The Official World Cup 2010 Thread

[Guy Incognito]

Might as well, now the draws done, fairly happy with England's draw, there are two groups of death imo.

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

Bring it on(y)

[mickill]

Yeah, I'm sure England will make it past the first round. South Africa might be screwed, though.

Group G is pretty harsh.

[MC Moot]

Group H: Spain advances

Group G: Brazil advances

Group F: Italy advances

Group E: Cameroon advances

Group D: Germany advances

Group C: England advances

Group B: Argentina advances

Group A: France advances

[Planetary]

i dunno about cameroon, fair enough they have eto'o but i think it'll take more than that. granted he's not there only good player but japan have quality, as do netherlands and denmark.

[camo]

E Netherlands. Fool

[Guy Incognito]

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Spain, by a mile, with their eyes shut and Chile get 2nd

Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal

Brazil and i'll say Ivory Coast, if drogba fires they could be dangerous and Portugal struggled to qualify. Tough group, it could depend on who batters North Korea by the most goals

Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Italy and Slovakia

Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

The Dutch and cameroon

Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana

Germany and Australia

Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia

England , USA

Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece

Argentina and Nigeria

Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France

France and South Africa - i cant remember any host going out first round.

[Gareth]

GROUP F

[rirv]

You Kiwis must be pretty stoked to get a team to the world cup eh? Rough.

[Gareth]

it's good to be there, but it would be nice to win a game too
usa v england

[Drederick Tatum]

win a game? I'd be delighted with a draw...in all honesty, I'll be content if we manage to score a goal.

I'll also be happy if the Greeks get smashed, Italy suffer a spate of injuries, Domenech has a sideline bust-up with a substituted player, the North Korean team defect, someone in Spain's group gives them a shock, Ghana beat Australia for the second spot in Group D, England destroy the US, and the Dutch win it all.

[Gareth]

it wont happen, but one can dream.
i just want more than making up the numbers.

[Miho]

Nice to see North Korea in there.

[checkyourprez]

group g is straight barnbarners.

england vs. us the battle of the uncreatives.


forza italia.

[Planetary]

fuck Italy they're shit and old.

[checkyourprez]

jealousy is a beatch.

but in my mind they are not old enough! hoping totti and nesta come back for the cup.

lippis squad selection has been quite perplexing. i hope balotelli and giovinco get picked and get some burn but im not so sure if thats going to happen.

i wouldnt mind seeing amauri go to south africa wearing the blue as well.

[Drederick Tatum]

I would pay money to watch a Balotelli breakdown at the World Cup.

[jabumbo]

fuckin camaroon was always balls in those old school video games....



whats the actual starting date?

[Adam]

Start date is 11th June 2010 with South Africa vs Mexico (at 15:00 which one assumes is local time). Later in the day is Uruguay vs France (19:00).


Betting breaks down like this (but obviously subject to change):

Spain are favourites at 9/2 with bet365
then Brazil at 11/2 with bet365
then England at 6/1 with Coral
Argentina at 10/1 with totesport
Italy at 13/1 with expekt.com
Germany at 14/1 with Skybet
Holland at 14/1 with bet365
France at 16/1 with bet365
and then the outsiders are Portugal at 28/1 with totesport
Ivory Coast 33-1 with bet365

Argentina seem a decent early bet. Top three favourites I'm unsure of but three teams can be really good or really disappointing.

I'm no expert of football and no longer a fan of the domestic game, but the world cup is kinda special and I'm hoping that teams that haven't had a major chance in previous years will start getting further.

Oh, USA best odds are 100/1 with sportingbet.

[Adam]

Even though it seemed to of killed the thread last time, since the 2nd official thread appeared I thought I would have another look at the betting (http://www.oddschecker.com/football/internationals/world-cup/win-market).

Spain are favourites at 9/2 with bet365
then Brazil at 11/2 with bet365 now 5-1
then England at 6/1 with Coral
Argentina at 10/1 with totesport
Italy at 13/1 with expekt.com now 14-1
Germany at 14/1 with Skybet
Holland at 14/1 with bet365
France at 16/1 with bet365 now 18-1
and then the outsiders are Portugal at 28/1 with totesport
Ivory Coast 33-1 with bet365 now 28-1

So anyway, It only seems that Brazil's and Ivory Coast's odds have been cut.

Always tempted to make a bet on Brazil for the world cup and I think I might do again this time.

[Guy Incognito]

italy are a good bet at that price, they are always there or therabouts but i dont think a euro country has won it outside of europe. if england keep everyone fit we have a good chance of quarters/semis at least

[paul jones]

I think the winners will be the country that wins all their games by cheating and bribing the referee like usual

[Adam]

corruption! in football? That just doesn't sound like cricket to me...

...oh, wait.

[checkyourprez]

I think the winners will be the country that wins all their games by cheating and bribing the referee like usual

besides the 06, 82, 38 and 34 cups.


but especially the 66 one.

[Guy Incognito]

besides the 06, 82, 38 and 34 cups.


but especially the 66 one.

not sure about the 38,34 or 82 but there was no way italy bribed anyone in 06 as they had spent all their money fixing all the matches in the national league.
82 was my favourite world cup in my lifetime

[paul jones]

besides the 06, 82, 38 and 34 cups.


but especially the 66 one.

ah of course...all the Italian wins.

I'm not english anyway so 66 means nothing to me.

[rirv]

ah of course...all the Italian wins.

I'm not english anyway so 66 means nothing to me.

Oh! Vienna!

[Helvete]

England will not pass group stages.

[Guy Incognito]

England will not pass group stages.

as long as rooney stays fit , he'll get us past the group stages virtually on his own. its all about the usa game, we win that and we'll win the group, but germany could be the 2nd round match and thats always a tough game (except the 5-1)

[paul jones]

Oh! Vienna!

BOMMMMM BOMM BOMM BOMM CHKK CHKKK

[Myu-to]

Could someone let me know exactly when I am suppose to care?

Thanks.

[paul jones]

Could someone let me know exactly when I am suppose to care?

Thanks.

june

[Guy Incognito]

i'm actually sick of some of the adverts already, that one where the guys legs it all the way to aouth africa is pants

[Myu-to]

june
Thanks.

I do honestly like the sport.

[camo]

I'm looking forward to us arriving at a cup finals without a whole heap of pressure and expectancy on some poor teenagers back ie Owen, Rooney, Walcott.

I just want to see us play some solid football, enjoy ourselves and start believing in our abilities.

[Adam]

^Don't forget England fans trashing South Africa to. Water cannons to separate the crowd, 250 arrests before the first game and the tabloids blaming everyone but themselves when they actively encourage bad behaviour off and on the pitch.

Proud to british!

[Drederick Tatum]

apparently the UK just gave South Africa £1m to buy condoms so they don't give everyone AIDS.

[jabumbo]

plan on getting fresh with the locals, eh?

[Adam]

So, I might be travelling round europe during the end of the world cup. I'm not a massive fan of football but world cup interests me in so far that I would be about 80% bothered to find a place to watch the final.

So on that, where do you think would be a good place to watch the final? Geographically I'll be around germany, netherlands, belgium, northern france, czech republic etc on current plans. My plans are pretty fluid so I could aim to be in a certain city by the final - should I aim for a high potential winners city or somewhere who probably won't be. hmmmms.

[Guy Incognito]

So, I might be travelling round europe during the end of the world cup. I'm not a massive fan of football but world cup interests me in so far that I would be about 80% bothered to find a place to watch the final.

So on that, where do you think would be a good place to watch the final? Geographically I'll be around germany, netherlands, belgium, northern france, czech republic etc on current plans. My plans are pretty fluid so I could aim to be in a certain city by the final - should I aim for a high potential winners city or somewhere who probably won't be. hmmmms.

not well travelled enough to know about the actual places but out of those countries you mentioned, germany will do probably best, they're always there or therabouts and it'll be all over the place as well , netherlands have good chance but they havent got a great tournament record. they would be my picks.

[Adam]

Yeah, after the post I thought Germany is probably best and find an irish bar somewhere. That is probably the best thing to do for an english guy. Especially if I shout ENGEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRLAND everywhere I go. Yup.

I might be travelling with a canadian - are they in the cup? I could easily check this I know :o edit, they're not

[jabumbo]

good to see you've narrowed your potential location down a bit. i can practically suggest a specific bar for you to go to already....

[Adam]

good to see you've narrowed your potential location down a bit. i can practically suggest a specific bar for you to go to already....

heh. The plan is to start in copenhagen but there is a festival nearby nearby that I wouldn't mind going to which finishes 4th July I think. From there its head south over the next month or so and we want to hit at least a few places in germany, netherlands and surrounding areas all by train on a euro-global-ticket-thing (I think thats the official name).

So yeah, a week later it depends how far south we've managed but to aim for a city by a certain date gives us a little plan to aim for and time to check out a good night out rather than trying to wing it.

[rirv]

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE WORLD CUP.
I CANNOT WAIT.

[Guy Incognito]

^ (y). i am trying to keep a lid on it, not getting too hopeful about our chances yet. its going to be great watching the last group game at glasto on the pyramid field, that should be good.
i do like all the excitement before hand, spending loads of money on sweepstakes, predictions comps etc
gotta get my 1yr old lad an england kit.

[jabumbo]

yeah, and so is beckham.

[camo]

Can you imagine what the security is going to be like around the England vs USA game?

I think this tourney will have plenty of off field drama :(

[Adam]

Didn't Iran play USA last work cup - or the one before?

That went down without a hitch. I can see a lot of neutrals (so to speak) wanting both teams to lose though. hehe.

[Guy Incognito]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8709313.stm

[ToucanSpam]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/inc/v4/world_cup_2010/wallchart/main.html#p10479bdfjgkmoruv17409fdbjmkgovur194doju ko1u414uo

[roosta]

Traditionally when Ireland are not in a tournament I support France...i'm gonna do the same this year..also because it will piss off so many friends/family. France are more hated than England now....

I'll also root for Japan and maybe the US.

VERY EXCITED.

[jabumbo]

a relative of mine is having a birthday party for her little son the day of the USA v ENG game. the game starts at 230pm, the party starts at 3pm :rolleyes:

[Adam]

France are more hated than England now....


why?

Ok, I am a little interested in the world cup now. I was pretty cynical before (very unlike me I know) but I coming round to appreciating it

[roosta]

why?

Ok, I am a little interested in the world cup now. I was pretty cynical before (very unlike me I know) but I coming round to appreciating it

The Thierry Henry handball that kind-of-but-didn't-really stopped us from qualifying. Place went mental!

[ToucanSpam]

Anyone bold enough to make some predictions?

[Guy Incognito]

Anyone bold enough to make some predictions?

i suppose we could all use that bbc predictor i posted up. not sure who's gonna win , things keep happening that change my mind on who is gonna do well. Drogba injured, ferdinand injured (although that might be a blessing in a way cos he hasnt looked tip top all season, gutted for him though).

The netherlands is my pick.

[HAL 9000]

For fun, I will do some forecasting...

For England and USA in Group C, it looks as though winning the Group is critical.

The winner will play the runner up of Group D - take your pick from Ghana, Australia and Serbia (I will go with Ghana but they are all in with a shot)

The winner of that will go into a quarter final which I would reckon would be against one of the following - France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay (because pretty much anyone could win Group A) or Nigeria (who I think will be runner up in a Group B that should be easily won by Argentina).

After that, a semi final against Brazil looms (assuming Brazil beat Portugal in their Group and come past a probably game against the Netherlands in the q/f).

But coming second in Group C puts you on a collision course (probably) with Germany in round 2 and Argentina in q/f. Which, I would think, would be too much for England or USA.

Of course the whole think can get scrambled by shock outcomes like Germany or Argentina failing to win their groups. But, I predict for England, that they could reach the semi-final without being underdog in any match, but they must beat USA to achieve this. If the dutch can get to a q/f against Brazil then they could pull off an upset, and perhaps England could win a semi against the dutch but....who knows.

So anyway, my forecast for the semi-finals

Brazil vs England (or maybe France)
Spain vs Argentina

with Spain vs Brazil as an epic final

and Brazil to win.

[Adam]

England will win the world cup (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/18/england-win-world-cup-jp-morgan) according to the bankers. Cus they've always been correct in the past. TOO BIG TO FAIL!

[HAL 9000]

^ You can see the JP Morgan paper here

http://www.moneyscience.com/Finance_Focus/JP_Morgan_Quants_Predict_England_World_Cup_Win.htm l

I didnt read their methodology but their model is clearly broken as it only predicts 2 tied games in the entire first round.

Otherwise, its predictions are close to mine above. They have the Netherlands beating Brazil in the q/f and then Engand beating them (as per my scenario for England reaching the final!) but they also, bizarrely have Slovenia going nuts and knockng out USA, Germany and Argentina before falling to Spain in the semis.

[RobMoney$]

I'm rooting for the Dutch because I am part Dutch, and of course the USA!


Anyone rooting for a country that they are not a native of is a toucanspam.

[mickill]

Anyone rooting for a country that they are not a native of is a toucanspam.

TS is a bandwagon-jumper, not counter-nationalist. Really not the same thing.

As for your disdain towards people that appreciate or are fans of teams other than those that they have some kind of a direct link to, it's your opinion, but I couldn't agree less.

[Guy Incognito]

I'm rooting for the Dutch because I am part Dutch, and of course the USA!


Anyone rooting for a country that they are not a native of is a toucanspam.

there are only 32 countries in it, so there are lots of people rooting for a different country.

[ToucanSpam]

there are only 32 countries in it, so there are lots of people rooting for a different country.

Yeah, I'd also like to point out the fact that he said he would root for the Dutch when he is American; hypocrisy anyone? Go back to trolling the NHL thread, Rob.

[ToucanSpam]

TS is a bandwagon-jumper.

Also wrong. You seem to pay a relatively large amount of attention to my posts, which leads me to believe you would only make this statement knowing my history on these boards as a sports fan. As some of the football fans here will vouch, and previous posts will prove, I am an Arsenal Gunners fan and have been since I joined the boards in 04. Old posts will also show I've been a Wings fan for a long, long time. Nice try.

[Guy Incognito]

Also wrong. You seem to pay a relatively large amount of attention to my posts, which leads me to believe you would only make this statement knowing my history on these boards as a sports fan. As some of the football fans here will vouch, and previous posts will prove, I am an Arsenal Gunners fan and have been since I joined the boards in 04. Old posts will also show I've been a Wings fan for a long, long time. Nice try.

not trying to wind you up here but no bugger calls them the Arsenal Gunners dude, one or the other but not both together

[ToucanSpam]

I figured that would be easier to search for him. My bad.

Does anyone think Serbia has a strong enough team to make it far? I can see them going to the round of 16, maybe 8, but not much further. Wishful thinking, I guess.

[Guy Incognito]

Does anyone think Serbia has a strong enough team to make it far? I can see them going to the round of 16, maybe 8, but not much further. Wishful thinking, I guess.

they are in one of the toughest groups with Germany Ghana and the aussies, anything can happen in that group its going to be tight.

[mickill]

Arsenal Gunners are awesome and they are awesome!

[ToucanSpam]

they are in one of the toughest groups with Germany Ghana and the aussies, anything can happen in that group its going to be tight.

I don't expect the Aussies to pull through. Even Germany is at a disadvantage without Ballack, but obviously they are the favs to win group. I think it'll end up like this:

Germany 3-0-0
Serbia 1-1-1
Ghana 1-1-1
Australia 0-3-0

With the Serbs getting through on goal differential. But who knows, it is gonna be a tight fight. They have a good defense corps and I think Vidić/Ivanović is going to be solid.

[RobMoney$]

Yeah, I'd also like to point out the fact that he said he would root for the Dutch when he is American; hypocrisy anyone? Go back to trolling the NHL thread, Rob.

Perhaps you missed the part where I said I drew my ancestory from the Dutch?


You are the biggest fraud of a sportsfan I know. And that goes for the internet and real life.

The fact that you try to justify your loyalty at all, let alone to teams that have multiple championships throughout history only futher proves what a bandwagoner you are. Your reputation is so well established on here that even moderate posters know of your fraudulent reputation.

Name me one team that you've supported publicly who isn't among the most storied franchises in their particular sport. And to top it off, you have absolutely no geographical allegiance to any of them.

You have no business being a fan of the Red Wings for instance, if you've never been to Detroit, never lived anywhere near Detroit, never went to school in Detroit, don't even have any family that lives in Detroit.

I mean, you probably would have rooted for the Nazi's in WWII because their helmets were cool and they were winning the most.

[Adam]

Oh ffs. Can't you get over this tribal shit?

So what if someone prefers another team to another. We're all mongrels - if you so wanted to track back everyones family tree you'd end up in South Africa.

This is a reason I go off sport. The team down the road you have to call some names that you wouldn't to your worse enemy because when you was a child you preferred blue over red. On a national level people bring up wars where millions died just to try and be one up in bragging rights - its disgusting some of the things people are compelled to say in the stands.

So what someone prefers one team to another when they have no connection to them. The connection might be that they like their philosophy, style of play, the colour of their shirts, their manager, that one of the players has nice legs - whatever really, its all the same. We all share this earth, just because there is water or an imaginary line between land masses doesn't make you that much different to those on the other side of it.

Sporting events like the world cup are there to entertain, if I can get some entertainment out of it then excellent - who gives a shit what colour their shirt is.

[RobMoney$]

So what someone prefers one team to another when they have no connection to them.


Pathetic.
Simply one bandwagoner defending another.

Some of us live by a higher ethic than just rooting for the team who's got the prettier uniforms or the most trophies.

[Adam]

Why can't we wish them to all have a good safe time and for the team who wins their games to be the one who wins the tournament?

It's like Englands official song by dizzie rascal condones violence - why would I support a nation that makes such words official just because I am from there?

edit: Just read the lyrics and learnt that the song hasn't been made official by the FA. I was mistaken about some of what he was saying, apart from the part "come and have a go if you think you're hard enough" without any hint of irony. And btw, I would prefer England to win - its a boost to marole and the economy of where I live. But it doesn't mean that I like to hear the hate that comes from stands at football matches. Horrible stuff sang about players and managers families - not all of it is good natured and when I used to watch football all the time my friends really seemed to mean some of it.

[Guy Incognito]

its not even fucking started and this thread has descended into bickering and bickering that isnt about the world cup!
c'mon girls, it doesnt matter how long you have been foloowing football, who you are following or why just talk about the world cup and not talk about who has the right to post in here for cliffs sake

[Adam]

its not even fucking started and this thread has descended into bickering and bickering that isnt about the world cup!
c'mon girls, it doesnt matter how long you have been foloowing football, who you are following or why just talk about the world cup and not talk about who has the right to post in here for cliffs sake

You are right. I apologise for my part in that but I tried to keep out of those issues in the thread until I was sat reading it before I even had coffee, so I tend to be at my most rant-i-ness.

So football eh? Jumpers for goal posts... etc...

[Freebasser]

I am looking forward to England taking an early plane home and seeing all the people at work who don't normally give two fucks about football suddenly lose interest in it again. Seriously - throwing world cup parties when you can't even name more than 3 people in the squad? Pathetic.

I'm interested in watching Mexico play so I can see how well Chicharito performs (y)

[Adam]

Firdenhand, walcott & waddle?

Can I come to the party now? :)

[roosta]

Pathetic.
Simply one bandwagoner defending another.

Some of us live by a higher ethic than just rooting for the team who's got the prettier uniforms or the most trophies.

This is kind of nonsense.

I mean, I support my local team in Ireland they'll always be my number one, but I also support a team who play in England. I support them because when I was a child and forging such allegiances I liked their players/ethic/spirit etc. I'm not from London, and have no English heritage, but I enjoy watching the English league, and for reasons I will never be able to shake, I support one team in particular. This is a common thing in this part of the world, you support a team as a kid and it becomes part of your DNA.

As for national teams, first and foremost, when Ireland are not in a tournament, I just want to watch the spectacle. I love the whole thing. but then I root for a bunch of teams, but its fairly casual, I won't get upset at all - any result included.

[Planetary]

Interestingly, that doesn't go for all Irish. With the old celtic connection and what not. same with liverpool. i think. something about catholics and protestants.

maybe i should have kept quiet.

I can see why rob's getting worked up though, nothing like someone trying to talk to you about sport when they obviously know nothing about it.

[checkyourprez]

lets get this bitch back on track.



forza italia.

[Guy Incognito]

^ hahaha

i'm not gonna start having a go at whether someone is qualified to talk football or not. I'll just talk football with them, I might tell them that the facts arent straight (or someone else will tell me the same thing) and give examples but if toucanspam or anyone else enters into discussion then thats all good. Its a festival of football, cant fucking beat it. come on.

[Junker]

Well, I just hope both Brazil and Spain make it through as first in their groups. Cause I wouldn't like to face Spain in the next stage so soon.

Hope Kaká get in shape for the WC cause he kinda sucked in those 2 friendly matches.

[jabumbo]

don't worry, no match is friendly in the world cup :rolleyes:

[Guy Incognito]

i am pissed off with all the fucking panic over rooney's do with the ref the other day. Its all over the place scutinising every fucking thing he does and talking nonstop about it. Yes we know he is only real hope we have of doing something brilliant but if we all think that then he knows we do. D'ya not think he might be feeling the pressure on his shoulders? So then lets not talk about whether he has the temper and focus on the fact that he's a fucking amazing footballer. christ.

Feel better now.

[Guy Incognito]

Predict score of opening game:

South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico

[Junker]

don't worry, no match is friendly in the world cup :rolleyes:

You're right about it. But I got worried when he missed so many easy passes in those matches. His timing was not good at all.

[Freebasser]

Predict score of opening game:

South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico

South Africa 1 - 3 Mexico

[Adam]

I think the first 16 games will be nil nil

[ToucanSpam]

Ugh, really...


Anyways, I was looking at the groups and there's a few that seem uncertain to me as to who is going to make it through.

In Group B, obviously Argentina is going to cruise through and most likely win the group. But what about Nigeria, Greece, and South Korea? I know the Greeks have very stingy defense but Since 04 I haven't heard much about their team, are they the contenders to break through?

Group E has the Netherlands clearly making it through, but what about Denmark, Japan, or Cameroon? I wish I knew more about African or Asian footie but I really know nothing about their teams...I was under the impression Cameroon were an African powerhouse in the early 2000s, but again I know nothing of them recently.

Group F has Italy going though for sure, but what about Paraguay, New Zealand, and Slovakia? I know Oceania football isn't typically as strong as Europe or South America, does anyone know much about these teams?

Group H has Spain, arguably the favourites, but it also has Honduras (aka the slayers of my Canadian team a couple of times) and Switzerland and Chile.

It's very exciting to see a bunch of teams I know little about in groups where it seems to be anyone's game to get second. The big appeal of World Cup for me is seeing some of my favs play (England, Spain, Portugal, and so on) but also these other teams out of Africa and South America who could be surprise winners. I'm getting pretty excited for this to start.

Is Drogba definitely out??

[Junker]

Is Drogba definitely out??

Not definitely out. He had this arm surgery and according to some Ivory Coast spokesman he could even face Brazil in their second game.

[ToucanSpam]

Not definitely out. He had this arm surgery and according to some Ivory Coast spokesman he could even face Brazil in their second game.

Good for them, it kinda sucked their big all star went down. I hope he plays and gives IC a fighting chance.

[mickill]

Hey fellas, in Group G, obviously Portuguesa and Brasil will cruise through, but what about Korea DPR and Côte d'Ivoire? I mean, most Koreans eat kimchi, which contains cabbage. And cabbage is a great source of manganese and calcium. I think it's a given that the combination of strong bones and the likelihood that most of the Korean players will have had some experience in taekwondo could be a huge factor here. As for the Côte d'Ivoire players, the majority of them are African. I dunno fellas....could be a tricky group. I think it will be fascinating to watch this particular group of footie players.

[Lex Diamonds]

I really love the Arsenal Gunners. Their goal differential is the best! (y)

Go Serbia! :)

[Drederick Tatum]

how close is your Dutch heritage, robmoney? are we talking parents or grandparents, or typical American 'my cousin's last name sounds kinda European i'm so exotic'?

[roosta]

Interestingly, that doesn't go for all Irish. With the old celtic connection and what not. same with liverpool. i think. something about catholics and protestants.

maybe i should have kept quiet.

I can see why rob's getting worked up though, nothing like someone trying to talk to you about sport when they obviously know nothing about it.

Well, true, the Irish traditionally support Celtic in Scotland,and Liverpool in England, but in London Arsenal were traditionally an Irish supported club, although that had no bearing on my support.

Spain beat Poland 6-0 in a friendly....peaking too early, or the first sign of the impending soccer holocaust they are bringing?

[camo]

Bought my England top. I went out to get the new one but the fabric feels kinda weird and I decided not to get it. Fortunately the shop I bought from also does retro replicas so I bought myself a Italia 90 Paul Gasgoine (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/05/football_paul_gascoigne0s_career_in_pictures/img/2.jpg) shirt.

(y)

[mickill]

Anyone else grab one of these (http://images1.cafepress.com/product/94540491v2_225x225_Front.jpg)?

[roosta]

These are the shirts you want. (http://didi.bigcartel.com/)

I wanna get the French one, but the colour of the text is just mental, would give people brain hemorrhages.

[mickill]

Those are nice. But nothing for North Korea?

I think the Brazilians and the Dutch (or people with Dutch descendants) win with those. I'm sure the French one doesn't mess with your eyes as much if you're within 4 feet of it.

[Yeti]

I read that the English team has been told to abstain from sex during the World Cup. I have always heard boxing trainers say that they require boxers to abstain from sex during training. I guess that is the reason that they train in Big Bear and such isolated places. My bet is that the English Blue Ballers will throw the game on Saturday so they can sow their wild oats.

[Adam]

How bright can a football top be? Like if you wore a very reflective silver could you dazzle you opposition? I suppose you could dazzle your team mates tho - unless you all wore shades?

I want the team with the silver tops and shades to win.

[Guy Incognito]

if England get enough of the ball on saturday then we should have the beating of the usa but you never know, i'd take a 1-1 draw now. i think they'd both qualify if that happened.

I think we have too much up front for their defense but it depends on how we line up at the front.

[Drederick Tatum]

on paper the English team should be just too talented for the US. but they will be really up for the game. it could kick off in more ways than one.

I think there'll be an early goal. not sure which side will score it though.

[HAL 9000]

What out for Slovenia! They already knocked out Russia over two legs, and JP Morgan think they will reach the Semis!

But then their coach also says he doesn't care if they lose all their games as long as they play attractive football which does not sound encouraging!

[Adam]

on paper the English team should be just too talented for the US...

Not sure if its true but I heard South Africa laid down grass for the pitch instead of paper. So USA have a real chance if so.

[Guy Incognito]

^ now now.

If we play rooney up front on his jack then we'll batter them, the midfield will come thru and batter their defence.

If its two up front then it all depends who partners rooney and how well they play

[checkyourprez]

These are the shirts you want. (http://didi.bigcartel.com/)

I wanna get the French one, but the colour of the text is just mental, would give people brain hemorrhages.

those are cool. too bad italys squad is weak this year.

[paul jones]

everywhere I went today I saw thousands of St.George flags hanging from windows,on top of cars.

It's good because all the illegal immigrants who sneak in can be sure they have arrived at their required destination.(y)

[Junker]

those are cool. too bad italys squad is weak this year.

But they were weak 4 years ago as well and ended up winning the cup. ;)

[MCD]

this is the t to have

http://thesoundmedium.wordpress.com/2010/06/09/grateful-dead-usa-soccer-t-shirt/

[paul jones]

those fucking horn things are fucking annoying.It's like a thousand bees just surrounded the house.

Stop it you fucking muppets and sing proper football chants

[Guy Incognito]

those fucking horn things are fucking annoying.It's like a thousand bees just surrounded the house.

Stop it you fucking muppets and sing proper football chants

(y)

it was pretty constant, but i wonder if actually at the match if it might all add to the atmosphere or would it be even more annoying?

It was a good game though.

[mickill]

No, I'm sure it's annoying.

[Freebasser]

Mark Lawrenson, 70 odd minutes into the Uruguay/France game:

"They... they actually sound like a swarm of angry bees".

Well done, Mark. Nobody else had picked up on that, or indeed commented on it. Keep earning your £200,000 a year, you sour-faced bastard.

[Drederick Tatum]

vuvuzelas are basically traffic cones. worst instrument ever.

[Junker]

Uruguay x France = extremely boring match

Now I'm convinced that Mexico and South Africa will make through.

[Planetary]

Pretty sure i heard a distant yelp from Ireland's direction when Thierry Henry appealed for handball...

[HAL 9000]

Watching S. Korea vs Greece. Strange game, Korea look like exactly the sort of team Greece like playing - small and completely incapable of dealing with long balls into their own 18 yard box. And yet Greece have sucked until the last 20 mins.

[camo]

Those fucking horns. Arrrgghhhhh

Cool dancing though (y)

[b i o n i c]

yeah, those goddamn horns are annoying (n) are they a pacification device of some sort? give everyone something expend their energy on?

[Junker]

Pretty sure i heard a distant yelp from Ireland's direction when Thierry Henry appealed for handball...

This Brazilian sports commentator said during the transmission: "Hahaha, that's what irony is. Thiery Henry asking for a handball :rolleyes:"

[Adam]

Although the horns were still there, they was noticeably less in the Argentine game. Maybe the more footballing nations will be a bit more traditional in their atmosphere. We'll see with England I suppose. Really have no clue what sort of atmosphere the USA traditionally have?

I'm getting into this thing now. Enjoyed South Korea as I studied TaeKwonDo for a few years (sorry Rob) but I'll still support England to. But as a neutral to most of it (as I have no real club allegiance that are anywhere near top flight football) I don't know the personalities of most footballers including the english ones so wanting Y to lose cus X plays for Arsenal doesn't effect me type of thing.

[Planetary]

what the fuuuuuck are you talking about. just watch it ffs

[checkyourprez]

you english blokes are about to suck the American dick!!!!!!!!!!!

[checkyourprez]

and i like the horns. it adds to the atmosphere. its the only even you really hear them at.

[synch]

you english blokes are about to suck the American dick!!!!!!!!!!!Well, you managed to not concede for nearly five minutes, which is something.

edit: Haha, what is it with English goalkeepers??

[checkyourprez]

nice goal keeping you bums!!!!!!

[synch]

That's what you get when the top 9-10 teams in the premier league have foreign keepers.

Or alternatively... that's why they have foreign keepers :D

[checkyourprez]

im azzurri through and through in footballing terms but ill still wish the united states the best.

however they play clumsy, unattractive, tactically unsound football. but yet still could have beat a "team" that is supposedly one of the best in the world. i use the word loosely, because they are just more of a collection of very good players, they dont play like a team.

[funk63]

Ugh, soccer is so boring and stupid.

[RobMoney$]

that keeper for england looks like you, prez.

[Adam]

I enjoyed that game but facebook and twitter is awash with abuse. The plastic trumpets are really freaking annoying. Oh, and from the little of what we saw of the crowd the Americans seem to be in better spirits. Fair result I thought, england did play the better but both teams could of won.

[Drederick Tatum]

howler from Green but still, if you're only going to score one goal against the US you don't deserve to win the game.

[paul jones]

England have no chance of winning the world cup.

maybe they are missing the WAGS too much.

[jabumbo]

tim howard is BOSS

[Drederick Tatum]

^yeah he had a good game especially considering he took that foot to the chest. he was helped by the fact that England's best chances were hit straight at his hands though.

[Guy Incognito]

howler from Green but still, if you're only going to score one goal against the US you don't deserve to win the game.

we created a few chances but howard and especially onyewu were brilliant, the US worked very hard. I'll take a point.

England have no chance of winning the world cup.

.

now now lets not write it off just yet. Whenever we have done well (QF or more) we have only scored one goal or less in opening game. Plus we have qualified for knockout stages in last two world cups with 5 points so i'm not worried yet. There were plenty of good things. Gerrard stepped it up, heskey was brilliant (should have scored tho) and glenn johnson played very well.

tim howard is BOSS

he had a good game, i never wanted fergie to sell him but he had a bad run for united which is probably why he's so good now, learning from his mistakes. Lets hope Green does the same, i'd rather he have a stinker now and then draw strength from it.

I still think we'll get to at least the QF's. I think the US will qualify for next round as well. Good side. Defence held up a lot better than i thought it would

[Adam]

Hehe.

Every time England have a good game its "they'll win the world cup for sure" and every time they have a bad game its "they should be up against the wall and shot for bring disgrace to this once great nation". <3 the press fickleness

England are a good side - better than the US but they didn't win - so what. Its not exactly a hard group, they'll still probably win the group and at worse go through.

No need to panic or smash up an african city yet. You also gotta remember, every team are up for it against England - they want to beat them if they beat no other team in the tournament yet we still played USA off the park for the most part. Like I say tho, fair result as first game you can't expect to be super tight - nerves etc.

[roosta]

Pretty sure i heard a distant yelp from Ireland's direction when Thierry Henry appealed for handball...

haha..yeah, pretty much instantly the entire nation screamed at their televisions. funny shit.

So far...so good.

Argentina/Messi are very dangerous, but I don't think they'll win the tournament..a better team than Nigeria will score against them. Messi was great to watch.

Vincent Enyeama's value just trebled.

Was watching US/England at dinner with the sound off, so only half watching. Poor Green, as I shouted out at the table "thats his England career over"

Chuffed for South Korea.

France? Same old shit. Not taking Nasri/Benzema, leaving Malouda on bench says it all. No invention in that side. Pity.

[Planetary]

England missed a lot of good chances to win that game :(

And the goalkeeper thing, not really a lot to say is there...

[HAL 9000]

Some commentators were suggesting that the group would now be a matter of which of USA and England could amass the most goals in destroying Algeria and Slovenia. I dont think it will work out like that. USA played well as an undedog last night, but I think they will find it difficult against Slovenia and Algeria and I would expect them to drop points somewhere in there, which could lead to them finishing third. Could also happen to England too.

Rooney had a shocker last night, he kept giving the ball away until the last 20 mins when he got better.

[HAL 9000]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8737455.stm

Possible Vuvuzela ban!

[camo]

I'm not a killjoy I hope they do ban them, it's an annoying sound.

[checkyourprez]

offensively, i've enjoyed watching south korea play the most so far. they a fast little fuckers. ninja-like.

[synch]

France? Same old shit. Not taking Nasri/Benzema, leaving Malouda on bench says it all. No invention in that side. Pity.Not sure why they stuck with Domenech for so long, but seeing as I hope they lose as much as possible it was fun while it lasted (he's leaving after the world cup).

Any coach that uses astrology to pick a squad should not be taken seriously.

[Planetary]

Yeah it's rediculous.

In other news, Serbia Ghana is a good game so far.

[Drederick Tatum]

Germany-Australia in a couple of hours. not sure who I want to win. despite living here I really dislike the German team, but Australia has been the enemy for so long.

if the Germans play some of their youngsters I might get behind them.

[mickill]

if the Germans play some of their youngsters I might get behind them.

"Hey, young Germans, let's get kloser."

Germany's got this one. Should be something like strong offense vs weak(ish) defense. Pretty straightforward.

[checkyourprez]

england really needs to do something about their center midfield. lampard or gerrard either has to play on a wing or one gets the bench. unfortunately it would probably be steven out on the right, which is a bit wack because i prefer him over lamps overall. frank just likes to sit at the top of the box and shoot. doesnt combine as well. stevens a better over all player in my opinion and can do what frank does and then some.

there seems to be 0 cohesion in the english squad. only lennon and johnson looked decent in that game. everyone else was bum.


in the words of my father (italian accent and all) while watching the usa v. england game...."these two teams are terrible"

[Whatitis]

If this (http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/controversy-over-world-cup-ball-won-t-die--fbintl_ro-worldcupball061310W.html) was a real problem for goalies, wouldn't there be more scoring in the games played so far. We are only a few days in but seems a bit whiney.

[Freebasser]

I expect everybody with an iphone to download this (http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/vuvuzela-2010/id326630627?mt=8) app to annoy people at work with tomorrow (y)

[roosta]

USA WINS 1-1 !!! (http://i.imgur.com/YDjND.jpg)

[monkey]

oh god, the post never fails.


my house (as a whole) roots for chile first and foremost, italy in solidarity with close family friends, and third the US for being the current ground. that's basically the rule established at my house about 16 years ago, and it remains.

[RobMoney$]

my house (as a whole) roots for chile first and foremost, italy in solidarity with close family friends, and third the US for being the current ground. that's basically the rule established at my house about 16 years ago, and it remains.


Now this is a fine example of sports fandom and support, and also just good parenting IMO.

[Drederick Tatum]

"Hey, young Germans, let's get kloser."


"get Klose" would've made more sense. flying batboy did the business tonight. :eek:

[Baseline]

man, you can always rely on this Germans. Thank you from the top of my wallet :)

Ghana-Serbia .. what a fiasco! I wanna kill this Pantelic, seriously. :(

[checkyourprez]

If this (http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/controversy-over-world-cup-ball-won-t-die--fbintl_ro-worldcupball061310W.html) was a real problem for goalies, wouldn't there be more scoring in the games played so far. We are only a few days in but seems a bit whiney.

yes and no. they actually have to be getting/taking good shots for it to make much of a difference. and frankly there hasn't been many good shots from distance on target.

[Junker]

Australia was hit by a monster truck today.

[Audio.]

the horns are annoying! Come on! take a break from blowing and start cheering from your vocal chords. Seriously.

Waiting for my team this coming Wednesday. Espana vs Switzerland. They gonna go doooown!

[mickill]

"get Klose" would've made more sense. flying batboy did the business tonight. :eek:

Yeah....don't know how that r got there.

Before the game, I told someone that Germany would win 3-0. So I was kinda disappointed when they got that last one.

[checkyourprez]

future captain hereeee weee gooooo.

[Guy Incognito]

future captain hereeee weee gooooo.

what the fuck are you talking about? Di Rossi.

Paraguay havent been great and your lot (well your other lot) are pretty poor as well but you'll probably win the game with a fluke. Paraguay keeper was going for a different ball at the corner.

[DIGI]

I'm sorry. It has to be because I'm a stupid American. This shit is SOOOO FUCKING BORING!! I'm honestly trying to immerse myself into the World Cup hooplah with a totally objective mindset. I can honestly say that I despise watching it. I've always been an American football fan growing up, but would always watch the World Cup and I've played my fair share of soccer during the course of my life and found it to be quite enjoyable. Watching it, though? Fuck that. How can you go an entire match when the final score is 1-0 and the only goal was scored in the first 5 minutes!?! That's exhilarating to you all!?!?! I mean, I understand that there's some insane footwork and whatnot in the meantime, but seriously.........

What the fuck am I missing here!?

:(

[checkyourprez]

what the fuck are you talking about? Di Rossi.

Paraguay havent been great and your lot (well your other lot) are pretty poor as well but you'll probably win the game with a fluke. Paraguay keeper was going for a different ball at the corner.


obviously fool.

gilardino needs to be out. hes a bum. he was a bum at milan. hes a bum on the big stage period. need pirlo back.


only germany has looked good. no one else has stood out so that bodes well.

[Planetary]

no more football until tomorrow now :(

[RobMoney$]

It's a sad day for Italians all over the planet. You guys ain't what you used to be.

But it's a good day to be a Dutchman. (y)

[Guy Incognito]

obviously fool.

gilardino needs to be out. hes a bum. he was a bum at milan. hes a bum on the big stage period. need pirlo back.


only germany has looked good. no one else has stood out so that bodes well.

you lot always do this at the start and you always end up doing really well.

[Adam]

Paraguay Win 1 - 1

DIGI - it hasn't been amazing. A vested interest always helps but when you ain't got that its like watching the beginning of Olympics. Choose your games - Brasil, England, Germany, Argentina, they are the ones who should provide the highest amount of entertainment.

Like I've been saying, I haven't enjoyed football for a long time but its coming back watching this.

[checkyourprez]

It's a sad day for Italians all over the planet. You guys ain't what you used to be.

But it's a good day to be a Dutchman. (y)

always slow starters the eyetalians are.

[camo]

It wasn't to bad. I thought Pepe was going to be using his tricks throughout the entire game after his early jinx but it never really came after that.


Btw I am really missing hearing the chants from the crowds.

[Adam]

Btw I am really missing hearing the chants from the crowds.

"YOU ESS AYE" is the only chant I've heard so far.

[Audio.]

after watching an hour of it I got blood dripping from my nostrils. those horns are gonna leave me in a coma!

[roosta]

I'm sorry. It has to be because I'm a stupid American. This shit is SOOOO FUCKING BORING!! I'm honestly trying to immerse myself into the World Cup hooplah with a totally objective mindset. I can honestly say that I despise watching it. I've always been an American football fan growing up, but would always watch the World Cup and I've played my fair share of soccer during the course of my life and found it to be quite enjoyable. Watching it, though? Fuck that. How can you go an entire match when the final score is 1-0 and the only goal was scored in the first 5 minutes!?! That's exhilarating to you all!?!?! I mean, I understand that there's some insane footwork and whatnot in the meantime, but seriously.........

What the fuck am I missing here!?

:(

[B]First point: This World Cup has started slowly, because no team wants to lose.If you lose your first game you have a giant mountain to climb. You will see it open up from the second round in.

Second:In soccer there is not a correlation between score and excitement. Nor should there be. Why should it be? Frankly, if you enjoy a sport purely for the increased numbers in the score, you have to ask yourself, did you actually enjoy it? There are so many things to enjoy about a match beyond scoring.

Again, I will admit this tournament has been cagey, but even a 1-0 can be the most gripping match you will see.

I can see why people would be frustrated so far, but its easy to see why a 1-0 could be thrilling.

Big numbers does not equal excitement.

And frankly, if you were not a soccer fan to begin with, there's no reason why you would start now...

[checkyourprez]

[B]First point: This World Cup has started slowly, because no team wants to lose.If you lose your first game you have a giant mountain to climb. You will see it open up from the second round in.

Second:In soccer there is not a correlation between score and excitement. Nor should there be. Why should it be? Frankly, if you enjoy a sport purely for the increased numbers in the score, you have to ask yourself, did you actually enjoy it? There are so many things to enjoy about a match beyond scoring.

Again, I will admit this tournament has been cagey, but even a 1-0 can be the most gripping match you will see.

I can see why people would be frustrated so far, but its easy to see why a 1-0 could be thrilling.

Big numbers does not equal excitement.

And frankly, if you were not a soccer fan to begin with, there's no reason why you would start now...

well said.

[kaiser soze]

Australia should just swim home now

[b i o n i c]

lol

[Echewta]

Its got a point. (http://vuvuzela.ytmnd.com/)

[paul jones]

I'm bored of the world cup now

[Gareth]

nz v slovakia
huge :cool:

[Drederick Tatum]

those tractor-loving Slovak bastards are gonna get it.

[synch]

... while being one nil up...

[DIGI]

[B]First point: This World Cup has started slowly, because no team wants to lose.If you lose your first game you have a giant mountain to climb. You will see it open up from the second round in.

Second:In soccer there is not a correlation between score and excitement. Nor should there be. Why should it be? Frankly, if you enjoy a sport purely for the increased numbers in the score, you have to ask yourself, did you actually enjoy it? There are so many things to enjoy about a match beyond scoring.

Again, I will admit this tournament has been cagey, but even a 1-0 can be the most gripping match you will see.

I can see why people would be frustrated so far, but its easy to see why a 1-0 could be thrilling.

Big numbers does not equal excitement.

And frankly, if you were not a soccer fan to begin with, there's no reason why you would start now...

1st point: I understand the slow start being that no one want to lose therefore playing a more defensive-minded game. I can dig it.

2nd point: Did you completely miss my whole statement regarding certain exciting aspects of the game aside from scoring? Watching hockey, I get excited watching Sidney Crosby's insane puck handling skills or Brooks Orpik destroying some dude in open ice. That has nothing to do with scoring. But when I'm watching maybe 3 guys at a time doing anything while the rest are just walking around on the pitch is kind of deflating for me. There's just no excitement there. I'm sorry. Call me crazy, but I do enjoy watching sports more if there's a decent amount of goals, runs, baskets, and touchdowns. LOCK ME UP!

And frankly, go fuck yourself. Maybe I should apologize for trying to understand the excitement of a sport that has the entire planet, aside from my country, completely enthralled. Excuse me for trying. I do kind of find it funny that you chastise me for saying the tournament's sucked thus far and then turn around and say that it's not all about goals.....but yeah, it's kinda sucked thus far (in so many words).

Argentina was pretty fun to watch, but not enough to compell me to watch regularly.

[Junker]

[B]First point: This World Cup has started slowly, because no team wants to lose.If you lose your first game you have a giant mountain to climb. You will see it open up from the second round in.

Second:In soccer there is not a correlation between score and excitement. Nor should there be. Why should it be? Frankly, if you enjoy a sport purely for the increased numbers in the score, you have to ask yourself, did you actually enjoy it? There are so many things to enjoy about a match beyond scoring.

Again, I will admit this tournament has been cagey, but even a 1-0 can be the most gripping match you will see.

I can see why people would be frustrated so far, but its easy to see why a 1-0 could be thrilling.

Big numbers does not equal excitement.

And frankly, if you were not a soccer fan to begin with, there's no reason why you would start now...

well said.

Well said [2]

[Junker]

Today is a great day here. The game will be around 3:30pm and everybody will be released from their jobs around 2pm. You gotta love the World Cup. ;)

Well, I'm off. Gonna continue with Ivory Coast x Portugal. Bye!

[checkyourprez]

1st point: I understand the slow start being that no one want to lose therefore playing a more defensive-minded game. I can dig it.

2nd point: Did you completely miss my whole statement regarding certain exciting aspects of the game aside from scoring? Watching hockey, I get excited watching Sidney Crosby's insane puck handling skills or Brooks Orpik destroying some dude in open ice. That has nothing to do with scoring. But when I'm watching maybe 3 guys at a time doing anything while the rest are just walking around on the pitch is kind of deflating for me. There's just no excitement there. I'm sorry. Call me crazy, but I do enjoy watching sports more if there's a decent amount of goals, runs, baskets, and touchdowns. LOCK ME UP!

And frankly, go fuck yourself. Maybe I should apologize for trying to understand the excitement of a sport that has the entire planet, aside from my country, completely enthralled. Excuse me for trying. I do kind of find it funny that you chastise me for saying the tournament's sucked thus far and then turn around and say that it's not all about goals.....but yeah, it's kinda sucked thus far (in so many words).

Argentina was pretty fun to watch, but not enough to compell me to watch regularly.


you're wrong there. you may only see 3 guys doing something but that doesn't mean thats whats really going on...


but ill be the first to admit as an avid football fan the footy being played in this first round is no where near the best stuff on earth. part of it is the caginess of the first games. part of it is honestly club teams are better than national squads bar a select few. they also have less time to practice and play together so they are not as in tune with their teammates.

with the second and third group games coming up teams need points so they will have to chase victories and the games will be more offensive in nature. to the liking of the avid fan and casual watcher.

[roosta]

1st point: I understand the slow start being that no one want to lose therefore playing a more defensive-minded game. I can dig it.

2nd point: Did you completely miss my whole statement regarding certain exciting aspects of the game aside from scoring? Watching hockey, I get excited watching Sidney Crosby's insane puck handling skills or Brooks Orpik destroying some dude in open ice. That has nothing to do with scoring. But when I'm watching maybe 3 guys at a time doing anything while the rest are just walking around on the pitch is kind of deflating for me. There's just no excitement there. I'm sorry. Call me crazy, but I do enjoy watching sports more if there's a decent amount of goals, runs, baskets, and touchdowns. LOCK ME UP!

And frankly, go fuck yourself. Maybe I should apologize for trying to understand the excitement of a sport that has the entire planet, aside from my country, completely enthralled. Excuse me for trying. I do kind of find it funny that you chastise me for saying the tournament's sucked thus far and then turn around and say that it's not all about goals.....but yeah, it's kinda sucked thus far (in so many words).

Argentina was pretty fun to watch, but not enough to compell me to watch regularly.

ah, calm down, i was only trying to explain why people like it, wasn't having a go. maybe i didn't word it very well (it was kind of steam of consciousness without editing).

I didn't mean to imply there was anything wrong with trying, what I meant was there's no reason why the World Cup would convert anyone to liking soccer. International soccer isn't necessarily the best advert for the game.

And I didn't say it sucked.

[Guy Incognito]

this must be an impact sport thing. american football is short sharp bits of action spread out over a few hours and ad breaks. I think some of the things DIGI has mentioned would be appreciated with more watching, i have been watching football a long time and still dont understand some of the finer points of tactics or movement. The thing about soccer is that it can be a drawn out game and then everything can change in an instant with a mistake, tackle, piece of skill.

[b i o n i c]

i wonder if north koreas players will be executed if they lose

[Adam]

The thing with football to, it can have many levels to the game. Like you can get an offensive, defensive, cagey, violent, boring, counter attacking, controlled game.

You can also be cruising two nil up and then GI said, two mistakes in 90+ minutes and you can be 2-2. If there is another minute to go then you can still win or draw. In higher scoring games, like american football and basketball you normally have too much of a lead for it to be able to all change in the last 3-5 minutes (from what little I know).

[checkyourprez]

how do you think the dinho is feeling right now?


watching these games and having to watch that commercial with him doing work in it and not being able to play. sucks for my man. dunga can eat shit.

[checkyourprez]

thats bs. north korea was playing pretty decent. very well organized in the back. and the one guy up top who was crying during the anthem was impressing me a bit. but maicon defiantly was crossing that. no doubt about it. unlucky break for the koreans.

[Guy Incognito]

thats bs. north korea was playing pretty decent. very well organized in the back. and the one guy up top who was crying during the anthem was impressing me a bit. but maicon defiantly was crossing that. no doubt about it. unlucky break for the koreans.

the koreans deserve something but i think the floodgates will open now. deffo a cross though. thing is, i thought this group was going to be decided on who tonks north korea the most but its going to be a bit tighter than that.

[Guy Incognito]

and this game provides a good argument for a lot thats good about football. its not been the most exciting but its good to watch a big side try and break down a plucky well organised less experienced team

[checkyourprez]

thats a good goal.


did anyone else hear the announcer say that the north korean "fans" are hand picked actors from china? that is fucking wild.

i guess it makes sense tho. dont want them getting out of the county and seeing how sweet the world is and not coming home. especially at the world cup, its like one big party, they try and make it as fun as possible. i kinda think that would be >>>>> to north korea.

[Adam]

the commentators in the UK said that was a rumour. Maybe its true but I do like how rumour and fact get blurred from different networks. Like he also said tho, we'll never know the truth (but fox will probably report it) :cool:

[b i o n i c]

north korea played pretty aight i think.. or brazil was a little weak - it looked like it could go either way for a while there

ps, watch this http://www.vbs.tv/watch/the-vice-guide-to-travel/vice-guide-to-north-korea-1-of-3

[roosta]

I think North Korea made a great account of themselves.

Did you see the dude crying during the national anthem? He's either going to be a hero, or he's a dead man.

[Audio.]

thats a good goal.


did anyone else hear the announcer say that the north korean "fans" are hand picked actors from china? that is fucking wild.

i guess it makes sense tho. dont want them getting out of the county and seeing how sweet the world is and not coming home. especially at the world cup, its like one big party, they try and make it as fun as possible. i kinda think that would be >>>>> to north korea.

haha that is hilarious :D

[DIGI]

Its all good, Roost. I think the misconceived multitude is throwing me off. This shits so hyped up to be the greatest sporting event in the world (ie Junker getting out of work early-WTF?), when actually, the athletes are better with the league theyre accustomed to. The game suffers when mother fuckers are thrown together with little practice time. GI was correct except for the last few minutes of American football and basketball. That shit takes forever and anything can happen. See Super XLIII-GO STEELERS. You might not have said it sucked, but you tap danced all around it...in so many words.

[Kid Presentable]

Just a culture thing. I watched a superbowl once and I've never experienced anything so stop-start boring. Football (as in Soccer) is boring in its own way, so it just comes down to what you can appreciate.

[Audio.]

its all about boxing.

[Drederick Tatum]

Slovakia 1 - Freedom 1

[roosta]

Its all good, Roost. I think the misconceived multitude is throwing me off. This shits so hyped up to be the greatest sporting event in the world (ie Junker getting out of work early-WTF?), when actually, the athletes are better with the league theyre accustomed to. The game suffers when mother fuckers are thrown together with little practice time. GI was correct except for the last few minutes of American football and basketball. That shit takes forever and anything can happen. See Super XLIII-GO STEELERS. You might not have said it sucked, but you tap danced all around it...in so many words.

No probs bobs.

I personally don't think it is sucking...but its not great so far, i'll admit that. International football just isn't as good as league football, and as you say, it gets hyped up so much.

Still, where else can you see a North Korean man crying during his national anthem about to play Brazil, being cheered on by hired Chinese actors?

[Adam]

So using 888 Sports free £20 bet I've placed a correct score bet on Spain winning 3 - 1 against the swiss. Returns will be £260 if I win. Loss will be a one off promotion and spam in my email for the rest of the duration of my spam email account (y)

Come on spain!

[monkey]

not for nothin' but this game right now with chile and honduras has been probably the best game yet. and my chile lindo is fuckin awesome. (y)

i almost wish i had my own horn right now at home/

[Adam]

The chile game was good. The score line should of been higher though, with a bit of luck they could go far. Will they end up playing Brasil though in the next round if they finish 2nd?

[monkey]

^ yea, it could be that way. OR we could upset the whole shebang and school spain. we like to think positive here, so we're going to believe that chile can beat spain. yep. yes we can. ;)

[jabumbo]

well that was an exciting scoreless half


spain dominating but was waiting for the swiss to cash in on a quick counter

[Audio.]

Spain -0 ; Switzerland - 1



NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

[roosta]

Go on the Swiss! Nice upset.

Tournament was good today.

[MC Moot]

La casa de duelo... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SjxUXFa4Lw)...:(

[Audio.]

They are asking for the horns to have either filters or not to be used during a game but the president says that they wont since its a tradition.
Or something like that. I just woke up and will be going back to bed. Woke up to see the last hour of the Spain vs Switzerland match.

Annnd apparently there is an app on the ipod for that horn sound. hehe

[Guy Incognito]

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

[I]Spain, by a mile, with their eyes shut .

:rolleyes::rolleyes::o

[ToucanSpam]

Good tournament so far, the upset have been frustrating (all my pools are screwed) but enjoyable. I would like to see South Africa win later on.

[jabumbo]

there eyes must have been shut for how many shots missed the goal!

[Drederick Tatum]

if the tournament continues in the same vein then the two of the main talking points after the World Cup are going to be the vuvuzelas and the ball. players seem to be struggling to get their foot around the Jabulani. getting in-swing looks to be extremely difficult.

[Freebasser]

Go on the Swiss! Nice upset.

Tournament was good today.

Sucks to be at work :(

Ah well - at least I get to watch South Africa - Uruguay tonight :/

[Freebasser]

Annnd apparently there is an app on the ipod for that horn sound. hehe

Yes, there is (http://www.beastieboys.com/bbs/showpost.php?p=1735708&postcount=150) (y)

[Guy Incognito]

if the tournament continues in the same vein then the two of the main talking points after the World Cup are going to be the vuvuzelas and the ball. players seem to be struggling to get their foot around the Jabulani. getting in-swing looks to be extremely difficult.

today and yesterday have been best days, its warming up, its going to take off very shortly, 2nd group games start tonight and some sides already need to win so i think its about to go off. So many world cups have a good start then petered out, i think this will be the exact opposite

[paul jones]

When does Wimbledon start?

I want to see camel toes and pokies

[checkyourprez]

if the tournament continues in the same vein then the two of the main talking points after the World Cup are going to be the vuvuzelas and the ball. players seem to be struggling to get their foot around the Jabulani. getting in-swing looks to be extremely difficult.

agree 100%. i think that ball is shit. you can tell whenever a player tries to cut the ball and have it bend the ball immediately takes off from their foot in a 45 degree angle. it bounces immediately off the foot before it has a chance to get around the ball to whip it at all.

[ToucanSpam]

It seems like most of the goals I've seen are either up close or are major keeper/defender gaffes. That ball seems to do what prez said, rockets upwards ridiculously fast without much bending. What could they do to keep their shots lower, just aim lower? Anyways, anyone have a favorite goal thus far? I'll take the first of the tourney by Shamalala lol.

[checkyourprez]

It seems like most of the goals I've seen are either up close or are major keeper/defender gaffes. That ball seems to do what prez said, rockets upwards ridiculously fast without much bending. What could they do to keep their shots lower, just aim lower? Anyways, anyone have a favorite goal thus far? I'll take the first of the tourney by Shamalala lol.

kinda. you can also tell some players are trying to do that. but a lot of these shots have also been shit because they are almost overcompensating and hitting it into the ground.


really the only good shots we have seen are when the balls have been struck head on with perfect form. then the ball does what adidas wants it to do. but that has been like 1% unfortunately of all shots.

[mickill]

Maicon's cross was my favorite goal so far.

[b i o n i c]

whatta maicon!

[Gareth]

http://www.vuvuzela-time.co.uk/

[Guy Incognito]

Forlans goal last night was pretty special but the north korea goal is my favourite so far

[Freebasser]

Maicon's cross was my favorite goal so far.

True dat.

[Adam]

Half time with SKO and ARG - awesome steal of a goal on the last kick. But I am loving watching argentina play, its great football to watch. Also, I said before - you notice the lack of horns from the crowd when argentina play, a proper atmosphere (y)

[Lex Diamonds]

They're called South Korea and Argentina.

Despite the Argentinians' powerful attacking play, the goals have both been due to disappointingly weak defensive play from the Koreans. I live next to the largest Korean settlement outside Korea (New Malden) so I always want them to do well. During the last World Cup the Korean President was here buying everyone in the pub a drink whenever S Korea scored. (y)

[Adam]

sorry, typing on my phone is not mega quick, saves vital seconds with my big thumbs.

[Lex Diamonds]

Apology accepted.

[Yeti]

Of course, I will continue to cheer for the US but I kind of want Diego Maradona's team to win. He is a nut case and says that he will streak thru Buenos Aires if they win the cup. He looks like a deranged troll and it seems like people write him off as a madman. This is why I will root for Argentina. I like bad behavior and eccentric people.

[Adam]

Can I asked you Americans something. In the odd piece of american journalism I've read about the world cup and they refer to England team as Brits, is that just a really bad error one or two have made or is there really confusion over being British and English? I know it shouldn't send me into a rage but most of these journalist have degrees and none of the comments have pulled apart the piece because of one error (like they do here).

[Yeti]

It is interesting that you ask. I really think that large numbers of people think British refers to England. Many do not know that Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales or that the United Kingdom's official title is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
I have heard local and national sportscasters refer to the English team as Brits. Now, keep in mind, most of our sportscasters and media "talking heads" tend to not be the sharpest tools in the shed. I am sure that if you went out on the street and asked Americans large numbers would think that British refers to England. It can be confusing because English people do refer to themselves as Brits.
God Save the Queen!

[HAL 9000]

It kind of annoys me when the English team are referred to as Brits, although it is correct, the English are Brits. It just sounds wrong because the term is not usually applied to the English football team.

I guess it would be like calling the US team the North Americans.

And to be honest it is confusing, England is a country within a soveriegn state. And Great Britain is not even a country, its an island. I think, this is how Catholics must feel.

[Adam]

Yeah, I know its technically correct. It's just the wrong context.

[Planetary]

i dont call myself a brit

[Freebasser]

Great goal from Hernandez - looks like he could really take flight in the Premiership.

Nice one, Fergie (y)

[Audio.]

MOST OF US who watching the game on tv get annoyed with the sound of horns blowing almost nonstop during the game. Be glad that there is a solution.

http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2010-06/simple-software-can-filter-out-vuvuzela-whine


snip
"From German blog Surfpoeten comes a DIY solution for home Cup-watchers driven to distraction by the stadium horns: a software filter that selectively mutes the particular frequency of the vuvuzela. The horn drones, apparently, at 233 Hz, with harmonic overtones at 466 Hz, 932 Hz, and 1864 Hz.


DIY, Paul Adams, audio, equalization, football, horns, soccer, sound, sports, vuvuzelas, world cup, world cup 2010
Tube, the inventor behind Surfpoeten, runs the audio from his TV through a Mac Mini running Logic Express. A series of bandpass EQ filters in the software neatly excise the offensive frequencies, leaving the game blissfully vuvuzela-free."

[Adam]

Mexico and Argentina have found a replacement for the horns - an atmosphere that drowned out anyone still left blowing one.

[Thundercracker]

the mexico fans were really amazing today.
i'm just glad the disgusting team of france got beaten. they simply sicken me.

[Planetary]

lol relax man we all hate france theres no need to cry about it though

[roosta]

I was cheering for France, but damn, they were disgraceful. They looked like they didn't want to be there. What an insult to their fans.

Germany beat - fucking hell!

The US just scored a cracker.

I love this world cup, but the way its going at the moment, no one's going to win it.

[paul jones]

I love this world cup, but the way its going at the moment, no one's going to win it.

Is it going to go on forever in a sudden death shoot out?

[roosta]

Gutted for the US, they were robbed. That goal should have stood and would have capped a fine comeback.

[Freebasser]

Yep, they played very well indeed. There were no fewer than 4 Slovenian defenders pushing and pulling in the box on that disallowed goal - very unfair on the U.S.

[Echewta]

bummer

[roosta]

England are shockingly bad tonight.

[Freebasser]

England are fucking shit :D

[Guy Incognito]

shit everywhere. ridiculously shaky at the back and cant do nowt up front. capello needs to do summat.