World Cup 2014

[TAL]

It's that time again!


Group A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon

Group B
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia

Group C
Colombia
Greece
Côte d'Ivoire
Japan

Group D
Uruguay
Costa Rica
England
Italy

Group E
Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras

Group F
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria

Group G
Germany
Portugal
Ghana
USA

Group H
Belgium
Algeria
Russia
Korea Republic

[Guy Incognito]

I have had world cup fever for a while now. Ever since my eldest turned up with a free panini sticker album. The administration involved has been ridiculous. they are more or less banned at the kids school but luckily about 10 people at work are doing them as well so lots of swapping going on and we have got away with not buying that many really. I am doing the donkey work but its been a nice project to do with the kids.
And its been a relatively educational experience for my eldest. We have covered maths, english, geography, sport and history whilst doing this project. I got asked why was there a west germany who had won the world cup before but now there was only germany. massive question. I thought i dealt with it quite well.


As for the actual football, I got south korea in the work sweepstake. Terrible.

I reckon its Argentina or Brazil's. Sneaky outside bets would be Portugal or the Dutch.

I think England will do ok as long as we dont lose that first match against Italy. I think Hodgson has picked a good young team who arent going to wilt in the heat. And we have decided to pick a lot of players who can take a decent penalty. I think we will go out with a fight in the quarter finals. If we get out of the group then i reckon we take anyone in Group C in the second round. I have heard that our group is the group of death but i think the one with portgual germany ghana and the usa is the toughest

It will be the usual suspects in the semi's. maybe one surprise. Only 8 countries have ever won the bloody thing. A lot depends on spain and brazil winning their groups. If one of them does and one of them doesnt then they will be playing each other in the second round. Spains group is tough.

To be honest i hope brazil win as if they get knocked out early then all the trouble over there could escalate big time.

[synch]

I think England will do ok as long as we dont lose that first match against Italy.We always start slow so who knows, England might get a point or three from us.

Italy is always thoroughly unpredictable when it comes to... well... anything.

[Guy Incognito]

We always start slow so who knows, England might get a point or three from us.

Italy is always thoroughly unpredictable when it comes to... well... anything.

yeah i am not saying if we beat italy that they wont qualify. They've got form of playing crap in the group stage and then winning the thing.

I think its got draw written all over it. neither side will want to lose that one.

[synch]

Group is tough as nails though, a loss in the first game could be devastating.

[Guy Incognito]

I think there could be a lot of draws in that group and it may depend on who beats costa rica and by how much.

[Junker]

It's that time again, yep. And this year the Cup will be here. And I truly expect we can at least make more far this time. Fell for Holland in the last edition wasn't what we had in mind.

Even disliking many of the players Felipão called this year, I'm confident.

[MC Moot]

Viva Espana!

Viva La Roja!

[TAL]

I hope for great matches and no violence.

[Guy Incognito]

if the game last night is an indicator then it could be quite a tasty world cup.

Ecuador 2-2 England. 2 men sent off. couple of fights, couple of great goals. Nice one.

[Guy Incognito]

Viva Espana!

Viva La Roja!

I really hope spain dont win. sorry dude but you know my feelings on this. I think the system will break down this time. If more risks are taken and there's a touch more direct play then they could win it but i think the posession style they play might not be enough this time. they have a tough group and could play brazil next round.

[synch]

if the game last night is an indicator then it could be quite a tasty world cup.

Ecuador 2-2 England. 2 men sent off. couple of fights, couple of great goals. Nice one.... and Italy drew 1-1 to Luxembourg.

Thing is, Italy doesn't start actually start trying to win games until the knock out phase. Sometimes we're already out of the tournament by then :(

[Junker]

Viva Espana!

Viva La Roja!

They disembarked yesterday here in Curitiba. And we'll have to face Spain eventually to reach the final, considering both teams make through all their matches.

[Yeti]

If the USA gets out of their group I will be amazed. I admit that I am not a soccer/futbol fan but I do watch the World Cup.

[Junker]

USA dropped in one of the toughest groups in this edition. But what I saw saturday against Nigeria was a very well structured team. And I just love to see Michael Bradley play. That guy is an awesome midfielder. The brain of the US squad. Rarely misses a pass, thinks quickly and is an awesome defender as well.

[Guy Incognito]

Can i ask what the general atmosphere is like in Brasil? We hear reports of unrest and see clips of people burning panini sticker books and rioting but is it that bad? Are most people behind it?

[MC Moot]

I really hope spain dont win. sorry dude but you know my feelings on this. I think the system will break down this time. If more risks are taken and there's a touch more direct play then they could win it but i think the posession style they play might not be enough this time. they have a tough group and could play brazil next round.


In the end I think the Germans are our greatest threat...without a doubt Jerry has figured our system out...and of course the Brazilian threat looms large…I took Friday off so I can enjoy my countrymen tip toeing past the tulip lovers...like TAL I look forward to fantastic football and hope for no violence in the streets…(y)

[Guy Incognito]

In the end I think the Germans are our greatest threat...without a doubt Jerry has figured our system out...and of course the Brazilian threat looms large…I took Friday off so I can enjoy my countrymen tip toeing past the tulip lovers...like TAL I look forward to fantastic football and hope for no violence in the streets…(y)

Holland v spain is an enormous game. its going to shape that whole group. I think if thats a draw or worse then its going to be tricky. Chile are no mugs, very organised, very physical. Spain play them second up. Its realistic that you could have only two points, maybe less going into the last game.
I think you will finish second in that group and go out to brazil in the second round. Oh eck, that was an actual prediction.

[Junker]

Can i ask what the general atmosphere is like in Brasil? We hear reports of unrest and see clips of people burning panini sticker books and rioting but is it that bad? Are most people behind it?

It's kinda complicated. Brasil is so different from some region to another that sometimes it seems like another country. I'll try to make things a little more clear.

People are not against the World Cup itself. No, on the contrary. Most love this event and football by consequence. I love football and I love the World Cup. But I don't agree with this Cup here as well.
You see, this Cup shouldn't be the priority for the government. There are a lot of areas to invest money on like health, education, public transportation, etc, etc, etc. When Brazil was announced as the host for the Cup, what first came in Brazilians' minds wasn't "Oh that's great. It's so awesome that the World Cup will be held here". The first thoughts were "Oh God, there will be a lot of money being wasted and diverted". If wasn't for corruption and impunity towards politicians and influent people, Brazil could be a much better country.
It's kinda hard to define the atmosphere. I'm excited with the Cup like I always do. But in general, I sense people's enthusiasm way lower than the previous editions.
And answering your other question, no, the most people are not involved with this. It's not like you walk on the street and there's someone with a molotov cocktail in his hand, fighting the police lol

[MC Moot]

Uno mas por favor...


http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x265/mcmoot/DSCN2492_zpsae3e48e6.jpg

[TAL]

Here we go!
Yay football!

[Junker]

Well, yesterday's match was pretty fucked up. Own goal, invented penalty, a goal that was disallowed ....

[Guy Incognito]

Well, yesterday's match was pretty fucked up. Own goal, invented penalty, a goal that was disallowed ....

i always get the impression that at the start of world cups that referees are given a remit on what to concentrate on or to try and set precedents. I definitely think FIFA are (wrongly) trying to reduce the amount of contact and if that means giving unbelievably soft penalties then thats whats going to happen. They should be concentrate on diving but i suppose if contact is reduced then so is diving. The ref had a bad game but i'm not ruling out fifa directives either.
Neymar was lucky to be on pitch. I think it was a yellow but i've seen people go for less.

I think Brazil will win the cup. Everytime they have a swashbuckling attacking team of geniuses (78,82,98) they dont win it (apart from 1970), the recent world cup wins were more ground out and hard earned victories by more conservative and measured teams. It might not be pretty but i think it will be effective.

C'mon England!! It will be a draw, we will play well first half, score, then make a mistake and concede then play out a stalemate dull second half.
I hope that youth will be on our side and that might help us in the heat.

[Guy Incognito]

Loving the free kick foam.

[Junker]

Well, for that I wasn't expecting. Netherlands beating tha hell out Spain. And Casillas being Casillas. OMG!

[TAL]

I hope free kick foam wins!
Also, it's soooooo lovely to see Spain being crap.

[checkyourprez]

oh my van p

[Guy Incognito]

spain created very little. I forgot iniesta was playing. Havent seen the dutch play with that level of tenacity for long time. its not like them. Some super football, really quick and direct. Spain just looked like the wheels had fell off.

Its going to be tricky to get out of that group with a minus four goal difference already but i think they will do it. But its not unheard of for the champions to go out with a whimper next time and then get done by the hosts in the next round

[MC Moot]

Me duele cabeza...I hope someone caught the plate number on that damned dutch lorry that mowed us down... :(

[Guy Incognito]

Holy tits, costa rica. Dont know whether i am pleased about that or not. I'll make my mind up after our game

We cant lose against italy now. it'll be a big fight against uruguay then we have to play costa rica who look sharp. This group has been turned on its head already

gotta love the games so far though, all pretty watchable. have a feeling we might change that in an hour or so

[TAL]

Yeah, I didn't think Costa Rica would do that.

I like the many goals we've been getting so far, hope they keep it up.

[TAL]

Two beautiful goals.

[Guy Incognito]

Shit.

I still think we can do it, just HAVE to beat Uruguay. I think we played well enough to get a point. I havent seen us play that well against a top team in competition for ages. couple of wasted chances but italy didnt do that much. Some positives at least. Its going to be a tough watch on thursday though.

Another good game though

[MC Moot]

We cant lose against italy now.

Lo siento... ;)

[MC Moot]

Nice thing with the time zone this time around it's 6 p.m and the night awaits...(y)

[TAL]

Almost 4am bere.
I'll skip the last match.

[MC Moot]

What a finish!...and I have the Swiss to move through in my pool...Valencia played a hell of a game...(y)

[MC Moot]

Wow...this "new look,new vision" French squad is impressing me...

[checkyourprez]

man pirlo is 35 yall. this man is like a fine wine. just keeps getting better.

[Guy Incognito]

man pirlo is 35 yall. this man is like a fine wine. just keeps getting better.

yep, he is different gravy. That free kick he hit the bar with was excellent.

As much as everyone in england was disappointed i dont think much has been said about Italy looking really good and a very firm contender for the title. I think if they win the group that they will meet brazil in the quarters. Hmmm.

Am not down about Englands chances..yet. Just want it to be thursday really quickly!

[Junker]

The local news reported that the Spanish team visited an orphanage in the southern region of Curitiba yesterday: "It was hard to look in those sad and hopeless faces" said Lucas, 6 years old. :p:p:p

[TAL]

This match isn't much fun anymore.

[MC Moot]

Ronaldo is crying diamonds...again...

[checkyourprez]

after tomorrow i have 6 days off in a row. can't fucking wait to watch games all day.

[Guy Incognito]

after tomorrow i have 6 days off in a row. can't fucking wait to watch games all day.

the time difference means i get home from work just in time for the first kick off so have been able to watch everything so far. Its been fucking brilliant. one game has been poor, the rest have been good. Lots of attacking intent.
Its wide open but i cant see past these four teams in the semi's.

Germany BRazil Argentina Italy. usual suspects. Holland might be knocking on the door but i dont see anyone causing an upset now. I cant see spain doing it now. I hope they fight back though

[TAL]

Yay! No more Spain!

[MC Moot]

El desastre...well Guy pretty much called this result pre tourney...bummer man...the country really needs football for levity,pride and common joy at this point in history...ahhhhh it's so much bigger than sport...now pulling for G.B,France and Italy...:(

[MC Moot]

Gotta add got text from my father,from Murcia,which simply but brilliantly stated about Spains performance: "la maquina esta rota" translated means "The machine is broken"...;)

[Guy Incognito]

Shit.

Ah well, played ok again but no killer touch. I was pleased for Wayne but that big toothed twat is too good. 2 chances 2 goals

COME ON ITALY!!

[Mr. Smacktackle]

well, no more england too.

it's a very interesting tournament. still early to foresee a champion but i think it definitely won't be brasil. germany might do it, as always. would like to see the dutch go far.

as far as croatia is concerned, it's gonna be hard to win mexico, but we can play anyone when we're in the right mood.

[MC Moot]

Just realized Euro 2016 is hosted by France...exciting!...something to keep in mind after the Cup is claimed and we all go into footy withdrawel...;)

[Guy Incognito]

I'm still really enjoying it even if we got knocked out.

Not that disappointed. We were in the toughest group along with group g maybe. Just glad we play costa rica last because if they had beaten us first up the reaction in the press would have been much different but at least now we know they are strong side. Its a pity we lost but the games were close and decided by fine margins and genius finishing. I dont think we have anything to be ashamed of. We attacked more than i have seen us do for a long long time

I have only seen one bad game so far. Everything else has had goals or incidents or both. The germany ghana game was best thing i have seen so far.

There are no easy games any more. Its wide open. I still think its going to be a final with two usual sides but not so sure that there wont be a couple of surprises in the semis.

[TAL]

So close, USA. So close.

[checkyourprez]

Shit.

Ah well, played ok again but no killer touch. I was pleased for Wayne but that big toothed twat is too good. 2 chances 2 goals

COME ON ITALY!!

Prandelli got the tactics wrong.

Putting Motta in was a mistake. I like him in the right situations, but Costa Rica was pressuring high and focusing on Pirlo. England gave him all the time in the world and he will simply murder you like that.

With the high pressure and extra focus on Pirlo they needed another player who could break that pressure and create and maintain posession. Verratti is that guy, not Motta. He didn't have the best game against England but it did not merit a benching imo.

Abate also is so limited. His pace is always and asset but his crossing is shit and also not the best with his positioning. I would much rather see de sciglio in there. Just a better player in all the aspects besides the world class pace of Abate.

This is the first time in a LONG time Italy does not have World Class talent at Center back and i think it will be our undoing against suarez. It's one thinking pitting Nesta, Cannavaro, Barasi, Maldini (in his later years), ect against him, but the guys we have there now are very beatable when facing perhaps the most inform player in the planet at the moment.

Surgery, misses a couple months, doesn't miss a beat. Kids an animal. I an legit worried about not making it past this stage.

[Guy Incognito]

Prandelli got the tactics wrong.

Putting Motta in was a mistake. I like him in the right situations, but Costa Rica was pressuring high and focusing on Pirlo. England gave him all the time in the world and he will simply murder you like that.

With the high pressure and extra focus on Pirlo they needed another player who could break that pressure and create and maintain posession. Verratti is that guy, not Motta. He didn't have the best game against England but it did not merit a benching imo.

Abate also is so limited. His pace is always and asset but his crossing is shit and also not the best with his positioning. I would much rather see de sciglio in there. Just a better player in all the aspects besides the world class pace of Abate.

This is the first time in a LONG time Italy does not have World Class talent at Center back and i think it will be our undoing against suarez. It's one thinking pitting Nesta, Cannavaro, Barasi, Maldini (in his later years), ect against him, but the guys we have there now are very beatable when facing perhaps the most inform player in the planet at the moment.

Surgery, misses a couple months, doesn't miss a beat. Kids an animal. I an legit worried about not making it past this stage.

yeah i think the first game gave a false impression of that group. not many european sides playing that well really, apart from the dutch .the french are in piss easy group. germany are plodding thru, belgium have won two games unconvincingly and thats about it. everyone else from europe is struggling or out.

if suarez gets a chance it will be a goal. he is different gravy. I didnt appreciate what he said after the game in press conference but his attitude at end of match to the liverpool lads was unexpectedly grown up. If he played for real or barca he would be regarded as the best at the minute. dont think it will be too long if he has a good world cup

i thought italy looked good first game but maybe i was trying to make myself feel better. I think USA is a better bet for you to cheer on now. really impressed and also after seeing the amount of people watching on bigscreens in US cities really chuffed for the team that the public is finally getting behind them

I'm supporting the dutch now. Van Gaal.

[Guy Incognito]

CYP, are you aware of Soccer Guy on twitter? Just thought i would mention. sometimes you remind me of him. not in a bad way.

his stuff is different class. totally accurate stuff with all the wrong terminology. its best when some knobhead doesnt realise the joke and tells him off for not being correct. "Its a free kick you bell end" etc. also he has coined the phrase "Felony Foam". which is genius

[checkyourprez]

I don't, what is his handle? I follow most anything on twitter that is good football banter.


I think Italy is still quality and can do something in this tourney but they are just up against it atm.


US is looking decent. A win would have been huge. Don't get me wrong, I root for them. And am happy when they win. To me they embody the American spirit. Hard working, never give up attitude that made this country great. I just wish they would develop the tactical side of the game some more!

One wonders if Giuseppe Rossi didn't chose Italy how different things may have been for him and the United States. Would be by far the best player and a legit finisher of the ball. Something the United States lacks. I love Clint as a player, but its more his hard work and knack for being in the right place at the right time that gets him his goals.

Anyways, the Holland Chile game should be a banger, I think Chile is a real dark horse. The whole team looks to be a replical of each other. Quick as shit, 5'7, tan, tattos, new age haircut.


I'm also glad Spain is out and in such a way. It is the arrogance that saw Italy go so disastrously out last cup. The same group of players only has a window so long without injecting new life and hunger into a team. All of these players have 1. already won everything, and 2. in doing so played so many extra games over the span of the last 6-8 years with club and country that they neither have the heart nor the legs to go after more at the moment.

[MC Moot]

Tiempo de la redencion!...this ones about leaving with a scrap of pride...Xabi was right all along,this will be his last international,Bosque was a fool...viva la roja!

[Guy Incognito]

I don't, what is his handle? I follow most anything on twitter that is good football banter.





@usasoccerguy

some examples of recent tweets :

Dempsey with one of THE greatest chest kick strikes you will ever see, gives USA the lead and puts the Portugaleze on death row

Ronaldo is on the floor more than a homeless guy with no legs.

GOALSHOT! Uruguys lead again! Stevie Gee with the head kick to his franchise buddy, but this ain't Mercy Town! Swearez with the score!

Hand kicked away by the goaltender. They're hanging in there as the overtime verdict tablet is erected.

[MC Moot]

Well that was emotional...Gracias la Roja...be interesting to see what happens interim between now and September for the Euro qualifiers...

[Junker]

I was in Arena da Baixada yesterday to watch Spain and Australia. It was a nice game even with both teams already out. It's always nice to see Iniesta play.

And now Italy is out as well. Goddamn!!!

[Guy Incognito]

Surgery, misses a couple months, doesn't miss a beat. Kids an animal. I an legit worried about not making it past this stage.

i have a feeling you will be saying something similar to above about Pooey suarez but in slightly different context. i havent see in full what he did, not sure about a bite yet but putting his head in then going down holding his face is just as bad. Cheating scumbag.

[Uru-Nitro]

I'm from Spain, and it's very sad to see a bunch of such great players playing that bad. the main structure of the team: puyol-busquets-xavi-iniesta, all from FCBarcelona, their best years of football have passed, unfortunately. It will be hard to find replacements of the same level. yeah of course they have a team good enough to be on the next round, but the tiki-taka days have gone.

France is playing a very entertainning football, and I gotta say that I really like the USA team.

[TAL]

Suarez might be great at scoring, but what an idiot.
I hope they throw him out now.

[Guy Incognito]

Suarez might be great at scoring, but what an idiot.
I hope they throw him out now.

thats the thing, its so frustrating that he feels he needs to do that and cant win games by using the unbelievable talent he has. if fifa want to set an example to the kids watching the game then he has to banned for ages and ages. if he did that in a street then he's going to be arrested.

I hope colombia fucking muller them. none of that side have played in a particularly sporting manner. geezer got sent off in first game, godin should have gone in second game and now knobheads done that.

[checkyourprez]

well, i nailed it in my earlier assessment. animal. (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=Gpd2ln88GUsLdM&tbnid=QNE4AhNtYB0KoM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsports.yahoo.com%2Fblogs%2Fsoccer-dirty-tackle%2Fluis-suarez-appears-to-bite-yet-another-opponent-during-italy-uruguay-match-175855668.html&ei=u_epU5roF5CfyASb2YCABA&bvm=bv.69620078,d.b2U&psig=AFQjCNFMoFNe1qezjcELQMvObrgNOnTgSA&ust=1403734306194228)

[Junker]

Suarez doesn't have those teeth for nothing.

[MC Moot]

The rascism is a much beter reason to hate on Suarez...

[MC Moot]

What great matches we're seeing now!...the heat is murdering Holland...it's painful watching Mexico play the Dutch like Spain should of,would of,could of but didn't...that damn dinosaur Bosque...

[MC Moot]

I was in Arena da Baixada yesterday to watch Spain and Australia. It was a nice game even with both teams already out. It's always nice to see Iniesta play.

And now Italy is out as well. Goddamn!!!

Wow...I didn't see this before...fantastico!...(y)

[MC Moot]

Schweinsteiger may be my fave player name of the tourney...sure as hell not because I pull for Germany..but just because it sounds like a great name for a tasty beer...;)

[miss soul fire]

Go Germany!(y)

[Junker]

We had some great games in the round of 16 being Ger-Alg, Bel-Usa my favorite ones.

And I gotta say, Howard yesterday was a monster. If it wasn't for him, the US team would've had a historical loss.

[Junker]

Schweinsteiger may be my fave player name of the tourney...sure as hell not because I pull for Germany..but just because it sounds like a great name for a tasty beer...;)

lol.... that's true. I love to say out loud "SCHWEINSTEIGER". It makes me feel like I'm fluent in German.

[Guy Incognito]

the USA game was best game i have seen in a long time. really exciting, proper cup tie. I have never seen such a one sided game where the other side still threatened as much. the chance at the end of normal time for USA was unbeliveable, i bet he was so relieved when he got called offside but he wasnt, if it had gone in it would have been uproar.

but the way they came back at 2-0 down and how belgium capitulated so quickly was very exciting to watch

[checkyourprez]

the USA game was best game i have seen in a long time. really exciting, proper cup tie. I have never seen such a one sided game where the other side still threatened as much. the chance at the end of normal time for USA was unbeliveable, i bet he was so relieved when he got called offside but he wasnt, if it had gone in it would have been uproar.

but the way they came back at 2-0 down and how belgium capitulated so quickly was very exciting to watch

he actually didn't. they said the flag was just for the goal kick. awful miss, going to haunt him for his life.

so close though.

tim howard is a certified BEAST.

[Guy Incognito]

he actually didn't. they said the flag was just for the goal kick. awful miss, going to haunt him for his life.

so close though.

tim howard is a certified BEAST.

i think in the scheme of things they were very fortunate to still be in it after the first half and yes it was a golden chance but i think he will be all right. the USA are one of the biggest victors in this tournament anyway. The public reaction looks to have been brilliant and hopefully means a great future for soccer. And they might go for the world cup again, might take it more seriously this time and get a celebrity who can actually take a penalty. although i was reading something about the 94 finals and it seems a lot of lessons were learned there by fifa and subsequent world cups. But if the team carries on improving that would be brilliant. such a great attitude. England should take note.

side issue, that yedlin lad had game of his life. he looks sharp

it was officially may favourite world cup game of this century. I loved it.I cant think of a more entertaining game.

if belgium take the argentine to extra time they are going to have to look after messi a lot better than they looked after michael bradley in overtime.

have you checked out soccer guy yet on twitter?

[checkyourprez]

I did! Hes got some funny stuff.


Yeah that game was fun to watch. Pretty end to end, and as much as Belgium had the better run of play and chances we really could have won it several times and it wouldn't have been an upset. As weird as it sounds.

Wonder how things would have went if Giuseppe Rossi would have been up top there. An interesting fantasy.


I'm not a big fan of the style of play, and its obviously more of just a byproduct of the talent level of the players that we have. We have an excruciatingly hard time keeping possession at times. We also lack creativity and deception for the most part, we have trouble at times even creating a yard of space to maintain the ball instead of getting flustered and turning it over in some form.

But that said man if the effort and heart of that team doesn't embody the United States collective spirit than I don't know what does (or at least what we want to think it does). You are right if a team like England with a collective of genuinely talented players played with that passion they would not be sitting at home right now I tell you that.


With that said happy 4th, and enjoy the games today!

[Guy Incognito]

its all getting a bit tight and scrappy now but i suppose the pressure is pretty full on.

glad brazil went thru but gutted for James Rodriguez, he has been outstanding, he was still best player on the park on friday.
i think for all the attacking play and early goals that have made this tournament the best for years is all down to the fact there isnt one standout team, the standard has been pretty level on all 32 teams really. the only team to get really mullered was spain!!

its going to be scrappy from now on in but it shouldnt detract from whats been.

i already love louis van gaal. massive balls to bring on another keeper. If they win then its a double edged sword for man utd. he'll have loads of confidence but also will get even more pressure.

i think it will either be an all european final or all south american final.

Brazil will struggle without best two players but that sometimes helps a squad galvanise. David luiz has been brilliant. I dont think germany are that much cop though. only really dominated against ten men of portugal.

the other semi final looks well tasty though.

[checkyourprez]

personally think germany will take it.

[Guy Incognito]

they would be my fourth choice.

I would like holland to win for rvp and van gaal
I would like Argentina to win for messi
I would like Brazil to win because it means so much to the country.

[Guy Incognito]

What.The.Fuck.

and very strange scenes afterwards. and the brazillian crowd during second half cheering the germans.mental.

CYP, i think you might be right, would be hard to break that confidence now. If the argentine get to the final i think germany will have home advantage!!

But I am not tipping anyone now.

[Junker]

NO WORDS. I just gotta say that the Germans today taught our team how football is supposed to be played. Well, at least I hope they've learned something.

[MC Moot]

I have never fared so poorly in a pool...A German/Dutch final would be spectacular I think...

[MC Moot]

BRILLIANT!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvsuYssoTw0#t=23


:D:D:D

[checkyourprez]

germanys been my secret pick. but would be cool to see messi do some next level shit on the biggest of big stages tho.

[Guy Incognito]

it was best world cup final for a long time. sure it was tight but both teams went for it, made attacking subs, some good chances and lots of incidents. and a great goal to win it. fair do's the germans upped their game for each round and deserved it. felt sorry for messi, so much pressure on the lad. golden ball should have gone to rodriguez though.

[MC Moot]

Heres looking forward to the friendly 's between La Roja and France on Sept 4th in Paris and then on Nov 18 against the Germans in Vigo!...can't wait!...Tiempo de la redencion!...(y)

[miss soul fire]

What.The.Fuck.

and very strange scenes afterwards. and the brazillian crowd during second half cheering the germans.mental.

CYP, i think you might be right, would be hard to break that confidence now. If the argentine get to the final i think germany will have home advantage!!

But I am not tipping anyone now.

I was cheering for Germany since the beginnning. Brazilians would hate if Argentina had won AND Germany got 7 goals on us, so they had to win. Hihi. It was fair. Germany has a great football team!(y)

[Guy Incognito]

yeah still getting used to idea of liking the fact the germans won but they arent the side they ised to be, all ruthless efficiency and no grace/style. they play proper attractive football.

and although brazil didnt win it was the best world cup that i can remember and i am old now!

had massive football withdrawl this week. ah well. Premier league's a month away

[Junker]

Premier league's a month away

The sad news is that you guys won't have Suarez this season. No more bites :(

[Guy Incognito]

The sad news is that you guys won't have Suarez this season. No more bites :(

yeah as a man u fan i think its terrible that chewy isnt playing for liverpool anymore;) he was good for the league and scored some unbelievable goals but still lots to look forward to

with suarez and rodriguez transferring El classico is going to be good this year

[checkyourprez]

the 2 3 man forward lines in el classico this year are literally closer to being worth a billion dollars than to zero. Might be the 6 most expensive players in the world right now tbh.