[WC] GDT Group F -> 1/Brazil - 2/ Australia

12/06
Australia 3-1 Japan (3 PM)

13/06
Brazil 1-0 Croatia (9 PM)

18/06
Japan 0-0 Croatia (3 PM)
Australia 0-2 Brazil (6 PM)

23/06
Australia 2-2 Croatia (9 PM)
Brazil 4-1 Japan (9 PM)

1- Brazil 9 pts +6
2- Australia 4 pts E
3- Croatia 2 pt -1
4- Japan 1 pt -5

tough group for Croatia, we tend to struggle against non-European opponents and all three are but we also tend to come up big against the "top" teams.

Against Brazil I will be happy with a draw and a win would be a bonus, Japan we have to beat, no excuses they are not that great, I've seen them play 2 times this year and they aren't anything special while Australia should be tricky.

Brazil should breeze this. I think its between Croatia and Australia for second place. Personally i prefer the croatians to go through. Aussie people call us poms. Beating them in the ashes wasn't enough.

Agree, 2nd place will be between Australia/Croatia.

I like the Aussies for there experience, and coach.

Altough i think it will come down to Australia and Croatia, dont write off the Japanese. They are a technically sound team, they just lack quality. Much like Greece in Euro 2004.

Watch out the Aussie. Especially their physical play.

I also agree that Aussie will advance along with Brazil

Watch out the Aussie. Especially their physical play.

I also agree that Aussie will advance along with Brazil
Its true, they are very tough. Viduka is a strong forward too, with very good goal scoring ability. Kewell, if on form, is dangerous. Australia are no mugs.

Its true, they are very tough. Viduka is a strong forward too, with very good goal scoring ability. Kewell, if on form, is dangerous. Australia are no mugs.

It's always Hiddink's style. Remember last tournament Korea was trained from a weak team to a physical team and had a great success. It may sounds crazy but I think they can sneak through to quarter-final

Agree, 2nd place will be between Australia/Croatia.

I like the Aussies for there experience, and coach.
:confused:

Brazil should breeze this. I think its between Croatia and Australia for second place. Personally i prefer the croatians to go through. Aussie people call us poms. Beating them in the ashes wasn't enough.
Pom :sarcasm:

:confused:

I should've re-phrased that.
What I meant to say was they have a lot of players playing for clubs in Europe. Gets them better prepared IMO.

Brazil should walk through. I say Aussies are 2nd

Brazilians will not breeze through, I see them winning thw group but in tough games against Australia and Croatia. Australia and Hiddink move on with Brazil

as much as i would like to see an upset, brazil will advance; theyre too good not to. second place is a toss-up

Brazil and Japan

I'll go with the majority here and say Bra/Aus go through.

It'll be very tight between Croatia and Australia. Their match could be the most explosive of the group stages I think Hiddink and Kewell will be the difference makers. Schwarzer is a good keeper as well. As for Viduka, his form has been indifferent lately and if the Aussies had any depth at forward, I wouldn't be suprised to see him on the bench.

I see Australia is very overrated here... :shakehead

Yes, they are phisical (might cost them some red cards) and yes, they have Hiddink but they are still Australia... They were completely dominated by Netherlands and played porely against Lichtenstein.

Croatia wasn't brilliant in the friendlies as they were experimenting a lot with players who aren't going to play at all but under pressure and with our starting 11 we will give Brazil some tough time and dismantle both Australia and Japan.

1. Brazil
2. Croatia
3. doesn't matter. But I'd still like to see Japan there

I even think there might be an upset against Brazil in the first game. You heard it here first!

I see Australia is very overrated here... :shakehead

a pleasant surprise from being underrated for the past 6 months.

a pleasant surprise from being underrated for the past 6 months.

From underrated to overrated...

Happens a lot around here on HFboards... ;)

it seems many people counting out Japan. I think the 2nd place will be either Aussie and Japan with Aussie has a slight favor. Watch out guy named Shunsuke NAKAMURA.

it seems many people counting out Japan. I think the 2nd place will be either Aussie and Japan with Aussie has a slight favor. Watch out guy named Shunsuke NAKAMURA.
He had a good year with Celtic, and I would also look out for Takahara

He had a good year with Celtic, and I would also look out for Takahara
The Japanese did give Ze Germans a good little test in that friendly last week....

it seems many people counting out Japan. I think the 2nd place will be either Aussie and Japan with Aussie has a slight favor. Watch out guy named Shunsuke NAKAMURA.

Japaneese players said themselves how they lack winning attitude and motivation. Such team won't go far...

I think it will be Brazil walking through and Crotia getting the other spot in the round of 16.

My god, Croatia is really underrated, a really good team even if they lost a FRIENDLY to Poland. Brazil and Kroatia going through, I could even see Croatia winning the group.

Alot of people are talking about Australia possibly getting through in this group but personally I don't see this one as being that close. Brazil and Croatia stroll into the next round.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=370471&cc=5901



LOL :biglaugh:

If we are on form we can beat anyone but yeah if we play like we did against the Dutch and Lichtenstien this is going to be 3 games of flogging for us.

The good news is that against Lichtenstien we wernt playing a full strength team with Kewell and Cahill just coming back from injuries (When is Kewell not coming back from injuries?) Bad news Viduka might be out for the opener.

Im thinking we can beat Croatia and Japan but i think we can't match it against Brazil. Should be an interesting group though.

Alright my avatar is set. Let's do this!!

My god, Croatia is really underrated, a really good team even if they lost a FRIENDLY to Poland. Brazil and Kroatia going through, I could even see Croatia winning the group.

Croatia above Brazil? I don't think so pal, although they will qualify.

Brazil - Will waltz the group, scoring over 10.
Croatia - Will sneak through. A good side that doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Australia - Kind of an unknown quantity. Got some proven Premiership talent but will just struggle to make it past Croatia
Japan - Nothing more than a learning exercise. Will cause more problems than most of the other minnows but will still finish at the bottom.

Japan - Nothing more than a learning exercise. Will cause more problems than most of the other minnows but will still finish at the bottom.

Japan arn't Asian champions for nothing and I think you are underestimating them.

This is going to be a tight fight for 2nd place in the group.

This is actually a deceptively strong group. It looks weak because Brazil far outclasses all the other teams, but in many of the other groups these teams could compete.

Australia can progress but need Kewell on top of his game and creating our offense. If he is shut down or his injury holds him back, our attack should be majorly weakend.

If Huudink can take Korea to within a goal of the WC Final, I like the possibilities with this team

Japan arn't Asian champions for nothing and I think you are underestimating them.

This is going to be a tight fight for 2nd place in the group.

Being Asian champs isn't exactly the toughest title to earn in the world. They're not bad, but they aren't as good as the other 3.

There you go, Japan 1-0 up against Australia.
That should keep you in check for a while. :biglaugh:

I'm among those that feel fouls are being whistled too easily on goalies, but that should not have counted. It was a foul on the goalie.

I'm among those that feel fouls are being whistled too easily on goalies, but that should not have counted. It was a foul on the goalie.

It was a clear foul, obstructed his ability to even get off the ground. That besides, Australia is looking okay, they are getting chances but they are very sloppy, especially when Japan is streching the field. Nippon is looking a bit apprehensive, nervous even but they have been equal to the task until now.

Every single 50-50 call is going AGAINST the aussies right now. Japan has to go into a challenge and fall on the ground and they get the whistle every time.

Australia has GOT to start diving to get any calls today. This is rediculous.

This pisses me off. This is the **** World Cup, and once again the FIFA has supplied the best footballers of the world with some sorry refs and linesmen who don't even understand the basics off the game. Sepp Blatter and his Mafia tactics are completely destroying the beautiful game. After 2002 this should have changed but Mr. Blatter didn't do anything about it and now once again refs from countries that never had top matches (yeah he reffed at the Africa Cup and sucked there too) get these all important matches. This is really SCANDALOUS :madfire: :madfire: :madfire:


i mean seriously that goal was a foul from a MILE away. He blew his whistle way to early the entire first half and he misses this obvious call.
And both linesmen are completely clueless, did you see that one offside call by the linesman at the Australian side of the pitch :confused:


Australia is better but have some issue employing there all action style due to the weather I think. They need to score quickly now if they want to win.

This pisses me off. This is the **** World Cup, and once again the FIFA has supplied the best footballers of the world with some sorry refs and linesmen who don't even understand the basics off the game. Sepp Blatter and his Mafia tactics are completely destroying the beautiful game. After 2002 this should have changed but Mr. Blatter didn't do anything about it and now once again refs from countries that never had top matches (yeah he reffed at the Africa Cup and sucked there too) get these all important matches. This is really SCANDALOUS :madfire: :madfire: :madfire:


i mean seriously that goal was a foul from a MILE away. He blew his whistle way to early the entire first half and he misses this obvious call.
And both linesmen are completely clueless, did you see that one offside call by the linesman at the Australian side of the pitch :confused:


Australia is better but have some issue employing there all action style due to the weather I think. They need to score quickly now if they want to win.
Agreed.
I have no idea why these awful refs continue to ruin every WC, but it can't have very honest reasons behind it.

Agreed.
I have no idea why these awful refs continue to ruin every WC, but it can't have very honest reasons behind it.


Obvioulsy not, it's clear that those refs are sent in in order for Mr. Blatter and his fellow mafia friends to get votes to keep their posts at the top of the FIFA. This is no coincidence.

Did you know that Prendergast (the Jamaican guy who's incredible error put Belgium out in '02) was scheduled to come back this time? Even proven worthless refs get back as long as the Jamaican FA pledge their vote. Luckily he got injured and had to be replaced.


Personally I think the best refs should go. Even if it means 2 or 3 refs from one country and no refs from minnows, so be it.

Hmm, a couple of clear fouls not being called on both sides now.

There you go, Japan 1-0 up against Australia.
That should keep you in check for a while. :biglaugh:


fair play, they're doing well today, although the Aussies are disappointing.

Cahill comes in, game's going to open up now I think.

It didnt look like a foul to me, he came out of his net horribly and got bumped.

Nah, a japansese player actually pushed him on purpose. You can see it on one of the angles of the replays.

Nah, a japansese player actually pushed him on purpose. You can see it on one of the angles of the replays.

well they didnt push him from behind, he wasnt gonna get to that ball regardless of the bump or not. :dunno:

well they didnt push him from behind, he wasnt gonna get to that ball regardless of the bump or not. :dunno:

Yeah but the striker came in from the side for the ball but collided with the goalie, mabye accidently but it kept the keep from making the save.

Crazy freekick now, Australia needs to score.

And on the free kick, a japanese defenseman gets a card for not touching the aussie forward... :shakehead

Egyptian refs suck!!!!!!
" On June 7, the team played its second match against the host nation. It proved to be a controversial affair: with the score still at 0-0, the Egyptian referee Hussain Kandil awarded a free-kick to the Salvadorans in their own half. It was immediately taken by Mexico, who scored a couple of seconds later. The Salvadoran players protested vigorously, to the extent of physically jostling Bermudan linesman Keith Dunstan, but the goal was allowed to stand."

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

And on the free kick, a japanese defenseman gets a card for not touching the aussie forward... :shakehead

I can't believe they called that, what are these Canadian Division three refs?
Man how hot is it out there, everybody looks drained. Japan is looking solid but once again their lack of clinical strikers is killing them. Australia's physical play has been, well underwhelming to say the least. People who were saying they were going to finish second...

****, what did I say about strikers who could finish on that run?

****, what did I say about strikers who could finish on that run?

That was pitiful... neither team is looking so great here. Count me among those that think the Croats will go through.

That was pitiful... neither team is looking so great here. Count me among those that think the Croats will go through.

Ono's coming on, this should prove interesting. He has finishing, well when he's healthy.

australia!!!! :handclap:

well its even now, both keepers gift wrapped the goals.

Excellent drama and that's just what Aus deserve. Cahill ought to be off though.

Japan lacks its best player IMO : Matsui.
He may be young, but he's better than every japanese on the pitch.

oh that was a nice play.

Good game, the ref got the Japan goal right but he totally missed a penalty for them just after the Aussies scored.

The irony of a draw is that it virtually ensures neither team will get through so its a good job for them that Australia just scored.

WOW! 2-1 Australia

wow, what a shot!!

What a stunner!

Beautiful second goal!

An even match but great strike there.

Aussies score in the 89th minute

There you go, Japan 1-0 up against Australia.
That should keep you in check for a while. :biglaugh:

I love being right.

the ref got the Japan goal right
:biglaugh:

The irony of a draw is that it virtually ensures neither team will get through
Riiiight.

Beautiful goal, Aussies made this game heart breaking for the Japanese

wow Japan fell apart



Austalia first ever win in the World Cup, and their first 3 goals :clap:

:biglaugh:


Riiiight.

You gonna give me some credit?

I love being right.

Another goal!

Japan just collasped, just like Nakata said they would. They have the skill, well technical and conditioning wise but determination and heart, only one guy has that and I can't believe that the system was not tailored around him.

what the hell was he doing back pedelling like that??

You gonna give me some credit?
The scoreline does not indicate the actual game, it was very even and Japan if they even could learn how to finish would have won it handily. Kudos to Australia but 3-1 doesn't reflect the game.

The scoreline does not indicate the actual game, it was very even and Japan if they even could learn how to finish would have won it handily. Kudos to Australia but 3-1 doesn't reflect the game.

I disagree, Australia were the better side and Japan were guilty of doing exactly what England did. They went one up and shut up shop. They invited Aus onto them and paid the price. Unfortunately for them, they don't have as good a defence as England. Japan were pretty good in the first half, but the second was dreadful.

I mean, their first goal shouldn't have even been allowed.

The scoreline does not indicate the actual game, it was very even and Japan if they even could learn how to finish would have won it handily. Kudos to Australia but 3-1 doesn't reflect the game.

the score is all that matters

Australia fully deserved their win.


Another couple of STUNNING mistakes by the ref. How he failed to spot that clear penalty for Japan is actually beyond me. Two footed challenge, nowhere near the ball...


Anyway, nice to see that the best team does end up getting the win.

The scoreline does not indicate the actual game, it was very even and Japan if they even could learn how to finish would have won it handily. Kudos to Australia but 3-1 doesn't reflect the game.

true, kawaguchi made some nice saves too.

true, kawaguchi made some nice saves too.

That save from the free kick was excellent.

I disagree, Australia were the better side and Japan were guilty of doing exactly what England did. They went one up and shut up shop. They invited Aus onto them and paid the price. Unfortunately for them, they don't have as good a defence as England. Japan were pretty good in the first half, but the second was dreadful.

I mean, their first goal shouldn't have even been allowed.

They hardly shut it down, they played a counter-attack style (ill-suited to their game) that prudced many rushes and chances and they just failed to capitalize. The Australians until the goals were doing okay, they had their chances but their pressure was batted away with relative ease. Sure they had more possession but in quality chances, they were pretty even.

Australia fully deserved their win.


Another couple of STUNNING mistakes by the ref. How he failed to spot that clear penalty for Japan is actually beyond me. Two footed challenge, nowhere near the ball...


Anyway, nice to see that the best team does end up getting the win.
I take it you're talking about the Japan goal? I don't think you can give a foul when the Japan player has his eyes on the ball the whole time, he doesn't have to make way for the keeper and they are totally overprotected anyway. He was not trying to foul him.

They hardly shut it down, they played a counter-attack style (ill-suited to their game) that prudced many rushes and chances and they just failed to capitalize. The Australians until the goals were doing okay, they had their chances but their pressure was batted away with relative ease. Sure they had more possession but in quality chances, they were pretty even.

Sorry but that's not right.

First half was 'fairly' even but still Australia had the better of the game.

In the second half Japan almost did nothing until the 1-1, when they should have had a penalty.

The best team won simple as that.

They hardly shut it down, they played a counter-attack style (ill-suited to their game) that prudced many rushes and chances and they just failed to capitalize. The Australians until the goals were doing okay, they had their chances but their pressure was batted away with relative ease. Sure they had more possession but in quality chances, they were pretty even.
I think they just ran out of steam, they were still flying forward for about 60 minutes trying to get a 2nd goal.

I take it you're talking about the Japan goal? I don't think you can give a foul when the Japan player has his eyes on the ball the whole time, he doesn't have to make way for the keeper and they are totally overprotected anyway. He was not trying to foul him.

thank you, if he had come out of his net with any force he would have punched that ball away. its not the forwards fault he came out soft and tried to sell a little bump for a foul. :clap:

I take it you're talking about the Japan goal? I don't think you can give a foul when the Japan player has his eyes on the ball the whole time, he doesn't have to make way for the keeper and they are totally overprotected anyway. He was not trying to foul him.

Impeding with the keeper in the 8 yard area should be a foul, even when it wasn't intentional (I agree with that part).

I also agree about the overprotected part but in cases like this (Schwarzer also couldn't see him coming and had his eyes fixed on the ball) it was a clear foul and the goal should obviously have been disallowed.
The overprotection part comes into play when the keeper goes in a straight battle with the forwad where both are attacking the ball.


Oh and I know where you're coming from, IMO Urs Maier was right. Or at least was not as wrong as some in England would like it.

the score is all that matters

Not in soccer, especially in this kind of event. When you're in group stage, moral is very important, it's all about momentum. They lost today which sucks but ultimately it was rather even game if a bit in favour of the Australians. They'll say, we lost the game in the last 15 minutes and then retool for the next 2 games. If they had gotten owned on the pitch like the scorleine indicated, I would be much more worried.

Ultimately though, they just lack heart and determination. Nakamura is the prime example of that, I know Celtic fans love him but he's represents what's wrong with Japanese football on the world stage; got the skill and the conditioning but lacks the determination and heart/initiative to win it. All game Nippon was waiting for the ball to come to them, they backed off way too many times. Nakata said it best, just not ****ing heart.

Impeding with the keeper in the 8 yard area should be a foul, even when it wasn't intentional (I agree with that part).I think it should only be given when its intentional, if the player looked over his shoulder then moved into the goalie then call a foul. When hes just trying to get to the ball just like the keeper, don't call the foul.

Sorry but that's not right.

First half was 'fairly' even but still Australia had the better of the game.

In the second half Japan almost did nothing until the 1-1, when they should have had a penalty.

The best team won simple as that.

I felt that in the second half they were neck to neck (Australian pressure with Japanese chances) until around the 75 minute mark and then Australia took over.

I think it was fairly even, with Australia being a bit better.

I do agree Australia was better but, 3-1 better? I don't know.

Not in soccer, especially in this kind of event. When you're in group stage, moral is very important, it's all about momentum. They lost today which sucks but ultimately it was rather even game if a bit in favour of the Australians. They'll say, we lost the game in the last 15 minutes and then retool for the next 2 games. If they had gotten owned on the pitch like the scorleine indicated, I would be much more worried.
I don't think it matters, they're not going to beat Brazil and they'd do well to get a point off the Croatia.

Thats why both teams had to win this one to have any hope of getting through by getting a draw with the Croatia.

Not in soccer, especially in this kind of event. When you're in group stage, moral is very important, it's all about momentum. They lost today which sucks but ultimately it was rather even game if a bit in favour of the Australians. They'll say, we lost the game in the last 15 minutes and then retool for the next 2 games. If they had gotten owned on the pitch like the scorleine indicated, I would be much more worried.

Ultimately though, they just lack heart and determination. Nakamura is the prime example of that, I know Celtic fans love him but he's represents what's wrong with Japanese football on the world stage; got the skill and the conditioning but lacks the determination and heart/initiative to win it. All game Nippon was waiting for the ball to come to them, they backed off way too many times. Nakata said it best, just not ****ing heart.

If its all about momentum, that would be horrible for Japan.

I don't think it matters, they're not going to beat Brazil and they'd do well to get a point off the Croatia.

Thats why both teams had to win this one to have any hope of getting through by getting a draw with the Croatia.

For sure, just read the second part of my post.

Japan should have put them away when they had their chances. Aussies looked slow and tired in the second half, I caught myself thinking no way they are going to equalize. Who is the Japanese right winger- if I am Zico that tool doesn't see another minute of the WC. In the second half he had like 5 good runs down the field, with the forwards charging into the box with all the space in the world, all he had to do was make one decent cross and Aussies would be done. But all of his crosses were horribly inaccurate. Anyway, good win by Australia, gotta love their spirit. All of Hiddink's subs were right on, he gambled on having 3 forwards out there and it paid off, that's why he is one of the best coaches in the world.

I think it should only be given when its intentional, if the player looked over his shoulder then moved into the goalie then call a foul. When hes just trying to get to the ball just like the keeper, don't call the foul.

Yeah but Schwarzer didn't see him coming, he ran into him from behind his shoulders, in that case a goalie should get the call.

The Japan goal was a foul, but there is NO WAY for the ref to have seen what happened. Their were 4 players (2 Aussies, 2 Japanese) in his way, and it did look like it was a player going for the ball. The replay does clearly show the Japanese striker obstructing the keeper with his arm, and it should have been a foul. But if the ref had called that, he would have been calling something he didn't see, the linesman had to make that call (and didn't).

Also, when it was 1-1, the ref could have called a penalty for sure. I like the no-call because the player had already pushed the ball to far away and was no longer in a dangerous position, but that could have been a penalty for sure. Its quite possible the ref was informed of the earlier screwup for Japan and wasn't about to award a borderline penalty on top of it.

All in all, Japan ended up with the correct number of goals for that match (1).

You gonna give me some credit?
About what? About that Australia win?
I suggest you check this thread :
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=5683705#post5683705

I take it you're talking about the Japan goal? I don't think you can give a foul when the Japan player has his eyes on the ball the whole time, he doesn't have to make way for the keeper and they are totally overprotected anyway. He was not trying to foul him.

Doesn't matter mate, the fact is that he did foul the goalie. It's not like he jumped into him, he jumped and the player moved into him. It's a foul.

Hiddink! :bow:

Nearly went into a fight with some Japanese medical guys.. :biglaugh:

About what? About that Australia win?
I suggest you check this thread :
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=5683705#post5683705

Congratulations. Do you want a medal or something?

:bow: :bow: :bow:

Doesn't matter mate, the fact is that he did foul the goalie. It's not like he jumped into him, he jumped and the player moved into him. It's a foul.
No its not, otherwise a foul would have to be called every time one player touches another. There has to be intent.

Yeah but Schwarzer didn't see him coming, he ran into him from behind his shoulders, in that case a goalie should get the call.
The Japanese player didnt see Schwarzer coming hence it is no foul unless you expect all players to actively move out of the way to give the opposition access to the ball.

No its not, otherwise a foul would have to be called every time one player touches another. There has to be intent.

Intent to foul somebody? That would result in maybe one or two fouls a game. The fact is, he barged into him, pushed him off the ball and it went in. It's not a booking or anything but it is manhandling the goalie.

Congratulations. Do you want a medal or something?

:bow: :bow: :bow:
The point is that I predicted a 2-0 win by Australia. :shakehead
And you're saying you want some credit... :lol:

The point is that I predicted a 2-0 win by Australia. :shakehead
And you're saying you want some credit... :lol:

so you got it wrong? A 3-1 prediction would have been much more impressive.

If you predicted it correctly, why exactly were you saying 'that will shut him up' when the removed racially offensive term went one up?

As for the removed racially offensive term game; Yet another fantastic game [England's was the worst ]

Japan are an insane little team - they're totally devoid of natural talent, but they bomb about the place doing absolutely everything by the textbook. It must derive from the discipline of their culture - there's no originality, emotion or final product but everything in between is pure perfection. They play as if they've studied the game of football for 14 hours of every day and trained for the other 10.

Australia are a bunch of mules with a fat ******* manager - a strange mix of Joe Kinnear, Harold Bishop and Alf Stewart.

so you got it wrong? A 3-1 prediction would have been much more impressive.

If you predicted it correctly, why exactly were you saying 'that will shut him up' when the **** went one up?
Yep, I got it wrong. But you're bragging because Australia beat Japan when just about everyone said the same thing.
And I called you up because you throw assassine comments like "Japanese are not good" and everything.
I found it amusing that the japanese were leading.
I thought it'd teach you a lesson, but obiously, it didn't.

Anyway, enough with you, I'm wasting my time. You keep on making statements without thinking twice.
Football is not won on paper but on the pitch.
No team is safe in this tournament, even Brazil.

Austalia first ever win in the World Cup, and their first 3 goals :clap:

No other team has ever scored 3 goals in the last 7 minutes either :amazed:

Good for Australia and great for my fantasy team (made Cahill my captain so I wanna some credit tooooooo!)

Yep, I got it wrong. But you're bragging because Australia beat Japan when just about everyone said the same thing.
And I called you up because you throw assassine comments like "Japanese are not good" and everything.
I found it amusing that the japanese were leading.
I thought it'd teach you a lesson, but obiously, it didn't.

Anyway, enough with you, I'm wasting my time. You keep on making statements without thinking twice.
Football is not won on paper but on the pitch.
No team is safe in this tournament, even Brazil.

Sure thing fella, i am right though. The removed racially offensive term aren't particularily good, as i've said, they lack any technical ability whatsoever and rely on pace and stamina to do anything.

You are wasting your time, that's right. Football is won on the field, true. What you seem to be ignorant to is that it is predicted correctly 90% of the time too.

What you seem to be ignorant to is that it is predicted correctly 90% of the time too.
Which is why I'm leading both hfboards pools... :D

Which is why I'm leading both hfboards pools... :D

Wish i'd got here earlier :madfire:

Intent to foul somebody? That would result in maybe one or two fouls a game. The fact is, he barged into him, pushed him off the ball and it went in. It's not a booking or anything but it is manhandling the goalie.
How can you manhandle a goalie when you don't even know hes there and someone pushes you into him.?

How can you manhandle a goalie when you don't even know hes there and someone pushes you into him.?

Ok, manhandling is the wrong word but it is still a foul. Because of the forwards presence, Schwarzer was pushed off the ball and it dropped in. Whether he meant it or not, it's a foul.

I think it should only be given when its intentional, if the player looked over his shoulder then moved into the goalie then call a foul. When hes just trying to get to the ball just like the keeper, don't call the foul.

Although I agree, this would leave way too much room for controvercy. Now refs will have to watch players' head movement, it'll turn into a big mess fairly quickly.

Is Ronaldo starting?

Is Ronaldo starting?
yep.
---------Adriano------Ronaldo

--]------Ronaldinho
---------------------------Kaka
---Ze Roberto
---------------Emerson
Roberto Carlos------------------Cafu
----------Juan--------Lucio
----------------Dida

Brazil wins 4-1

An Adriano hat trick would do wonders for me in the hfboards pool! ;)

OK I cleaned this thread up, if anyone has any issues with the rules (which are clear) or the moderation I would syggest to take it to the Admins.

But I take it that everyone will refrain from any further wrongdoings :)

I say 2-1 Brazil.

Although I agree, this would leave way too much room for controvercy. Now refs will have to watch players' head movement, it'll turn into a big mess fairly quickly.
Thats the way it used to be and it worked perfectly. Fouls had to be deliberate.

Thats the way it used to be and it worked perfectly. Fouls had to be deliberate.

I was watching the Beeb last night and even both Ian Dowie and Mick McCarthy said it was a foul, that means it must have been :biglaugh:

I think you'd only get Vinny J. on your side on this one ;)

Unbelievable: http://soccer.sportsnet.tsn.ca/news_story/?id=192

Why don't they have more than one referee in Soccer anyways??

Unbelievable: http://soccer.sportsnet.tsn.ca/news_story/?id=192

Why don't they have more than one referee in Soccer anyways??


They have 2 linesmen that can help out in the call too

3 houres and 45 minutes left!!!

:jump: :yo: :handclap: :D

Will be seeing a lot of dancing in the crowds today :dumbo:

I predict 4-1 Brazil

Will be seeing a lot of dancing in the crowds today :dumbo:

I predict 4-1 Brazil

I don't know if they'll score that many, Croatia is a pretty decent team.

3-1 Brazil

Ronaldo's 100th international match

I don't know if they'll score that many, Croatia is a pretty decent team.

They are, but Brazil will be too much for them today.

Two things come to my minds for tonight game.

-With these kind of balls Brazil should be quite dangerous through shots from the distance:
R.Carlos, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka... would have been even worse for that matter with Juninho on the pitch.

- If Tudor will play as midfielder like newspapers reported he will need to be in his best shape in 4 years to barely contrast Ronaldinho's and Kaka's pace.

Brazil formation is nuts...all offense!!!
Brazil Formation (http://eurosport.com/football/worldcup/2006/livefullpage_mtc131149.shtml)

Two things come to my minds for tonight game.

-With these kind of balls Brazil should be quite dangerous through shots from the distance:
R.Carlos, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka... would have been even worse for that matter with Juninho on the pitch.

R.Carlos actually said he doesnt like the new ball. Its too light.
He'll probably place the ball 10yards back to get it on net :biglaugh:

R.Carlos actually said he doesnt like the new ball. Its too light.
He'll probably place the ball 10yards back to get it on net :biglaugh:

he's sucha bad @$$ :yo:

http://www.footballissue.com/index.php?id=463

Ouch, there one of the poorest clubs in Portugal as well. This is Brazil related

That was a nice rush, the Brazilians are starting to dance :D

Brazil formation is nuts...all offense!!!
Brazil Formation (http://eurosport.com/football/worldcup/2006/livefullpage_mtc131149.shtml)
It is nuts, but you have got to play to your strengths.

OOOOOOOOOOO CARLOS almost roofed that

Brazilains look far from unbeatable in this game and that looked like a dive by Kaka. The brazilians may have a potent atatck but they are very vulnerable on teh counter attack, Croations are proving it.

DANGEROUS Corner! Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Lecko for Kovac

Kaka scores, 1-0 Brazil.

GOooooooooooool
1-0 brazil

Kaka

Harmless, even delayed play that turns into a goal. Scary.

Brazil ... 31-0-2 when leading at halftime

Half-time

Brazil ... 31-0-2 when leading at halftime

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD NITE!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD NITE!

I wouldn't say that, Croatia has looked dangerous at times on the counter and it's not like Brazil have created a multitude of chances.

I wouldn't say that, Croatia has looked dangerous at times on the counter and it's not like Brazil have created a multitude of chances.

Perhaps, but the funny thing is...even though Brazil didnt look all that "great" they are still leading 1-0. They'll pick it up early in the 2nd half.

Ronaldo is clearly NOT fit to play. He was walking around and doing exactly nothing.
Main problem for Brazil was lack of mvements/help from the two forwards. They need to put Robinho in place for Ronaldo in the second half.
Also, Kaka was playing too much on the right in the ball possession phase, especially at first. Cafu should join more and so Kaka move to the center. In fact he was dangerous when off the right flank. Robinho who can help on the flanks could favourite that kind of play as well.
Emerson best player on the pitch so far imo, even if on the deserved yellow card he couldn't avoid his denying finger :lol:

Awful first half by Brazil.
Absolutely awful.
Yet they're ahread on that nice strike.

The Croatians must be some of the toughest players at this tournament, I saw at least three of them receive extremely agonizing injuries that half only to get right back into the game ASAP.

Color me unimpressed by Brazil... if they continue to play anything like this, they won't win squat. Their defense is awful.

Color me unimpressed by Brazil... if they continue to play anything like this, they won't win squat. Their defense is awful.

Czechs OR Italy in the next round ... see ya Brazil! :yo:

Agreed.
Brazil looks awful on defense. Lucky for Dida, or Croatia would be leading.

Kaka! looks like he'll have the only goal

Bad opening game for Brazil. They will need to play better in the games ahead if they want to win the tournament.

Doesn't Brazil traditionally get a lot better as tournaments progress though?

Brazil needs an overhaul IMO. Ze Roberto should not be playing. I know I sometimes like the 4-4-2 diamond a little too much, but how would this be...

----------Adriano-----------Robinho
---------------------Kaka---------------
-Ronaldinho------------------Juninho
---------------Emerson----------
-R. Carlos---Juan-----Lucio------Cafu
-----------------Dida------------

I know it's a little unbalanced, but Emerson is slightly to the left to cover for Ronaldinho who can go wherever he wants and Robinho should give width on the right side since Juninho isn't a true winger. This also puts Kaka back where he belongs and it puts an out of shape Ronaldo on the bench.

Dida was really good today, probably Brazil's best player.

Croatia really deserved the win.
I wonder how it comes one of the bottom european teams is manhandling the top SA team... :sarcasm:

Completely unimpressed with Brazil. God the ESPN broadcasters were SOOOO annoying. Seriously, get a room with Brazil and especially Ronaldinho.

They lacked everything the tools were even lauding them for anyway.

Croatia really deserved the win.
I wonder how it comes one of the bottom european teams is manhandling the top SA team... :sarcasm:

Because Perreira is even dumber than Domenech. :D

EDIT: And since when is Croatia a bottom team?

Croatia :clap: I really liked their fans, good atmosphere and attitude even though they were losing.

Good show! I was expecting alot more of Brazil, they looked good in the first four minutes or so but naah, I wasn't so impressed, will be exciting to see them at 100 % in the quarterfinals, that is when I expect them to play their game for real.

EDIT: And since when is Croatia a bottom team?

Among the european qualified teams, they would be considered among the lower profile.

Among the european qualified teams, they would be considered among the lower profile.

I'd call them more 2nd tier. They're not at the level of a team like France or England or Spain, but they're not too far behind either.

Yes, just like any european team.
You can say the same thing about Serbia, Ukraine, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, etc...

Yes, just like any european team.
You can say the same thing about Serbia, Ukraine, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, etc...

I think Croatia are better than the 1st 4 and pretty close to Sweden.

All these teams are good teams that are not far off the favourites.
I'd rank Poland as the bottom team, and Sweden as the top team out of this group.
The others are interchangeable.
Honestly, Serbia, Croatia, Switzerland and Ukraine are all very good teams, and I'd be embarrassed to make a choice among them.

All these teams are good teams that are not far off the favourites.
I'd rank Poland as the bottom team, and Sweden as the top team out of this group.
The others are interchangeable.
Honestly, Serbia, Croatia, Switzerland and Ukraine are all very good teams, and I'd be embarrassed to make a choice among them.

I dunno, I've always liked Croatia (better than the USA IMO :D ).

I dunno, I've always liked Croatia (better than the USA IMO :D ).
That's what I've been telling you for days.
These 4 teams (+Sweden) are better than the USA. :D

That's what I've been telling you for days.
These 4 teams (+Sweden) are better than the USA. :D

Sweden and Croatia definitely. Switzerland, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, no. But I really, really don't want to do this argument again.

Maybe we should just agree that they're all top 20?

Sweden and Croatia definitely. Switzerland, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, no. But I really, really don't want to do this argument again.

Maybe we should just agree that they're all top 20?
Hehe, obviously.

Hehe, obviously.

Fair enough although I have a sneaking feeling that this isn't the last we'll hear of this argument.

Completely unimpressed with Brazil. God the ESPN broadcasters were SOOOO annoying. Seriously, get a room with Brazil and especially Ronaldinho.

They lacked everything the tools were even lauding them for anyway.

Today I finally made the switch to Univision, and I can assure you that I won't be going back to espn. I only understand about every 3rd word that they say, but it's still alot better than listening to the idiots over at espn talk down to they're audiance try to explain a game to us that they don't understand themselves. Besides, the Univision guys are so excited and into it that it really adds to to expiriance, even if you don't really know what they're saying.

espn is caturing to the casual fans that don't know any better. It's not ment for us, so why watch it?

Brazil were not at their best tonight but they still won thanks to a moment of greatness from the fantastic Kaka.
Croatia played a great game and imho deserved to score and take a tie. We were unlucky to have our captain and midfield motor Niko Kovac injured and that certainly didn't help the outcome. The chances to score were there but the finishing wasn't tonight. Dado Prso was a lion once again, leading in attack and giving his all the whole 90 minutes.

If we can play like this against Japan and Australia i believe we will qualify for the next round in second place behind Brazil. All in all, a good night that could have ended so much better.

Proud to be Croat!!

NAPRIJED HRVATSKA!! :handclap:

Damn! We deserved at least a tie! And we have by faaaaaaaar the best fans in the world!!! Japan and Australia can start packing cuz we're gonna apsolutely steamroll them!

And Evilo, your team was the only one playing like a bottom European team... You are underrating Croatia very much! Don't make me laugh with "bottom European team" and with such stupid comparisons to Poland, Switzerland and Ukraine...

Like Buda said: PROUD TO BE A CROAT!!!

Today I finally made the switch to Univision, and I can assure you that I won't be going back to espn. I only understand about every 3rd word that they say, but it's still alot better than listening to the idiots over at espn talk down to they're audiance try to explain a game to us that they don't understand themselves. Besides, the Univision guys are so excited and into it that it really adds to to expiriance, even if you don't really know what they're saying.

espn is caturing to the casual fans that don't know any better. It's not ment for us, so why watch it?
I switch to Univision once in a while. I just get irritated listening to a language that i only know some of. I cant really understand them speak, so its kind of like jibberish to me. but you are right, its better than listening to jibberish you CAN understand.....

Univision is 10000000 times better than ESPN. The picture quality is better, the play by play men are very good and keep up with the game and dont bother explaining to you that each team has 3 changes. The announcers are at the stadium for every game, and dont announce from the studio like they do sometimes for ESPN.

Even if you can only speak just a little spanish don't waste your time with the ding-dongs at ESPN, who it seems like they themselves are new to the sport.

Anyways, I thought Croatia played pretty well considering who their oponent was, but overall I think Brazil played better and deserved the win, and they clearly weren't playing at their best.

ESPN is horrible. I watched the Czech and States game on ESPN2 it was pretty tiring listening to these guys.

I dunno, I've always liked Croatia (better than the USA IMO :D ).

No wonder why this clown was saying that the US is better than Serbia. He's a ****** Hrvat. Jasenovac forever, right??? BTW, stopping speaking Serbian. Come up with your own language.

was at work and only caught 10 mins of the second half on my break. its on again at 8pm pacific time on the eastern snet chanels so ill watch that. too bad we didnt get the tie. lets see the aussies score three on us PROUD TO BE CROATIAN!

Good game. Brazil had their moments and so did Croatia. However, Croatia's finishing needs some work.

Brazil should easily get better as the tourney rolls on so there's no need to worry about the world champs.

Croatia had the chances and couldn't put them away. I think they can beat japan handily but the Aussies might give them some trouble. That should be a great game since whoever wins will probably go through.

Croatia will have all the pressure on them while the Aussies will go for the upset.

No wonder why this clown was saying that the US is better than Serbia. He's a ****** Hrvat. Jasenovac forever, right??? BTW, stopping speaking Serbian. Come up with your own language.

...I'm American with Dutch and British ancestry... :help:

thanks god we won this game. Ronaldo and Adriano su#*ed today. it's more than clear to me that they can't play togheter. Robinho made the team better but after today I don't feel as cofident as I were before.

And Evilo, your team was the only one playing like a bottom European team...
I agree very much. Us and Poland sucked.

Ronaldo McDonald was brutal today. Simply brutal. Maradona looks in better shape than him. The Hamburgler was good though.

Another fine performance from Dado Prso. Every time I see Croatia he steps up. I can't understand what he's doing in the SPL. The Croat on the left hand side looked quite good today too.

BTW, Croatia are better than most of the second tier teams mentioned in this thread. Especially on recent form (meaning leading up to the WC).

Ronaldo McDonald was brutal today. Simply brutal. Maradona looks in better shape than him. The Hamburgler was good though.

Another fine performance from Dado Prso. Every time I see Croatia he steps up. I can't understand what he's doing in the SPL. The Croat on the left hand side looked quite good today too.

Babic, I forgot to mention him, I thought he was really good as well.

I take it you're talking about the Japan goal? I don't think you can give a foul when the Japan player has his eyes on the ball the whole time, he doesn't have to make way for the keeper and they are totally overprotected anyway. He was not trying to foul him.

sorry to bring this up again, just got on here and found this thread and this post...

i know he was not trying to foul the keeper but the ref has to be consistent. Also in the first half Viduka went up for a header from a corner (going for the ball, not looking at the keeper) and ran into the keeper and Japan got a penalty for it. Same kind of incident, different result!

:D Found this on MD. I'm not the only one who thinks of Fatty this way it seems. Here's what's said in the picture:

Pele : My successor is Ronaldinho
Maradona : My successor is Messi
Ronald McDonald : My successor is Ronaldo

Another fine performance from Dado Prso. Every time I see Croatia he steps up. I can't understand what he's doing in the SPL. The Croat on the left hand side looked quite good today too.

Maybe he'll get a big transfer to a bigger club? Incidentally, what's MD (the source of that funny cartoon)? And what kind of pie do you think Ronaldo enjoys? I think he likes all of them to an unhealthy degree.

Maybe he'll get a big transfer to a bigger club? Incidentally, what's MD (the source of that funny cartoon)? And what kind of pie do you think Ronaldo enjoys? I think he likes all of them to an unhealthy degree.

MD is Mundo Deportivo, or EMD = El Mundo Deportivo

Same thing. It's a Spanish sports paper that is pro-Barça, hence the knock on Fatty. Still his weight is usually a source for humour throughout Spain and in other parts of the Latin world from what I understand.

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE

come on boys we need a huge game tonight!

my guess, 4-1 brazil :(

Damn! :shakehead

I'll be very interested in the Brazil game. Will Brazil actually establish themselves as favorites? I thought that Croatia played really well against Brazil and deserved a draw and I'm a bit curious if we might see another run from them like in 1998. I don't think Croatia are dead even with the draw because I think they can beat Australia and I think Australia will lose against Brazil.

Flyhigh, I think Croatia just gave you the reason why I think they're a second tier european team like others (Sweden being the closest to first tier, and then you have Turkey, Denmark, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Ukraine, etc...).

Did anyone else see Ronaldo holding his groin after lifting the ball for Kaka to shoot?

What a collission. I believe Emerton (#7) gets the yellow card for the collision. Or for yelling a nasty word at the ref. Whichever.

So how long until the first Australian shot?

UPDATE: Ah, right there at the end, unless I missed it earlier. Guus Hiddink, I think, seemed upset it went over the goal though.

So, is THIS the mighty Brazil that's going to win it's 6th World Cup? Are you sure? This Brazil team seems to be sleepwalking through this one. Sorry, Mr. Cantona, this joga is NOT bonito.

0-0 at the break, a few of positives for Australia. Defence looks good! We just need a lucky break! :jump:

The Samba boys are playin like ****, take Ronaldo out of there he's done, Robinho please

The Samba boys are playin like ****, take Ronaldo out of there he's done, Robinho please
Ronaldo is clearly more dangerous than in game 1 though. I know that's not saying much considering against Croatia he was just NOT fit to play. Still, i think Adriano should be the guy leaving place for Robinho.

Ronaldo is clearly more dangerous than in game 1 though. I know that's not saying much considering against Croatia he was just NOT fit to play. Still, i think Adriano should be the guy leaving place for Robinho.

I would put Adriano where Ronaldo is and put Robinho where Adriano currently is. Adriano is much more effective playing in the middle

They HAVE to get phat Ronnie outta there!! :rant:

They HAVE to get phat Ronnie outta there!! :rant:

phat means good the way you wrote in ;)

HEY! That's a goal! Brazil strikes in minute 47! Adriano is happy for he put the ball in the back of the net!

WHAT'S MORE: Ronaldo wasn't useless! His step-overing attracted 2 defenders leaving Adriano in a 1-on-1.

bah :madfire:

I would put Adriano where Ronaldo is and put Robinho where Adriano currently is. Adriano is much more effective playing in the middle

Adriano in the middle ;) with a goal

WOAH! Ronaldinho just served that guy with a sweet back heel pass. Too bad it led to a corner.

Brazil seems to be...awake now. Have fun, Australia!

OH HOLY SCHNIKES THEY BROKE THROUGH AND...tackle in the box! But it was clean, the ref was there! PLAY CONTINUES!

Woah. VOLLEY SHOT! High! Australia isn't giving up! Go Australia!

should be 1-1! what the hell was that Harry????? and what the hell was that marco bresciano?????

:biglaugh: Oh man how im hoping for a Brazil/Italy round of 16 match

Just off to the side! Wow, Australia is unleashing some offensive power on Brazil! If Brazil isn't careful, the Socceroos will even this game up.

As I type this, Brazil does some crazy stuff that forces the goalie to come waaaay out of his box to make a play and gives Brazil a corner.

OH! COUNTER! Foul? NO! Play continues! Wow. Brazil on a rush, but leads to an easy save! Wow, this is exciting soccer.

Robinho with a yellow card. Robinho walks away waving his hand at it. A bit of a silly card AND THE FREE KICK NEARLY GETS IN!!!!! JUST WIDE!!!! Viduka heads it (barely) wide! Oh, so close...

Viduka almost drops one in. Australia has come close a few times.

I've been impressed with Australia, a lot of the favoured teams have been extremely poor, Italy, England, France, Brazil etc

It does look like the US and Australians are bridging the gap to the top teams while African teams are going backwards now.

In the 89th minute, a shot goes off the post, wide open for the easy tap in by...Fred, I think?

Brazil goes up 2-0, it's over for Australia, I think. Kind of sad, I was pulling for Australia to take it to the mostly sleeping Brazil squad. Brazil may win, but I'm clearly not impressed with how they are playing; I don't see them winning it all unless they step it up.

Brazil puts it away. Fred comes into the game and gets a tap in after a great Robinho strike.

I've been impressed with Australia, a lot of the favoured teams have been extremely poor, Italy, England, France, Brazil etc

It does look like the US and Australians are bridging the gap to the top teams while African teams are going backwards now.

Ghana and Ivory Coast would beg to differ

a good game, both teams had their chances, australia left rueing missed opportunities

Brazil were the better team though, kudos to them

Brazil only looks like Brazil when fat-arse Ronaldo makes way for Robinho. I really can't see Brazil starting Ronaldo for the rest of this tournament.

phat means good the way you wrote in ;)

Yeah I know. ;) I like the guy though.


But yeah, even though Ronaldo contributed to the first goal it was because the Socceroos paid too much respect to him, his lack of fitness is clearly playing a big role in stifling Brazil's famed transition game.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dida for his saves against an attacking Australia side. Personally, I felt the Socceroos outplayed Brazil at some points; but Brazil made more of their strikes - so they win.

STUPID GAUNTLET JOKE: WARRIOR needs food badly, RONALDO needs to stop eating it.

Ghana and Ivory Coast would beg to differ

Ghana, I agree. But Ivory Coast hasn't got any points, no matter how good they looked against Holland. You bridge the gap with results, not effort.

Brazil only looks like Brazil when fat-arse Ronaldo makes way for Robinho. I really can't see Brazil starting Ronaldo for the rest of this tournament.

Agreed.

Calling Helice on Dida :innocent:


Anyway disappointing match. Brazil won't get far with this defence and this 'we're better anyway so why should we even bother to run' attitude.
Although the refs will probably help them on their way, Ronaldinho's plea has really helped, the refs are already blowing their whistle for looking at a Brazilian in a suffeciently suspicious manner :shakehead


I also can't stand Lucio :rant:



That is all.

Ghana and Ivory Coast would beg to differThey've lost 3 out of their 4 games and they're the best two teams from Africa.

did lalas just call ronaldo a "bloated waste of space"? :biglaugh:

that robinho guy is awesome.

Brazil only looks like Brazil when fat-arse Ronaldo makes way for Robinho. I really can't see Brazil starting Ronaldo for the rest of this tournament.I can (barring injuries).
In fact judging from today's game (and comparing with the first game) his condition is improving and he still is their most dangerous striker.

Ronaldo IS playing like a bloated waste of space. For once, Lalas isn't talking junk (as a RBNY fan, I got to hear quite a bit when he was with the club. RBNY Aside: THEY WON A GAME! FINALLY! Whooo!!!)

They've lost 3 out of their 4 games and they're the best two teams from Africa.

Cameroon, Nigeria, and Senegal may beg to differ. But they didn't qualify, so it's kind of hard to argue against that. Oh, nevermind.

Calling Helice on Dida :innocent: Two games, zero goals allowed despite all Brazilian team's struggles. :D
But tell me!

Ronaldo IS playing like a bloated waste of space. For once, Lalas isn't talking junk (as a RBNY fan, I got to hear quite a bit when he was with the club. RBNY Aside: THEY WON A GAME! FINALLY! Whooo!!!)
yea i know, his choice of words was funny though.

For all Ronaldinho's brilliance, I wonder what it's like to have a midfield player who never wins the ball.


Just once, I'd like to see him make a tackle.

They've lost 3 out of their 4 games and they're the best two teams from Africa.

Ghana beat a strong Czech team while the Ivory Coast held and some would say outpayed especially in the holland game to big time teams to close results.

They've lost 3 out of their 4 games and they're the best two teams from Africa.

And the USA and Australia have a grand total of 4 points, one more than Ghana and Ivory Coast! Honestly Africa is still ahead of those two nations easily. Ivory Coast could have easily got points of both Argentina and Holland.

Flyhigh, I think Croatia just gave you the reason why I think they're a second tier european team like others (Sweden being the closest to first tier, and then you have Turkey, Denmark, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Ukraine, etc...).

I haven't seen this game yet, but it seems that Croatia probably would have won if not for Kawaguchi. I don't think Croatia are 1st tier, but they definitely aren't 2nd tier either, they're better than every other team on that list IMO. I'd put them between 1st and 2nd.

Japan/Croatia was a fun game to watch, too bad Croatia couldn't get one in, lord knows they had plenty of chances.

I haven't seen this game yet, but it seems that Croatia probably would have won if not for Kawaguchi. I don't think Croatia are 1st tier, but they definitely aren't 2nd tier either, they're better than every other team on that list IMO. I'd put them between 1st and 2nd.

Kawaguchi definately was one reason (ie stopped a penalty shot) however a lot of golden chances Croatia had went wide.

Calling Helice on Dida :innocent:


Anyway disappointing match. Brazil won't get far with this defence and this 'we're better anyway so why should we even bother to run' attitude.
Although the refs will probably help them on their way, Ronaldinho's plea has really helped, the refs are already blowing their whistle for looking at a Brazilian in a suffeciently suspicious manner :shakehead


I also can't stand Lucio :rant:



That is all.

Agree with everything and

- That ref was a ****ing joke. How many frees did the Aussies get 2? It was so biased I was sick

- Ronaldo was the worst player on the field in the first half. If Brazil wants to put their best team on the field, not a pollitically correct one, Ronaldo shouldnt be playing.

- Australia had their chances but just werent good enough

- The Brazilians goal celebrations made me sick. They think they are Gods gift to soccer, cant wait till they loose, and they will if they keep going like this

- The Brazilians goal celebrations made me sick. They think they are Gods gift to soccer

Wait.... you mean they're NOT? ;)

Where Is Juninho???????

Sitting on the bench... :help:

Flyhigh, I think Croatia just gave you the reason why I think they're a second tier european team like others (Sweden being the closest to first tier, and then you have Turkey, Denmark, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Poland, Ukraine, etc...).

Agreed, Croatia's finishing has been very poor lately but putting them in the same sentance as Serbia, Poland and Ukraine after their respective performances in this tournament is rediculous aswell. Sweden is good, but lost both matches against Croatia in qualification for this World Cup. Not to mention Turkey, Denmark and Greece who haven't even qualified :help:


I'm not saying we're a european powerhouse but we're a very good and organised team that is having finishing problems at the moment. God knows we had quite a few scoring chances in both games so far. Its bound to go in at some point, hopefully against Australia...

They've lost 3 out of their 4 games and they're the best two teams from Africa.
In the two toughest groups.

Agreed, Croatia's finishing has been very poor lately but putting them in the same sentance as Serbia, Poland and Ukraine after their respective performances in this tournament is rediculous aswell. Sweden is good, but lost both matches against Croatia in qualification for this World Cup. Not to mention Turkey, Denmark and Greece who haven't even qualified :help:


I'm not saying we're a european powerhouse but we're a very good and organised team that is having finishing problems at the moment. God knows we had quite a few scoring chances in both games so far. Its bound to go in at some point, hopefully against Australia...

Don't write off Serbia as a poor side after that one drubbing against a sublime Argie side, they're still a very good second tier international side.

By the way, this may be 'off topic' but:

Of all the coaches I've seen on the sidelines, the Croatian coach is far and away the best dressed. I was especially impressed with the game against Japan, dude was wearing a very nice suit and the stadium they were playing in was covered in sun, meanwhile the coach from Japan looked like he was about to go hit the links after the game.

Tough result for Australia. We most certainly held our own for long periods and Brazil had a little more quality in front of goal. Agreed that Brazil's reputation certainly won them a majority of the 50-50 calls.

Now it seems as if Kewell is facing disciplinary action from FIFA for swearing at the ref after the game had finished and may miss the croatia game should he be suspended. This would be an absolute nightmare should it be true.

I still feel upbeat about our chances against a desperate Croatia side. From watching the Japan game, yes they probably should have won, but I think they are somewhat of a one-man team. It seems their gameplan is "get it to Prso and then see if he can do anything." They seemed lost whenever they would be on the attack and Prso was no involved. They are far too reliant on him.

Kewell has been cleared to play against Croatia

Of all the coaches I've seen on the sidelines, the Croatian coach is far and away the best dressed. I was especially impressed with the game against Japan, dude was wearing a very nice suit and the stadium they were playing in was covered in sun, meanwhile the coach from Japan looked like he was about to go hit the links after the game.

Well, Japan's manager Zico is planning to retire from soccer after the World Cup. I think that explains his attire, and perhaps his attitude. Which sucks for Japan. I'll be many fans of the Japan National Team are thinking, "Man, why can't you wait until AFTER the biggest soccer tournament in the world to say you're retiring. Man, why do you even got to do a thing like that?"

MOJU HRVATSKU SRCE VOOOOOLI, KUCA ZA NJU JAKO VOOOOOLI...

My prediction 2-0 Croatia. Experience, quality and 35 000 fans in a 50 000 stadium will prove to be to much for the Aussies.

HRVATSKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cmon Australia! Just so we don't have to see those hideous Croatian jerseys :sarcasm:

Cmon Australia! Just so we don't have to see those hideous Croatian jerseys :sarcasm:The Croatian jersey made me wonder if it was the worst in sports.. then the current LA Kings' black jersey came to my mind.. :joker:

Looking fwds to Croatia - Australia.

I didnt know but apparently 7 of the Australians are Croatian descent and 3 of the Croatians were born in Australia. Should make for quite a tempestuous game.

1-0 Japan :eek:

This has quickly become the most interesting World Cup I've ever witnessed. At times certain teams show flashes of brilliance, and at other times they are let downs. Really any team can take it now.

This has been an exciting game, probably because Brazil is in and they don't really care about this one.

Australia really controlling this game. Just scored on a PK to make it 1-1 but should of had 2 PKs already

Ronaldo passes Pele for most goals by a Brazilian with his 13th goal in World Cup play.

Pudgy finaly got one.

Aidan's half time thoughts

- Its cold and way too early in the morning
- Nice penalty taken by the croatians
- Best rugby tackle of the game: Siminic on Viduka... honestly, how wasnt that a penalty kick?!?
- Australia looking very creative and dangerous, was only a matter of time before an equalizer, im just glad we got it before the half time break
- Penalty shot for Australia, not sure it was a penalty but it more than made up for the penalty we should've received when Viduka was hauled down
- Good to see croatia finally start attacking after the Australia goal, they look dangerous and it is making this game even better!
- overall, Australia has dominated play and they look awesome!
- last but not least, I would not be surprised if croatia's coach has a heart attack in the second half...

If anyone dissagrees with my points please let me know, im australian and probably very biased :)

ill be back in 45 mins with my full time thoughts...

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE and so on and so forth...