Fifa Fever!!!

[ManLondon]

COMMENT ON THE ENGLAND GAME

We sucked!! I was embarrassed frankly. I have no doubt momentum will pick up as the games progress but, much as I'm pained to do it, I'm beginning to agree with el_argumetative - Monsieur le chrissmith

Hey hey Chris, do not give up yet. What kind of supporter are you, mate?

We donot need bazooka for kill a mosquito (Excuse me French). It was just an opening match. Let the tempo build up a bit. And Becks /Sven wont show all of their cards in the opening match itself.

 

[ManLondon]

Yeah England pretty much sucked.. Owen was not sharp, A. Cole made some weird mistakes he'd usually never do, Crouch tried but was not effective. The referee seemed to have a go at him, though. I liked Beckham and Downing.
The defence made mistakes (full backs), the midfield lacked creativity (high towards Crouch.. high towards Crouch.. high..) and the attack was ineffective. I bet Rooney would have made a difference. Also I would have brought that young runabout Walcott around the 80th minute.

The Sweden game is on since 25 minutes and TnT do decently!

I thought the refree was having a go at England.
I also would like to see Rooney back in action.

 

[chrissmith921]

How did the referee have a go at England?

He was consistent, just Motson and Lawrensen have one eye between them.

Crouch was climbing all over the man in front, gives away a free kick each time.

If he was against England - explain the free kick from England scored - would never have been a free kick if he was slightly off impartial.

I dont think England have a prayer in all honesty, they cant keep the ball for more than two passes and couldnt get out of their own half in the 2nd half of the game, Owen isnt fit and thats exactly how Rooney will be when he returns.

 

[ManLondon]

How did the referee have a go at England?

Chris, my mate, I was not too serious about the refree comment that I made.
I just got an impression watching the BBC coverage. He was all over the match. Bit too active to an English fan's liking . Here is what Motson had to say:

After 80 minutes of almost constant griping ('We told you, watch the Mexican ...'; 'Look at him, he's pernickety, that's for sure'; 'Nuts, absolutely nuts'; 'He can't keep his hands out of his pockets'; 'Another eccentric decision by Mr Rodriguez') Motty claimed: 'You know I don't criticise referees very much, but this guy, Mark, is giving everything to Paraguay.'

And this comment from someone who lives closer to our friend, Marco Rodriguez:

You guys got Marco Rodriguez of Mexico, otherwise known as "Chiquidracula" because of his slicked back black hair and widow's peak.

This is truly awful luck because the guy is one of those refs who thinks the match is all about him. He'll throw out red cards like candy.

Go over to the Mexico boards and ask about the mockery that this guy made of the Monterrey-Toluca final last December.

He could send off 3 England players, he could send off 3 Paraguayans, there's no telling. He wildly overreacts to simple challenges

But hey, result is what matters at the end. We got the 3 points and victory.

 

[Moonbeam3]

Boy was I wrong! I only got Portugal right. Bit of wishful thinking in my part. The Netherlands look strong and I though that Iran was holding their own most of the first half, but Mexico came back a different team at the second half, most likely as a result of the changes. Angola, well, they fought off the Portuguese enough to only concede one goal.

As far as the referees...I think the refereeing has so far has been spectacular! Of course when your home team is playing it will seem that the referee-whomever it happens to be-- is calling the match onesided (leaning towards one team), usually not your team.

Quote:
After 80 minutes of almost constant griping ('We told you, watch the Mexican ...'; 'Look at him, he's pernickety, that's for sure'; 'Nuts, absolutely nuts'; 'He can't keep his hands out of his pockets'; 'Another eccentric decision by Mr Rodriguez') Motty claimed: 'You know I don't criticise referees very much, but this guy, Mark, is giving everything to Paraguay.'

The media, I find, has a funny way of twisting things around. It's all subjective. Put it this way, I was watching the Latin broadcast of the Mexico game and the announcers said that Mexico was in the 'group of death'...Hardly of course, if Iran and Angola (no offense) are considered 'deadly' I've been watching the wrong sport all along!! IMHO...

So far, I'm pleased with the games, for the most part it has been a clean World Cup and I like the idea of the referees wearing two way radio communication, less confusion that way...no blatantly bad calls and as always yellows, reds, or warnings are at the discretion of the man in charge. Some more strict than others, it's your luck or lack thereof when it comes down to who each teams gets...

Let's see if I can get these right for tomorrow:

Japan-win
Czecks (sorry I always forget the spelling lol)-win
...this will be a great game!
Italy-most likely will win

 

[chrissmith921]

I'm backing Australia to beat Japan - they're aggressive and they have a few talented players - watch out for Parma's Bresciano - very good player in midfield.

Italy will beat Ghana I think, 2-0 if they can get Toni playing well.

USA-Czech Rep is a tough game to call, Baros is injured for the Czechs although has fitness test today, and Jan Koller hasn't been fit all season. Nedved and Rosiky have had poor seasons by their high standards however the Czech Republic have become very strong in recent years and with the best goalkeeper in the world behind them - they're going to be very hard to beat. I'll say 1-0 Czech Rep here because of the goalkeeper, and their experience at this level, however they'll need to play well to get this imo - as I rate the USA.

 

[mr_afk]

Nice games again! I have to admit it's pretty easy to excite me, I enjoy watching nearly any game.. no matter if it's very tactical, "nobodys" playing etc.

Netherlands vs. Serbia was pretty much like I thought it would be, minus Serbia actually scoring. Robben was outstanding.. he was all over the place. The only thing you could accuse him of is that he was a bit selfish, but again very effective. Netherlands were not impressing me as much as in the qualification rounds, but Serbia is a strong opponent and certainly no write-off.

There was a peroid in the Mexico-Iran game when I thought Iran could actually beat them, but he second half clearly belonged to Mexico, the one we saw at the Confed Cup that is.

Apart from a few occasions Portugal were disappointing. Angola, on the other hand, were impressive! I wouldn't have begrudged them if they scored a goal and got a point.. in the end they gave up though.
C. Ronaldo should stop concentrating on what to wear and work on his game instead.. he pissed me off in that game and I'd bench him if I were Scolari.

Today's predictions:

Japan 2 - 1 Australia
USA 0 - 1 Czech Republic
Italy 2 - 0 Ghana

 

[chrissmith921]

What wound me up was Ronaldo playing as an individual and everytime he missed looking up at the big screen and doing a huff and puff routine. I'd certainly leave him out for the returning Deco next time round.

It was always going to be a struggle for Portugal but I don't think they really got out of first gear, they were considerably better than their opponents and could have stepped up if needed - Angola didn't really threaten aside of 30 yard + shots which should be comfortable for a keeper of Ricardo's ability.

Serbia have a solid defence (1 goal conceded in qualifying I believe?) but Savo Milosevic isnt really a top class striker at this level but Kezman is.

I cant see Ivory Coast or Serbia getting out of that group mind, which is a shame because both are good sides.

 

[mr_afk]

What wound me up was Ronaldo playing as an individual and everytime he missed looking up at the big screen and doing a huff and puff routine. I'd certainly leave him out for the returning Deco next time round.

exactly..

It was always going to be a struggle for Portugal but I don't think they really got out of first gear, they were considerably better than their opponents and could have stepped up if needed - Angola didn't really threaten aside of 30 yard + shots which should be comfortable for a keeper of Ricardo's ability.

yes I agree, what I meant was just that they didn't tap their potential.. but as you said they didn't need to in that game.

Serbia have a solid defence (1 goal conceded in qualifying I believe?) but Savo Milosevic isnt really a top class striker at this level but Kezman is.

I cant see Ivory Coast or Serbia getting out of that group mind, which is a shame because both are good sides.

Fully agree! What a group...

 

[chrissmith921]

Got a spot on today with my 2-0 to Italy call, as well as getting the outcomes of the other games right

Very suprised the USA were so poor but the Republic were rampant and look a very good bet to win the tournament.

Italy - well - they made it in 1970, 1982, 1994... 2006 next?

Brazil and France start tommorow - cant wait!!!

 

[mr_afk]

Australia deserved to win. Japan is such a weird team.. and they **** up their chances so badly. Nice picks from Hiddink with Cahill and Aloisi

The Czechs dominated the game and Rosicky scored a screamer and another good one. They were so effective.. definitely a side to consider. I'm sorry for Koller though and I bet their whole team is. Terrible loss.

Italy were in control of the game although they were lucky sometimes. De Rossi got away with two could-be-penalties. I considered them as favorites before so I expected them to win by at least 2 goals. I liked Ghana too. In fact I liked the Africans all the way but they all seem to lack international experience (in fact they do!).

Korea 1 - 0 Togo: Usually I'd rate Togo higher but after all the money, media hype and nationalist propaganda Korea have invested they cannot afford to fail. They're football crazy atm. Togo is/was coachless and their harmony is disrupted by greed.

France 1 - 1 Switzerland: Could also end 0-0 but this WC offered plenty of goals so far. They have drawed their last two games and it wouldn't hurt them to do so now.

Brazil 2 - 0 Croatia: Yahoo, we have again hit the 4 years mark to see the real Ronaldo once again (and for the last time probably). Sidenote: Kaka is on fire, Adriano is aiming to steal Ronaldo the show. Also- Ronaldinho

 

[chrissmith921]

Good news is Jan Koller is not as badly injured as first feared, may be back to face Italy in 10 days.

Agreed the Italians rode their luck but if they'd gone in 4-0 up at half time then it would have been justified with the chances they made.

Today I think:

South Korea 2-2 Togo - Togo will spring a suprise with Adebeyor (sp!) up front - I've never been impressed with the Koreans off their home soil, and without that red army following, I think they'll find the enthusiasm of the africans too much to deal with.

France 3-1 Switzerland - Yes they drew both in qualifying, but now is the time the French will step it up - a very good outside bet for the tournament, and with Trezeguet and Henry up front - there are goals there if Zidane/Ribery can pull the strings.

Brazil 3-0 Croatia - Goal frenzy for Brazil as they come flying out of the blocks - I think this is the best Brazil team since the era of Pele, Carlos Alberto et al. Don't be fooled by the idea that they can't defend - they've got a solid defence as well now, plus to score past them you need to get the ball of Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Adriano, Kaka and Robinho!

 

[ManLondon]

I just wanna see his robot bit LOL. What is the deal with Rooney, is he or is he not recovered? And for that matter why wasn't Ballack playing?

Girl, you know football. I am amazed. Well done! It is every lad's dream. Football friendly bird! Wow!
Check out a short clip of that famous sequence.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/145187/peter_crouch_robot_dance/

Good news and it is hot off the press as well. Rooney has started his full training. I read last week that he was training only partially and was taking up things slowly. There is good possibility that he may join the squad on thursday. Wooho!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/teams/england/5074314.stm

Ballack is reported injured and physically unfit. All I can say to that is, Phew! and thanks.

As far as England winning the World Cup, I just don't see it...Don't hate me but I've actually got money on Argentina. (ducks under desk)

It is fine, I really understand. For lots of people, England is not the first choice nevertheless, England fans believe in our players and support them to the last kick.

 

[Moonbeam3]

Thank you Manlondon, I take that as a compliment! I absolutely LOVE footbal (soccer)!! I always say I wish I lived in Europe for the football alone!

Here in the States, we have to go searching for the buzz cuz it's not even on the news...when the US plays, most of the time we have to watch it tape delay BUT that's where the Latin Newtworks come in handy! They show every match live Except for WC, they've been showing those live but I still watch them on the Latin Networks LOL

Three words for the Czechs: Golazzos, Golazzos, Golazzos! They ran all over the US (a bit of a reality check for them because they may not come out of this round). And I'm glad to hear Koller will be alright to play soon, he is very instrumental up front...After seing them play I actually think my money should have been on them LOL.

Australia, I must admit surprised me with the win. Japn almost held on to the tie but fell apart at the worst possible time...And as always, even though Ghana lost, I'm always impressed with the African Teams.



Since Togo already played...here is my prediction for the remainder:

France-win by 2
Brazil-win by 3

Manlondon, don't get me wrong about Enlgand, they definitely have the talent but as it was mentioned earlier they need to be more consistant, I expect them to get far though...

 

[Moonbeam3]

BTW, thanks for the clip, his body-thin and lanky- is perfect for those moves LOL.

 

[Moonbeam3]

What a disappointing game between France/Switzerland. 0/0 draw? France better hope to at least score a goal this WC...

 

[chrissmith921]

The French were very lucky to get out with a draw, however I dont know how it wasnt a penalty for the handball of Henry's strike.

As for England fans supporting their players to the last kick - did you not hear the booing Owen Hargreaves got when he entered the game? He arguably secured the three points because Paraguay had England on the ropes.

 

[ManLondon]

What a disappointing game between France/Switzerland. 0/0 draw? France better hope to at least score a goal this WC...

LOL! I know what you mean.

World Cup champions of 1998 could not even score a SINGLE goal in 2002 and were out of it in their first game itself. What a disappointment! I wish them luck this time.

 

[ManLondon]

Thank you Manlondon, I take that as a compliment! I absolutely LOVE footbal (soccer)!! I always say I wish I lived in Europe for the football alone!

Of course, it was a compliment! If you are thinking of Europe, PLEASE come to London and rub shoulders with London girls so that you could pass some of your passion to city girls.

Where do you live now?

 

[ManLondon]

BTW, thanks for the clip, his body-thin and lanky- is perfect for those moves LOL.

This guy is actually 6' 7'' inch. Can you believe that? To me, physically, he looks no footballer. But I know he has scored impressive goals.