World Cup 2010

[Sushikins]

Japan...just...Japan...:lol:

Speaking of Japan, they've had two very nice goals so far to go up 2-0 on Denmark in the first half.

[Woooh]

Japan being Brazil. Subarashii, sugoi, magnificent. They played awesomely in that first half.

EDIT: And in that second half.

[Kizoku Keenan]

Honndddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! Xd xd xd

[Dave]

Japan played pretty well today!

[superplough]

Three draws

THREE DRAWS

Well at least we can say we were undefeated.

[Purple Madness]

Portugal vs Brazil....what a ****ing yawn-fest.

[Schadenfreude]

Less stalemates please.

[Dave]

Ghana beat us? I was at work :(

[Woooh]

****.

filler.

[Caster13]

Does that mean we're out?

[Sushikins]

So America lost, I'm disappointed but...rather satisfied. I didn't expect them to do so well, especially considering they had to come back in 2 matches and pull off a miracle last second goal against Algeria. It's made, for the first time in my life, soccer exciting to watch for me (I even went out and bought the World Cup game for the PSP), and even though we've been eliminated, I'll keep watching (Go Japan and England :lol:).

[Arnold]

Goddamn. Korea had so many shots today, and we blew it. Had that early penalty kick gone right just a few inches, this would be a different game.

[Bisu]

The god awful officiating has reached a milestone. And with this sport, that's saying a lot.

If the officials are going to rob England, they could at least try to not make it so obvious. Until now, they've failed miserably. Best game of the WC, though. Hopefully things will be rectified in the second half.

[Dave]

I can't believe we lost to Ghana!

[Soluzar]

The ******** officiating has reached a milestone. And with this sport, that's saying a lot.

If the officials are going to rob England, they could at least try to not make it so obvious. Until now, they've failed miserably. Best game of the WC, though. Hopefully things will be rectified in the second half.
Couldn't agree with you more. Except that unfortunately the second half happened and England did not defend well. In fact, honestly our defence was not great from the start. Add to that Gerard being out of position and Lampard being ill-suited to play in the same side as such a similar player, and it accounts for much of our mediocrity this tournament.

Umm... disregard what I just said before editing this post, I had a brain fart or something.

[Purple Madness]

Hmmm....Funny because in 1966 the ball didn't make it past the line and was given...now all of the sudden because it's the reverse scenario the ref is somewhat German or has been paid off by FIFA.


The streets are completely quiet here where I live. Eerie, if anything.

[Soluzar]

Hmmm....Funny because in 1966 the ball didn't make it past the line and was given...now all of the sudden because it's the reverse scenario the ref is somewhat German or has been paid off by FIFA.
I'm sure the Germans had plenty to say in 1966 about the controversial Hurst goal. It sucked for them just as it sucks for us now, the major difference being that even if this goal had been granted there's no guarantee it would have made a difference.

[Bisu]

Couldn't agree with you more. Except that unfortunately the second half happened and England did not defend well. In fact, honestly our defence was not great from the start. Add to that Gerard being out of position and Lampard being ill-suited to play in the same side as such a similar player, and it accounts for much of our mediocrity this tournament.

Umm... disregard what I just said before editing this post, I had a brain fart or something. Indeed. Well, I felt they were doing very well in the second half until they conceded a third goal, then they completely fell apart. A well deserved win for Germany; but even so, the incorrect offside call on Rooney and the disallowed goal ruined what could've been a classic (something like 4-3), and arguably had a big effect on their morale.

I'm completely neutral - I just enjoy watching this sport, and it's sad to see England go down like this.

Hmmm....Funny because in 1966 the ball didn't make it past the line and was given...now all of the sudden because it's the reverse scenario the ref is somewhat German or has been paid off by FIFA.


The streets are completely quiet here where I live. Eerie, if anything. The fact that this is still happening after 44 years... it's like... how can I put this? The absurd political injustices that you see in certain movies where you think to yourself, "Hah, that would never happen in real life..."

EDIT: Mm... well, I feel stupid. Can't argue with the evidence. Spot on officiating:

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5700/qxjvh.jpg

[Oxygen]

goal ? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkthkf5B9Bk) .

[Soluzar]

goal ? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkthkf5B9Bk) .
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Good one.

[Schadenfreude]

I can't believe we lost to Ghana!
Especially after they lost to Germany who curbstomped England.

[SapperSix]

I'm starting to hate FIFA and the refs for all the bad calls and such. After this tourney, FIFA is going to have to embrace technology.

[Bisu]

I can't stop laughing... Someone just brought this to my attention: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LFZJIm3mD0

:lol: :lol: :lol:

(In case you don't get it, the Ivorian player is... "eavesdropping" on the Koreans.)

EDIT: Oh god... I've seen it about 30 times and the nod he gives kills me every time. I wonder if he even understood a single word of what they were saying. :lol:

[Dave]

I'm starting to hate FIFA and the refs for all the bad calls and such. After this tourney, FIFA is going to have to embrace technology.

You ain't kidding there... jeez...

[Sushikins]

Somehow I doubt FIFA is gonna embrace technology, even after all of this controversy. I missed the goal live, I tuned into the match on the radio just after it happened. I had both matches on today, but didn't really catch much of the mauling Brazil gave Chile.

[old hat]

Getting knocked off by Ghana is a bit embarassing but I don't remember the US ever being really competitive in the World Cup.

[chrono'shield]

not really that embarassing. Ghana beat us in 2006 as well.

[ThePhillyFlash]

Somehow I doubt FIFA is gonna embrace technology, even after all of this controversy.

Then, to quote Michael Wilbon on PTI yesterday, soccer will remain a second class sport if its governing body chooses to remain in the Stone Age and not embrace technology to prevent controversies like what everyone's seen. That goal England got screwed on was outrageous, how the ref missed that was beyond ridiculous.

Meanwhile, with the U.S. out, I'm rooting for Japan! :D

[old hat]

not really that embarassing. Ghana beat us in 2006 as well.

How is getting beaten by Ghana twice less embarassing than being beaten by them once? The population is smaller than the population of California alone.

[Bisu]

FIFA to Limit Replays Shown on Stadium Screens (http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/sports/article/FIFA-to-limit-replays-on-stadium-screens-540462.php)

"Hey gaiz, instead of trying to solve the problem, let's prevent the fans watching the game at a stadium from knowing about our screw ups! That'll take care of things!"

FIFA's claim that they'll "correct" such mistakes in the future is total bull. If they're going to correct it, then why even bother removing such highlights/replays? Nice way to avoid actually doing anything about it.

Some amusment: Heinze Gets Bonked by Cameraman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0R11D54BMo)

EDIT: Some more amusement (http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhxZokp8JQOzfT86h1)

[old hat]

Do they think that with so many eyes on the World Cup that has any hope of working at all? How many people are following this again?

[chrono'shield]

How is getting beaten by Ghana twice less embarassing than being beaten by them once? The population is smaller than the population of California alone.

Its a well known fact America isn't exactly known for their love of soccer. Although, their total population is a heck of alot lower then the US, I am willing to bet the quality of their talent pool is better then ours . Our best male athletes play the other popular sports, baseball, America football, basketball, hockey etc.

[Schadenfreude]

Of course their talent pool will be better. All they have to do all day in their tiny little third world country is kick around a coconut husk into goal posts made out of trees.

[Purple Madness]

One goal conceded the entire tournament! One ****ing goal!!!

Now we're out...Villa was offide and Capdevilla dived to get Costa sent off.


Spain, how I hate thee.

[Oxygen]

FIFA apology is too early...it's not like the whole world already knew =\

[Dave]

Its a well known fact America isn't exactly known for their love of soccer. Although, their total population is a heck of alot lower then the US, I am willing to bet the quality of their talent pool is better then ours . Our best male athletes play the other popular sports, baseball, America football, basketball, hockey etc.

It's actually pretty popular in the U.S. now... I'd venture more people play soccer in the U.S. than hockey by a pretty good margin.

We have a decent talent pool... it's just... I dunno... :(

[Woooh]

Netherlands!

[Schadenfreude]

The only thing louder than the crying of broken Brazilian hearts today is the angry hissing of Ghanaian fans. GG on the aim there, Ghana.

[Bisu]

http://pic.leech.it/i/88251/879eb8d91278107556.jpg

Ya do whatcha gotta do to win, eh? Wow... due to FIFA's rules, the ref has to call a PK instead of allowing what was going to be a clear goal. Like so many of FIFA's "rules", it's quickly turning this sport into a joke and making results farcical.

What surprises me is that Suarez is seen as more of a "hero" than a villain, even to non-Uruguayans.

As for Brazil's loss, it was a tough lesson on the cruelty of this sport. They completely dominated the Dutch in the first half and arguably should've been up by 2-0... but then an embarrasing mistake by the supposed greatest goalkeeper in the world leads to an own goal, which resulted in their mental implosion.

Not saying the Dutch didn't deserve it, of course they did, but it's a deceiving result. Brazil has a better team, or rather, a team more capable of defeating Germany/Argentina/Spain. But just like Spain vs. Switzerland and Germany vs. Serbia, they had a stroke of terrible luck, but this time it was at a crucial point in the tournament.

Well, epic game tomorrow!

[SapperSix]

This World Cup has been the most lulzy I can remember. Will there be changes, probably not, because FIFA drags their feet worse than the MLB.

[Schadenfreude]

Lawl, Germany CURBSTOMPED argentina. I wouldn't be surprised if they win the WC the way they're playing.

[chrono'shield]

Lawl, Germany CURBSTOMPED argentina. I wouldn't be survived if they win the WC the way they're playing.

CURBSTOMPED is right....geez,lol

[Schadenfreude]

If Netherlands beats Uruguay (which I believe they probably will) and Germany beats spain (again, My money's on Germany), we've got ourselves a WW2 Grudge match.

[Wayfarer]

What surprises me is that Suarez is seen as more of a "hero" than a villain, even to non-Uruguayans.
He's just your regular soccer player: doing whatever it takes to win. In any case, he could have headed that off the line.

If Netherlands beats Uruguay (which I believe they probably will) and Germany beats spain (again, My money's on Germany), we've got ourselves a WW2 Grudge match.
There's a good chance of a grudge match whenever Germany plays any Euro team in a big international tournament. They've already squashed England, but lost to Serbia. If Spain play well, then I'd expect them to win.

The Argentina scoreline flattered Germany because Argentina can't defend to save their lives. The England scoreline flattered them because the linesman was blind. The Australia scoreline flattered them because Cahill was sent off for no good reason.

[Kizoku Keenan]

its a shame Nigeria didn't play germany...think about it!

[Dalmain]

Germany should take it. They have destroyed their opposition. Let's see.

[Woooh]

Spain 2-1.

[LISA HAYES]

Germany 3 1 damn nazies

[Woooh]

Spain 2(-1) - 1(-1).

[Schadenfreude]

Deutschland, ihr dummkopf.

[Wayfarer]

Spain 2-1.

Good shout - Germany can't cope with Spain's passing and they don't have any individuals with enough skill to win a game with a moment of magic against top-class opposition (no matter how much the press want to hype up Ozil). Germany always remind me a bit of a flat-track bully pummelling weak teams with workmanlike efficiency (e.g. Saudi Arabia in 2002), but being out-classed by teams with slick passing and movement.

Fair enough, Germany beat Argentina, but a big factor was Maradona's managerial naivety and wilful neglect of his defence. Also, Klose cannot equal Ronaldo's WC record now, which can only be a good thing because he's not fit to lace Ronny's boots.

Spain are the favorites going into the final on current form, as the Dutch often look very casual.

[Bisu]

Kind of late, but whatever:

http://i48.tinypic.com/2rpr11d.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/207154j.jpg

Spain's win was of no surprise to some:

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1396/puyoll.png

http://fotos.subefotos.com/3b4ee816f75fd879d30ce7f04e1f80c0o.gif

(Above gif was from Euro 2008.)

[Wayfarer]

Argentina played South Korea off the park ji-sung, but they were muellered by Germany. They were like lahms to the slaughter. Maradona should get the mertesacker; as with Brazil, their football was kaka.

[Caster13]

http://fotos.subefotos.com/3b4ee816f75fd879d30ce7f04e1f80c0o.gif

(Above gif was from Euro 2008.)

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk167/ferrariaddict/icon_204.gif

[Schadenfreude]

Argentina played South Korea off the park ji-sung, but they were muellered by Germany. They were like lahms to the slaughter. Maradona should get the mertesacker; as with Brazil, their football was kaka.

That... was great.

[Woooh]

España!!!!

[old hat]

The World Cup seems awfully predictable to me. The same teams win most of the time and most teams never had a chance at all. Out of over 200 countries, only a handful have any real hope of winning.

[Woooh]

The World Cup seems awfully predictable to me. The same teams win most of the time and most teams never had a chance at all. Out of over 200 countries, only a handful have any real hope of winning.

Spain has never won a world cup. Netherlands has never won a world cup. Your argument is invalid.

[SactoOne 813]

The Dutch just played awful today with WAY to much rough play, diving and complaining to the referees. http://www.en.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/negative.gif I'm glad the right team won, otherwise it would set back the game a couple of decades.

[old hat]

Spain has never won a world cup. Netherlands has never won a world cup. Your argument is invalid.

Not really. There were 18 previous to this one. Of those, 12 have been won by one of only four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Uruguay. It's the most predictable major sporting event other than chess.

[Wayfarer]

Not really. There were 18 previous to this one. Of those, 12 have been won by one of only four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Uruguay. It's the most predictable major sporting event other than chess.
Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Uruguay have actually won the thing 13 times (if you swap Argentina or Uruguay for W. Germany, it'd be 14 times); the WC is predictable in many ways though.

Chess is getting less predictable since Kasparov has retired.

[Woooh]

Not really. There were 18 previous to this one. Of those, 12 have been won by one of only four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Uruguay. It's the most predictable major sporting event other than chess.

Yes, but how is this in any way related to this World Cup? Two teams that have never won it, one won.

[Schadenfreude]

AND NOW! For a LIMITED TIME OFFER to commemorate the loss of the Netherlands at the hands of the Spaniards, we will be releasing a Dutch Yellow Card Trading card collectible set. Collect all 9!

[old hat]

Yes, but how is this in any way related to this World Cup? Two teams that have never won it, one won.

This World Cup=/=the World Cup in general. The World Cup is what I wrote. This has only happened a couple of times in World Cup history.

Chess has been getting less predictable but numeric ratings are a pretty good indicator of skill and who is likely to win.

[Schadenfreude]

If Octopus Paul is any indication, Cephalopods make great seers. I should go get one.

[Wayfarer]

The Dutch just played awful today with WAY to much rough play, diving and complaining to the referees. http://www.en.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/negative.gif
Dull final with little skill and ambition, particularly from the Dutch. Have to laugh at the Dutch trying to play spoiling tactics; Van Persie was useless. Total football ... more like total dogshite. They might not get the results, but players like Bergkamp, Davids, R. de Boer etc. were far more entertaining.

The 2006 Zidane headbutt alone was better than the entire final this year.

I'm glad the right team won, otherwise it would set back the game a couple of decades.
Greece and Italy already did that by winning Euro 2004 and WC 2006 respectively.

[MoonPrincess]

I was really upset that Netherlands didn't win. But oh well.

Maybe next time.

[Bisu]

The Dutch just played awful today with WAY to much rough play, diving and complaining to the referees. http://www.en.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/negative.gif I'm glad the right team won, otherwise it would set back the game a couple of decades. Indeed. The Dutch were fortunate to not have been down to 9 men before extra time even began. They were quite clearly outclassed. Well, all things considered, this WC was much more exciting than the previous one.

...even though there was no headbutting... but we got something almost as good:

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7776/slamsoccerl.gif

[Schadenfreude]

http://9gag.com/photo/28967_540.jpg
THIS. IS. NEDERLANDS.

[Wayfarer]

Well, all things considered, this WC was much more exciting than the previous one.
The knock-out stages were definitely better this time round, although not sure about the group stages. In terms of quality, the WC's still been pretty poor.

Highlights for me were:
- French prima-donnas being humiliated
- Italian divers being humiliated
- Spain's passing
- US's determination
- Diego Forlan's attacking play
- Maradona press conferences

Disappointments:
- African teams not getting much better (remember when Nigeria won the Olympics tournament in 1996 by beating Argentina and Brazil, and people were saying this was some new African coming)
- None of the biggest names performed to near their potential, unlike e.g. Rivaldo in 2002. Kaka looked like Denilson: expensive and over-rated.
- Dull tactics employed by teams like Portugal, Netherlands and Brazil when they have no need to.

THIS. IS. NEDERLANDS.
What would happen if de Jong karate kicked Zidane's headbutt? My money's on Zidane's head breaking de Jong's leg.

[Schadenfreude]

What would happen if de Jong karate kicked Zidane's headbutt? My money's on Zidane's head breaking de Jong's leg.

Well of course, the thing's thick enough to stop bullets.

[Bisu]

The knock-out stages were definitely better this time round, although not sure about the group stages.

I felt the group stages were especially more exciting. The group stages were rather dull in 2006, I felt... not many surprises, not many great games. But things were different this time. I'll note some examples:

USA vs. Slovenia and Algeria - The US was down 0-2 against Slovenia in the first half only to turn it around 3-2, but the last goal was disallowed for some unknown reason. Due to this, a victory over Algeria was necessary in order to advance. Not only did the US manage a narrow 1-0 victory, but they did so at the very last minute of stoppage time.

Spain 0-1 Switzerland - Who would've imagined this result...? Spain was panic-stricken as they desperately tried to equalize which left their defense in shambles, which in turn nearly lead to them conceding a second goal. Thrilling stuff regardless of which team you were rooting for.

Germany's loss to Serbia and Italy's loss to Slovakia are two other good examples.


- Italian divers being humiliated
This is what most struck me about the 2010 WC (especially over the previous one). The rampant diving was just...... really, very rampant this time around:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCGc_ngufDM

Wow... it's something that has plagued this sport ever since it was invented, but good god, man! I don't recall it being that bad in '06!

Overall, I consider this WC a disaster due to the diving, officiating, and the French, but in terms of quality games and Lulz provided, I can't say it disappointed.

[Caster13]

Overall, I consider this WC a disaster due to the diving, officiating, and the French, but in terms of quality games and Lulz provided, I can't say it disappointed.

You're forgetting the vuvuzelas.

[Schadenfreude]

i'm pretty sure we're all past the point of watching FIFA games for good, clean, soccer action. Now it's for the lulz and the drama.

[Caster13]

No, just the lulz.

[Wayfarer]

I felt the group stages were especially more exciting. The group stages were rather dull in 2006, I felt... not many surprises, not many great games. But things were different this time. I'll note some examples ...
I'd agree there were more shock results in 2010, and the USA matches you mentioned were surprisingly exciting. It's a pity the US couldn't build on their momentum and beat Ghana. But I'm wondering how big of a shock the results you mentioned really were:

Italy VS Slovakia: This is one of the worst Italian teams I have seen in a long time, with their best players well past their prime and no real young talent coming through. Italy's defence used to be world-class and their greatest asset, with players like Bergomi, Baresi, Maldini, a prime Cannavaro, Nesta, Ferrara and Costacurta; this together with world-class goalies like Buffon. They also had decent forwards like R. Baggio, Vieri, and Del Piero (especially before his serious knee injury in 98). The 2010 squad is just a shambles in comparison. It's still a shock result that they lost to Slovakia, but not a huge shock.

Germany VS Serbia: Germany were favorites, and for good reason; however, Serbia are no mugs and finished top of their qualification group ahead of France. Also, Serbia were lucky that Germany had a man sent off and missed a penalty. Again, no doubt it was a shock result, but I wouldn't say a huge one. On a side note, if Serbia break down any further (prev. Serbia-Montenegro and before that Yugoslavia), they'll end up with a pub team!

Spain 0-1 Switzerland: For me, this was a bigger surprise than the two results above, because Spain were in such a rich vein of form. OK, Spain missed a hatful of chances, but I'd have expected them to score at least once. However, to play devil's advocate, Switzerland are disciplined and play well as a unit, and can be a very difficult team to score against and beat. They demonstrated this in 2006 when they topped their group ahead of favorites France and did not concede a goal in the whole tournament, eventually going out on penalties. They can be boring as hell to watch, but they are good at frustrating more fancied teams. So this result was probably not quite as shocking as e.g. Italy vs S. Korea in '02 or Germany vs Bulgaria in '94.

With respect to 2006, I think the group stages had better long-range shooting (e.g. Lahm and I think Frings in the opening game) and also featured one of the best team goals in recent times (Argentina in their 6-0 thrashing). In addition, there were some shocks: Ghana (a bit of an unknown quantity then) winning against the fancied Czech Republic and Australia earning a battling draw against the Croats and going through to the last 16. We also had a good opportunity to laugh at the most immobile and overweight strikeforce in WC history - Ronaldo and Adriano.

Wow... it's something that has plagued this sport ever since it was invented, but good god, man! I don't recall it being that bad in '06!
Diving is sort of like an accepted part of high-level football nowadays. More specifically, players making a meal out of a challenge is very popular -- reacting as if they've been shot simultaneously by a team of snipers. What's worse is that the diver's team-mates tend to immediately rush to the referee to further the illusion. In situations like this, you really need to have a strong referee that books and warns players to stop this nonsense, and gain their respect. P-L Collina (sadly retired) was a master at doing this, and players think twice about confronting him.

European national teams tend to be major offenders, as well as teams with players at European clubs. World-class drama queens include Drogba, Totti, Robben, C. Ronaldo and A. Ortega (Argentina); Rivaldo should have won an oscar in '02 against Turkey. The English used to pride themselves on not diving so much, but they're not immune to criticism, as Owen demonstrated in France '98. Asian teams tend to be less prone to diving, so it's kind of refreshing to see teams like S. Korea and Japan doing relatively well in recent world cups.

At club level, it's even worse. I've seen Serie A matches where the referee blows literally every minute and Barcelona players have been accused of falling over in the presence of the slightest wind. Zidane may be a relatively violent player, but what I like about him is his willingness to use his strength and stay on his feet, rather than take a dive.

Diving's always been there, but as the stakes get bigger, players and teams are probably more tempted to "do what it takes to win". That's why I wasn't at all surprised Suarez beach-volleyballed Ghana out of the WC and did cartwheels when Uruguay won. Morals simply don't come into it. I'm not overly surprised the Dutch and Brazilians adopted such dull tactics either, because they're living this philosophy. You get the feeling Dunga just wants to win by whatever means just to stick it to the Brazilian press.

Overall, I consider this WC a disaster due to the diving, officiating, and the French, but in terms of quality games and Lulz provided, I can't say it disappointed.
All the diving and exponential increase in hype has made me gradually lose interest in football. So like Chuchuchrain, nowadays, I just watch the WC mainly for lulz and drama. What would make things much better is if they introduced video replays ASAP; absolutely stupid they haven't done so already. Not just things like England in '66 and '86, but recently when Spain was robbed in '02 (and if anyone remembers, in Euro '96). I think they did use video replays to retrospectively ban Tassotti when he elbowed the face off a Spanish player in the QF in '94; not sure why this happened as a one-off. Probability-wise, there're bound to be mistakes throughout a tournament -- an incorrect offside or penalty decision is a controversy waiting to happen.

So roll on Brazil 2014 for even more diving, hype, money and players whinging at the referee ... and maybe some quality football. The pressure on the Brazilian manager to deliver is going to be other-worldly, and I'll be the first to laugh when his team falters. Would also be great to have Maradona win with Argentina and collecting the trophy from Pele ...

[Schadenfreude]

I think the main issue is FIFA, and their regulations (or lack of therein) for reffing. They don't crack down on the stuff they should, and I wouldn't be surprised if its a bid for ratings (because obviously allowing **** like Zidane/Materazzi and Dejong happen rather than nipping it at the bud will attract views, the same way hockey fights do). They're also clearly led by a bunch of preschool dropouts. Their solution to bad refereeing? Play less instant replays on the big screen where everyone can see their screw up.

[Wayfarer]

They're also clearly led by a bunch of preschool dropouts.
Or even worse: a bunch of businessmen with no real interest in the game. Sepp Blatter is a universal joke among fans.

I've actually got no problems with Zidane headbutts and de Jong kung fu kicks because these kind of things are rare, and can be extremely entertaining. The headbutt was hilarious not just because everyone overanalyzed it afterwards, but because the "victim" was that Italian snake. Play-acting coupled with trigger-happy refs (like the Mexican vampire) are my main beef - it's supposed to be a contact sport!

Play less instant replays on the big screen where everyone can see their screw up.
In the Arg-Mex match, it must have been Platini operating the big screen and trying to piss off Maradona.

[Caster13]

I think the main issue is FIFA, and their regulations (or lack of therein) for reffing. They don't crack down on the stuff they should, and I wouldn't be surprised if its a bid for ratings (because obviously allowing **** like Zidane/Materazzi and Dejong happen rather than nipping it at the bud will attract views, the same way hockey fights do). They're also clearly led by a bunch of preschool dropouts. Their solution to bad refereeing? Play less instant replays on the big screen where everyone can see their screw up.

Calling them preschool dropouts is a compliment.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Not really. There were 18 previous to this one. Of those, 12 have been won by one of only four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Uruguay. It's the most predictable major sporting event other than chess.

Not true, an American team always wins the World Series for example.

[Caster13]

I have no idea why it's called the World Series.

But when it comes to the predictability of sports in America, there are a few things that stand out. The Chicago Cubs will never win a World Series, the Dallas Cowboys always choke big time at the end of the season, and no matter how much we try we will never be better than Canadians in Hockey.

[Kinol]

- None of the biggest names performed to near their potential, unlike e.g. Rivaldo in 2002. Kaka looked like Denilson: expensive and over-rated.

Im really with you at that point. I really looked forward to the WC to see all the great player but not many of the got to my expectations, but its good that lots of new players started to show off :D

[RayearthIX]

The biggest story the world cup (aside from GO! GO! USA! and Spain) was of an octopus named Paul, who went 8 for 8 on his World Cup preictions, defeating experts of ESPN, SkySports, and others from around world. Combined with his Euro Cup predictions, Paul finsihed his career an amazing 12/14, a record that most Vegas bookies would love to have.

[Wayfarer]

Im really with you at that point. I really looked forward to the WC to see all the great player but not many of the got to my expectations, but its good that lots of new players started to show off :D
The Brazilian "stars" were the biggest disappointment for me because this is 2 world cups in a row that they've underperformed big time. Some relatively new names did quite well, especially young German players, but I think the best performers were pretty well known already - Forlan, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Robben etc. There was a time not so long ago when Forlan was routinely mocked when playing for Manure for scoring so few goals, so it is some turnaround.

The biggest story the world cup (aside from GO! GO! USA! and Spain) was of an octopus named Paul, who went 8 for 8 on his World Cup preictions, defeating experts of ESPN, SkySports, and others from around world.
Paul would make a worthy and more entertaining replacement for most of the TV pundits. :cool:

[Schadenfreude]

Nostradamus was actually a cephalopod.

[Wayfarer]

as far as STARS are concerned I think the most disappointing team of the tournament was England. I expected them to win the world cup!
Win the world cup!? They'd be lucky to get to the final with their crappy record since 1966.

Also, some post-WC news:

Allegations that North Korea have tortured their players and coaches, following in the footsteps of Uday Hussein:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100811/ap_on_sp_so_ne/soc_fifa_north_korea

Moody git le sulky sulk Anelka banned for (a record-breaking?) 18 matches after swearing at muppet coach Domenech:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100818/ts_afp/fblwc2010frastrikehearinganelka

[SapperSix]

Win the world cup!? They'd be lucky to get to the final with their crappy record since 1966.

You do realize that you are replying to a spam bot.

[Wayfarer]

You do realize that you are replying to a spam bot.

I can't let that outrageous remark slide, even if it is by a spambot. :)