FIFA World Cup 2014

[Feuer Frei!]

Are we starting a Brazil World Cup Thread?
Since, you know, it is the biggest sporting event and 'search' did not bring up a hit, and....kick-off is imminent.

EDIT:

Added some handy links:

http://www.fifa.com/newscentre/widgets/

https://www.arewethere.yt/2014-FIFA-World-Cup/809.htm#.U2zU9ldIpns

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/

[TarJak]

My prediction is that the Socceroos get kicked by the big boys in their pool.

[ReallyDedPoet]

Nice, really looking forward to this :yep:

[Feuer Frei!]

My prediction is that the Socceroos get kicked by the big boys in their pool.

Your Nostradamus-style foretelling will come true.

[Dread Knot]

Cameroon to WIN IT ALL!!! :D There! How's that for going out on a limb?

As for the United States, same and lame as always. A brief surge of interest if they start well, national outrage for a nano-second when they crash & burn, and then back to sleeping through the baseball season. Tim Howard’s beard will finally consume his head.

[BossMark]

England will lose to Italy and Uruguay and maybe get a draw against Costa Rica thus finishing bottom of group D

I really hope I am wrong......

[Jimbuna]

Brazil for the win and England to fail at the group phase.

[Feuer Frei!]

Strangely enough, betting odds (currently) have Argentina at no 2, ahead of Germany and Spain.
Brazil at no 1, with England a long shot at 28/1.
You'd have to be game or stupid or both to put down on England.

My prediction: Germany v Brazil final with Germany to triumph.

[TarJak]

I reckon the home crowd will be the difference if Brazil are in the final. None of the team will want to get lynched on the way out of the stadium.

[Jimbuna]

My two dark horses are Argentina and Spain.

[BossMark]

My two dark horses are Argentina and Spain.
Even I am not daft enough to back England, so I may have a few quid on Spain retaining the trophy that they won 4 years ago.

[Dan D]

Put your money on Belgium.

[Feuer Frei!]

Put your money on Belgium.

Why?

[Jimbuna]

Put your money on Belgium.

Possibly one of the most underated european teams atm but not up to world cup winning standard imho.

[BossMark]

What's red and white and takes 270 minutes?

England's World Cup Finals campaign.

[Dan D]

Possibly one of the most underated european teams atm but not up to world cup winning standard imho.

Yes, they have an excellent squad this time. Ok, fiscally conservative people may put their money on Belgium to make it to the the semi-final and win third place?

[Jimbuna]

I'm looking at the England squad and the only one with a goalscoring track record is Rooney aka Shrek who has scored 38 goals for his country but has yet to score in the World Cup.

[Tango589]

The problem is that there are no longer enough good English players in the Premiership to form a decent International team. As soon as you take out all the foreign talent they are shown up for the useless fat lumps of lard they really are.:nope:

[BossMark]

I typed in odds on England winning the world cup into google and a picture of a drain grid came up

[Jimbuna]

What would you call an Englishman in the last 16 of the 2014 World Cup?

A referee.

[BossMark]

(http://www.sickipedia.org/sports/football/i-saw-a-link-earlier-which-said-click-here-to-1567954#) I saw a link earlier which said - 'Click here to see the players who will end England's World Cup dreams'

So I did...

It brought me straight to Hodgson's team selection on the FA's website.

[Jimbuna]

Roy Hodgson was wheeling his shopping trolley across the supermarket car park when he noticed an old lady struggling with her bags of shopping.
He stopped and asked, “Can you manage dear?”
To which the old lady replied, “No way. You got yourself into this mess, don’t ask me to sort it out!”

[BossMark]

I've just seen the England squad for the World cup. And I must say I'm full of confidence for this summers tournament, I've stuck £50 on Brazil to win.

[mapuc]

As a Sports commentator once said,

"In the end it will be these 5 countries that will make up to wind the trophy"

I think it still counts. In the Semi's we will see 2-4 of these 5 countries

I guess it Will be

Germany
Brazil
Spain
France
Maybe following countries will make it too

Holland
England
Italy
Argentina

Markus

[Jimbuna]

As a Sports commentator once said,

"In the end it will be these 5 countries that will make up to wind the trophy"

I think it still counts. In the Semi's we will see 2-4 of these 5 countries

I guess it Will be

Germany
Brazil
Spain
France
Maybe following countries will make it too

Holland
England
Italy
Argentina

Markus

Add Argentina for sure.

[Feuer Frei!]

No one mentioning Chile is fraught with danger.
They beat England in a recent friendly and made Germany work hard for their 1:0 win.
South American style Football is both pretty to watch and very hard to tactically combat.

Inbefore you say: 'friendlies don't mean squat'.

In the grand scheme of things friendlies are a good opportunity for the coach to experiment with formations, team changes and blooding new caps.
Friendlies have a psychological factor to them and losing a friendly just before a major competition can affect team dynamics and mental mind sets.

I think Chile will be a dark horse, as much as Portugal will, also don't discount teams like the US and Colombia giving teams a hard time.

31 days to go.

[BossMark]

A survey has suggested that a pint of beer could cost as much as £21 in some parts of Brazil during the World Cup.

I'm not going now, there's no way I'll enjoy an England game sober.

[Jimbuna]

FIFA have a rule that the host nation automatically qualifies for the World Cup.

Scotland have applied to host the tournament in 2018, 2022, 2026, 2030, 2034, 2038, 2042...

[Skybird]

Test match Germany - Poland a boring 0:0. Not encouraging. Germany's graph definitely points downward since quite some time now, they have not lost, but also not won, and convincing they did not either. 12 newcomers tried - so short before the tournament...!? Not encouraging either.

On Brazil, the tournament promises to become a fiscal and social disaster for Brazil. Not only have hundreds of thousands been relocated by force, but the social tensions due to insane money spent on stadiums (still not ready) while leaving hot burning social conflicts unadressed, will not shrink by this tournament. Today a study got published that shows that Brazil has to expect not the smallest economical benefit from hosting this tournament (which is no surprise, these sports events never hold what they promise).

Außer Spesen nix gewesen. One would imagine the country has much more urgent problems to deal with.

[TarJak]

https://image-store.slidesharecdn.com/84b59cb8-c156-11e3-838e-123139077938-original.jpeg

[Jimbuna]

I remember when England were preparing their world cup bid, FIFA set out a long list of demands, one of which was that all profits to them were to be paid without any deduction of tax :nope:

[Jimbuna]

'Perfect timing' some might say :hmmm:

The coach of Brazil's national football team, Luiz Felipe Scolari, is to face a criminal investigation, reports from Portugal say, as he denies tax evasion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27406730

[Rhodes]

And do you think that the case will go forward or something? Even with our corrupt countrymen, this kind of cases don't go anywhere, even more with some foreigner!

[Feuer Frei!]

Test match Germany - Poland a boring 0:0. Not encouraging. Germany's graph definitely points downward since quite some time now, they have not lost, but also not won, and convincing they did not either. 12 newcomers tried - so short before the tournament...!? Not encouraging either.

I don't think it was as bad as what you make it out to be.
http://www.dfb.de/news/de/d-nationalmannschaft/junges-deutsches-team-mit-0-0-gegen-polen/58285.html
So viele chancen, weit überlegen.
Did you want a 2:0 score line or something?
Die National Mannschaft ist immer dabei, bei den Finalen Spiele.
I will say that when they have gotten so close it is frustrating to see they have faltered at the end, but, they were simply outplayed by a better team (see Spain and Italy, their nemesis).
No shame in losing to a better team.
Consistency is a good thing, many teams would love to have that aspect going into a major tournament.
Rest assured, they will be there again towards the end, and rather than writing them off already, Löw has a good team, mixed with youth and exhuberance, along with experienced heads...
I'm not discounting them.

On Brazil...

And lets not forget the deaths that have occurred.

[Jimbuna]

And do you think that the case will go forward or something? Even with our corrupt countrymen, this kind of cases don't go anywhere, even more with some foreigner!

The case was brought forward by your countrymen.

[Skybird]

Löw's super-young team maybe has a plus regarding stamina in the hot Brazilian climate. But on the other aspect you mentioned, Feuer frei!, since several tournaments, a whole player generation, they say how great and good they are, and then they play and die beautifully. That golden generation has come and gone now, and what is left of it? Nothing. You may not like it, but nice playing is not being remembered, not even second and third places, but titles. They have had three or four runs now, and as I said: they ended by dying beautifully. That is not enough for a generation that many have - correctly - once called a golden generation. the Germans lifted thmesleves to the French and Spanish level, and then other teams have adapted to the German level, and the German advantage over most - but not all - teams have been neutralised again. And I wonder whether the Spaniards really were relived from their dominant role in Europe. Maybe the Bavarian success last year made us all no longer realistically seeing where German football really stands.

The most shining aspect of German football, are its economic structure,s in this we are absolutely world-class and probably much better than any other football league there is, since there is much less debt and much more functioning economics funding the clubs, not exotic millionaires and sheichs and oligarchs trying to buy their success by setting up fantasy teams while drowning in debts of hundreds and hundreds of millions like the Spanish clubs.

Knapp daneben ist auch vorbei. Sie müssen es endlich mal einlochen. Anläufe hatten sie genug. Personally, i do no longer like the regime Löw has established, the players are to submissive and tame and obedient and well-behaved, no biting dirty dog out there, but a captain who complained about expectations being formulated by the public instead of applauding them for just playing football for the joy of it.

That the Brazilians are top favourites, goes without saying, but if they can stand the pressure of public expectations remains to be seen. Argentina and Spain go strong as well, and maybe Portugal and Italy. These are my second favourites. I think Germany indeed could leave earlier than in last tournaments. Argentia has the advantage of playing almost at home, too, and being used to the climate, but not facing the pressure the Brazilians have to bear. They will fight til they drop, I think.

[Rhodes]

The case was brought forward by your countrymen.

And with that I rest my case! :know:

[Jimbuna]

As bad as that eh? :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

I'm doing the World Cup Panini Sticker Album. Anyone wanna play swapsies? I've got the same Japan player 23 times.

[Oberon]

http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Sports+with+Britain.+r+polandball_b792cf_4894271.p ng

[Tango589]

http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Sports+with+Britain.+r+polandball_b792cf_4894271.p ng

Sad but unfortunately true.:nope:

[BossMark]

England have put in a last minute request. They want all the stadiums where they're playing, to be relaid with copies of The Sun.
Because on paper England are a good team.

[Jimbuna]

I hope Joe Hart doesn't get dandruff and ruin England's World Cup chances.

[BossMark]

Just heard that a guy on death row in the states has been told he can pick his own firing squad. He's chosen Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge and Lambert..

[Jimbuna]

Most likely to be sent home in disgrace

John Terry, after smuggling himself into the cargo hold and turning up for England’s first training session in freshly-ironed kit.

[BossMark]

Phil Jones is about as much use as forward gears on an Italian tank.

[mapuc]

Earlier today I saw a small documentary on a Danish News channel

Is this the price the poor and the middle class Brazilians are paying, so you and I can't enjoy great football.

Huge increase in the prices on buss ticket major increase in prices on food a.s.o

Billions on new stadiums but no money to hospital.

Before I saw this program I was counting days until the event started, after I have seen it, I have a bad aftertaste.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Good to see you have eventually woken up and smelled the coffee....there have been protests and riots on the streets for well over a month now.

[TarJak]

So when does the fitba start? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN3CrpAKakQ

[Jimbuna]

Not long to go:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W3sWiZ-iO8

[BossMark]

Wayne Rooney has announced "I'm going to deliver in Brazil".

Didn't know they had Pizza Hut over there.

[mapuc]

Good to see you have eventually woken up and smelled the coffee....there have been protests and riots on the streets for well over a month now.

I knew a little by reading the news, I didn't however knew it was that horrible.

I hope The Brazilian Government find a solution before the Event start or The Football team wins the tournament.

If the Football team lose then the situation could get nasty.( this was said in the documentary)

Markus

[TarJak]

They've not been able to fix the problems they've got to date so I doubt anything will change in the next few weeks.

[Jimbuna]

I knew a little by reading the news, I didn't however knew it was that horrible.

I hope The Brazilian Government find a solution before the Event start or The Football team wins the tournament.

If the Football team lose then the situation could get nasty.( this was said in the documentary)

Markus

Too late for that now, less than three weeks to go and there are still stadiums awaiting completion:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Brazil-s-Pele-fears-World-Cup-embarrassment_8395869

[BossMark]

England are 28/1 to win the World Cup this summer, for those who don't understand betting if you put £10 on it, you lose £10.

[Jimbuna]

After England were stitched up by FIFA in the World Cup bid,we should follow Scotland and Wales example and just refuse to even try to qualify in future.

[Jimbuna]

Ronaldo was so confident in playing England he told his teammates he's going to play England by himself so he's teammates went down the pub.
After a drink or two one of them looked at their phone and saw Brazil winning 1-0 with 5 minutes gone.
It stayed 1-0 until the 70th minute when England equalised so his teammates thought they'd give Ronaldo a hand but by the time they got there the match was over.
They saw Ronaldo crying in the locker room and they asked what's wrong?
He said " Lads I'm so sorry I let you down"
They said "What you on about you drew 1-1 with England that's great.
He replied " Yeah, I know but I got sent off in the 15th minute"

[BossMark]

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar, a country where you cannot drink alcohol.

This will be the one World Cup the Scots will ironically qualify for.

[Jimbuna]

Highly unlikely.

[Rhodes]

Ronaldo was so confident in playing England he told his teammates he's going to play England by himself so he's teammates went down the pub.
After a drink or two one of them looked at their phone and saw Brazil winning 1-0 with 5 minutes gone.
It stayed 1-0 until the 70th minute when England equalised so his teammates thought they'd give Ronaldo a hand but by the time they got there the match was over.
They saw Ronaldo crying in the locker room and they asked what's wrong?
He said " Lads I'm so sorry I let you down"
They said "What you on about you drew 1-1 with England that's great.
He replied " Yeah, I know but I got sent off in the 15th minute"

http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/13356/slap-7372thumb.gif

[the_tyrant]

Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney took time off from the England training camp in Portugal today to visit a local orphanage.

"It's heartbreaking to see their sad little faces, so full of despair and no hope,"

said Carlos, aged 6..............

[BossMark]

Just seen the latest Paddypower odds of 100/1 for England to win the world cup and I must admit it's definitely worth a tenner.

On Brazil.

[Jimbuna]

1966 was a one night stand. The World Cup didn’t enjoy it so won’t be coming back.

[TarJak]

You could give this bloke a call. He might be able to change that:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-26/730-socer-match-fixing-story/5479174

[Jimbuna]

That's the type of divine intervention we would need to have any chance at all :)

[BossMark]

England will go a long way in this years world cup.

In all fairness, it is in Brazil.

[Jimbuna]

Nobody is expecting much from them so they may surprise a few people but personally, I don't expect them to qualify to the knock-out stage.

[Feuer Frei!]

Good luck Australia. You will need it, and more.

Crappy lacklustre performance against a second string South Africa.
1:1 Scoreline.

You will get smashed in your group :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Just got my Jack Wilshere world cup Panini sticker ' peeled the back off and he's dislocated his shoulder.

[TarJak]

Good luck Australia. You will need it, and more.

Crappy lacklustre performance against a second string South Africa.
1:1 Scoreline.

You will get smashed in your group :haha:

If we're very very lucky we might scrape a draw against Chile. I doubt it though. We're up for a spanking with Spain and the Netherlands though. They will be the top two in our group Australia will be on holiday after game 3.

[Jimbuna]

Tonight's Scotland-Nigeria match is going to end in a 2-0 victory for Scotland.

I found this out by simply sending my bank details and mother's maiden name to PO Box 2483, Lagos, Nigeria.

[BossMark]

Even with match fixing, how can Scotland still to win :haha:

[mapuc]

Tonight's Scotland-Nigeria match is going to end in a 2-0 victory for Scotland.

I found this out by simply sending my bank details and mother's maiden name to PO Box 2483, Lagos, Nigeria.

Had a look at this match on the Danish Bet homepage here the bets

Scotland-Nigeria(in percent)=18-22-60. Danish Bet say it's 18 percent chances that Scotland will win.

Markus

[Horst Degen]

Hey guys!.......The Armada is coming....Spain is coming! see you soon in Brasil!..... Holland vs Spain...great game! :salute:

Cheers!!

[Jimbuna]

Had a look at this match on the Danish Bet homepage here the bets

Scotland-Nigeria(in percent)=18-22-60. Danish Bet say it's 18 percent chances that Scotland will win.

Markus

Two apiece :yep:

[BossMark]

My wife carries a can of pepper spray in case she gets attacked by a rapist.

Which is a bit like me carrying a flag in case England win the world cup.

[Jimbuna]

Funniest World Cup statement from England thus far :88)

England manager Roy Hodgson says he wants to "bottle" the quality his players are showing in training and use it against Italy in the World Cup on June 14.

Hodgson and captain Steven Gerrard were speaking ahead of England's friendly against Peru at Wembley on Friday and Gerrard says the standard is high with "two great players fighting for each position".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27620267

[Jimbuna]

Three stadia are still not completed...

Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke is concerned over the readiness of three venues scheduled to host games at the World Cup, which begins on 12 June.
Valcke has expressed his fears over preparations in Natal, Porto Alegre and Sao Paulo, venue for the opening game between Brazil and Croatia.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27632572

[TarJak]

Three stadia are still not completed...



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27632572

amanhã:shucks:

[Rhodes]

amanhã:shucks:
Amanhã os tomates, ontem!:O:

[Jimbuna]

I'm wondering if there'll be any protests or riots on the streets during the tournament.

[BossMark]

I'm wondering if there'll be any protests or riots on the streets during the tournament.
Wonder what odds are? unfortunately I think they could well be some.

[Jimbuna]

Was working with a guy last night who put£10 on Rooney to score first and England to win 5-0 :)

[BossMark]

Was working with a guy last night who put£10 on Rooney to score first and England to win 5-0 :)
And thought I wasted my money on silly bets :haha:

[Jimbuna]

And thought I wasted my money on silly bets :haha:

I forgot to ask him what price he got and too late now because he packed in last night.

[mapuc]

Got an idea, not saying it's a perfect idea

It's a point giving competition where every person who attend this competition gets a point for every correct answer

Been thinking of starting a new thread the day before the event start and name it "FIFA world cup 2014 competitions bet.

a little more about my idea

Points for correct answer on which countries that goes from each groups
Points for which countries that meets in the semifinal and the final
Points for correct winner and point if correct result is given in a game
E.g England-Italy. I say it's going to be a draw 1-1(if it's a draw I got 1 point and if the end result is 1-1 I got additional points.

The person who's going to attend this competition use the same posting. Meaning the person edit his or her posting before the matches.
And the person keeps his own counting in how many points he has.

The winner gets the right to brag.

Just an idea.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Fifa faces calls to quash Qatar World Cup vote after corruption allegations

Surely not :hmmm:

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/01/qatar-2022-world-cup-allegations-fifa-revote

[BossMark]

^^
And should that corrupt fat bastard Sepp Blatter resign over this?

[Jimbuna]

IMO he should have resigned years ago and never stood for re-election.

[Admiral Halsey]

I don't really like soccer/football that much but I did have have a thought. If the 2022 World Cup has a revote the only place that's really an option to hold it is the US isn't it?

[Feuer Frei!]

If the 2022 World Cup has a revote the only place that's really an option to hold it is the US isn't it?

Nope.

[Jimbuna]

I don't really like soccer/football that much but I did have have a thought. If the 2022 World Cup has a revote the only place that's really an option to hold it is the US isn't it?

Why the US? There were plenty of bidders initially.

[Feuer Frei!]

Why the US? There were plenty of bidders initially.
Not that many.
Australia, Japan and South Korea. (with the US)
Indonesia and Mexico faltered.

[Jimbuna]

Not that many.
Australia, Japan and South Korea. (with the US)
Indonesia and Mexico faltered.

Okay, seven initially, two dropped out, so take Qatar out and you still have four (including the US).

I believe FIFA to be so 'suspect' that it wouldn't surprise me if a quick bidding session was opened up to all those who could guarantee an acceptable state of readiness for the start of the competition.

Money can speak volumes yet look at the mess Brazil is in.

[BossMark]

It's a pity the Republic Of Ireland didn't make it to the world cup.

It would mean there was more chance of an Englishman getting a medal.

[Feuer Frei!]

Who will you nominate as Golden Boot of WC 2014?

Who will you nominate as Young Player of WC2014?

Who will you nominate as Golden Gloves of WC 2014?


My picks:

Either Lionel Messi or Neymar.

Marco Reus or Isco.

Manuel Neuer, Iker Cassilas or Giainluigi Buffon.

[Jimbuna]

I can not believe how many Scousers are in the England squad.
Are we going to Brazil to try and win the world cup, or just nick it.?

[Jimbuna]

A warning for any country conceding a goal against Brazil:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27678434

[BossMark]

Steven Gerrard reveals that England are preparing for World Cup penalty shootouts by practising shaking their heads while looking dejected

[mapuc]

Have been looking at the groups and....Well it would be a big surprise if England and Italy doesn't advanced from group D

If England win the group they shall meet number 2 in Group C
If England is second they shall meet number 1 in group C

None of the teams in that group looks like difficult opponent

So I say that England has a very good chance to reach quarterfinal


Markus

[Feuer Frei!]

Have been looking at the groups and....Well it would be a big surprise if England and Italy doesn't advanced from group D

If England win the group they shall meet number 2 in Group C
If England is second they shall meet number 1 in group C

None of the teams in that group looks like difficult opponent

So I say that England has a very good chance to reach quarterfinal


Markus

Costa Rica and especially Uruguay are no easy-beats, but, i would agree that England and Italy are almost assured of group progression.

Group C, whatever England and Italy finish in their group, would either face Colombia or Greece. Japan might be the dark horse in that group.
Colombia play well, Greece are not to be underestimated either.

England and Italy will be a cracking game.

[Jimbuna]

This is the first World Cup in my memory where England do not Expect so there may be a surprise in store if the boys don't feel they are under public scrutiny/pressure.

Fingers crossed but honestly not expecting all that much from them.

[BossMark]

After England laboured to a 2-2 draw against Ecuador, pundits are saying that England's strikers couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo.

Although I don't see what Wayne and Coleen Rooney get up to in the bedroom has to do with England's World Cup prospects.

[Jimbuna]

Geoff Hurst still hasn’t had to buy his own pint since 1966. Wayne Rooney probably has, though.

[mapuc]

Yesterday I bought Betting Extra World Cup special. In this issue two football expert was asked 13 question. one of them was

How far will England go?

Both expert agreed on that England had to leave after group play.

Well let see how right they were.

The Danish Bet has as usual made a special World cup basket(there will be 4) and on each there are 12 Football matches from the World Cup

Coupon number 1 has the first 12 matches from the event

Any advise on how the result would end in these 12 matches?

Ohh forgot something. I have to mark the result I think a match would end after 90 minutes with either 1. x or 2.

Example: Brazil-Croatia If Brazil win it's marked with 1 if it's a draw it's marked with an X. And a 2 if Croatia win

Markus

[TarJak]

Tim Cahill obviously got a few too many knocks to the head at Everton:http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-08/australia-well-placed-for-chile-cahill/5508210

[Feuer Frei!]

Latest betting odds:

http://www.skybet.com/football/world-cup


"Price Boost: England not to qualify from group stage= 6/4"

:haha:

[Jimbuna]

Joe Hart said that England have a good chance of winning the Brazil World Cup.

I fully expect him to be banned from the tournament, for failing his drugs test tonight.

[Jimbuna]

The only thing confirmed by last night's draw with Honduras, is there are 23 seats on an early flight home.

[Feuer Frei!]

The only thing confirmed by last night's draw with Honduras, is there are 23 seats on an early flight home.

I must admit, it's hard to forget that they are notorious 'chokers' when it comes to big tournaments, however, surely you guys over there have some sort of iota of optimism?

If you look at their group, they have Costa Rica, surely they should beat them, then you have Italy, who is known as grinding out results with a rock solid defense, well, that is going to be a cracking game, could go either way, and then you have Uruguay, 2-time champs. That is a bit of an enigma for me, since Uruguay are currently ranked 7th, but really, rankings don't mean much on the pitch on match day.
If i was a England supporter, the only 'really big' worry for me would be the Italy game, the others certainly not so much.

[Jimbuna]

I must admit, it's hard to forget that they are notorious 'chokers' when it comes to big tournaments, however, surely you guys over there have some sort of iota of optimism?

If you look at their group, they have Costa Rica, surely they should beat them, then you have Italy, who is known as grinding out results with a rock solid defense, well, that is going to be a cracking game, could go either way, and then you have Uruguay, 2-time champs. That is a bit of an enigma for me, since Uruguay are currently ranked 7th, but really, rankings don't mean much on the pitch on match day.
If i was a England supporter, the only 'really big' worry for me would be the Italy game, the others certainly not so much.

You could be right but over the years England have developed a penchant for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in major tournaments :)

[BossMark]

Am going stick my head on the line and say England to draw with Italy and Uruguay and beat Costa Rica 5 points should be enough to take us out of the group.

[Moonlight]

I'll go England for a win draw and a loss, I'm hoping that will be enough for an early flight home. :haha:

[mapuc]

can't remember which tournament it was but Sweden lost every of their matches in group play everyone ended 1-2 I do however remember a colleague from who said if you are a Swede you support the Swedish team and do not talk negative about them.

That's was before this world Cup started

No its not you are not committed to support your countries football team.

My favorite team has always been Germany and Holland

Of course when Sweden played I had high hopes they would win I even crossed every fingers I had.

Markus

[mapuc]

Advice on the outcome of these 12 matches:

1. Brazil-Croatia
2. Mexico-Cameroon
3. Spain-Holland
4. Chile-Australia
5. Columbia-Greece
6. Uruguay-Costa Rica
7. England-Italy
8. Côte d'Ivoire-Japan
9. switzerland-Ecuador
10. France-Honduras
11. Argentina-Bosnia and herzegovina
12. Germany-Portugal

I'm not looking for how many goals its going to be in each matches but which team will win or will it be a draw?

Markus

[Feuer Frei!]

Advice on the outcome of these 12 matches:
1. Brazil-Croatia Brazil
2. Mexico-Cameroon Mexico
3. Spain-Holland Spain
4. Chile-Australia Chile
5. Columbia-Greece Columbia
6. Uruguay-Costa Rica Uruguay
7. England-Italy Could be a draw or Italy
8. Côte d'Ivoire-Japan Japan
9. switzerland-Ecuador Draw or Switzerland
10. France-Honduras France
11. Argentina-Bosnia and herzegovina Argentina
12. Germany-Portugal Germany
Markus

They are my picks. Let's hope number 12 in particular happens.

[mapuc]

They are my picks. Let's hope number 12 in particular happens.

Thank you.

In some bets or in my case on every coupon or basket there's always two or more surprises.

Where in these 12 matches would these surprises occur?

The opening match tends to end egal or draw, but Brazil are at home and they are superb. Here I have 1X(with the 1 as favorite)

England? well so far they haven't convinced me at all. One thing is a test match another thing is when it gets real. Here I have 1X2 (with X as favorite)

Number 9. Here I have 1 2 (with 1 as favorite)

Number 12. Here I have 1X2 (favorite X)

Why I chosed X in match 12. Germany has shown they are fit and so have Portugal, therefor draw. And should Germany win(which I also hope) I have calculatet for that or the system has.

You have to get between 12 and 10 correct answers if you want to win something.



Markus

[BossMark]

Advice on the outcome of these 12 matches:

1. Brazil-Croatia Brazil
2. Mexico-Cameroon Cameroon
3. Spain-Holland Spain
4. Chile-Australia Chile
5. Columbia-Greece Greece
6. Uruguay-Costa Rica Uruguay
7. England-Italy Draw
8. Côte d'Ivoire-Japan Draw
9. switzerland-Ecuador Switzerland
10. France-Honduras France
11. Argentina-Bosnia and herzegovina Argentina
12. Germany-Portugal Portugal

I'm not looking for how many goals its going to be in each matches but which team will win or will it be a draw?

Markus
Well that my selection

[Rhodes]

"Prognosis only after the game ends!" as said once by a portuguese player!:D

[Jimbuna]

Am going stick my head on the line and say England to draw with Italy and Uruguay and beat Costa Rica 5 points should be enough to take us out of the group.

Lose to Italy, draw with Uruguay and scrape a 1-0 win over Costa Rica...then the flight home.

[Jimbuna]

Advice on the outcome of these 12 matches:

1. Brazil-Croatia Brazil
2. Mexico-Cameroon Mexico
3. Spain-Holland Draw
4. Chile-Australia Chile
5. Columbia-Greece Columbia
6. Uruguay-Costa Rica Uruguay
7. England-Italy Italy
8. Côte d'Ivoire-Japan Draw
9. switzerland-Ecuador Draw
10. France-Honduras France
11. Argentina-Bosnia and herzegovina Argentina
12. Germany-Portugal Portugal

I'm not looking for how many goals its going to be in each matches but which team will win or will it be a draw?

Markus

My predictions.

[Moonlight]

Advice on the outcome of these 12 matches:

1. Brazil-Croatia Brazil
2. Mexico-Cameroon Mexico
3. Spain-Holland Spain
4. Chile-Australia Chile
5. Columbia-Greece Columbia
6. Uruguay-Costa Rica Uruguay
7. England-Italy Italy
8. Côte d'Ivoire-Japan Côte d'Ivoire
9. switzerland-Ecuador Ecuador
10. France-Honduras France
11. Argentina-Bosnia and Herzegovina Argentina
12. Germany-Portugal Germany

I'm not looking for how many goals its going to be in each matches but which team will win or will it be a draw?

Markus
:hmmm: I'm hopeless at football predictions so I'll be happy if I get 3 right.

[BossMark]

The England football team were given a tour of a Favela in Brazil today.
"It was sad to see those people who have absolutely no hope."

Said a resident of the Favela.

[mapuc]

Thank you for your advise

After we can see who had most right. a little competition so to say

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Reporter- "Mr Hodgson, how far away are you from a world class team?"

Hodgson-"about 3 hotels"

[BossMark]

David Beckham says striker Wayne Rooney is essential to England's chances at the World Cup because he "scares" opposition teams.

That's not nice, he can't help being ugly.

[BossMark]

As the thick brown Envelope passed to me under the table, I found myself saying...

"I'm pleased to say we found no evidence of corruption or bribery Mr Blatter"

[Jimbuna]

Brazil 'ready' for football World Cup, says Rousseff

Then the band played "Believe It If You Like"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-27789775

[Feuer Frei!]

The psychic Sea Turtle has begun the animal oracle game.

http://i1.huffpost.com/gen/1846210/thumbs/n-CABECAO-large570.jpg


Meet Cabecao, the answer to Paul the Octopus in 2010.


When asked about an early exit for England, Cabecao became excited and a quick nod was all that was needed from him.

:haha:


SOURCE (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/10/cabecao-psychic-turtle_n_5481443.html)

[Jimbuna]

According to yesterdays BBC News it also tipped England to beat Italy in their opening game.

[Feuer Frei!]

According to yesterdays BBC News it also tipped England to beat Italy in their opening game.

That was a miss-print. They have since edited the report to say otherwise :D

[Rhodes]

"Cabeção" (big head) my dear Feuer Frei, not cabecao...:smug:

[BossMark]

I think these allegations about Qatar 2022 are a little far fetched.

Fingers crossed Antarctica 2026 doesn't face the same rumours.

[Jimbuna]

That was a miss-print. They have since edited the report to say otherwise :D

Well that certainly wouldn't surprise me :)

[BossMark]

FIFA President Sepp Blatter has today said that there is no reason that football cannot be played on another planet. Probably the same planet that he has been living on for the past 16 years.

[BossMark]

The local pub has invited punters to stake £3 on a team in a World Cup sweepstake.

Being a gambler I thought I would participate.

Imagine my disappointment and horror when I pulled out......... bloody England. C'est la vie.

[mapuc]

Please correct me if I'm wrong

I got this feeling that some of you don't have that much confidence in the English football team

Have hope

Markus

[Oberon]

Please correct me if I'm wrong

I got this feeling that some of you don't have that much confidence in the English football team

Have hope

Markus

Whatever gives you that idea? :har:

[mapuc]

Whatever gives you that idea? :har:

it must have been my imagination that ran away with me

Markus

[Oberon]

it must have been my imagination that ran away with me

Markus

A bit like the ball will run away from the England players. :03:

Nah, I think that we have a chance of at least getting to the semi-finals this year, but then we'll smash into the brick wall of one of the professional teams and fall apart.

Still, on the upside, listening to Alan Greens scathing commentary on Radio Five is always a highlight. :yeah:

[mapuc]

A bit like the ball will run away from the England players. :03:

Nah, I think that we have a chance of at least getting to the semi-finals this year, but then we'll smash into the brick wall of one of the professional teams and fall apart.

Still, on the upside, listening to Alan Greens scathing commentary on Radio Five is always a highlight. :yeah:

Have been watching and understanding Football since I was very young and I've been watching World Cup since 1978

Learned one thing, do not believe all these football experts.

"This is the strongest team Sweden have sent to a World Cup ever, could go far*" said by a few of these expert-
Sweden lost every game in their group play"

"I'm ashame we have sent such a weak team away to the World Cup*"
Sweden came all the way to Semifinal

* From my memory

Markus

[mapuc]

Today I delivered my betting coupons

It looks like this

Match 1 = 1X (favorite 1)
" 2 = 1X (Favorite 1)
" 3 = 12 (Favorite 1)
" 4 = 1
" 5 = 1X2(Favorite X)
" 6 = 1X2(Favorite 2)
" 7 = 1X2(Favorite X)
" 8 = X2 (Favorite 2)
" 9 = 12 (Favorite 1)
" 10 = 12 (Favorite 1)
" 11 = 1
" 12 = 1X2(Favorite X)

The system is called U 4-6-24(Danish Or F 4-6-24(in English I think)

Markus

[Feuer Frei!]

In other news, China workers can fork out up to $50 for a forged sick note to watch England exit the World Cup early.

http://media.tumblr.com/aa82f039aeb79b6de5c944d0ce4c6bf6/tumblr_inline_n70ni9mWmi1r0ljxu.jpg


Although one lucky (or unlucky, depending on what you think about England) viewer will not be watching England's misfortunes because: There are no guarantees that the notes will work, though. One unlucky customer posted on Taobao: A fake. My company discovered and now I’ve been sacked.SOURCE (http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/88492512952/want-to-skip-work-in-china-during-the-world-cup-buy-a)

[BossMark]

An advert for the world cup came on when my wife turned to me and said, "You needn't think you're sitting here for the next month watching bloody football!"

"Of course not, babe," I replied. "I'll be watching it in the pub."

[BossMark]

England have been dealt a massive blow on the day the World Cup starts as Danny welbeck has been declared fit to play against Italy.

[Rhodes]

Well, good start game so far!

Talk before time, nice penalty...

[mapuc]

Was thinking about starting a new thread, going to use this

What's your thought about the play:

Brazil

Croatia

What's your judgment on the referee

Brazil- Their defense need improvement there are teams that's a lot better than Croatia

Croatia- I expect they will be the second team that goes into Playoffs offensive could be a little better.

Referee - It's hard to Judge a match especially when one team plays at home and about 70000 spectators supporting them is not easy. However, this should not influence the referee professionals.

It seemed sometimes as if he is judged in Brazil's favor. The penalty ... well, as I see it, it was a gift from the referee.

I think this referee can forget everything about judging a playoff match

Markus

[Feuer Frei!]

What's your thought about the play:

Brazil

Croatia


Didn't watch the match but read reviews of gameplay. Controversial seems to be the summation by all.
Croatia had the better of Brazil early on.
Brazil looked nervous, more than likely playing the opener in front of home crowd had a lot to do with it.
Flood lights went off at one stage, referee had a bad game, the scoreline doesn't reflect the true nature of the game it seems.
The World Cup is under way, either way.

I think that all teams in their group openers tend to play conservatively from the opening whistle, testing each other out etc, no one wants to lose their first group game.
Some teams can capitalize on that, playing fast counter-attacks, unless both teams play deep, then it can become painful to watch.

European teams will struggle in the humidity of South America.
South American sides will be much more comfortable, Germany's coach Jogy Low said that substitute players coming off the bench will play a vital role in this Cup.
I agree with him.

[Oberon]

Found this on facebook, thought it apt and will cross-post with the funny pictures thread:

http://i.imgur.com/AG9tskZ.png

[BossMark]

Neymar should have been sent off any other team had done that they would have been, and as for the penalty well it wasn't a penalty was it again if that had been at the other end................

[Rhodes]

http://thumbs.sapo.pt/?W=800&H=533&Q=95&pic=http%3A%2F%2Fc6.quickcachr.fotos.sapo.pt%2Fi%2 Fud1110d2f%2F17089615_nHInf.jpeg&hash=08fd972071b9369506bec2c383c8cb07&errorpic=http%3A%2F%2Fimgs.sapo.pt%2Fdesporto%2Fim gs%2Fno-photo.jpg
Cartoon about the game yesterday. The whistle is in gold, because we had an investigation about football corruption, referees being bought to favourite certain teams, a few years ago, that was called "golden whistle" and become synonymous of of bad arbitration.

About the game, many already posted the same thoughts of the game that I have. I didn't a very strong and destroyer Brasil, an if they get a more powerful attacker team, they may be in trouble.
The other hand, even with out that penalty, Brasil have teams to score goals and win the game.

[Feuer Frei!]

And corrupt officials get one of these for helping the Mafioso:

http://www.shop.mj.com.ua/pic/VIP%20svistok%20Gold%20Diamond%20Strass.jpg

[Rhodes]

That's for the referee of the final!

[Jimbuna]

Was thinking about starting a new thread, going to use this

What's your thought about the play:

Brazil

Croatia

What's your judgment on the referee

Brazil- Their defense need improvement there are teams that's a lot better than Croatia

Croatia- I expect they will be the second team that goes into Playoffs offensive could be a little better.

Referee - It's hard to Judge a match especially when one team plays at home and about 70000 spectators supporting them is not easy. However, this should not influence the referee professionals.

It seemed sometimes as if he is judged in Brazil's favor. The penalty ... well, as I see it, it was a gift from the referee.

I think this referee can forget everything about judging a playoff match

Markus

Brazil: Showed the odd touch of brilliance but nothing like the older teams of yesteryear.

Croatia: Played well but were lacking up front.

Referee: Simply a joke but be prepared for a few more as the tournament progresses.

[BossMark]

Brazil's new upcoming star has just been added to their 23 man world cup squad.

Refereeinho is expected to solidify their place at the top of the world stage.

[Jimbuna]

I've just stocked my fridge with beers for the World Cup, customised for each match.

I've got San Miguel for when Spain are playing because it's Spanish, Beck's for when Germany are playing because it's German and Carling for when England are playing because it's crap.

[BossMark]

Roy Hodgson decided against selecting Ashley Young when FIFA announced the refs would be using a coloured spray to mark the 10 yards from a free kick.

It might just be a temporary mark on the grass but it would be Becher's Brook for Ashley.

[mapuc]

Should have posted this before the start of World Cup


Hope we will not have to see ugly tackles and I hope we do not have to see players that behaves as if they were auditioning for the lead role or acting for an Oscar

And now every one is an football expert or an expert on how a game should have been judged

Markus

[Oberon]

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e44/Direwolf007/ThisIsNetherlands.jpg

[Rhodes]

^:haha::haha::haha: Lovely 5-1

[Feuer Frei!]

A Spanish Inquisition.
I was going for Spain too.

Iker Cassillas, what were you thinking?
And Van Persie, what a header.

[HunterICX]

:rock:REVENGE!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i.imgur.com/eKiGMwl.jpg

[mapuc]

I hope I doesn't sound to melodramatic

Were we witness to the fall of the Spanish Empire ?

What a match wow. I have to favorite team in the WC Germany and Holland. My heart hoped that Holland would win, my brain said, no either Spain is going to win or it will be a draw.

Markus

[Oberon]

I hope I doesn't sound to melodramatic

Were we witness to the fall of the Spanish Empire ?

Wouldn't be the first time:

http://www.groenlovestingstad.nl/UserFiles/Image/Slag-om-Grolle-2005---06.jpg

[TarJak]

Australia v Chile just starting. C'mon Straya!

Dou'bt we'll win it but seeing the NED v ESP result gives me hope, however forlorn.:woot:

[Skybird]

Seems I just missed a great second half against Spain. I switched off at halftime, because I watched the Mexico-Cameroon match and the first half of the Dutch game, and had enough football for one day.

:-?

[Skybird]

I have to favorite team in the WC Germany and Holland.
Germany? Outsider chances only this time, I think. The team is neither in top form, nor in best player setup. And the past months went not well. I do not have them on the list for the title.

[Feuer Frei!]

Good result:

Chile 3 Australia 1.

@Skybird: never discount the Germans.

[TarJak]

Quite expected. Can't see us scoring a goal against either Spain or Netherlands. We'll be home before the quarters start.:roll:

[mapuc]

Quite expected. Can't see us scoring a goal against either Spain or Netherlands. We'll be home before the quarters start.:roll:

If it should have gone by the books of the Danish football expert Chile would have won with 6-7 goal and 2-3 Australian would have got the red card.

Maybe I was watching an another game, ´cause I thought Aus. played well.

Markus

[TarJak]

They played well but made too few chances and left too many holes in defence at times. Chile played a differnt game to the one the Aussies have been used to playing and whilst they did OK, I don't think they adapted well.

Given they are a younger side than previous cups, It looks like there might be a better chance next year, but with this cup draw they've got no hope of progressing.

[Feuer Frei!]

made too few chances

Disagree. Their conversion rate was poor. They had a myriad of chances, in particular from the mid point of second half to closing stages, and they didn't convert. They broke Chile's defense well, played the counter game well, but just didn't convert well.
You will get punished in World Cups if you don't convert.

I was surprised they did as well as they did, they played with a lot of heart.

Agree on the rest of your summation. :salute:

[BossMark]

Useless Spain cost me 110 quid :wah: but well played the Dutch :yep:

[Feuer Frei!]

110 quid

Nothing to sneeze at.

[Skybird]

@Skybird: never discount the Germans.
Could you imagine what the Dutch yesterday would have done to the German "defence"? - Kindling in matches' size.

And the German "offence" in past months was anything but convincing.

Will they suddenly rise like Phoenix from the ashes? Will the key players who were not fit days ago, suddenly be? Monday evening we will see. I think Portugal has 60:40 chances.

[Jimbuna]

Quite expected. Can't see us scoring a goal against either Spain or Netherlands. We'll be home before the quarters start.:roll:

They played a lot better than many thought they would....early days and England are on at 2300 GMT tonight, just after I finish so may well stop up until things start going bad.

[Jimbuna]

Germany? Outsider chances only this time, I think. The team is neither in top form, nor in best player setup. And the past months went not well. I do not have them on the list for the title.

The matches all of Europe want to see (in any order of priority of your choosing):

Germany v Holland
Germany v England
Germany v France

[TarJak]

Germany was dominant in the1940 season but failed dismally in the return 4 years later. ;)


Sorry forgot that I wasn't meant to mention the w...

[Feuer Frei!]

Could you imagine what the Dutch yesterday would have done to the German "defence"? - Kindling in matches' size

To be absolutely realistic here, the Spanish defenders looked like amateurs, a far cry from a world champion outfit.
If you put up the amateurish behaviour of the Spanish rear guard to the Verteidiger von der Mannschaft i think it would not have been a rout. Far from it.
It's unrealistic to compare the performance of Spain to another team, knowing full well that many teams could have and are better than that performance.

And the German "offence" in past months was anything but convincingConvincing. What do you expect? A 5:1 drubbing of every opponent in every qualifying and friendly game before a major tournament?
Hardly. Results matter. And let's face it, since 2006, die Mannschaft has come full circle, shed its italian-like dour and drab defensive game tactics, playing open and fast attacking football. Let's not forget what they recently did to Argentina, England. Although of course that will be evident to a lesser extent here in Brazil due to the climate.
Wo ist Deine Treue zu der Mannschaft :woot:




Will they suddenly rise like Phoenix from the ashes Rise from what? A record qualifying phase to get to Brazil? Or are you talking about...> Will the key players who were not fit days ago, suddenly be? Yes, Jogy has already confirmed Neuer, Schweini und Lahm will be there at the Portugal match. I watch the Presse Konferenzen mit dem Bundes Trainer und Spielern von dem Kamp In Brazil. I think Portugal has 60:40 chances.You are very generous. History and overall quality is against Portugal. The only thing that may give some advantage to them is the humidity. But that can be countered with clever break phases in the match and clever use of substitutions.

[Feuer Frei!]

The matches all of Europe want to see (in any order of priority of your choosing):

Germany v Holland
Germany v England
Germany v France
Germany v Italy



*Fixed*

[Oberon]

Germany was dominant in the1940 season but failed dismally in the return 4 years later. ;)


Sorry forgot that I want meant to mention the ...

http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Adolf+Hitler+European+world+tour.+Not+OC_79dedf_36 98878.jpg

[Feuer Frei!]

Looked like a good tour, wanted to make it to the France one but tickets were gone.
No scalpers back in those days. Shame.

[Oberon]

Looked like a good tour, wanted to make it to the France one but tickets were gone.
No scalpers back in those days. Shame.

The queues were terrible.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/content/properties/dover-castle/wartime-tunnels/operation-dynamo/on-the-beaches-of-dunkirk-nyp-068075.jpg

[STEED]

89 prisoners breakout of UK prison!

Hell Bells...Then it came to me, there 150inc wide screen TV is bust. Are they around your house watching the world cup?
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/90-prisoners-run-open-jail-101723367.html#gmWODN5

[Feuer Frei!]

*snip* world cup?
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/90-prisoners-run-open-jail-101723367.html#gmWODN5

And somehow Steed, putting those 2 words in that post of yours makes it magically relevant to this thread? :D:haha:

[STEED]

And somehow Steed, putting those 2 words in that post of yours makes it magically relevant to this thread? :D:haha:

Good odds some of them are in front of a TV watching the world cup.

[Rhodes]

Lets see if the referee does not give a hand to Deutschland also! :O:

[Jimbuna]

http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Adolf+Hitler+European+world+tour.+Not+OC_79dedf_36 98878.jpg

Purchased a t-shirt with that on many years ago whilst on holiday in Spain.

[STEED]

(https://uk.news.yahoo.com/david-cameron/)David Cameron (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/david-cameron/) has sent a good luck message to the England football team ahead of their first World Cup match tonight.

That's that folks may as well drown your sorrows as your lord and master has sealed England's fate with the kiss of death. :/\\!!

[Skybird]

To be absolutely realistic here, the Spanish defenders looked like amateurs, a far cry from a world champion outfit.
If you put up the amateurish behaviour of the Spanish rear guard to the Verteidiger von der Mannschaft i think it would not have been a rout. Far from it.
It's unrealistic to compare the performance of Spain to another team, knowing full well that many teams could have and are better than that performance.

Convincing. What do you expect? A 5:1 drubbing of every opponent in every qualifying and friendly game before a major tournament?
Hardly. Results matter. And let's face it, since 2006, die Mannschaft has come full circle, shed its italian-like dour and drab defensive game tactics, playing open and fast attacking football. Let's not forget what they recently did to Argentina, England. Although of course that will be evident to a lesser extent here in Brazil due to the climate.
Wo ist Deine Treue zu der Mannschaft :woot:




Rise from what? A record qualifying phase to get to Brazil? Or are you talking about...> Yes, Jogy has already confirmed Neuer, Schweini und Lahm will be there at the Portugal match. I watch the Presse Konferenzen mit dem Bundes Trainer und Spielern von dem Kamp In Brazil. You are very generous. History and overall quality is against Portugal. The only thing that may give some advantage to them is the humidity. But that can be countered with clever break phases in the match and clever use of substitutions.

Feuer,

I just do not care much for what has been 2006, or even one year ago. The qualification, past years mean nothing anymore, its dead, past, history.

What has been in the past 2-4 months is much closer to the status right now. And that was such that it was deflating. Not bad, not a weak team - but none to be counted as one of the top favourites. I think there are several teams that simply are better, by a bigger margin than 4 years ago.

And by sympathy, I am with the Dutch this time. It's really high time they finally make it to the end in a world championship. And they have some players that could make it happen. :salute: Just strange clothing. Do they call them "Bluje" now? :D

Oh, and nobody write off the Spaniards. That would be far too early, I think.

[Jimbuna]

Columbia have taken a five minute not surprising lead against the Greeks.

[BossMark]

I dont know why England are worried about the state of the pitch they are playing on tonight ' the Italians will soon flatten it out with their constant rolling on the floor.

[BossMark]

A Tibetan astrologer has predicted that England will win the World Cup.

This is by far the best proof that astrology is bollocks.

[STEED]

I dont know why England are worried about the state of the pitch they are playing on tonight ' the Italians will soon flatten it out with their constant rolling on the floor.

That is if they turn up, all the sex they claim to be having at Mr bungar bunga sex parties.

A Tibetan astrologer has predicted that England will win the World Cup.

This is by far the best proof that astrology is bollocks.

I'm not to sure as one astrologer predicted David Cameron would turn out to be a total and utter bastard. So far I can not fault it.

[Jimbuna]

t's nice to see Spain bringing a bit of its culture to Football yesterday,

Working for 20 minutes, followed by a nice deep sleep.

[Jimbuna]

Spain's 5-1 defeat to Holland is hot favourite to be voted the fourth most embarrassing performance of the 2014 World Cup.

England remain odds-on to occupy the top three positions though.

[BossMark]

My wife said she will kill herself if England win the group.

It's in your hands Gerard, you know what to do.

[STEED]

Has England got enough cocaine? :hmmm:

Has England got enough strong cider? :hmmm:

Has England got enough money to blow? :hmmm:

Has England got enough hot babes? :hmmm:

Has England got enough fans? :hmmm:

Over to mystic meg for the answers.

[nikimcbee]

Has England got enough cocaine? :hmmm:

Has England got enough strong cider? :hmmm:

Has England got enough money to blow? :hmmm:

Has England got enough hot babes? :hmmm:

Has England got enough fans? :hmmm:

Over to mystic meg for the answers.


Sounds like you're running for office Steed?

Question for you Brits. Did you guys get a new net minder?:hmmm: You remember, the one in goal when you lost to the US?:hmmm:
Remember that?

Kinda like the British version of Pearl Harbo(u)r. I mean yousa guys lost to a third rate soccer/football team, the US national team.
:/\\k:

Good thing you got cricket....oh wait...nevermind.

[nikimcbee]

Oh, and how did the Cons get into the World Cup? I thought they had all of their sport karma invested in cricket?
They probably cheated no doubt.

[STEED]

Sounds like you're running for office Steed?



I'm not that corupt to run for FIFA president. :har: :har:

[BossMark]

I'm not that corupt to run for FIFA president. :har: :har:
No brown envelopes for STEED :haha:

[STEED]

No brown envelopes for STEED :haha:

Too bloody right. :har:

[BossMark]

Well its shower time then off to the pub I go to watch our heroes play footy (think I will just get pissed and play cards all night :haha:)

[STEED]

Well its shower time then off to the pub I go to watch our heroes play footy (think I will just get pissed and play cards all night :haha:)

Strip poker?

[nikimcbee]

Strip poker?


Jeebus you two, get a hotel already!:/\\k::haha:

[Oberon]

I'm going with 1-1 or 2-1 to England.

Will be pleasantly surprised if we score any higher than that. :cool:

[mapuc]

Here and there on FB I have seen people saying that they like to gamble and they have put 100,200 or 300 on which team will meet in the World Cup final

Most of them have Brazil as the first part the second part changes from gambler to gambler.

I say that's NOT gambling

Gambling is for me is when you bet 1000 bucks on Iran and Australia will meet in the final. That's gambling

Markus

[Oberon]

Well, I did get the score right...just for the wrong team...

England consistently mediocre once again. No real surprises there. I think the biggest action in the game was around the physio who got so surprised that England found the goal that he collapsed.

I expect a lot of talk about that early goal that wasn't though, as well as the players problems with the climate.

[mapuc]

England didn't play that bad. I do hope however the Tiger will put his teeth in next time

They hade a lot of offensive play, as I saw it, it they looked like a tiger without teeth and claws

Markus

[Feuer Frei!]

I'm happy, great result. The Squadra Azzura.

Pirlo great game, Claudio Marchisio, great opening goal from 18 metres out, England bought the biggest dummy ever by Pirlo.

Super Mario the Lions Killer. :rock:

[Feuer Frei!]

I expect a lot of talk about that early goal that wasn't though

? Which goal? By Claudio Marchisio?

[Oberon]

I think most of the public opinion is swinging behind dropping Rooney, perhaps put him on the naughty stool until he's learnt his lesson. :haha:
But yeah, I can't disagree, drop Rooney, preferably on his head.

http://www.flixya.com/files-photo/o/l/d/oldtrafford-2048591.jpg

[Feuer Frei!]

Well, to be fair to Rooney, most of England's attacks came from the right. He did supply Sturridge a great ball for the 1:1.

[Oberon]

? Which goal? By Claudio Marchisio?

Errr, not 100% sure, I came in around ten-fifteen minutes in, so missed it (like the referee apparently) Let me just check.

Ah, no, it wasn't the referee, it was one from the side by Sterling that most of the commentators (and graphics operators) thought went in but didn't.

[Oberon]

Well, to be fair to Rooney, most of England's attacks came from the right. He did supply Sturridge a great ball for the 1:1.

One of the commentators reckoned that he'd do better in center. I guess we'll see what Roy chooses for the next line-up. :hmmm:

[Feuer Frei!]

Feuer,
I just do not care much for what has been 2006, or even one year ago. The qualification, past years mean nothing anymore, its dead, past, history

The point i was trying to make is that Germany as a football nation has had a re-invention in sorts, all starting in 2006 under Klinsmann. Der wahr der Katalysator.
And in saying that, i have much more confidence in the team now than i did back then.
You fight fire with fire, an attacking team like Portugal, with their Konterspiel is a danger but Germany aren't a amateurish team with an amateurish Bundestrainer and management team.
If they need to sit deep in defense to counter Portugal they will do so, in particular to shut down Ronaldo and Co, but they will also push up and counter very quickly and always looking to score goals. Unlike before 2006, where their playing style matched that of Italys'.
That gives me more confidence than what you are suggesting, that they aren't convincing enough, through their qualifiers and friendlies leading up to the 2014 Cup.
The team has a good mix of youth (new generation) and experience.
Pace out wide, cool heads, technically gifted, will power, experince in playing in pressure situations...
I won't go on, you are a defector, no patriotism at all, i know where i stand with you :O::haha::salute:

What has been in the past 2-4 months is much closer to the status right now. And that was such that it was deflating. Not bad, not a weak team - but none to be counted as one of the top favourites. I think there are several teams that simply are better, by a bigger margin than 4 years agoi think i addressed it in regards to Germany up top, but to suggest that on the basis of a very few minor changes in the German camp from qualifiers and friendlies 2 to 4 mths ago is unfair and unrealistic.
Look at Spain, look at Italy, look at England, look at Argentina, look at the Oranje, none of them had better qualifying rounds, that you would class as outstanding, or brilliant.
And those countries are all favourites, with Argentina at least by some as the clear favourite.
Point here is you cannot judge a countrie's chances of winning at a major tourney by their deflating, as you put it (but wrong analogy) qualifiers, lead-up games and friendlies 2 to 4 mths out from said tourney.
If you did that then you would have Brazil as clear favourite, simply because aforementioned teams didn't have a convincing or brilliant or outstanding qualifying stage either.
Solid, yes, brilliant? No, far from it.
I will add that i agree with you in relation to teams having improved in the last 4 years. That is certainly nothing new, look at USA, Uruguya, Chile, Belgium, etc etc.
Of course not to mention the big names.
They have also re-invented themselves to an extent, look at England, youth and pace, fast attacking style, which was much needed in my opinion.
They are a real danger now. They exposed Italy many a time and were unlucky to not win or to at least get a draw.
And Germany played a lot like Italy before 2006, sitting deep in defense, looking to grind out the time leading score board. Boring to watch.
Effective tactically, sure, but to only protect your lead can lead to trouble too.
Germany has changed, and with that comes many advantages.

But, i could be hypocritical here and say: It doesn't matter so much about how you won but that you won.
Protecting a lead at a wc is one thing, but to protect and attack and score more goals is better.
Germany has that capability.



And by sympathy, I am with the Dutch this timeDu must Auswandern, so schaut's aus :haha:

Anyway, you know where my allegiance lies, always will.

[CaptainMattJ.]

http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4616767/JapanFans.jpg

Meanwhile, in japan

[Feuer Frei!]

Well it seems the 2 on the left already knew that Japan would lose it's opening match. A fake air punch to make it seem less negative.

[BossMark]

Well I didnt think we deserved to lose, a draw would have been a fair result, the only shock is that I aint got too much of a hangover.

[Jimbuna]

Strip poker?

:har:

[STEED]

As I knew, we lost.

Sack the bloody lot of them!

[Jimbuna]

Not a bad performance overall when you consider the options Roy had. I'm no fan of his but he has at least had the danglies to do what no other England manager has done since 66...introduced new young blood in great numbers and looking to build for the future instead of taking pensioners on tour like so many have done in the past.

Rooney IMO is already beginning to look like he will have another world cup disaster, one pass that makes a goal and all else will be forgotten.

Jordan Henderson is not an international level player, nor is Jagielka.

Pity we don't have younger replacements for Gerrard and Lampard for that matter...two of the old boys who seldom impressed over the years at this level and are only there to give the youngsters 'experience' and take a penalty if it comes along.

Looking at the results in the group thus far, if we don't beat Uruguay we could well experience the ignominity of ending up at the bottom of the group.

I expect more from my country when you consider the football infrastructure we have but right now I'm simply pleased my three lions tattoo is that of the ECB.

GO ENGLAND

[Jimbuna]

As I knew, we lost.

Sack the bloody lot of them!

Look at it as a sort of learning curve for the younger players in future tournaments.

[STEED]

Drop that little grunting pig rooney for the next game please.

[BossMark]

Drop that little grunting pig rooney for the next game please.
I agree drop Shrek.

[Jimbuna]

Drop that little grunting pig rooney for the next game please.

If Roy can't accomodate him in the middle then that is the wisest chouce but does he have the danglies to make the decision?....Roy that is.

[Jimbuna]

^ Pretty much agree :yep:

[BossMark]

I suggested to the BBC that they should have a show with Abu Hamza doing card tricks. They said, "Are you having a laugh?!"

"Well," I said. "You started it by having Phil Neville as a football commentator."

[Jimbuna]

England are to have a new captain next week.

His name is Roger Smith and he's the pilot for the flight home.

[BossMark]

Roy Hodgson has told the England squad that they'll have to tighten their belts next week.

He also added that they should not remove them until the "fasten seat belt" sign goes out.

[STEED]

I suggested to the BBC that they should have a show with Abu Hamza doing card tricks. They said, "Are you having a laugh?!"

"Well," I said. "You started it by having Phil Neville as a football commentator."

Attacking the BBC again? :stare:

Rock on. :yeah:

[STEED]

Compared to the ITV coverage, they are superb. Just goes to show how rubbish the whole commentary thing is.

Only differences is we don't pay for ITV...for now. :shifty:

[Jimbuna]

Only differences is we don't pay for ITV...for now. :shifty:

Will always be a bone of contention for many :yep:

[STEED]

Will always be a bone of contention for many :yep:

Granted indeed jim but not much anyone can say unlike the BBC. :know:

[BossMark]

On the BBC Sports App there was a Player Cam for Rooney.
Why would I want to watch that Troll for 90 minutes when I've got Shrek the Third on DvD.

[mapuc]

I have an football riddle for you, it's more a referee riddle

You are the referee in a football match between Alpha and Beta
The Alpha team have put a pressure on the Beta team. The Alpha team have placed them self in Beta's own half and been firing a lot of shot against the Goal Keeper in Team Beta.

A player from Beta manage to get control of the ball and wants to kick it far away, so his team can get some rest. This player take aim so the boll is heading to wards the middle field.

He kick to the ball and after a few metre, the ball hit you in the side and change direction. The ball lands right in front of a player from Alpha.

The Alpha player have an open goal right in front of him, he shot and score

Question
Is it a Goal?

Yes? Give an explanation why it is a goal

No ?
Same here. An explanation why it isn't a goal

There's extra points if you can tell us which football rules that apply

Markus

[nikimcbee]

How does the saying go? Lucky at war, unlucky at football?:hmmm:

[Skybird]

Today the Germans will play their first match.

Feuerfrei and me seem to disagree about what to believe possible for the Germans. :) This (German) article could have been written by me, it expresses exactlymy thinking about the German team's qualities, deficits, and the realistic perspective.

http://www.faz.net/aktuell/sport/fussball-wm/deutsches-team/ist-die-nationalmannschaft-reif-fuer-den-titel-12990739-p2.html?printPagedArticle=true#pageIndex_2

Like the author, I see semi-finals as the likely maximum this time - if they are lucky with just that one real attacker, that lack of leading characters, and that unstable defence of theirs. They will hopefully play beautifully once again, probably. And sooner or later once again die a beautiful death.

For the meeting today, the most important factor probably is whether or not they can take Ronaldo out of the match. The Bavarians probably have not so good memories, but they write in the papers that he is not fit.

A team wanting to become world champion, must be able to neutralise players like Ronaldo, Messi, Robben, Balotelli or Ibrahimovic. Even more so when it has no own players of that callibre, who could decide a match all by themselves.

I fear the day when they need to face the Italians again - the German nemesis. :D

[BossMark]

I asked Roy Hodgson if he would consider 4-4-2 next week.

He said, "No, we'll probably go 7-4-7 - it's wider and offers more leg room."

[Feuer Frei!]

Today the Germans will play their first match.........

Concentrating only on Ronaldo would be a big mistake.
Low and various players in PK's have said as much.
Portugal are world class counter-attackers.
The likes of Pepe and Joao Moutinho give them a strong spine.
They don't have an out and out striker, so all falls to Ronaldo. Again.

Sure, Miro Klose is the only true striker in the team, but remember Sky, Poldi, Muller und Goetze can also support as second striker if needed.

They have strike options.

Defensively, Mertesacker and Lahm are world class, although i think he will play Lahm as Aussenverteidiger or Zentral, with Sami marking Ronaldo.
Remember, they play together.

Neuer, maybe best Goal keeper currently in the world, certainly top 3, so good stopper in goal, Grosskreutz or Hummels or Howedes on last defensive duties with Mertesacker.
Boateng on opposite side to Lahm.
Pretty solid, with some pace.

I don't know if he will play Poldi off the bench or Schweini. I assume he will use Klose as lone striker, with Schweini and Ozil to supply Klose.
Mezut has to fire, he has to start believeing in himself more, not later, but now, ready for first game.
If Klose doesn't fire or tires, he will swap him with Goetze, and if middle field is struggling with supplies forward, bring Poldi on for fresh ideas.

My nerves are tingling, my Spidey senses are telling me a Germany win, 2:0 :D

[Rhodes]

The star of the game will be Hugo Almeida, that besides being from my home town, has the uncanny habitability of missing with goal completely free. So the germans will be so confuse about that and Portugal will score some how!:D

May the best win, with out help of the referee!

[Feuer Frei!]

http://funnypicturesplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/messi-ronaldo-funny.jpg




MY PREDICTION:
http://www.freakingnews.com/pictures/21000/Germany-Vs-Portugal--21063.jpg



http://www.hekaheka.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ronaldo-cry-baby-3.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Had my first world cup bet yesterday, a £10 treble on Switzerland, France and Argentina. THE ODDS WERE RUBBISH BUT GOT £40 BACK :yeah:

[BossMark]

Roy Hodgson set to drop Rooney ' hopefully from the bloody plane on the way home .

[BossMark]

Had my first world cup bet yesterday, a £10 treble on Switzerland, France and Argentina. THE ODDS WERE RUBBISH BUT GOT £40 BACK :yeah:
Better than losing :yep:

[Rhodes]

Germany will win, Frau Merkel is going to watch the game!

[Rhodes]

Besides resting my case in a bias referee, do england accept any aplication to the club?

[Jimbuna]

Better than losing :yep:

True that.

[Jimbuna]

Besides resting my case in a bias referee, do england accept any aplication to the club?

I'd argue the England officials are amongst the best in the tournament.