06-14-2006, 11:51 PM | #851 | |
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Sad but true. Diving begot diving. I like Ronaldhino though. He goes to ground sometimes, but damn if he doesn't often times hop, skip, and jump over guys clattering his heels as he tries to keep the play alive. |
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06-15-2006, 12:02 AM | #852 |
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The teams that look good to me thus far (based on the games I watched):
1) Spain: Maybe this is the year they finally get it together. 2) Germany: They look good so far. 3) Czech Republic: Mm, Rosicky is good. Nedved too. Disappointing teams: 1) England: Overhyped, unimaginative. Horrible game against Paraguay. 2) France: What a horrible performance. Zidane looks past his best, Henry continues to look unsure in a France jersey, Riberry holds on to the ball way too long, Wiltord has reverted to his Arsenal form ... seriously, their inability to break down the Swiss scares me. |
06-15-2006, 03:49 AM | #853 | |
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Will the US be much, much better in 4 and 8 years, absolutely. Will they win the WC in the next two tournaments? Who knows? So much is down to luck of the draw. If they were in a different group this year, their chances would be different, so who knows? I think you're looking at things statically versus how they are trending. Last edited by Desnudo : 06-15-2006 at 03:57 AM. |
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06-15-2006, 04:13 AM | #854 | |
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I think it is Go West. Germany used it as their official World Cup song in 1994 ("Go West" to America. See. Clever!) with members of the squad looking vaguely embarrassed about appearing in a video with Village People. Until Klinnsmann took over it was the most/only interesting thing about (West) Germany. |
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06-15-2006, 04:24 AM | #855 | |
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I think you're thinking of the Trinidad & Tobago player there actually. And he was time wasting. An age-old tradition. Sweden (particularly Wilhelmsson) did engage in a bit of theatrics but in Wilhelmsson's defence he really needed to get Avery John sent off before he caused someone a serious injury. If I was in Wilhelmsson's boots, right after getting a decent haircut, I'd make it a priority to get John sent off so that I could, you know, continue playing soccer and earning money for years to come instead of sitting around a hospital not earning money. He should have been sent off in the first half. As the frustration at being unable to score and with T&T's time wasting mounted it's pretty natural that people are going to try and get a free kick when they, once again, make a hash of their first touch and are going to lose the ball. Again. I quite like the odd theatric dive, as long as a penalty isn't given it's always good for a laugh. The Ghana player's (can't remember who it was) effort in throwing himself to the ground has been the highlight of this branch of soccer entertainment so far in the competition. It had everything. The build up where he had dribbled past a couple of players but was patently starting to lose control of the ball, the holding off until he was in the penalty box, the superficial appearance that he might have been nudged by an Italian, the swan dive like he was a felled tree. All it lacked was the remonstration with the referee afterwards for not giving the penalty. 5.5 points. |
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06-15-2006, 04:33 AM | #856 |
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DOLA
Re:England. The hope in England at the moment is that the particularly poor second half showing is down to the fact that England completely ignored the conditions and played with a pressing game high up the field for most of the first half. No surprise that they run out of puff in the second half. Much the same thing happened to Poland and they weren't playing in 100+ degrees. And most of Paraguay's chances came from mistakes made by English players. Hopefully something that will disappear when the players aren't exhausted and when Ashley Cole has played himself into something at least vaguely resembling match form. And the fact that they don't have an in-form striker of top international class didn't help matter. But at least Ronaldo's showing made lickle Mickey Owen look like he was on top of his game. Brazil weren't all that impressive and wouldn't be able to complain had they only got a draw from Croatia. Ronaldinho was particurly underwhelming given the fact that every TV presenter everywhere feels it necessary to wank on about how he is the best thing in the world of football ever. And the manager's statement that Ronaldo is always going to start for Brazil must fill all potential opponents with wild euphoria at the moment. Not only is it one less man to worry about marking it also makes the offside trap an easy proposition to set up. Last edited by Narcizo : 06-15-2006 at 04:34 AM. |
06-15-2006, 04:41 AM | #857 | |
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I don't think so. Is it possible for the US to win a WC? Anything's possible (see Greece). Is it likely or even a decent chance? No. Put it this way. For the US, the objective really isn't to win it. The objective is to get a good run and get into the knockout stages. If one were realistic about it, this could be admitted as fact. The winners of the WC are going to be nations that have strong national leagues and/or a contingent of star players playing in the strongest leagues in the world (EPL, La Liga, Serie A). The US is unlikely to be able to do this, simply because soccer isn't popular enough in the US. Without this, the US national team is unlikely to ever be strong enough to mount a serious challenge for the WC. Ignore the results of 4 years ago. The US was a relatively unknown quantity then, same as Korea, and their drive/determination proved sufficient to push them into the knockout stages. But the US is a known quantity now and teams know what to look out for. It's not going to be possible for the US to spring such a surprise any more. Bear in mind there's always a surprise team in every major tournament (think Cameroon, Korea, US, Sweden, etc). That doesn't mean these teams are going to become soccer powerhouses though. |
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06-15-2006, 07:35 AM | #858 | |
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I listed teams the way I feel they rank right now. Performance at this world cup was a big factor, but I tried to put in the super day/off day factor. If you don't agree with it, it'd be more than happy to see the lists you would make. And yes, the USA and France are possibly ranked too high, but for both teams I think that against most other teams in the tournament, things could hae gone differently. Although, France ranks that high solely on potential. I really think things can click out of nowhere again.
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Putting Denmark and the Czech Republic in the same class as Greece just doesn't make sense at all.
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06-15-2006, 08:00 AM | #859 |
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Those labelling the Danish team as an upset in the Greece is a bit harsh on them. They had a pretty good team at Euro 92, the Laudrup brothers, John Jensen, Schmeichel in goal and so on. As to them not qualifying, Euro 92 only had 8 teams participate and one of them qualified automaticaly as hosts, so it was much more difficult to qualify back then.
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06-15-2006, 08:01 AM | #860 | |||
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I'd love to see them do well as they've some great players and can be fantastic to watch. Quote:
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We've some good players and are well organised defensively, but lack a real cutting edge in our attack unless Rooney surprises everyone by coming back fully fit ... I still don't understand why Svein didn't bring along another striker in the squad, if he isn't going to play Walcott then he shouldn't be there (and to be frank the idea of a player who hasn't played a full senior game for his squad playing for England in the world cup doesn't exactly fill me with confidence). Overall Winner prediction - if the weather cools down a European side will win, probably Spain, Italy or England (heart more than head to include them, but I can't leave them out ) .... if the weather stays hot either Argentina or Brazil will win. Last edited by Marc Vaughan : 06-15-2006 at 08:03 AM. |
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06-15-2006, 08:03 AM | #861 |
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Putting Denmark in the same category certainly does make sense as they only qualified because Yugoslavia was booted out of the contest and absolutely no-one believed they could beat a Holland side that was playing some of the best football in (my) living memory in the group stages. Admittedly the Semi-final/Final nature of the contest made it easier for an upset to occur but that should be countered with the theoretically much stronger nature of the group phase. (It didn't turn out that way because of a typically underperforming France side and an England side managed by Graham Taylor).
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06-15-2006, 08:09 AM | #862 | |
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Sorry to be a bit pedantic, but this little bit sometimes gets me on my nerves a bit. Walcott has played senior football at Southampton and did well enough for Arsenal to spend £10m on him, he just hasn't played senior football for his current club. By the same token you could say Ballack, Rosicky and Shevchencko haven't played senior fooball for their clubs yet. I know, very nitpicky, but still I think sometimes it has to be said to keep the correct perspective. This isn't exactly an endorsement though, if Sven was only going to take 4 strikers I'd rather hve either Defoe or Bent. If he took 5 I wouldn't have so much of a problem, but I don't think he should've been carried with only 4 strikers. Of course, a few nights ago I did have a dream that we were 1-0 down to Argentina and Walcott cam on for the last 10 mins and got a goal with his first touch, then burst through the defence to score the winner in injury time, so you never know... |
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06-15-2006, 08:09 AM | #863 |
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Nice goal there by Ecuador.
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06-15-2006, 08:25 AM | #864 | |
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Now about that Denmark - Greece comparishing, watch the facts of WC/Euro's results and then tell me whether they're still in the same class: Greece: 2004 - champs 2002 - not qualified 2000 - not qualified 1998 - not qualified 1996 - not qualified 1994 - 24/24 pre 1994 - never qualifed Denmark: 2004 - quarterfinals 2002 - round of 16 2000 - out in group phase (with Ned, Fra) 1998 - quarterfinals 1996 - quarterfinals 1994 - not qualifed 1992 - champs 1990 - not qualified 1988 - out in group phase 1986 - round of 16 1984 - semi finals pre 1984 - never qualified
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06-15-2006, 08:58 AM | #865 | |
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06-15-2006, 08:59 AM | #866 |
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Hey, wow. I did not noticed before but Mozilla apparently have some kind of add-on specifically for the World Cup. I don't know if it's any good since, with 56K, I think it will be useless for me but it looks spiffy.
http://www.mozilla.com/add-ons/jogacompanion/ |
06-15-2006, 09:01 AM | #867 | |||
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The difference is that Southampton weren't playing at the highest level in the country and aren't considered a 'top' club in that country (which is why I stress he's unplayed at Arsenal). As such he's untested at the top domestic level - let alone International level (which is the point I was trying to make). This isn't a 'slur' against Southampton - I'd have stated the same thing if Gareth Barry back when he left Brighton had gone straight into the International squad when he signed for Aston Villa, its not a sensible thing to do imho. Quote:
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Last edited by Marc Vaughan : 06-15-2006 at 09:03 AM. |
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06-15-2006, 09:13 AM | #868 |
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Another great goal by Ecuador. Looks like they will be the first team to qualify for the knockout round.
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06-15-2006, 09:15 AM | #869 |
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dola, make that second. I guess Germany made it yesterday with their 2nd win.
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06-15-2006, 09:17 AM | #870 | |
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Actually an Ecuador win clinches it for both Ecuador and Germany. An Ecuador draw clinches it for Germany. Heading into today it was possible for Germany to not advance if Costa Rica beat Ecuador today, Ecuador beat Germany, and Costa Rica beat Poland. Then goal differential would decide it.
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06-15-2006, 09:20 AM | #871 |
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2 FM moments as I watch the WC:
1) As I watch Ivan Kaviedes, "Ah, yes. Slow but skillful. I remember him from Frogger's dynasty." 2) As I watch Ecuador score (gorgeous goal, by the way) as the Costa Rica coach give final instruction to his substitute, "SONOFABITCH! That happens to me when I try to get a substitute in, TOO!" |
06-15-2006, 09:23 AM | #872 |
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So, uhhh, on the topic of that fellow, do y'all think that foot stamp on Kaviedes was intentional or accidental?
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06-15-2006, 09:29 AM | #873 |
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Accidental.
If this result holds up, Germany will need a win over Ecuador to finish first.... otherwise, ECU will win the group on goal difference. That will be a hell of a match early next week.
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06-15-2006, 09:47 AM | #874 | |
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06-15-2006, 09:58 AM | #875 |
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Ecuador has been the pleasant surprise of the tournament to me so far. Granted, I didn't pay much attention to South American qualifying, but all the press seemed to be about Brazil and Argentina.
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06-15-2006, 10:23 AM | #876 | |
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Historically CONMEBOL has been overrated once you get past the big two, IMO. Ecuador's run is indeed surprising.
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06-15-2006, 10:51 AM | #877 |
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Question here.
What if all 4 teams finished with a 1-1 tie with each other in group play? |
06-15-2006, 11:00 AM | #878 | |
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a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches; b) goal difference in all group matches; c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches; d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned; e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned; f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned; g) drawing of lots by the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup™. Drawing of lots happened at least once before, the last time being in 1990, when Ireland and the Netherlands finished tied for 2nd and 3rd in the group phase. Then it only mattered for who they would play in the second round, but it could decide on who goes through to the next round.
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06-15-2006, 11:00 AM | #879 |
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Fox Sports lists the 4th tiebreaker as " Drawing of lots". What the hell does that mean?
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06-15-2006, 11:02 AM | #880 | |
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06-15-2006, 11:31 AM | #881 |
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Yorke is playing with his jimmy. This can't be a friendly injury.
Do any players wear protection at all? |
06-15-2006, 11:34 AM | #882 |
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And the damn cameraman does a close-up of it. What the fuck?
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06-15-2006, 11:35 AM | #883 |
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I think Sven should be playing 4-5-1 but, if he's staying 4-4-2, I would think playing Carrick as a holding midfielder with Lampard (who seems to look more dangerous than Gerrard at the moment) would be better.
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06-15-2006, 11:38 AM | #884 | |
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Usually not.
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06-15-2006, 11:43 AM | #885 |
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wow, that was a complete choke by the English player. Completely unmarked in front of the goal and he puts it wide.
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Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint |
06-15-2006, 11:46 AM | #886 |
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that was an amazing save by the English defender in front of the goal!
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Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint Last edited by cartman : 06-15-2006 at 11:47 AM. |
06-15-2006, 11:46 AM | #887 |
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Crouch with the great composure.
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06-15-2006, 11:48 AM | #888 |
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Entertaining thus far, especially if you're pulling for T&T. How great would it be for T&T to beat out Sweden to advance?
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06-15-2006, 11:48 AM | #889 |
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No RoboDance[tm] for you!
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06-15-2006, 11:50 AM | #890 | |
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06-15-2006, 12:04 PM | #891 | |
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That's exactly what I think of the muppet at half time in the T&T game SCHWEIN!
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06-15-2006, 12:05 PM | #892 | |
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I'd rather they beat out England to advance Sweden and Paraguay would be my choice, though. T&T might be a good story, but they are dirty, defensive and spend half the game time-wasting. So I wont be cheering for them to go through. |
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06-15-2006, 12:08 PM | #893 | |
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Walcott has played against Leicester at the Walkers Stadium - if that's not a true test of the kid's calibre, I don't know what is
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06-15-2006, 12:11 PM | #894 | |
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God no. We need 442, but Svein (as Marc has called him & I think I will follow) needs to make a tough decision: Lampard or Gerrard, with a proper defensive midfielder in the team - we haven't really got one in the squad though... And for the first time I'm thinking Becks' lack of pace is a major problem, especially when the other team (i.e. T&T) just defend & play set pieces. Right now I think I'd bring on SWP, but as he's not there Aaron Lennon will do.
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06-15-2006, 12:19 PM | #895 | |
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Right on cue, the goalie gets booked for time wasting with 43 minutes to go in the game Lennon and Rooney on...let's see how long it takes for them to get kicked. |
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06-15-2006, 12:22 PM | #896 |
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It's smart football by T&T and I can;t fault them for it.
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06-15-2006, 12:28 PM | #897 |
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In fact, I don;t see why anyone opposes what T&T has been doing at all. In American football, the formula to win playing a high octane offense that outclasses yours is to run teh ball, grind down teh clok, use as much time to take plays as possible, and keep the ball out of the octane's hands. T&T is just using that same strategy.
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06-15-2006, 12:31 PM | #898 | |
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You're spot on - nothing wrong with it. And I've got a horrible feeling it'll work this evening as well
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06-15-2006, 12:33 PM | #899 | |
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06-15-2006, 12:35 PM | #900 |
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Wow. T&T have looked at times like the better team. This is impressive.
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