World Cup 2010

[Purple Madness]

Yess, it's a football/soccer (for some) thread!


Does here watch football?
If so, who are you supporting in the 2010 World Cup, in South Africa?

Most people would probably support their nation, but there are the peoples who support the probably winner, like Brazil or Spain.

I'm supporting Portugal, provided they qualify from their group.

Anywhoo, who are you supporting?

[Trefellin]

I'm supporting Portugal, provided they qualify from their group.

Anywhoo, who are you supporting?

Força Portugal!http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee223/Trefellin/Portugalsmiley.gif

Probably won't qualify though, they're rebuilding the team.

This is posted in the wrong section you should know.

[Purple Madness]

Força Portugal!http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee223/Trefellin/Portugalsmiley.gif

Probably won't qualify though, they're rebuilding the team.


True dat.
I mean, Portugal loses against Albania & that's it. We won't get to beat England in the World Cup.

[f2akid]

At first I thought this was a thread about the Twenty20 World Cup, I was happy to see cricket fans here. It wasn't meant to be though...

Anyway on topic: I see Brazil and Argentina doing a whole lot better than 2006 but all factors considered, there can only be one winner next year and that's Spain. To be honest though they deserve to win it considering the team they have at their disposal.

[Haro!]

I have some Portuguese ancestry so it would be great if Portugal won. I really think they have great players and an overall good team. My other alegiences lie with Japan and Mexico, for cultural pride reasons. I doubt they'll get anywhere though.

[animefan88]

I love to watch football but I dont keep up with stats and names (that goes for any sport). I generally remember a few names as I watch matches though.

Any way, I kinda feel obligated to root for Russia but any former Soviet republic will do for me :) If they qualify, that is.

As for who I think will do well; I'd like to say Argentina and Germany. They seem pretty solid for what i've seen from them. Spain should also do well...

[Meegle]

I'm going with Costa Rica since it's where my family is from. And just 'cuz I Like'em Italy and Japan. CRC beat the USA last night 3-1 and are first in their qualifier for the moment so that's good.

[Trefellin]

I just watched Portugal won over Albania, 2-1. Mid way through the first half, Hugo Almeida put a ball in the net off a pass by José Bosingwa but only a minute later, the Albanian's leveled the score. With just a few minutes left, Bruno Alves scored with a header. At that point I was already given up any hope...

Oh, I see what they are doing. Portugal is deliberately setting themselves up for a massive dramatic comeback. :rolleyes:

Still, there is hope yet that they can get a few more wins from the last couple of games.

[Caster13]

I just watched Portugal won over Albania, 2-1. Mid way through the first half, Hugo Almeida put a ball in the net off a pass by José Bosingwa but only a minute later, the Albanian's leveled the score. With just a few minutes left, Bruno Alves scored with a header. At that point I was already given up any hope...

Oh, I see what they are doing. Portugal is deliberately setting themselves up for a massive dramatic comeback. :rolleyes:

Still, there is hope yet that they can get a few more wins from the last couple of games.

If they lose to Germany again I have a feeling you're going to kill someone.

[Soluzar]

England won 4:0 against Kazakhstan. Not what you'd think of as one of the world's biggest football nations, but they looked good in the first half. In the second half though, England did really well, we looked good winning.

[Purple Madness]

England won 4:0 against Kazakhstan. Not what you'd think of as one of the world's biggest football nations, but they looked good in the first half. In the second half though, England did really well, we looked good winning.

Yep, England have practically booked their ticket to 2010. Though their games with Crotia/Ukraine will be tricky, they're allright


I just watched Portugal won over Albania, 2-1. Mid way through the first half, Hugo Almeida put a ball in the net off a pass by José Bosingwa but only a minute later, the Albanian's leveled the score. With just a few minutes left, Bruno Alves scored with a header. At that point I was already given up any hope...

Oh, I see what they are doing. Portugal is deliberately setting themselves up for a massive dramatic comeback. :rolleyes:

Still, there is hope yet that they can get a few more wins from the last couple of games.


I had to read the live text commentary for the match...

Happy that we won and all...but WOW. This team is nowhere near the level it was in 2008during the Euro, much less in 2006 when we reached 4th in the World Cup. Oh, and one last point...why was Luis Boa Morte playing from the start?

[autsiticanime]

Australia drew with Quatar 0-0...AUSTRALIA'S IN!

[Meegle]

Japan, first team qualified for Southafrica.:punch: Costa Rica first in their qualifier!! Yay!

[Trefellin]

Oh, and one last point...why was Luis Boa Morte playing from the start?

No ****ing clue. He's pretty damn slow, like he's wearing Rock Lee style leg weights or something. I guess Queiroz is desperately trying out everyone he can get his hands on. I don't know where is finding some of those guys.

[Jia]

France and Germany "for cultural reasons".
Brazil because Brazil are friggin good at football.

[Meegle]

Brazil already won enough cups, it's time to spread it around, don't you think?

[Caster13]

Brazil already won enough cups, it's time to spread it around, don't you think?

Pele.

filler.

[Trefellin]

Pele.

filler.

Maradona.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k73/lukemulcahy/trollface.jpg

[Soluzar]

France and Germany "for cultural reasons".
I doubt France will do much this time. Most of their World Cup winning side have retired now, or at least are too old to play at international standard.

[Meegle]

I'd like to see Spain win it this time. They're at the top of Fifa's ranking and have yet to lose or draw a game in their qualifiers... plus I got friends in Spain.

Also, I think Okada's goal of having Japan reach the semifinals is a little bit out of reach. The only reason they made it to the quarter finals in 2002 was because they we're playing in Japan and then in Germany the placed last in their group. There's no way they'll make it to the semifinals in South Africa.

[Caster13]

I was saying one of the reasons that they won so much.

[Jia]

Brazil already won enough cups, it's time to spread it around, don't you think?

No. Lol. Besides they have some pretty hot guys on the team. From what I remember. Mmm..Ronaldo.

I doubt France will do much this time. Most of their World Cup winning side have retired now, or at least are too old to play at international standard.

Never say never. Who knows.

[Purple Madness]

No. Lol. Besides they have some pretty hot guys on the team. From what I remember. Mmm..Ronaldo.


Hmmm, have you seen him lately??

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3852/ronaldo320stella1219825.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/i/ronaldo320stella1219825.jpg/)

[Trefellin]

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m89/puffa_52/Fap.jpg

[Jia]

He's not the guy who has the $162 Million Contract. Fail!

http://www.goalvideoz.com/images/players/11933Cristiano_Ronaldo.jpg

[Bisu]

Mmm..Ronaldo. :lol: You sure you're not referring to Kaka'?

Edit: Never mind. Should've read the entire thread before posting.

Maradona. Speaking of Maradona, I've read Argentina is doing terrible since he took over as coach. Shame considering the great team they have.

Well, the Confederations Cup is about three days away. Looking forward to seeing how the US handles Brazil and Italy.

[Purple Madness]

He's not the guy who has the $162 Million Contract. Fail!

Well, you said Brazil. C.Ronaldo's Portuguese.

[Jia]

Well, you said Brazil. C.Ronaldo's Portuguese.

2 seperate statements.

I like Brazil.
I like Ronaldo.

[f2akid]

2 seperate statements.

I like Brazil.
I like Ronaldo.

|
|
\/

No. Lol. Besides they have some pretty hot guys on the team. From what I remember. Mmm..Ronaldo.

There's no way you can cover this up by saying they're two separate statements since you are saying here the Brazil team has some hot guys, and your example is Ronaldo.

You probably meant Cristiano Ronaldo and thought he was Brazillian since you heard the name Ronaldo from the Brazil team.

That's my guess on it anyway...

[Purple Madness]

There's no way you can cover this up by saying they're two separate statements since you are saying here the Brazil team has some hot guys, and your example is Ronaldo.

You probably meant Cristiano Ronaldo and thought he was Brazillian since you heard the name Ronaldo from the Brazil team.

That's my guess on it anyway...


My thoughts exactly. Furthermore whenever people say just Ronaldo, instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, I think of the 'original' Ronaldo aka the guy who's pic I posted.

[SactoOne 813]

Speaking of soccer, I just finished watching Spain losing 2-nil to the USA in the FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal. :eek: This has to be the biggest shocker in soccer in years--probably the biggest since Liverpool FC came back from down 3-nil to AC Milan to win in penalty kicks at the 2005 UEFA Champions League final.

[f2akid]

Speaking of soccer, I just finished watching Spain losing 2-nil to the USA in the FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal. :eek: This has to be the biggest shocker in soccer in years--probably the biggest since Liverpool FC came back from down 3-nil to AC Milan to win in penalty kicks at the 2005 UEFA Champions League final.

LOL how can you compare the two? One is a warm-up to the actual World Cup to test out facilities and whatnot which can hardly be taken too seriously, while the other is the final of European club football's most prestigious and most coveted competition.

Liverpool coming back from 3-0 down to win the CL final can never be compared to any game in the Confederations Cup even if Spain did lose 2-0 because I'll bet those players don't give a toss, they can now rest for the summer - the agony's over.

However what can be compared to the 2005 CL final is last season's CL quarter-final tie second leg between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Now that was a beautiful game.

[Purple Madness]

However what can be compared to the 2005 CL final is last season's CL quarter-final tie second leg between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Now that was a beautiful game.


Horrible, horrile defending in that match. Awful goalkeeping too...hardly makes for a beautiful game

[Bisu]

A little late, but wow. The US vs Brazil match was excellent -- perhaps even one of the greatest football finals ever (between national teams). It was uncharacteristic from most finals in that it was a real thriller, with chances looming back and forth (in the first half). Typically teams are afraid of making mistakes, which is why they tend to be slow, cluttered, boring or one-sided.

The second half was different though. At the rate Brazil was dominating it was only a matter of time before they turned it around (in fact, it should've been 4-2; Kaka's goal went behind the line). Still, hats off to the US. They proved yet again that they're a far greater team than people realize. Going up 2-0 in the first half was something else, especially considering the miracle it was that the US even made it out of their group. Here's to SA 2010.

Great tournament, well deserved title to Brazil.

LOL how can you compare the two? One is a warm-up to the actual World Cup to test out facilities and whatnot which can hardly be taken too seriously, while the other is the final of European club football's most prestigious and most coveted competition.

Liverpool coming back from 3-0 down to win the CL final can never be compared to any game in the Confederations Cup even if Spain did lose 2-0 because I'll bet those players don't give a toss, they can now rest for the summer - the agony's over. They were one game away from making it to the history books by beating Brazil's 35 game undefeated streak. Prestigious tournament or not, all of the teams were taking it seriously. You could tell by the amount of effort they placed into their performance, and in certain games, the tears that were shed. Spain was the better team overall (and even missed a penalty call in their favor), but like most offensive-minded teams, they struggled against the dreaded 10 man defense (and perhaps lacked a little bit of luck, which Altidore had when he scored his goal).

[f2akid]

They were one game away from making it to the history books by beating Brazil's 35 game undefeated streak.

I seriously doubt that means as much as you think it does to the players. History books or not the only thing that matters to any self-respecting footballer at any level is the top Silverware. Plus they already broke the world record for most consecutive victories in a row - 15.

Prestigious tournament or not, all of the teams were taking it seriously. You could tell by the amount of effort they placed into their performance, and in certain games, the tears that were shed. Spain was the better team overall (and even missed a penalty call in their favor), but like most offensive-minded teams, they struggled against the dreaded 10 man defense (and perhaps lacked a little bit of luck, which Altidore had when he scored his goal).

I'm not gonna lie, the US was definitely taking the tournament very seriously from my viewpoint and really gave everything in their games and they've got some real quality in their squad. But apart from the US most other teams weren't taking it as serious.

A lot of games I saw lacked any intensity and urgency; the world-class players in teams like Brazil and Spain weren't fully fit and seemed a lot like they were finding fitness in-game, whereas in other games the difference in quality very easily won the matches. Even in the Italy v USA game when Italy went 1-0 down I knew Italy would come out on top simply because at half-time it was obvious the odds were heavily stacked against USA's favor, but also without Giuseppe Rossi the most Italy would have managed was a draw.

What I'm saying here is that most of the teams in the tournament weren't too fussed about it. I watch club games and I watch internationals, both whenever I can, and I have to say the level of football in this tournament didn't make it seem as if all the teams were giving 100%

[Bisu]

I seriously doubt that means as much as you think it does to the players. History books or not the only thing that matters to any self-respecting footballer at any level is the top Silverware. Plus they already broke the world record for most consecutive victories in a row - 15. I have to argue the opposite. What it truly means to be a self-respecting professional footballer is to always have the desire and urge to play your heart out regardless of the event. Be it some friendly or an official FIFA tournament with top teams from their respective regions. So when a player takes a look at such events and says "Meh... not too interested," that's when they're being disrespectful to this sport, themselves, and especially the fans. (Which is why Dunga dropped Ronaldinho. He wants players who will always bleed for their shirt and not players who "play when they feel like it". Good on him, better for this sport.)

A world record is a world record. Teams want it.

But apart from the US most other teams weren't taking it as serious.

A lot of games I saw lacked any intensity and urgency Group B was sluggish at times, but Brazil, Egypt, USA, Spain, South Africa, and Iraq were taking it seriously. Even if you exclude Spain, that's still the majority of the teams. If games such as Brazil vs. Egypt, Egypt vs. Italy, USA vs. Spain, and Brazil vs. South Africa weren't true effort, I really don't know what is.

What I'm saying here is that most of the teams in the tournament weren't too fussed about it. Lucio crying after he scored the winning goal against the US, Dempsey crying during the award ceremony, the South African guy crying after they lost to Brazil, Egypt's flurry in desperately trying to convince the officials that Brazil didn't deserve that penalty, Torres and Villa desperately trying to get their team back in gear vs. the US where Villa literally bulldozed Donovan to the ground after he moved the ball away (which was a hilarious overreaction, but Donovan had it coming).

I don't know, dude. I think you have really high standards. :lol:

[f2akid]

I don't know, dude. I think you have really high standards. :lol:

Nah mate I have pretty realistic standards. It's just difference of opinion here; you and I saw the same thing but our perceptions are different, (obviously) I look at things in a different light than you do.

[Bisu]

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2259/10846605.th.gif (http://img139.imageshack.us/i/10846605.gif/)

:P

[f2akid]

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2259/10846605.th.gif (http://img139.imageshack.us/i/10846605.gif/)

:P

Well done for taking something out of context.

[Bisu]

It was to prove my point that the players - even the Spaniards - were taking it seriously. Else why would you bother to bulldoze someone? Bit excessive, no?

EDIT: And like I said, Donovan had it coming. His "Oh no! I am pretending to be injured for a few seconds!" was just as bad.

[f2akid]

It was to prove my point that the players - even the Spaniards - were taking it seriously. Else why would you bother to bulldoze someone? Bit excessive, no?

That's not taking it seriously, that's frustration from not being able to play their own football. In my eyes that means the team collectively wasn't trying hard enough since they should have won that game with their eyes closed.

Villa may have barged him out of his way but you can't tell me Donovan wasn't trying to hold him back to begin with.

It's like I said we both see these things differently.

[Rafufu]

Spain were definitly taking it seriously. Their starting line up was easily their best team available: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila; Fabregas, Alonso, Xavi, Riera; Villa, Torres.

They underestimated the pace of the USA on the break and suffered for it. Torres and Villa were not playing well either.

They only just scraped through the 3rd place playoff against South Africa as well. It shows that they lack motivation and are far too full of themselves. Hopefully this will bring them back down to earth.

Oh and finally, I will be supporting my home nation (England) in the the world cup. We have a good chance this time around, as long as we can find a keeper who is relatively consistent, and Cappello doesn't play Lampard and Gerrard in the middle. It will also be interesting to see if Owen starts alongside Rooney for Man U, which could lead to an awesome strike force for england

[kenshinbebop]

My teams are Italy (as the rule since it's my heritage), and Mexico (my best friend and girlfriend are Mexican so I watch their games all the time).

I guess USA is alright too. ;)

[Purple Madness]

Teams that have qualified for the world cup so far:

0 South Africa (hosts)
1 Japan
2 Australia
3 Korea Republic
4 Netherlands
5 Korea DPR
6 Brazil
7 Ghana


The other "usual" suspects seems to be going through aswell (England, Italy, France, Germany).

The two mjaor teams in trouble are Portugal and Argentina. The irony there is that both teams have the best players in the world: Ronaldo & Messi.

[f2akid]

^ Don't forget Ghana. Oh and South Africa (obvious I know but should be on the list nevertheless).

[Purple Madness]

^ Don't forget Ghana. Oh and South Africa (obvious I know but should be on the list nevertheless).

All fixed =]

[Trefellin]

Portugal is totally ****ed! They have to win the win the next three games to have a very, very slight chance at qualifying. With the new coach, Carlos Queiroz, the team was doing very badly last year and have only recently got into it. They looked absolutely fantastic dominating Denmark a few days ago but only one of the 25 shots on goal went in and Denmark scored with a very rare counterattack.

This was lost in September of last year when they lost or tied matches against weak teams.

[Purple Madness]

Yeah, Trefellin, I know.

Its awful.

Portugal can only qualify (to the play offs, top spot is gonne) if Sweden loses. Its that simple. I mean we've also got to win alll three games. Denmark was lucky on Saturday, as much as I want to avoid blaming it on he ref (I wanna blame it more on Simao or Ronaldo for missing about 10x each). He missed a handball, when Bendtner scored he pushed down Duda. Nonetheless I still like to think we might qualify. Makes me sleep better at night =]

[f2akid]

Update on Purple Madness's list of qualified teams:

0 South Africa (hosts)
1 Japan
2 Australia
3 Korea Republic
4 Netherlands
5 Korea DPR
6 Brazil
7 Ghana
8 England
9 Spain
10 Ivory Coast (Mathematically they haven't qualified yet but for their nearest rivals, Burkina Faso, to take their spot they would need to win the two remaining games and score at least 20 goals in the process to overcome Ivory Coast's superior goal difference. So their qualification is simply a matter of time logically speaking)

On a side note the Portuguese are going to have to be VERY patient if they're to have any chance of qualifying this time round. It's not looking good at all right now (as if things were good to begin with...).

[Purple Madness]

On a side note the Portuguese are going to have to be VERY patient if they're to have any chance of qualifying this time round. It's not looking good at all right now (as if things were good to begin with...).


Absolutely. We'll make it though (1st or second place).The Swedes struggled against MALTA FFS (They won 1-0, own goal from a Malta player...in the 81st minute).
The problem might be the play off itself. We could have the likes of France, Russia or Greece...I know Greece are hardly world beaters, but I'm sure most of us remember, though personally I would rather forget, Euro 2004.

[Trefellin]

Absolutely. We'll make it though (1st or second place).The Swedes struggled against MALTA FFS (They won 1-0, own goal from a Malta player...in the 81st minute).


That raises my hopes. Denmark is a tough team and they can defend ferociously. Sweden seems to be stumbling a bit, I think Denmark will win. All our hopes rest on that.

Portugal has to beat Hungary again, this time in Lisboa, on October 10 and it'll be a bit easier at home. Then they have to rout Malta in Guimarães a few days later. Another four goals scored against Malta would be fantastic to give us an edge in the second place draw.

Not a happy camper ladies and gentlemen. My panties are officially in a bunch and what a terrible bunch that is.

[Purple Madness]

Well, like Juca (national coach in 1986) said before we faced Germany (qualifying for Mexico 86): “Let me dream!” =]

[Soluzar]

How exactly can England turn in so much better of a performance in the real qualifier than they did in the friendly only two days before? I know friendlies don't count for anything but still it makes a football fan worry when their national team plays like crap.

[kenshinbebop]

Trindad and Tobago 0-1 United States
Mexico 1-0 Honduras
Italy 2-0 Bulgaria

It was a good day.

[f2akid]

How exactly can England turn in so much better of a performance in the real qualifier than they did in the friendly only two days before? I know friendlies don't count for anything but still it makes a football fan worry when their national team plays like crap.

History shows us that there are many examples where great teams have put in some weak performances in a couple games only to stun the world straight after. Example: France in the last World Cup (although the list can go on).

In England's case though I wouldn't say they're a great team don't get me wrong, so I think that it was simply down to preparation. In fact you could even say that the game against Slovenia was the actual preparation for the game against Croatia. There were certain positions that needed to be assessed: Goalkeeper, Right Midfield and who will partner Wayne Rooney up front.

The Goalkeeper situation still needs a little work but that is no fault of Capello's, there's simply not that much to choose from in comparison to who the top teams in the world have at their disposal.

Right-mid was addressed by Shaun Wright Phillips' poor display against Slovenia which resulted in Aaron Lennon getting the starting place ahead of him (it was either Lennon or Beckham and there was no way Beckham was gonna start this game), which proved a crucial factor in winning the game. Lennon really stepped to the plate and finally delivered that end-product I always knew he had in him.

And of course up front it was a question of playing either Emile Heskey who demonstrates the biggest work ethic out of all the players in the squad but heavily lacks in goals being a Centre Forward, or Jermain Defoe who is the most clinical forward in the whole squad and is in great form at the moment but still poses a gamble as he is proven to be an impact player rather than a regular starter (particularly when playing for England), in this case Capello decided to play to both players' strengths and kept it as is with Defoe coming off the bench for Heskey after half-time (a great tactic and a no-brainer really).

Everything else was fine and Capello was able to spot exactly what needed to be tweaked and thanks to those changes the team was able to produce a near-perfect world class performance once it really mattered in their group.

[Purple Madness]

FULL LIST OF TEAMS AT 2010 WORLD CUP

HOSTS
South Africa

AFRICA QUALIFYINGGhana
Ivory Coast

ASIA QUALIFYING
Australia
Japan
North Korea
South Korea

EUROPE QUALIFYING
Denmark
England
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Serbia
Slovakia
Spain
Switzerland


SOUTH AMERICA QUALIFYING
Brazil
Paraguay
Chile
Argentina

NORTH, CENTRAL AMERICA AND QUALIFYING
United States
Mexico
Honduras

[Trefellin]

There's still the playoffs, right? Eight European teams playing for the last four remaining places?

[f2akid]

There's still the playoffs, right? Eight European teams playing for the last four remaining places?

Yeah, Portugal still got a chance. Depends who you're drawn against however.

[Purple Madness]

Yeah, Portugal's changes increased tremendously due to FIFA seeding the second placed teams (the ones that are the best ranked in the FIFA rankings, that is), in other words..Portugal cannot face France, Russia or Greece, nor can any of those face each other. Instead those four teams will face one of these:Ukraine, Republic of Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia.

I mean these aren't easy games but its better than facing the French of the Greek (Portuguese fans will know why, obviously).

[Caster13]

I wonder exactly what would happen if the United States ended up winning?

My guess is many people playing the Team America theme.

[Trefellin]

I just watched Portugal beat Bosnia 1-0 in the first leg of the play-off. They played decently. The injured C. Ronaldo watched from the stands.

Near the end the Bosnians nearly scored an equalizer when the Portuguese defense was a bit disorganized. The ball bounced of the woodwork twice. The only way it could've been more miraculous is if the Virgin Mary herself jumped out of nowhere and knocked out the ball for a free kick.

[Soluzar]

I wonder exactly what would happen if the United States ended up winning?
Pigs could fly, monkeys might fly out of my *** and the seas would boil.

[f2akid]

The injured C. Ronaldo watched from the stands.

This is the kind of game he would flourish in. Portugal could definitely do with him in the second-leg because if fit he could finish the team off single-handedly. Although don't get me wrong it's not much of a compliment to the player as I think he's poo in big games.

[Trefellin]

This is the kind of game he would flourish in. Portugal could definitely do with him in the second-leg because if fit he could finish the team off single-handedly. Although don't get me wrong it's not much of a compliment to the player as I think he's poo in big games.

Next game is on Wednesday. Real Madrid says he needs two more weeks to heal and another two to get in shape. I think it's good that the team can get experience not relying on Ronaldo.

[Purple Madness]

I don't think we need CR9 on Wednesday. Three of the Bosnians can't play in this game due to yellow cards (all 3 were one match away from suspension).
It comes down to CQ's choices. If he drops the following: P.Ferreira, Duda, Meireles. And Maybe not use Coentrao (why the hell did he come on in such a high pressure game I'll never know), we'll be fine.
Replace them with: M.Veloso, Miguel, Tiago/Moutinho.

[Trefellin]

Coentrao (why the hell did he come on in such a high pressure game I'll never know)

He was actually looking very good playing for Benfica lately. As good a time as any to give him a try.

[Purple Madness]

He was actually looking very good playing for Benfica lately. As good a time as any to give him a try.

Truetrue...but use him in a friendly. You could tell he was very nervous when he came on for those last 20 minutes.

[Trefellin]

Truetrue...but use him in a friendly. You could tell he was very nervous when he came on for those last 20 minutes.

I didn't notice at the time but now that you mention it, he did seem a bit off.

[Pocahontas]

Brazil for the win. All the way. I would usually say they're EPIC but their cockiness was their downfall last time. :/ Ronaldinho is amazing & oso sexXxy. Kaka's ok too.

[Haro!]

Brazil for the win. All the way. I would usually say they're EPIC but their cockiness was their downfall last time. :/ Ronaldinho is amazing & oso sexXxy. Kaka's ok too.

They lost last time because I placed a bet in favor of France at work(Partially because Henry is my favorite player and partially because there was lots of money on that game). Oh and in case you were wondering, my friends used to call me Ronaldinho in the early 2000's. Make of that what you'd like :naughty:

[Purple Madness]

Brazil for the win. All the way. I would usually say they're EPIC but their cockiness was their downfall last time. :/ Ronaldinho is amazing & oso sexXxy. Kaka's ok too.

Unfortunately Ronaldinho isn't in the Brazil squad nowadays. He's too busy being average at Milan.

[Purple Madness]

I didn't notice at the time but now that you mention it, he did seem a bit off.

Yeah, I noticed straight away due to me having watched practically every game he has been in for Benfica. He was even better than this against Everton and on that night he was playing out of position at left back.

[Pocahontas]

Hmmm... so are France and Barcelona eliminated?

[f2akid]

Hmmm... so are France and Barcelona eliminated?

Yeah France got beat by CSKA Moscow but Barcelona are through to the semis after taking care of Tanzania. I think Barcelona could go all the way now that I think about it.

[Pocahontas]

I prefer Barca over Tanzania personally. Too bad about France. Thanks for the update dude.

[Purple Madness]

Greece, Slovenia & Portugal(yay) are going to the South Africa!!


EDIT:France vs Ireland is 2-1 on aggregate.

[f2akid]

Man am I relieved France took the last World Cup place available to Europe. Even though Ireland were robbed I'd much rather see France in the finals than Ireland because on their day France are still one of the world's elites.

[Pocahontas]

YAY FRANCE!!!!!!!! Freakin awesome! I can't wait to see what France and Brazil have up their sleeve this year. I CAN NOT WAIT!!!!!!

[Bisu]

While I've always really liked France (especially Ribery and Henry), I am revolted at what I saw. One of the most undeserved goals throughout this sport's history.

I must rant: this sport, as wonderful as it is, is horribly marred by one, the majority of the players being the utter definition of scum, and two, the fact that replays are not utilized. It isn't brain surgery; all they'd need is a few ear pieces and a monitor. But no, where's the fun in that? Let's allow the possibility for sore injustice to run rampant.

Henry, I am sorely disappointed. If I were him, I'd be too ashamed to so much as look at a soccer ball again. But, being the scum that he and so many other players are, it won't bother him. Nope. He'll walk off the field clapping and feeling proud of himself.

The Beautiful Game.

[f2akid]

I must rant: this sport, as wonderful as it is, is horribly marred by one, the majority of the players being the utter definition of scum, and two, the fact that replays are not utilized. It isn't brain surgery; all they'd need is a few ear pieces and a monitor. But no, where's the fun in that? Let's allow the possibility for sore injustice to run rampant.

To be fair steps are being taken to maybe incorporate two extra referees who will stand between the corner flag and the goal to further assist the ref in spotting fouls in the penalty area and making sure if the ball crosses the line or not. Of course it would be somewhat beneficial for the ref to use video evidence in his decisions or have the fourth official take a look and discuss it with him, but personally I believe incorporating technology into the game should be avoided if it can. That's just my personal view as I think the game doesn't need any more stoppages than it already has, plus there are other ways to tackle this issue.

Henry, I am sorely disappointed. If I were him, I'd be too ashamed to so much as look at a soccer ball again. But, being the scum that he and so many other players are, it won't bother him. Nope. He'll walk off the field clapping and feeling proud of himself.

Why are you blaming Henry? If you were playing for your country in a game that decided whether your country participated in next year's World Cup finals or not and it's not looking too good heading to penalties, in that scenario if the ball hit your arm in the build-up to a crucial goal would you stop the celebrations and walk to the ref and say 'Sorry mate I handballed there, please don't allow that goal it's not good for football'. Come on. I'm sure even the Irish players don't blame Henry as he is obviously going to have the best interests of his team in mind and any self-respecting professional is going to understand that, especially when they would have definitely done the same thing. The only person to blame is the referee and possibly the linesman for not spotting it and awarding the free kick.

Henry has been a great servant of the game and has set a great example whenever he steps foot on a football pitch throughout his career. Honestly what could the guy have done there, realistically?

[Bisu]

That's just my personal view as I think the game doesn't need any more stoppages than it already has, plus there are other ways to tackle this issue. I don't see how the implementation of video footage/ear pieces/monitors/whatever could possibly slow the game down any further. If anything, it will speed and smoothen things out. How is this? Because players love to spend precious time moaning and whining about the supposedly faulty decisions made by the officials. But in this case you can't blame the players in question. The human eye is just that and they know they could have been robbed.

With video footage all the official would have to do is say "Hey, we have video evidence. End of dicussion." The matter is really simple: someone watches the footage on a monitor and radios the official if his call was off. And in France vs. Ireland's case, it would've shed a good 15 or so minutes of "OH NOES HIS HAND HITTED DA BALL!"

In the end we get to see more football. The players win, the fans win.

And of out curiosity, what other ways would these be? If reliance is to be placed solely on the human eye, I don't see how you can avoid a ****storm of whinning.

Why are you blaming Henry? If you were playing for your country in a game that decided whether your country participated in next year's World Cup finals or not and it's not looking too good heading to penalties, in that scenario if the ball hit your arm in the build-up to a crucial goal would you stop the celebrations and walk to the ref and say 'Sorry mate I handballed there, please don't allow that goal it's not good for football'. Come on. I'm sure even the Irish players don't blame Henry as he is obviously going to have the best interests of his team in mind and any self-respecting professional is going to understand that, especially when they would have definitely done the same thing. The only person to blame is the referee and possibly the linesman for not spotting it and awarding the free kick.

Henry has been a great servant of the game and has set a great example whenever he steps foot on a football pitch throughout his career. I'd be more forgiving if it had been an accident, but he adjusted the ball with his hand after it hit his arm.

Indeed he is a marvel and easily one of the greatest strikers of all time, but what is or is not at stake and whether or not a player is good at kicking the ball around is irrelevant. If a player is truly self-respecting he either wouldn't cheat to begin with or admit his "mistake" to the official. Just because you might get away with it doesn't mean you should try. Cheating is cheating, blah blah, etc.

Honestly what could the guy have done there, realistically? Well, not adjust the ball with his hand for starters. :/

[Purple Madness]

If they were going to introduce the whole 'Video evidence thing', they would've done it years ago IMO.

I'm sure most of us remember Italy during the 2002 WC. 5 perfect goals...none counted. Totti red card for being tackled.
For those who don't recall it here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Pm4jD5kU4U

[Pocahontas]

Italy... pfft!

[f2akid]

I don't see how the implementation of video footage/ear pieces/monitors/whatever could possibly slow the game down any further. If anything, it will speed and smoothen things out. How is this? Because players love to spend precious time moaning and whining about the supposedly faulty decisions made by the officials. But in this case you can't blame the players in question. The human eye is just that and they know they could have been robbed.

As you said yourself the players love moaning and whining about whatever they can so if video evidence was introduced, how many times do you think the game would be stopped because the players are complaining about every small decision they believe went against them? I don't see how it smoothens things out when it just adds plenty more stoppages to the game which isn't necessary. It kind of takes away the whole point and authority of the ref anyway if he's constantly being cried to about video footage needing to be looked at and stopping the flow of the game. It's important for the ref's decision to be final.

And of out curiosity, what other ways would these be? If reliance is to be placed solely on the human eye, I don't see how you can avoid a ****storm of whinning.

Like I said the implementation of the two extra officials to stand between the goal and the corner flag could really help the game without the need for technology as can be seen in the Europa League group stages where they have helped spot decisions the ref had missed in some games. And a lot of the time it's just down to the ref's competence IMO.

I'd be more forgiving if it had been an accident, but he adjusted the ball with his hand after it hit his arm.

That's simply a matter of opinion. For me it was a reflex and if you would look closely he didn't intend to put his hand in the way of the ball, the ball bounced towards his hand and his hand moved as a result of his reflex. But it's as I said it's a matter of opinion as you would see it differently from me but I believe that in a tense situation like that you've got to be one malicious and level-headed character to intend to handball before the ball even comes to you.

Indeed he is a marvel and easily one of the greatest strikers of all time, but what is or is not at stake and whether or not a player is good at kicking the ball around is irrelevant. If a player is truly self-respecting he either wouldn't cheat to begin with or admit his "mistake" to the official. Just because you might get away with it doesn't mean you should try. Cheating is cheating, blah blah, etc.

If you recall I never mentioned how good he is as ability has nothing to do with this matter. But what is at stake is hugely important in this situation. I can understand the fans' not liking Henry's goal celebration but honestly if it was the Irish who had a goal like that allowed they wouldn't be saying **** and would also be celebrating their ticket to the World Cup finals. You would have to be utterly stupid to come out and admit to what happened because you're letting your country down if the goal ends up being disallowed and Ireland end up winning on penalties. But at the end of the game you could see him trying to console Richard Dunne about it and I couldn't see no ill-feeling towards Henry from Dunne as he knows who's at fault here.

You can sit here talking about how ethical it is to own up in that situation but I would love to see what you would have done there, I really would. Even when I would play football in the park with my friends and I'd accidentally cheated in the build-up to a goal, with such little at stake I still wouldn't own up unless there were a sufficient amount of witnesses to call me out. You just carry on and go about your business.

Well, not adjust the ball with his hand for starters. :/

Again I would love to see you in exactly the same position Henry was in and the ball touched your hand, I would love to see what you would do and what you would say afterwards.

For the record Henry has even come out and said in his post-match interview that he handled the ball and believes it's the decision of the ref to spot the foul not him. And Damien Duff said he doesn't blame Henry as he believes the ref and linesman should have done their job right and spotted it. Kevin Kilbane has said he is disappointed by the decision and that you can't blame Henry for thinking about his team and country. And Giovanni Trappatoni has called for FIFA to explain how an incompetent ref was allowed to take such a big game, not calling for video evidence here. And Ireland have asked for a replay of the match, good luck with that as it's never ever going to happen as too many big games have been won or lost in similar fashion in the past for FIFA to turn around and take special exception for the Irish.

[Bisu]

As you said yourself the players love moaning and whining about whatever they can so if video evidence was introduced, how many times do you think the game would be stopped because the players are complaining about every small decision they believe went against them? I don't see how it smoothens things out when it just adds plenty more stoppages to the game which isn't necessary. It kind of takes away the whole point and authority of the ref anyway if he's constantly being cried to about video footage needing to be looked at and stopping the flow of the game. It's important for the ref's decision to be final. I don't see how this could happen. The ref would still be the big boss man in charge. The video footage would be watched by someone who isn't even on the field so as to correct or confirm the ref's decision via an ear piece or radio. Again, the ref would have to say nothing more than "We have this guy watching the replay on a monitor." The player(s) would not be able to take his complaints any further.

If you recall I never mentioned how good he is as ability has nothing to do with this matter. But what is at stake is hugely important in this situation. I can understand the fans' not liking Henry's goal celebration but honestly if it was the Irish who had a goal like that allowed they wouldn't be saying **** and would also be celebrating their ticket to the World Cup finals. I seem to have given the impression that I'm upset over Ireland's loss. I'm not. I really don't care. If anything, I'm happy that a more talented (but perhaps less motivated) team has made it through.

It's the principle of the matter that irks me, not whether the other team would have done the same.

As for the rest of your post, the matter is largely subjective. I could say that if I were Henry I either would've kicked the ball out or admitted my mistake, but there is no way for me to prove it, so the argument won't take us anywhere. We'll just have to agree to disagree.

If they were going to introduce the whole 'Video evidence thing', they would've done it years ago IMO. f2akid mentioned why it hasn't been implemented. This is how the sport has been run since its foundation. People are afraid of change, even if it's for the better.

[Broand]

Everyone in Ireland is frothing at the mouth over this. France say it was an unfair goal too with some even wanting a rematch. Even the Taoiseach (Head of state) is angry about this but no one cares about him much.

I'm happy that a more talented (but perhaps less motivated) team has made it through.

Less talented? :<

[Purple Madness]

So there we are folks...the groups are like-a-dees:

Group A

South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

Group B

Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Republic, Greece

Group C

England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia

Group D

Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Group E

Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group F

Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group G

Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Group H

Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

[autsiticanime]

Great...we get stuck with Germany. I don't know how good the other two sides are though.

[Purple Madness]

Great...we get stuck with Germany. I don't know how good the other two sides are though.

We're stuck with Brazil & Ivory Coast!
...and North Korea. Complete unknowns.

[Trefellin]

Portugal is ranked 5th in the world now. They've jumped up 13 places since I last checked them a couple months ago. :huh:


I think North Korea will put up a good fight. Their players are probably playing for their lives.

[Purple Madness]

Portugal is ranked 5th in the world now. They've jumped up 13 places since I last checked them a couple months ago. :huh:


I think North Korea will put up a good fight. Their players are probably playing for their lives.

Well, Portugal may not have played well, but we have got (technically) one of the best defences in the world.
Only like 6 goals in the last year or so scored on us.

Wayyyyyy back in 1966 we faced both Brazil and North Korea.... we beat Brazil 3-1 and then came from losing 3-0 vs North Korea, to win 5-3 (Eusebio scored 4 goals).
Let's hope history repeats itself.

[IsaacBrock]

Well guys and gals, I am a huge soccer fan and every four years I feel my heart beat faster as I gear up to soak up every bit of soccer I can. We are still a couple months until South Africa hosts the 19th FIFA World Cup. So who are your teams? What are your predictions? The US with face of against England I believe for their first game of the cup!

[Woooh]

I'll be watching as many games as I can. Really only pulling for the US, I'll pick up some other teams if they get out early I suppose. Pretty excited even though I'm not a big soccer fan. No predictions, don't even know who's in it currently, guess I'll predict once we get closer.

[Caster13]

I hope the US wins, even though they probably won't. If they did though it'd be one of the biggest upsets ever, for all of sports.

[KT Kore]

Let's go Brazil! My life's fortune is riding on this. All 129 dollars.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Well considering that Brazil has won like 1/4 of the world cups to date...

[IsaacBrock]

Group A
Russia
Mexico
Uruguay
France

Group B
Argentina
Nigeria
Korea
Germany

Group C
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

Group D
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

Group E
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Group F
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

Group G
Brazil
Korea DPR
Cote d'Ivoire
Portugal

Group H
Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

[Bisu]

^That group table is incorrect: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html

[IsaacBrock]

^That group table is incorrect: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html

WTF, sure is. I got that table from my ESPN magazine.

Sorry.

It is updated now, everything should be correct.

[f2akid]

I hope the US wins, even though they probably won't.

They won't. Forget probably, they won't.

I'm happy I'll be watching the World Cup in HD and most probably 3D in certain pubs. All I hope for is that both Brazil and Spain finish top of their groups respectively, that will set the premise for a great knock-outs stage with hopefully both teams reaching the final to face each other. It'd be a real shame if one of them was to finish second in their group while the other finished first, that would mean they would both be playing each other in the first round of the knock-outs and we just don't want that do we.

[Caster13]

We never will, will we?

[f2akid]

Never say never but it would take a mighty miracle for USA to win it in the near future.

[IsaacBrock]

They won't. Forget probably, they won't.

As long as we beat England.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

USA placed 3rd in the first ever world cup. They never even got to the semis again.

[Soluzar]

We never will, will we?
I don't know, I think it could be done in your lifetime but it depends on the sport taking root in the hearts and minds of Americans. The only way to do it is to attract large quantities of new, young players when they are still in school. From what I understand it is more popular now than it ever has been in America...

See in order to pick out and develop the good 'uns they must start early and get a chance to play in a good league. Without that, talent goes to waste, which is why England's football is on the decline. No school football anymore.

[Caster13]

Soccer/football isn't viewed nearly as highly here as it is in other parts of the world.

[Purple Madness]

Less than 4 weeks now 'till it starts :D

[Trefellin]

Portugal plays three friendlies before the World Cup starts. Cape Verde, Cameroon and Mozambique. They are going to get some good practice against African teams.

[IsaacBrock]

Have you guys seen the new Nike vid? So good.

[Purple Madness]

Yeah, I saw it the other day...Looks really really good. C. Ronaldo on the Simpsons XD

For those who haven't seen it:

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

[Trefellin]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/23/world-cup-visitor-blow-to-south-africa

Football authorities offer cut-price tickets to fill stadiums as forecasts for the number of international visitors fall by half a million

The World Cup is set to be a major financial disappointment for the host nation South Africa, after it became clear that international fans have decided to stay away and their tickets are being sold cheaply to South Africans.

Less than three weeks before kick-off on 11 June, South Africa's revamped airports and spruced-up cities are staging an impressive show of readiness for the arrival of international fans – although now it seems there may be half a million fewer than expected.

Organisers have revised visitor estimates – and thus tourism income – down from an initial 750,000 to 200,000. Airlines, hotels and guesthouses are slashing their prices. On 15 April, hundreds of thousands of cut-price match tickets went on sale in South Africa, in a bid to fill 3.2m seats at 64 matches. At the taxpayers' expense, municipalities and state-owned companies such as Telkom have bought thousands of tickets to give away to employees or offer as prizes.

Local fans, however, are in festive mood. On Friday a street party hosted in Soweto by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela marked a move by the ruling ANC to secure support for the football spectacular in the country's impoverished and restive townships.

But the country remains divided between those who believe there should be no price tag on the nation-building potential of hosting the World Cup and others who say that the 33bn rand (£3bn) cost of preparing for the competition should have been spent on improving the lives of the poor. The amount is roughly equal to the loan the World Bank gave South Africa last month to revamp its failing electricity supply system.

Fifa, the world football body, has announced record prize money for the final and will make £2.3bn from television rights and sponsorship deals. Amid efforts by the organisers to promote hard-to-sell matches such as Australia-Serbia on 23 June in Nelspruit, gauging ticket sales has become almost impossible. Last week, despite an earlier announcement that the France-Uruguay match in Cape Town on 11 June was sold out, several hundred tickets for the game were suddenly released.

South Africa's organising committee chairman, Danny Jordaan, denied that the country's crime rate – 50 murders a day – had deterred international fans. "When I went to London in March, the only problem people kept mentioning was the recession,'' he said. He conceded that Fifa's rigid internet-based ticket sales system had been a handicap to fans in South Africa and, especially, to those on the rest of the continent. By early March, football-mad Nigeria had ordered only 700 tickets, prompting Jordaan's team to launch a ticket-in-hand roadshow in the five African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Cameroon) that have qualified.

Fifa claims that African fans outside South Africa have bought 40,000 tickets. "If you look at where tickets have sold best [the United States, with 80,000 sales], this is also the place with the best internet penetration. This is a lesson for the future,'' said Jordaan.

Udesh Pillay, of the South African Human Sciences Research Council, said the World Cup would not be of economic benefit to the country where millions of people still do not have electricity or running water in their homes. "Although 150,000 jobs were created in the build-up to the event, they were temporary. It will not be possible to say that the event has reduced poverty. It will nevertheless contribute 0.2% to 0.5% to our growth," he said.

The much-vaunted African "feel'' of the World Cup is also in question. At Fifa's insistence, the 10 host cities introduced bylaws to protect their sponsors from "ambush marketing''. The laws will affect the informal sector – the biggest single part of South Africa's economy – as thousands of street vendors are banned from coming closer to stadiums than 800 metres. Next to Ellis Park in Johannesburg, chicken seller Regina Twala made headlines for refusing to budge, but eventually moved to a "demarcated selling area'' outside the perimeter, leaving the coast clear for KFC and McDonald's.

The government says its biggest worry is that the minibus taxi industry – which until now has held a virtual monopoly on public transport in cities – will make good on its threat to disrupt the World Cup. The industry feels threatened by the introduction of buses that are to be used to ferry fans before being redeployed as the main form of transport in and out of townships.

The so-called bus rapid transport system represents the main "legacy project'' of the World Cup for millions of South Africans. But in March members of the powerful and often violent taxi industry smashed up one of Johannesburg's new buses. Last month they marched in Pretoria, complaining of having been "left out'' of the World Cup and threatening to disrupt the event. On Friday, in a bid to reassure fans that the bus system will be safe, President Jacob Zuma travelled on the Rea Vaya system in Soweto.

Despite disappointment over the tourist income that the 64-match World Cup will generate for the country, Jordaan insists the event will be a long-term asset. "The new infrastructure, like the roads, the airport expansion programmes and the investment in telecoms, will be there after the World Cup and will help our economy to grow," he said.

Jordaan believes football fans can still save the day: "The global recession has played a part in the low sales of tickets, but I also think fans are influenced by whether their country has a chance. I think we will see an influx for the last 16 matches. When you have big teams going into the quarter-finals and semi-finals, fans just cannot keep away.''

[SactoOne 813]

Here's the biggest problem of them all: getting to South Africa itself. There aren't a large number of flights normally flying to South Africa, and as such just the tour cost minus the stadium tickets are going to be expensive.

The World Cup works better in Europe (thanks to easy access by all forms of transportation and of course the huge fan base), the USA (lots of flights to the USA from Europe, Asia and South America), and South America (huge base of soccer fans that will snap up the tickets in no time flat).

[Caster13]

(huge base of soccer fans that will snap up the tickets in no time flat).

inb4football

[Trefellin]

The Ivory Coast has lost their best chance at success with Didier Drogba fracturing his arm. Bad for them, good for Portugal.

Notable absences due to injury.

Ferdinand, England, knee
Beckham, England, achilles tendon
Owen, England, hamstring
Hargreaves, England, knee
Essien, Ghana, knee
Ballack, Germany, ankle
Charlie Davies, American, car Accident
Rene Adler, German, ribs, 1st choice goalkeeper
Drogba, Ivory Coast, elbow
Bosingwa, Portugal, knee
Carlo Costly, Honduras, foot
Cabanas, Paraguey, shot in the head

[Purple Madness]

Robben may be joining that list.


It's unreal the amount of Chelsea players that are injured and won't take part in the World Cup. Carvalho, Terry & Ashley Cole luckily returned from injury.

[Purple Madness]

...Nani is out of the WC apparently. Fractured his shoulder or something like that.

[Trefellin]

...Nani is out of the WC apparently. Fractured his shoulder or something like that.

Clavicle. He didn't play in today's friendly against Mozambique in Johannesburg. His absence was more than made up for with Danny. He played very well today. He was fast, passed well, had vision and worked extremely well with Ronaldo in making plays. He needs to be on the starting line. He scored once and was crucial in passing the ball to Almeida to put in a second. Almeida scored another goal put to him by... Deco, I think it was. Alves, Mendes and Carvalho weren't hotly tested in defense but they did well. Coentrão started and was energetic in both defense and offense. He is like Miguel in that he can play all along his side of the field. Defending or moving far forward to support the attack. Miguel was good, Meireles tested his long shots and Simao contributed to the action before petering out. Duda, Tiago and Veloso were put on in the second half but weren't spectacular. They could easily replace anyone in the midfield though, if it came to that. Almeida did much better than Liedson who he replaced in the second half. Ronaldo went on in the second half too and looked like he was having fun. I can't remember if Queiroz put Pepe on... I think he gets too many cards anyway and is a bit of a liability.

Everyone was good except for Liedson who was unspectacular.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Saw this on ESPN.com. I don't care about soccer, but it made me laugh

RUSTENBERG, South Africa -- The Brazilian referee and his assistants who will work the England-United States match at the World Cup have been studying English-language obscenities the players might use.

United States team page
For more about the U.S. and its chances in South Africa this summer, click here.

Carlos Simon will referee Saturday's match in Rustenburg, assisted by Roberto Braatz and Altemir Hausmann. They want to ensure players can't get away with abuse.

"We have to learn what kind of words the players say," Hausmann told Brazilian broadcaster Globo Sport. "All players swear and we know we will hear a few."

Braatz says they aren't learning them in "11 different languages, but at least we have to know the swear words in English."

FIFA denied reports that match officials have been given lists of swear words to listen for, but did say proficiency in English was a requirement for referees and assistants working the World Cup.

In addition, refereeing officials briefed all teams about the rules, including the potential for players to be cautioned or sent off for abusive language or gestures.

[Caster13]

Cabanas, Paraguey, shot in the head

WHAT?
Saw this on ESPN.com. I don't care about soccer, but it made me laugh

RUSTENBERG, South Africa -- The Brazilian referee and his assistants who will work the England-United States match at the World Cup have been studying English-language obscenities the players might use.

United States team page
For more about the U.S. and its chances in South Africa this summer, click here.

Carlos Simon will referee Saturday's match in Rustenburg, assisted by Roberto Braatz and Altemir Hausmann. They want to ensure players can't get away with abuse.

"We have to learn what kind of words the players say," Hausmann told Brazilian broadcaster Globo Sport. "All players swear and we know we will hear a few."

Braatz says they aren't learning them in "11 different languages, but at least we have to know the swear words in English."

FIFA denied reports that match officials have been given lists of swear words to listen for, but did say proficiency in English was a requirement for referees and assistants working the World Cup.

In addition, refereeing officials briefed all teams about the rules, including the potential for players to be cautioned or sent off for abusive language or gestures.

Chances are that the American players probably won't understand what the English players are trying to say.

[Trefellin]

WHAT?


He was shot in the head during a failed robbery last January.

[SapperSix]

All that buzzing is annoying.

[Bernard_Monsha]

We have a Nigerian here at work that is trying to get us enthusiastic about the soccer bowl or whatever it is. It's not working.

[SapperSix]

All I really care about is America vs. England tomorrow.

[Trefellin]

WC Crime Report:

Two Portuguese and One Spanish journalists robbed. Australian broadcast crewman strangled unconcious and robbed in grocery store bathroom, South Korean reporter robbed in street.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/09/1966342/world-cup-2010-three-foreign-journalists-robbed-at-gunpoint

Four Chinese journalists robbed at gunpoint.
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-06-10-chinese-journalist-robbed-in-sa-report

Greek team has R15000($2000) stolen from hotel.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article498972.ece/Cash-stolen-from-Greece-teams-hotel

And some Chinese tourists were robbed too.

[Purple Madness]

That opening ceremony was really good. France vs Uruguay actually made me fall asleep. France have the uncanny ability of boring me to death. They did it in their match against Romania during Euro 2008. Hope they don't make it past the group stage.

South Africa & Uruguay for me should go through.

[Trefellin]

I thought the dung beetle was unnecessary. Is that really an animal you'd choose to represent your country?

[Purple Madness]

Yeah that wasn't exactly a good idea...And I suppose R Kelly being there wasn't really a smart one either, not with his endless troubles which all seem to be related to children.

[Caster13]

WC Crime Report:

Two Portuguese and One Spanish journalists robbed. Australian broadcast crewman strangled unconcious and robbed in grocery store bathroom, South Korean reporter robbed in street.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/06/09/1966342/world-cup-2010-three-foreign-journalists-robbed-at-gunpoint

Four Chinese journalists robbed at gunpoint.
http://www.mg.co.za/article/2010-06-10-chinese-journalist-robbed-in-sa-report

Greek team has R15000($2000) stolen from hotel.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article498972.ece/Cash-stolen-from-Greece-teams-hotel

And some Chinese tourists were robbed too.


South Africa has just now earned a permanent spot on my list of places in the world I will avoid at all costs. Right next to the Middle East.

On the list.

[Trefellin]

It's questionable whether Iniesta is fit enough to play for Spain. De Rossi for Italy is questionable too. He'll be hoping to get better for later matches along with Pirlo.

[Kizoku Keenan]

We are a doing a world cup sweep stake for charity in work, I drew Paraquay YEY GO PARAQUAY lol I'm from Ireland sooooo I'm always rooting for whoever is facing england or france =)

[Woooh]

Lol England.

[Caster13]

Lol France.

[Trefellin]

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2010/6/12/1276370383019/Englands-goalkeeper-Rober-006.jpg

[SapperSix]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dassmoose/6f5ad6c7.jpg

[Kizoku Keenan]

USA did so well and I think england took them way to likely I'm so happy with the draw, the less points england get the happier I become lol for once I like Americans, good job guys!

[grunge]

I was screaming at my tv the amerikans had amazing d but the Brits still should of ended it in a non tie. Gha......... &&&!$'v!?27"@£€|£<*•

[KatayokuのTenshi]

An inauspicious start.

[Schadenfreude]

Tim Howard:
http://goitaly.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/brick_wall11254935255.jpg



Also, I don't know if anyone noticed, but /sp/ has changed the title of the page to "English Goalkeeping"

[Dave]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dassmoose/6f5ad6c7.jpg

That's gotta sting, I could have stopped that shot :lol:

[grunge]

Lmao anyone else watch the algeria vs. Slovania? All the cheating was incredible!

[Little Neko]

That's gotta sting, I could have stopped that shot :lol:

Goalie=Worst position ever.

[grunge]

Bzzzzzzzzzzzz Germany raped Australia bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[animefan88]

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Fifa better ban the Vuvuzela (damn plastic trumpet)! I cant f-ing take it anymore!!! bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[grunge]

Bzzzzzzz they're planning on it. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Trefellin]

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Fifa better ban the Vuvuzela (damn plastic trumpet)! I cant f-ing take it anymore!!! bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I haven't tried it but someone told me you can reduce it by specifically lowering the 300hz channel on your tv menu's EQ settings and maybe turning everything else up.

[animefan88]

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz its funny that France blamed their performance partly on the noise bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Qualifying into the World Cup finals defeating Ireland with a handball. The proceeding to lose to China who didnt even qualify! Yes, France, it was the noise.... Bzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

^ I probably wont be trying that :lol: thanks though

[LISA HAYES]

why serbia lost why o cruel god

[grunge]

why serbia lost why o cruel god

Cause the goalie didn't deflect the shot, that's why.

[animefan88]

why serbia lost why o cruel god

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz because Ghana scored bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[grunge]

todays matches and my predictions
Denmark vs Netherlands - don't care for
japan vs Cameroon - Cameroon
The match of the day that I plan to watch is
Paraguay vs Italy - Go Italy!

[Purple Madness]

Man, those BBC commentators seem to get paid to slag off EVERY team.

[ThePhillyFlash]

That's gotta sting, I could have stopped that shot :lol:

I know I'm late to the party, but I liked this one:

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00122/splash1_home_1306_122552a.jpg

Thank God us Yanks don't give a damn about soccer! :lol:

[grunge]

I'm American & I care

[Schadenfreude]

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww43/spacehydraX14/1276477604163.gif?t=1276561034

[Bisu]

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/5092/eptsportssowexperts1552.jpg

[Caster13]

That picture is made of so much win.

[SapperSix]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dassmoose/33c626ac.jpg

Poor Green, he's going to have to live with this for the rest of his life.

[Caster13]

Unless he makes a block of epic proportions to make up for it.

[SapperSix]

No, **** ups like this stay with you no matter what. Look at Bill Buckner.

[grunge]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/HitMan05/1276564531565.jpg

[grunge]

todays matches
new Zealand vs Slovakia - ???? / Tie another one...
Côte d'Ivoire vs Portugal - Portugal /
Brazil vs Korea DPR - Brazil /

[Caster13]

Brazil vs. North Korea is on right now. I feel horrible for the North Koreans on the team, if they lose I wouldn't doubt that the government might kill their families as punishment.

EDIT: Or maybe I'm thinking more along the lines of the Khmer Rouge.

[grunge]

Brazil vs. North Korea is on right now. I feel horrible for the North Koreans on the team, if they lose I wouldn't doubt that the government might kill their families as punishment.

EDIT: Or maybe I'm thinking more along the lines of the Khmer Rouge.


With that said woot go brazil!

[SapperSix]

I bet Brazil is frustrated right now.

[SapperSix]

Well either Brazil weren't themselves today, or best Korea played better than anyone expected. Gotta love the underdogs.

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dassmoose/c6015312.png

Hmmmm........

[Caster13]

That is one of the biggest examples of communist propaganda that I have ever seen in my entire life.

[Trefellin]

Brazil vs. North Korea is on right now. I feel horrible for the North Koreans on the team, if they lose I wouldn't doubt that the government might kill their families as punishment.

EDIT: Or maybe I'm thinking more along the lines of the Khmer Rouge.

It doesn't matter how many games they lose, no North Koreans are going to see them. The government will declare that their team won every match and welcome them home as heroes.

[grunge]

It doesn't matter how many games they lose, no North Koreans are going to see them. The government will declare that their team won every match and welcome them home as heroes.

Or make an example out of them, on live t.v. as why not to fail the nation.

[Purple Madness]

Well, by the look of things North Korea > Portugal. Sure, Ivory Coast didn't come and play, as they sat back, But C.Ronaldo, Deco, Danny, Liedson and then later on Simao might aswell all hit the showers after Ronnie hit the woodwork.

[Purple Madness]

Oh also I'd like to add that Paulo Ferreira is completely worthless and Miguel should start instead.

[tofuman]

The Commentators said before the game that the North Korean Coach said he gets strategies directly from Kim Jong Il during games via a secret invisible communication device. LOL

[Purple Madness]

Not that I wanted to see South Africa lose, but Uruguay looked tremendous out there.
Diego Forlan is on fire!

[Schadenfreude]

It's so easy to make fun of North Korea's team, but really, they're pretty good.

[Dave]

I'd like to see Korea Republic and Argentina today, but I doubt I'm up in time. That's the only match that really thrills me tomorrow. I'm sure I'll watch France and Mexico regardless, I'll be up by then.

[Dave]

Nigeria looked good playing with 10 on the pitch, I hated to see that 2nd Greece goal.

Wow Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain with the hat trick, Korea Republic got owned... and Argentina will be in the final 16.

[Little Neko]

Mexico is winning by one, the entire nation of Ireland is happy.

[Little Neko]

Mexico by two now :).

That eagle head dress was awesome, Luna Lovegood would be proud.

[Dave]

Mexico is winning by one, the entire nation of Ireland is happy.

There Irish who had already bought tickets are there cheering for Mexico :lol:

Mexican fans are the best, with the wrestling masks and everything... gotta love it! I wish more people in the U.S. loved soccer!

Not only do I like Mexico I LOVE Ireland being 1/2 Irish and it was sooo enjoyable to see Mexico take France 2-nil. Mexico looks GOOD!

Germany tomorrow, the other 1/2 of my blood, and my pick for the Cup winner.

[SapperSix]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dassmoose/f982bfc1.jpg

Viva la Mexico!

[Schadenfreude]

Any mexican waves?

Also, FFFFFFFUUUUUU-VUZELAS.

http://i49.tinypic.com/ayw0ap.png

[Dave]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dassmoose/f982bfc1.jpg

Viva la Mexico!

This right here, is made of 100 percent pure win!

So what do you guys think about the matches tomorrow? We know Germany is gonna win... how about the U.S.?

[Bisu]

Well either Brazil weren't themselves today, or best Korea played better than anyone expected. Gotta love the underdogs. What happened to Brazil is exactly what happened to Spain against Switzerland. The 10-man bunker defense is proving to be the best way for an inferior team to bring down offensive-minded giants. Brazil performes well against such teams (examples: defeating Portugal 6-2 and Argetina 3-0 & 3-1, all within the last year or two), but struggles to defeat supposedly easy opposition, such as Bolivia and North Korea.

It's simple: sit back, defend well, and hope you get lucky on a counter-attack. It worked for the US against Spain in last year's Confederation's Cup, and it almost worked for them against Brazil in the final. And just now we saw a mediocre team in Switzerland take down one of the heavy favorites to win the tournament.

The bunker defense can make the game unpredictable, but it's bad for this sport since it makes it really, really boring for spectators, which is why I'm hoping for a stylish team who favors entertainment over technical results such as Brazil and Spain to win.

Anyway, glad to see Mexico triumph; France didn't deserve their qualification over Ireland. Perhaps Henry's handball tactics can save them against South Africa.

[Schadenfreude]

Anyway, glad to see Mexico triumph; France didn't deserve their qualification over Ireland. Perhaps Henry's handball tactics can save them against South Africa.

Oh ****. I'm gonna have to put up with more vuvuzelas at work?

[grunge]

This right here, is made of 100 percent pure win!

So what do you guys think about the matches tomorrow? We know Germany is gonna win... how about the U.S.?


>implying that Germany has better team than Serbia

Wooooohooooooo, your predictions were wrong go Serbia !

[Little Neko]

Slovenia got so lucky that the last goal didn't count.

[Woooh]

Mali, officially the Republic of Mali (French: République du Mali), is a landlocked country in Western Africa that is known for horrible football referees.

Mali's current wiki page.

That was the worst ****ing call of all time.

[Bisu]

The argument regarding the use of instant replays to correct bad calls such as this will hopefully die today.

...or not. It's human nature to be incompetent, ignorant, and afraid of change. And sadly, FIFA happens to be a symbol for all the aformentioned traits.

EDIT: But at the very least, this WC has proven to be very entertaining and surprising (more so than the last one at least).

[SapperSix]

All I can say now is go England.

[Soluzar]

If England don't win tonight, then we've got no business being at the World Cup. We were handed an easy group and what do we do? We let a goalkeeping error hold us to a draw in a match that with all due respect to America, we could have won.

[Sushikins]

Still irked about that bad call at the end of the US game, but we're still in it and it's much better than a loss anyway.

I'll be rooting for England to win (though, no offense, but not by more than 1 goal :lol:), because I'd rather face an Algerian team that has been eliminated than one that has a shot at making it in.

[Soluzar]

As for England vs. USA, I don't mean to say that it should have been an easy win or anything, this is easily the best USA team I've seen. Just that... we were in with a good chance for most of the match, it could have gone our way if we'd played better.

We haven't really performed well in the first half against Algeria either. This is not a great England side, too many players missing their shot due to injury. Whatever the reason, I don't expect great things.

[Caster13]

Is America even still in the World Cup or did they get eliminated? It'd be nice to see them even in the top 5.

But if by some act of God they did win then all of America would go ballistic and go into uber-patriot mode, and radio stations all over the country would play the Team America theme.

[Soluzar]

Is America even still in the World Cup or did they get eliminated? It'd be nice to see them even in the top 5.
They are still in it. The group stage isn't played on an elimination basis, instead it is a round-robin. In fact they are playing well, and stand a decent chance.


England were rubbish in the second half of their match tonight. Didn't win, didn't deserve to. We got a 0-0 draw and we were lucky to get that.

[Woooh]

Lol England.

[Kizoku Keenan]

England = Facepalm, Me being irish while watching england facepalm = HIGH FIVE =)

[Caster13]

Is it true that many Scottish people also hate England?

[Dave]

That was the worst ****ing call of all time.

^ This.

Germany didn't look good today :( Algeria did :)

[Trefellin]

I'm getting sick of seeing teams "parking the bus" in their half against Portugal. Why can't they play an open game like they do against other teams? It makes the game total crap.

I want to see a big team just suddenly pull up a 10 man defence and then lob the ball into the other half. "Come on, let's play your game."

[Purple Madness]

Most of the European heavyweights (Portugal, France, Germany, Spain, England, Italy) are not doing well. Could this be because of the fact that this World Cup is in a different continent and they aren't used to the conditions? In Germany '06 all the semi-finalists were European (Portugal, France, Italy and Germany).


& Agreed, Trefellin...It seems that most teams now think that they can beat Portugal by using that 'parking the bus' technique. They fail to understand that we've got one of the meanest defence in the world, and possibly one of Portugal's best ever.

[Schadenfreude]

Topic of the Day: Malian Refereeing.


Also, England, USA. It's ok to break the tie once in a while. We won't hate you for it or anything.

That Algerian Goalkeeper is the reason they didn't lose that game. That guy was amazing. And he fired that ball like a mother ****ing cannon.

[Little Neko]

They are still in it. The group stage isn't played on an elimination basis, instead it is a round-robin. In fact they are playing well, and stand a decent chance.


England were rubbish in the second half of their match tonight. Didn't win, didn't deserve to. We got a 0-0 draw and we were lucky to get that.

So much for this......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/lily_neko/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg

[Schadenfreude]

Hay England,
http://i50.tinypic.com/15plav4.jpg

[Dave]

So much for this......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/lily_neko/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg

I petition that we start calling the British "Limeys" in our popular print and in general conversation. They seem to have no problem with calling us Yanks.

[Dave]

By the way Limeys, your team ain't so hot :lol:

[ThePhillyFlash]

Let preface my commentary by saying I don't know all that much about soccer and it's rules, so could somebody, ANYBODY explain to me where the foul was that wiped out what should've been the winning goal for the U.S. against Slovenia? I've watched that replay a dozen times and STILL don't know what the hell happened. Now I know how Armando Galarraga felt after Jim Joyce screwed him out of a perfect game a couple of weeks ago.

[Bisu]

Let preface my commentary by saying I don't know all that much about soccer and it's rules, so could somebody, ANYBODY explain to me where the foul was that wiped out what should've been the winning goal for the U.S. against Slovenia? I've watched that replay a dozen times and STILL don't know what the hell happened. Now I know how Armando Galarraga felt after Jim Joyce screwed him out of a perfect game a couple of weeks ago. There was no foul. It was mere incompetence by the ref. Some folks at BigSoccer.com say the only rational explanation is that the foul which awarded Donovan's freekick shouldn't have happened (because Jozy supposedly dived, but if this is the case, the foul obviously never should've been given to begin with), so the ref blew the whistle the moment the freekick was struck.

It doesn't make much sense, but it's the only logical explanation anyone can think of.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2399/uhhuh.jpg

...augh... the American in the middle is in a headlock... :wacko:

[Woooh]

New Zealand!

[Kizoku Keenan]

England Fans are like a mother who brings their untalented child onto Xfactor, American Idol, or whatever to sing or perform, at first they are so proud of their child and they think their child is better than all the rest but as soon as they perform and perform badly and get boo'ed off the mother also turns on her own child in complete shock like its only now suddenly dawned on them that the truth is they are **** :)

P.S GO GO GADGET PARAGUAY =)

[Little Neko]

The behavior of the French team is proving they don't belong here and that they squandered the lucky break that they stole from Ireland.

[Sushikins]

In honor of the World Cup, I vote we all browse the forums like this: AnimeNation World Cup Style (http://www.vuvuzela-time.co.uk/animenation.net/forums/)

Didn't catch any matches today, but the deal with the French team is really amusing. I'm sorry, but being stuck up like that, you don't belong in a tournament like this.

[Dave]

The behavior of the French team is proving they don't belong here and that they squandered the lucky break that they stole from Ireland.

I endorse this post whole heartedly.

[Purple Madness]

Though I am Portuguese, I still didn't and don't like Kaka missing the Portugal game. It would've made the game all the more epic. Kaka vs. Cristiano Ronaldo. But heyy, there's a silver lining...the fact that Brazil without Kaka are easier to defend against. We are also missing our playmaker, Deco.

Can't wait for tomorrow's game vs North Korea :D

[Caster13]

I petition that we start calling the British "Limeys" in our popular print and in general conversation. They seem to have no problem with calling us Yanks.

They're just butthurt that we broke away from them over 200 years ago. They need to get over it.

[Purple Madness]

Seven nill!

=d

[grunge]

Oh no Switzerland is screwed!

[Trefellin]

Wow, I didn't expect that at all. I thought their defense would be much stiffer.

Ronaldo scored finally. Breaking the curse after more than a year. Two giant shots off the crossbar in the tournament already too.

[Bernard_Monsha]

LOL from the left (http://www.thenation.com/blog/glenn-becks-blues-why-far-right-hates-world-cup?).

[Soluzar]

I petition that we start calling the British "Limeys" in our popular print and in general conversation. They seem to have no problem with calling us Yanks.
The Sun is pretty much the home of narrow-minded nationalism though. I get what you're saying, it's not so great that they casually use a term some might find offensive, and that article... well it failed to take into account that even the easiest group in the World Cup (which this is, basically) is still hard if you play badly. The only thing they got wrong was that we're no better right now than the other relatively weak teams. It still consists entirely of teams with pretty low chances of advancing to the final.

They're just butthurt that we broke away from them over 200 years ago. They need to get over it.
"They" only includes a small number of "us", you realise. America has press outlets that take a narrow view of the rest of the world, so do we. The Sun has always thought that we're the best, the French and the Germans are the worst, and all the other Johnny Foreigners are just best off ignored unless they bother us.

They write news for a target audience who believe that, and they do it well. I wouldn't read it, but the paper remains popular.

[Schadenfreude]

Well, we almost kept this thread free of political debate.

[Soluzar]

Well, we almost kept this thread free of political debate.
Sorry. I just can't stand the idea that all the people reading this thread might start thinking we all agree with headlines in The Sun. Maybe some of us do, but not all.

[Caster13]

Sorry.


We have a paper here called The Sun too, but it's a ridiculous tabloid containing stuff that people thought of while they were high on very strong acid.

[Dave]

Well, we almost kept this thread free of political debate.

I <3 Canada.

[Schadenfreude]

Back on Topic, North Korea got STEAMROLLED.

I also laughed uncontrollably at the North Korean spectator holding up a sign that said "Kim Jong-Il Thinks I'm at Work".

[SapperSix]

This was a lame football game. It took 90 minutes just to score one touchdown.

that was a joke.

[Caster13]

Back on Topic, North Korea got STEAMROLLED.

I also laughed uncontrollably at the North Korean spectator holding up a sign that said "Kim Jong-Il Thinks I'm at Work".

Yup he's dead.

[tofuman]

Judging by the final score of the Portugal and North Korea game, I'd say that Kim Jong Il's strategies suck. That or the rain ruined the invisible communication device that the north korean coach mentioned.

[Caster13]

^HA!


caps

[Trefellin]

Some people say that Switzerland has some holes in their game but they still have a good chance at making the next round. That's something you can bank on, just watch and see. You'd have to be cuckoo to think otherwise.

[Purple Madness]

I would much rather have Portugal face Spain or Chile. The Swiss play essenially like the Greeks did in the 2004; score one goal and defend defend defend. Portugal don't bode well against those types of team. Open teams are the ones that we thrive against the most. Spain/ hile play more open, attacking foootball, meaning they are open for the counterattack, which is when Portugal are at their best.

[Trefellin]

I would much rather have Portugal face Spain or Chile. The Swiss play essenially like the Greeks did in the 2004; score one goal and defend defend defend. Portugal don't bode well against those types of team. Open teams are the ones that we thrive against the most. Spain/ hile play more open, attacking foootball, meaning they are open for the counterattack, which is when Portugal are at their best.

I agree. I just wanted to try out some puns.

[Schadenfreude]

Oh so you did do those on purpose.

[Bernard_Monsha]

LOL looks like the Belgians don't like the US.

[Sushikins]

That was way to close of a call. U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A

[Bisu]

Perhaps the most dramatic and heart pounding group stage conclusion in recent times. In the end the two most deserving teams managed to pull through. Good stuff. And now it looks like we might have England vs. Germany and possibly even Brazil vs. Spain in the Ro.16!

[Schadenfreude]

Brazil vs. Spain will be a good game to watch. England won't have to worry about their goalkeeping with Germany's aim.

[Woooh]

US FTW. Although that no-goal early in the game was another fat load of bull ****.

[Caster13]

Now I'm thinking that the US might actually win this.

[Dave]

Now I'm thinking that the US might actually win this.

We should handle Ghana nicely but I don't think it looks too good for us after that. If England shows up to play England and Germany should be a more interesting game than ours.

[Schadenfreude]

Lol suck it Ghana. Germany curbstomped your ***.

[autsiticanime]

^I don't know whether to be ticked at Ghana for losing, or Germany for not winning ENOUGH.

*sigh* at least Australia got a win before bowing out. :) :(

[ThePhillyFlash]

Now I'm thinking that the US might actually win this.

Not as long as powerhouses like Brazil are around. I'm no soccer expert, but even I know that much.

[Nami]

It seems that many people here where I live takes their bet on Argentina's Messi also.

German VS Uk'd be an interesting game to watch.

[animefan88]

I am very surprised that USA won their group. England said it would be E-A-S-Y :lol: but they cut it tooo close. Fabio Capello needs a pay cut! England has great players but they dont work well as a team. It is his job to make sure they play as a team, so why does he have a £6 million salary?! Switzerland has decent players that play for big-ish clubs, but it was their teamwork that helped them upset Spain. England has great players some of which considered as Europe's best footballers. Good individual players are a great asset to have but only teamwork will be able to produce results.

Also, heres something funny you may not know about North Korea. Their best striker was officially listed as a goalkeeper in attempt to hide him. But if North Korea were to play him, they could only play him as Goalkeep! :lol: Also the North Korean fans are not real North Koreans... they are hand-picked Chinese actors paid to be North Korea fans. I understand why but I had to laugh when I heard that.

Argentina and the Netherlands have impressed me so far so I believe one of them will be winning the cup.

[Woooh]

Round of applause for New Zealand. Valiant effort sirs, valiant.

Lol Italy.

[Schadenfreude]

It's funny that Algeria's made it this far off of ties alone. Their offense isn't that strong but their goalie is a solid brick wall.

[SapperSix]

Alegria had only one tie. They lost to Solvenia and the USA

[Schadenfreude]

Oh **** I missed those games.

[Caster13]

Also, heres something funny you may not know about North Korea. Their best striker was officially listed as a goalkeeper in attempt to hide him. But if North Korea were to play him, they could only play him as Goalkeep! :lol: Also the North Korean fans are not real North Koreans... they are hand-picked Chinese actors paid to be North Korea fans. I understand why but I had to laugh when I heard that.

HAHAHAHA! I wondered how they could afford afford it. Turns out they couldn't.

North Korea has to be the worst country in the world.

[Schadenfreude]

YouTube added a vuvuzela button to their video player in the shape of a soccer ball. Click it for great justice.

EDIT: Japan on Vuvuzelas:
http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/055/819/original/705c8282bd46cc90ab3bf70afdb129c2.jpg

[SapperSix]

YouTube added a vuvuzela button to their video player in the shape of a soccer ball. Click it for great justice.

EDIT: Japan on Vuvuzelas:
http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/055/819/original/705c8282bd46cc90ab3bf70afdb129c2.jpg

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/3561/4236fff5.jpg

****ing Japan.