[WC] QF : Germany vs Argentina GDT -> Germany through

Friday 5 PM local time

Germany 1-1 Argentina (4-2 on penalties)

I always cheer for Argentina and one of my annoying friends cheers for Germany so hopefully Argentina can pull it off.

I'm pulling for Argentina.
As a soccer fan, I love all 4games remaining. :handclap:

Argentina for the win. Argentina plays entertaining soccer and Saviola plays for Argentina so I'm hoping this will be a great win for Argentina and upsetting loss to Germany. Maybe Klose missing a penalty and Ballack scoring an own goal... :D

I can see Germany winning this. Perhaps on penalties.

I think these teams are quite evenly matched. I think Argentina is a more all-around team... but im going to have to go with Germany because of the home field factor. 3-2 with klose with 2 goals

2-1 Argentina. The German D will be exposed methinks.

For me its a question of who I hate more.

2 World Wars agaisnt Ze Germans....1990, Euro 96

Falklands war against the Argies....WC1986, Hand of God...Diving....

Hmm I think im going to have to quietly hope Germany wins. I just hate Argentina that little bit more.

I kinda like both teams, so I'm just hoping for a good entertaining game. No real preference for me, may the best team win, just as long as refs don't try to decide the outcome I'll be happy.

Germany has been surprisingly entertaining this year.

so true... I've never like them but you have to give them reward because they really deserve it right now. I think they have what it takes to make it to the final ! But a win for Argentina would make unable to hide my hapiness !

I kinda like both teams, so I'm just hoping for a good entertaining game. No real preference for me, may the best team win, just as long as refs don't try to decide the outcome I'll be happy.
Same here.

I find quite surprising to see most people considering the Germans as the favourites.

They have their chances of course, they are dangerous at home and all, but i see Argentina as the favourite. They will try to bring down the pace of the game and that shouldn't help Germany. Also, they have a good game to attack behind Germany's defensive line..

I think German chances rely on them outrunning Argentina, on the odd chance to keep the pace of the game up to their likings and on the eventual presence of Scaloni or Coloccini as the opponent rightback.

I find quite surprising to see most people considering the Germans as the favourites.


Really. Have you checked, when and how many times the Germans scored the first goal? Now add the crowd to the mix and the fact that Germany scored in each game. It sends a message out. Peckerman will have to tell his guys to be 100% focused after the kick-off and not 10 min afterwards.

Germany has struggled against big name opponents in the past and Argentina is big time test for the defence. I bet that Ballack and Frings will be playing true DM, while Ballack will be allowed to attack a little.

I'm really concerned about Friedrich. :help:

I see Argentina as the favourites as well.
But I don't think the gap is too big thanks to other elements (crowd, being at home, Germany playing big in big games, etc...).

Germany will stop at 5 pm today. (11 am eastern). I think the whole country will freeze ;)

I will view the game at work, or at least I'm hoping. In my mind this is the first big clash of the tournament which will deliver.

Go Argentina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd say Spain/France delivered some pretty nice football.

I'd say Spain/France delivered some pretty nice football.

France??? I'll give you Spain, but aside from the last game I wasn't satisfied with the peformance of the L'Equipe Tricolore.

IMO Germany has played some pretty nice soccer so far.

France??? I'll give you Spain, but aside from the last game I wasn't satisfied with the peformance of the L'Equipe Tricolore.

IMO Germany has played some pretty nice soccer so far.
:huh:
The poster said it was the first big clash of the tournament that delivers.

I responded that Spain/France delivered a good game.

So I'm not sure what you didn't understand here Tom.

Okay...the statement by shuriken was a little confusing.

T: - 5 hours. In two hours I'll leave towards Berlin to watch the game. :yo: :yo: :yo:

T: - 5 hours. In two hours I'll leave towards Berlin to watch the game. :yo: :yo: :yo:Live?!


I find quite surprising to see most people considering the Germans as the favourites.
Really.Have you checked, when and how many times the Germans scored the first goal? Now add the crowd to the mix and the fact that Germany scored in each game. It sends a message out. Peckerman will have to tell his guys to be 100% focused after the kick-off and not 10 min afterwards. Not sure what you mean here.. if you agree or disagree..

As for Friedrich..yes, i thought about him, but considering Argentina's kind of play (not attacking the flanks with real wingers) the main concern for Germany should be the operating of the offside trap by their defensive line.
Friedrich should give an eye to under-your-skin Sorin though, cutting towards the center from his left side..

As an Englishman I don't care what happens off the pitch between the countries so Im cheering for the Germans purely because they are the better team to watch and don't cheat nearly as much as the Argies, very ironic with Klinnsman in charge too.

Friedrich should give an eye to under-your-skin Sorin though, cutting towards the center from his left side..

That goes double for Lahm vs. Argentina's right back! ;)

And as for Germany's reputation in soccer, I would never consider a national team that has featured the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Paul Breitner, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Jürgen Klinsmann and Matthias Sammer boring.

German soccer legend Lothar Matthaus says that Argentina is the favourites in this game:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060629/1/8eh8.html

That goes double for Lahm vs. Argentina's right back! ;)If Argentina's rightback means Coloccini or Scaloni, it goes even triple! (already talked about that in post #13)

Anyway, if Burdisso doesn't recover (and it's already ironic a team like Argentina has to hope to recover a CB like Burdisso to save their right flank) Pekerman should use LB Cufré on the right before Coloccini and Scaloni. I don't like Cufré (one of the most dangerous players around for opponents' legs btw), but i think he can defend the flank better than those other two.

German soccer legend Lothar Matthaus says that Argentina is the favourites in this game:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060629/1/8eh8.html

Maybe he wants to remove pressure of Germany/put the pressure on Argentina's shoulder ! It's the only reason I see why he would say such a thing.

Maybe he wants to remove pressure of Germany/put the pressure on Argentina's shoulder ! It's the only reason I see why he would say such a thing.
I think Argentina are favourites for the tournament, not just this game so hes right on the money there.

I think Argentina are favourites for the tournament, not just this game so hes right on the money there.

Coming from a German and since almost everybody agree that both teams have about the same chance to win the game, I'm sure he said his comment in order to remove pressure form his team's shoulder. But anyway...

IMO Argentina was among the favorites, with Brazil and England, to win the World Cup before it began. But as of now, Germany has to be consider as one of the top contender if not the numbr one contender... It's the team that has impress me the most so far. (But again that's only MY opinion... opinions vary from one person to another.)

Coming from a German and since almost everybody agree that both teams have about the same chance to win the game, I'm sure he said his comment in order to remove pressure form his team's shoulder. But anyway...

IMO Argentina was among the favorites, with Brazil and England, to win the World Cup before it began. But as of now, Germany has to be consider as one of the top contender if not the numbr one contender... It's the team that has impress me the most so far. (But again that's only MY opinion... opinions vary from one person to another.)

I agree. Germany has been excellent all tournament long. However, this is a very difficult game to predict. As good as Germany has been, Argentina has the talent to defeat Germany. Should be a great game.

Coming from a German and since almost everybody agree that both teams have about the same chance to win the game, I'm sure he said his comment in order to remove pressure form his team's shoulder. But anyway...

IMO Argentina was among the favorites, with Brazil and England, to win the World Cup before it began. But as of now, Germany has to be consider as one of the top contender if not the numbr one contender... It's the team that has impress me the most so far. (But again that's only MY opinion... opinions vary from one person to another.)
I consider Argentine-Brazil to be favourites, Germany to be next, then Italy, England, Portugal, France with a fair chance and then Ukraine with no hope at all.

Whoever the favourite is between Germany and Argentina, the fact remains that some team (and their fans) is due to get their hearts broken and their World Cup dreams shattered very shortly.

I'm really exited for this to start andI won't even be watching.

Disgusting dive by that argentinian defender for yellow card on Podolski.

Disgusting dive by that argentinian defender for yellow card on Podolski.
Is this ref suposed to be any good? What other games has he done?

This game is WAR!

Is this ref suposed to be any good? What other games has he done?

He's a Slovakian ref, he's the one that did Ghana-Brazil game that wasn't well officiated. I can't believe he gave a yellow to Podolski even if it wasn't a dive, it would have been a freekick at most.

Is it just me or does ref favor Germans? Especially on the high balls Germans get away with pushes.

The Germans are taking it right to Argentina in this game. Completely dominating the game.

Nevermind the ref is doing the best he can, very tense game.

Ref has been good except for the Poldi card, I think this game really needs a goal to get going.

Meh.. Tevez playing as left midfielder even during ball possession.. :shakehead

and no cuts behind German defensive line by Argentinian forwards..
wake up Mr Pekerman (you have Messi on the bench btw, lol)

Ref has been good except for the Poldi card, I think this game really needs a goal to get going.
It's really tight, no space in the midfield at all. The strikers are getting poor balls so nothing getting through.

I wonder who that favours more though? If it went to penalties I would put my money on Germany. But as the game goes on and the players tire out, Argentina has much better debt.

The Germans are taking it right to Argentina in this game. Completely dominating the game.
Possesion is 65-35 for Argentina :dunno:

Well, Argentina has stiffled the germans, but haven't been able to create any danger (nor have the germans).

Am I the only one that completely hates Riquelme? He's a prima donna whiner that is lazy and completely overrated.

Possesion is 65-35 for Argentina :dunno:
Possession is a useless statistic in soccer, in my opinion.

Argentina is having a lot of ball possession by spending a lot of time passing it around in their own end and not doing anything with it.

Germany, on the other hand, has less ball possession, but seem to be attacking much more.

Well, Argentina has stiffled the germans, but haven't been able to create any danger (nor have the germans).

Am I the only one that completely hates Riquelme? He's a prima donna whiner that is lazy and completely overrated.

He's pretty overrated, there is a reason why he couldn't cut it at Barca. Everytime I've seen him I've been rather underwhelmed. He's a good player but nothing that great.

Germany, on the other hand, has less ball possession, but seem to be attacking much more.
:huh:

Argentina scores.

1-0.

Nice play.

Went to do some work during the intermission and missed the goal. :rant:

Went to do some work during the intermission and missed the goal. :rant:

I went to the nearby kiosk to buy icecream and did the same. :rant:

Ballack has been falling pretty easily this game...

Wow...the referee is absolutely stupid.

This ref is a (*&%* idiot! How many dives did he wistle already? Good acting by the players, no doubt, but still...

Klose rescues Germany.

1-1 now.

Klose ties it up!

Great game!

Klose Ties It Up!!!!!!!!!!

Klose!!!

Klose!

Damn it! Klose manages to score. Hopefully Argentina can win this or I will be really upset. Klose is one of my least favourite players.

Argentina is going to lose this game because of their idiotic coach.
He put Riquelme and Crespo out to put Cruz and Cambiasso in.
Why did he put Cruz instead of Messi, who would have torn Germany's very weak defense in counter attacks?
Now that it's tied, the game is heavily favouring the germans.

Anyway, I have Ayala and Klose in the Yahoo pool, so all good for me. :D

And Maxi gets another dive, but gets his first yellow.
He should have been sent off for all his dives already.

:rant:

This ref has been paid well by the Germans

I'm now in full Germany support mode.
I can't stand the Riquelme, Perkerman, Rodriguez, Mascherano and all these divers.

:rant:

This ref has been paid well by the Germans
:shakehead
Michel has overall had a good game.
And he didn't fall in ALL the argentinians dives, which is quite an accomplishment.

I liked the fact he didn't want to waste time when Rodriguez was faking an injury too.

Argentinians did dive, but Germans dove even more in the second half. Not to say the yellow card was retarded, it was a penalty.

Bad switches by the Argentina coach. He will be blamed if they are to loose this game/

Argentinians did dive, but Germans dove even more in the second half. Not to say the yellow card was retarded, it was a penalty.
:amazed:

It was an OBVIOUS dive!

Pekerman will get the blame and deservely so.

It's official now: Pekerman is an idiot.

Making your third substitution at that moment was pretty stupid. Now he's stuck without Riquelme, Crespo or Messi :shakehead

:amazed:

It was an OBVIOUS dive!

Pekerman will get the blame and deservely so.

How is it an OBVIOUS dive, when there was a clear contact? Anyway, I don't see a point in bickering with you if you are too blind to see Germans diving with NO CONTACT whatsoever, which the ref who had "a good game" buys again and again.

I think the ref has been pretty good, he's been fooled on some dives, but he did get Maxi's and he's been solid overall.

I'm really surprised that Germany took Klose off, their attack has really suffered since he left. Pekerman is being dumb though, I can understand why he put on Cambiasso for Riquelme (JRR wasn't having a very good game), but he should have put on Messi or even Saviola instead of Cruz.

I think Riquelme is a bit overrated, but he's still a very good player.

Why would anyone take Cruz over Messi? Heck, I would take Saviola over him anyday.

I don't understand how he called that a dive. The player took out both feet but did not get the ball.

How is it an OBVIOUS dive, when there was a clear contact? Anyway, I don't see a point in bickering with you if you are too blind to see Germans diving with NO CONTACT whatsoever, which the ref who had "a good game" buys again and again.
:shakehead

I don't pull for either team, and it's obvious to anyone not blind/biased that argentinians are diving left and right.
Only Okondor has had a clear dive for Germany.

And Rodriguez wasn't even touched. He dived before the german even had a movement towards him.

Argentina is going to lose this game because of their idiotic coach.
He put Riquelme and Crespo out to put Cruz and Cambiasso in.
Why did he put Cruz instead of Messi, who would have torn Germany's very weak defense in counter attacks?
Now that it's tied, the game is heavily favouring the germans.

Anyway, I have Ayala and Klose in the Yahoo pool, so all good for me. :D


:clap:

Pekerman tried to pull an England and he probably loses the game because of it. Try to sit on a 1 goal lead, make negative substitutions, get scored and now completly screwed because no one on his eam can generate anything. Oh well, they can still try to get something by diving...

Unreal. :shakehead

This game needs to go to a PK shoot-out.

That is the way real men decide a game.

HUGE dive by Ballack. This game is getting testy.

No Ballack does a Henry a la Rivaldo too!
There are no heroes left.

Shameful Ballack :shakehead

Man I really really hate Ballack.

It is time for the PK shoot-out.

Now, once and for all, we get to find out who the better team is.

For all Evilo's winging the worst diver today was Podolski and Ballack was pretty shameful too.

Germans played a good second half. Im happy to see the Argies out with all of their diving. Its really a disgrace. Anyone know what sparked the "fight" at the end? I heard Bierhoff's name being said, and then i saw Maxi Rodriguez come flying in with a punch that failed.

Germany!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

so its basicly like always... one team is outplaying the other team and in the end the worst team , namely germany ,wins...

its disgusting..

Thanks to the Argies for showing exactly why I hate them, totally negative after going a goal up, failing to bring on Saviola or Messi and then throwing punches and acting like kids at the end.

Still, I enjoyed them crying. :handclap:

Their coach should get both barrels in the media for screwing the game up at the end.

Now onto the Italian borefest.

And yet another side has now learned not to mess with us in a penalty shootout. This German squad has now by far surpassed my expectations. Way to go, Nationalelf! :yo:

Btw, did anyone else see that Argentinian player punch Lahm in the face in that near-brawl after the game? Was that the 2006 version of the Hand of God? :p:

Pekerman had Riquelme, Crespo, Saviola, Messi and Aimar on his team and he manages to finish the game with all of them sitting healthy on the bench. That, my friends, takes guts. :amazed:

I wish that game was in Argentina so maybe the ref would have the guts to call a penalty in th 90th minute.

finally a team that cheats , fakes , and whines loses

Btw, theyre saying it was started by an Argie sub walking up to the Germans and kicking him in the nuts!

I wish that game was in Argentina so maybe the ref would have the guts to call a penalty in th 90th minute.
It wasn't close to a penalty.
Lahm didn't touch him.

Pekerman had Riquelme, Crespo, Saviola, Messi and Aimar on his team and he manages to finish the game with all of them sitting healthy on the bench. That, my friends, takes guts. :amazed:
Stupidity more like.

For all Evilo's winging the worst diver today was Podolski and Ballack was pretty shameful too.
Ballack sure dived, but none come close to Rodriguez who had multiple dives and faked an injury.

Btw, theyre saying it was started by an Argie sub walking up to the Germans and kicking him in the nuts!

I think an Argentinian substitute tried to kick Mertesacker on the shins or something like that and then Oliver came in to try to calm things and then all hell broke loose.

Btw, theyre saying it was started by an Argie sub walking up to the Germans and kicking him in the nuts!

One of their subs kicked Schweinsteiger in the shin, drawing blood. That's what started it because Schweini was surrounded by Argentinians and then the other Germans rushed in to defend him. Lahm received a cut under his right eye from a punch. Our team manager Oliver Bierhoff ran right in to diffuse the situation and then the security got both sides separated.

Good riddance you sore losers!

It wasn't close to a penalty.
Lahm didn't touch him.

You need your eyes tested. As for the people who are wailing is it not great that the cheats & divers are out witness the German performances. :sarcasm:

2 penalties not called .A handball & the foul on Maxi by Lahm. And nice to see SOME Germans remember their history. Apparently there were racist insults pertaining to Heinze Jewish background thrown at the end of the game. Nice. :sarcasm:

Thank Michel & Pekerman for your 'great' victory.Outplayed for 70 minutes & courtesy of Klose kneeing El Pato in the ribs denying JP the use of 1 of his substitutes.

I sincerely hope Italy or Ukraine end the mass hysteria in Germany. The German team are dull lack flair.They are not Brazil 70 Holland 74 or 78 Brazil 82 France 82/86 Argentina 86 but typically dull plodders.

One only has to see the awkward way they move the ball about.There is a lack of grace & fluidity & natural ability.

Argentina has given some of the best moments of attacking football in this WC & typically like Brazil/France in 82/86 are out.

One of their subs kicked Schweinsteiger in the shin, drawing blood. That's what started it because Schweini was surrounded by Argentinians and then the other Germans rushed in to defend him. Lahm received a cut under his right eye from a punch. Our team manager Oliver Bierhoff ran right in to diffuse the situation and then the security got both sides separated.

Good riddance you sore losers!

Yes because of the nice Bavarian boy remembers his lineage. Your team is dull were outplayed for most of the game awarded many dubious decisions by the kind referee.

Germany has always & will always be known as a dull methodical team . Compared to the likes of Brazil Argentina France Holland & at times Italy Spain Portugual you cant hold a candle to them in the flair stakes.

Argentina has a young team right? They'll be better next time?

Yes because of the nice Bavarian boy remembers his lineage. Your team is dull were outplayed for most of the game awarded many dubious decisions by the kind referee.

Germany has always & will always be known as a dull methodical team . Compared to the likes of Brazil Argentina France Holland & at times Italy Spain Portugual you cant hold a candle to them in the flair stakes.
Ya and we just knocked your ***** out of the tournament, see ya in 4 years.

I better not here any more slaging of Luis Figo when Das Wunderkid Micheal Ballack goes down from a phantom elbow, at least the elbow on Figo connected some what

So am I right is saying a hockey fight broke out in the middle of the world cup?

I better not here any more slaging of Luis Figo when Das Wunderkid Micheal Ballack goes down from a phantom elbow, at least the elbow on Figo connected some what
:biglaugh: if by somewhat you mean in much the same way as a light kiss on the cheek

Can't believe the sore losers Argentina and their fans are.

My eyes are as unbiased as they come and don't need testing.
The best example is that I was able to see Maxi diving and Ayala tearing Ballack's shirt early on, which should have been a penalty.

IMO, there were three ref mistakes in this game :
- Ballack dive.
- Ballack clearly fouled by Ayala in the box, nothing called.
- Okondor foul.

None of them had great impact except the Ballack penalty.

Michel reffed perfectly the rest of the game, including the piss poor attempts by Rodriguez to simulate a penalty.

I can see Germany winning this. Perhaps on penalties.

Sweet

Ballack dove.
Argentina dove.
Hell, everybody dove at some time.

Here is hope that the fans are not as sore losers as the players.

Michel reffed perfectly the rest of the game, including the piss poor attempts by Rodriguez to simulate a penalty.

Dead on IMO.

A ref can't have every call right but he did a very good job.

You need your eyes tested. As for the people who are wailing is it not great that the cheats & divers are out witness the German performances. :sarcasm:

2 penalties not called .A handball & the foul on Maxi by Lahm. And nice to see SOME Germans remember their history. Apparently there were racist insults pertaining to Heinze Jewish background thrown at the end of the game. Nice. :sarcasm:

Thank Michel & Pekerman for your 'great' victory.Outplayed for 70 minutes & courtesy of Klose kneeing El Pato in the ribs denying JP the use of 1 of his substitutes.

I sincerely hope Italy or Ukraine end the mass hysteria in Germany. The German team are dull lack flair.They are not Brazil 70 Holland 74 or 78 Brazil 82 France 82/86 Argentina 86 but typically dull plodders.

One only has to see the awkward way they move the ball about.There is a lack of grace & fluidity & natural ability.

Argentina has given some of the best moments of attacking football in this WC & typically like Brazil/France in 82/86 are out.

Dooon't cryyyy for me, Argentinaaaaa....

:biglaugh:

Dooon't cryyyy for me, Argentinaaaaa....

:biglaugh:
I was waiting for that. :cry:

You need your eyes tested. As for the people who are wailing is it not great that the cheats & divers are out witness the German performances. :sarcasm:

2 penalties not called .A handball & the foul on Maxi by Lahm. And nice to see SOME Germans remember their history. Apparently there were racist insults pertaining to Heinze Jewish background thrown at the end of the game. Nice. :sarcasm:

Thank Michel & Pekerman for your 'great' victory.Outplayed for 70 minutes & courtesy of Klose kneeing El Pato in the ribs denying JP the use of 1 of his substitutes.

I sincerely hope Italy or Ukraine end the mass hysteria in Germany. The German team are dull lack flair.They are not Brazil 70 Holland 74 or 78 Brazil 82 France 82/86 Argentina 86 but typically dull plodders.

One only has to see the awkward way they move the ball about.There is a lack of grace & fluidity & natural ability.

Argentina has given some of the best moments of attacking football in this WC & typically like Brazil/France in 82/86 are out.
You know the race card had nothing to do with it, a German held his finger up to his lips in a keep quiet type of gesture.

From the BBC:

The trouble seemed to start when midfielder Tim Borowski gestured towards the Argentina players to "keep quiet" having scored his penalty to make it 4-2 in Germany's favour.


Argentina are pathetic.

Germany has always & will always be known as a dull methodical team . Compared to the likes of Brazil Argentina France Holland & at times Italy Spain Portugual you cant hold a candle to them in the flair stakes.

Well we all know flair is more important than winning. :sarcasm:

I'll take a methodical win over a flashy loss any day.

You need your eyes tested. As for the people who are wailing is it not great that the cheats & divers are out witness the German performances. :sarcasm:

2 penalties not called .A handball & the foul on Maxi by Lahm. And nice to see SOME Germans remember their history. Apparently there were racist insults pertaining to Heinze Jewish background thrown at the end of the game. Nice. :sarcasm:

Thank Michel & Pekerman for your 'great' victory.Outplayed for 70 minutes & courtesy of Klose kneeing El Pato in the ribs denying JP the use of 1 of his substitutes.

I sincerely hope Italy or Ukraine end the mass hysteria in Germany. The German team are dull lack flair.They are not Brazil 70 Holland 74 or 78 Brazil 82 France 82/86 Argentina 86 but typically dull plodders.

One only has to see the awkward way they move the ball about.There is a lack of grace & fluidity & natural ability.

Argentina has given some of the best moments of attacking football in this WC & typically like Brazil/France in 82/86 are out.

You're just embarrassing yourself right now. You mentioned 6 of the most attacking WC sides of all time, no team in this tournament really compares to some of those teams that you've mentioned. Germany can play some good stuff at times, the goal for example was a work of art.

I also didn't see a Klose knee and I want to see a source for your Heinze allegations.

Bitter losers never make themselves any friends, you should keep that in mind.

Apparently there were racist insults pertaining to Heinze Jewish background thrown at the end of the game. Nice. :sarcasm:


Source?


Thank Michel & Pekerman for your 'great' victory.Outplayed for 70 minutes & courtesy of Klose kneeing El Pato in the ribs denying JP the use of 1 of his substitutes.

I sincerely hope Italy or Ukraine end the mass hysteria in Germany. The German team are dull lack flair.They are not Brazil 70 Holland 74 or 78 Brazil 82 France 82/86 Argentina 86 but typically dull plodders.

One only has to see the awkward way they move the ball about.There is a lack of grace & fluidity & natural ability.

Argentina has given some of the best moments of attacking football in this WC & typically like Brazil/France in 82/86 are out.


Maybe in the next World Cup they'll start keeping a seperate score for 'flair'. In either case, Argentina would have still lost thanks to their decision to basically sit back after scoring the goal.

Germany has changed the way they've played since Klinsmann has taken over. They play with alot more energy and attack.

The Germans outlasted the Argentina high pressure. Argentina made some questionable subs after they went up by a goal. Germany burned them.

Pekerman has resigned.

Bet those subs will curse him for a while..

Pekerman has resigned.

Bet those subs will curse him for a while..
Good.

No idea why that racist Aragones is proposed to keep his job though. :dunno:

Well we all know flair is more important than winning. :sarcasm:

I'll take a methodical win over a flashy loss any day.

Flair IS more important than winning!

The problem is, Argentina failed to provide any as most of their flashy players were sitting on the bench as they lost.

Had Argentina gone with Messi, Aimar, stick with Riquelme, they would be the ones in the semi finals. Refs had nothing to do with this loss, Argentina are a better team than the Germans. Germany is nothing really special but they are on a mission and the home advantage has a lot to do with it. They will beat Italy to lose to Brazil in the finals.

Had Argentina gone with Messi, Aimar, stick with Riquelme, they would be the ones in the semi finals. Refs had nothing to do with this loss, Argentina are a better team than the Germans. Germany is nothing really special but they are on a mission and the home advantage has a lot to do with it. They will beat Italy to lose to Brazil in the finals.

I think alot of people are discrediting Germany too much, they are a good side and continue a great tournament run.

Argentina has nothing to be ashamed of, they had a great tournament but ran into a great team. Of course everyone will point to the coach's decision with his subs, which were questionable. You could sense once Argentina decided to play for the 1-0 victory that things might change and they got burned on it.

Germany didn't display their best today, but they did just enough to move on, beating easily won of the best teams in the tournament. Argentina will be scary in the next World Cup with their young talent and will be a treat to watch.

I think alot of people are discrediting Germany too much, they are a good side and continue a great tournament run.

Argentina has nothing to be ashamed of, they had a great tournament but ran into a great team. Of course everyone will point to the coach's decision with his subs, which were questionable. You could sense once Argentina decided to play for the 1-0 victory that things might change and they got burned on it.

Germany didn't display their best today, but they did just enough to move on, beating easily won of the best teams in the tournament. Argentina will be scary in the next World Cup with their young talent and will be a treat to watch.

I'm still not convinced by that German central defense though (or Lahm defensively for that matter), I still would have liked to see Pekerman bring Messi on and have him take some runs at those guys.

This one is more for the German fans, but I just have a question.

Would you like to see Odonkor start?

I think Klinsmann likes Schneider because he's more reliable defensively, but I think Friedrich is solid enough to make up for Odonkor and Odonkor is a guy who really runs at people and creates opportunities, something that Schneider doesn't do as well IMO.

I'm still not convinced by that German central defense though (or Lahm defensively for that matter), I still would have liked to see Pekerman bring Messi on and have him take some runs at those guys.

Agreed, I'm not sold on them as well. But saying that Argentina has lost just because Pekerman didn't put Messi in as some fans here are saying is quite a reach IMO.

This one is more for the German fans, but I just have a question.

Would you like to see Odonkor start?

I think Klinsmann likes Schneider because he's more reliable defensively, but I think Friedrich is solid enough to make up for Odonkor and Odonkor is a guy who really runs at people and creates opportunities, something that Schneider doesn't do as well IMO.

I think his pace makes him the perfect sub. Having him come in with fresh legs after 60 minutes to run at the defense is always a good idea, and it payed off both directly and indirectly today and against Poland. It's quite a luxury having him on the bench, because if the team is down into the second half they have some genuine attacking sub options.

I think his pace makes him the perfect sub. Having him come in with fresh legs after 60 minutes to run at the defense is always a good idea, and it payed off both directly and indirectly today and against Poland. It's quite a luxury having him on the bench, because if the team is down into the second half they have some genuine attacking sub options.

Perfect analysis!

I'm still not convinced by that German central defense though (or Lahm defensively for that matter), I still would have liked to see Pekerman bring Messi on and have him take some runs at those guys.

I think Mertesacker has had a great tournament so far for Germany, winning almost everything. I think the defense has been slowly improving since Costa Rica. But so far they've got the job done, we'll see how they show up against Italy.

No doubt Messi would have been a much needed boost to Argentina, I questioned why he wasn't brought on. Of course just because he is brought on doesn't guarantee a win, but I don't think it would have hurt them.

I think his pace makes him the perfect sub. Having him come in with fresh legs after 60 minutes to run at the defense is always a good idea, and it payed off both directly and indirectly today and against Poland. It's quite a luxury having him on the bench, because if the team is down into the second half they have some genuine attacking sub options.
Its the same with Lennon for England (and possibly Walcott). Hes looked great every time hes come on because hes so fast and beats tiring players.

I don't think either would be as effective if they started the game.

I think his pace makes him the perfect sub. Having him come in with fresh legs after 60 minutes to run at the defense is always a good idea, and it payed off both directly and indirectly today and against Poland. It's quite a luxury having him on the bench, because if the team is down into the second half they have some genuine attacking sub options.

Good point, it seems that Klinsmann has been using his players very wisely.

I'm still not sure how much the German defense has been tested though. Sweden weren't really on form and I don't think we saw Argentina's best so far either, but they've certainly held up alright so far.

I`m getting really annoyed by the German players attitude and conduct on the pitch. Always appealing for cards, patting the ref on the back when he whistle their way and conducting themselves in an extremely arrogant manner.

They are constantly in the face of the ref voicing their opinion on fouls, cards etc something that got Teddy Lucic sent off in the Germany - Sweden game. The ref didn`t plan on giving the Swede his 2nd yellow, but due to massive protests and "carding motions" by half the German team, who almost ran the ref down to appeal for a yellow card, he gave in and sent Lucic off. Afterwards you`ll see Podolski giving the ref a nice pat on the back for a job well done. Same thing happened today after a called dive on Rodriguez which resulted in a booking. Lahm, seemingly very happy with the questionable call, patted the ref on the back and gave him thumbs up. Disgraceful.

I`m getting really annoyed by the German players attitude and conduct on the pitch. Always appealing for cards, patting the ref on the back when he whistle their way and conducting themselves in an extremely arrogant manner.

They are constantly in the face of the ref voicing their opinion on fouls, cards etc something that got Teddy Lucic sent off in the Germany - Sweden game. The ref didn`t plan on giving the Swede his 2nd yellow, but due to massive protests and "carding motions" by half the German team, who almost ran the ref down to appeal for a yellow card, he gave in and sent Lucic off. Afterwards you`ll see Podolski giving the ref a nice pat on the back for a job well done. Same thing happened today after a called dive on Rodriguez which resulted in a booking. Lahm, seemingly very happy with the questionable call, patted the ref on the back and gave him thumbs up. Disgraceful.

Of course no other team appeals to the ref for decisions. Every team is guilty of this and everyone does it. The two situations you pointed out are weak. In no way did the ref give the second yellow to Lucic just because the German team called it.

I fail to see what is wrong with the Lahm situation. He only showed the thumbs up after the ref indicated which way the call was being made. I don't see anything wrong with this. So Lahm being happy with the ref making a correct call is disgraceful? I disagree, especially with a player being called out on a dive.

I`m getting really annoyed by the German players attitude and conduct on the pitch. Always appealing for cards, patting the ref on the back when he whistle their way and conducting themselves in an extremely arrogant manner.

They are constantly in the face of the ref voicing their opinion on fouls, cards etc something that got Teddy Lucic sent off in the Germany - Sweden game. The ref didn`t plan on giving the Swede his 2nd yellow, but due to massive protests and "carding motions" by half the German team, who almost ran the ref down to appeal for a yellow card, he gave in and sent Lucic off. Afterwards you`ll see Podolski giving the ref a nice pat on the back for a job well done. Same thing happened today after a called dive on Rodriguez which resulted in a booking. Lahm, seemingly very happy with the questionable call, patted the ref on the back and gave him thumbs up. Disgraceful.

The Lahm call was not questionable. It was a dive and Lahm was happy (and rightfully so!) that the ref did call the dive and not a penalty.

I almost lost my voice. I cheered so loud after the Klose goal and German victory.

****, we beat Argentina. Wow. :propeller

BTW I finally wore my new scarfs for the game. One German, of course, and one T&T.
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I hope that Argentina get's suspended for it's actions after the game. Bad looser. :shakehead

I almost lost my voice. I cheered so loud after the Klose goal and German victory.

****, we beat Argentina. Wow. :propeller
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I hope that Argentina get's suspended for it's actions after the game. Bad looser. :shakehead

What happened?

Edit: NVM, The Argentines trudged off with a painful defeat. The end was marred by pushing and shoving on the field, and Germany assistant coach Oliver Bierhoff said "Per Mertesacker was struck with full force in the leg by an Argentine reserve player, he was on the ground, the players started going for each other."

Argentina's Leandro Cufre, who did not play, was given a red card after the shootout.

:eek: Wow, Oliver Bierhoff hadn't heard that name in a while

Watched the Highlites looked like an intense game

:shakehead
Michel has overall had a good game.
And he didn't fall in ALL the argentinians dives, which is quite an accomplishment.He did fall in ALL Germans' dives though.

It's official now: Pekerman is an idiot.Eh, like it wasn't clear already. All it took to call him idiot ( i did on this board ) was looking at the roster he selected.

Argentina looked lazy and disinterested once they scored their goal.

What kind of winning team plays with such lack of intensity and focus when they're in an elimination game 2 matches away from a World Cup victory?

They simply don't deserve to go through after that, and the abhorrent behaviour of their players after the game just goes to show the kind of character of the team.

I've never been happier after a German victory. Deutschland durch!

sorry if it's already posted, didn't see it.

Maxi gets 2 games suspended, Cufre 4. Thats a joke, compared to the 2 games for Frings.

http://www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/sport/wm2006/fotogalerie/argentinien-deutschland-rangelei/mfb-5022257-rangelei-quer,templateId=renderScaled,property=Bild,width=3 70.jpg
Thats just 4 games???

sorry if it's already posted, didn't see it.

Maxi gets 2 games suspended, Cufre 4. Thats a joke, compared to the 2 games for Frings.

http://www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/sport/wm2006/fotogalerie/argentinien-deutschland-rangelei/mfb-5022257-rangelei-quer,templateId=renderScaled,property=Bild,width=3 70.jpg
Thats just 4 games???

:eek: that is crazy and should get 10 games minimum im opinion.But Frings played against Portugal so how was it two games?

:eek: that is crazy and should get 10 games minimum im opinion.But Frings played against Portugal so how was it two games?

The 2nd game will be a qualification game for Euro 08.

And yes, both Argentina players should have gotten more games. 4 and 8 at least.

The 2nd game will be a qualification game for Euro 08.

And yes, both Argentina players should have gotten more games. 4 and 8 at least.

Oh ic, ya that pic was nasty again 10 games minumum for that in my opinion it was a clear intent to injure

I'll say it again .Argentina didnt lose this game they threw it away.

As for the referee.His German bias was obvious throughout. And evilo.Hypocrisy considering the French players never dive either or clutch their faces.

I cant wait for a rematch in 2010.This time we will really show you how to play football considering we dominated this game for 70 minutes shut down all of your attacking threats & had you so scared you put 10 men behind the ball at every oppurtunity.

As for the scuffle afterwards its all hush hush as to what the Germans did to instigate it. Not a word. Quite unlike the furore after the Zidane incident.

As for the scuffle afterwards its all hush hush as to what the Germans did to instigate it. Not a word. Quite unlike the furore after the Zidane incident.

So we instigated THIS?

Yeah, alright...