Only 100 days until the FIFA world cup begins! [Archive] - Page 2

Aeturnus

06/16/2006, 17:45

That game put to sleep. It got a bit better there for awhile, but IC definitely got boned a little on the calls. Next game should be interesting though!:)

aaack! The Angola v. Mexico game was the worst I've seen yet. I dind't even get through. 45 min in, I gave up and went to play some soccer xD

CarlosMucha

06/16/2006, 17:45

Mexico won?

Wolverine_Hulk

06/16/2006, 20:44

They tied 0-0

Gacy's Clown

06/16/2006, 22:53

I totally missed that game. Looks like I didn't really miss anything though.:)

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 10:59

Ugh, Portugal v. Iran was pretty bad too....

Ghana v. Czech up next. USA needs Ghana to tie or win. C'mon.....c'mon....the Africans are due for a win.

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 12:52

hahaahahahhaahha, #### you Czech Republic.

whoooooooooooo Africa. Go Ghana, Go Ghana, it's yo' birthday....

Gacy's Clown

06/17/2006, 12:58

:laugh:

Yeah! So far, so good. That Czech defense looks pathetic right now, so they'll probably change it up some for the next half....let's hope not.

Gacy's Clown

06/17/2006, 13:24

Man, what an interesting series of events there. A missed PK and Bam Margera just got tossed...

Gacy's Clown

06/17/2006, 13:38

This goalie saving the Czech's hide like a madman! I hate it! :laugh:

Gacy's Clown

06/17/2006, 13:39

YES! The jinx worked!!!

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 13:53

####, Ghana scored 2 goals.

Because of goal differential, I'm kinda pissed.

Wolverine_Hulk

06/17/2006, 14:02

Ghana wins 2-0. Now no one will be eliminated or guarenteed to the next round after the US game.

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 14:42

U
S
A

U
S
A

U
S
A

wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! BEAT THE SMURF OUTTA ITALY.

EmperorNorton

06/17/2006, 16:51

Well, that was...bloody... :ermm:

ReZourceman

06/17/2006, 17:02

WHAT HAPPENED! I only just got back and saw part of it in a pub when it was Italy 1-0 USA. What happened??!!

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 17:02

Larrionda Jorge should be suspended for irregularities...again.

Y'know, how'd they let this bastard back after '02 is beyond my understanding...

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 17:04

1-1, ReZ. Tie game.

kikerus27

06/17/2006, 17:06

Next Thursday is going to be a thrilling day. Congrats, USA! My money is still on Czech Republic and Italy, though.

EmperorNorton

06/17/2006, 17:07

Larrionda Jorge should be suspended for irregularities...again.

Y'know, how'd they let this bastard back after '02 is beyond my understanding...
Huh?

He did a magnificent job.

ReZourceman

06/17/2006, 17:10

USA drew against Italy?

*Faints*

EmperorNorton

06/17/2006, 17:10

USA drew against Italy?

*Faints*

Yep.
With 9 players, while Italy had 10 men left.

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 17:14

Huh?

He did a magnificent job.

Um, you're kidding right?

He called everything in the first 20 minutes, called 3 red cards (Pope didn't deserve his), and he completely changed his officiating style after USA went down to 9 men. He also had several no-calls that would've went Italy's way in the 2nd half.

He will not be officiating another World Cup game.

EmperorNorton

06/17/2006, 17:16

Um, you're kidding right?

He called everything in the first 20 minutes, called 3 red cards (Pope didn't deserve his), and he completely changed his officiating style after USA went down to 9 men. He also had several no-calls that would've went Italy's way in the 2nd half.

He will not be officiating another World Cup game.

He most certainly will.

Except for one or two minor decisions all his calls were right on.

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 17:18

He will be thrashed in the papers tomorrow.

EmperorNorton

06/17/2006, 17:21

Not in those that are unbiased.

Aeturnus

06/17/2006, 17:22

Um, I've already phoned some of my friends who're German fans.

I think you;re in the minority here.

EmperorNorton

06/17/2006, 17:29

Um, I've already phoned some of my friends who're German fans.

I think you;re in the minority here.

I checked the websites of five German newspapers for what they have to say on the matter.
All five agree that the ref did a fine job, and one report even called him the man of the match.

I'm fairly certain that I'm not in the minority.

Wolverine_Hulk

06/17/2006, 18:39

There are way too many cards being given out.

Gacy's Clown

06/18/2006, 03:22

Um, you're kidding right?

He called everything in the first 20 minutes, called 3 red cards (Pope didn't deserve his), and he completely changed his officiating style after USA went down to 9 men. He also had several no-calls that would've went Italy's way in the 2nd half.

He will not be officiating another World Cup game.

Yeah, what he said! You'd have to be on drugs to think that game was officiated properly. I know I'm from the US, but I know bad calls when I see them, even if they benefit the team I'm rooting for.

Wolverine_Hulk

06/18/2006, 11:11

Japan and Croatia tie 0-0.

JGonspy

06/18/2006, 12:15

Yeah, what he said! You'd have to be on drugs to think that game was officiated properly. I know I'm from the US, but I know bad calls when I see them, even if they benefit the team I'm rooting for.

Heck, I'm from Canada and even I could see how terrible the officiating was. Aside from the first Italian red card, pretty much everything else was questionable. This is the first time I've seen anyone who isn't an Italy fan (unless you are) who's said the referee was doing a good job.

EmperorNorton

06/18/2006, 12:58

Gacy's Clown

06/18/2006, 13:24

Doesn't convince me any. I've played soccer since I was 5 (22 years), so I'm pretty sure I know what's a foul, what isn't, what's deserving of a card, and what isn't. The elbow to the face, clearly deserving of the card. Pope's first tackle, deserving of the yellow card. Pope's second tackle, shouldn't have even been a foul let alone another yellow card, as he got all ball first on the play and didn't go after the player. You could see that when it happened and it was even more obvious on the replays. Mastroeni's tackle was a little late (and any defender can tell you that happens from time to time and it's not their intention to take down the player) and was deserving of a yellow, not the immediate red that he got.
Was I pissed that they called McBride on that play when Beasley scored? Hell yeah! But, they got the call right according to the rules.

Aeturnus

06/18/2006, 13:57

On the flipside, referee Markus Merk was great in the Brazil v. Australia game.

Wolverine_Hulk

06/18/2006, 16:01

Okay, now I've read about two dozen reports on the match.
German, Austrian, Swiss, English and French sources (websites of newspapers and TV stations).
And all of them say the same: The ref did a great job.
I've yet to see a single report that questions him in any way.

Sure, his calls were strict, but the FIFA specifically advised the refs to be strict, especially about sliding fouls.

Europeans are biased its because they get to chose who the ref is and they don't want to look stupid for choosing him. Now read what one Japanese article which said the ref was lucky not to be fired on the spot.

EmperorNorton

06/18/2006, 16:11

Europeans are biased its because they get to chose who the ref is and they don't want to look stupid for choosing him. Now read what one Japanese article which said the ref was lucky not to be fired on the spot.

That's just ridiculous.
I guess you'd have a point if it was only the officials praising the ref.
But it's the independent media, which has absolutely nothing to do with which ref gets chosen. People who have been reporting sports events for decades. Others who have played soccer on the highest professional level. Former referees.
I won't hold the opinion of "one Japanese article" higher than that.

Aeturnus

06/18/2006, 16:54

Ugh, France should've won that game...

God, refs sucking again...what's new, eh? Friggin' ball crossed the plane, FIFA should review this.

JGonspy

06/18/2006, 23:50

That's just ridiculous.
I guess you'd have a point if it was only the officials praising the ref.
But it's the independent media, which has absolutely nothing to do with which ref gets chosen. People who have been reporting sports events for decades. Others who have played soccer on the highest professional level. Former referees.
I won't hold the opinion of "one Japanese article" higher than that.

You haven't read any news sources that questioned the ref? I find that highly unlikely. The first two I looked at both slammed some of the calls made, though I did find one that at least backed up the second red card (which I can see a point for, somewhat) but ignored the second one where the ball is clearly touched and contact is not deliberate.

Just because something is reported in the press doesn't make it a fact. Most reporters, specifically those who's jobs involve reporting the dry facts of a game, don't always bring their objectivity to their reports. I'd rather trust my own eyes and what I saw during that game.

EmperorNorton

06/19/2006, 04:30

Just because something is reported in the press doesn't make it a fact. Most reporters, specifically those who's jobs involve reporting the dry facts of a game, don't always bring their objectivity to their reports. I'd rather trust my own eyes and what I saw during that game.

And I saw the game, too, and find my opinions reflected in what the reports I have read have to say.
I'd probably have to watch the sccene again that earned Pope his second yellow card, but the two red cards were well deserved.

TheComedian

06/19/2006, 11:23

That's just ridiculous.
I guess you'd have a point if it was only the officials praising the ref.
But it's the independent media, which has absolutely nothing to do with which ref gets chosen. People who have been reporting sports events for decades. Others who have played soccer on the highest professional level. Former referees.
I won't hold the opinion of "one Japanese article" higher than that.

I just think those Italians have payed off the Refs :noid:

...I think it is clear to anyone who watched Italy-Ghana and Italy-USA that the Azzurri are the dirtiest team in the tournament. There were most definitely some missed calls in the Italy-Ghana game that unfairly benefitted Italy.
No other squad will dive as much and then turn around and purposefully elbow the opponent when the ref is not looking.

Oh and I was listening to the USA-Italy on the Sun feed from London (because I can not stand the biased US commentary) and the English commentators definitely mentioned the Red Card against Pope as a very bad call, which was quite clear when you look at the slow motion replay and see that Pope barely even touched the Italian.

The refs calls were, for the most part, spot on (like disallowing the USA that was offside blocking), but the ref's cards were atrocious (Pope should absolutely not have gotten a red card).

TheComedian

06/19/2006, 11:34

also
The referee from USA-Italy, Jorge Larrionda from Uruguay was banned from officiating the 2002 World Cup for "irregularities that were denounced by other referees".

So its not like this ref is known for top quality officiating.

TheComedian

06/19/2006, 11:46

Not sure where you are getting that impression from.
Argentina is second to Brazil only on the list of teams likely to win the title.

From the games so far I dont think you could honestly say Brazil is favored to win, especially over a team that has played as dominating as Argentina.

From what I have heard, it seems like most people rating Brazil as team to beat are basing it almost entirely on reputation.
Yes Ronaldhinho is superb ball control tricks galore, Adriano had a good goal, etc.

But Brazil defense definitely looks shakier than Argentina's or Spain's in my opinion.
Most of the people Ive been talking World Cup about agree that Brazil is definitely more vulnerable. Both their games have showed some weakness in defense and lapses of lackluster play. Brazil does not look as good as they did in 1994 or 2002.

Brazil's play reminds me of watching Brazil in 1998, or maybe not even that good.

I would the teams to beat thus far have got to be Argentina and Spain.
I also wouldnt be surprised if Germany or England went further in the Cup than Brazil.

Aeturnus

06/19/2006, 12:06

Yeah, Emp's definitely in the minority. :P

EmperorNorton

06/19/2006, 14:07

From the games so far I dont think you could honestly say Brazil is favored to win, especially over a team that has played as dominating as Argentina.

From what I have heard, it seems like most people rating Brazil as team to beat are basing it almost entirely on reputation.
Yes Ronaldhinho is superb ball control tricks galore, Adriano had a good goal, etc.

But Brazil defense definitely looks shakier than Argentina's or Spain's in my opinion.
Most of the people Ive been talking World Cup about agree that Brazil is definitely more vulnerable. Both their games have showed some weakness in defense and lapses of lackluster play. Brazil does not look as good as they did in 1994 or 2002.

Brazil's play reminds me of watching Brazil in 1998, or maybe not even that good.

I would the teams to beat thus far have got to be Argentina and Spain.
I also wouldnt be surprised if Germany or England went further in the Cup than Brazil.

I have to agree.
The second match has shown that they aren't as strong as a lot of people, me included, expected them to be.
Most players seem to be tired out, or, in the case of Ronaldo, lazy #####es.
Still, they have won their two matches so far and although they haven't shown it yet, they have lots of potential.
I don't think you can write them off yet.

EmperorNorton

06/19/2006, 14:08

absolutvt69

06/19/2006, 15:06

So because he has done something wrong in the past he cannot do anything good in the present?

No but it proves there is a history of questionable calls which is definitely relevant in this situation. And even though I'm an American (and therefore will automatically be dismissed as biased), I didn't watch the game (was at a pre-release) but I did catch highlights and commentary the day after and almost every single person talked about how poorly the game was officiated. One guy was an Italian supporter and admitted that A) the US got the short end of the stick on the calls and B) Italy deserved to lose the game. You might have found reports that the officiating was "excellent" but I find it hard to believe you haven't found any that say otherwise, since that's all I've seen/heard.

hail_eris

06/19/2006, 15:13

Wow - Tunisia is up 1-0. They could be on top of Group H if this holds up (not that I think that it will)...

EmperorNorton

06/19/2006, 15:16

No but it proves there is a history of questionable calls which is definitely relevant in this situation. And even though I'm an American (and therefore will automatically be dismissed as biased), I didn't watch the game (was at a pre-release) but I did catch highlights and commentary the day after and almost every single person talked about how poorly the game was officiated. One guy was an Italian supporter and admitted that A) the US got the short end of the stick on the calls and B) Italy deserved to lose the game. You might have found reports that the officiating was "excellent" but I find it hard to believe you haven't found any that say otherwise, since that's all I've seen/heard.

As I said, about two dozen sources from all over Europe, not one questioning the ref in the least.
And wouldn't they have an eye on the ref because of his history?

I still find the idea that the European media is following an agenda totally ridiculous.
If anything they'd point out any mistakes the FIFA made every chance they get.

EmperorNorton

06/20/2006, 17:30

What a goal by Joe Cole.
And that's about all the good things you can say about the English team.

Too bad Germany won't face Trinidad on Saturday. I'd have liked to see that very much.

Aeturnus

06/20/2006, 19:19

And England will beat Sweden for the first time in 48 ye-

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those dang Sweeds.

ReZourceman

06/21/2006, 05:52

And England will beat Sweden for the first time in 48 ye-

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those dang Sweeds.

:cry:

Oh well. Joe Cole was AM-AZ-ING last night...he had such amazing and fancy foot work! You knew he was going to make something of it and that was spectacular.

I want them to bring on Theo!

Wolverine_Hulk

06/21/2006, 12:34

Germany beats Ecuador because of fan support and biased officials. :angry:

Gacy's Clown

06/21/2006, 13:31

That JoCo goal WAS amazing. I couldn't believe that thing went in! What a game!

Aeturnus

06/21/2006, 14:46

'sup ladies, Netherlands/Argentina starts in 10...9 min.

I bet Gacy's RUP on Argentina.

Gacy's Clown

06/21/2006, 15:02

You're just wanting to give it away!

Gacy's Clown

06/21/2006, 22:03

Looks like I get to keep it...:laugh:

CarlosMucha

06/21/2006, 22:49

Aeturnus

06/22/2006, 00:39

Y'all Argies have to beat Mexico first....roooooooffffflllll. Yeah, wow, um...that'll...wow. Just, yeah. Yeah. heheheheh.

...USA USA USA tomorrow...I'm gonna put ESPN on mute. I don't have Univision, I get German broadcasts but they're in German (and even though it's gobbledygook to me, it's better than nonstop Balboa-isms).

I KNOW WHAT A MIDFIELDER IS.

YES, FIFA IS AN ACRONYM.

BLOODY HELL, HIS NAME IS NOT ROBINSON. THAT'S AN ENGLISH NAME, RIGHT? HOW...HOW IS THAT HARDER THAN SOHRAB BAKHTIARIZADEH.

EmperorNorton

06/22/2006, 04:24

Ey Norton!

Now we really will have the Argentina - Germany game!! :grin: :grin: :grin:

wanna bed how many goals will do each team???

you still remember Mexico 86? (devius)

because I still remember Itally 90'! :angry:

I was only four years old at the time of the world cup in '86.
I remember Italy '90 quite well, though. :grin:

Stuart_Rex

06/22/2006, 05:15

I am so pleased England have won the group.
Not because they don't have to play Germany. My reasons are much simpler.
By winning the group we play next on Sunday instead of 5pm my time on Saturday. I am on a course until 5 on Saturday so I would have got home by half time.

I am happy.

AR - GEN - TINA
SMELL MY WIENER

ReZourceman

06/22/2006, 06:32

Gacy's Clown

06/22/2006, 11:55

Man, the US just looks terrible....again.

I assume the score's still the same. I quit watching at the 80 min. mark when Ghana had a continuous lineup of guys just laying around the pitch, faking injuries to eat up some clock.

Aeturnus

06/22/2006, 12:07

*cries*

EmperorNorton

06/22/2006, 12:16

This time around the decisions of the ref have been questioned a lot.
Although Dr. Markus Merk is generally considered the best ref in Germany (and I'd consider him to be second in the world only to Colina).

As much as I like to see an African team advance, that wasn't a penalty.

Gacy's Clown

06/22/2006, 12:35

It definitely wasn't a penalty, there's no doubt about it. I don't know if that wouldn't have been called if things would've been different. I do know the US just seemed slow and almost unconcerned about the games and deserved to lose. The only players that impressed me throughout were McBride and Dempsey.
Even if the US advanced, I didn't see them doing squat from there.

And in our Pick 'em League, I just discovered that only 2 people picked Ghana to win, including myself (which I was unaware of....).

hail_eris

06/22/2006, 15:35

GOAL! Japan 1-0! Oh, there's no way this can hold up, but it would be so amazing if it did...

Gacy's Clown

06/22/2006, 15:45

LOL! Too funny. Talk about a wake up call.

Gacy's Clown

06/22/2006, 15:46

Spoke too soon....tie game. :ermm:

Socko

06/22/2006, 16:13

woah!

superb Brazil goals!

Ronaldo only needs one to tie for the all time scoring record!

Socko

06/22/2006, 16:16

and another!

damn.

so much for that japan upset. :p :laugh:

Socko

06/22/2006, 16:40

aaaaaaaand he did it!

ronaldo is ninja in arabic, Im pretty sure.

hail_eris

06/22/2006, 16:44

If anyone wants to listen to the *other* game online, the Sun has a second channel here (http://clients.mediaondemand.net/theSun/?Channel=2).

Socko

06/22/2006, 16:46

Other game?!?

;)

hail_eris

06/22/2006, 16:59

Other game?!?

;)
Well, as soon as it became clear that Brazil were going to be putting on a scoring clinic, I figured that I'd switch over to the match that actually had some bearing on the standings. And I guess I missed a doozy. The sides ended up 10-9 (9-9 when one of the Aussies was sent off *after* the final whistle). There were penalties left and right, and the Croats were apparently confused and spent the final ten minutes playing American football. They were clocking guys, dragging them down by the shirt, all kinds of fun stuff...

Gacy's Clown

06/22/2006, 17:04

Yeah, I kept switching back and forth between the two games and that one was freakin' crazy. That Aussie got his second card for an intentional handball at about the 80 minute mark to make it 10-10, then all they showed was the ref give a Croat a red card (his third yellow.....and no, I'm not joking there, his third yellow in the game) after the final whistle. I didn't see any other cards given out, but I won't argue that they weren't.

kikerus27

06/22/2006, 20:08

Brazil 4, Japan 1!

That's the way (huh-huh, huh-huh) I like it!

Here's hoping Parreira keeps Juninho and Robinho for the next game.

ReZourceman

06/23/2006, 05:44

Dang! I really wanted Japan to win, only saw the first half. Went ballisticballs when Japan scored! Rock on...but alas no...

EmperorNorton

06/23/2006, 17:05

Switzerland...boooo!

hail_eris

06/23/2006, 17:23

How was the game? I was listening to the France-Togo match and it had all the excitement of a snail migration. I was pulling for the Koreans because, hey, they wanted it more.

EmperorNorton

06/23/2006, 17:56

I have to admit that I do not know.
The games today didn't interest me much.
I just don't like the Swiss.

Socko

06/23/2006, 18:04

yeah. you tell 'em.

*goe's along with swede bashing*

Stupid swedes! Go stick a toblerone sideways where the sun don't shine!

Socko

06/23/2006, 18:05

hahaha!

I meant switzerland, not swedes.

*thinks fast*

I DID A PROJECT ON SWITZERLAND IN THE FOURH GRADE.

:ermm:

:noid:

:ermm:

...####.

EmperorNorton

06/23/2006, 18:12

"Hi. We're here to see Handsome Dan. I'm Wayne Campbell."

"Ja. I know. We've been expecting you, Wayne Campbell. I am Bjergen Kjergen."

"I love your accent. Where are you from?"

"I am from Sweden."

"Really? Where abouts in Sweden?"

"Knuergen, near the Bjoergen Fjords."

"Knuergen...? That's Kluergen province, near Bibuergen River."

Socko

06/23/2006, 18:17

:laugh:

I love that part...

....and then the part when they walk in the room and meet the real handsome dan, and then later you see the mistaken handsome dan is mr. scream.

...so funny...

hail_eris

06/23/2006, 18:17

Bork bork bork!

JacinB

06/23/2006, 18:20

Shots like these (http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5676192) are the only reason I'd bother watching the World Cup.

Unfortunately for the World Cup, I've also got Skinemax and they spend more time on the babes and less time on the pointless metric football games.

JacinB

06/23/2006, 18:22

Those FoxSports guys and their witty captions ... (http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5676192&pageNumber=26)

EmperorNorton

06/24/2006, 10:21

I think I've waited in line behind one of those Mexican girls at Subway.

Anyway, the second round is about to start, and here are my predictions:

Germany : Sweden - 3 : 1
Argentina : Mexico - 3 : 0
England : Ecuador - 2 : 1
Portugal : Netherlands - 2 : 3
Italy : Australia - 2 : 0
Switzerland : Ukraine - 1 : 4
Brazil : Ghana - 2 : 3 (I hope)
Spain : France - 3 : 1

ReZourceman

06/24/2006, 16:56

Germany : Sweden - 3 : 1

Correct GD. ;)

EmperorNorton

06/24/2006, 17:04

There's lots of people singing and partying in the streets.

I wish they'd all drop dead. Getting on my nerves.

CarlosMucha

06/24/2006, 17:07

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllll

Carajo!!

Vamos Argentina!!!!!!!!

ReZourceman

06/24/2006, 17:07

There's lots of people singing and partying in the streets.

I wish they'd all drop dead. Getting on my nerves.

Heh you think German hooligans are bad.

English :

"Ooo are ya?! Ooo are ya?!"

....Errrr...Who the fu** are you!

EmperorNorton

06/24/2006, 17:10

Heh you think German hooligans are bad.

English :

"Ooo are ya?! Ooo are ya?!"

....Errrr...Who the fu** are you!

I'm looking forward to the quarterfinals in my hometown: England - Netherlands (assuming they'll win against Ecuador and Portugal, respectively).

Buying a new lock for my door now..

EmperorNorton

06/24/2006, 17:11

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllll

Carajo!!

Vamos Argentina!!!!!!!!

And what are you excited about?
Just means you are going to lose next Friday.

ReZourceman

06/24/2006, 17:12

I'm looking forward to the quarterfinals in my hometown: England - Netherlands (assuming they'll win against Ecuador and Portugal, respectively).

Buying a new lock for my door now..

I suggest at least 3.

CarlosMucha

06/24/2006, 17:18

And what are you excited about?
Just means you are going to lose next Friday.

what ?? WHAT?

now you will see no mercy!! :angry:

be prepair!! beware!!

(waiting to see how you shake in fear....

still waiting, come on!)

Gacy's Clown

06/24/2006, 23:44

I've got Ecuador over England tomorrow and I really have no reasoning to the pick...

ReZourceman

06/25/2006, 03:36

I've got Ecuador over England tomorrow and I really have no reasoning to the pick...

If I read this correctly.

*Pushes Gacy's Clown over, and farts on his head. Whips out a bag of prawns, mushes it up, empties it onto hands and slaps Gacy's Clown. Finally picks up a dwarf and whispers something in his ear and hands him a 5 pound note*

*Dwarf junk shots Gacy*

ReZourceman

06/26/2006, 04:37

Woo-Hoo 1-0.

Well we played well in the last 20 minutes.

Bring on Portugaul. :nervous:

hail_eris

06/26/2006, 12:52

Damn it! Stupid Italy.

Aeturnus

06/26/2006, 15:00

Woo-Hoo 1-0.

Well we played well in the last 20 minutes.

Bring on Portugaul. :nervous:

...or what's left of Portugal. Without the red cards, I'd have given the edge to 'em...

...alas...:(

EmperorNorton

06/26/2006, 16:26

Why oh why are all the recent games so boring?
Germany played well for 15 minutes, England for 20 minutes (if I can take ReZ' word for it). And that's pretty much it.

I decided to watch Switzerland - Ukraine, because I hoped Schewtschenko would beat the Swiss single-footedly.
By now I'm bored to tears.

hail_eris

06/26/2006, 16:47

The Mexico-Argentina game was a lot more interesting with my Mexican girlfriend, in a Mexican restaurant, on Latin American television. My Spanish vocabulary - at least the sports terminology and obscenity aspects of it, anyway - improved a great deal by the end of that match...

EmperorNorton

06/26/2006, 16:50

That doesn't help those of us who don't have a Mexican girlfriend or access to Latin American television.
And even the happy hour at my favourite Mexican restaurant wouldn't help with this lame match between Switzerland and Ukraine.

I'll try some Tequila nonetheless.

hail_eris

06/26/2006, 16:57

Yeah, I'm kind of wishing I had some rum for my Coke. This is miserable. How did either of these teams make it to the second round? And how am I supposed to cheer for one of them to beat Italy?

EmperorNorton

06/26/2006, 17:39

EmperorNorton

06/27/2006, 17:25

The final 8 have been determined, and here are my predictions:

Germany : Argentina - 3 : 2
Italy : Ukraine - 2 : 1
England : Portugal - 2 : 0
Brazil : France - 3 : 0

Aeturnus

06/27/2006, 17:40

Yey, I got all my quarterfinal picks right!

I'm glad Luis Aragonés is gone. :)

Aeturnus

06/27/2006, 17:44

Wow.
Even the penalties were a disgrace.
At least Switzerland lost.

I hope this game gets released on DVD. It'd be a great help when I can't find any sleep.
In fact I have trouble keeping my eyes open now.

Yeah, I fell asleep through that one. Only one that's made me sleepy this WC...

...

...damn, that game sucked.

JacinB

06/27/2006, 17:46

Two reasons why I'm cheering for Brazil:
1) I hate France.
2) I'm easily swayed by well-placed advertising (http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5676192&pageNumber=9).

hail_eris

06/27/2006, 18:12

I just can't bring myself to support the favorites. But if it means humiliating the French and the Italians (both of whom dove their way into the round of eight), I'm all for it. And I'll be thrilled if the hosts can send Argentina home.

EmperorNorton

06/27/2006, 18:17

JacinB

06/27/2006, 18:18

Does 'nasty' (http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5676192&pageNumber=56) mean something else in Swedish?

CarlosMucha

06/27/2006, 18:30

I think the German team has a good chance. They have exceeded all realistic expectations by far.
It's too bad the two best remaining teams in the competition have to meet this early.

The hype we have here is unbelieveable.

tell me about it!

all my country friends here in USA are crosing fingers!

We have heart!
We have soul!
We have the special argentinian fire!

but Germany is in home and they have tenite, and never made misteques soo.

we will see..

BUT!

this is official:

Norton:

The pope!, is from Germany but God is from Argentina (sinse the Maradona's hand in 1986) :)

JGonspy

06/27/2006, 20:12

Well, Spain got knocked out which has me sad. I'm glad it was France that did it and not Brazil though. If they can be kept out of seni finals I'll be thrilled.

Only three teams I'd cheer for now are Germany, Argentina, and France. So it looks like I'll be down to two in the semis, most likely one unfortunately.

Wolverine_Hulk

06/27/2006, 20:28

Does 'nasty' (http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/pgStory?contentId=5676192&pageNumber=56) mean something else in Swedish?

How did you find this web site?

Gacy's Clown

06/28/2006, 01:03

That site is a classic! Seen that thing many times before.

xXHushXx

06/28/2006, 03:15

Man, that Germany-Argentina game is gonna be killer. Hopefully my boys in blue and white can keep it going.....

The match between France and Spain was pretty good today, I must say.

ReZourceman

06/28/2006, 05:35

Whens the Germany match? And what time?

EmperorNorton

06/28/2006, 07:32

It's on Friday at 5 (or 4 for the islanders).

ReZourceman

06/28/2006, 07:34

It's on Friday at 5 (or 4 for the islanders).

Oooooh! Ill get to watch the first half at work.

Sweet.

EmperorNorton

06/28/2006, 07:37

And on Saturday the English will invade my town.
So far tens of thousands of English fans came to every game of their team, although they didn't have tickets.
I assume the plane tickets plus two days of drinking in Germany is still cheaper than two days of drinking in the UK.

ReZourceman

06/28/2006, 07:41

JacinB

06/28/2006, 11:14

How did you find this web site?
Which website? The FoxSports website? Dude, I visit there every day. And, sometimes, I even read about sports on it.

Aeturnus

06/28/2006, 11:17

I can't wait for Germany v. Argentina and Brazil v. France.

The best quarterfinal matches fo' sho'.

*would like an Argentina v. Brazil final*

xXHushXx

06/28/2006, 13:40

I can't wait for Germany v. Argentina and Brazil v. France.

The best quarterfinal matches fo' sho'.

*would like an Argentina v. Brazil final*
I agree.......

Socko

06/28/2006, 14:30

the final match will be awesome!

I am kind of stuck in the gray though... I reeeeeeeeeally like Argentina, And I reeeeeeeeeally like Germany. :ermm:

tough call...

goooooooooooooooooooooooooooo..... DEUTSCHLAND! uhhhh... how do you spell it nort??? :p :confused: :p

EmperorNorton

06/28/2006, 14:52

Wolverine_Hulk

06/28/2006, 15:10

My predictions:
Argentina wins
Ukraine wins
England wins
Brazil wins

CarlosMucha

06/28/2006, 22:44

If Argentina wins will play with England? WOW.

and maybe the Final can be Brasil Argentina why not

OMG each game will be a final now.

CarlosMucha

06/28/2006, 22:44

I forgot...

VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

CarlosMucha

06/28/2006, 22:46

ey Norton, you promise what the argentinian players will not have a "accident" or be killied after the game if we WIN??? :noid: :grin: :grin:

ReZourceman

06/29/2006, 04:27

If we win on Saturday :

*Must crush Carlos!*

EmperorNorton

06/29/2006, 04:29

If we win on Saturday :

*Must crush Carlos!*

That'd be unfair, since Carlos will be in a very bad mood from tomorrow on.

And when England plays against Germany in the semifinals....see quote in signature.

ReZourceman

06/29/2006, 04:30

That'd be unfair, since Carlos will be in a very bad mood from tomorrow on.

And when England plays against Germany in the semifinals....see quote in signature.

Oh yeah, and If you win.

Go Germany! :p

Wolverine_Hulk

06/29/2006, 08:42

Yeah, Germany will win with biased refs...

ReZourceman

06/29/2006, 08:50

Lol. Yeah they are going to have German refs.

CarlosMucha

06/29/2006, 09:03

poor Norton, HE will be soo sad the Friday... :devious:

:p

CarlosMucha

06/29/2006, 09:06

oh, and btw. Is no way England can loose the Saturday. UK will win.. until Argentina.... :p

ReZourceman

06/29/2006, 09:38

oh, and btw. Is no way England can loose the Saturday. UK will win.. until Argentina.... :p

*Throws baked beans at Carlos*

Dont jinx it!

Aeturnus

06/29/2006, 12:04

I'd like to announce that I'm right again.

Jorge Larrionda got sent home. ^^

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5108722.stm

EmperorNorton

06/29/2006, 13:37

Um, not sure what you have read, but Larrionda didn't get sent home.
Rather he is among the remaining candidates for the four final matches.

hail_eris

06/29/2006, 13:44

Err, yeah - his name is on the bottom of that page you linked:

Other retained referees:
Toru Kamikawa (Japan), Coffi Codjia (Benin), Benito Archundia (Mexico), Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay), Mark Shield (Australia), Massimo Busacca (Switzerland), Markus Merk (Germany), Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

JacinB

06/29/2006, 13:50

I'd like to announce that I'm right again.

Jorge Larrionda got sent home. ^^

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5108722.stm
And, I'd like to announce that, no, you're not.

Aeturnus

06/29/2006, 14:16

And, I'd like to announce that, no, you're not.

He's one of the 14 sent home. ^^

YEYEYEYEY!

Aeturnus

06/29/2006, 14:18

Wait, no he isn't.

Dammit, FIFA.

JacinB

06/29/2006, 14:31

Hey! Finally gave that 'reading' thing a shot, eh? :)

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 05:08

Germany! Germany!

Go Germany.

EmperorNorton

06/30/2006, 07:42

No kidding.

I think ReZ might be the first Englishman ever to use the phrase "Go Germany".
Usually they insert "to hell".

I can't wait.

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 07:48

No kidding.

I think ReZ might be the first Englishman ever to use the phrase "Go Germany".
Usually they insert "to hell".

I can't wait.

LMAO.

Wait....who do we play if you win Lol.?

(400th post w00t)

EmperorNorton

06/30/2006, 07:53

LMAO.

Wait....who do we play if you win Lol.?

(400th post w00t)

England will meet either Brazil or France and Germany will devastate Italy in the semifinals.

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 08:00

Brazil or France eh....Hmmm. And if you lose we play Argentina? Is that right.

Heh they should rename the World Cup to

Europe and South America Football Challenge.

EmperorNorton

06/30/2006, 08:06

The semifinals are:

Germany/Argentina - Italy/Ukraine

England/Portugal - Brazil/France

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 09:09

You at home?

Zat where you are watching it. Not long now....This is the most excited Ive been about a non-England match.

Should be very cool.

EmperorNorton

06/30/2006, 09:19

Nope, in a little over an hour I'll be on my way to a friend's place where a group of us will watch the game together.
I'm avoiding the public viewing zones, though. Too many people there for my taste.

And until I leave I'll just keep singing "Do cry for me Argentina".

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 09:31

Haha.

Ill make it my duty to note down the names and addresses of anyone who calls between 4:00 and 5:00 and go round and stab them all for ruining my viewing pleasure.
:angry:

CarlosMucha

06/30/2006, 10:36

is about to begin!

will be 11.00 AN here in USA. 10.00 AM in Argentina!

and happy anniversary Norton!

yesterday was 20 years of Argentina win versus Germany in the final game in Mexico 86'

:laugh:

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 10:43

Yep 20 minutes. TVs on now. Whhoooo!

JacinB

06/30/2006, 10:53

Heh they should rename the World Cup to

Europe and South America Metric Football Challenge.
Fixed it.

ReZourceman

06/30/2006, 10:54

Yard.

hail_eris

06/30/2006, 12:47

I am thankful that Germany has equalized. I am even more thankful that this thread (for the time being, at least) has been ignored by the pashmina/venarnage pointless post-a-thon.

hail_eris

06/30/2006, 13:44

Woo! Germany to the semifinals! They're going to need to step it up against the Italian diving team, though.

Aeturnus

06/30/2006, 14:20

I figured Arg - after all of the defensive subs and the goalkeeper injury - wouldn't win the PKs...

...Well, there goes my hopes of an Arg/Brazil final.

...I really wanted to see Messi play again too. :(

EmperorNorton

06/30/2006, 15:55

Finale, ohooooh!
Randale, ohohohohooooo!

JacinB

06/30/2006, 16:11

'Ohooooh!' ... ?

That's not the international soccer chant, is it? Don't you mean 'O-lay, o-lay o-lay o-lay. O-lay ...'

EmperorNorton

06/30/2006, 16:13

No, I'm pretty sure.

Another option would be:

Oooh! Aaaah! Hey-ah hey-ah hey!

CarlosMucha

06/30/2006, 17:29

:( :( :( :cry: :( :( :( :cross-eye :( :( :( :cry: :( :(

"tristesa no tiene fin"

(sadness don't have a end)

:mad: :mad: :mad:

:( :( :(

:sleep:

:( :( :(

PANZER

06/30/2006, 20:13

Toco y me voy ...

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

See you next time!

PANZER

06/30/2006, 20:19

Hey Carlos ... do you know why they fought after the match? Some people said that a guy from FIFA celebrated after they lost the second penalty ... other say that some guy from Germany teased the Argentinean guys in the bench ...

CarlosMucha

06/30/2006, 20:39

I really don't know, but I don't see German players trying to fight.

I understand the anger in the argentinian players, but nothing deserve a bad actitude in from of ALL the World, They was wrong in begin any kind of sad show.

Aeturnus

06/30/2006, 20:44

Carlos, why didn't Argentina sub in Messi or Saviola?

kikerus27

06/30/2006, 20:45

Adiós, hermanos.

I think Argentina deserved to win more than Germany, but soccer isn't always a fair game. Now we're going to have another Brazil vs Italy or Brazil vs Germany final... I was hoping for something new.

CarlosMucha

06/30/2006, 20:47

Carlos, why didn't Argentina sub in Messi or Saviola?

I REALLY wanna know that!

I just can guess what they don't thing what they will have to change our "arquero". and for that they choise a more defensive strategy. and keep the last change for the end.

very bad choise.

CarlosMucha

06/30/2006, 20:48

Germany WILL crush Italy.

the Final WILL be Germany-Brasil.

Really don't know who I want to win. Very sad right now.

Wolverine_Hulk

06/30/2006, 20:53

Germany is a big bunch of cheaters with their German Mafia make threats on the Argentina players, AND the biased refs. :rolleyes: :noid: :confused: :surprised :angry:

;)

Aeturnus

06/30/2006, 20:53

I'll root for Brasil

...or France

...or England

...or Portugal

...or Italy.

Just not Germany.

PANZER

06/30/2006, 21:04

Tomorrow's matches are also going to be pretty tough ...

Portugal is playing very well, but they had a lot of left overs from the previous math ...

England will play 4-5-1 ... pretty odd formation.

And Brazil vs. France will be the grandpa's match ... lol ...

PANZER

06/30/2006, 21:09

I believe that Argentina is out because of the coach ... when the match was 1-0 he tought that they could handle the pressure and made the wrong substitutions ... I really believe that a fresh Messi could do a lot of difference in the extra time ...

He really Messied that up ... lol ...

CarlosMucha

06/30/2006, 21:13

yea...

xXHushXx

06/30/2006, 23:15

Ugh.... I hate that Argentina is out. Now I'm cheering for Italy.

:(

ReZourceman

07/01/2006, 15:58

:(

F**K.

JGonspy

07/01/2006, 16:56

Brazil is gone so I'm thrilled about that. Now Germany needs to take out Portugal and France needs to take out Italy and it'll be a great final to watch.

EmperorNorton

07/01/2006, 17:10

And suddenly the World Cup is reduced to a Continental Europe Cup.
That was unexpected.

I hope the legion of English fans doesn't demolish my hometown too much. I need the train station...

EmperorNorton

07/01/2006, 17:16

Brazil is gone so I'm thrilled about that. Now Germany needs to take out Portugal and France needs to take out Italy and it'll be a great final to watch.

It's the other way round.
Germany will take out Italy and France needs to beat Portugal.

It'd be a great final.
And it'd be great for Zidane to end his marvelous career as vice world champion.

PANZER

07/01/2006, 17:18

Toco y me voy ... me voy al aeropuerto.

...

They're all mercenaries ... specially Roberto Carlos.

ReZourceman

07/01/2006, 17:29

Me sad.

Aeturnus

07/01/2006, 18:04

HENRY! *BREATH*

OMG!

A WORLD CUP W/O BRASIL?????

Well, I hope Italy, Portugal, or France wins it now.

PANZER

07/01/2006, 18:07

Damn you Roberto Carlos.

I really hope Portugal reaches the finals ... so big Phil can show them how to play soccer ...

Aeturnus

07/01/2006, 18:09

Damn you Roberto Carlos.

I really hope Portugal reaches the finals ... so big Phil can show them how to play soccer ...

Will Brasil go to war now?

'Cause...two consecutive losses to France...

...:(

PANZER

07/01/2006, 18:21

No ... lol ...

It was just bad luck to be France again ... because they lost to the first decent team they faced.

I just feel sad for some of the players that played very well ... Dida, Lucio, Juan, Robinho and Cicinho ...

The others are all mercenaries. Didn't broke a sweat before France scored.

Damn Roberto Carlos! Didn't followed Henry cuz he was tying his freaking shoes!

Maniac_nmt

07/01/2006, 18:33

Holy smokes! Brazil out to France?!? I guess the carptacular job in the group stage was all an act?

What was really a kick in the nuts was the England game. Yes Rooney should have been carded, but not a red card. There was no need to push the Portugese player, but it was not a red card offense. I also can't believe they pulled Lennon off. Why Erikson doesn't start him I'll never know. He's fast, skilled, consistant, and keeps England up and on the move. It's a different team with him on the field.

Ah well, the reffing for this cup has been less then stellar (US went out thanks to 3 very very bad ref calls in the Italy match, and a really carpy one against Ghana, Austraila out because Italy 'cheated' and swerved to hit the Austrailian player to get the penalty...).

So many fouls and bookings are bad for the sport. Leads to a lot of diving and play acting (cough, Portugal, cough, Italy).

Still, I called it, Germany in the Semi-finals. They should steam roll Italy (whose gotten by via play acting, as a team their only real win has been against Ukraine, everone else they've play acted to get fouls so they could skate through).

ReZourceman

07/01/2006, 18:54

Dont even get me started on Portugauls diving.

Anyone would think they were swimmers. Cheating bastards.

Im just annoyed as we were the better side, and we were playing better with 10 men than they were with 11.

We deserved to go through.

PANZER

07/01/2006, 19:58

I really felt that England deserved to win ... but without Rooney and Owen, it wasn't going to happen.

And still ... the portuguese goal keeper did an amazing job. The portuguese players missed most of the penalties, but the english ones got it right ... it's a pity that goalkeeper was on a great day.

EmperorNorton

07/02/2006, 02:38

What was really a kick in the nuts was the England game. Yes Rooney should have been carded, but not a red card. There was no need to push the Portugese player, but it was not a red card offense.

Rooney didn't get the red card for pushing the Portugese player, but for kicking him and it was well deserved.
The English were pretty much kicking like mules the whole game...

ReZourceman

07/02/2006, 02:57

I wouldnt go that far.

I think we played well, And would of god damn won if we did 4 4 2 !!!!!!!!!

Why oh why have only 1 striker...it will never work for us!

xXHushXx

07/02/2006, 04:08

I wouldnt go that far.

I think we played well, And would of god damn won if we did 4 4 2 !!!!!!!!!

Why oh why have only 1 striker...it will never work for us!Face it, dream's over.

GO ITALY!

:noid: :cross-eye

ReZourceman

07/02/2006, 04:15

Face it, dream's over.

GO ITALY!

:noid: :cross-eye

*Runs off crying*

*Tells Brit-hooligans what Hushizzie just said...Hooligans book flights to Canada*

Wolverine_Hulk

07/02/2006, 09:15

Rooney didn't get the red card for pushing the Portugese player, but for kicking him and it was well deserved.
The English were pretty much kicking like mules the whole game...

He kicked him in the groin. Wow that must be painful.

Also, this is rigged notice how the Axis powers are playing each other, and the French and Portugese are playing.

Maniac_nmt

07/02/2006, 11:05

Rooney didn't get the red card for pushing the Portugese player, but for kicking him and it was well deserved.
The English were pretty much kicking like mules the whole game...

He didn't 'kick' anyone. The guy fell over while attempting a failed tackle. Rooney was merely trying to stay up.

That he got kicked in the nuts was incidental. If you can call a foul on that, I have to question where the game is going.

'Oh, I'm sorry, I was the agressor and got kicked in the nuts through my own incompetance.....I'll sue!'

I mean really, you sound like the lady that sued McDonald's for spilling hot coffee on her self.

Aeturnus

07/02/2006, 11:18

*Takes out scale*

Hmm...

Getting kicked in the nuts...

...spilling coffee on your lap...

Huh.

EmperorNorton

07/02/2006, 11:59

He didn't 'kick' anyone. The guy fell over while attempting a failed tackle. Rooney was merely trying to stay up.

That he got kicked in the nuts was incidental. If you can call a foul on that, I have to question where the game is going.

So he was trying to stay up by putting his foot behind him, "accidentally" in the nads of a player on the ground, while the rest of his body was going forward?
Unlikely.
Even the BBC and The Guardian saw the foul for what it was.

kikerus27

07/02/2006, 12:07

Go Portugal!

Socko

07/02/2006, 15:05

that was no EFFING kick....

wtf.

that was more like a STOMP! he came down on that dudes nards!

owwwwwwwwwwwie wowie. not coo....

now.

Go Go! Germany ### whoopins!

lets go Klose, let's get some more goal action up in this bee.

EmperorNorton

07/03/2006, 14:04

Well, so much for FIFA favouring Germany.
Thorsten Frings has been suspended for the next game for supposedly hitting Julio Cruz during the brawl the Argentinians started after the game. Despite the fact that Julio Cruz himself said that Frings did not hit him.
Thanks for pointing out the footage where it appears that he does, Italy. It's always good to see someone seek justice without any personal interest...

Gacy's Clown

07/04/2006, 17:27

Looks like Germany may burn to the ground tonight....:(

EmperorNorton

07/04/2006, 17:34

Aaaaand Germany is out.

Can't say that I'm sad, though. They played badly and didn't deserve to win.
The Italians weren't much better, but at least they had some good chances.

Aeturnus

07/04/2006, 17:34

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL.

I just scored $20.

Thank you, Italians.

...those cheats... ;)

JGonspy

07/04/2006, 17:56

I really hope France ccan make it to the final and win it. I would hate for either Italy or Portugal to win after the dirty way they've played in the tournament. I'd take a lazy team of a dirty one.

CarlosMucha

07/05/2006, 01:23

sorry Norton, I was a litty happy today when Germany don't lost.

Must be my grand parents itelian blood or maybe a litty revenge for the argentinian lost.

Anyways, here in USA the lastin people agree now in something:

If Portugal go to the final game all want Portugal win (because they are really really happy with each victory and that looks nice)

But if France win then everybody will suport Italian bether for be the Champion.

Just in case you all wanna know.

ReZourceman

07/05/2006, 05:11

Didnt get to see the match unfortunately. Sorry Norton, I wanted Germany to win. (The whole cup in fact)

Well obviously after England got knocked out.

EmperorNorton

07/05/2006, 07:53

As I already stated, I'm not sad.
Italy played better, although they didn't deserve to be in the finals, either.
The only thing that bugs me is that they scored twice. A 2:0 doesn't reflect the game.
And that they made their goals in the last minute was a big shock, of course.
However, getting to the semifinals was a huge success in the first place. Before the world cup started most people thought it was a toss-up whether the team would make it through the group phase or not.
Now I'm hoping a third place and for France to win the whole thing.

Socko

07/05/2006, 17:26

France/Italy

wow.

Italy hasnt given up a goal all tournament!!!! (except of course that own goal from the U.S.game)

should be a good game.

Zidane all they way, homie.

go france!

[manchester united soccer hooligan from eurotrip] ####ing I-ties! [/eurotrip dude]