Wow, i would have never expected Angola to tie Mexico. Very good for them. Go African teams!!

Well im hoping the Angolans can keep the mexicans to a draw at least

:bow: Angola did there job, tommorow we must do our's

Argentina + Holland weren't much better...

Anyword on weither or not Ronaldo shall play tomorow? Last I heard he practiced by himself, cuz of a thigh? injury.

He was back playing with the first team today

He was back playing with the first team today
Sweet....I hate having to wake up at 8:30 on a saturday :( Hopefully we pull off a big win to make up for it.

Sweet....I hate having to wake up at 8:30 on a saturday :( Hopefully we pull off a big win to make up for it.

Game starts at 9 ;) unless you like the TSN babbling or just like getting hyped

Maybe he wants to take a shower, do some pre-game waffle scarfing or something at 8:30?

Anyway, there was a bit of buzz around a good number of the students and faculty at school to see the Iran-Portugal game. Not so much wanting to see them win, though. So much for hoping for the upset.

BTW, way to represent the conference, Mexico :shakehead

Game starts at 9 ;) unless you like the TSN babbling or just like getting hypedI take time to actually ''get-up''. If I woke up at like 8:50, I'd only start actually watching the game at like 9:10. Which is unnaceptable. However, if I wake at 8:30 and listen to the babbling, and have a few laughs, I'll be good to go when we start it off.

Maybe he wants to take a shower, do some pre-game waffle scarfing or something at 8:30?

Anyway, there was a bit of buzz around a good number of the students and faculty at school to see the Iran-Portugal game. Not so much wanting to see them win, though. So much for hoping for the upset.

BTW, way to represent the conference, Mexico :shakehead

With "The magic" Deco back tommorow , I doubt it ;) . He makes that midfield go

With "The magic" Deco back tommorow , I doubt it ;) . He makes that midfield go

I didn't have the heart to tell them that Iran probably will have no chance against the many sides of the Do-Deco-hedron Midfield.

I'm going to go to the box and feel shame for that bad pun.

Deco returning will have much the same impact as Rooney returning to the England side. He'll change them from an average looking side to one that could realistically go on and take it.

So England can now realistically go on and take it? :D

Wow, I can't see why this wasn't a red.
The guy hit Figo to the face with his shoe.
Straight red it should have been!

Wow, I can't see why this wasn't a red.
The guy hit Figo to the face with his shoe.
Straight red it should have been!

No ****ing ****. This ref is ****ing blind. How does Figo nearly get his head taken off by a flying foot and the guy doesn't get a single card, let alone a red card?

Portugal had some great chances, overall the first half was quite enertaining. The second will be a treat to watch. (Cmonnnn Deco I need points in my fantasy league!)

Deco gets the yellow and I can understand it because he did high kick the guy... but i'm still scratching my head how the dude who kicked Figo's face is still playing...

No ****ing ****. This ref is ****ing blind. How does Figo nearly get his head taken off by a flying foot and the guy doesn't get a single card, let alone a red card?
Yet they get the cards out for wasting time or shirt pulling.

Now that was a foul.

DECO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


GOALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a shot!!!!!!!!!

1-0 Deco.

And a huge dive by Figo brings up the penalty.

I think it's fair to say Poulat won't ref many more games.

C. Ronaldo makes it 2-0.

And a huge dive by Figo brings up the penalty.

I think it's fair to say Poulat won't ref many more games.

Maybe he felt bad about not calling the face kick? :sarcasm:

I think it has something to do with it.
He had a good game, I was being harsh, but he messed up in the two biggest plays of the game :
The Karate Kid kick should have been a red, he didn't give a card, and the penalty was a dive, and he gave it (though I must say that in real motion, I thought it was a foul, but the replay leaves no doubt).

And a huge dive by Figo brings up the penalty.

I think it's fair to say Poulat won't ref many more games.

Hardly a huge dive:shakehead More like some imbellishment to an obvious foul.

Well, ZDF's replay left zero doubt : the iran player didn't touch him.

Well, ZDF's replay left zero doubt : the iran player didn't touch him.

TSN's replay suggests otherwise.

ZDF's angle was obvious. Straight into Figo's feet from the line. No foul.

As far as I could tell, Figo did get clipped (maybe that's why the irani player didn't look suprised at the decision). I've never seen a team dive more than Iran did in the first half, in the second half the referee didn't fall for it anymore, and they cut back severly. It was a dominant performance by portugal, and we got the deserved win.

ZDF's angle was obvious. Straight into Figo's feet from the line. No foul.

There was a tiny bit of contact there, but Figo made it look really good. Clearly a dive, there wasn't enough contact to bring him down.

As far as I could tell, Figo did get clipped (maybe that's why the irani player didn't look suprised at the decision). I've never seen a team dive more than Iran did in the first half, in the second half the referee didn't fall for it anymore, and they cut back severly. It was a dominant performance by portugal, and we got the deserved win.

Exactly. The play looked pretty similar to one that earned a Portuguese player a yellow card earlier in the game.

Great game by Portugal. Doesn't really matter if it was a penalty or not, Iran wasn't scoring anyways.

Iran in the 2 games they played, let in 4 goals in the 2nd half. That's what killed Iran, couldn't play a whole game.

Portugal will be hard pressed against Mexico since they are still playing for a 2nd round berth.

Portugal and whoever else advance will have a very hard 2nd round. Argentina and the Dutch are waiting. I would rather play the Dutch because Argentina looks unstoppable.

There was a tiny bit of contact there, but Figo made it look really good. Clearly a dive, there wasn't enough contact to bring him down.

Imbellishment or not, the guy put his outstretched leg at Figo's shin inside the area. Very poor judgement on his part.

Iran in the 2 games they played, let in 4 goals in the 2nd half. That's what killed Iran, couldn't play a whole game.


I think Iran not scoring any goals or creating much offense kills them twice as much. Hard to win if you can't put the ball in the back of the net. If I'm a fan of Iran soccer, I'm not liking the team's chances against Angola.

Mexico-Portugal should be a very good game to watch. Loser gets Argentina, more than enough reason to push for the win. Who takes it in a tie? The team with better goal differential, I assume?

I think Iran not scoring any goals or creating much offense kills them twice as much. Hard to win if you can't put the ball in the back of the net. If I'm a fan of Iran soccer, I'm not liking the team's chances against Angola.

Mexico-Portugal should be a very good game to watch. Loser gets Argentina, more than enough reason to push for the win. Who takes it in a tie? The team with better goal differential, I assume?

Well considering we have six points and Mexico four points we obviosly have the advatage needing only a draw. I see your under estimating the dutch

Well considering we have six points and Mexico four points we obviosly have the advatage needing only a draw. I see your under estimating the dutch

That's right, Mexico didn't get any thing but a draw against Angola. I forgot. Thanks for reminding me.

I don't think I'm underestimating the Dutch. Do YOU want to see Portugal play Argentina after that 6-0 beatdown of Serbia & Montenegro, who may or may not be a better team than the US? Mexico and Portugal are good teams, but Argentina is on FIRE right now. If I'm a fan of either team, I wouldn't to see my team getting burnt. Holland could move on, they are also a strong team, but playing Holland is preferable to playing Argentina in the first round of the knockout stages, I think.

Ooooooooooooooooh UPDATE: I figured out what you meant. The above assumes Argentina beats Holland. Holland could beat Argentina if the fire does not keep burning; but I think the momentum from the 6-0 win will continue onwards for Argentina.

5 Portuguese players will not play because of card issues: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Valente, Pauleta, Deco and Costinha. Unlike Gerrard they won't play one minute according to Scolari

5 Portuguese players will not play because of card issues: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Valente, Pauleta, Deco and Costinha. Unlike Gerrard they won't play one minute according to Scolari

Big difference in the scenario though. Portugal is going to play either Holland or Argentina, a tough game no matter what. England gets to play Equador with the tie instead of Germany, a big difference in the quality of the oponent.

Maniche!!!!!

Bad dive by Petit.

Marquez trying to pull a hand of god?

What a stupid, stupid penalty. :propeller

What a stupid, stupid penalty. :propeller

Damn Mexico is playing stupid futebol today. If my calculations are correct, if the score holds and Angola wins, Mexico is out.

Damn Mexico is playing stupid futebol today. If my calculations are correct, if the score holds and Angola wins, Mexico is out.

You are correct. I would love to see that happen.

How the hell does the ref miss the foul by Fonseca on Ricardo.

Wow that penalty couldn't have been MORE wide....He should get killed after this game.

Haha....this just keeps getting better for Mexico. That was just about the ugliest dive I've seen these Finals.

what a silly dive

Wow that penalty couldn't have been MORE wide....He should get killed after this game.Not a good thing to say considering what happened to that Colombian guy. :shakehead

what a silly dive
It was but if every ref gave a card for a dive like that, every Italy and Argentina game would be abandoned due to lack of players.

Angola makes it 1-0 ... neus = tightening

Angola is up 1-0 now.

Angola makes it 1-0 ... neus = tightening

Go Angola:yo:

If portugal and/or Angola score 2 more goals, mexico are out.

If portugal and/or Angola score 2 more goals, mexico are out.Or If Portugal scores 1 and Angola scores 1.

Or If Portugal scores 1 and Angola scores 1.
Thats what I meant/said.

Mexico have qualified now. Iran just scored.

God damn iran just tied it.

God damn iran just tied it.

there is just no justice in this world ... **** Iran

Doesn't anybody like Mexico? :)

Damn we suck (Iran)

/bleh

Doesn't anybody like Mexico? :)


No... :wg:

Stupid Iran:madfire:

It was but if every ref gave a card for a dive like that, every Italy and Argentina game would be abandoned due to lack of players.

I though the Mexican stepped on the ball causing him to fall down, and it did appear that the Portugal defender caught him a bit. A VERY harsh decision for a yellow IMHO (their was a much more blatent dive later that got nothing from the ref)

He was barely touched but went down dramatically, it was a total dive.

If you tread on the ball and fall over, it doesnt look like that.

I though the Mexican stepped on the ball causing him to fall down, and it did appear that the Portugal defender caught him a bit. A VERY harsh decision for a yellow IMHO (their was a much more blatent dive later that got nothing from the ref)You talking about the Simao dive? Cuz he made it look like a foul (Marquez got the yellow). He put his foot back and ''triped'' over Marquez foot.

Portugal - Good side but not quite good enough. Out in second round.
Angola - Not a bad side but still the fodder of the group.
Mexico - Massively over-rated, will scrape through on the basis of not being quite as bad as Angola or Iran.
Iran - Energetic but not got the quality.

spot on :)

I though the Mexican stepped on the ball causing him to fall down, and it did appear that the Portugal defender caught him a bit. A VERY harsh decision for a yellow IMHO (their was a much more blatent dive later that got nothing from the ref)

My guess is the ref will only call the dive if the player in question has done it a few times earlier in the game. If the guy is constantly diving, the ref will finally have enough and give the yellow.

spot on :)

Not really. You gave Iran more props than Angola, but Angola finished ahead of them:p:

Not really. You gave Iran more props than Angola, but Angola finished ahead of them:p:

Nah, i talked about em last for a reason :p

Whoever doesn't think that Portugal has a shot against the Netherlands is pretty much dilusional.

Whoever doesn't think that Portugal has a shot against the Netherlands is pretty much dilusional.

Yeah, I rate that game a tossup. Portugal beat them at Euro2004.

Yeah, I rate that game a tossup. Portugal beat them at Euro2004.Well that's not the reason. I think both sides haven't proved what they're fully capable of being contenders. I do see Portugal beating the Netherlands though (and of course Mexico getting pounded by Argentina).

Whoever doesn't think that Portugal has a shot against the Netherlands is pretty much dilusional.

Who would think that?

< Well that's not the reason. I think both sides haven't proved what they're fully capable of being contenders. I do see Portugal beating the Netherlands though (and of course Mexico getting pounded by Argentina).
well, who knows? maybe netherland will beat argentina !
and portugal would have to face argentina, and honestly I wouldn't favor them over argentina !

Well that's not the reason. I think both sides haven't proved what they're fully capable of being contenders. I do see Portugal beating the Netherlands though (and of course Mexico getting pounded by Argentina).

I actually see the Dutch pulling out a win over Portugal if it comes to those two teams playing each other.

Whoever doesn't think that Portugal has a shot against the Netherlands is pretty much dilusional.

Noone said that.

I hope they play the Dutch. The Dutch are a good side that shouldn't be taken lightly, but I feel Portugals game is more suited against a team like the Dutch. Back in the Euro's the Portuguese frustrated Van Nistelroy and didn't give him too much room. I feel the Potugal team can handle the Dutch better than the Argentinians.

Portugal has a better than 50% shot at going past the Netherlands....barely

Portugal has about a 25% chance of beating Argentina.

Mexico has no shot no matter who they play......so I say giv'em Argentina.. :D

The Netherlands team in Euro 2004 is remarkably different than their team right now.

The Netherlands team in Euro 2004 is remarkably different than their team right now.


It seems the team was better back then. Now it's pretty much Robben and not much else.