[Vacancier Permanent]

Good stuff so far for the US, they played good today, next will be Ghana, not an easy opponent but beatable. This is the same Ghana that eliminated the US in the group stage 4 years ago in Germany. If you beat Ghana, you'd face the winner of Uruguay-S.Korea in the 1/4 final (in all likelihood, Uruguay) and if you beat Uruguay (which looks like a long shot and would be quite an upset), then you'd face the Brasileiros in the 1/2 finals. This is probably the best chance ever for the US to reach the 1/2 finals. As they say, sonhar não custa nada... (Dreaming doesn't cost anything).

Some random thoughts on the World Cup so far:
So far the World cup has been so so, some nice surprise packages. Who would have thought the US would win their group? or that England would be so boring and showing once again their limits? The only world class players in the England team are Gerrard, Terry and Lampard (certainly not the Terry or Lampard we've seen so far in the WC).

So far the South American teams are playing very well. Uruguay has been a formidable wall, impossible to break; they'll be hard to beat. Mexico are playing well. Chile are playing good and should make it to the next round; Paraguay, are going to be very tough to play and beat and are going to win their group ahead of the so called World Champions, Italy. Speaking of the Italians, they're team is void of any creativity, old, very predictable and were lucky to even have 2 points so far. The end is very near for this overly overrated Italian team. And I won't hide it that I'd be among those who will be partying when that happens!!!Ciao Italia!!!!

Argentina has been simply sublime so far and it's scary that Messi has yet to score. I'm sure he's saving his goals for the 1/8 finals and onwards. I'm not an Argie fan as I'm Brasil fan through and through but one can only admire this Argentina team as they've been playing by far the most attractive football so far. They're a pure joy to watch. I hope they make it to the final playing that type of football, until they meet Brasil that is...

Brasil has been playing on 2nd gear only so far, and still managed to produce some good football, but far from the level of football that we've been accustomed to, but they're saving it for when they'll face the Hermanos (Argentina) in the final and then, it'll be jogo bonito again!!!! Rumo ao Hexa Brasil!!!!!

Spain has dissapointed so far but to be honest, they were robbed against Switzerland. I expect them to win their group and a Spain-Portugual in the next round would be simply explosive!!!!

Germany and England are similar in the sense that they're both quite limited technically and thanks god one of them will go home as early as the next round, then the remaining will go out in the 1/4 finals against Argentina.

Holland are an awesome team that has yet to hit full gear, watch out for them in the later stages. I feel they could be the real dark horse this year and could finally win it.

Now onto something that is simply boiling my blood, and that is the utterly shameful display of the French players. As a Frenchy, I feel cheated by these mofos. 90% of these players should be lynched publically upon their return in France. They dishonored our proud tradition and all those who were behind this mutinery must be banned from ever playing from France. What happened in South Africa was the culmination of 4 years of utter incompetence from both the French FA for having kept the most incomptent and clueless coach in French football history in Domenech and for that clown for his ridiculous team selection. What hurts is that we do have the players to maybe not win the World Cup this year, but at least make it to the 1/4 finals and even 1/2 finals, but these primadonnas decided to sabotage the team and all. May you all go to hell. Had the French FA done the only logical thing after a disastrous Euro 2008 and that is to fire Domenech and replace him with a competent coach like Deschamps or Blanc (Wenger will always remain a utopia; with him, we'd win it all as back in 98-00 oh well...), things would have been totally different in South Africa. This French team with Domenech a the helm is like giving a Porshe to a blind or a totally new driver. How can any sane and competent coach leave out the likes of Benzema, Nasri, Mexes etc... and instead bring total zombies or past players like Henry (I don't ever want to see him again in a France jersey) or Abidal or Anelka. That's beyond understanding. If anyone can explain that to me, I'd be grateful to them. But enough of talking about this bunch of overpaid sissies who don't deserve to wear the prestigious France shirt that they have dirtied. And Domenech is as classless as it gets for not shaking Parreira's hand before and after the South Africa-France match. That's not only a total lack of fair play, but also a lack of respect for one of the legends of World Cup history. Domenech not even in his 25 lifetimes could dream to win half of the things that Parreira won. Beyond shameful.

Anyways, what do you guys think so far of the World Cup? What are your views of the different teams?

[Roosh]

(06-23-2010 02:08 PM)Tony Snow Wrote:  

After watching that Brazil and Ivory Coast game with the guy that ran into Kaka at the end of the game and acted like he just got hit by truck I wonder why more soccer players don't go to Hollywood?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU0Eho3kkjs

Vacancier: Great analysis. The other day I posted on twitter an article that describes the French coach using *astrology* to select which players get to start. He didn't deny it, saying it was one factor of many.

[La Familia]

and the champions fall! Slovakia played like their lives depended on it, so I'm happy to see them go through.

Netherlands and Denmark are going through for the next group.

[speakeasy]

Amazing video on the reaction to the last minute US goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbn3rOPmR9w

[gringoed]

I couldn't be happier with the World Cup so far.

1. USA wins the group in dramatic fashion, and are next playing a beatable team in Ghana. I'll be elated if the USA makes it the final 8. Donovan's goal is probably the single greatest thing to ever happen to increase soccer's popularity in America.
2. Argentina/Brazil are showing promise to make it to the finals. When Messi's shots start going in, they will be scary good.
3. France's self-destruction was great to watch, and well deserved since they should not even be there, the Irish should.
4. I'm happy to see South Africa eliminated. Note to South Africa: If you want my support stop blowing those damn vuvuzelas.

[Mrs. Chocolate]

Brazil and Argentina will meet only on the finals if keep going in the first places in their groups.
I don't want to meet the hermanos. It is always a stressful game.

[Aylar]

(06-24-2010 08:29 PM)Mrs. Chocolate Wrote:  

Brazil and Argentina will meet only on the finals if keep going in the first places in their groups.
I don't want to meet the hermanos. It is always a stressful game.

It will be great! I can't wait!

[Vacancier Permanent]

(06-24-2010 08:29 PM)Mrs. Chocolate Wrote:  

Brazil and Argentina will meet only on the finals if keep going in the first places in their groups.
I don't want to meet the hermanos. It is always a stressful game.

If Brasil meets the Boludos aka Argentina in the final, despite Argentina's greatly attractive style and the sublime Messi, they will do as they've done in the past 10 or so matches when they faced Brasil: that is they'll have their ass whooped in style. A 3-0 or 4-1 style.

Pra frente Brasil!!!

[Vacancier Permanent]

And I forgot to add that the most overrated World Champions ever are out of the World Cup in the first round!!!! Deservedly so. This Italy side totally lacked creativity, were very slow and very predictable. Ciao Italia!!! That made my day!!!!

[Badstuber]

I hope Portugal pwns Brazil today.

[charmer]

(06-25-2010 04:15 AM)Badstuber Wrote:  

I hope Portugal pwns Brazil today.

Not in thousand years.

[Pepini]

(06-25-2010 07:08 AM)charmer Wrote:  

(06-25-2010 04:15 AM)Badstuber Wrote:  

I hope Portugal pwns Brazil today.

Not in thousand years.

Let´s wait and see.
They are both qualified (Ivory Coast has to score 9 goals against North Korea), so it will not be a very competitive game.

Some North Korean players already escaped even before the game with Brazil, they will probably be punished when they arrive to North Korea. Fucking comunist countries.

If Portugal plays against Spain they will win. There´s a special hatred by portuguese against spanish. Spaniards don´t give a fuck about this rivalry. For them Portugal is not much more than another province like catalunya.

I´m not seeing as much games as I would want. Argentina seems to be the best from what I´ve been hearing. But in the heads up no team as an advantage.

France should never been to the WC. Ireland should have gone instead. That´s what happen when you rig the results with the help of referrees and Platini. They deserve what they have.
If it´s true that Domenech choose the players based on Astrology is even more stupid than he looks. What kind of player would have respect for a coach like this???

Congrats to the USA. Hopefully you´ll open your eyes and realise there is no other sport like football. It´s more boring than basketball, but goals like the one scored by Donovan are what makes this the king sport.

[IshGibbor]

(06-25-2010 08:11 AM)Pepini Wrote:  

(06-25-2010 07:08 AM)charmer Wrote:  

(06-25-2010 04:15 AM)Badstuber Wrote:  

I hope Portugal pwns Brazil today.

Not in thousand years.

Let´s wait and see.
They are both qualified (Ivory Coast has to score 9 goals against North Korea), so it will not be a very competitive game.

Some North Korean players already escaped even before the game with Brazil, they will probably be punished when they arrive to North Korea. Fucking comunist countries.

If Portugal plays against Spain they will win. There´s a special hatred by portuguese against spanish. Spaniards don´t give a fuck about this rivalry. For them Portugal is not much more than another province like catalunya.

I´m not seeing as much games as I would want. Argentina seems to be the best from what I´ve been hearing. But in the heads up no team as an advantage.

France should never been to the WC. Ireland should have gone instead. That´s what happen when you rig the results with the help of referrees and Platini. They deserve what they have.
If it´s true that Domenech choose the players based on Astrology is even more stupid than he looks. What kind of player would have respect for a coach like this???

Congrats to the USA. Hopefully you´ll open your eyes and realise there is no other sport like football. It´s more boring than basketball, but goals like the one scored by Donovan are what makes this the king sport.

Nah, I'll take NBA basketball and College Football over this any day....no fourth and inches no three point shot sending opposing team into a timeout with 3.2 seconds left on the clock, no bottom of the ninth bases loaded, 2 outs with the team up to bat down by three.

It is fun to watch during the world cup but it lacks instant gratification (which us Americans are used too). Watching a game for two hours with the game ending with nobody scoring (Portugal and Brazil for instance) is just not my thing. It is a bit ironic that the one team that delivered a tension filled game and joyous release you would find similar to a Lebron James game winning jump shot was the USA.

[Badstuber]

So thats why americans dont like football (soccer) lmao

[Vacancier Permanent]

Now that the first round is over, we know what will be the match ups for the 2nd round and beyond.
Link to the final grid:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html

In brackets, chances of going through for each time IMO:

Saturday:
Uruguay-S.Korea (60-40)
US-Ghana (40-60)

Sunday:
Germany-England (60-40)
Argentina-Mexico (80-20)

Monday:
Holland-Slovakia (80-20)
Brasil-Chili (90-10)

Tuesday:
Paraguay-Japan (65-35)
Spain-Portugal (65-35)

Will be fun to watch these games. Hopefully we'll get a better level of football than we've seen so far. Now that there is no room for cynism and calculations as it's do or die, teams that played very defensively should open up and this would present us with more offensive play.

If things go the way they're supposed to, in the 1/2 finals we should have:
Brasil-Uruguay
Argentina-Spain

And a Brasil-Argentina in final which would be spectacular. Can't wait!!!

[Badstuber]

No, Holland, Germany or Argentina will kick out Brazil.

[Vacancier Permanent]

(06-25-2010 05:26 PM)Badstuber Wrote:  

No, Holland, Germany or Argentina will kick out Brazil.

Brasil would face Holland in the 1/4 finals, then in all likelihood Spain in the 1/2 and Argentina in the final. Germany will stop in the 1/4 finals against the Hermanos (that is if they manage to beat a highly over-rated England team on sunday in the 2nd round. IMO, the only teams that can realistically beat this Brasil are Argentina, Spain and Holland. Other teams stand no chance.

[Vacancier Permanent]

Here's something I have been wondering:
How is the World Cup received in the US? Is it given enough coverage by the medias? Are people caring about it? Here in Toronto, every car has a flag, bars are filled during the matches even at 10 am with people drinking and having a ball. And every single match is shown not only live but also replayed 2-3 times during the day in the different networks. It may not be as crazy as in any of the Euro or South American countries who are still left in the tournament, but it's awesome enough. I'm curious to know how it is south of the border.

[Lumiere]

This World Cup is just like World War II. The French surrender early. The USA arrive at the last minute and England are left to fight the Germans.

[Badstuber]

(06-25-2010 11:35 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

(06-25-2010 05:26 PM)Badstuber Wrote:  

No, Holland, Germany or Argentina will kick out Brazil.

Brasil would face Holland in the 1/4 finals, then in all likelihood Spain in the 1/2 and Argentina in the final. Germany will stop in the 1/4 finals against the Hermanos (that is if they manage to beat a highly over-rated England team on sunday in the 2nd round. IMO, the only teams that can realistically beat this Brasil are Argentina, Spain and Holland. Other teams stand no chance.

Don't forget the German mentality. If England loses from Germany, Germany will face Spain, are you sure?
Holland is lucky, they face sLOVAKIA in the 1/8 finals.

[speakeasy]

(06-25-2010 11:46 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Here's something I have been wondering:
How is the World Cup received in the US? Is it given enough coverage by the medias? Are people caring about it? Here in Toronto, every car has a flag, bars are filled during the matches even at 10 am with people drinking and having a ball. And every single match is shown not only live but also replayed 2-3 times during the day in the different networks. It may not be as crazy as in any of the Euro or South American countries who are still left in the tournament, but it's awesome enough. I'm curious to know how it is south of the border.

Yeah, it is covered in the U.S. I mainly watch on ESPN, but they show games on regular TV too, though not all of them. I see people with different types of flags on their cars, but it's not everywhere.

Americans by and large don't take much interest in the World Cup or soccer in general, though you'll find pockets of hardcore fans. Check out that video I posted above and they are certainly there. It just doesn't come close to the Superbowl as the American sports spectacle which is basically a holiday here.

[Pepini]

(06-26-2010 04:52 AM)speakeasy Wrote:  

(06-25-2010 11:46 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Here's something I have been wondering:
How is the World Cup received in the US? Is it given enough coverage by the medias? Are people caring about it? Here in Toronto, every car has a flag, bars are filled during the matches even at 10 am with people drinking and having a ball. And every single match is shown not only live but also replayed 2-3 times during the day in the different networks. It may not be as crazy as in any of the Euro or South American countries who are still left in the tournament, but it's awesome enough. I'm curious to know how it is south of the border.

Yeah, it is covered in the U.S. I mainly watch on ESPN, but they show games on regular TV too, though not all of them. I see people with different types of flags on their cars, but it's not everywhere.

Americans by and large don't take much interest in the World Cup or soccer in general, though you'll find pockets of hardcore fans. Check out that video I posted above and they are certainly there. It just doesn't come close to the Superbowl as the American sports spectacle which is basically a holiday here.

I never understood why americans don´t like football. I´ve heard all kind of explanations. Since it was a british colony and football was invented in britain it makes even less sense. About Portugal-Brazil game, you couldn´t expect to be a good game both teams were pratically qualified the competiteveness level was low. Even portuguese coach said that for now on there willl be no more playing for ties, only victory matters.
his right in heads up there´s only result that matters victory, so the overall quality of games will increase But to each is own.

Best World Cup I´ve seen till now was the 1994 USA. Romario and Roberto Baggio.


You gotta give more credit to Portugal. I wouldn´t bet a cent on this team before watching them play against North Korea. But the national coach showed already he could handle the players with Nani and Deco. The first was expelled due to a "injury" and Deco who criticized him is on the bench and will stay there.
Portugal gave 7-0 to NK and a tie with Brazil are not something easy to acomplish. they have playing 19 consecutive games without loosing. Even in this qualifying round no goal was suffered.
The game with Spain reminds me when we played against Holland in 2006. Hopefully it will be less ulgy.
Penalties will probably decide who goes further between Portugal and Spain.

Carlos Queiroz won a World Cup for sub21 I think in Brazil. He worked with Ronaldo in Man United. Let´s see what he can acomplish.

Favourites for me to win the WC are Argentina and Germany.

[Badstuber]

"In overall Argentina-England will be explosive that´s a match I will not miss for anything in this world. Let´s see if Messi pulls a Maradona moove. There´s still the ressentment over the islands of malvines."

Not yet, its germany vs england first.

[Pepini]

(06-26-2010 06:59 AM)Badstuber Wrote:  

"In overall Argentina-England will be explosive that´s a match I will not miss for anything in this world. Let´s see if Messi pulls a Maradona moove. There´s still the ressentment over the islands of malvines."

Not yet, its germany vs england first.

Yep thks. Germany vs England will be a hell of a match also. Just edited.

[Mrs. Chocolate]

(06-26-2010 06:41 AM)Pepini Wrote:  

(06-26-2010 04:52 AM)speakeasy Wrote:  

(06-25-2010 11:46 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  

Here's something I have been wondering:
How is the World Cup received in the US? Is it given enough coverage by the medias? Are people caring about it? Here in Toronto, every car has a flag, bars are filled during the matches even at 10 am with people drinking and having a ball. And every single match is shown not only live but also replayed 2-3 times during the day in the different networks. It may not be as crazy as in any of the Euro or South American countries who are still left in the tournament, but it's awesome enough. I'm curious to know how it is south of the border.

Yeah, it is covered in the U.S. I mainly watch on ESPN, but they show games on regular TV too, though not all of them. I see people with different types of flags on their cars, but it's not everywhere.

Americans by and large don't take much interest in the World Cup or soccer in general, though you'll find pockets of hardcore fans. Check out that video I posted above and they are certainly there. It just doesn't come close to the Superbowl as the American sports spectacle which is basically a holiday here.

Best World Cup I´ve seen till now was the 1994 USA. Romario and Roberto Baggio.



Favourites for me to win the WC are Argentina and Germany.

It is the best WC for me too. The first I really remember in fact. Smell like childhood ... I was on winter vacation, my mom #2 (long history) made me bruschettas and we watched the match with her... haha...It was a hard time in my family but the WC let me good memories.