FIFA World Cup 2010

[Jimbuna]

You're a pervert!? :D

Secret PM's eh?

Why don't you both make a public announcement?

I'll gladly sign the happiness card :haha:

[Oberon]

Schroeder!

And here was I thinking you were saving yourself for Kratos! :haha::03:

[Jimbuna]

Schroeder!

And here was I thinking you were saving yourself for Kratos! :haha::03:

LMAO :rotfl2:

[goldorak]

A shame that Germany and Argentina passed, 2 countries that advanced by stupid referees decisions (or worse).
It will be good to see at least one of them being eliminated and not going to the final.
Football absolutely needs the same kind of tecnological aids for dubious situations as is the case in most other modern sports, otherwise its just a big big mess.
IFAB get of your ass and introduce a little bit of modernity and fair play in football. :damn:

[Schroeder]

Schroeder!

And here was I thinking you were saving yourself for Kratos! :haha::03:
I'm too good not to be shared.;)

@goldorak

The German team has won 4:1, I wouldn't call that an undeserved victory that was only caused by a bad decision. Besides we already had some nasty decisions against us which were wrong too.;)

[Schroeder]

You're a pervert!? :D
Aren't we Germans expected to be?:doh:
;):D

[goldorak]

@goldorak

The German team has won 4:1, I wouldn't call that an undeserved victory that was only caused by a bad decision. Besides we already had some nasty decisions against us which were wrong too.;)


Yes Germany has won 4:1.
But the tide changed when the English could still have had the upperhand and were decapitated by a bad referee decision.
It happens, the point nonetheless is that it shouldn't happen in 2010 when most other sports such as rugby, basketball, american football all have technologies that aid the referees in the dubious moments.
FIFA and IFAB are abolsutely againt technology. You have to wonder why ?

[Fish]

That's a dream Final :yep:


Not my dream I am afraid. :nope:

[Wolfehunter]

Football absolutely needs the same kind of tecnological aids for dubious situations as is the case in most other modern sports, otherwise its just a big big mess.

:nope: Nonsense. Thats football. People make mistakes. We don't need more gadgets to help. We need to focus more on the players using drugs and violence. Not more cameras. Ref's unfortunately are human and pick sides and make mistake like players do. There are more important issues. :)

I too don't always like the discussions the refs make but I accept its the rule and move on.

[Skybird]

So if the rules would say the team in white jerseys always gets one goal extra, you would accept it, because it is the rule and thus you accept it without questioning it, and just move on, eh?

Any assistance to minimise the number of events where a team gets betrayed over a goal and the sports get damaged by unfairness, is welcomed. even more so when other team sports demonstrate since many years how well it can work and how useful it turns out.

whenever I hear on TV somebody defending to leave things as they are regarding "video evidence", the only argument these people can bring up is that they played football themselves twenty years ago, and 20 years ago there was no chipped ball or goal cameras, and so there should not be chipped balls or goal cameras today - becuaue that would mean a change to what they hold up so precious sentimental memories over. But I never have heared any constructive argument in favour of not implementing video evidence. There simply is none available since the technology has become reliable. It is sometimes tried to argue by how much emotion there would be lost if there is a video evidence procedure. Well, tell that a hockey fan or an American Football fan - he would be laughing right in your face! I personally could very well and happily live without unfair events like the 2:2 not counted for England today and the offside of Argentinia being counted as an (invalid) 1:0. Because I rate fairness and sportsmanship as higher than the memories of some stubborn old men afraid of changes.

To me, finally using video evidence or anything like that in football is simply a sign of professionalism, fairness, respect for the game, and adulthood. I see no positive emotion in betraying one team over the fruits of it's sports efforts.

[Lord_magerius]

Just finished watching the German squad's training session, anyone know what time the England game starts? :O:

[Platapus]

Just finished watching the German squad's training session, anyone know what time the England game starts? :O:


That was an awesome game. The German team acted like a team-- working together. Their control of the ball was amazing.

Needless to say, The Frau was pleased with the game's outcome. :up:

[Platapus]

Ghana knock the US out 2-1....a good game and a pretty successful tournament for the US :salute:

Tomorrow brings the old sporting enemies England and Germany to a head :sunny:

This is the second time Ghana has beaten the United States. :damn:

Roman Moroni: This is fargin war!

I am thinking there might be "some weapons of mass destruction" in Ghana that need taking care of. :har:

It was a good game and Ghana deserved to win it. The US team seemed, in my opinion, to lack team work. Everyone seemed more inclined to take the shot instead of passing to a team mate who might be in a better position.

Compare this with how the Germans played today. :up:

In the World Cup, I see the difference being:
The US has 11 really good players
The Germans have 1 really good team :know:

[Herr-Berbunch]

Why did the chicken cross the road?

FIFA say it never did and will not use technology to prove otherwise!

[HunterICX]

Why did the chicken cross the road?

FIFA say it never did and will not use technology to prove otherwise!

Using the technology takes away the human factor of a football game.

HunterICX

[onelifecrisis]

Using the technology takes away the human factor of a football game.

HunterICX

Are you being sarcastic?

[onelifecrisis]

Oh and BTW, well played Germany! :DL You deserved the win. :salute:

But still, that disallowed goal... :nope: :damn:

[HunterICX]

Are you being sarcastic?

No, tech shouldn't replace or alter the referee's decision.

HunterICX

[Jimbuna]

Why did the chicken cross the road?

FIFA say it never did and will not use technology to prove otherwise!

Okay, you started it :DL

Terminator 4-1 Shrek Astalavista babe
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Africans finally have the chance to tell the English to go back to their own freaking country!
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My mate asked me if I saw the England goal.

Unfortunately I missed it, I was too busy refereeing the match.
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Lampard must feel so small and inadequate, it's not the first time he's scored and it hasn't been realised it was in...

Christine Bleakley didn't notice either
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England were hammered by the old enemy has been said a lot recently, but this is not true. Germany has only been a country for 20 years, that's not old.
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Stevie Wonder is said to be outraged.

In a half-time interview he commented, "I can't believe he didn't see that it went behind the line."
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More to follow :03:

[Tribesman]

In other news OXO have announced a new range, the cubes will come in a white wrapper with a red cross, it will be called laughing stock.
Meanwhile a major pet food supplier has withdrawn its offer of sponsorship to the English team, a spokesman from Winalot said putting their name on the shirts would be too much of a piss take.

[Schroeder]

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Lampard must feel so small and inadequate, it's not the first time he's scored and it hasn't been realised it was in...


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Stevie Wonder is said to be outraged.

In a half-time interview he commented, "I can't believe he didn't see that it went behind the line."
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But it wasn't behind the line!:nope:
http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/54/1012554/6538636537643438.jpg
You see? Correct decision not to count it!

[Oberon]

:har::har::har: :yeah:

Nice one Schroeder.

[Jimbuna]

But it wasn't behind the line!:nope:
http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/54/1012554/6538636537643438.jpg
You see? Correct decision not to count it!


ROFLMAO :rotfl2:

[Herr-Berbunch]

Okay, you started it


More to follow :03:

Good, well done all of you so far, keep up the good work and keep 'em coming!:D

[jumpy]

I thought the England/Germany game was fantastic.....






























With everyone watching the match, it was a real pleasure to have the roads to myself driving home yesterday afternoon.

I couldn't work out where all the mad traffic had gone. When I realised the cause, I can say hand on heart, that it's the first time a world cup football match has brought a genuine smile to my face.

:har:

[Jimbuna]

Fabio Capello walks into a bar.

Sorry I mean job centre.
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If anyone missed the match and forgot to set their Sky + you can easily recreate it by taking a dump, staring at it for ninety minutes and yelling about a linesman.
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No wonder Rooney's been scoring in training, as Capello claims.

He's been playing against England's defence.

[papa_smurf]

Looks like Capello is staying, as the FA can't afford the £12millon pay out he would get, if he left.

[Jimbuna]

Looks like Capello is staying, as the FA can't afford the £12millon pay out he would get, if he left.


They should never have extended his contract after England were assured qualification, his existing one took him beyond the tournament :nope:

I'm sick of all these crap foreign managers for England. If we had an ENGLISH manager, who played ENGLISH football we would have saved the humiliation of yesterday by not qualifying in the first place.
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I heard that the England team are flying into Glasgow International as they will at least get some applause there.
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Frank Lampard walks into a bar, sorry I meant sauntered into a bar, sorry I actually meant to say he strolled into a bar, wait I meant to say he in fact quickly shot into a bar. It doesn't matter, the point is he still went in.
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I`ve just finshed watching some hardcore pornography; `English girls dominated by 11 German men`...which coincidentally was aired on primetime TV yesterday.

[Lord_magerius]

A fan of sickipedia are we Jim :yeah:

[Jimbuna]

A fan of sickipedia are we Jim :yeah:


I've been known to frequent that site on occasion :smug:

[Lord_magerius]

I do rather enjoy it. Good to see the dutch got through as well, looking forward to their next game :yeah:
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What do you get when you cross a goal line, with a football?

According to Fifa, F*ck all.

[DarkFish]

I do rather enjoy it. Good to see the dutch got through as well, looking forward to their next game :yeah:yep:D

glad to see that we are finally regaining some of our old strength:DL
We have had some great moments in this match, unfortunately it didn't go too well all the time (especially in our defense).
Still, not a bad match:yeah:

http://static.bokt.nl/avatars/8480_smiley_hollandyell.gif

[Platapus]

Using the technology takes away the human factor of a football game.

HunterICX

I agree. This is the difference between a sport and a business.

American Football has become a business so the use of technology is called for. Unfortunately this technology makes the referees obsolete. I expect that soon, there will be no more refs on the field, but all of them will be on control rooms with their 50 cameras.

Soccer is still a sport and should remain so. Sports are judged by humans and human error is part of the sport. All we can do is try to mitigate the human error by, perhaps, increasing the number of officials judging the game so as to reduce the chance that a ref will miss something.

Another difference between American Football and Soccer is the pace of the game. American Football moves a lot slower and has many many stoppages due to the concept of discrete plays. where instant replays can be more easily used. The pace of soccer moves too fast and has a more fluid pace and the sport would be ruined if the play had to be stopped after every call.

[kranz]

Another difference between American Football and Soccer is the pace of the game. American Football moves a lot slower and has many many stoppages due to the concept of discrete plays. where instant replays can be more easily used. The pace of soccer moves too fast and has a more fluid pace and the sport would be ruined if the play had to be stopped after every call.

c'mon...how often do situations like the one with Lampard's goal happen in a match? I'm against stopping the game and watching a replay by the referee but there are easier methods like "did the ball cross the line"-if it did, the referee gets sth like an immediate signal and voila...No need to stop the game-besides there are plenty of situations(polish, german league, champions league)where decisions are taken back bcoz side referee saw "sth" and communicated(yeah i know-science-fiction...)with the main referee. Yestarday I heard a Fifa official answering the question: how about introducing any modern technology into the issue of "goal or not". And his answer was: we will not introduce TV replays bcoz of safety reasons of the fans... that explains much...

[Herr-Berbunch]

The buzz in tennis doesn't impede, nor does a photo finish at the horses. I'm not suggesting the officials should go away and watch the whole 90 mins on TV before giving a verdict on the match, but a simple did it cross the line or not technology would be less unjust.

[papa_smurf]

Heres a few England jokes I just read - enjoy:

"Distraught David Blaine's record of doing nothing in a box for a month has just been broken by Wayne Rooney"

"Oxo are making a new product. It comes in a white box with a red cross on it & is called laughing stock"

"Why didn't the chicken cross the road? 'Cos FIFA said it didn't."

[Skybird]

Football is a business, a multi-billion dollar machine. and the use of video evidence in field hockey, ice hockey and american football does not hurt the sports. The referees (!) fully support it. The audience fully support it. No excitement, no drama has been taken away by that oh so very game-crippling "technology?Eeeeek!" . Referees in field hockey say the quality of the general judgment standard has improved, the fans fully embrace the concept. In field hockey, each team has the right to call for the video evidence once per halftime or per match.

FIFA's Blatter seems to change his stand, I read this morning, now calling for investigating goal checking tehcnology. Two matches in the KO-round have been game-decisevly influenced by refree's misjudgement, and absence of imminent video evidence/chipped ball. Accepting that is a violation of spartsmanship. It is unfair. It is a betrayal of the teams, the sports, and the audience. It has economic and fincial consequences for teams that earn money by playing at tournaments.

This is not about that precious human factor in sports - this is about ideologically motivated fundamental opposition to add a change for the better - because of stubborness, and irrational sentiments that already have been shown ad absurdum in other sports. Other sports show that the arugment against goal control technology are - absurd and unvalid.

If you demand that there is should be a chance in every match that goals are given or denied although the option exists to clear it up immediately, you demand that the possible betraying of a team over it's success earned with the means of sports should be allowed, and that the possible undeserved success of a team that it has not earned with the means of sports should be accepted, and that both scenarios should take place from time to time at the cost of the disadvanatged team. You are playing a massive foul yourself by supporting this questiionable opinion.

"Human factor in sports", pah. With a chipped ball or video evidence, it remains to be as human or non-human and it stays to be as much business or not, as before. You just add back a bit more fairness and justice back to it. Room for questionable referee decisions still remains - en masse. Match results still can be messed up by referees giving free kicks were none was deserved, or not giving that corner although it should have been given. that should keep those people thinking football is about the referees' humanity happy.

Come back to your senses, guys. no sky is falling,. no world will find no end. Just a bit more fairness brougzht into a game, a bit mor ejstice, a bit more sportsmanship. Invalid goals, or goals illegitimatly scored - are no part of the sports. whatever works best, should be chosen as a solution. If thatb is a video control of the goal area, okay. If that is a chipped ball, fine.I personally prefer video evidence, so that the scene can be shown to the audience. A chipped ball may just trigger discussions about "technology not working" , and software being manipulated. Irrational probably, but very likely, since the opinion against the use of such tools in egneral already shows how much irraionality there is.

What cannot be is that FIFA yesterday ruled that critical scenes will no longer be shown on video walls in the stadium. that is just trtying to avoid and delay the discussion for even lponger, by deleting the options to form a reasonable opinion on a given situation. It shows how verymuch in the defence FIFA already is - an act of despair and distration it is.

[Skybird]

http://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/article8220768/Manuel-Neuers-Betrug-ist-kein-Kavaliersdelikt.html

This essay (German) touches an issue that so far is not being debated at all: the intended betraying by players who intentionally use unfair mean (hand) to score goals. Henry's hand-goal during the qualification match against Ireeland last novembre, or Maradona's handgoal in the championship 1996. Maradone mocks and shows off with that goal until today, admitting it and calling it the hand of God. He is admired for that. Is this cheating and betraying acceptable in sports? Germany's keeper after the match against Egnlöand (I saw that interview), admitted frankly that after the ball bounced behind him, he fetched it up and intentionally acted as if nothing had happened, saying that he hoped the referee would not see it.

Is this the "human factor" in sports? Fairplay?

the author of that essay quotes the example of a certain Robbie Fowler, liverpool, who was rewarded a penlaty after a "foul" against him in 1996. He told the referee that it was no foul at all, but the refree denied to chnage his mind.Fowleer than shot the pently in a fashion that the keeper could catch the ball.

That is fairplay. and it is not the norm, unfortunately. For each Robbie Fowler, there are ten incidents where cheaters try cheat to get penalties, freekicks, invalid goals.

Human factor in sports? Yes. Of the - in sports - worst possible kind. Let's do not accept this kind of behaviour. For the sake of fairplay, and sportsmanship.

the author of that essay is professor for bio-ethics at Princton university.

[Skybird]

Just realised there was an English original:

Shortly before half-time in the World
Cup elimination match between England and Germany on June 27, the English midfielder Frank Lampard had a shot at goal that struck the crossbar and bounced down onto the ground, clearly over the goal line. The goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, grabbed the ball and put it back into play. Neither the referee nor the linesman, both of whom were still coming down the field – and thus were poorly positioned to judge – signaled a goal, and play continued.
After the match, Neuer gave this account of his actions: “I tried not to react to the referee and just concentrate on what was happening. I realized it was over the line and I think the way I carried on so quickly fooled the referee into thinking it was not over.”
To put it bluntly: Neuer cheated, and then boasted about it.
By any normal ethical standards, what Neuer did was wrong. But does the fact that Neuer was playing football mean that the only ethical rule is: “Win at all costs”?
In soccer, that does seem to be the prevailing ethic. The most famous of these incidents was Diego Maradona’s goal in Argentina’s 1986 World Cup match against England, which he later described as having been scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” Replays left no doubt that it was the hand of Maradona that scored the goal. Twenty years later, he admitted in a BBC interview that he had intentionally acted as if it were a goal, in order to deceive the referee.
Something similar happened last November, in a game between France and Ireland that decided which of the two nations went to the World Cup. The French striker Thierry Henry used his hand to control the ball and pass to a teammate, who scored the decisive goal. Asked about the incident after the match, Henry said: “I will be honest, it was a handball. But I’m not the ref. I played it, the ref allowed it. That’s a question you should ask him.”
But is it? Why should the fact that you can get away with cheating mean that you are not culpable? Players should not be exempt from ethical criticism for what they do on the field, any more than they are exempt from ethical criticism for cheating off the field – for example, by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
Sports today are highly competitive, with huge amounts of money at stake, but that does not mean it is impossible to be honest. In cricket, if a batsman hits the ball and one of the fielders catches it, the batsman is out. Sometimes when the ball is caught the umpire cannot be sure if the ball has touched the edge of the bat. The batsman usually knows and traditionally should “walk” – leave the ground – if he knows that he is out.
Some still do. The Australian batsman Adam Gilchrist “walked” in the 2003 World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka, although the umpire had already declared him not out. His decision surprised some of his teammates but won applause from many cricket fans.
An Internet search brought me just one clear-cut case of a footballer doing something equivalent to a batsman walking. In 1996, Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler was awarded a penalty for being fouled by the Arsenal goalkeeper. He told the referee that he had not been fouled, but the referee insisted that he take the penalty kick. Fowler did so, but in a manner that enabled the goalkeeper to save it.
Why are there so few examples of such behavior from professional footballers? Perhaps a culture of excessive partisanship has trumped ethical values. Fans don’t seem to mind if members of their own team cheat successfully; they only object when the other side cheats. That is not an ethical attitude. (Though, to their credit, many French football followers, from President Nicolas Sarkozy down, expressed their sympathy for Ireland after Henry’s handball.)
Yes, we can deal with the problem to some extent by using modern technology or video replays to review controversial refereeing decisions. But, while that will reduce the opportunity for cheating, it won’t eliminate it, and it isn’t really the point. We should not make excuses for intentional cheating in sports. In one important way, it is much worse than cheating in one’s private life. When what you do will be seen by millions, revisited on endless video replays, and dissected on television sports programs, it is especially important to do what is right.
How would football fans have reacted if Neuer had stopped play and told the referee that the ball was a goal? Given the rarity of such behavior in football, the initial reaction would no doubt have been surprise. Some German fans might have been disappointed. But the world as a whole – and every fair-minded German fan too – would have had to admit that he had done the right thing.
Neuer missed a rare opportunity to do something noble in front of millions of people. He could have set a positive ethical example to people watching all over the world, including the many millions who are young and impressionable. Who knows what difference that example might have made to the lives of many of those watching? Neuer could have been a hero, standing up for what is right. Instead, he is just another footballer who is very skillful at cheating.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2010.
www.project-syndicate.org (http://www.project-syndicate.org)


Video evidence does not chnage the root of this problem, nor does it change the fact that referees are human and can err - in best intentions. Perspective distorts what they see, a fully hit ball bouncing on the ground touches that piece of ground for only one or two hundreths of a second. Maybe thatb is why so many referees would welcome if the get a bit of assistance.

But video evidence can reduce the fallout from cheating players and erring referees. And that would help to make the sports a bit fairer. and maybe, if being used on a broader front, would help to install a new, ethically more valuable behaviour code as well.

[goldorak]

What is really depressing is that rugby is as dynamic and physical a sport as football, yet fairplay rules that sport whereas is football as you just mentioned fairplay is not part of the "culture". Even the players admit it. :nope:

[Skybird]

What is really depressing is that rugby is as dynamic and physical a sport as football, yet fairplay rules that sport whereas is football as you just mentioned fairplay is not part of the "culture". Even the players admit it. :nope:
Not only are they so shameless to admit it frankly - they sometimes even boast with it. :down:

[Jimbuna]

Tonight you will get the opportunity to see one of the biggest con men to disgrace a world footballing stage...Ronaldo :know:

[tomfon]

Tonight you will get the opportunity to see one of the biggest con men to disgrace a world footballing stage...Ronaldo :know:

I wonder if he's going to cry again. On the other hand, when Ronaldo cries we usually laugh. At least i do. I like Portugal's team but i can't say the same thing for Ronaldo's acting.

[onelifecrisis]

Ever since I first saw that guy's face I've wanted to punch it. There's something really irritating about him.

[Dimitrius07]

I wonder if he's going to cry again. On the other hand, when Ronaldo cries we usually laugh. At least i do. I like Portugal's team but i can't say the same thing for Ronaldo's acting.

Drogba is not better if we speak about divings and provocations :yeah:. If you will watch closely to other players you will see that many act like that, its apart of the game :woot:. I am not a Ronaldo fan but i think i start to understand what really stands behind this type of criticism towards him. He is good and some people can`t take it :yep:.

[Schroeder]

Not only are they so shameless to admit it frankly - they sometimes even boast with it. :down:
That' indeed a problem. Actually I can understand Neuer. If he had admitted that the ball was behind the line and England would have won the match because of it he would have been keelhauled by his team mates, the fans and the press. I bet there was a lot of pressure on him at that moment. Being fair and risk to get send home, or act as if nothing happened and keep the upper hand? It's easy for us to judge now but what would you do in that situation with so much at stake? Your decision doesn't only affect you but your entire team. Your decision might destroy the dream of an entire nation. And always remember: No good deed goes unpunished.;)
That's why I'm for video evidence. It makes sure that no one gets pushed into a situation were he has to make such decisions.

[Skybird]

Neuer knew, he said, that the ball was behind then line. And he afterwards boasted with it. He did not just do it silently and remained silent about it. I saw that interview on TV where he said it. It made me immediately think "Idiot!".
;)

[tomfon]

Ever since I first saw that guy's face I've wanted to punch it. There's something really irritating about him.

:haha:

He's doing his part, OLC, that's all.

Drogba is not better if we speak about divings and provocations :yeah:. If you will watch closely to other players you will see that many act like that, its apart of the game :woot:. I am not a Ronaldo fan but i think i start to understand what really stands behind this type of criticism towards him. He is good and you can`t take it :yep:.

Hey, take it easy. I never said he isn't a very good player. I'm just saying that occasionally he acts a little bit funny and that's it.;)

[Hitman]

What is really depressing is that rugby is as dynamic and physical a sport as football, yet fairplay rules that sport whereas is football as you just mentioned fairplay is not part of the "culture". Even the players admit it. :nope:

There is a say that goes like this:

"Rugby is a villain's sport, played by getlemen. Soccer is a gentlemen's sport, played by villains" :D

[Jimbuna]

You know it's been a sh!t World Cup campaign when, two weeks into the tournament, you find yourself sat in front of the TV cheering on the English referee and linesmen :doh:

[Skybird]

Paraguay v Japan.

Terrible.

[Rhodes]

Going to penalty kicks! First one of the competition!

[Skybird]

Octopus Paul-the-oracle has spoken again. After weighing the duel between Argentinia and Germany for over one hour, his verdict was that Germany will win. The one-hour-delay is interpreted as that it will become a long match with overtime and maybe penalty shootout.

During this tournament, all his predictions have been correct. :) During the last tournament, over 80% of his predictions were correct. :DL And btw, Paul is an Englishman, no German. :D

[Dimitrius07]

Hey, take it easy. I never said he isn't a very good player. I'm just saying that occasionally he acts a little bit funny and that's it.

I didn`t mean to attack you personally with this reply. I agree that he is an artist, but the fact that he have many haters just for that manner is not fair in my opinion. He is not number one diver but "take the cake":D

[Jimbuna]

Octopus Paul-the-oracle has spoken again. After weighing the duel between Argentinia and Germany for over one hour, his verdict was that Germany will win. The one-hour-delay is interpreted as that it will become a long match with overtime and maybe penalty shootout.

During this tournament, all his predictions have been correct. :) During the last tournament, over 80% of his predictions were correct. :DL And btw, Paul is an Englishman, no German. :D

What do the tea leaves in the bottom of the cup say? :DL

[Jimbuna]

Paraguay v Japan.

Terrible.

Cannon fodder for the next round :DL

Spain lead Portugal by a goal early on in the second half.

The 'diver' doesn't seem to be making much of an impression on the game thus far :DL

[Jimbuna]

Spain triumph by the only goal....bye bye 'diver' :salute:

[goldorak]

The final will be the Netherlands vs Spain.
Brasil eliminated by the orange team, and Argentina eliminated by Germany who will be eliminated by Spain.
What do the english bookmakers say ? :D

Final : Netherlands vs Spain
3 rd and 4 th : Uruguay vs Germany

[Rhodes]

"Portugal atacks and Spain scores", as my old godfather used to say! But it's not only the "diver" (joao pinto was a much more diver then ronaldo...) it was the coach and not doing anything during all the games that we played...

They manage to score in the time that the first team to do it, would win the match!
Now, that red card??? :haha:

[Marcantilan]

Octopus Paul-the-oracle has spoken again. After weighing the duel between Argentinia and Germany for over one hour, his verdict was that Germany will win. The one-hour-delay is interpreted as that it will become a long match with overtime and maybe penalty shootout.

During this tournament, all his predictions have been correct. :) During the last tournament, over 80% of his predictions were correct. :DL And btw, Paul is an Englishman, no German. :D

Yep, I´m afraid.

Then the octopus and now German Coach Joachim Low picking his nose and eating it.

http://jockpost.com/german-coach-joachim-picks-nose-eats-game-video/

And of course German counter attack is like a blitzkrieg.

But, really, Low´s nose findings worried me most.

[Skybird]

The final will be the Netherlands vs Spain.
Brasil eliminated by the orange team, and Argentina eliminated by Germany who will be eliminated by Spain.
What do the english bookmakers say ? :D

Final : Netherlands vs Spain
3 rd and 4 th : Uruguay vs Germany
Let's wait what Paul will have to say on this. ;)

With those nine brains of him, he knows 4.5 times more about football than you and me together. :D

[Skybird]

Yep, I´m afraid.

Then the octopus and now German Coach Joachim Low picking his nose and eating it.

http://jockpost.com/german-coach-joachim-picks-nose-eats-game-video/

And of course German counter attack is like a blitzkrieg.

But, really, Low´s nose findings worried me most.
God formed Adam from clay, and Löw forms his players from... well...

[Rhodes]

And the "diver" says to talke to the coach...ahahahahahahha:haha::haha:

Well, yes for a part yes! The other part?, the players!

[Rhodes]

So aperantly the spanish goal is off-side, acording with the normal programs of match analysis! And other stuff... bahhhh

[Jimbuna]

The final will be the Netherlands vs Spain.
Brasil eliminated by the orange team, and Argentina eliminated by Germany who will be eliminated by Spain.
What do the english bookmakers say ? :D

Final : Netherlands vs Spain
3 rd and 4 th : Uruguay vs Germany

I really doubt your prediction....the bookmakers say:

Brazil 5/2
Spain 11/4
Argentina 9/2
Germany 13/2
Holland 7/1
Uruguy 16/1
Ghana 40/1
Paraguay 50/1

[goldorak]

I really doubt your prediction....the bookmakers say:

Brazil 5/2
Spain 11/4
Argentina 9/2
Germany 13/2
Holland 7/1
Uruguy 16/1
Ghana 40/1
Paraguay 50/1

Yeah it makes sense, although this world cup is pretty strange.
I have this feeling that we will have at least a suprise in the semi finals, and maybe even in the final.
Brazil hasn't really played against a strong team until now, Holland will be their test. And I think they will fail because the orange team has a solid defense and plays as a team.
Uruguay finally plays a modern football and certainly can deal with Ghana.
Spain vs Paraguay : nothing to say. The south american team is not on the same level as the spanish one. The tecnical and talent is just too wide for Paraguay having a shot at the semifinals.
The big question mark is Germany vs Argentina (this should have been a final...).
I bet on Germany, although Argentina has a very very talented team.

[Red Heat]

"Portugal atacks and Spain scores", as my old godfather used to say! But it's not only the "diver" (joao pinto was a much more diver then ronaldo...) it was the coach and not doing anything during all the games that we played...

They manage to score in the time that the first team to do it, would win the match!
Now, that red card??? :haha:

We lose the game when our coach order Hugo Almeida be change, on the second half.

Ronaldo its a deep diver...true...(i prefer Nani as a player) every one knows when ronaldo plays in the Portuguese selection dont make nothing, only sad figures! But in the spain team there is some grasshopers witch with a little wind they are all aways fallin down special in front of the judge. :D

The red card...what you think? all the judges in the field are from Argentina...if this fact its all right why they didnt put in this game all judges from Portugal!?

Well done...FIFA!

[Jimbuna]

It is always difficult to accept the referee and linesman choices but all that FIFA can do is ensure they are from a different country to those playing the match.

The rest is down to professionalism and trust.

[Red Heat]

Hii Jim

I accept the final score...specialy the second half, after the spanish goal (they are saying its off side i dont know...but if it is true...its not possible to happen in a Foothball world championship). And if this situations happened its because the lack of experience from the judges and in this stage of the championship the judges must be choosen from countries witch they respective teams are all ready out the championship.

In my opinion the main error of the Portuguese Team lost this crucial game against Spain its a strategical when the Portuguese coach take out Hugo Almeida wich it was playing very very well pressing the spanish defence.

Second if Ronaldo its not playing...must have the courage to put another player in his place and periode, we dont wont to now if he is a star or not if i dont play another player must to to his place "pronto".

For last id the like to send my "soludos" to all Spanish here in the Subsim for the great game they made specialy on the second half...Good job!

P.S. The only away to see Portugal World Champion...its when José Mourinho be very very old and and when he win everithing its possible to win in this world, choose to be the Portuguese Coach, from the Portuguese Team! lolol

[Fincuan]

I accept the final score...specialy the second half, after the spanish goal (they are saying its off side i dont know...but if it is true...its not possible to happen in a Foothball world championship).

It wasn't an offside, at least not clearly enough to put any blame on the refs. In this case we're talking about a margin of a few centimeters, and even with the still pics and slow-mos I wouldn't dare to say it was "definitely" one way or another.

The red card in the end was just... :nope:
Luckily it didn't end up meaning much, but it was still very unsportsmanlike behaviour from the Spanish player in question(Capdevila?). I hope Sepp and the guys re-visit that situation and drop a penalty on him.

[Skybird]

The goal was offside. By a small margin only, but clearly offsides. However, I do not see any incompetence at work by the referees here, no big and obvious failure, just a difference so small that a human in referee uniform had a hard time to perceive it. It also was no intentional cheating - I absolutely doubt that the attacker was able to perceive in that fast-moving situation that he was offside.

I think Spain deserved the win more than Portugal, they did more to form the match while Portugal just tried to destroy it. The Spanish played very professional, with great patience and ball control, and did not allow to become nervous over this stubborn defence by Portugal. they controlled the ball and just did their thing, until finally they got the reward.

Ronaldo - bah. I saw one foul against him which was a foul indeed, and was not given by the ref. the others when he sank to the ground like a dying swan, were all cheatings and primadonna stageacting afterwards by him. His behavior is a shame. If I were the ref, I would have shown him card(s). Extreme unfairness and unsportsmanship by the man. Well, never liked him anyway, he reminds me too much of Tom Cruise's babyface. :DL

On that offisde, and the earlier discussion of technology, I think a chipped ball may be nice for issues about the goalline, although I would prefer a video that can be shown to the audience as well. It cannot be in the interest of the game to have teams embark on video breaks every ten minutes of the match, but obviously, offside goals like this one cannot be adressed without video evidence. I think the approach they have in field hockey (not ice hockey), is a practicable solution, a good compromise: there they have a right that each team is allowed once per match or per half (I don't remember exactly) to demand a video check of a questionable situation they want to examine. That way, situations can be rechecked that are not directly linked to the question of whether or not the ball passed the goal line, but also questionable game situations dealing with fouls, offsides, physical attacks, but at the same time the game length of 90 minutes can be interrupted only twice for video conferences - and thus the teams may be hesitent to consume their once-per-match-right prematurely. Game time gets stopped like in ice hockey for video interruptions. To prevent delays by the one team in lead at the end of the game, there could be a ban for video breakes for the last 10 minutes of regular game time, from 80th minute on. Something like this, you get the general idea. I like the basic idea very much: both chipped balls and video evidence, but the latter limited in how often it can be used by each team.

[Rhodes]

We lost game with that substitution! The game was balanced until that, the coach just read the game wrong. I am glad that portugal lose, we didn't have a team for the competition, so is better with 0-1 that with 0-8.
If queiroz is replace, fine, he should be!

[Jimbuna]

P.S. The only away to see Portugal World Champion...its when José Mourinho be very very old and and when he win everithing its possible to win in this world, choose to be the Portuguese Coach, from the Portuguese Team! lolol

I can honestly see Mourinho (provided the FA continue to support foreign coaches as England team managers) being coach of England before Portugal....it is thought by many that he is waiting for Alex Ferguson to retire, IIRC he has often been on record as stating his preference for English football.

Heaven only knows why....probably the money :DL

[mr chris]

I don't think The so called special one will ever manage England. Why would he want to sully his reputation and lower himself to manage that shower of **&@.

Why would England want to fire Capello? Give the man time. God we even gave that Swedish idiot long enough. At this rate England are close to becoming a laughing stock like Man City / Real Madrid, changing their manager every season or two.

As you said above Jim he is just biding his time Until Sir Alex retires, as he is his natural successor and he knows it.

[Red Heat]

We lost game with that substitution! The game was balanced until that, the coach just read the game wrong. I am glad that portugal lose, we didn't have a team for the competition, so is better with 0-1 that with 0-8.
If queiroz is replace, fine, he should be!

Full agree with you, Rhodes!
Its over and we are back to Portugal...

P.S. Jimbuna and Mr Chris...About Mourinho...its not the kind of man wich is waiting for the retirement of some man to take is place. When he wants, and when he fells the challenge, and when he is interested...he gets in the other cames out...he goes if he wants to, not for some one wants, its like this...

If like him fine...if you dont like him still fine...but he is the best of the modern foothball can have in this world. And for me HE IS THE BEST...

About Ronaldo he is a lucky man or not...because he is in the Real Madrid and with Mourinho, Ronaldo have two options or he plays like Mourinho wants in team or Ronaldo it will see the games sitting next Mourinho because Mourinho dont care if Ronaldo is a star or the polar star or santa clau s himself, what he wants its work...teamwork and results... and if he do this fine...if not he will transfered and sold to another team, simple...and more ten years nobody remember Ronaldo as a foothball player anymore special if he dont change and if he insist in this kind of beaviour and atitude wich everybody so in this world championship.

[Jimbuna]

I heard a rumour today that one of the England under achievers has had to hire a gang from London to protect his family (prior to the world cup).

One prominent striker has been 'playing away' and at least one other has been photographed in a massage parlour.

Their is also one circulating that some of the players were being compromised as a result of their private lives and were pressurised by a gambling syndicate.

I don't normally believe all the tripe I hear but it will be interesting to see if and when some rag like the Screws Of The World prints a story maybe :hmmm:

[Skybird]

Woke up this morning with cramps shaking my body and my stomach engaging in a practical revolt. Mind felt depressed and all life seemed to be so useless.

Then I realised that I had not had a single match the day before. Bad mistake. And still no cure today!

Pain , oh pain, divine you are, but we are just mortals...

[Red Heat]

Woke up this morning with cramps shaking my body and my stomach engaging in a practical revolt. Mind felt depressed and all life seemed to be so useless.

Then I realised that I had not had a single match the day before. Bad mistake. And still no cure today!

Pain , oh pain, divine you are, but we are just mortals...


To much party last night, Skybird? :woot: :haha:

[Skybird]

No party. Just withdrawal symptoms. therapists call it "craving".

[Red Heat]

Oh i see...i just understand wrong, i wish you get better very soon... :D

[Jimbuna]

No party. Just withdrawal symptoms. therapists call it "craving".

The 'craving' should ease after the Argentina game :DL

[Dan D]

Ok guys, let's hear your predictions for today's and tomorrow's games:

Netherlands : Brazil
Uruguay : Ghana

Argentina : Deutschland
Paraguay : Spain

[Fincuan]

Brazil
Uruguay
Germany
Spain

[OneToughHerring]

A bit more controversial guess:

Netherlands
Ghana
Germany
Spain

Although the first three matches can go either way.

[goldorak]

A bit more controversial guess:

Netherlands
Ghana
Germany
Spain

Although the first three matches can go either way.


Mine is almost the same except :

Netherlands
Uruguay
Germany
Spain

:D

[Dan D]

I am putting my money on Spain, the Netherlands and Ghana.

Germany/Argentina, I really don't know. Before the cup started, I would have bet on Argentina as the upcoming world champion.

I guess, I should create a win-win situation: I put my money on Argentina and at the same time I hope that Germany wins. So it is either money or, no money and the party goes on.

Predictions:
Paraquay : Spain 0:2
Netherlands : Brazil 2:1
Argentina : Germany 1:1 in overtime; my evil twin "Ran D", the horny hamster says, both teams score at least one goal, then things turn ugly.
Uruguay: Ghana 0:1

[papa_smurf]

My 4 are:

Netherlands
Uruguay
Argentina
Paraguay

[Skybird]

Holland v Brasil: depends on Robben. If he has a good day and is fit, they could even threaten Brasil. I support Holland, and think they will make it. Also, it is their turn, really.

Uruguay should beat Ghana.

Germany beats Argentinia. 2:1, maybe in overtime, I say. :DL

Spain beats Paraguay.

That makes Holland beating Uruguay in seminfinals.

The other semifinal: Germany against Spain: chances are the Spanish would squeeze a victory out of it, but it could also be the other way around, with a little luck for the Germans. The risk that cannot be calculated: Due to that terribly incompetent referee in the second match, 7 German players have yellow cards right now. If the going gets rough against Argentinia - and it probably will - then this means a major handicap for the german team if it advances to semifinals. Do not be confused by that yellow-cards-deleted-after-quarterfinal-rule that they have - players getting their second yellow in quarterfinals, still will get banned for semifinals.

I hope for a final holland versus Spain or Holland versus Germany (which would be an absolute top hit match, of course). In such a meeting, everything is possible.

Wouldn't have imagined before the tournament that I would see the Germans possibly reaching the finals. But they surprised me and most others positively. Before the tournament I said they would perform worse than four years ago. No matter how the match tomorrow ends, that was a wrong assumption. I admit that Löw has done an absolutely stunning job. I think it is fair to say that he is one of the greatest winners of this championship.

[Jimbuna]

Ok guys, let's hear your predictions for today's and tomorrow's games:

Netherlands : Brazil
Uruguay : Ghana

Argentina : Deutschland
Paraguay : Spain

Brazil
Uruguay
Argentina
Spain

[HunterICX]

.....Holland versus Germany (which would be an absolute top hit match, of course). In such a meeting, everything is possible.

We haven't forgotten :stare:, '74

HunterICX

[Skybird]

We haven't forgotten :stare:, '74

HunterICX
I was 7 years old back then. but even little me still remembers! :D :O:

[HunterICX]

I was 7 years old back then. but even little me still remembers! :D :O:

It was 13 yrs before my time, been told to me by family and parents..even school had a topic of the Netherlands in the World Cups and 1974 was brought up in detail....thats how much it hurted us!:shifty:

HunterICX

[Jimbuna]

It was 13 yrs before my time, been told to me by family and parents..even school had a topic of the Netherlands in the World Cups and 1974 was brought up in detail....thats how much it hurted us!:shifty:

HunterICX

Ayr, there is a saying in the UK......"Holland are the best team never to have won the world cup" :yep:

[goldorak]

Ayr, there is a saying in the UK......"Holland are the best team never to have won the world cup" :yep:



Well what did you expect ? They didn't have the favor of the hand of god. :har:

In any case I think this year they can have a shot to the cup like they haven't been able to since 1978.

The greatest final would be Holland vs Spain. :woot:

[Jimbuna]

Brazil lead 1-0 at half time.

My first prediction may well be correct :hmmm:

[HunterICX]

1 - 1 :yeah:

HunterICX

[Arclight]

Brazil lead 1-0 at half time.

My first prediction may well be correct :hmmm:

Perhaps, but then Brazil did just help us to 1-1. :hmmm:

[Skybird]

Brazil lead 1-0 at half time.

My first prediction may well be correct :hmmm:

No, mine: 2:1 Holland :O:

[HunterICX]

2 - 1 for the Netherlands :rock: GO GO GO GO GO HOLLAND!!!!!!!!

HunterICX

[Arclight]

Hmm, turning nasty now. Brazil wants it a bit too badly. :-?

[HunterICX]

Greatest match so far!

:woot:Hup Holland Hup!

HunterICX

[Jimbuna]

Phew!...what a comeback.

Well done Holland :yeah:

Down goes my first quarter final prediction :oops:

[Skybird]

Ha, Brasil out, the Dutch are in semis!

That was a quality prediction meyd in Dschörmäney! :D

[OneToughHerring]

Greatest match so far!

:woot:Hup Holland Hup!

HunterICX

"Hup", I love the Dutch language. :)

Congratulations Netherlands. The land of Jari Litmanen salutes you. :salute:

[papa_smurf]

Go Netherlands!:woot:

My 4 are:

Netherlands
Uruguay
Argentina
Paraguay

Right, got 1 of my predictions right so far. Lets see if I can get all 4:D

[sergei]

Go on Ghana!
Outstanding effort in the first half :up:

[Jimbuna]

Go on Ghana!
Outstanding effort in the first half :up:

1 - 1 everything in the balance :o

[papa_smurf]

Looking like this match is going to extra time

[sergei]

Oh man alive, nailbiting stuff. :o

Penalties it is then.
Come on Ghana.

What a match :DL

EDIT: Handballs don't come much more blatant than that.

[Jimbuna]

A very lucky Uruguay go through....but it was my prediction so I'll take a win whichever way it comes :DL

[DarkFish]

Hup, Holland Hup, Laat de Leeuw niet in z'n hempie staan!

We've WON!!!!
Now we've just got to beat Uruguay (we will) and then we're in the FINAL!!!
YEEEAAAH!!!



Time for more beer!:()1:

[Skybird]

What a drama. Not a match of high technical quality, but exciting and entertaining throughout, and dramatic in the end.

Skybird 2 Jimbuna 1 :D

Tomorrow will become a harsh fighting. Germany and Argentinia do not like each other too much anyway. I fear there will also be quite some nasty things and brutal fouls happening. I expect nothing else but a tough battle. I hope Germany wins - the team deserves it, and I cannot stand Maradonna, never could. I hope they will not collect too many second yellows. I still think the ref from the Serbia match should be spanked.

[Skybird]

It was 13 yrs before my time, been told to me by family and parents..even school had a topic of the Netherlands in the World Cups and 1974 was brought up in detail....thats how much it hurted us!:shifty:

And that's why we still remember! :D :O:

[goldorak]

Ha ha 2 of my predictions were spot on.

Uruguay and Netherlands.

Tomorrow Spain and Germany.

:woot:

[kranz]

A very lucky Uruguay go through....

indeed. i wanted them to win but not in this way. on the other hand if u can score from 11 meters u can;t blame others.

the biggest lol of this game imho was not that hand though-it was fifa's decision concerning rejection of webb as a referee. n/c. referees are partial-sure they are/can be....shame.

[DarkFish]

What a drama. Not a match of high technical quality, but exciting and entertaining throughout, and dramatic in the end.Agreed. Unfortunately enough, I've only been able to see the match from about 30:00 on, but after that, and especially in the 2nd half, the Dutch were clearly better than the Brazilians.
Many of our attacks failed. Especially Robben has walked himself into a wall of Brazilians a couple of times. But still it could have easily been 3-1:D


(Farewell, Uruguay, see you at the next WC:arrgh!: - Germany, Argentina or Spain, we're coming:rock:)

[Skybird]

Agreed. Unfortunately enough, I've only been able to see the match from about 30:00 on, but after that, and especially in the 2nd half, the Dutch were clearly better than the Brazilians.

Öh - that comment of mine already was related to Uruguay v Ghana, not Holland v Brazil. :DL For that match, I had an earlier comment before. :D

[Nicolas]

Vamos Uruguay!
:arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::a rrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!::arrgh!:

[DarkFish]

Öh - that comment of mine already was related to Uruguay v Ghana, not Holland v Brazil. :DL For that match, I had an earlier comment before. :DLOL
anyway, we could have played better (1st half), but in the second half, we definitely deserved our victory.

Exciting and entertaining 'till the end as you said, even if you were talking about another match:)

[Fish]

I was 7 years old back then. but even little me still remembers! :D :O:
Bloody Gerd Muller.;)

[Fish]

"Hup", I love the Dutch language. :)

Congratulations Netherlands. The land of Jari Litmanen salutes you. :salute:

Great player, unfortunately he played for Ajax.:-?

[Fish]

Hup, Holland Hup, Laat de Leeuw niet in z'n hempie staan!

We've WON!!!!
Now we've just got to beat Uruguay (we will) and then we're in the FINAL!!!
YEEEAAAH!!!



Time for more beer!:()1:


Eerst de beer schieten voor je de huid verkoopt jochie.;)

[DarkFish]

Eerst de beer schieten voor je de huid verkoopt jochie.;)nah. Mijn theorie is eerst huiden verkopen en dan met het verdiende geld een geweer te kopen om de beer te schieten:D

[mr chris]

You gotta hand it to Suarez.

[Lord_magerius]

That's true, if anyone can learn anything from Suarez... It's Robert Green

[Jimbuna]

That's true, if anyone can learn anything from Suarez... It's Robert Green


LOL :DL

From an English Fan Web:


Uruguay's Suarez and Tabarez hail 'new hand of god'

That mantle is Diego Maradona's after scoring against England in the 1986 World Cup. The pretender to the throne last year was Thierry Henry's 'Hand of Frog' as France defeated Ireland in the World Cup 2010 Uefa Play-off where he handled twice in setting up France's winner.

Suarez last night insisted he had no choice but to block Adiyiah's header and he had no choice but to put his country first.

"This was the end of the World Cup. I had no choice. I have the 'Hand of God' now," said Suarez. I did it so that my team-mates could win the penalty shoot-out. When I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy."

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has angrily defended accusations of cheating by his star player and Uruguay team and said Suarez was properly punished for the incident.

Tabarez said: "When there is a handball in the penalty area there is a red card and the player is thrown out of the game. Saying we cheated Ghana is too harsh a word to use. We also abide by what the referee did. It could have been a mistake. Yes he stuck his hand out, but it's not cheating. I don't think it's fair to say that. I think it was instinctive. The player instinctively reacted and was thrown out of the match and he can't play the next match. What else do you want?

"Is Suarez also to blame for Ghana missing the penalty? We try to be dignified and if we lose a match we look for the reasons for it. You shouldn't look to third parties. This is football. There are consequences to that handball and he didn't know that Ghana was going to miss that penalty."

[Skybird]

Actually I buy it that in Suarez case it was more instinct than intentional decision to cheat. Last but not least because it went so fast and chaotic.

Two hours, countdown is ticking down. I expect nothing else but a battle down to the bones. I hope it does not become too nasty and brutal. Meetings between Argentinia and Germany at worldcups always have been like that: harsh fighting, fouls, unfairness, provocations, hot emotions. In other words: dramas.

:hmmm: Beer, saltsticks, beef, salad, grill ready...

[sergei]

Two hours, countdown is ticking down. I expect nothing else but a battle down to the bones. I hope it does not become too nasty and brutal. Meetings between Argentinia and Germany at worldcups always have been like that: harsh fighting, fouls, unfairness, provocations, hot emotions.

Yep, I'm looking forward to it.
Should be a very passionate match.

Good luck Skybird. :up:
I'm cheering for Germany on this one.

[OneToughHerring]

Suarez has been banned from the next match, right? Pretty big loss for Uruguay. It was a good match and Ghana didn't go without a fight so I think they can say that they did ok.

[Jimbuna]

Actually I buy it that in Suarez case it was more instinct than intentional decision to cheat. Last but not least because it went so fast and chaotic.

Two hours, countdown is ticking down. I expect nothing else but a battle down to the bones. I hope it does not become too nasty and brutal. Meetings between Argentinia and Germany at worldcups always have been like that: harsh fighting, fouls, unfairness, provocations, hot emotions. In other words: dramas.

:hmmm: Beer, saltsticks, beef, salad, grill ready...

I'm sticking with my quarter final prediction which was an Argentine victory.

It has the makings of a crackin game, pity the wind is up here and the BBQ has had to be cancelled :stare:

I'll make do with a few jars and some popcorn :DL

Bring it on!! :rock:

http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/6942/popcorncowtx0.gif

[Tchocky]

1-0 to Germany

"Shelter the Nazis, will you?" :woot:

[Wolfehunter]

So if the rules would say the team in white jerseys always gets one goal extra, you would accept it, because it is the rule and thus you accept it without questioning it, and just move on, eh?

Any assistance to minimise the number of events where a team gets betrayed over a goal and the sports get damaged by unfairness, is welcomed. even more so when other team sports demonstrate since many years how well it can work and how useful it turns out.

whenever I hear on TV somebody defending to leave things as they are regarding "video evidence", the only argument these people can bring up is that they played football themselves twenty years ago, and 20 years ago there was no chipped ball or goal cameras, and so there should not be chipped balls or goal cameras today - becuaue that would mean a change to what they hold up so precious sentimental memories over. But I never have heared any constructive argument in favour of not implementing video evidence. There simply is none available since the technology has become reliable. It is sometimes tried to argue by how much emotion there would be lost if there is a video evidence procedure. Well, tell that a hockey fan or an American Football fan - he would be laughing right in your face! I personally could very well and happily live without unfair events like the 2:2 not counted for England today and the offside of Argentinia being counted as an (invalid) 1:0. Because I rate fairness and sportsmanship as higher than the memories of some stubborn old men afraid of changes.

To me, finally using video evidence or anything like that in football is simply a sign of professionalism, fairness, respect for the game, and adulthood. I see no positive emotion in betraying one team over the fruits of it's sports efforts.Game isn't fair. And yes I move on. I wouldn't be happy but I accept the decision of the ref grudgingly. Because ref is the judge, jury and executioner. The guy didn't see it or he favored German team. Hence the results. Its not going to change.

[papa_smurf]

Germany are going thru -3-0 up.

[Skybird]

"Habe die Ehre, Senores!"


http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4114/bigsmilie.gif (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/bigsmilie.gif/)

Skybird 3 Jimbuna 1 :D

[sergei]

Wow.
They absolutely took Argentina to pieces.
Well done :woot:

[Wolfehunter]

Wow.
They absolutely took Argentina to pieces.
Well done :woot:Hell ya great game. I was worried because ARG had a great team... :yeah: 4:0 win for Germany :up:

[OneToughHerring]

Hell ya great game. I was worried because ARG had a great team... :yeah: 4:0 win for Germany :up:

I thought they were pretty overrated, time someone showed them what's what. Messi plays well but only in a team where he has constantly good delivery and the opposition is weaker.

[papa_smurf]

Looking more like the final is going to be Netherlands v Germany. Now that would be a grudge match:D

[Wolfehunter]

I thought they were pretty overrated, time someone showed them what's what. Messi plays well but only in a team where he has constantly good delivery and the opposition is weaker.Naw they have good players. Very strong team.. but not today.. :D

[Skybird]

Looking more like the final is going to be Netherlands v Germany. Now that would be a grudge match:D

Let'S not forget that Spain is an extremely homogenous team, with very good discipline - they have both strong individual players and strong team interaction. Their midfield is probably the best, currently. Beating Australia 4:0, England 4:1 and Argentinia 4:0 is one thing - beating Spain imo is something different, for me they are the favourites after their match against Portugal - because at no time of the match they looked as if they had any doub t that sooner or later they would win. they stayed calm, disciplined, patient - great perfomance!

In both coming matches for Germany, everything is possible now - in good or in bad. Holland also is a good team, though I think Germany could control them easier than Spain, since Robben is somewhat monotonous in his play: always down the right wing, and then turning into the centre. He has become forseeable, and by that: vulnerable for neutralisation. I am sure the DFB analysts have realised it.

On a sidenote, all but one of the seven yellow players of Germany have their cards deleted now, only Müller has to pause. That is a great relief.

[OneToughHerring]

Naw they have good players. Very strong team.. but not today.. :D

Messi, Tevez, (both failed in these games IMO, Messi is like the Argentinian Rooney, a hyped striker who doesn't deliver) Higuain in this cup, Mascherano...That's about it really, as far as the 'big' names are concerned.

I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree. Germany played a clean game and deserved to win this one.

I haven't seen the Dutch play so I don't know exactly how good they are but I'd say Germany is the top contender for the top spot.

[Marcantilan]

Yep, we are out (damn octopus!)

Germany will be the next world champion.

[Jimbuna]

"Habe die Ehre, Senores!"

Skybird 3 Jimbuna 1 :D

:damn::damn::damn:

:DL

I thought Germany were outstanding...this was easily the best match of the tournament so far :rock:

Germany were well worthy of the win and the way they destroyed the Argentine plan in the second half.....heavy tackles meant to injure or at least frighten the opposition into submission.

One can only imagine the carnage had it been Uruguay v Argentina :o

Hopefully my final prediction will come true...a Spanish win against Paraguay.

I honestly think Spain will be stiffer opposition in the semi final than Argentina were but I wouldn't like to predict a winner there :hmmm:

[Skybird]

That Spanish match this evening was not convincing, and the Germans must not fear them. Paraguay has taught Germany how Spain can be neutralised, especially in the first half - and Germany's teeth are much sharper and much longer than Paraguay's.

I think we will beat Spain next week. And Netherlands in finals - if they make it - is a solvable challenge, too.

Before the tournament I would never have expected that I would come to think Germany could become top favourite for the title. But since this evening, to me it is. There is confidence over here! :yeah:Let's ask the Octopus (and show him the deep fryer first before his verdict :DL )

Skybird 4 Jimbuna 2 :salute:

[goldorak]

Mine is almost the same except :

Netherlands
Uruguay
Germany
Spain

:D


4 over 4. :D

Next round : Germany out, Uruguay out. Final : Spain vs Holland. :shucks:

Ps: The absense of Müller in the semifinal will be catastrophic for the german team.

[papa_smurf]

Next round : Germany out, Uruguay out. Final : Spain vs Holland. :shucks:

Nah, will be Germany - Netherlands for the final

[Jimbuna]

That Spanish match this evening was not convincing, and the Germans must not fear them. Paraguay has taught Germany how Spain can be neutralised, especially in the first half - and Germany's teeth are much sharper and much longer than Paraguay's.

I think we will beat Spain next week. And Netherlands in finals - if they make it - is a solvable challenge, too.

Before the tournament I would never have expected that I would come to think Germany could become top favourite for the title. But since this evening, to me it is. There is confidence over here! :yeah:Let's ask the Octopus (and show him the deep fryer first before his verdict :DL )

Skybird 4 Jimbuna 2 :salute:

Gotta agree with your comments re Spain :yep:

The supporters of the four countries remaining in the competition must now hope they're respective teams don't implode :hmmm:

Germany have by far the best track record in the competition so that probably makes them the favourites.

Fry me one of them tentacles in a nice batter please :DL

[Torvald Von Mansee]

GO URUGUAY!!!

I presume they're the underdogs at this point.

[Skybird]

4 over 4. :D

Next round : Germany out, Uruguay out. Final : Spain vs Holland. :shucks:

Ps: The absense of Müller in the semifinal will be catastrophic for the german team.
No. He will be missed, but compensated for. Like the absence of Schweinsteiger and Klose had been compensated, and Ballack's and Kurany's and Frings'. There are no single one most important players in the German team, we have neither primadonnas like Maradonna nor outstanding star players like Messi or Ronaldo - there is just the team, one solid entity. Some other teams did not understand this, and reserved star status for some of their "star" players who then waited to get fed, but did not give back to their teams on equal terms. And now they are gone. :03:

I personally do not even see a need for Ballack's or Kurany's return. The young guard and a new captain and a new matchmaker already have taken over. In four years, Ballack will be quite old a player - this is a good opportunity to settle his succession. Or better: it already has taken place: Lahm, and Schweinsteiger. If Ballack really understands the needs of the team, he will not insist to return. And kurany has pissed Löw so much that he will never be invited again. Löw's boygroup :) obviously can take care of themselves quite well.

If luck does not choose unfair bias against them, I think they make the fourth star this time.

[Seeadler]

A terrific game, I was last year twice in Argentinia (for professional reasons), a super open-minded country in which I will always love to travel, but for today I must say

Don't Cry For Me Argentina (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Spy3Nd2D6w)

[Lord_magerius]

BBC news: maradonna feels the heartache as argentina crash out of world cup.

now you know how we felt in 86 you cheating bastard

[Skybird]

Yeah, not only that handgoal but he even boasted with his betrayal and thought that made him a better man, which imo weighs even heavier and speaks against him no matter whether it was reflex or intention. If he wouldn'T have said anything about it or if he would have said "yes, it was a reflex" or whatever, and then a short apology, nobody would have made a big story of it anymore, now, 24 years later.

Beside that I never liked him anyway, already in my teen years. Egomanic primadonna, having always thought that it all is just about him, the hand of God, the navel of the universe. He did more stage-acting than coaching the team when he did his stunts and tricks at the sideline. I bet he is indeed a bad trainer, not knowing what to do when his team comes under pressure. He may be a good motivator, but a coach must be able to do a whole lot of things more than just holding motivating speeches, and must have more skills and competences than just matsering rethorics and acting like on a one-man-stage.

If the Argentinians are clever, they fire him, later return ruled out.

[Jimbuna]

BBC news: maradonna feels the heartache as argentina crash out of world cup.

now you know how we felt in 86 you cheating bastard

Aye...what goes round, comes round :DL

"Best pleased to inform Her Majesty that the Union Jack once again flies over Stanley. God Save the Queen."

Write that in a condolence card and send it to him :smug:

[joegrundman]

He was and is, obviously, a flawed character - but in the same game as the hand of god goal he also produced this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtKnipY267M

Yes, even in 1986, England were a team whose capacity for self-regard and blowing their own trumpet greatly exceeded their capacity for football.

Only two or three German players this year could make it into the England team in 2010, don't you know?

Warts and all, Maradona has been a great one, but i fear his self-destructive side will re-take over again after this disaster. Which will be sad.

Regarding his (and now Suarez') open confession. All teams know how to cheat a bit for the sake of a little free kick here, stopping a break there. It's part of the game, but I guess in England and Germany we pride not admitting to it a bit more - which is probably a more sensible approach in the long run.

As for the English national obsession with relating every game against germany with world war 2 and every game featuring argentina with the falkland's war, events in which real people actually died, and not just some bloke using a hand in a football game, or bringing us face to face with our football team's inability to play football very well.

It's childish, innit Jim?

[Torvald Von Mansee]

GO URUGUAY!!!

I presume they're the underdogs at this point.

SCREW URUGUAY!! I have become aware of how they defeated Ghana. Not cool.

[papa_smurf]

Still say the baltant "assault" on Robben was disgracefull. Good news is that Persie is fit for match against Uraguay.

[Jimbuna]

It's childish, innit Jim?

Not for the 255 Brits who lost their lives during the conflict.

But I guess when you decide what context or category you want to put my post in whilst deviating to the point of adding an additional nation and an additional war period....you could come up with any interpretation of your choosing :nope:

[Konovalov]

As for the English national obsession with relating every game against germany with world war 2 and every game featuring argentina with the falkland's war, events in which real people actually died, and not just some bloke using a hand in a football game, or bringing us face to face with our football team's inability to play football very well.

It's childish, innit Jim?
Well having lived in England for over 8 years and having now attained British citizenship I have not seen this "English national obsession" that you talk of. Haven't seen it in the office, in the pubs or anywhere. When it comes to Germany and England in football all the talk is on dreaded penalties. And as for England v Argentina again the only talk may me about that hand of god goal. So basically I think this is a load of cobblers. Perhaps it was true many many years ago but certainly not now.

[Skybird]

German newspapers noted that this year the English habit to gear up for a meeting with the Germans in football by referring to war-metaphors, has been much more tame than in earlier years.

I think the clear score also helped to prevent such metaphors after the match. Would it have been just 2:1 and that missed goal for the English thus being a decisive failure by the ref, then maybe sentiments would have spiked high again over claims of betrayal and Germany just being lucky.

[Jimbuna]

Well having lived in England for over 8 years and having now attained British citizenship I have not seen this "English national obsession" that you talk of. Haven't seen it in the office, in the pubs or anywhere. When it comes to Germany and England in football all the talk is on dreaded penalties. And as for England v Argentina again the only talk may me about that hand of god goal. So basically I think this is a load of cobblers. Perhaps it was true many many years ago but certainly not now.

Well put....when you look over the previous posts in this thread I reckon the banter has been quite jovial and free of malice.

Mind you there's still time for Sky and me to arrange a duel :DL

German newspapers noted that this year the English habit to gear up for a meeting with the Germans in football by referring to war-metaphors, has been much more tame than in earlier years.

I think the clear score also helped to prevent such metaphors after the match. Would it have been just 2:1 and that missed goal for the English thus being a decisive failure by the ref, then maybe sentiments would have spiked high again over claims of betrayal and Germany just being lucky.

But you lot were......VERY LUCKY...der Englanders sent their wives and girlfriends out onto the pitch in drag :O:

[Jimbuna]

Hy Sky, I forgot to mention how impressed I was with your Chancellor, Angela Merkel during the Germany v Argentina match :o

Her celebrations as each goal was scored was really impressive, quite a mover for a 55 year old lady.

It was good to see how passionate she was for her team :yeah:

[Skybird]

Hy Sky, I forgot to mention how impressed I was with your Chancellor, Angela Merkel during the Germany v Argentina match :o

Her celebrations as each goal was scored was really impressive, quite a mover for a 55 year old lady.

It was good to see how passionate she was for her team :yeah:
Over here we currently find absolutely nothing impressive in her. We more think of her in terms of "total disaster", "complete failure", "non-existence".

[Schroeder]

^This!
She is our Gordon Brown.:damn:

[Jimbuna]

Over here we currently find absolutely nothing impressive in her. We more think of her in terms of "total disaster", "complete failure", "non-existence".

^This!
She is our Gordon Brown.:damn:

Ah, I see :hmmm:

Good dancer though :DL

[Wolfehunter]

Yeah, not only that handgoal but he even boasted with his betrayal and thought that made him a better man, which imo weighs even heavier and speaks against him no matter whether it was reflex or intention. If he wouldn'T have said anything about it or if he would have said "yes, it was a reflex" or whatever, and then a short apology, nobody would have made a big story of it anymore, now, 24 years later.

Beside that I never liked him anyway, already in my teen years. Egomanic primadonna, having always thought that it all is just about him, the hand of God, the navel of the universe. He did more stage-acting than coaching the team when he did his stunts and tricks at the sideline. I bet he is indeed a bad trainer, not knowing what to do when his team comes under pressure. He may be a good motivator, but a coach must be able to do a whole lot of things more than just holding motivating speeches, and must have more skills and competences than just matsering rethorics and acting like on a one-man-stage.

If the Argentinians are clever, they fire him, later return ruled out.You never knoticed the two guys standing near him coaching him on information... When something happened his advisors told him what to do next lol...:D

[Marcantilan]

Aye...what goes round, comes round :DL

"Best pleased to inform Her Majesty that the Union Jack once again flies over Stanley. God Save the Queen."

Write that in a condolence card and send it to him :smug:

So football is in the same league as war? Are you a Sun reader?

[Jimbuna]

So football is in the same league as war? Are you a Sun reader?

I'm afraid I'm not.

[Nicolas]

SCREW URUGUAY!! I have become aware of how they defeated Ghana. Not cool.

Screw your country i dont know which is it!! ;) Besides, Uruguay have less faults in the cup that Holland for example. Suarez is no cheater, was a reaction in hot.

[Skybird]

Go Holland! Remember we cannot eat you up in finals if you mess up today! :D

[Fincuan]

Suarez did what he had to and got punished according to the rules, end of story. I love it how people go on "ZOMG WTF CHIITORS!" and conveniently forget that the free kick leading to the situation was a result of blatant acting from a Ghana player, and that there was an offside the refs didn't catch a few seconds the "hand of god". So for Ghana better luck next time, and for Urugay... play well but not too well as I'd rather see the Dutch in the final :D

[Skybird]

Panic in Germany! Calamaris al dente for this evening's dinner! Octus Paul-the-Oracle has ruled that Germany shall fumble! Once again loosing in semifinals? Noooo!

That damn beast has seen it's last birthday in this world, I tell you!

On the other hand, two years ago he scored one, just one failing prediction, too: right for the finals he predicted a German win over Spain - but Germany lost.

Is he saying "Mea Culpa" for that mistake now?

[Jimbuna]

You will soon find out one way or the other Sky.http://www.hawaii-hawaii.net/gfx/octopus.gif

[nikimcbee]

Over here we currently find absolutely nothing impressive in her. We more think of her in terms of "total disaster", "complete failure", "non-existence".
:haha:(mini thread hijack)
So, I'll apply the US pcness. Doesn't that make you sexist?:haha:

un-hijack now:woot:

[nikimcbee]

I'm cheering for the chicks in the orange miniskirts.:woot::03:

[DarkFish]

I'm cheering for the chicks in the orange miniskirts.:woot::03:That makes two of us:yeah:

Uruguay, you're gonna die real soon:arrgh!:

[Hitman]

Panic in Germany! Calamaris al dente for this evening's dinner! Octus Paul-the-Oracle has ruled that Germany shall fumble! Once again loosing in semifinals? Noooo!

That damn beast has seen it's last birthday in this world, I tell you!

Naaaa the "Pulpo a Feira" is a traditional spanish receipt, guess the poor lad feared that if he predicted germany winning a spanish fan might cook him :haha:

Seriously, I would be VERY surprised if Spain beats germany this time. Bith spanish and german teams have changed a lot since the Eurocup, germany for a much better play and excellent, young new players, while spain has lost a lot of his control and precision. Had it not been for the top quality of our 7 (Villa) we would be out of the World cup long ago.

Our only hope is that Germany doesn't lock itself like all other teams have done before with us, they made us suffer a lot, and only because they lacked the necessary quality in attack have we been able to go fiurther. But Germany is a very different thing, their attackers are top quality and they can kill you if they have the slightest chance.

Oh well, since I am half german I consider myself winner no matter what happens :yeah:

[sergei]

Go on the Dutch! :woot:

[sergei]

:o What a goal!

[Tchocky]

Yowza!

[HunterICX]

:o What a goal!

That was a very nice shot indeed, however we are letting Uruguay getting on our nerves and currently play sloppy.

hopefully the coach will have words with the players during the break.

HunterICX

[DarkFish]

Halftime, 1-1 :o

But we'll still beat you:stare:

[Oberon]

Van Bommel = Teflon Don? :hmmm:

[Tchocky]

Van Bommel = Teflon Don? :hmmm:
Haha, guess not, BOOKED

[DarkFish]

We didn't exactly play too well, but we won nonetheless:DL

Only one thing to say about Uruguay, and that is hats off:salute:

[Oberon]

Ah, he did get booked in the last minutes.

Well, a good ending to a rather mediocre game. Now...who will the Cheesies be up against? The Paellas or the Wursts? :hmmm:

[Schroeder]

Now...who will the Cheesies be up against? The Paellas or the Wursts? :hmmm:
I thought we were Krauts?:doh:

[Oberon]

I thought we were Krauts?:doh:

Yeah, but Kraut and Cheese doesn't go together very well...whereas you can put cheese on your wurst in a bun. :yep:

[goldorak]

Ah, he did get booked in the last minutes.

Well, a good ending to a rather mediocre game. Now...who will the Cheesies be up against? The Paellas or the Wursts? :hmmm:


Cheese vs Paellas. :D

[ivank]

Hup holland hup

[Oberon]

Cheese vs Paellas. :D

How the heck will HunterICX cope? :doh:

[Jimbuna]

Van Bommel = Teflon Don? :hmmm:


LOL :DL

[Jimbuna]

Dutch triumph 3-1 :woot:

So who will they face in the final? :hmmm:

Wheres that octopus? :DL

http://www.hawaii-hawaii.net/gfx/octopus.gif

[HunterICX]

How the heck will HunterICX cope? :doh:

I'll wipe the paella rice of my cheese thank you :O:

HunterICX

[Oberon]

I'll wipe the paella rice of my cheese thank you :O:

HunterICX

Cheese through and through, eh? :salute:

[Oberon]

Dutch triumph 3-1 :woot:


What game were you watching, Jim? :hmmm:

(It was 3-2 to the Netherlands :03:)

[Jimbuna]

Cheese through and through, eh? :salute:


Kaas Kops :O:



http://www.thumbtackpress.com/browse/images/bobdob0006.jpg

[DarkFish]

Did anyone say cheese?:hmmm:

http://imgpe.trivago.com/uploadimages/48/76/4876714_l.jpeg

[goldorak]

How the heck will HunterICX cope? :doh:

He will have an indigestion. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

What game were you watching, Jim? :hmmm:

(It was 3-2 to the Netherlands :03:)

I stand corrected....well rather tonights Foster's does....it was 3-1 when I stopped watching, thought it was all over after Robben scored the third :DL

[Skybird]

whereas you can put cheese on your wurst in a bun. :yep:
Pfui Spinne... You imagine cheese on Bratwurst? Now i know why the English cuisine is so much feared in the world. :O:

That was a strange match for me. Six times I went out of the room, to kitchen, on the balcony to get some beer, once into the cellar. All five goals were acchieved when I was not there. I just saw the numbers having changed each time when I came back. :stare:

Lahm makes trouble in the German team. This after Paul's evil prediction. Some people have a questionable sense of timing. Blödmann - couldn't that debate have waited until next week...?

[Oberon]

:har: If you lose against Holland, perhaps they will cook you some? :03: Still, could be worse...you could have had us and black pudding :O:

The 2nd Uruguay goal was a very last minute affair, everyone thought it was done and dusted, even a cameraman ran onto the pitch and then Uruguay showed us a brief moment of what they could do...and then the final whistle blew. :hmmm:

[Oberon]

Oh...and blame the septics...they started this whole sausage inna bun trend :03::

http://seattlest.com/2008/10/14/bratwurst_and_cheese_with_secret_st.php

[Jimbuna]

This could well be a Holland v Germany final...only Spain can interene now :hmmm:

[Platapus]

Well The Frau, in true German tradition, will be "working from home" Wednesday to watch the match.

I will have to check the final scores on the radio on my way home from work to see if it is "safe" to come into the house.

Leave it to say that a Germany - Netherlands final would be good for my home life. A Germany win of the World Cup might even get me some sex. :yeah:

Go Germany!!! :up::up::up:

[nikimcbee]

Kaas Kops :O:



http://www.thumbtackpress.com/browse/images/bobdob0006.jpg

:har:

[TarJak]

Dutch triumph 3-1 :woot:

So who will they face in the final? :hmmm:

Wheres that octopus? :DL

http://www.hawaii-hawaii.net/gfx/octopus.gif
He's abandoned the Germans this time and picked Spain. Will be interesting to see if it's right.
http://www.smh.com.au/world-cup-2010/world-cup-news/psychic-octopus-tips-spain-to-beat-germany-20100707-zza5.html?autostart=1

[papa_smurf]

Will the Netherlands finally break their World Cup duck, and win it?

[Skybird]

Germany's chief scout, team spotter and analyst said something like that in principle Spain perfectly plays that kind of football that Joachim Löw's ideal he tries to realise with Germany is all about.

I think that is absolutely spot on. no other two teams at this championship play in so similiar fashion, like spain and germany. Germany only scored much more goals. If they still can do that tonight, against a defence following their own German ideal tactics, remains to be seen.

My bet for tonight: chances are 50:50.


Octus Paul-the-Oracle has ruled that Germany shall fumble! Once again loosing in semifinals?

On the other hand, two years ago he scored one, just one failing prediction, too: right for the finals he predicted a German win over Spain - but Germany lost.

[Castout]

I too abandoned German and now supporting Spain to be the 2010 World Cup Champion since several days ago.

I supported Netherlands and Germany before. Now I'm supporting Spain :O:.

GO SPAIN GO!!!

On a more serious note it's in my opinion that Spain is the only team in the 2010 World Cup that still plays beautiful football. They deserve to win even if they lost to Germany. I wish Spain all the best and to play with confidence and passion instead of pressure.

2010 World Cup is for Spain!!! :yeah:

[Jimbuna]

Getting a little nervous Sky? :DL

[Skybird]

Getting a little nervous Sky? :DLNo, but alarmed. If you play against Spain, you better are. Germany has copied the way the Spanish play, and even if Spain was not convicning throughout in this tournament, I think they still can add some pound to their performance level- while the Germans probably are already showing the maximum of what they can do. their match against Argentine was like from another star, I don't expect it to become any better. If they even can just repeat that performance level, remains to be seen. Müller's out, but he is not the most important layer.Schweinsteiger, Lahm or Friedrich are more important, while Müller'S loss can be compensated, I assume. Seen that way we are relatively lucky.

50:50 tonight. Could very well be the finals, already.

Damn octopus. If he is right, he will end in the pan. And if he was wrong, his oracles are worthless and he ends up in the pan anyway. :cool:

Anyway, I'm off to the football meeting& party. Everybody enjoy! Should become a hot and fast moving match.

[Castout]

50:50 tonight. Could very well be the finals, already.

Damn octopus. If he is right, he will end in the pan. And if he was wrong, his oracles are worthless and he ends up in the pan anyway. :cool:

Anyway, I'm off to the football meeting& party. Everybody enjoy! Should become a hot and fast moving match.

Give the octopus a break it only predicted matches for German and so far German has been having winning streak. It's all could very well be coincidence. I was lucky too before the World Cup began I guessed it was either the Dutch or the German that would win the World cup and both have been playing really well.

But I(and we all probably too) agree tonight could very well be the final.

Supporting German would be dull and Spain hasn't been getting their deserved appreciation and imo they play well and beautifully. So it's now Spain for me.
Match is going to start in couple minutes. ;-D

[Jimbuna]

First 15 minutes into the game and it is all Spanish pressure (two missed chances), Germany must soon work out a counter strategy.

[Oberon]

Are Spain playing football or pinball? :hmmm:

[robbo180265]

Spain seem to be searching for the perfect goal instead of just nailing the ball into the net. Germany look dangerous when in possession.

My heart wants Spain to win - my head says Germany.

[Jimbuna]

0 - 0 at half time but I think Spain edged it.

Sky could be heating the frying pan shortly to cook his octopus supper :DL

http://www.hawaii-hawaii.net/gfx/octopus.gif

[sergei]

Spain seem to be searching for the perfect goal instead of just nailing the ball into the net.

+1.

[antikristuseke]

****ing hell, goal for the *pointless racial slurr here* bastards.
1-0 to spain

[Jimbuna]

Aye, Spain take the lead....can the Germans fight back?

[Tchocky]

C'mon Germany!

[Konovalov]

Come on Spain. :rock:

[Oberon]

So...how do you like your Octopus? :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Germany are beaten....frying tonight :DL

http://www.hawaii-hawaii.net/gfx/octopus.gif

[DarkFish]

Schade, Deutschland, Alles ist vorbei, Alles ist vorbei, Alles ist vorbei!:arrgh!:

[robbo180265]

Well I'm happy with that - Spain deserved the win.

Calamari anyone?

[Hitman]

Enttäuschend, sehr enttäuschend.

Not that Germany lost -deservedly- but that they played so miserably. In the 2nd half they showed their true potentital, why did they not start the game like that????

They just played like ... Paraguay, or Portugal (Who also had a great team but played as a 3rd world one), for that matter.

Spain was the deserved winner, because we did not face the true germany. We just engaged a mock up of the extraordinary quality team they have.

Their choice to play like that ... our win.

We are on the edge of splitting as country, but we have 5 centuries worth of exploiting multiculturality. Germany is just beginning ;)

BTW, did I mention that cooked octopus is one of our specialities? :D

[Jimbuna]

Pauls last bid for freedom :rock:

http://mordred.punk.net/~jparzane/albums/alien_burbank/abk.sized.jpg

To no avail....Sky was faster :DL

[Castout]

Octopus is doing a good job and gets to keep his job. SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:yeah:

EXCELLENT DEFENSE

But what's up with pedro for foiling a second goal???? He looked compromised to me :haha:

[kranz]

just w8 for Skybird. Hes gonna tell us that "actually they did NOT lose"

[Betonov]

the match should have been at 4pm, so the spanish would take a siesta on the field

too bad though, I was rooting for germany

and freaky stuff with that octopus

[Fish]

Sunday, Spain-The netherlands, with Spain as favorite.

[Jimbuna]

Sunday, Spain-The netherlands, with Spain as favorite.

Possibly, but tbh tonight was the first time Germany have been really tested.

People will probably say Holland were tested earlier by Brazil but I'm not so sure the Brazilians were anywhere near their best.

Heres hoping for a great final.

[goldorak]

And here we are, Spain vs Holland. The supremacy of european football. :D

I told Skybird some days ago that Germany without Muller would be mortally wounded. They played the worst "italian-style" football ever seen.
It could have worked had they pressed the Spanish team, but they didn't.
Against a team that has a wonderfull control of the ball thats asking for problems.

I hope that Spain wins the world cup. They have a really great team. They deserve it. :woot:

[goldorak]

This is what the german coach gave his players after the match :

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/6760/lapaellaservita.jpg

The paella is served guys. :har:

[Jimbuna]

I've startling photos of Sky and Paul but I'll wait until Sky comes out of mourning before I post them....besides, it will give him a chance to consider my blackmail demands :DL

[Hitman]

I just opened the windows and listened ... mark my words, guys: In 9 months we will have the spanish Baby Boom of the century!!! :har:

the match should have been at 4pm, so the spanish would take a siesta on the field


Siesta and Paella, love the clichees ... I have never ever slept a siesta in my life, and actually I know more people who haven't than who have :|\\ but on the Paella, you are right :D we cooke the most wonderful rice in the world :rock:

But how will we do against cheese and windmills? :hmmm:

Hmmmmmmmmmmm thinking about it, windmills doesn't seem actually a good choice :88)

http://www.moonbattery.com/DonQuixoteWindmill.gif

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Quixote :stare:

[Hitman]

BTW did I mention that traditionally we have here a "suc de taronja" (Orange juice) almost daily? :D

[Konovalov]

just w8 for Skybird. Hes gonna tell us that "actually they did NOT lose"
In 10,000 words or less? I don't think so. :03:

Seriously, it was a good game though Germany didn't play to their potential But that is always the beauty of these do or die matches. It's all about performing on the big stage. Today Spain accomplished this. They were disciplined and determined in defence and they could have put the game to bed with a square pass to the left inside the box but someone got greedy.

[Skybird]

:cry:

That was it for Germany. Congrats to the spanish who deserved the win much more than their opponents.

First half was dominated by the Spanish, there is no way to put it any more politely. the only thing I can say in defenc eof the Germans is that they appeared to be very nervous, or playing with an almost self-paralysing ammount of respect. but putting that aside, the Spanish still played with an ammount of unbelievable precison and tactical control of space that one needs to see in order to believe it. I give the first half in shares 65:35 to the Spanish.

Second half saw the Germans trying to get into the match by sudden, assault-like counter-attacks - of which unfortunately there were too few. 1-on-1 fights ended more often in Germany's favour now, but although they initiated some pressing during some phases of the second half, again the Spanish may have had a share of 55:45 in the second half.

A major difference throughout the match: the Spanish players immediately attacked any german who owend the ball. the German players almost always kept a distance to the ball-leading Spanish player, and attacked relatievly late. I wonder why that was not switched off in halftime. It was so very obvious.

I am dissapointed that almost all German players this time simply played below their possible skill level. I think this was not just due to Spanish powerplay, but they really picked a weaker day this time. In defence of the German team I must say that they probably were the first team in this tournament that nevertheless made the Spanish dropping their mask and made them showing their full potential. Considering the Spanish team's formidable precision and control of space, this is a compliment for the Germans nevertheless.

Schweinsteiger nevertheless for me is a contender for the title as MVP of the tournament. It is like I wrote before the tournament: I said back then that I doubt that Ballack would be missed. Indeed, not only was his absence fully compensated, but they played better without him than with him. Germany's match versus Argentinia was the finest match of a German team that I can remember from all my life.

I hate the idea that this team of young wilds, that has surprised me and many others so positively, in the end lost to just the second ranked competitor in the tournament, so I'm sorry Holland: but I hope the Spanish will win the final. I'm sure that the Dutch will have no pleasure trying to find a weak spot in this highly dynamic energy shield their opponent covers all the pitch with.

Never again remind me of that octopus. Damn beast, miserable one. :arrgh!:

[Lord_magerius]

Oh god... Spain vs Holland, my two favourite teams... apart from england of course. I think I might have to go for spain on this one... Just to piss Darkfish off if we win... But I want Holland to win... and I also want Spain to win. Damn you sweet irony! The two teams that I thought only one would make it to the final. Serves me right for enjoying good football I suppose :O:

[TarJak]

Viva Espana! Calamari for dinner tonight Sky?

On a slightly OT note, I stumbled across this story this morning: http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/domestic-violence-and-the-world-cup/

[Jimbuna]

Never again remind me of that octopus. Damn beast, miserable one. :arrgh!:
Just this one last time :DL

Sky got his revenge on Paul :rotfl2:


http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2958/dsc00387wz8.jpg

http://www.academiabarilla.com/imgu/recipes-steps/moscardini-in-tecia-con-polenta-al-pesto-di-rucola-passaggio01.jpg

[delArko]

Kill that octopus as soon as possible. Long live Germany!

[Castout]

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/2958/dsc00387wz8.jpg



:hmmm: That really looks yummy I'm already feeling hungry just by looking at that.
.

[Wolfehunter]

I'm upset the way Germany played. Spain deserved the win. Germany played like a bunch of pansies. I don't understand what they where thinking. There tactics were off the mark.

Some point they didn't even try. What defence? There goalie was the only one playing. :nope:

Congratulation to Spain.

[Castout]

IWhat defence? There goalie was the only one playing. :nope:



Agree. Well I only watched the last 16 minutes and lucky enough to witness the single goal but that's how I saw it too.

Spain put much emphasis on defense (and that was an awesome display of defense and ball control) and a surprise fast counter attack that sealed the fate of the German team. Should have been two no for Spain.

Anyway Skybird or you could probably avenge the match with THIS (http://fifa-world-cup.easports.com/news.action?id=News%20FIFA%20Online%20Beta)
Or we could set a subsim team or what? who wants to see Skybird against Sailor Steve or Hitman or Wolfehunter in soccer match?! Haven't tried it myself though.

[Jimbuna]

No sign of Sky yet? :hmmm:

Hope there's no bridges near where he lives...or buses :DL

[Arclight]

Maybe scroll up a little further... jeesh, first the memory and now the eyesight? :O:

[HunterICX]

Maybe scroll up a little further... jeesh, first the memory and now the eyesight? :O:

Aging is a b!tch :D

HunterICX

[papa_smurf]

Wow, last nights match was a joy to watch. Spain played really well in pegging back the German attack, so a big congrats to the Spanish.

Viva Espania!