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Posted by: Gus Jun 10 2010, 05:21 PM

Yup! World cup is starting again!

What are your guesses? I think we will finally see the final Brazil x Argentina.

Since I was a child the world cup song for me is "Pra Frente Brasil", which means "Let's go forward, Brasil"
Here is Angra version with a nice guitar style of course


Translation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Football_Songs

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jun 10 2010, 05:23 PM

Great thread!
I will be watching all the games, or at least try to. I expect Serbia to pass the group with Germany perhaps, then kick out England or USA in quarter and then in Semi finals get lucky and win, final with Brasil/Argentina/Germany/ !

Posted by: SubbedChris Jun 10 2010, 05:44 PM

Awesome!! I will also be watching all the games! I hope Greece gets a satisfying place this time

Posted by: superize Jun 10 2010, 05:44 PM

I will watch as much as possible

Posted by: Keep_Rocking Jun 10 2010, 05:55 PM

Yesss! I'll be watching!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 10 2010, 06:12 PM

Yeah! I'm very anxious for this world cup!! I think that Argentina vs Brazil in the final would be fantastic!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 10 2010, 06:12 PM

I'll be watching...still not sure what our german team can accomplish, but I hope they make it to the semi-finals and then anything is possible...but I guess Spain and Argentina are the top favourites, as well as Brasil.

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 10 2010, 07:58 PM

Oh, come on.... be realistic here... Of course the finals will at least have the Netherlands.... !! vs Argentina btw

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jun 10 2010, 08:14 PM

Boy am I not interested in football at all^^
I am glad the worldcup is only once in four years - everyone is going nuts!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 10 2010, 08:17 PM

I will be watching the matches a lot! Hope Serbia will do well

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 10 2010, 08:26 PM

I always think that you are gonna make it, since you've got the best players...but be realistic...



Yeah, though I like football I'm already annoyed by all the flags on everybody's cars...I'm always afraid one is gonna crack my front shields when it suddenly flies off on the highway.

Posted by: rokchik Jun 10 2010, 08:32 PM

I'm really looking forward to the World Cup. I know us Canadians are not known for being big football fans, we much prefer hockey However having a Grandfather from Ireland (damn Thierry Henry and his handball!! ) I was very much brought up with football although it was hard to see a game on TV.

The usual favourites are there but for some reason I'm kind of feeling Argentina this year. I'm not an Argentina fan per say but they've sent their best and they look good... just need to side step the Maradona show... then again with him at the helm they are anything but predictable

Good luck to all and I'm sure we'll be entertained!!

rok

Posted by: MickeM Jun 10 2010, 08:49 PM

I will be watching as many games as humanly possible

Posted by: Praetorian Jun 10 2010, 09:32 PM

Did anyone see the early game of Japan vs. England? Japan scored two goals...on themselves!!

Posted by: Lester Jun 10 2010, 09:50 PM

Let me just quote an Hawaiian saying that resembles my opinion perfectly and the state of current soccer teams out there:

"If it ain't Dutch, it ain't much"

Posted by: stratman79 Jun 10 2010, 10:44 PM

Argentina... nah can't see it, not with Maradona as coach, don't get me wrong without a doubt one of the (if not the) greatest players of all time but hasn't he fallen out with Messi?

Brazil, prob not this time...

England to much pressure, depends how Rooney plays..

Holland will be there or there abouts but think they'll fall just short.

Spain thats my bet..

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 10 2010, 10:48 PM

in any way... really looking forward . I've placed my bets, let the games begin...

oh, for those who would like to know the dutch way, check out my youtube page (http://www.youtube.com/rikveldhuizen) . As Lester said, if it ain't dutch, it ain't much

Posted by: maharzan Jun 11 2010, 01:53 PM

Rooney reminds me of Pedja..

I am watching it right now.. opening..

Posted by: guitarX Jun 11 2010, 02:01 PM

nice intro
don't like the guy his voice :l

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jun 11 2010, 03:13 PM

Haha thats funny cause you are not the only person that said that! At least 30 other people who follow football said the same.
Check out Freddie Ljungberg and you will really see how we look alike!
Like check the following 4 links :

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9633999&id=742465157
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9634004&id=742465157
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9633991&id=742465157
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=9634005&id=742465157

Posted by: Gus Jun 11 2010, 06:38 PM

In that case I just hope you are not luckier than me

Just watched the first game. Awaiting the second now

Posted by: rokchik Jun 12 2010, 01:20 AM

Watched both games today. Was so routing for RSA, wish they had a pulled out another goal. And I was a little disappointed that France drew with Uruguay but enjoyed both games immensly... although those vuvuzela's make it sound like the stadium is under attack by an agree swarm of bees...

Looking forward to England and the USA tomorrow. Routing for England in this one I must admit, hope Rooney has a good game

Posted by: maharzan Jun 12 2010, 03:09 AM

LoL Pedja.. But you do look like Rooney

Posted by: NoSkill Jun 12 2010, 03:34 AM

I'm confused by this game. Where is the ice, and where are their sticks?

Posted by: superize Jun 12 2010, 11:22 AM

It will be interesting to see what Argentina can do today

Posted by: zen Jun 12 2010, 01:04 PM

Aha .... the world game ... Following it this year.

As long as they don't fake dive and act/cry like little bi!@#$s for a freekick/penalty ... that's just lame

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 12 2010, 03:14 PM

less than 15 minutes for our first game, can't wait more!!! XD
I think we got a great team this time, but in this game, fortune has so many faces...

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 12 2010, 03:49 PM

Just watching right now...man Lian, the argentinian team plays awesome...I mean, I thought they would do so, but still I'm amazed!

Posted by: SubbedChris Jun 12 2010, 04:02 PM

As I foresaw,the results of today's match are satisfactory

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 12 2010, 04:17 PM

and we are not playing well yet!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 12 2010, 05:26 PM

Argentina won!! I'm so happy!

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jun 12 2010, 05:26 PM

Argentina has Messi in form which is great! Huguain is out of shape, same thing goes for Tevez, but Messi will lead the way no doubt

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 12 2010, 06:08 PM

Well, they started better than they played the rest of the game...they could have won 5 - 0...

Posted by: fkalich Jun 13 2010, 09:18 AM

I don't watch TV at home, but was at my Sister's house. Enjoyed the Argentina Nigeria game. I was for Argentina because of you guys, I don't know of anyone from Nigeria.

I liked the US England game. England has better players, but the US played good defense after the first 4 minutes, and they have a really good goal keeper, so they hung in. Pretty good for us.

I think the English are mostly down, but a lot of times teams start of slow. They might go a long way. I will be happy if the US gets out of the first round. But some of those teams have the athletes (such as Argentina), and maybe you get lucky, but I am realistic, you can't get lucky enough to go to the final rounds unless you have the top athletes, and we don't.

Posted by: superize Jun 14 2010, 02:50 PM

I really enjoyed watching the Netherland-Denmark game.....

And i manage to get the right score on my bet so i also won some money from it

Posted by: Jesse Jun 14 2010, 04:04 PM

Meh, the dutch played weak... they can do much better, or maybe they can't. I feel bad for S poullsen who got the own goal, it wasn't his fault, he headed the ball away and it bounced of some other danish dude's back!

Posted by: superize Jun 14 2010, 08:44 PM

Paraguay is currently leading over Italy 1-0 after the first half

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 14 2010, 08:49 PM

Is it just my imagination or did the german team play the best football so far

Posted by: superize Jun 14 2010, 08:57 PM

they sure did.... But they scored one goal to much..

My bet was 3-0

Posted by: fkalich Jun 15 2010, 12:35 PM

They looked that way to me.

I have just taken an interest in this, of course not the traditional top sport in the US, but I have enjoyed it, for the first time in my life.

Except for those obnoxious buzzing things the South Africans do. I was glad to see that is just them, you don't all do that. In my life, I have never seen fans so annoying, and in a way that has no coolness to it at all. Just a constant drone like a swarm of bees. I don't think those fans are even watching the game. I think they are just like little kids playing with a loud toy, annoying everyone. I like great fans, and crowd noises. Like when the English fans burst into God Save the Queen to inspire there team, that was neat, and you could see the team was inspired (fortunately not inspired enough though). But having to listen to an annoying drone like a swarm of bees by an audience with the po dunk 83rd ranked team in the world? They would not even be there if they were not hosting, they should not be annoying people like that. Just obnoxious. I understand this started in the 90's. A sacrosanct tradition, right.

Posted by: zen Jun 15 2010, 12:58 PM

Quit braggin .. will ya ?

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 15 2010, 01:25 PM

I'm so sorry...

Posted by: superize Jun 15 2010, 02:50 PM

New Zealand managed to get on point from Slovakia in the last minute

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 15 2010, 03:12 PM

Great match between Paraguay and Italy yesterday! Not too much football, but they played with the heart, like a final!

Posted by: superize Jun 15 2010, 05:19 PM

Check out my new World Cup chair

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 15 2010, 05:52 PM

Awesome chair! I was so happy when New Zealand scored the 1 - 1, I have a faible for underdogs (except when they play against Germany). btw, I thought Portugal vs. Ivory Coast was going to be an awesome game...but no...

Posted by: ItsMe Jun 15 2010, 06:28 PM

Great that I can't watch because of work. I hate it if I missed a good match

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 16 2010, 05:19 PM

What a suprise!! Switzerland defeated Spain

Posted by: chast Jun 16 2010, 05:30 PM

Indeed, just watched it aswell.
I kinda had the feeling that Spain wanted to score with 'beautiful looking goals'. Did anybody else have the same feeling?

Posted by: Fran Jun 16 2010, 05:43 PM

Yup, they defended very well... Spain is playing much worse than they did in the last Eurocup, they didn't attack well and didn't defend specially well either. Hope they change hehe

Posted by: Keilnoth Jun 16 2010, 05:44 PM

I have the feeling that we were a bit lucky but actually, we shot 10 times vs 20 and our defense did a great job locking down Torres and other great Spanish attackers.

I am very happy but I won't go to Spain for my next holidays.

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 16 2010, 05:44 PM

Just came home from playing football myself. My jaw really dropped when I saw the result!

Posted by: Frederik Jun 16 2010, 05:54 PM

exact same scenario for me
and yeah, the germans looks brutally strong
But wait for the danish vikings!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 17 2010, 02:37 PM

Vamos Argentina!!

Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Jun 17 2010, 02:50 PM

We'll see tomorrow

Posted by: sonny_NL Jun 17 2010, 03:02 PM

Holland, holland!!
hehe. i thought spain wil play really good but they sucked there first play.
what do you think guys who wil be in the finale?
i thought spain against netherlands ore brasile ore something

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 17 2010, 04:36 PM

Argentina 4 - South Korea 1 I guess we passed to the next round.

Nigeria 1 - Greece 1 (so far)... Greece really needs a victory!

Posted by: SubbedChris Jun 17 2010, 04:44 PM

Yeah we do!!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 17 2010, 05:49 PM

Yes we will...I think it will end in a 1 - 1 draw. German teams tend to start great into a tournament and then play just strong enough to reach the semifinals. From there on, nobody knows what can happen.

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 17 2010, 07:20 PM

VAMOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Argentina!!!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 17 2010, 07:46 PM

The game tomorrow? Or the cup?
Argentina seems to be strong as well...

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 17 2010, 08:05 PM

ah, u all forget the dutch

I think (well, I hope...) the germans 'peaked' too early, have a draw predicted for tmrw...

Posted by: Gus Jun 17 2010, 09:14 PM

So far, I really like the way Germany and Argentina played...

I hope Kaká starts to play his best, otherwise we will have trouble
Specially if we have to play against Spain next round (likely after yesterdays surprise)

Now France is almost out...

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 17 2010, 09:30 PM

Very poor France in this World Cup...

Posted by: MigeZ Jun 17 2010, 09:50 PM

I think Argentina might just win the hole thing. I like team Germany too, but Argentina has got the best forwards in my opinion and the HAND OF GOD so my guess is that Argentina will win the WC. I hope Finland would someday make it to the WC but I doubt that. Anyways a great game against South-Korea!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 17 2010, 11:14 PM

the hand of god!

This is a nice moment during the match:

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 18 2010, 01:33 PM

Germany 0 - Serbia 1 so far What will happen??

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 18 2010, 02:23 PM

Victory!!!! heheheh we are back in the game!

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 18 2010, 02:36 PM

Congrats Bogdan! A great victory of your team!

Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Jun 18 2010, 03:49 PM

S R B I J A !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 18 2010, 03:53 PM

Congrats to Serbia, I still think my team would have deserved one goal...but I kinda expected this. Now we'll gonna win against Ghana!
Bogdan and Sinisa, don't you two also think the referee was way too strict? I even thought the penalty was a joke...

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 18 2010, 04:15 PM

Yeah way too strict!!! Haven't seen something like that for a long time...Also we didn't deserve that penalty Two games two penalties

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 18 2010, 04:17 PM

what happened there??? I saw another game... one where Deuschland deserved to win... but the main problem was Klose's expulsion.
in my opinion the referee was too strict here... I mean... it was not too hard for a red card.
anyway, Serbia did a good job before a great team, and also got a lot of luck... what in futbol, is more that 50%... be sure of that

Posted by: Roman Jun 18 2010, 04:38 PM

The referee was too bad. He must show the red card to the serbian player who used his hand ! This is a standard action when someone uses his hands on purpose. That was a farce! Nevertheless congrats to Serbia

Why this post was posted with my Name Roman? I'm edguy What happened? A hacker? very strange

Posted by: Fusar Jun 18 2010, 05:40 PM

Yeah, the referee was too strict, but this was not the only German reason of lose...I think it's not dramatic for us, I rather think it's good to see how good we can play and what happens when some things don't work...this could be extra motivation for a good World Cup!
However, Argentina is my favorite to win this year

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 18 2010, 05:44 PM

Congrats Serbia!! You have a great team as well as very amazing musicians!!

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jun 18 2010, 06:38 PM

SERBIA - Germany 1-0
3 points today, enough said

Posted by: fkalich Jun 18 2010, 08:26 PM

I think the US gets the "We Got Screwed" prize for the day. Nobody even knows why this winning goal was disallowed.



You need a challenge option as we have in American Football, where crucial calls can be reviewed. A coach is allowed to challenge a few times in a game, and they look at the play in slow motion from all angles. It only takes a minute, and if the call was clearly bad, it is overturned. This would also be a good way to get rid of bad refs. If a ref has a lot of calls overturned, you just fire them, they don't belong there.


edit: I see the FIFA had this youtube video removed, just a few minutes after it was posted. Trying to hide something FIFA? Never saw a video removed like that, so quickly, in the history of youtube. What a load of crap.

Posted by: Gus Jun 18 2010, 08:52 PM

FIFA made an agreement with youtube to remove non-official videos very quickly. During the world cup it has been happening a lot...

But yes, why in the world the guy canceled the last US goal?

And why in the world FIFA is so reluctant to add technology and replays to referees?

Posted by: fkalich Jun 18 2010, 10:07 PM

Well, I stand corrected on the speed of removal. But then again, what is the motivation for them to remove little short youtube videos. Espn never bothers with that kind of thing. I say they are doing it to protect their butts, so many bad calls, they don't want evidence of this on youtube.

I understand the reluctance to bring review into a game, but it really makes things a lot better, if handled right. And it really means officiating is better. Refs are not impartial all the time, everybody knows that. And often not very competent. They may have gotten their position for political reasons more than ability. If a guy knows he is going to get overturned on bad calls, he is going to keep that in mind.

Especially in world football. In Basketball we accept that refs give some teams advantages, especially home teams, or teams with well known coaches they are afraid of. But you can overcome that in a game where you score 90 points. But in world football, one call like this will determine the outcome, review should be in place in some fashion for this game. We have had it in american football for a long time, both on pro and college level. Nearly everybody approves of it, so long as it is handled correctly (not allowed to slow down the game).

Posted by: Fran Jun 19 2010, 03:37 PM

I thoroughly agree.

But I suspect it doesn't happen because part of the charm of football is blaming the refs for everything after the match

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jun 19 2010, 05:29 PM

Challenge is not necessary in football. The game looses its purpose and becomes like american football which is too slow and boring to watch (3 hours with constant commercials and transitions between offense and defense between plays). This way like Fran said, you can always blame referee for some mistakes which is what makes game more human. Sometimes goals are disallowed without it being offside or defensive player being fauled. Accept it move on and remember Maradona's "hand of god" goal and it will all be clear

Posted by: Ulrik Jun 19 2010, 06:48 PM

Don't worry the bad refs will be found and dealed with anyway.

But when you got the technology, it should be used.
If someone looses because of the ref, it will often cost them economically, and off course everyone will be angry.


Go Denmark... God damn we were able to beat Sweden and Portugal in the qualification, so try getting the ball in the right goal tonight!

Posted by: Gus Jun 20 2010, 12:34 PM

Denmark vs Cameroon was actually one of the best matches to watch so far, because it was open on both sides. Really a lot of scoring opportunities and emotion.

Well done by the way.

Looking forward to tonight's match...

Posted by: zen Jun 20 2010, 12:52 PM

Time for some football humour..

Posted by: Fre Jun 20 2010, 01:47 PM

Funny video

Posted by: kaznie_NL Jun 20 2010, 02:00 PM

You know what would be cool? A hawk-eye system like they have in Tennis, where teams can overrule the referee, but only three times a match (0or something like that). So that the game doesn't stop every single second

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 20 2010, 04:52 PM

Oh my god, NZL played 1 - 1 against Italy! What's wrong with the big european football teams? Only the Netherlands won their two games so far...

Posted by: sonny_NL Jun 20 2010, 05:01 PM

hehe yes we did and we going for the third one either!

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 20 2010, 05:04 PM

Yeah, we did... Well, it was horrible to look at, for a neutral watcher. But it's the result that counts, I'd say, so far. Typically, we play beautiful football in the first matches, and end up with nothing. Hopefully it ll be the other way around this time.

Only problem is that we might face Italy now in the next round, given that they'll probably be second in their group

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 20 2010, 05:27 PM

Don't be afraid of Italy...and Arjen Robben will be back soon. He played an awesome season with Bayern, they would not have been so good without him. Actually, I think you deserve to become world champion this year. Yes, a german can say that! (Not in public, though )

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 20 2010, 05:49 PM

Not sure whether we deserve it, yet... But it would finally heal the pain for our historical losses in the 74 and 78 finals...

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jun 20 2010, 05:53 PM

Lets see what Brazil can do against Ivory Coast today... i think its going to be a great match!

Posted by: Gus Jun 20 2010, 10:07 PM

So far this has been a cup of south american teams, argentina, brazil, paraguay and uruguay. Let's see Chile tomorrow...

By the way, one more bad referee was on brazilian match today. Kaká was sent out (with some acting of the other guy), while some guys from Ivory coast made 3-4 yellow/red card fouls... Unbelievable The brazilian team will spend the night in the hospital... So many bad fouls! I am just hoping the best for Elano.

At least until 70 minutes we had great football, specially from Kaká and Luis Fabiano (amazing second goal, even though he used arm).

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 21 2010, 11:15 AM

Not sure what the referee was thinking for the second goal, he was right next to Fabiano on both occasions where he used his arm for the goal.

Posted by: Gus Jun 21 2010, 12:48 PM

I think he could not believe on amazingness of that goal, so he did not cancel He definitely saw it (or maybe assistant saw it), cause he asked Luis Fabiano if he used the arm.

But I 'd rather see him canceling the goal and giving yellows to every violent foul we suffered. That would have been right...

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jun 21 2010, 02:47 PM

Fabiano is a cheater. When referee asked him if he used his hand he said no! Score was 1-0 at that time for Brazil. Very low and shameful behavior of him.

Posted by: sonny_NL Jun 21 2010, 02:47 PM

haha NKO played to bad against portugal
7-0 Epic failure XP

Posted by: Fre Jun 21 2010, 03:32 PM

Failure indeed
And as many goals as the whole cup so far. (Almost )

Posted by: fkalich Jun 22 2010, 08:06 PM

World Football has taken on a much higher level of popularity in the US. I am a recent convert. Still put Basketball and American Football ahead in my eyes, but I have come to appreciate the sport. A lot of those who had little interest before have changed.

I hope the US and England advance. If the US ties I have to hope England does not advance, because we would not advance in that event. That is the only way I root for Slovenia.

Which may seem odd, as all 4 of my Grandparents were born in Slovenia. My sentiments are still with England (provided that the US gets a win over Algeria).

Looks to me like anyone could win this year.

Posted by: Jad Diab Jun 22 2010, 09:06 PM

France got ass kicked !!! It appears that there have been problems inside of the French Team, players were insulting their coach because he's a big pr***. Most of them play in big Teams, real madrid, manschester ..... but they can't support each others lol

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 22 2010, 09:11 PM

Yeah, I kinda expected that the french team wouldn't get too far this time, but THAT?! I mean, they are at the bottom of their group and all the stuff that's happening in and around the team is just dissapointing...such great players with such a lousy team spirit. Domenech even refused the handshake with Pereira after the game (for a silly reason...). I wonder what the captain Evra will say to the press in a few days. Since I'll be in Paris from thursday to sunday I'll read all this in the french newspapers...that's gonna be interesting.
But there is a good chance that the german and the english team will be out tomorrow as well...

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 22 2010, 09:23 PM

VAMOOOOOOO!!! ARGENTINA!!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 22 2010, 09:35 PM

Vamos Argentina!!!!

Posted by: fkalich Jun 22 2010, 09:36 PM

Germany looked pretty good first game, they should be fine. The English will take Slovenia, they are not that good, just caught the US in their traditional slow start, after that they were not much, we had twice as many shots on goal. And if not for a bizarre ref, they would have lost anyway. That ref had to be on the take. To call a foul on a guy who did not do anything at all, with most the Slovenians having arms wrapped around the other Americans, a guy with 17 years experience as a ref could not have done this call by mistake, he got paid by somebody. I bet there is a lot of that going on with refs.

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jun 22 2010, 10:22 PM

im not from there but..
GO ARGENTINA. got the best team.

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 22 2010, 11:36 PM

all that holding and the US still scored. I don't understand how the world cup tournament works AT ALL. Shouldn't it just be if you win you move on?? You Europeans complicate everything........

Posted by: fkalich Jun 23 2010, 11:54 PM

Called it right, German and English win. I of course felt the US would also, but did not want to say that. Another freaking ref disallowed a goal on a bad off sides call, but what the heck, they are just awful, we survived. The bookies who had him on the payroll must be disappointed. Well maybe next time they bet their money on us, and we get the calls.

Our bracket is very favorable, Ghana, and then either Uruguay or South Korea. Much better than what England has, Germany and Argentina.

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jun 24 2010, 05:27 PM

italy what a shame.

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 24 2010, 07:12 PM

I'm sad for Italy... but they haven't a great team this year. Pepe had the last chance for Italy...

Posted by: SubbedChris Jun 24 2010, 07:16 PM

Did he even touch the ball on that last chance?

Posted by: Keilnoth Jun 24 2010, 07:34 PM

Don't think so. But soccer is a sport in which you have to be used to see bad ref, fake injuries, people rolling on the ground to make the opponent takes a red card, etc...

It's pretty sad and I don't particularly like football because of all that crap.

When you watch rugby or hockey, you will never see that and the referees can call for the TV to back their decisions. Soccer is one of the last sport in the world that doesn't want camera to help referees.

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 24 2010, 07:45 PM

LOL!!!

Posted by: fkalich Jun 24 2010, 11:47 PM

In American Football, played on an even smaller field, the refs tend to be quite good, generally spot on. But they have 7 of them. Perhaps the problem is having only 3 refs. Seems inadequate to me, to watch that many players on that big of a field. I was sort of kidding about bookies paying these guys off, that probably is rare.

edit: although there was more to the really bad call on the free kick against Slovenia. There was a bad call for off sides in the last game against Algeria, but that was understandable, things are going fast, people understand a bad call like that. But that earlier call playing Slovenia was clearly intentional, the ref had decided to call it even before the free kick, there was absolutely nothing there to call, and he had the whistle in his mouth before anything even happened. Perhaps he felt the free kick should not have been awarded. But I am not sure, that is a case where I am convinced the ref was intentionally making a bad call, for whatever motivation I can't be sure.

Posted by: Keilnoth Jun 25 2010, 07:26 AM

Another parameter to take in consideration is that sometimes on TV, we can't see everything. Perhaps he whistled for some other reasons. But anyways, it's part of soccer I think.

You would have gone nuts seeing the last Chelsea vs Barcelona match in Champion's League. As Didier Drogba said, it was a complete disgrace.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 25 2010, 12:29 PM

If you watch Premier League on a regular basis and particularly with mr. Howard Webb as referee you will see much, much worse decisions.

Posted by: sonny_NL Jun 25 2010, 12:37 PM

netherlands are going good, 9 points in the group like argetinia

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 25 2010, 12:42 PM

Yes, but if we'd continue to play like we do, we won't make it... Hopefully the next match will show full control and smooth attacks. I'm happy with the results so far, of course ...

Posted by: alvaroshredd Jun 25 2010, 01:15 PM

spain plays today vs chile, good match dont miss it my friends! lets see if spain can win today, because chile is playing really good!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 27 2010, 09:32 PM

Vamosss Argentina! 3-1 vs Mexico! The next one is Germany!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jun 27 2010, 10:09 PM

If Argentina beats us - then they will win the whole thing^^

Posted by: stratman79 Jun 27 2010, 10:34 PM

oh dear oh dear

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 27 2010, 10:53 PM

yes, I think so.. it will be a difficult match!

Posted by: rokchik Jun 28 2010, 12:58 AM

Both games today were great!

England and Germany was very entertaining, even more so when watching with a German and an Englishman

Enjoyed Argentina and Mexico, wished Messi had scored (I have him in my pool But I also have Tevez ) Still have Argentina picked to win it all but will be a tough match against Germany.

Gonna be a good July 3rd... GER-ARG in the afternoon and UFC that night

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jun 28 2010, 07:18 AM

oh man, i really hope those senior citizens at FIFA will now finally see that you really need technology like video's at this level of football. 2 major, very costly mistakes in one day...

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 28 2010, 11:55 AM

What a great match yesterday! And I sat in the train back from Paris...but I'm gonna watch the game Germany vs. Argentina on saturday. That will be a tough one...

Posted by: Duncan Jun 28 2010, 11:37 PM

I'd like to say well done to Germany on easily beating a poor england side. I've already posted what's wrong with the English game on many other forums so I wont bore you with it here. Germany, however, were fantastic to watch and have some thoroughly wonderful players. I genuinely hope you go far in this tournament.

I'm also disgusted once again by the majority of the English fans and press. Bring up words such as "war" and "nazi" when they are completely irrelevant. Just shows a massive lack of creativity from the medias side, always having to bring up the same rubbish.

It's a shame the majority of English fans don't engage more than one of their brain cells. If they actually ever left England they might realise that Germans are one of the most lovely people in Europe.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 29 2010, 12:40 AM

Anyone seen any game in 3D? This supposed to be the first 3D live TV broadcasts...They have some games showing here in local 3D movie theaters Really wonder how football looks in 3D

Posted by: sonny_NL Jul 2 2010, 02:49 PM

Netherlands Vs. Brasil going to begin in 10 minutes!

Who is going to win you think?
i hope The netherlands of course but its going to be a tough game!

Posted by: sonny_NL Jul 2 2010, 04:53 PM

YEAHHHHHHHHH,... netherlands have won from brasil!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!

Posted by: Jesse Jul 2 2010, 05:01 PM

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH




BRILLIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANT!!!!!

... dunno what robben was thinking with that corner tho.. but who cares:D


YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 2 2010, 05:03 PM

good for Netherlands!!!
was a very good match, they deserve the victory

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Jul 2 2010, 05:06 PM

Congrats Netherlands, finally a good match by this team.

Posted by: Keep_Rocking Jul 2 2010, 05:30 PM

uffff... Hard to admit ! That was a good match.
Congrats Netherlands you deserved it. And... Life still goes on.
(I'm drunk and have to go back to work )

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jul 2 2010, 06:55 PM

no comments about brasil!

Posted by: kaznie_NL Jul 2 2010, 07:07 PM

Holland...Holland....Holland....!!!! We Rocked our Socks of!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 2 2010, 07:25 PM

I didn't think that Brazil could be out of the final match! Congrats Holland!

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 2 2010, 08:01 PM

oh man... what a match... Fantastic, now let's focus on the next game, and get into the finals after that!!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 2 2010, 08:46 PM

Congrats to the Netherlands! See you in the final...hopefully.

Posted by: Jesse Jul 2 2010, 09:10 PM

Well, I hope not..

because it will be 0-0 , 1-1 or whatever, and germany will score in the last minute...

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 2 2010, 10:39 PM

Wow that was tough luck for Ghana! missing a pentalty in minute 120^^

Posted by: MirkoSchmidt Jul 2 2010, 10:51 PM

yaaahhh, that was unlucky... damn...
The last African team is out!
Maybe that vuvuzela- noise gets more quiet now in the stations...


SCHLAND!!!!!

Posted by: Duncan Jul 3 2010, 02:34 AM

Come on Germany tomorrow. I'd like a 9-8 game.

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 3 2010, 07:55 AM

As in final score or in the nr of men still on the pitch at the end of the match ?

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 3 2010, 02:30 PM

most likely both...
SCHLAND! (kind of an insider joke...)

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 3 2010, 04:45 PM

JAAAAA! Deutschland!!!!!
I still can't believe it....

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 3 2010, 04:52 PM

Congratulations Germany...! That was absolutely fantastic.

If Holland-Germany turns out to be the finals, I'll be very, very nervous

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 3 2010, 04:58 PM

Can't believe this... I'm so sad!! Congrats Germany.

Posted by: superize Jul 3 2010, 05:17 PM

Wow the Germans played very good football and Argentina was not looking that good

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jul 3 2010, 05:30 PM

well, the dream is over...
our team did its best but it was not enough to brake the power of the Deutschlanders.
it was a great match for both teams, now we had to lose and here is when we have to think that it's just a game. but we can't, I can't.
I'm happy for Deutschland and their people, they deserved this result.
but still I'm so sad. Our team could not win the match this time neither the cup, but we shall fight back in 4 years.
Hail to Argentina!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 3 2010, 05:33 PM

Hail to Argentina!

Posted by: Duncan Jul 3 2010, 08:37 PM

Argentina were terrible. Really offered nothing anywhere on the pitch. I thought they hadn't been that great all tournament, but everyone seemed to be raving about them. The Germans were by far the superior team, lovely stuff. Hope they go all the way now. Spain are the only team that may be able to stop them.

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Jul 3 2010, 09:41 PM

As it is football, I have gut felling not to say that we have obvious results, but for me Germany in one match plays more "best football" than the rest of the teams they can face in the whole tournament. What is sad, is that few years ago many teams played nice, now I really think that the "greatest" forgot how to run after the ball - I am really unimpressed.

At least guys from Poland score goals for Germany, nice to see that at least in German team there are some Poles who can play, our own national team is a disgrace

Posted by: sonny_NL Jul 3 2010, 10:35 PM

it would be a killer of a match netherlands vs germany in the final.
that will be the toughest 90 minutes ever man!

Posted by: Duncan Jul 3 2010, 10:51 PM

Haha. Either would have been great. Spain provided all the drama I needed though.

Man I love the World Cup. Would be nice for Holland to win it. Although I dislike some of their players, Clarence Seedorf is Dutch and he's a complete tank.

Posted by: alvaroshredd Jul 3 2010, 11:05 PM

YEAH!!GO SPAIN GO GO!!

Posted by: Fran Jul 3 2010, 11:11 PM

Go Go GOOO!!!!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 3 2010, 11:24 PM

Damn I should have bought an expensive TV today. A big store in Germany will refund you the money for your new TV in case Germany wins the cup^^

Posted by: sonny_NL Jul 3 2010, 11:38 PM

we have a same sort of thing but then with a year long free electricity if the netherlands wins the cup. only if you do the step to their company now and congrats to spain ofcourse!

Posted by: kaznie_NL Jul 6 2010, 08:27 PM

Half time Uruguay-Netherlands


it's 1-1 I hope we'll win!!!

Posted by: Fran Jul 6 2010, 09:28 PM

You are in the final! Congrats Netherlands!

It was a very thrilling end, I thought Uruguay was going to manage the 3-3!

Posted by: kaznie_NL Jul 6 2010, 09:29 PM

It was way to close we thought after 3-1, it's over for Uruguay, but that naste second goals of them made them play twice as good. It's all in the phsyche I guess

Congratz to Uruguay, Forlan, for a good game

Posted by: Jesse Jul 6 2010, 09:32 PM

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

but what the heck is up with the ref? First at the end of first half he just cut off the attack from Holland. And now he let the match drag on for minutes beyond extra time..


ah well..


YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

Thumbs up for Van Bronckhorst. 5th goal in 105 interlands... and what a goal...

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 6 2010, 10:43 PM

Agreed, awesome first goal, and Robben scored with a header! Haven't seen him do that with Bayern this season
Hopefully we'll meet in the final! (Sorry Fran...)

Posted by: Fran Jul 7 2010, 12:50 AM

Hehehehe, we'll see what happens tomorrow

Posted by: Duncan Jul 7 2010, 07:29 AM

Ok, Holland are no longer allowed to win the World Cup. Van Bommel is a dirty little rude word, and just seems to get away with constant fouling. Someone was asking about the amount of extra time: maybe it was to do with Van Bommel rolling around on the floor for the first minute, and then the goal scored. I genuinely don't think I've seen as many players rolling around ever, apart from when watching Spain play.

And why is everyone raving about Robben, he has been terrible all tournament. Yeah he scored and all but he did little else. He is a one trick horse. Cut in side pretty much every time and never does anything. Truely awful. Same with RVP, been crap all tournament. What a hit for the first goal though, magical.

Now for Germany to sink the Spanish tomorrow and then beat Holland in the final.

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 7 2010, 08:28 AM

Not sure whether you are familiar with the game, but appearantly not. Robben is a great player, keeps the ball and drives the defence crazy, having 3 defenders around him constantly, opening up space for other players. Van Persie is not playing great, but getting better. At least he works for the team, albeit not on his favorite position.

Anyway, we're in the finals again, for the first time in 32 years, so I'm happy

Posted by: alvaroshredd Jul 7 2010, 11:21 AM

haha sink spain ?
maybe but that´s not what the octopus said xD

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 7 2010, 11:41 AM

Yeah, but Paule (the octopus) has an error rate of 20%, and he predicted the final of the european championship two years ago wrong...
As for the netherlands, Robben does not play as efficient as he did with Bayern Munich all season long, and he really seems to only try his one "trick" in this tournament (with Bayern, he played much more diverse).
As for van Bommel (another Bayern player), he's got his dirty "tricks", but imho he is a great and important player for the netherlands.
I really think they deserve the cup this year, but only if Germany doesn't reach the final today

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 7 2010, 12:07 PM

Don't forget Robben was seriously injured at the start of the WC; he's a bit cautious imo sometimes, in his actions. But he's very valuable for the team. The way he gets the defence out of position, for others to move in, is of great value. And, he scored with his head, so that's at least two tricks

Van Bommel knows how to play the ref, padding him on the back, screaming louder than the actual foul would cause etc. But eventhough those actions can be frowned upon, it's something that is only recently familiar to the dutch team. They learned it from other big teams . As long as the results are great....

If we win on Sunday, we would have the perfect streak by winning all qualifying and worldcup matches, something only Brazil did with their great 1970 team (and those were only 12 games in a row; this would be 15 games...). But, that's just me hoping...

Posted by: Duncan Jul 7 2010, 05:54 PM

I am very familiar with the game thanks, and if you could actually get past the fact I'm slating your home country you'd agree with me. Sure Robben had a great season with Bayern, but he has had a dreadful world cup. What's the point in dragging defenders out of position when there is no final product. I'm not trying to be rude, but he has been utterly crap. Sneijder on the other hand, has been a joy to watch. Without him you wouldn't even be out the group stage.

Posted by: Jesse Jul 7 2010, 06:26 PM

kuyt is the best man for Holland I thinK:D And Van Bommel saved holland a number of times ...


he replaced Edgar Davids!

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 7 2010, 09:05 PM

GO GO GO SPAIN!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 7 2010, 09:21 PM

Verdammt.
I'm so disappointed right now. I got the impression that all german teams in the last 8 years were losers, be it the national team, Bayern Munich, Hamburg or Bremen. They all lost the finals they reached or even the semi-finals. Looks like german teams don't have the nerves anymore. What is it good for to win against England and Argentina with 4 goals when you are too afraid to battle Spain?
Fingers crossed for the Netherlands in the final!

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 7 2010, 09:26 PM

spain plays too beautiful, can't be happier!

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 7 2010, 09:26 PM

wow, the octopus was right again...!

Both Holland-Spain and Holland-Germany would have been a great final for me... Sorry for Germany, but great for Spain, first time finalists!

Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 7 2010, 09:27 PM

WOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !

VIVA ESPAÑA !

AIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!!!!!!!!!!

OLÉEEEEEEEEE OLÉ OLÉ OLÉEEEEEEEEEEEE

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 7 2010, 09:28 PM

I don't care whether you slate my country, I'm just disagreeing. Calling him utterly crap is just a long way from reality.

Posted by: Fran Jul 7 2010, 09:40 PM

Yeeeeeeeeeeees!!!

Can't wait for Sunday to watch the final

Posted by: Jesse Jul 7 2010, 09:54 PM

holy crap !

Posted by: Gus Jul 7 2010, 10:20 PM

Oh. So the world cup will have a new champion

What does the octopus tell?

Posted by: Duncan Jul 8 2010, 08:34 AM

In this tournament he has been, compared to his club form.

Spain will win the final. Holland are far to weak at the back to contain the talent the Spanish have.

Posted by: Jesse Jul 8 2010, 09:06 AM

Yep HOlland has a weak defence. But... what if Van Bommel just kicks Puyol and Xavi so that they can't play properly anymore?:D:D haha.

Posted by: audiopaal Jul 8 2010, 09:09 AM

I have to disagree, as I believe (and hope) Holland will win the world cup
Wesley Sneijder will prevail for the fourth time this season, just watch

They're not that weak in the back, although I'll agree Spain looks better.
Sneijder has s many goals as Villa and Robben has showed he can score in the world cup as well,
so on top I don't see Spain being better really..

But I wouldn't be surprised if Spain takes it, they have some very good players

Posted by: Skewlbuzz Jul 8 2010, 09:15 AM

Some Danish morning-show copied the octopus. They had a goldfish anticipating the results of the semi-finals and the final.

If I remember right Spain will win

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 8 2010, 11:21 AM

I agree... It will be very tough against Spain, but not impossible. They play fantastic. However, their weakness is their scoring ability. They play fantastic around the court, tick, tick, tick... but need to score more (well, after the finals then ). Our defence isn't the best, but as long as we score more than they will, we'll win

Posted by: Jesse Jul 8 2010, 01:35 PM

lol nice conclusion."As long as we score more than they will, we'll win.

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jul 8 2010, 01:50 PM

I predict Spain will win 2-1, great match with lots of chances and change of ball possession in the whole game

Posted by: maharzan Jul 8 2010, 03:36 PM

Holland has all the rights to win!!

Anyway whoever wins, I am just happy that we got to see a new world champion.

Posted by: Duncan Jul 8 2010, 06:59 PM

Hopefully Van Bommel will get frustrated that Holland never see the ball in the final and get himself sent off.

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Jul 8 2010, 07:46 PM

Spain is far superior in all parts of field, it should be easy win but I predict 2-1 as Holland have Robben and Snajder who can change the game

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 9 2010, 11:15 AM

The world cup is finished...the octopus Paul predicts that Spain will win and Germany will be 3rd...

Posted by: Jesse Jul 9 2010, 11:28 AM

lol ... lame octopus:(

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 9 2010, 11:51 AM

No worries, the octopus had it all right in the EC of 2008, except for his prediction for the final . I assume it will be the same this time again...

Posted by: Duncan Jul 11 2010, 09:47 PM

How the Dutch haven't had a player sent off is amazing. Van Bommel and De Jong should both be gone by now.

Posted by: Jesse Jul 11 2010, 10:09 PM

lol 7yellow? 8?9? one red? DAMMIT!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 11 2010, 10:15 PM

Now that was a bad game!

Posted by: Fran Jul 11 2010, 10:18 PM

YEESSSS!!!!



GO GO GO SPAIIIINNNNN!

Posted by: maharzan Jul 11 2010, 10:42 PM

Congrats to Spain.. but the final was really a boring bad game.

Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 11 2010, 10:45 PM

Unfair play => Fair victory !

ESPAÑA !

Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 12 2010, 07:26 AM

Worst final ever...I think the game for third place on saturday would have deserved to be a final. Then again, I guess the pressure in a real final is way higher.
Congrats to Spain! Though I must admit, I'll never like the football this team is playing...

Posted by: Sollesnes Jul 12 2010, 10:28 AM

Not being even a bit football interested, not having seen the match etc, what football is spain playing that you don't like? Wasen't Netherland the country who got so many cards?

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Jul 12 2010, 10:31 AM

I believe that the teams that played for bronze were both better than the finalists. If not the missing of Suarez and Muller, both teams could win with their rivals and meet in the finals. There were few good playing teams in this world cup, most teams were a HUGE disappointment. Well now I can just hope that Poland wont be the biggest loser in Euro 2012 which we organize, also sorry in advance for crappy organization

Posted by: Sergio Dorado Jul 12 2010, 10:47 AM

And finally... Spain is the World Champion.
I think this is an award for this great generations of spanish football players: Xavi, Villa, Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, Casillas... and the best trainer Vicente del Bosque. All Spain is in the streets plenty of joy. After 80 years we are the champions!!!

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jul 12 2010, 03:11 PM

Felicitaciones España!!!
great perform ace trough the cup, but this last game was poor. anyway, you are the champion of the world!
congrats and enjoy the party!

Posted by: alvaroshredd Jul 12 2010, 03:31 PM

ok i agree that the finall was poor but spain tried from the first second to go for it! netherlands, in my point of view, tried to win the match with anoying faults and defending with 9 players behind the ball, and yelling at the referee all the time.
if the referre had been fair netherlands would have had to challenge mostly first and whole second part with 10 players.
seems to me that netherlands instead of trying to make their best football, tried to beneficiate from the fact that in a final the referee is not supposed to kick off a player at the beggining - middle of the match. that´s not a way of facing up a world final cup, they didnt deserve it

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 12 2010, 03:57 PM

SPAIN!
they 100% deserve it!

Posted by: Power_Arctica Jul 12 2010, 06:29 PM

This is criminal!!!


Kung Fu Panda

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 12 2010, 07:19 PM

ewww.. holland played SO hard..
theyre are a great team not sure what happened..

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 12 2010, 07:24 PM

There was one instance where Holland had a corner kick and kicked it right to the Spain goalkeeper. What was that all about?? I don't understand this game at all. Seems like it would be a lot more fun to watch if there were no offsides. I'm very uneducated about it though. I did have fun watching the world cup though. Just wish there was more scoring.........

Posted by: Rik Veldhuizen Jul 12 2010, 07:30 PM

ok... that was too bad. really disappointed that the netherlands lost, but from what I ve seen and heard (I missed the first half and most of the second, cause I was in a taxi from the airport to my holiday-hotel and the turkish radio wasnt all that helpful , Spain deserved to win. they played better and at least more fair. Congrats to Spain (and Fran . I can live with this... Pity we were playing so tough, think we had the most cards of any team in the WC. De Jong's foul was ridiculous even if he was going for the ball...

Anyway, this is it, we ll have to wait for another chance...

Posted by: Gus Jul 12 2010, 08:00 PM

Congratulations, Spain!

Now I am already on the countdown for World cup 2014.
In Brazil, woo-hoo!!

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jul 12 2010, 08:07 PM

going to brazil for the next world cup!