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Official World Cup Thread - Page 2

post #41 of 556
6/11/06 at 7:58am
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
I am also going to go ahead and proclaim that the Semifinal matches will be:

1. Netherlands v. Ukraine

Not saying I can make better predictions, but no way that will be the semifinal. I'm glad the Dutch left home some of their more annoying players, but still. And Ukraine doesn't have the tradition to make it to the semifinals.
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post #42 of 556
6/11/06 at 8:34am
Quote:
Originally posted by SpcMs
Not saying I can make better predictions, but no way that will be the semifinal. I'm glad the Dutch left home some of their more annoying players, but still. And Ukraine doesn't have the tradition to make it to the semifinals.

I do not know about that. Ukraine is the eastern european team with the striker.

They are like Bulgaria (Stoichkov) is '94 and Croatia (Suker) in '98.

Both teams had as much tradition as Ukraine and yet they made it pretty far.
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post #43 of 556
6/11/06 at 9:55am
Half time Mexicon-Iran. This is a great match, full of passion, speed, and skill. Both side are very hungry to win and are playing very well. If all the matches were like this!

Edit

Full time: Mexico won 3-1
What a match!

 

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post #44 of 556
6/11/06 at 11:20am
Quote:
Originally posted by Bergermeister
Half time Mexicon-Iran. This is a great match, full of passion, speed, and skill. Both side are very hungry to win and are playing very well. If all the matches were like this!

Edit

Full time: Mexico won 3-1
What a match!

Yeah what a piti the iran keeper botched
the potential win.
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post #45 of 556
6/12/06 at 5:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by SpcMs
Not saying I can make better predictions, but no way that will be the semifinal. I'm glad the Dutch left home some of their more annoying players, but still. And Ukraine doesn't have the tradition to make it to the semifinals.

You have to consider that there always seems to be a dark horse in the semifinals: I picked Ukraine for that role.

These teams met in the U-21 World Championships Finals, which, yes, doesn't say that much, but they are both very young teams that will be in excellent fitness as the tournament progresses. Ukraine also has a few things going for it. First, they have the best striker in the world. Second, most of their team comes from Dynamo Kiev, and they have been playing together for a long time. Third, Ukraine has been playing competitive soccer for longer than Germany.

Plus, they're the ONLY well organized team in an easy group. Spain has starpower, but is not organized. I will be interested to watch Spain v. Ukraine on Thursday (I think it's thursday). Cesc Fabregas was great in the Champions League, and I hope he can bring that game to the World Cup.
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post #46 of 556
6/12/06 at 5:54am
Anyone think we could see a surprise package in the USA later? They've got to be in with a big chance of getting out of that group.

I really think they will win this evening, I'll be supporting them all the way and if Italy slip up against Ghana - which is more possible than many people seem to think, Ghana are a good side - then the group could be wide open.
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post #47 of 556
6/12/06 at 6:46am
Quote:
Originally posted by segovius
Anyone think we could see a surprise package in the USA later? They've got to be in with a big chance of getting out of that group.

I really think they will win this evening, I'll be supporting them all the way and if Italy slip up against Ghana - which is more possible than many people seem to think, Ghana are a good side - then the group could be wide open.

I think if they got a point out of this match they should be happy. Get another point from Italy and then 3 from Ghana and they might make it through to the next round. Still a long shot though, all are good in this group.
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post #48 of 556
6/12/06 at 7:58am
Thread Starter 
Bergermeister must be sore after that Australia v. Japan match: reminded me of the Milan v. Lyon match in the Champions League. Three late goals: maybe Japan does have the problems Nakata hinted at.
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post #49 of 556
6/12/06 at 8:10am
Nah, Japan's problem is in the attack.

Did you see how the japanese players dribbled past the Australian midfield?

If they could extend that type of play to the front they would have done better.

Hiddink won the game. He made the right changes and Zico failed to counter.
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post #50 of 556
6/12/06 at 8:14am
Japan just lost a very exciting game to Australia, which they were winning for most of the time. It was a nail-biter, and a depresser for us here.

Begin rant:

Australia won the foul game, too: 22 to 11. Right up there with the likes of Mexico (25) Angola (29) and Iran (21) (though M-I was an exciting match, it was dirty) and the Netherlands (23). England had 13, Germany had 11, Poland and Sweden have 9.

None of the other teams pull and throw players like Australia did and even just shoving from behind (then raising his hands as if wondering what was wrong with that!). The crowd even booed when Japanese players fell injured.

Sorry for the rant, but even if I wasn't rooting for Japan I would have ranted, it was so blatant, and I personally do not like dirty play (not to say that Japan didn't get some dumb yellow cards).

Unfortunately, some Japanese soccer official the other day said the same about A, so they were pretty pissed off according to the media, so the Roos will feel vindicated.

Rant complete. Hope Japan does better next game, and they then meet Brazil after that... ugh. Australia meets Brazil next, so hopefully they will get trampled!

 

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post #51 of 556
6/12/06 at 8:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by Bergermeister
Japan just lost a very exciting game to Australia, which they were winning for most of the time. It was a nail-biter, and a depresser for us here.

Japan needs to be more confident. After Australia tied it up, Japan gave up.

Australia didn't come off as dirty to me, as much as they came off as rough. Rough play is more obvious to the opposing team and doesn't usually result in injury. Dirty play (watch mexico) is like tripping from behind, suspiciously high tackles. . . things that cause injuries because they catch players off-guard. As long as rough play is called when it should be (which it was), I don't have any problem with it. Dirty play should be red carded on the spot.

In other words, if you play soccer long enough, you'll fracture a wrist since there will inevitably be some douchebag who tackles you from behind when you least expect it. It happened to me a year ago.
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post #52 of 556
6/12/06 at 8:30am
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
Bergermeister must be sore after that Australia v. Japan match: reminded me of the Milan v. Lyon match in the Champions League. Three late goals: maybe Japan does have the problems Nakata hinted at.


Arrrrgh! See rant above for all the illogical comments I wish to vent.

Japan's goal keeper (Kawaguchi) had a couple of real nice saves (including the double early on). Wow. He had us on the edge of our seats. Fifteen minutes to time, and we were saying, "We've got it." That's when the bottom fell out, and you know the rest.

Japan has some work to do. There is trpouble amongst the ranks as well as trouble connecting with the goal (today there was some lame crossing whcih could have otherwise ended in scores, as well as a couple of lame shots). Japan's defense was not where they needed to be at the end, and that was all it took.

 

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post #53 of 556
6/12/06 at 8:36am
Perhaps I am calling rough dirty and dirty rough. To me they are rather similar, but your explanation was a good one for showing a difference.

I come from a background in track and field, sailing and rowing, all of which tend to lack dirtiness and roughness.

 

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post #54 of 556
6/12/06 at 9:36am
USA GO HOME! haha
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post #55 of 556
6/12/06 at 9:57am
Well, I am kinda glad I am not a USA supporter: 0-2 to the Czech Republic at half-time.

Why is it that soccer doesn't gain popularity in the US? It caught on big time in Japan when the J-League was created in 1992 (first games in 93). In the following 14 years, Japan has made it to the World Cup three times (out of four tries), really raising the popularity of the sport here.

 

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post #56 of 556
6/12/06 at 10:08am
I think its too complicated for them.
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post #57 of 556
6/12/06 at 10:40am
Down 0 -3 with 10 minutes to go. Listless and no real attack. Hope the Italians forget how to play.

reg
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post #58 of 556
6/12/06 at 10:51am
Ouch. That hurt.

 

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post #59 of 556
6/12/06 at 10:55am
We get German and English Premier league play where I live. How are the Italians? Are we (US) looking at 0-3 for this cup?

reg
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post #60 of 556
6/12/06 at 10:59am
Well so much for my scenario for the USA making it to knock out round. Will see game when I get home on TIVO. From what I've seen on internet team USA looked outclassed and out of it's league.
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post #61 of 556
6/12/06 at 11:06am
Quote:
Originally posted by backtomac
Well so much for my scenario for the USA making it to knock out round. Will see game when I get home on TIVO. From what I've seen on internet team USA looked outclassed and out of it's league.

Yeah - I retract my earlier foolhardy naivete too....
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post #62 of 556
6/12/06 at 11:14am
Thread Starter 
That was the best I have ever seen Czech play. They dictated an extremely fast pace, and they played much, much better than they did in the qualifiers over the last year. That totally changes my perspective of the Czech team, which, as far as I can tell, came off as more impressive than any of the teams I've seen thus far.

Arsenal did well to land Rosicky. I don't give up all hope, as I think Czech has a very real chance at beating Italy. (Go Ghana!)

With that said, Eddie Johnson has one hell of a strike: maybe he can get it on goal in the next two matches.

Quote:
Originally posted by MarcUK
I think its too complicated for them.

It's because American men are fat, out of shape, and even go so far as to mock people who walk or run as a means of transportation or fitness. They can't identify with a sport where you have to run for 90 minutes instead of 6 second bursts interspersed with time sucking from an oxygen tank. When they finally do give it a chance, they have to watch MLS. I'd bet, though, that the broadcasting of EPL matches has done more to boost interest here than anything else.
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post #63 of 556
6/12/06 at 11:32am
Australia played well today I thought. 3 goals in the space of 7 minutes... they finished well. Japan's goal was pretty controversial and should have been disallowed anyway as there was clearly a foul.

England should do well but they are so boring to watch! Really think Brazil can win. Spain are the dark horses of this world cup... keep an eye on them
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post #64 of 556
6/12/06 at 11:49am
Quote:
Originally posted by MiMac
...
Spain are the dark horses of this world cup... keep an eye on them

Speaking about Spain is beatin' up dead horses.
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post #65 of 556
6/12/06 at 12:00pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
That was the best I have ever seen Czech play. They dictated an extremely fast pace, and they played much, much better than they did in the qualifiers over the last year. That totally changes my perspective of the Czech team, which, as far as I can tell, came off as more impressive than any of the teams I've seen thus far.


I like Nedved. Can't wait for Ghana game, Nedved vs. Essien in midfield will be a WAR.
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post #66 of 556
6/12/06 at 12:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by backtomac
I like Nedved. Can't wait for Ghana game, Nedved vs. Essien in midfield will be a WAR.



If they play at the pace they did today, it may well be a war, but in the same sense that Rommel dashing tanks across the desert was a war. I am recording the Italy v. Ghana match and will watch tonight (only have time in the day for one two-hour lunch). Gattuso v. Essien may also lead to some interesting battles.
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post #67 of 556
6/12/06 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel


If they play at the pace they did today, it may well be a war, but in the same sense that Rommel dashing tanks across the desert was a war. I am recording the Italy v. Ghana match and will watch tonight (only have time in the day for one two-hour lunch). Gattuso v. Essien may also lead to some interesting battles.

I heard Gattuso was injured and not playing. If he does play that will also be a great battle.
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post #68 of 556
6/12/06 at 3:06pm
Based on tonights performances, i predict Italy will beat USA 5-0 and Ghana will beat them 2-0. USA are absolutely the worst team in the competition.
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post #69 of 556
6/12/06 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel


(only have time in the day for one two-hour lunch)

Where are your priorities!?!?

Have to admit the lack of sleep is beginning to hit me already (some of the matches start at 1:00a.m. our time). For some reason, I cannot record games and watch them later, perhaps because I would already know the score and that spooils the fun.

Starbucks do deliver, don't they?

 

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post #70 of 556
6/12/06 at 4:05pm
Quote:
Originally posted by MarcUK
Based on tonights performances, i predict Italy will beat USA 5-0 and Ghana will beat them 2-0. USA are absolutely the worst team in the competition.

No we'll see a completely different US Team at next match.
If they get a grip on themself, you know...
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post #71 of 556
6/12/06 at 8:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by MarcUK
Based on tonights performances, i predict Italy will beat USA 5-0 and Ghana will beat them 2-0. USA are absolutely the worst team in the competition.

Don't be a troll. After watching Italy, I am confident that USA can beat them. The Americans lack a good striker, which was painfully evident at the lightning pace the game was played at today. Hell, the Italians looked flat, the English looked flat. . . the only team I've seen so far that looked razor sharp has been the Czechs. I was actually impressed that USA could maintain 60% possesion through the first 60 minutes. With the added motivation of a must-win situation, it will be interesting to see what happens against Italy on Saturday.
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post #72 of 556
6/12/06 at 9:27pm
Quote:
Originally posted by MiMac
Australia played well today I thought. 3 goals in the space of 7 minutes... they finished well. Japan's goal was pretty controversial and should have been disallowed anyway as there was clearly a foul.

Yeah that was definitely a foul, so shouldn't have been a goal, but I think Schwarzer was in the wrong position to save it anyway.

Regarding the dirty/rough play - I felt the ref was calling Aus on plenty of fouls that weren't fouls and Japan got off on a lot as they got rougher as the game progressed (maybe in response to Australian rough play?)

Australia took 12 shots on goal versus Japan's 2, so I think the final score reflected the match, even if Japan did hold out REALLY well and actually lead for most of the game.

I hadn't seen much of Japan play before last night, but afterwards I was really impressed with them.
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post #73 of 556
6/13/06 at 2:41am
Quote:
Originally posted by dojobi
...
Regarding the dirty/rough play - I felt the ref was calling Aus on plenty of fouls that weren't fouls and Japan got off on a lot as they got rougher as the game progressed (maybe in response to Australian rough play?)

Australia took 12 shots on goal versus Japan's 2, so I think the final score reflected the match, even if Japan did hold out REALLY well and actually lead for most of the game.

I hadn't seen much of Japan play before last night, but afterwards I was really impressed with them.

Japan is definitely a team you have (had) to count with.
I think 3:1 against them is a little bit over the top,
anyway, Japan have to come over with it, have to gather
all their spirit, strength and force (hopefully they are strong enough to
manage this loss) then they will fight back. I didn't give them up still.
Japanese People never give up, same spirit like German People.

However, let us bet the plays of this day:


21:00h (Europe/Germany Timezone)
Brazilia vs. Croatia (2:0)
Brazilia is one of the Top teams, sure a no-brainer.
But Croatia is surely on the ball. They are on the ball, really,
and Brazilia can get a nasty surprise, if they don't pay attantion.


18:00h
France vs. Switzerland (2:3)
I bet, Switzerland will surprise us all They are on the ball too.

15:00h
Korea vs. Togo (1:1)
I can say pretty nearly nothing about these two teams.
Someone else shed some light...
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post #74 of 556
6/13/06 at 3:04am
Brazil vs Croatia - 2:2. Brazil is a top team, but so is Croatia. Everyone predicts that they're going to destroy every team, but I just get the feeling that Croatia is going to hold out (don't ask me why )

France vs. Switzerland - 2:1
My money's on France. An ELO ranking (www.eloratings.net) of 5 vs 25 is a fair mismatch, so I'll go with the odds here.

Korea vs. Togo - 2:0
Korea should win this fairly easily imo.
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post #75 of 556
6/13/06 at 6:37am
Brazil are looking awesome. They're going to win the World Cup and they're going to batter Croatia, methinks. I can't see Croatia holding them; traditionally Brazil start their World Cups by mullering their first opponent...
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post #76 of 556
6/13/06 at 6:45am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by dojobi
France vs. Switzerland - 2:1
My money's on France. An ELO ranking (www.eloratings.net) of 5 vs 25 is a fair mismatch, so I'll go with the odds here.

Keep in mind that Switzerland won their qualifying group, which included France, and that included two 1-1 draws against France.
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post #77 of 556
6/13/06 at 7:01am
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
Keep in mind that Switzerland won their qualifying group, which included France, and that included two 1-1 draws against France.

Absolutely, the two of them know each other inside out.
Likely gonna be another draw, but i am crossing my
fingers for Switzerland. (I love this country)
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post #78 of 556
6/13/06 at 8:13am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by Vox Barbara
Absolutely, the two of them know each other inside out.
Likely gonna be another draw, but i am crossing my
fingers for Switzerland. (I love this country)

Me too. I wasn't able to get Cup tickets, but I am going to try to go to Euro 2008, which is in Austria & Switzerland. I would really like to see Switzerland, so it would be a double bonus.
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post #79 of 556
6/13/06 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
Me too. ...


Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
...I wasn't able to get Cup tickets, ...



half time 0:0

An all exciting match, chances on both sides,
France with slight advantages over Switzerland.
But defense of Switzerland bears up.

My bet is whoever manages the first goal
will win.
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post #80 of 556
6/13/06 at 10:11am
Quote:
Originally posted by Splinemodel
Me too. I wasn't able to get Cup tickets, but I am going to try to go to Euro 2008, which is in Austria & Switzerland. I would really like to see Switzerland, so it would be a double bonus.

I'll be there with the Welsh team who should make an enormous impact as a surprise package once we get through our qualifying group which we should do with ease....
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