The World Cup Thread

[CATCH17]

Go USA!

Mexico just got screwed out of a goal.

[kmp77]

Anyone have a stream?

Booo Mexico...LOSE LOSE LOSE

[Ren]

1-0 South Africa


Amazing goal

[kmp77]

Dang it!!! My slingbox wont connect. Anyone have a stream?

[Ren]

Dang it!!! My slingbox wont connect. Anyone have a stream?

try here lots of links


http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=77086∂=sports (http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=77086&part=sports)

[kmp77]

try here lots of links


http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=77086∂=sports (http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=77086&part=sports)

Found a good stream on there...awesome, thanks!

[Phoenix]

try here lots of links


http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=77086∂=sports (http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=77086&part=sports)


Dang it. URL blocked by my work :(

[kmp77]

SA almost won it on that try...dang it :bang2:

[joseephuss]

Go USA!

Mexico just got screwed out of a goal.

The line judge got the call correct.

[CATCH17]

The line judge got the call correct.

How? He was clearly onside.

[BanditHiro]

How? He was clearly onside.

watch the replays obvious offsides is obvious

[daschoo]

clearly behind the keeper therefore one player between him and the goal. offside by a couple of yards.
uruguay i thought were unlucky with the first booking for the boy ledeiro and they were starting to control the game until the red card. in saying that he couldn't really have complained too much about a straight red for that challenge.

[joseephuss]

How? He was clearly onside.

There have to be 2 defenders between the offensive player and the goal when the ball is played. It does not matter if it is the goalie and one defender or just two defenders. The goalie had come out before the ball was played off the head of one of the Mexican players, therefore there was only one South African defender between the Mexico's Vela and the goal as the ball was played.

[UKCowboysFan]

Have to say that the France v Uruguay game was pretty poor.

Let's hope that tomorrow nights game is a bit better.

Hoping for an England Win (obviously), but have a feeling it may be a draw. England don't usually start these tournaments well.

Actually come to think of it they don't usually finish them well either. :(

[Dallaslullaby]

Can't wait for tomorrow - quite ironic that England play the US at this time

[ABQcowboyJR]

Have to say that the France v Uruguay game was pretty poor.

Let's hope that tomorrow nights game is a bit better.

Hoping for an England Win (obviously), but have a feeling it may be a draw. England don't usually start these tournaments well.

Actually come to think of it they don't usually finish them well either. :(

yeah the France game was a drag, but it was france so what can you expect :laugh2:

[jterrell]

Mexico had about 5 major scoring opportunities in the first half and just whiffed. That was an awful 1 point for them against a team ranked 87th or whatever. They have looked bad for over 2 years away from home but they have a good deal of overall talent.

France probably shouldn't be in the Cup and it showed. They have Ribery and that's about it. They looked simply horrid even with a 1 man advantage. Uruguay had the better chances on the 2 or 3 real counters they had.

Looking forward to the US-UK match. I suspect the US wins but doesn't go as far when all is said and done. Germany is a looming nemesis and style killer. The US team has great top 10 talent but really falls off after the top few players and has really marginal guys on the team. As the tourney moves forward they need to avoid yellow cards and injuries to their 4 or 5 stars.

[CATCH17]

I just hope our mids defend well. Hopefully Onyewu is ready too.

[daschoo]

Looking forward to the US-UK match. I suspect the US wins but doesn't go as far when all is said and done. Germany is a looming nemesis and style killer. The US team has great top 10 talent but really falls off after the top few players and has really marginal guys on the team. As the tourney moves forward they need to avoid yellow cards and injuries to their 4 or 5 stars.

firstly not a fan of the first sentence.
secondly, why do you think you'll beat them? hope you do but you're clear underdogs.
thirdly i'd hardly say you have "great top 10 talent"
i do agree with the last sentence though, oh and if you don't manage to beat england then yes i'd fully expect you to get knocked out in the last 16 by germany.

[UKCowboysFan]

firstly not a fan of the first sentence.
secondly, why do you think you'll beat them? hope you do but you're clear underdogs.
thirdly i'd hardly say you have "great top 10 talent"
i do agree with the last sentence though, oh and if you don't manage to beat england then yes i'd fully expect you to get knocked out in the last 16 by germany.
Come on daschoo, everyone knows that the rest of the UK doesn't have any football teams (;)) so climb aboard the England express, you are more than welcome :D

As you say though, I can't see how anyone makes the US favourites. They may well win but they cant be favourites.

If you went through the teams man for man, the only player from the US that might make it into the England team would be Tim Howard.

That said, football is a team game & if England are not as committed as the US, they could be in trouble.


PS Greece are rubbish, 2-0 South Korea now

[ZeroClub]

Greece was disappointing.

I'm enjoying Maradona's team, though. So far they look pretty good.

[CATCH17]

Greece was disappointing.

I'm enjoying Maradona's team, though. So far they look pretty good.

Yeah, Argentina has a nice attack.

[MC KAos]

I love south korea they play so well, great passing on some goal opportunities they couldn't quite get and another sure goal opportunity denied by a bad call on a flopping defender it should have been at least 3-0

clearly england is highly favored in today's game but I have this feeling, today is the birth of fùtbol as a major sport in the U S of A!!!

USA! USA! USA! (3-2 USA! All second half goals after scoreless first)

[ZeroClub]

Yeah, Argentina has a nice attack.

Messi's great talent just jumps out of the television screen. He's a pleasure to watch.

[Ren]

Come on daschoo, everyone knows that the rest of the UK doesn't have any football teams (;)) so climb aboard the England express, you are more than welcome :D

As you say though, I can't see how anyone makes the US favourites. They may well win but they cant be favourites.

If you went through the teams man for man, the only player from the US that might make it into the England team would be Tim Howard.

That said, football is a team game & if England are not as committed as the US, they could be in trouble.


PS Greece are rubbish, 2-0 South Korea now


Full speed ahead to another quarter finals penalty shootout exit no doubt :laugh2:

[UKCowboysFan]

Full speed ahead to another quarter finals penalty shootout exit no doubt :laugh2:

No, semi final penalty shoot out loss this year :(

[CATCH17]

Usa Usa Usa

[kmp77]

Let's go U..S..A!! *clap* *clap**clap**clap*
Let's go U..S..A!! *clap* *clap**clap**clap*
Let's go U..S..A!! *clap* *clap**clap**clap*
Let's go U..S..A!! *clap* *clap**clap**clap*

[kmp77]

Goalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lllllllllll!!!!!!!

[Ren]

:lmao2:

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say James starts the next game in goal for England :lmao:

[jimmy40]

What the **** is that background noise? That's more irritating than soccer.

[kmp77]

What the **** is that background noise? That's more irritating than soccer.

Those tubes you blow in. Pretty annoying. Sounds like you're playing inside a hornet's nest.

[reddyuta]

What the **** is that background noise? That's more irritating than soccer.

i agree .those are SA vuvuzela horns .


lol@robert green:laugh1:

[UKCowboysFan]

If you went through the teams man for man, the only player from the US that might make it into the England team would be Tim Howard.

And that's why, Rob Green = useless

[daschoo]

sorry but that was hilarious. its a shame for green, in fairness i like him but that really was funny.

[UKCowboysFan]

sorry but that was hilarious. its a shame for green, in fairness i like him but that really was funny.

Is that because he reminds you of a Scottish keeper ;)

[daschoo]

Is that because he reminds you of a Scottish keeper ;)

if you had craig gordon playing you'd be one nil up ;)

[UKCowboysFan]

if you had craig gordon playing you'd be one nil up ;)

fair point :)

[UKCowboysFan]

Poor result & performance by England.

That said, if we hadn't gifted the US a goal it might have been different

Will be interesting to see how the teams get on against Algeria & Slovenia, especially the US to see how they play when they are favoured to win

[Biggems]

I hate soccer...I find it to be completely lame....however, I love me some World Cup action

USA USA USA USA USA


btw, I would like to see more attacking with Donovan, Dempsey, and Altidore

[daschoo]

Poor result & performance by England.

That said, if we hadn't gifted the US a goal it might have been different

Will be interesting to see how the teams get on against Algeria & Slovenia, especially the US to see how they play when they are favoured to win

quite enjoyed being american for a couple of hours, hopefully being algerian on wednesday is even more fun :D
not the end of the world for you but you'll need to outscore the americans in the next couple of games or you're probably looking at a last 16 penalties exit against the germans. of course i wouldn't enjoy that at all :p:

[Ren]

wasn't a particularly good performance by the U.S either

pretty poor game for neutral fans

[Rampage]

the biggest sporting event in the world that happens every 4 years and games end in a tie? that's lame, why don't they have penalty kicks to determine a winner?

[Gzus]

the biggest sporting event in the world that happens every 4 years and games end in a tie? that's lame, why don't they have penalty kicks to determine a winner?
I don't think they do that until the single elimination rounds.

[reddyuta]

the biggest sporting event in the world that happens every 4 years and games end in a tie? that's lame, why don't they have penalty kicks to determine a winner?

let it go man,the 2 most watched sports in the world routinely end in a draw and nobody complains.a draw was a good result for us.without Tim Howard this could have been ugly.

[Hypnotoad]

the biggest sporting event in the world that happens every 4 years and games end in a tie? that's lame, why don't they have penalty kicks to determine a winner?

Its early in the tournament.

Draw gets you 1 point, loss gets you 0 points, Win gets you 3 points. Divisional ranking is determined by adding up those points.Play everyone in your 'division' - than top 2 in each division have a bracket tourney.

After the bracket is filled, they will play until there is a winner. Including extended time and penalty kicks.

US was lucky to win that. The English attack was picking up, and that goal was a complete fluke. Take the 1 point.

[burmafrd]

and that game ladies and gentlemen is exactly why Americans will never be big time soccer fans. Its the freaking world cup and they let games end in a tie.

[kmp77]

and that game ladies and gentlemen is exactly why Americans will never be big time soccer fans. Its the freaking world cup and they let games end in a tie.

Oh.....so American Football can't end in ties??

http://www.blogcdn.com/nfl.fanhouse.com/media/2008/11/donovanmcnabbtie-ec.jpg

[burmafrd]

NOT in the playoffs which for all intents and purposes this is equivalent to. Wrong answer, try again. If you can.

[Ren]

NOT in the playoffs which for all intents and purposes this is equivalent to. Wrong answer, try again. If you can.

The actual playoffs (final 16) would be the equivalent to the playoffs

[Rampage]

Its early in the tournament.

Draw gets you 1 point, loss gets you 0 points, Win gets you 3 points. Divisional ranking is determined by adding up those points.Play everyone in your 'division' - than top 2 in each division have a bracket tourney.

After the bracket is filled, they will play until there is a winner. Including extended time and penalty kicks.

US was lucky to win that. The English attack was picking up, and that goal was a complete fluke. Take the 1 point.
England is known for choking like that.

[burmafrd]

The actual playoffs (final 16) would be the equivalent to the playoffs


There were qualification rds and such to get in to the World Cup, right? So this is the playoffs. No matter how you try to lawyer it.

[Ren]

England is known for choking like that.

The announcers on TV here said it best, "we've just seen England do what they always do, disappoint" :laugh2:


England is not as good as people like to think they are

[kmp77]

NOT in the playoffs which for all intents and purposes this is equivalent to. Wrong answer, try again. If you can.

The first round is GROUP PLAY. Hence, not a playoff....you go through based on points. So right answer, I tried again because I could.

I swear, the people who talk the most know the least about something.

So bascially, this is just like the NFL. You play group play (Regular season)...then you move to the playoffs where it's win or go home. So basically it's not much different so yeah, that's exactly why american's won't ever get behind Soccer!

[Ren]

There were qualification rds and such to get in to the World Cup, right? So this is the playoffs. No matter how you try to lawyer it.


You have to have qualifications when there's 300+ teams trying to get inn

Group stages are, you know, group stages, when they play in groups and try to qualify for,.. wait for it...

playoffs

It's pretty basic and self explanatory stuff, if anyone is trying to lawyer something here... :rolleyes:

[UKCowboysFan]

NOT in the playoffs which for all intents and purposes this is equivalent to. Wrong answer, try again. If you can.

When you lose a play-off game, you are done for the tournament.

As this is the group stages, even if you had penalties there would still be two more games.

Therefore this is NOT the equivalent of the play-offs yet.

[burmafrd]

The NCAA Basketball tournament has 64 teams (actually 65 technically) and that is all single elimination. No reason why this should not be the same. Yeah it is lawyering not to call this playoffs. Nothing else. As was pointed out they whittled 300 down to get to the world cup. The world cup is playoff equivalent whether you want to admit it or not. and that is one of the reasons why americans will not ever consider soccer a major sport here in the us. Allowing ties in playoffs.

[kmp77]

The NCAA Basketball tournament has 64 teams (actually 65 technically) and that is all single elimination. No reason why this should not be the same. Yeah it is lawyering not to call this playoffs. Nothing else. As was pointed out they whittled 300 down to get to the world cup. The world cup is playoff equivalent whether you want to admit it or not. and that is one of the reasons why americans will not ever consider soccer a major sport here in the us. Allowing ties in playoffs.

It's a different sport and different type of tournament so they're not equivalent. So there's two stages, so what? At least at the World Cup there's more chance the better teams get out of the first stage.

And I guess since NCAA football doesn't even have a playoff, there's NO WAY people in the USA will get behind that because you have to have a single elimination, non tie playoff to be accepted!!!

[Ren]

It's amusing how you try and blame the world cup structure for your dislike of the sport when every major international team championship follows a similar structure, including the once Americans like.

You really haven't given this much thought have you?

[Doomsday]

Yes it is POSSIBLE for US football games to end in a tie but that is very unusual and rarely happens. 2 of the first 3 games in the World Cup ended up in a tie. 0-0 and 1-1, really exciting stuff.

[kmp77]

Yes it is POSSIBLE for US football games to end in a tie but that is very unusual and rarely happens. 2 of the first 3 games in the World Cup ended up in a tie. 0-0 and 1-1, really exciting stuff.

Well, ties get points so that matters. As far as being exciting, that part is debatable :) I'm not a huge fan of low scoring games unless the game really matters to me (US/ENGLAND 1-1 was exciting). Random teams going 0-0 or whatever isn't very exciting...but neither is a 6-3 american football game or a 1-0 baseball game.

[Biggems]

before all the addition of overtime, HS and college consistently ended in ties......in football.

In fact, down here in TX playoff games that ended in ties were decided by penetrations (# of advancements into the red zone)

[CATCH17]

Today was awesome and so is Soccer.

I'm loving this sport more and more.

USA has upside too so getting out with a draw is big.

If we make it to the final 16 we'll be the team nobody wants to play.

I just hope we start Buddle or Holden next time and not Findley.

[CATCH17]

before all the addition of overtime, HS and college consistently ended in ties......in football.

In fact, down here in TX playoff games that ended in ties were decided by penetrations (# of advancements into the red zone)

Let's try to use this thread to appreciate the world cup and not argue with soccer haters.

The World Cup is epic.

[MartinRamone]

The NCAA Basketball tournament has 64 teams (actually 65 technically) and that is all single elimination. No reason why this should not be the same. Yeah it is lawyering not to call this playoffs. Nothing else. As was pointed out they whittled 300 down to get to the world cup. The world cup is playoff equivalent whether you want to admit it or not. and that is one of the reasons why americans will not ever consider soccer a major sport here in the us. Allowing ties in playoffs.

Its a GROUP stage, you cant let the 208 nations affiliated to FIFA play the world cup. This stage is just like the regular season in nfl, you are not out if you lose one game and you dont make it to the 2nd round if you win one game. The first two teams of each group makes it to the 2nd round (where playoffs start, and a tie is NOT ALLOWED ).
Do you know what playoff means ? two teams, loser go home, the winner makes it to the next round. How is the first group group when 4 teams play against each other a playoff game ?
And you dont consider soccer as a major sport just because you are not really good at it.

[Hypnotoad]

There were qualification rds and such to get in to the World Cup, right? So this is the playoffs. No matter how you try to lawyer it.

There are many types of tournaments...

This one simple:

Teams qualified to get into the world cup. Now to advance to the 2nd round (which is single elimination bracket) you must be a top 2 team in your group.

Just because you don't understand something try not to piss on every ones parade.

[Hypnotoad]

Yes it is POSSIBLE for US football games to end in a tie but that is very unusual and rarely happens. 2 of the first 3 games in the World Cup ended up in a tie. 0-0 and 1-1, really exciting stuff.

The design of the first round is to find the teams deserving to move on. If you play 3 games and get a Draw in every game, chances are you won't move on.

Not as exciting as racing hundreds of laps or playing a 7 game series... Well not as exciting for advertisers.

[Temo]

Take my advice guys, don't argue with people who don't like your sport.

It's not worth your time or theirs.

[Temo]

As you say though, I can't see how anyone makes the US favourites. They may well win but they cant be favourites.

If you went through the teams man for man, the only player from the US that might make it into the England team would be Tim Howard.


I didn't participate in this thread, but I disagree strongly with this. If you don't think Landon Donovan could make the English national team, I don't know what game you're watching. Dempsey would surely make it on roster, though he wouldn't start.

[Temo]

btw, I would like to see more attacking with Donovan, Dempsey, and Altidore

Sure, if you wanna lose 6-2 :( US needs its mids to play defense.

Donovan and to a lesser extent Dempsey were great, they seemed to play wider than they usually do and really put pressure on England's midfielders-- especially in the second half. The US team really leverages Donovan a lot, he's by far the most important cog in the machine.

I loved Cherundolo as well today. I don't watch Bundesliga much (or at all), and his play was truly a revelation. I hope it wasn't a flash in the pan.

Other than that, the center backs still make too many mistakes, and I think everyone realizes the US was lucky to get the tie. But what the English supporters aren't saying is that while England controlled the game first half, the second half looked like a dead heat.

As usual, England overestimates their side. They're not that much better than the US-- and that's more to do with England not being as good as they think as anything else. I just don't think they're in the same league as Brazil, Spain, Argentina, or Germany (and Netherlands, perhaps?).

[Kobal]

Take my advice guys, don't argue with people who don't like your sport.

It's not worth your time or theirs.

:signmast:

[peplaw06]

I usually love watching Burm flounder around in these threads when he's clearly in over his head. But this time, I'm actually embarrassed for him.

[UKCowboysFan]

I didn't participate in this thread, but I disagree strongly with this. If you don't think Landon Donovan could make the English national team, I don't know what game you're watching. Dempsey would surely make it on roster, though he wouldn't start.

Donovan is good enough to make England's squad, but to be fair I was expecting Donovan to play up front, in which case he would be in direct competition with Rooney, and that's a no brainer.

If he is going to play as a wide player, then I would play him in front of Wright-Phillips every time.


Dempsey is a tough one, I'm not sure he's any better than Darren Bent or Jermain Defoe (one who is a squad player & one who isn't).

[burmafrd]

poor peppie, his panties really are in a wad.

I enjoy tweaking those that think soccer is really all that. Their mental contortions trying to explain why ties are allowed is fun to read.

Whether you gomers like it or not the World Cup is equivalent to playoffs. At least to people who have the necessary intelligence to see the parallels in other more interesting sports.

Just how much time do some of you spend on this site anyway? Does not look like some of you sleep much or have anything else to do.

[Ren]

poor peppie, his panties really are in a wad.

I enjoy tweaking those that think soccer is really all that. Their mental contortions trying to explain why ties are allowed is fun to read.

Whether you gomers like it or not the World Cup is equivalent to playoffs. At least to people who have the necessary intelligence to see the parallels in other more interesting sports.

Just how much time do some of you spend on this site anyway? Does not look like some of you sleep much or have anything else to do.


You apparently don't, but hey, don't let the stop you from ranting on about stuff you obviously know nothing about

[MC KAos]

If u don't like soccer why the hell are u clicking on the thread for the world
cup? Seems like the person without a life is the one that has nothing better to do than sit around talking smack about a sport they don't like, maybe it's YOU who needs to get a life!

[Hypnotoad]

Just how much time do some of you spend on this site anyway? Does not look like some of you sleep much or have anything else to do.

In this thread 20,000+ post user tells < 5,000 post users they spend too much time on CowboysZone and have no life...

[Dallaslullaby]

Still gutted that we didnt score more given the chances we had throughout

Rob Green is not a popular guy today, that is for sure :laugh2:

I thought Howard and Onyewu played very well though and kepy you guys in it at times.

Rooney as great as he is had a complete stinker :banghead:

Slovenia beating Algeria makes the group very tightly poised

[Temo]

I didn't think Onyewu played very well, though he picked it up in the second half.

[peplaw06]

I enjoy tweaking those that think soccer is really all that. Their mental contortions trying to explain why ties are allowed is fun to read.

Just how much time do some of you spend on this site anyway? Does not look like some of you sleep much or have anything else to do.You're not tweaking anyone. You're just making yourself look bad.

And you might want to look at your post count before you insult people for spending too much time on this site.

Just a tip. Ought to be fun to see your mental contortions on this one.

[CATCH17]

I didn't think Onyewu played very well, though he picked it up in the second half.

Agree. He looked much better in the 2nd half.

His height saves us from a lot of goal too.


USA has upside and if we can just get to the playoff we should be dangerous.

[ethiostar]

http://digilander.libero.it/echoes81dgl/Image/Dont%20Feed%20Troll.jpg

[ZeroClub]

Germany is a machine.

[Coy]

Today was awesome and so is Soccer.

I'm loving this sport more and more.

USA has upside too so getting out with a draw is big.

If we make it to the final 16 we'll be the team nobody wants to play.

I just hope we start Buddle or Holden next time and not Findley.

I get you bro, the World Cup is Awsome but don't go overboard.

[CATCH17]

I get you bro, the World Cup is Awsome but don't go overboard.

Im not acting like we'll win the whole thing. Our back line isn't good enough and our mids are terrible at help defense.

But we'll give any team we play fits.

[kmp77]

Come on Australia, you're just embarrassing yourself now.

[Coy]

Im not acting like we'll win the whole thing. Our back line isn't good enough and our mids are terrible at help defense.

But we'll give any team we play fits.

I agree that the US could be dangerous if they make it to the final 16, That being said, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, Argentina and others would be thrilled to get the US in the round of 16, although they could possibly make it tough for any one of them.

[CATCH17]

I agree that the US could be dangerous if they make it to the final 16, That being said, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Holland, Argentina and others would be thrilled to get the US in the round of 16, although they could possibly make it tough for any one of them.

I dunno. We did beat Spain in the confederate cup and had Brazil down 2-0 in the championship.

I don't think any team would be thrilled to play the US in a single elimination match.

[ethiostar]

I thought Germany would beat Australia somewhat easily but this was ridiculous.

[Dallaslullaby]

Amazing how Germany can play rubbish for year after year but always excel when the world cup comes around

3rd Last time, 2nd time before, qf. qf, winners - Simply incredible

Oh well at least the aussies got thrashed, cheered me up after yesterdays woeful finishing :laugh2:

[CATCH17]

Amazing how Germany can play rubbish for year after year but always excel when the world cup comes around

3rd Last time, 2nd time before, qf. qf, winners - Simply incredible

Oh well at least the aussies got thrashed, cheered me up after yesterdays woeful finishing :laugh2:


The Germans try to get a through ball every time down the pitch.

Its great to watch.

[Coy]

I dunno. We did beat Spain in the confederate cup and had Brazil down 2-0 in the championship.

I don't think any team would be thrilled to play the US in a single elimination match.

My point is, if you were let's say France, you make to the round of 16, who would you rather play???? Any of the 6 teams I mentoned or the US.
Easy answer.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I dunno. We did beat Spain in the confederate cup and had Brazil down 2-0 in the championship.

I don't think any team would be thrilled to play the US in a single elimination match.

those teams do not take the Confederations Cup seriously. I don't think they sent their best teams.

The really annoying thing so far this tournament are those vuvuzela horns that buzz all game long.

[jimmy40]

What the **** is that background noise? That's more irritating than soccer.Vuvuzelas might yet be banned from World Cup

By Ryan Bailey
Vuvuzela

For those who don't ride on the crest of every Internet-football-hot-topic wave, the unrelenting foghorn-esque noise you have heard at World Cup games is produced by an instrument known as a vuvuzela -- a three-foot-long plastic trumpet traditionally blown throughout games to create an atmosphere. However, by pumping out sound up to 130 decibels -- 10 decibels above the human pain threshold -- they also are associated with causing hearing loss and communication problems on the pitch.

Some 20 years after being introduced to the game in the early 1990s, the instrument came to prominence on the world stage during the 2009 Confederations Cup. TV stations were upset by the "goat being slaughtered" timbre, while players complained that they couldn't hear themselves think over the din. "It doesn't allow you to concentrate and it's unbearable," Spanish player Xabi Alonso said at the time. FIFA head honcho Sepp Blatter, however, pooh-poohed calls to ban the vuvuzela for World Cup 2010, insisting that we should not attempt to "Europeanize" the African tournament.

[Photos: Wild fans celebrating all over South Africa]

As expected, the vuvu has caused quite a kerfuffle at WC 2010 thus far. The drone has been giving TV networks and commentators grief, and FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke has reportedly toyed with the idea of handing out free earplugs in stadiums to avoid the barrage of lawsuits from the newly hard of hearing.

World Cup organizing committee head Danny Jordaan addressed the issue Sunday, and refused to rule out a ban. From the AFP:

"We have asked for no vuvuzelas during national anthems or during stadium announcements. I know it's a difficult question," he added, saying that "we're trying to manage the best we can.

"We heard from the broadcasters and individuals and it's something we are evaluating on an on-going base.

Jordaan told the BBC in an interview that he had to consider the option of banning the trumpets.

"If there are grounds to do so, yes," he said, asked if a ban was an option.

France captain Patrice Evra added fuel to the fire, claiming that the vuvuzela is the reason his side were so awful on Friday night:

"We can't sleep at night because of the vuvuzelas. People start playing them from 6 a.m. We can't hear one another out on the pitch because of them."

The vuvuzela is clearly much more than an irritating novelty; it's a divisive issue that is threatening the health of fans, affecting the quality of performances and ultimately putting people off of tuning in (will you honestly feel enthused to watch Slovakia vs. Paraguay knowing you'll have to endure 90 minutes of the sound of an angry beehive going through a blender?).

Yet at the same time, Blatter is right (for once) when he says we should not impose Western values on South Africa. A ban would rob the tournament of part of its cultural identity, leaving thousands of locals perplexed: could you imagine being told by an international body that you could no longer drink beer at American football games, or fall asleep during baseball? The South Africans wouldn't take too kindly to having a national institution removed.

As a compromise, perhaps the vuvuzela could be adapted so it isn't quite so loud? Or maybe it could be adjusted to produce a nice noise like the sound of John Mayer gargling honey?

[BanditHiro]

Say if one group's teams had the same number of points as one another and same amount of goals and they have already played each other. so basically everybody is tied. what do they do to break the tie?

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Say if one group's teams had the same number of points as one another and same amount of goals and they have already played each other. so basically everybody is tied. what do they do to break the tie?

goal difference is the first I believe, but in end, might be a coin flip, but also might go to some weird formula from qualifying whereby if you did better did qualifying, you advance.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

FIFA Rules
The FIFA World Cup begins in eight separate groups. Each group includes four teams, and the teams in each group play a round-robin tournament with the top two finishers advancing to the next round. The tiebreaker rules involve points, goal differential, and goals scored, where three points are awarded for each win and one point is awarded for each draw. The official rules in Article 39.5 are as follows:

"The ranking of each team in each group will be determined as follows:
a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee."

Notice that the above rules are actually quite simple. The first three rules separate teams based on points, goal difference, and then goals scored. These initial three rules a)-c) are then repeated as rules d)-f) for any teams that remain tied. Finally, the last rule g) resolves ties that cannot be broken by using these three criteria. To test the rules, consider the following scenario for Group C in the 2010 World Cup:

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Three-Way Tie Country Pts W D L GF GA GD
Algeria 3 1 0 1 5 3 +2
USA 3 1 0 1 2 3 -1
England 3 1 0 1 3 4 -1

Algeria 3 USA 2 England 3
USA 0 England 0 Algeria 2


Each team obtained three points within these matches, so the teams remain tied after applying rule d). Since Algeria's +2 goal difference (in bold) is better than USA and England's goal difference of -1, then rule d) implies that Algeria finishes first in the group. However, determining the second-place team is more subtle due to the ambiguity of the teams concerned.

On one hand, the complete rankings of Algeria, USA, and England have not been fully determined, so one could argue that the teams concerned still include these three teams. In this interpretation, we continue to rank all three teams, and so the relevant matches include the three matches given above. Using this interpretation, England beats out USA by rule f) since England scored 3 goals (in bold) to USA's 2 goals. That is, if one continues to break the three-way tie then the final standings are
Algeria.
England.
USA.
Slovenia.
On the other hand, the ranking of Algeria has been determined, so one could also argue that the teams concerned include only USA and England. In this interpretation, we continue by ranking the two teams, and so the only relevant match is between USA and England:


Two-Way Tie Country Pts W D L GF GA GD
USA 3 1 0 0 2 0 +2
England 0 0 0 1 0 2 -2

USA 2
England 0


Using this interpretation, USA would finish in second-place by rule f) since it scored 2 goals (in bold) while England scored 0. Alternatively, rule d) has higher-precedence than rule f), and since USA beat England then it finishes in second-place based on its 3 points (in bold) among the two teams concerned. That is, if one breaks the two-way tie then the final standings are
Algeria.
USA.
England.
Slovenia.
Which one of these two interpretations is correct? When reached via email, the FIFA Media Department replied that There's a three-way tie to break. You do it as a one operation and not in different stages. The teams concerned are always all the teams involved in the tie-break. In other words, the FIFA Media Department interpreted the teams concerned to be all three teams. However, when Canadian Soccer Association's Director of Referees Joe Guest was presented with this scenario by the Times-Colonist, he interpreted the teams concerned to be USA and England. Thus, the two parites differed on whether USA or England would advance.

Stepping back, the real problem is that rules d)-g) appear to have been written with only two- or three- or four-way ties in mind, and without consideration for partially-unbroken three-way ties. The resulting ambiguity would allow FIFA to logically justify either of the above interpretations, and this could open the door to protests and questions of impartiality. (The analogous scenario given to FIFA and CSA differed from the above scenario only in the specific countries involved. The specific countries involved were upcated to reflect the actual

[Ren]

The Germans try to get a through ball every time down the pitch.

Its great to watch.


I can't like Germany no matter how hard i try, they play really entertaining these days but a few decades worth of watching 1-0 Germany games is hard to shake that 1-0 robot team image out of my head

[Capt.Gut]

I can't like Germany no matter how hard i try, they play really entertaining these days but a few decades worth of watching 1-0 Germany games is hard to shake that 1-0 robot team image out of my head

When is Norway playing?

[Ren]

When is Norway playing?


Touche

Didn't we beat you the last time we played? correct me if i'm wrong here... :cool:

[Capt.Gut]

No need to correct you here...

Usually we play our best when the games count.

[Doomsday101]

Not really a soccer fans but I watched a bit of the world cup over the weekend and enjoyed it, still far down the list of favorite sports but it was alright.

[Phoenix]

Did anyone else see this yet? Hilarious :lmao:

http://deadspin.com/5563011/usa+england-tie-given-the-lego-treatment

[Coy]

For those of you who hate soccer, here is Peter King`s take on the world cup in his MMQB World Cup edition.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/writers/peter_king/06/13/wc.thoughts/index.html


5. I think the best thing I can tell you about the World Cup, compared to American sports, is that it's about three times as intense as the Super Bowl. I was sitting in this mid-sized stadium (no press box, just a row near the top of the lower level, covered, outside), about 15 minutes before the game, with no teams on the field, no immediate promise of players coming out of the tunnel to take the field, and the vuvuzelas were trumpeting at maybe 90 decibels by themselves, and the fans were screaming and chanting to add maybe 20 more decibels, and I'm thinking, "There's no one in sight, and the anticipation is so ridiculous that these people are screaming themselves silly.'' It's no knock on the NFL. I love big games in the NFL. But this -- with games in 20 or so town squares on huge screens EVERY day of the World Cup, and the nation taking the month off to watch them (not in person, maybe, but on these screens or on TV) -- is some great sport right here.


I think most of us are NFL fans first and foremost but this tournament is absolutely amazing, like nothing else in sports.

[casmith07]

I was rooting for Cameroon today. Eto'o got no touches. :(

[ethiostar]

I was rooting for Cameroon today. Eto'o got no touches. :(

I was at work all day today so I missed the game. That's my boy though, and how the hell does he not get any touches??????:mad:

[DallasDomination]

Spain has the best team in the WORLD. I cannot wait to see them play.

[Cythim]

Those horns keep putting me to sleep during the matches. :laugh2:

[Ren]

Those horns keep putting me to sleep during the matches. :laugh2:

I'm really starting to hate those things

[ZeroClub]

Those who are following the World Cup and who wish to get a better feel for the players and teams might find the following link to be of interest:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/statistics/teams/index.html

[jterrell]

The anti-soccer fan is no different than the 10th grade English teacher who gets all fussy because athletics get so much consideration in her (barely functional) academic institution.

I agree with Peter King in that the nature of the World Cup, because it is played worldwide, and has a tourney that takes years to qualify for leading a champ every 4 years makes it incredibly intense. It is like the Olympics in that regard.

Football is a better sport imho but there's nothing like the World Cup in American sports. Not enjoying this is just plain willful ignorance.

As to other thoughts:

Ironically the only team who wants to face the US is the one team most likely to see us: Germany:( We match up horridly with their controlled backline but quick counter midfield. Germany is a heck of a team, and yes that was even before the 4-0 win over a fairly pedestrian Australian side.

My favorites for this tourney our Brazil and Germany... i.e. same as every other year basically. They just know how to impose their style on teams like England, Spain or Portugal.

The US has a chance because they have a good goalkeeper and back line with DeMerit handling powerhouses like Rooney and Gooch handling monstrously big guys like Peter Crouch. If the US plays a bit more like Germany with mid-field artistry and great back end defense they will have a chance to make it to the final 8. At some point we'll get outclassed but this team can challenge people.

BTW, Brazil and Spain had very solid squads in the Confederations Cup. It wasn't like the US playing without any of its top players during most of the qualifiers. Those teams have 20+ guys playing top level club soccer.

[MC KAos]

i cant wait for brazil later today, they will score at least 5 goals, book it!!!!

[MC KAos]

btw more people in the US watched the England vs US game than the first four NBA finals games!!

[Coy]

The anti-soccer fan is no different than the 10th grade English teacher who gets all fussy because athletics get so much consideration in her (barely functional) academic institution.

I agree with Peter King in that the nature of the World Cup, because it is played worldwide, and has a tourney that takes years to qualify for leading a champ every 4 years makes it incredibly intense. It is like the Olympics in that regard.

Football is a better sport imho but there's nothing like the World Cup in American sports. Not enjoying this is just plain willful ignorance.

As to other thoughts:

Ironically the only team who wants to face the US is the one team most likely to see us: Germany:( We match up horridly with their controlled backline but quick counter midfield. Germany is a heck of a team, and yes that was even before the 4-0 win over a fairly pedestrian Australian side.

My favorites for this tourney our Brazil and Germany... i.e. same as every other year basically. They just know how to impose their style on teams like England, Spain or Portugal.

The US has a chance because they have a good goalkeeper and back line with DeMerit handling powerhouses like Rooney and Gooch handling monstrously big guys like Peter Crouch. If the US plays a bit more like Germany with mid-field artistry and great back end defense they will have a chance to make it to the final 8. At some point we'll get outclassed but this team can challenge people.

BTW, Brazil and Spain had very solid squads in the Confederations Cup. It wasn't like the US playing without any of its top players during most of the qualifiers. Those teams have 20+ guys playing top level club soccer.

Great post

[joseephuss]

Wow! Great goal by Maicon for Brasil.

[daschoo]

was really impressed with north korea, bit gutted for them after the effort they put in. 3 great goals, particularly if maicon meant that

[jterrell]

Great post

thanks mate!
even a blind squirrel....

now I am off to lick your avatar.

:laugh2:

[jterrell]

was really impressed with north korea, bit gutted for them after the effort they put in. 3 great goals, particularly if maicon meant that

wow.. he scores a lot of great goals... i googled hoping to catch the youtubed shot but man he has a couple pages of amazing goals, lol.

[joseephuss]

was really impressed with north korea, bit gutted for them after the effort they put in. 3 great goals, particularly if maicon meant that

There is some doubt, but it looked pretty. Still, one of the top rules for goalies is you are not supposed to get beat near post. If the keeper covers that post instead of leaning in anticipation of a cross, maybe he stops the goal.

[jterrell]

0ks3h2PbR7Y

[Coy]

thanks mate!
even a blind squirrel....

now I am off to lick your avatar.

:laugh2:

:lmao: :lmao:

[casmith07]

0ks3h2PbR7Y

That goal was absolutely ridonkulous. He bent it in at basically a zero angle.

[Temo]

Switzerland-Spain was awesome. I love watching Spain play, it's the way I hope all soccer is played at all levels.

[daschoo]

stuck in work so i've missed the two games this afternoon, apparantly chile were good to watch as well. biggest shock of the tournament so far the spain result anyway. looking forward to the uruguay match tonight

[Temo]

stuck in work so i've missed the two games this afternoon, apparantly chile were good to watch as well. biggest shock of the tournament so far the spain result anyway. looking forward to the uruguay match tonight

You have no idea how big a shock. I think Spain outshot Switzerland 23-8 for the match, and many of those were quality opportunities. So many balls hit off the post and crossbar, and so many went over the crossbar altogether. But yea, Spain I think played better than Switzerland despite the result.

Oh, but also good desperation defense by Switzerland and Fernando Torres is kind of the goat of the match.

[joseephuss]

You have no idea how big a shock. I think Spain outshot Switzerland 23-8 for the match, and many of those were quality opportunities. So many balls hit off the post and crossbar, and so many went over the crossbar altogether. But yea, Spain I think played better than Switzerland despite the result.

Oh, but also good desperation defense by Switzerland and Fernando Torres is kind of the goat of the match.

It was similar to the game last year at the Confederations Cup when the US beat Spain. The Spaniards just could not find the back of the net even though they kept getting plenty of good opportunities.

[jterrell]

It was similar to the game last year at the Confederations Cup when the US beat Spain. The Spaniards just could not find the back of the net even though they kept getting plenty of good opportunities.

I am not as big on Spain as most others are. I know they play the ball control style amazingly well but the lack of emphasis on creative finishes or even counter attacks is why they don't score more. I also know they are ranked 1st or 2nd by everyone else but me....

Yes, David Villa and Torres can be beasts but when they aren't just playing European teams the style is not always so exciting. I don't think they match up at all well with Brazil.

I also wouldn't pick them over Germany or England.

Call me a contrarian I only rank them 5th:)

[joseephuss]

I am not as big on Spain as most others are. I know they play the ball control style amazingly well but the lack of emphasis on creative finishes or even counter attacks is why they don't score more. I also know they are ranked 1st or 2nd by everyone else but me....

Yes, David Villa and Torres can be beasts but when they aren't just playing European teams the style is not always so exciting. I don't think they match up at all well with Brazil.

I also wouldn't pick them over Germany or England.

Call me a contrarian I only rank them 5th:)

I put them above both England and at least even with Germany whom Spain beat in Euro 2008. Casillas is a pretty good keeper. Germany is a little unknown in goal and England has major issues at goaltender.

Tommy Smith raised a pretty interesting point the other day on the radio. The top German league, the Bundesliga played with the Addidas Jabulani soccer ball this past season. Addidas is based in Germany from what he said. The other top leagues usually play with the Nike ball. I know there have been a lot of complaints about the Jabulani ball, so it could be an advantage, even if only a slight one if you got to play several games with the newest ball. I think the MLS is also using the Addidas Jabulani ball this season.

I have played in games that had the previous top Addidas ball, the Euro Pass and thought it was a good soccer ball. The Jabulani is supposed to be even better.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Switzerland-Spain was awesome. I love watching Spain play, it's the way I hope all soccer is played at all levels.

but they lost

I have Spain and Serbia in my office World Cup pool, so far I am 0-2 ugh

Of course, ultimately, I want France to win.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

stuck in work so i've missed the two games this afternoon, apparantly chile were good to watch as well. biggest shock of the tournament so far the spain result anyway. looking forward to the uruguay match tonight

Nice goal difference built up by Uruguay with that late 3-0 goal.

[Temo]

but they lost

I have Spain and Serbia in my office World Cup pool, so far I am 0-2 ugh

Of course, ultimately, I want France to win.

I've always thought soccer was the type of game where you admire the style of play almost as much as the result. And I just like the way Spain plays. It's great team ball.

Basketball is that way too. Don Nelson's teams never win in the playoffs, but they're always fun to watch.

[ethiostar]

I've always thought soccer was the type of game where you admire the style of play almost as much as the result. And I just like the way Spain plays. It's great team ball.

Basketball is that way too. Don Nelson's teams never win in the playoffs, but they're always fun to watch.

I agree 100%.

[kristie]

looking forward to USA-slovenia. should be good(i hope).

[jterrell]

I put them above both England and at least even with Germany whom Spain beat in Euro 2008. Casillas is a pretty good keeper. Germany is a little unknown in goal and England has major issues at goaltender.

Tommy Smith raised a pretty interesting point the other day on the radio. The top German league, the Bundesliga played with the Addidas Jabulani soccer ball this past season. Addidas is based in Germany from what he said. The other top leagues usually play with the Nike ball. I know there have been a lot of complaints about the Jabulani ball, so it could be an advantage, even if only a slight one if you got to play several games with the newest ball. I think the MLS is also using the Addidas Jabulani ball this season.

I have played in games that had the previous top Addidas ball, the Euro Pass and thought it was a good soccer ball. The Jabulani is supposed to be even better.

I know in 08 Spain dominated but again that was just against other Euros.

I am hardly an expert on them so the games I did see (both losses) obviously color my opinion. Then again the Suisse coach basically gave Bob Bradley credit for his game plan. They followed the US plan and stacked the middle tight and Spain wasn't creative enough outside. They played through the tough middle and then would end up with 1 man chances that were stops by a quality goal keeper.

England is a better team offensively imho but a worse one in goal by far. England will play outside in on you (crossing to Heskey/Crouch is their mainstay) but the goalkeeping is obviously a mess. Calamity James or Goo-hands Green? Tough call, lol. If they had Howard they' d be the favorite. England would be better off if the Premiere League didn't allow straight thug ball.

Germany was very young in 08. Ballack and his group is not around now so its the kids who ran amok over Australia and they did so with more speed than Germany usually displays but the same sharp attack and robotic defense.

Style-wise I love the South Americans. It is hard to be consistent with everything is based on magic but it is exciting. Messi uses horrid form at times but that just makes it all the greater because it is not expected. He'll carry the ball right at defenders away from the goal, lol.

The only team I despise is France... because they are so friggin French. Plus they robbed Ireland and basically suck. :)

Spain's biggest weakness is coaching or at least so says their former coach:)

They should move one of those two midfielders out wide more often or attack with their defense men on the flanks. After watching it last night all the way through it was clear what I saw in the quick play version was correct, the attacks were there they just occurred too often based on singular play. On one play Xavi torched the midfield defense but no one sprung on the wings and the middle was super-stacked with 3 defenders within like 15 yards. Even his very good play and pass meant only a hurried shot by someone for Spain.

I watched Chile last night on replay and man they looked good. Creative, athletic and sound defensively.

[MC KAos]

i LOVE watching Messi play, he is so fast with the ball and has such great control, and to think he is only 22!! he will be in his prime in the next 2 world cups. i would think he is gonna win a world cup at some point in the next 8 years. Group G should be very interesting, north korea plays pretty good defense so its gonna be interesting to see if the Ivory coast and Portugal can get goals in for the GD they will need to grab the second spot, and brazil winning the group is not a given either

[Ren]

i LOVE watching Messi play, he is so fast with the ball and has such great control, and to think he is only 22!! he will be in his prime in the next 2 world cups.

I think it will be this year, would love for them to win, so many good memories of Maradona from my childhood. It would be nice to see him get one as a coach too

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Maradona finds a new use for the Vuvuzela

http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2010/6/16/634123041076948090-Vuvuzela.jpg

[joseephuss]

They should move one of those two midfielders out wide more often or attack with their defense men on the flanks. After watching it last night all the way through it was clear what I saw in the quick play version was correct, the attacks were there they just occurred too often based on singular play. On one play Xavi torched the midfield defense but no one sprung on the wings and the middle was super-stacked with 3 defenders within like 15 yards. Even his very good play and pass meant only a hurried shot by someone for Spain.

I watched Chile last night on replay and man they looked good. Creative, athletic and sound defensively.

Ramos is not much of an attacker from the flank and Puyol provides even less offensive punch.

[jterrell]

Ramos is not much of an attacker from the flank and Puyol provides even less offensive punch.

You are ahead of me if you knew their names:)

Most teams have set ups where they get the defenders involved for scoring; especially Brasil.

I do appreciate Spain's fantastic mid-field play but they seem to have put all their talent right on top of each other. Xavi is not far below Messi but if the players closest to him on the pitch are the best players left then it's easier to defend just that space.

Don't get me wrong, Spain has great spacing and can dominate ball control they just don't have the width you'd expect of the World's top-ranked club. The Suisse GK never worried about rebounds or lateral plays at all it seemed; everything right up the pipe.

Then again, Mr. Green gave up a right up the pipe goal to a man marked about 35 yards way, lol.

[joseephuss]

You are ahead of me if you knew their names:)

Most teams have set ups where they get the defenders involved for scoring; especially Brasil.

I do appreciate Spain's fantastic mid-field play but they seem to have put all their talent right on top of each other. Xavi is not far below Messi but if the players closest to him on the pitch are the best players left then it's easier to defend just that space.

Don't get me wrong, Spain has great spacing and can dominate ball control they just don't have the width you'd expect of the World's top-ranked club. The Suisse GK never worried about rebounds or lateral plays at all it seemed; everything right up the pipe.

Then again, Mr. Green gave up a right up the pipe goal to a man marked about 35 yards way, lol.

That is Spain's limitation. They do get some help from Pique on the defense, but he also plays in the middle of the field. I still like Spain's chances. You get that many good shots on goal and some are bound to go in after a while. Not that they are my favorites to win, but they can be successful in the tournament.

[Arch Stanton]

I maybe in a minority here but I think Holland have a good chance of winning the WC.

[MC KAos]

im so proud of my latin teams right now, we are dominating the world cup!!!! only one loss, and that was honduras against chile!!

btw we are gonna beat the crap out of slovenia so hard tomorrow that they are gonna wish they were still yugoslavia!!!

USA!

[peplaw06]

i LOVE watching Messi play, he is so fast with the ball and has such great control, and to think he is only 22!! he will be in his prime in the next 2 world cups. i would think he is gonna win a world cup at some point in the next 8 years. Argentina had some great goals this morning. Higuain had a hat trick, but at least two of the goals were b/c of the work of Messi.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

I maybe in a minority here but I think Holland have a good chance of winning the WC.

they have a good shot, just that in the past they never have so until you have won, people think you can't

[MC KAos]

they have a good shot, just that in the past they never have so until you have won, people think you can't

its taken teams home cups to take that first title, i know they are bidding with belgium i think for one of the two after brazil 2014. The USA is also in the running for one of those, im hoping we get the 2022 so i can just take a month off work and me and my son (he will be 13 then) can go on cross country road trips to a bunch of games!! that would be awesome!

[Arch Stanton]

they have a good shot, just that in the past they never have so until you have won, people think you can't

That's true, but the '66 WC win for England has always been something that subsequent teams haven't been able to emulate. Every WC there is so much pressure on the team from fans and media it seems affect the players. It won't matter much this time as the centre of the defence is so short of pace, and every one of the three goalkeepers are flawed.

The dutch teams usually play football as it should be played. In the past they've been dogged by internal politics and rows between players which has stopped them reaching their potential. I haven't heard anything like that about this team. Unlike France who wouldn't know what the word team mean't.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

True, France never could win until 1998.

Now, I can't wait for them to get rid of Domenech so maybe they can win again.

[joseephuss]

I also wouldn't pick them over Germany or England.



And Germany goes down. That leaves Ghana in a good position if they can beat a weak Australia team.

[daschoo]

And Germany goes down. That leaves Ghana in a good position if they can beat a weak Australia team.

the ref completely ruined that game. the first booking for klose wasn't even a foul and the second was never a booking in my book. plus the high feet from the overhead kick was a shocking decision.

[Arch Stanton]

the ref completely ruined that game. the first booking for klose wasn't even a foul and the second was never a booking in my book. plus the high feet from the overhead kick was a shocking decision.

....but they missed then pen! What was Vidic doing? They should have had the draw....if they'd have scored that pen then I wouldn't put it past a 10 men German team to sneak the win. Their challenge has stuttered, but they're still ok. No need to throw stuff around the pitch.....but wait.....:D

[daschoo]

the ghana australia game tomorrow could really throw open the group. would still think germany will have enough to get by the ghanaians in their final game.

not the kind of start to the game you guys were looking for!

[Hypnotoad]

this is embarrassing

[Ren]

The Finley booking was just bad there's no way that was intentional and it only hit his shoulder not arm.

The 2nd goal looked like offside

Gonna be an interesting 2nd half as the US have to throw everything they got at the Slovenian goal

Kinda surprising how this game is going but not that surprising

[CATCH17]

Our back line is so terrible and our attack doesn't involve Dempsey and Donovan at all.

This game is over. Gah.

[Hypnotoad]

Our back line is so terrible and our attack doesn't involve Dempsey and Donovan at all.

This game is over. Gah.

Sadly I felt it was over when they scored that first goal. Our offense is weak. We just don't finish. Also, I hate their team celebration.

[Arch Stanton]

Looking at the replays the second goal was onside.

Slovenia are looking good so far.....

[Hypnotoad]

This is more like it! Hell yeah.

Have to agree about the earlier goal, that was onsides...

[casmith07]

We are getting no love from the referees, and we're laying a giant egg in the process :(

[kmp77]

GOOOOAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!


And man this ref is raping us!

[daschoo]

that edu goal was very harsh.

[tomson75]

The US side just got mugged by that ref. Should most definitely been a 3-2 decision....if not better.

[Arch Stanton]

What are FIFA doing? Where do they get these referees?

This is the biggest football tournament in the world and they serve up amateurish officiating. It's a shame that a great comeback by the USA was denied by such and awful decision. You can just see Blatter giving that ref the final!

[MC KAos]

i feel sick to my stomach, i was listening to the game on the radio at work, i thought we had scored and i was so elated, just to have it taken back by what im hearing was a horrible offside call, what a shame, i just hope it doesnt cost us a chance to go to the sweet sixteen if u will

[MC KAos]

but it is what it is, what do we need to avoid from england vs slovenia to advance? assuming england beats algeria

[tomson75]

i feel sick to my stomach, i was listening to the game on the radio at work, i thought we had scored and i was so elated, just to have it taken back by what im hearing was a horrible offside call, what a shame, i just hope it doesnt cost us a chance to go to the sweet sixteen if u will

One of the worst calls I've ever seen....especially at an international level. High school refs would have been embarrassed to make that one...

On top of that, they took another opportunity away from us just a few minutes later when they called another ghost call against us, while two of our players were being molested in the box. Should have been a penalty kick.

Absolutely horrible officiating.

[daschoo]

i feel sick to my stomach, i was listening to the game on the radio at work, i thought we had scored and i was so elated, just to have it taken back by what im hearing was a horrible offside call, what a shame, i just hope it doesnt cost us a chance to go to the sweet sixteen if u will

i can only assume he's given it against bocanegra for wrestling his marker but how that was any more a foul than bradley or altidore being held is beyond me. on the plus side it was a rangers player who's goal was disallowed and it was one of the best games of the tournament so far

[CATCH17]

Unbelievable. We won that game.

[MC KAos]

so i think i have the math down, we are actually in pretty good shape! as long as england beats algeria, we just need to win by 2 goals to guarantee ourselves a spot in the second round! we could aso win by 1 and have either england or slovenia win (no tie).

im really hoping england will beat the crap out of slovenia so we can just win and be in

[Ren]

i can only assume he's given it against bocanegra for wrestling his marker but how that was any more a foul than bradley or altidore being held is beyond me. on the plus side it was a rangers player who's goal was disallowed and it was one of the best games of the tournament so far

You mean the dude the defender had a half Nelson on?

They just analyzed the situation to death on TV here frame for frame to try and figure out what he blew the whistle for. 3 potential penalties including a obvious one on the guy defending Bradley and not a single free kick... total screw job

[MC KAos]

granted i didnt watch the game, but the guys on the radio were also pretty emphatic about a foul that should have been a red that was only a yellow, it was around the 70th minute i think

[kmp77]

You mean the dude the defender had a half Nelson on?

They just analyzed the situation to death on TV here frame for frame to try and figure out what he blew the whistle for. 3 potential penalties including a obvious one on the guy defending Bradley and not a single free kick... total screw job

The ref had to paid off. He didn't or wouldn't tell people what the call was. He just blew the whistle and that was it. Definitely should be kicked out of the cup by FIFA and give us at least a point.

[DragonCowboy]

Is this how it's all coming down?

Slovenia 1-0-1 (4 points) with England left.
USA 0-0-2 (2 points) with Algeria left.
England 0-0-1 (1 point) with Algeria and Slovenia left.
Algeria 0-1-0 (0 points) with England and USA left.

So, assuming England and USA both beat Algeria...

United States 1-0-2 (5 points)
Slovenia 1-0-1 (4 points)
England 1-0-1 (4 points)
Algeria 0-0-3 (0 points)

So I guess if we're interested in perhaps winning the group and getting a higher seed we should root for a tie and hope that we come out on top with goal differential (based on playing Algeria)...in this case hope for a 1-0 England victory today?

But if we're just interested in qualifying for sure, we should just hope that one team wins putting the other at 4, allowing us the second spot?

Is this right at all? Considering that "football" isn't football here, I'm a bit lost, heh.

[joseephuss]

The ref had to paid off. He didn't or wouldn't tell people what the call was. He just blew the whistle and that was it. Definitely should be kicked out of the cup by FIFA and give us at least a point.

The ref blew his whistle before the kick was made. There was pushing and grabbing by both sides. Typically the ref will jump in there and break up those scrums before letting the player going through with the free kick. And that is exactly what he should have done instead of just calling a foul against one team.

[joseephuss]

Is this how it's all coming down?

Slovenia 1-0-1 (4 points) with England left.
USA 0-0-2 (2 points) with Algeria left.
England 0-0-1 (1 point) with Algeria and Slovenia left.
Algeria 0-1-0 (0 points) with England and USA left.

So, assuming England and USA both beat Algeria...

United States 1-0-2 (5 points)
Slovenia 1-0-1 (4 points)
England 1-0-1 (4 points)
Algeria 0-0-3 (0 points)

So I guess if we're interested in perhaps winning the group and getting a higher seed we should root for a tie and hope that we come out on top with goal differential (based on playing Algeria)...in this case hope for a 1-0 England victory today?

But if we're just interested in qualifying for sure, we should just hope that one team wins putting the other at 4, allowing us the second spot?

Is this right at all? Considering that "football" isn't football here, I'm a bit lost, heh.

The best hope is for Algeria to beat England and then the U.S. beat Algeria. Then it would not matter what happens in the England/Slovenia game, the U.S. wold advance. The U.S. would have 5 points and the most England could get would be 4 and Algeria would be at 3.

[DragonCowboy]

The best hope is for Algeria to beat England and then the U.S. beat Algeria. Then it would not matter what happens in the England/Slovenia game, the U.S. wold advance. The U.S. would have 5 points and the most England could get would be 4 and Algeria would be at 3.

Do you think Algeria can actually beat England, though?

[Danny White]

With Germany losing today, finishing 1st or 2nd in our group seems less important (i.e. finishing first to avoid a matchup against the Germans). Now who knows who's going to end up winning Group D?

The goal should be to simply advance and not worry about winning the group. Of course that's the only thing that's within our control, so no use loosing too much sleep over what the outcome of the other games are.

[Arch Stanton]

Do you think Algeria can actually beat England, though?

Why not? England are average.

[Arch Stanton]

You mean the dude the defender had a half Nelson on?

They just analyzed the situation to death on TV here frame for frame to try and figure out what he blew the whistle for. 3 potential penalties including a obvious one on the guy defending Bradley and not a single free kick... total screw job

Exactly. Horrid officiating. Why they don't just pick the top referees from around the world is beyond me.

[reddyuta]

The ref blew his whistle before the kick was made. There was pushing and grabbing by both sides. Typically the ref will jump in there and break up those scrums before letting the player going through with the free kick. And that is exactly what he should have done instead of just calling a foul against one team.

good point.the referee should have got in there to break it up.it is amazing that he called a foul on a US player when atleast 3 other Slovenian players were literally hugging our players.

[CATCH17]

What if England wins twice? Are we done?

[DragonCowboy]

What if England wins twice? Are we done?

No. If we beat Algeria then we would be in. We would have 5 england 7 slovenia 4 algeria 0

[joseephuss]

What if England wins twice? Are we done?

No.

7 pts England
5 pts US
4 pts Slovenia
0 pts Algeria

That is if England wins twice and the U.S. beats Algeria. The U.S. has to win no matter what. An England/Slovenia tie will bring it down to goal differential assuming England beats Algeria today.

[Hypnotoad]

What if England wins twice? Are we done?

Two teams advance from each group. If england wins twice.... so thats:

England 2-0-1 (7 points) - 2 wins what if
Slovenia 1-1-1 (4 points) - 1 what if loss to england
USA 0-0-2 (2 points) - 1 game left to play vs Algeria
Algeria 0-2-0 (0 points) - 1 what if loss to england

If we beat Algeria we get 5 points total (+3 per win) and that means We are top 2 in our group.

We will advance.

If we lose vs Algeria we will finish 4th in our group.

If we draw again vs Algeria we will finish 3rd in our group.

[MC KAos]

we are guaranteed a spot in the next round if we win by 2 or more i believe

[DragonCowboy]

we are guaranteed a spot in the next round if we win by 2 or more i believe

I think you're right.

If we win, the only way we get stuck in a 3-way tie would be if England and Slovenia also tie.

If we win by 2, our goal differential would be 2. Say England beats Algeria ties Slovenia.

England 1-0-2 (5 points) GD: depends on Algeria
Slovenia 1-0-2 (5 points) GD: 1
USA: 1-0-2 (5 points) GD: 2

So we would beat Slovenia based on goal differential and get at least 2nd, which is enough to get out of group play.

This referee fiasco seems to be a godsend for the English.

[MC KAos]

I think you're right.

If we win, the only way we get stuck in a 3-way tie would be if England and Slovenia also tie.

If we win by 2, our goal differential would be 2. Say England beats Algeria ties Slovenia.

England 1-0-2 (5 points) GD: depends on Algeria
Slovenia 1-0-2 (5 points) GD: 1
USA: 1-0-2 (5 points) GD: 2

So we would beat Slovenia based on goal differential and get at least 2nd, which is enough to get out of group play.

This referee fiasco seems to be a godsend for the English.

its 1966 all over again! (according to my dad and all of argentina, argentina got robbed by the refs, most english people disagree tho, lol)

[CATCH17]

I hope they start playing these games on Saturday and Sunday if they reach the 2nd round.

[Arch Stanton]

its 1966 all over again! (according to my dad and all of argentina, argentina got robbed by the refs, most english people disagree tho, lol)

:laugh2:

[daschoo]

its 1966 all over again! (according to my dad and all of argentina, argentina got robbed by the refs, most english people disagree tho, lol)

i don't know about argentina getting robbed but i do know they scored a goal against the germans in the final that never actually crossed the line.

[kTXe]

Ok, one more scenario.

What happens if England draws against both Algeria and Slovenia AND the US draws against Algeria?

Slovenia - 5 points
England - 3 points
US - 3 points
Algeria - 2 points

With 3 draws apiece, the goal differential for both the US and England would be 0. What is the next tiebreaker?

[daschoo]

Ok, one more scenario.

What happens if England draws against both Algeria and Slovenia AND the US draws against Algeria?

Slovenia - 5 points
England - 3 points
US - 3 points
Algeria - 2 points

With 3 draws apiece, the goal differential for both the US and England would be 0. What is the next tiebreaker?

goals scored

[MC KAos]

Ok, one more scenario.

What happens if England draws against both Algeria and Slovenia AND the US draws against Algeria?

Slovenia - 5 points
England - 3 points
US - 3 points
Algeria - 2 points

With 3 draws apiece, the goal differential for both the US and England would be 0. What is the next tiebreaker?

total goals scored, which at the moment we have the advantage on england, but if say we tie algeria 0-0 and england and slovenia tie 3-3 they advance

[CATCH17]

So are we rooting for a Tie or an Algeria win?

[Arch Stanton]

Garbage.....

[kmp77]

England ties!!!!!!! Same points but we have a 3-1 gold difference :)

Just have to beat Algeria!

[DragonCowboy]

So are we rooting for a Tie or an Algeria win?

Algeria win, but hey, I'll take the tie.

I think if we beat Algeria we're in.

[joseephuss]

I hope they start playing these games on Saturday and Sunday if they reach the 2nd round.

The whole schedule has been set. You can see it here:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/fixtures?cc=5901&ver=us

[MC KAos]

So are we rooting for a Tie or an Algeria win?
nil-nil tie, which we just got!!!!!

one word, 3 letters......


WOW!!!!!

[MC KAos]

we could potentially tie and get in!! we need to come out firing and get as many goals as possible!!

wow, england's result is EPIC!!!

[DragonCowboy]

England sucks.

Being of Indian origin this is pretty awesome to watch, I'm not going to lie :D

[burmafrd]

Well it seems no sport is free of the classic horrible call. Wonder if instant replay is on the horizon for this so important sport?

[joseephuss]

England's center back position is already iffy since Ferdinand was injured before the games and now Carragher will miss the Slovenia game due to his two yellow cards.

[UKCowboysFan]

Well what can I say about England, apart from useless, absolutley useless.

You can sometimes carry the odd player who isn't having a good game, but in England's case it would be hard to find a player that did play well.

At the moment I almost hope that we don't win against Slovenia, because the sooner we are out, the sooner I can actually enjoy watching some football. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[CATCH17]

Well what can I say about England, apart from useless, absolutley useless.

You can sometimes carry the odd player who isn't having a good game, but in England's case it would be hard to find a player that did play well.

At the moment I almost hope that we don't win against Slovenia, because the sooner we are out, the sooner I can actually enjoy watching some football. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I think your coach spends to much time tasting wine and watching opera's.

[UKCowboysFan]

I think your coach spends to much time tasting wine and watching opera's.


As today was his birthday, I think he had sampled too much vino before the game. It looked like the players couldn't understand his team talks so just ran around doing nothing much for 90 mins

[MC KAos]

we would be in control of this group if it wasnt for that terrible call:mad:

[CATCH17]

we would be in control of this group if it wasnt for that terrible call:mad:

Its all good. Win and we're in.

Sucks that I have to work though! I'll have to DVR that game, avoid this thread, and all other sports stations until that night.

[joseephuss]

we would be in control of this group if it wasnt for that terrible call:mad:

Also, if they didn't give up two easy goals in the first half.

[joseephuss]

goals scored

That would be C on the list below.

The ranking of each team in each group will be determined as follows:

a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.

[joseephuss]

Its all good. Win and we're in.

Sucks that I have to work though! I'll have to DVR that game, avoid this thread, and all other sports stations until that night.

I will make sure to PM you the results. :D

[reddyuta]

England sucks.

Being of Indian origin this is pretty awesome to watch, I'm not going to lie :D

same here:laugh2:

[reddyuta]

If the U.S. draws with Algeria and England draws with Slovenia, and England scores exactly two more goals than the U.S., the U.S. and England would be even on all tiebreakers for second place. The tie would be broken by drawing lots ... aka, a coin flip.-ESPN

[CATCH17]

Tomorrows matches are terrible. 1 good matchup @ 6am.. Oy.

[kmp77]

Tomorrows matches are terrible. 1 good matchup @ 6am.. Oy.

Yeah, not great. Good day to sleep in :) Brazil plays Sunday though, might be a good game.

[MC KAos]

Yeah, not great. Good day to sleep in :) Brazil plays Sunday though, might be a good game.

ya the only games im looking forward to this weekend are japan vs netherlands and brazil vs ivory coast. the latter should be a really good game!

[Ren]

http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg


:lmao:

The Washington Redskins of international soccer

[CATCH17]

http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg


:lmao:

The Washington Redskins of international soccer

hahahah PWNED!


USA! USA! USA!

[kristie]

hahahah PWNED!


USA! USA! USA!


*joins in chant*

USA!!! USA!!!! USA!!!:D

[CanadianCowboysFan]

US did get jobbed.

[Gzus]

FIFA is a pitiful excuse for a sports organization. They can't admit they're wrong, they refuse to even consider any form of replay/review that will let them right w/e wrongs, and yet they claim to promote fair play. Kinda sounds like the MLB of the soccer world..... It's ridiculous that the goal was waived off and that the ref acted like a spoiled child and didn't explain why. FIFA should at least acknowledge the reason why the goal was waived off but instead they act like it all never happened. On their website, the highlight of the game doesn't even mention the waived goal and they don't allow for any kind of public forum. All they choose to acknowledge is the end score of 2-2 and that the US miraculously came back from down 2-0 to come out with a draw, but they don't even mention that the US should have miraculously won 3-2. FIFA is a joke for not being proper stewards of their own sport, and regardless what they do with the ref (reports have him possibly barred from any further WC involvement) they cannot undo, or they choose not to undo, the damage already done. This obvious HUGE mistake by an incompetent referee, supposedly vetted by FIFA, can possibly cost the US their hopes of advancing and many people their dreams. It's a once every 4 year HUGE event and yet they pitter patter around the big issues that undermine their game. Honestly what stops a ref from saying, "Well I feel like England isn't gonna get a goal today, and that guy says he'll pay me half a mil to just waive off any English goal w/o explaination". If you can't hold your refs accountable to their decisions and can't retroactively, within reason, adjust the damage done then you shouldn't claim to promote fair play. And this is why IMO there is only one football and that's the NFL, not some lame *** soccer. At least in America the refs tell us what they called, instead of running off like some *****.

[daschoo]

FIFA is a pitiful excuse for a sports organization. They can't admit they're wrong, they refuse to even consider any form of replay/review that will let them right w/e wrongs, and yet they claim to promote fair play. Kinda sounds like the MLB of the soccer world..... It's ridiculous that the goal was waived off and that the ref acted like a spoiled child and didn't explain why. FIFA should at least acknowledge the reason why the goal was waived off but instead they act like it all never happened. On their website, the highlight of the game doesn't even mention the waived goal and they don't allow for any kind of public forum. All they choose to acknowledge is the end score of 2-2 and that the US miraculously came back from down 2-0 to come out with a draw, but they don't even mention that the US should have miraculously won 3-2. FIFA is a joke for not being proper stewards of their own sport, and regardless what they do with the ref (reports have him possibly barred from any further WC involvement) they cannot undo, or they choose not to undo, the damage already done. This obvious HUGE mistake by an incompetent referee, supposedly vetted by FIFA, can possibly cost the US their hopes of advancing and many people their dreams. It's a once every 4 year HUGE event and yet they pitter patter around the big issues that undermine their game. Honestly what stops a ref from saying, "Well I feel like England isn't gonna get a goal today, and that guy says he'll pay me half a mil to just waive off any English goal w/o explaination". If you can't hold your refs accountable to their decisions and can't retroactively, within reason, adjust the damage done then you shouldn't claim to promote fair play. And this is why IMO there is only one football and that's the NFL, not some lame *** soccer. At least in America the refs tell us what they called, instead of running off like some *****.

if you do bring in instant replays where do you draw the line? yes it was a poor decision but there were players jostling in the box and the defence do tend to get the benefit of the doubt in those situations plus the whistle went long before the ball arrived at edu. fair enough you start at instant replays for the "big decisions" like penalties and goals to make sure you get them right. then all of a sudden a team has a corner incorrectly given and score from that, do you now check corners as well? what about free kicks? offsides? before you know it you find that the flow of the game has been completely destroyed and its a game filled with stoppages which no-one wants to see happening.
yes refereeing mistakes are annoying but i'd much rather that than a game which is ruined by video evidence and the disruption that would cause - and thats coming from someone who is adamant that poor refereeing decisions cost my club any chance of challenging for the league title this season.
plus theres video evidence in the nfl, the referees explain their decisions and people still ***** and moan about the standard and/or impartiality of the officials there so no system is perfect.
edit: the bit about them choosing not to correct it. do you expect them to decide to award you the goal and thus the game? that would be the most farcical decision in the history of any sport that i can recall

[daschoo]

http://cdn.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-sun-world-cup-2010.jpg


:lmao:

The Washington Redskins of international soccer

far be it from me to stick up for the english but in fairness the sun is not a fair reflection on your average englishman. its a rupert murdoch owned xenophobic borderline racist tabloid that every major tournament builds them up as sure fire winners and then tears them apart when they fail to meet that goal. the majority of english people have much more realistic hopes than displayed in that rag.
feel dirty after defending them so i'll just say never looking like troubling algeria :lmao2:

[Ren]

far be it from me to stick up for the english but in fairness the sun is not a fair reflection on your average englishman. its a rupert murdoch owned xenophobic borderline racist tabloid that every major tournament builds them up as sure fire winners and then tears them apart when they fail to meet that goal. the majority of english people have much more realistic hopes than displayed in that rag.
feel dirty after defending them so i'll just say never looking like troubling algeria :lmao2:

How bad have things gotten when they start getting pity from a Scot :lmao2:

I have a lot of English friends and realistic hopes ain't exactly the words i'd use to describe their talk leading up to the world cup (as usual).
I'm quite enjoying this so i'm just gonna go ahead and ignore the rest of your post :cool:

[jterrell]

I don't feel one bit sorry for the US or England.

Both teams have dug their own holes and only good play will get them out now.

The US got a bad call but played like crud for 30 minutes. It was painful to watch. A wonderful last 55 minutes saved them but they will not win a r16 game playing that poorly at the start. It's insane.

England is just playing poorly period. Rooney looks out of place at forward where he has made next to no runs over 2 games. I'd flip Rooney and Garrard.

Both teams control their own destiny.

[Gzus]

if you do bring in instant replays where do you draw the line? yes it was a poor decision but there were players jostling in the box and the defence do tend to get the benefit of the doubt in those situations plus the whistle went long before the ball arrived at edu. fair enough you start at instant replays for the "big decisions" like penalties and goals to make sure you get them right. then all of a sudden a team has a corner incorrectly given and score from that, do you now check corners as well? what about free kicks? offsides? before you know it you find that the flow of the game has been completely destroyed and its a game filled with stoppages which no-one wants to see happening.
yes refereeing mistakes are annoying but i'd much rather that than a game which is ruined by video evidence and the disruption that would cause - and thats coming from someone who is adamant that poor refereeing decisions cost my club any chance of challenging for the league title this season.
plus theres video evidence in the nfl, the referees explain their decisions and people still ***** and moan about the standard and/or impartiality of the officials there so no system is perfect.
edit: the bit about them choosing not to correct it. do you expect them to decide to award you the goal and thus the game? that would be the most farcical decision in the history of any sport that i can recall
I agree it's a slippery slope introducing video replay, but it's 2010 so you should implement it in some form or fashion. Especially when it comes to assigning a player a yellow card for a handball even though the guy hit it with his head. In this case I don't think video replay would have done anything. I think that the referee should still be required to provide an explanation to why he disallowed that goal, if not to the public at least to the players that have now been affected.... These guys have been training for 4 years to play in the World Cup and to have them not win the game w/o an explanation as to why their winning goal was disallowed amounts to fraud IMO.

[Arch Stanton]

I don't feel one bit sorry for the US or England.

Both teams have dug their own holes and only good play will get them out now.

The US got a bad call but played like crud for 30 minutes. It was painful to watch. A wonderful last 55 minutes saved them but they will not win a r16 game playing that poorly at the start. It's insane.

England is just playing poorly period. Rooney looks out of place at forward where he has made next to no runs over 2 games. I'd flip Rooney and Garrard.

Both teams control their own destiny.

Rooney has played up front most of last season for Man U. I'd say he has an injury. Perhaps that's why he keeps rubbing it.

Gerrard has tried playing in a more forward role before without much success.

This team is just not that good. We don't have that many world class players. Average goalkeepers, slow centre backs, forwards that don't score goals isn't a recipe for success.

We've left behind a few players that may have been better, but wouldn't make the difference.

Just gotta hope Rooney shakes his slump, Terry magically gains a couple of yards of pace and Calamity James doesn't emulate Green.

We suck. :o:

[CATCH17]

Fabiano with a sick goal.

I love watching Brazil.

[CATCH17]

Fabiano again! Handball too.

[daschoo]

wonder how long till we get people saying the kaka incident is why they hate soccer. absolutely shocking, hope fifa throw the book at the ivorian. and the ref really screwed kaka over by giving him a second yellow rather than straight red because you cant appeal a yellow card whereas if he'd been given a straight red it would almost certainly have been overturned on appeal.

[CATCH17]

wonder how long till we get people saying the kaka incident is why they hate soccer. absolutely shocking, hope fifa throw the book at the ivorian. and the ref really screwed kaka over by giving him a second yellow rather than straight red because you cant appeal a yellow card whereas if he'd been given a straight red it would almost certainly have been overturned on appeal.

haha it was interesting as heck. How can you not like some controversy?

Obviously KaKa got screwed over on that one.


My biggest problem with Soccer Refs, like any sport, is they are making calls they aren't see'ing.

If you don't see something then don't call it.

[daschoo]

haha it was interesting as heck. How can you not like some controversy?

Obviously KaKa got screwed over on that one.


My biggest problem with Soccer Refs, like any sport, is they are making calls they aren't see'ing.

If you don't see something then don't call it.

theoretically the assistant refs and even 4th official can draw the referees attention to an incident if he misses it. this particular time i have no idea what happened because there was no conversation between the referee and any of his assistants and the ref had been quite happy to allow play to continue before the players started chasing kaka.

[UKCowboysFan]

Watching France implode is the highlight of the World Cup so far.

Maybe the old saying "cheats never prosper" is true after all. :)

[MC KAos]

the funny thing about it is that the ivory coast hurt THEMSELVES with that stunt!! they need brazil to beat portugal to have a chance to advance, and because of some idiot flopping it cost them the best player on a team they need to desperately win next week!!!

btw how about the americas dominating the world cup so far!!! everyone is undefeated except for honduras, who lost to chile!! pretty awesome, we might see 7 of the 8 teams from the americas go on to the next round! i wouldnt really wanna play any of them if im germany or england or whomever!

[casmith07]

Watching France implode is the highlight of the World Cup so far.

Maybe the old saying "cheats never prosper" is true after all. :)

Should have started Thierry.

[Cythim]

I was more disgusted by the Italy game. Watching the Italians go to the turf whenever someone was within two feet of them was just pathetic. I hope they find a way not to advance.

[joseephuss]

I am worried about the players from North Korea. Losing 7-0 to Portugal can't please the Lil' Kim.

[Ren]

I am worried about the players from North Korea. Losing 7-0 to Portugal can't please the Lil' Kim.


I'm sure North Korea gets the edited version where they won 2-0 :laugh1:

[Cythim]

I am worried about the players from North Korea. Losing 7-0 to Portugal can't please the Lil' Kim.

You should be worried about Portugal, they just moved up to the top of the list of countries to be nuked

[kmp77]

I'm sure North Korea gets the edited version where they won 2-0 :laugh1:

Yup, they won 2-0 but they pulled out of the tournament because someone disrespected Kim Jong and they realized everyone outside of NK is beneath them.

http://conservativedialysis.com/~mnick/wp/images/ta_kji.gif

[tomson75]

I was more disgusted by the Italy game. Watching the Italians go to the turf whenever someone was within two feet of them was just pathetic. I hope they find a way not to advance.

+1000

Can't stand that side. That was a perfect example of why I stopped following the sport.

[Phoenix]

Stuck at work? No espn3 available? Can't find a stream?

That was my situation until finding this today:

http://futbol.univision.com/fifacopamundial/partidos-en-vivo

Spanish announcers but I can't turn the volume up at work anyway. Outstanding picture though.

[MC KAos]

ya i have always disliked italy, its like all the manly italians went to new york in the 1800s and left a bunch of pansie floppers behind, it would be ok if just 1 guys did it or they did it every once in a while, but they take it to a ridiculous level, its like a team of vlade divacs!!!

perfect example is the zidane headbutt, the guy acted like he had been run over by a bus! im sure it hurt but it couldnt have been that bad

i really hope at the very least paraguay wins the group so italy will have to play the netherlands and get spanked!

[jterrell]

I can't hate on the Italians or the ref who booked Kaka.

Kaka basically set himself up for failure. He saw the guy wading in and he set to deliver a blow which was silly. Soccer players act... it's sad but they do.

Garrard also plays forward in the EPL and does quite well. He could move up and take pressure off of Rooney. Garrard looks much quicker right now, be it by injury or otherwise.

[peplaw06]

I can't hate on the Italians or the ref who booked Kaka.

Kaka basically set himself up for failure. He saw the guy wading in and he set to deliver a blow which was silly. Soccer players act... it's sad but they do.

Garrard also plays forward in the EPL and does quite well. He could move up and take pressure off of Rooney. Garrard looks much quicker right now, be it by injury or otherwise.It's not limited to soccer players. NBA is as bad or worse.

[BanditHiro]

It's not limited to soccer players. NBA is as bad or worse.

Na soccer is head and shoulders above all sports when it comes to flopping.

[daschoo]

for anyone struggling to work out who is best placed to progress

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8753285.stm

Group A: Uruguay play Mexico on Tuesday afternoon in Rustenburg knowing that if they draw they will both progress to the knockout stages. However, that scenario would see Mexico finish as runners-up and that would mean a likely game against in-form Argentina in the last 16. A win for either side would open the door for France and South Africa who play in Bloemfontein. Both the hosts and the troubled French need a win, although their vastly inferior goal difference could count against them.

Group B: Argentina are as good as through. Even if they lose 3-0 to Greece, South Korea would have to beat Nigeria by the same margin to stop them progressing. So the race is for second place and the three other teams could all still claim it. South Korea have to match Greece's result against Argentina to go through, so long as they don't lose. If they do lose, Greece go through with a draw against the South Americans. However, if Nigeria beat South Korea and Greece lose, the Africans go through as runners-up.

Group C: Slovenia need a draw against England to qualify, although if they lose, they will still go through as long as the United States and Algeria tie. England have to win to guarantee their progress. If England and the US draw their respective games, goal difference will come into play and if both sides are totally even then lots will be drawn to decide who goes through. Algeria will go through if they beat the US by two clear goals.

Group D: Ghana and Germany will advance if they draw and Serbia draw with Australia. If Germany, Ghana or Serbia win, they go through. Serbia will qualify with a draw if Germany beat Ghana by more than one goal or if Ghana wins. Australia need to beat Serbia heavily and hope the other game ends in a draw or a big defeat or else they are out.

Group E: The Netherlands are through and will confirm top spot if they avoid defeat against already eliminated Cameroon. The Dutch will be joined by Japan if they avoid defeat against Denmark. The Danes will take second spot if they win.

Group F: Paraguay need a draw against New Zealand to move into the last 16. Should the All Whites win the game, they will go through. Italy need to beat Slovakia to be assured of going through, but a draw would be enough if New Zealand lose. If Slovakia beat Italy, they will sneak through, but only if New Zealand beat Paraguay and even then, goal difference could come into play.

Group G: Brazil are already into the last 16 and will win the group if they avoid defeat against Portugal. The Portuguese are likely to join them, even if they lose, after their 7-0 mauling of North Korea boosted their goal difference. Ivory Coast have to thrash already eliminated North Korea to stand a chance of overturning the nine-goal deficit.

Group H: If Spain beat Chile, they will go through. If the Spaniards lose, they will go out if Switzerland draw with Honduras, or if the South Americans win heavily. Spain are also out if they draw and Switzerland beat Honduras. Chile need to avoid defeat to go through. If Chile lose to Spain, Switzerland will qualify if they beat Honduras by at least two goals.

[daschoo]

also maybe worth pointing out that every tournament ever held outside of europe has been won by a south american team

[Ren]

I'm really hoping for a Argentina/Mexico final 16 match

[daschoo]

can't decide if i'm expecting mexico and uruguay to just play out the draw that will see them both go through or if they'll try and win and avoid argentina. just happy i'm off tommorow to watch the english go out then the germans hopefully secure top spot in the group