[Golden Legacy]

There are 25 days left until the opening game of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa! Who else is pumped?

Matches & Qualified Countries
Official Song for World Cup 2010
This is why the World Cup is awesome

June 11th can't come soon enough!

[TheEnglishman]

I'm pretty excited but I always am for the big tournaments. I think Spain are probably favourites because of Euro 2008, but it's hard to know which way it will go.

[Saturos S.]

There seem to be a lot of candidates to win it.

Spain, Italy, Brazil are up there to win it. England and Holland both have good squads on paper, so keep them in mind. The Germans seem to have quite a mediocre squad, even more so without Ballack now, but they always seem to get quite far with bad football.

No clear cut winner, that's for sure.

[Golden Legacy]

Spain is definitely my top choice. Brazil is the boring but safe pick. I think both Italy and especially France will not go very far, and England and the Netherlands both can reach at least the semifinals and do better than the last World Cup.

Besides them, I'll be watching the African teams... Ghana, Cameroon, and Cot'd Ivore all have potential. And actually, the groups are generally surprisingly balanced, and traditional powerhouses such as France, Argentina, and Portgual not being exceptional this year, we'll definitely be seeing surprises along the way.

Saturos S., on May 17 2010, 09:40 AM, said:

even more so without Ballack now

Wait. Michael Ballack is out of the German squad? When did this happen?

[Mallick]

He tore a ligament in his ankle. And you're right, what SMALL chance germany had of coming out on top is gone without Ballack.

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[Golden Legacy]

That is disheartening to hear, Ballack is one of my favorite players. Fernando Torres for Spain is also injured, and I'm hoping he recovers in time (he's still on the squad).

And Italy? Not fond of their type of game... too defensive, but they are fairly balanced and they've got one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

[Mallick]

Hah, they're exactly my style. There's too many thing that can go wrong when you try to outscore your problems.

[TheEnglishman]

I don't see Italy winning it again, but I don't think there's anyone with a clear advantage.

[Saturos S.]

Italy seems to have quite an old squad it seems, which isn't per sé a bad thing but still, most of them are well past their best years.

As for the African teams, they seem quite good when you look at the player names, but they always tend to have a lot of the same kind of players in a squad.

[TheEnglishman]

I can't see an African nation winning the World Cup just yet. They've come on a lot over the last few decades but they're still not quite there yet. The Ivory coast could get far but the group stage draw wasn't kind to them.

[Golden Legacy]

Michael Essien for Ghana is out. =(

[Saturos S.]

Well yeah, but then again Essien hasn't played for most of the season at Chelsea because of his knee injury. I thought it was quite surprising he was actually fit for the World Cup, but turned out he wasn't.

[gsninja]

FORZA AZZURRI

Does anyone know if Totti's gonna play in the World Cup this time?

[TheEnglishman]

A quick wikipedia search shows that he's 33 so it's probably his last chance to do so. Beckham's not playing for England which is a bit of a shame as it would have been his last chance.

[Eugine]

Mostly, if not everyone I talk to are claiming Brazil or Spain are the favourites this year.
I'm kinda disappointed no one has mentioned Argentina yet. I think they have a decent shot.

And we know, Messi is the best football player currently. Definitely my top pick for the Golden Ball this year.

Edit: GL mentioned Argentina btw >.>

[Golden Legacy]

Argentina's had poor management from Diego Maradona, ran into a surprising amount of trouble in the qualifiers. He's a legend as a former player, but coaching has been a little shaky.

Still a great team of course, Messi, Diego Milito, and Carlos Tevez are all fantastic players.

[TheEnglishman]

Maradonna's hiring was more about PR than experience. He'd had no previous time as a manager at club level. Argentina themselves aren't quite as good as they used to be. They're still an outside shot though.

[Saturos S.]

But Messi in the Argentina team isn't as good as Messi in the Barcalona team. Maradonna can't seem to get the system around Messi to work.

On a sidenote, no Walcott in the England squad? He was great for England in the qualifiers.

[TheEnglishman]

Walcott impressed in the game against Croatia, but he's been mixed otherwise and his season for Arsenal has been poor. Capello seems to go on form rather than reputation.

[Eugine]

So I decided to watch the friendly between Germany and Bosnia. Was disappointed with Germany in the beginning, but they played well in the second half.

World Cup needs to come soon. Pumped.

[gsninja]

Still can't believe Italy lost to fucking Mexico yesterday. Really doesn't bode well for them.

[TheEnglishman]

Mexico are a decent side. They played pretty well against England.

[Golden Legacy]

France lost to China.

Let's repeat that one.
France. Lost. To. China.

CHINA (!)

I am predicting they will not even make it out of their group.

[TheEnglishman]

France are not the team they were ten years ago. I'd say it's reasonable to suggest they won't make it past the group stages.

[Saturos S.]

But France does have a relatively easy group...

[Golden Legacy]

I wouldn't underestimate Mexico, and Uruguay isn't top tier but decent enough. Remember, France was eliminated in 2002 in the first round, and this was when they were the World and European champions.

Here's my bracket everyone!

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n297/TerraSeraphim/WorldCupBracketFinalBronzePlus.png

Go create your own here, let's compare our results during the tournament.

http://games.espn.go...en-us/frontpage

[gsninja]

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/8950/worldcupbracket.png

That's right, Italy. :3

EDIT: Whoops, forgot the tiebreaker. >____>;;

[Saturos S.]

Italy is like a vet squad at the moment, and two of their key midfielders are camping with injuries.

Besides, I just hate Italy when it comes to football.

[TheEnglishman]

My bracket but if I'm honest I really found it hard to choose.

[Mallick]

http://www.goldensun-syndicate.net/forum/public/style_images/gssv3/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />BUTTSEX, on Jun 9 2010, 09:20 PM, said:

That's right, Italy. :3

EDIT: Whoops, forgot the tiebreaker. >____>;;

Love you too.

[Moonear]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 8 2010, 01:47 AM, said:

image

Ivory Coast over Portugal???

[Golden Legacy]

First World Cup hosted in Africa. The higher altitude is something that various African nations are familiar with. Not to mention, Nani for Portugal has been ruled out, and it looks like Drogba is fit to play.

I really think it's plausible. It was tough choosing between them honestly, and I wouldn't be surprised if Portugal makes it out instead. But if there is going to be a surprise result, this would be one of them I think.

[TheEnglishman]

Drogba may be available but I'd question if he's really fully fit. I can imagine the Ivory Coast beating Portugal but it depends on Ronaldo. Sometimes he plays as you'd expect but other times he simply doesn't come through on the big games.

[Golden Legacy]

7 hours 30 minutes until the greatest show on Earth!

[Saturos S.]

And first game is over.

1-1 between South Africa and Mexico. When SA came 1-0 ahead I was so hoping they would actually go and win it.

[Golden Legacy]

That last play when the ball hit the post made me go crazy. Really was hoping for them, although realistically I expected Mexico to put this one away.

[gsninja]

Lol, you guys are mirroring my thoughts exactly. I was so happy after Tshabalala (How the fuck is that name spelled?) made that sick-ass goal, but then Mexico puts it away twenty minutes later.

[Golden Legacy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWEM4M4trto...player_embedded

Golden strike. Might be the best scored in an opening game yet.

[Saturos S.]

It's nice that South Africa actually got the first goal of their tournament too.

O, and if you watch the replays carefully of both goals. Nearly all the mexican and South African players have the same gray with fluorescent orange nike boots. Only just noticed that, but sponsorship much?

[gsninja]

Very disappointing match, to be honest. Even that last free kick got blocked hard. I would've been ok if it was even a 1-1 ending, but France not scoring a goal was just depressing. They really miss Zidane a lot.

Well, Group A are all tied. Next up, AMERICA, FUCK YEAH vs. England.

[Saturos S.]

They should have taken Govou off, he was terrible in the passing and brought Malouda in much earlier in the game. But it was quite a boring match overall.

[TheEnglishman]

I only saw the first half of South Africa v Mexico and it wasn't great. Saw the highlights so it looks like the second half was better. France v Uruguay was awful, it just showed that France really aren't the side they once were.
Also, for tomorrow:
http://www.biocrawler.com/w/images/4/4a/England_flag_large.png

[gsninja]

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup...hune061110.html

No, this is not a joke. South Africa's goalie actually thinks that its fans are to blame for not winning...

[Eugine]

TheEnglishman, on Jun 11 2010, 05:56 PM, said:

I only saw the first half of South Africa v Mexico and it wasn't great. Saw the highlights so it looks like the second half was better. France v Uruguay was awful, it just showed that France really aren't the side they once were.
Also, for tomorrow:
http://www.biocrawler.com/w/images/4/4a/England_flag_large.png

I watched the SA v Mexico on mute, and it was OK.
I watched the France v Uruguay, and it was worse than awful. Terrible football considering it is the damn World Cup.
Basketball is a much more entertaining sport lol.

Anyway, two must watch matches 2moro. Excited.

[Mallick]

BUTTSEX, on Jun 11 2010, 04:21 PM, said:

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup...hune061110.html

No, this is not a joke. South Africa's goalie actually thinks that its fans are to blame for not winning...

There's a reason it's called homefield advantage. I'm not saying the fans should be to blame for the tie game, but the fans can have that affect on people's play.

[Golden Legacy]

France was pitiful. They had one decent chance in the first five minutes in the game, and the rest was sloppy. There is no central playmaker like Zidane, hardly any rhythm and just poor crosses and technique all around.

http://www.goldensun-syndicate.net/forum/public/style_images/gssv3/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />TheEnglishman, on Jun 11 2010, 05:56 PM, said:

You're going to get a sad wake-up call tomorrow. USA!

[Saturos S.]

All those vuvuzula's (sp?) get kind of annoying after a few minutes. The stadium sounds like a giant bee's nest, or world's largest traffic jam. I can imagine the coaches getting annoyed by that when coaching, they must have so much trouble with getting the players to hear them.

[Golden Legacy]

I don't mind them so much. It's a unique sound and it has its own African flavor. Though, that's purely as a TV spectator, it obviously must be much more intense in the stadium.

[TheEnglishman]

They did get pretty tiring but I was expecting it for the SA matches. I don't know what the coverage was like across the pond, but I got pretty tired of the focus just being on South Africa. Obviously it should have focused on SA more but the commentators should have remembered that Mexico were playing in that match as well.
@Eugine: Not every match is gonna be great and usually the opening matches are pretty cagey.
@GL: I actually think the USA are a pretty underrated team. There's some great American keepers, like Tim Howard and Brad Friedel, playing over here and I'd love to have Landon Donovan here. He was on loan at Everton but didn't stay. I think it'll be a close match... but we're still gonna win.

[Golden Legacy]

England is most definitely favored, I agree. You guys have got Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard, Cole. We've got Landon Donavon who's the center of the team, Clint Dempsey, Altidore and Tim Howard among our top. Lots of potential, I think it'll be an excellent clash.


EDIT: South Korea swept the floor with Greece. 2-0, smooth, excellent performance.

[Eugine]

Didn't watch SK v Greece, but damn, Argentina didn't win with a convincing margin, but they showed how to play football!
Didn't watch everything, so I'll rewatch the match. Won't be able to watch England vs USA... have to go out =_=

And damn, Messi is good.

[Golden Legacy]

Argentina played decently well over Nigeria. Many missed chances, and when Messi begins sprinting, watch out! He couldn't convert or assist with those chances, but they were brilliant flashes of play.

Heading off to a watch party to view England/USA. Many people there are English themselves living here, what fun this is going to be. Gettin' my trash talk on... *ahem* crumpet-loving tea-sippers *ahem*.


~~6000~~

[Moonear]

Oh, Robert Green, what have you done?
Lucky goal, but I'm glad we got it nonetheless.

[Mallick]

>lucky

Green gave you that goal. Can you say positioning? I don't think he can.

[TheEnglishman]

Rob Green you're better than that.
I'm annoyed because we should have won, but I can live with it. The next two should be winnable.

[Golden Legacy]

Wow, that was a fumble to say the least. I do not envy being Green right now. I still remember the roar of the people around us when the ball rolled in; half-joy and half-WTF?

[Eugine]

Oh wow, I ended up watching the match between USA and England.

Wow, I felt so terrible for Green. My reaction was "Oh shit!"

Decent football today. Maybe I'll watch the match between Germany and Australia 2moro.

[Golden Legacy]

Germany-Australia and Ghana-Serbia should be decent matches for tomorrow. Algeria-Slovenia, maybe not a must-see, but you never know.

[TheEnglishman]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 12 2010, 09:46 PM, said:

Wow, that was a fumble to say the least.

English goalkeepers always make at least one mistake like that.

[Golden Legacy]

This has happened before? Never knew that. Good play by Gerrard and Lampard nonetheless, though I expected a little more from Rooney.

Team of the day was definitely Argentina. When Messi moves... wow.

[Caael]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs314.snc3/28356_455043335619_673655619_5999251_98502_n.jpg

[Golden Legacy]

http://i.imgur.com/0n8h0.jpg

I predict this is going to be a new internet meme.

[Eugine]

lol, when I saw that I was like "damn, he's pissed!"

[Mallick]

Eugine, on Jun 12 2010, 03:16 PM, said:

Wow, I felt so terrible for Green. My reaction was "Oh shit!"

Yeah I usually feel bad for people who make terrible choices in sports at the international level. Did you even see the whole play, or did you just see the 2 seconds where he put the ball in his net?

[gsninja]

http://www.goldensun-syndicate.net/forum/public/style_images/gssv3/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />Caael, on Jun 12 2010, 04:34 PM, said:

I lol'd so hard.

So guys, how was the USA vs. England match overall? Unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone with an iPhone during my cousin's graduation ceremony.

[Golden Legacy]

It was decent... but fell below my expectations. England were definitely the better side, and were punishing in the beginning (as evidenced by the early goal by Gerrard after 7 minutes, after a mistake by a US defender). It settled later on, though England had the better chances overall. Tim Howard for the US was absolutely amazing, kept the US alive, and personally I was disappointed by Rooney.

Overall, I'd say the match didn't quite live up to the hype, but not bad to watch. Of course, there's the fumble by the English goalkeeper that led to it being a tie, which is what people remember about it most.

[Eugine]

Mike Babcock, on Jun 12 2010, 07:51 PM, said:

Yeah I usually feel bad for people who make terrible choices in sports at the international level. Did you even see the whole play, or did you just see the 2 seconds where he put the ball in his net?

Well, I watched the entire game.

[Saturos S.]

In my opinion Capello should switch Heskey for Barry next match and play a 4-5-1 with Gerrard as the most forward midfielder. Rooney should have more midfield support so he doesn't have to go and pick up the ball all the time.

[TheEnglishman]

I thought Heskey played surprisingly well. He's usually not too great but deserves credit for his performance yesterday. Capello's decision to replace Milner was slightly bizarre given how early in the match it was but I guess he didn't want to risk him getting sent off.

[Caael]

See, I switched it to the football during the advert break for some other programme seconds before Green let the goal in. Talk about timing aye? I dont even need to watch the football to know what's happening though; the crowd of people across the road yelling gives me enough notification.

[gsninja]

Lol, so I watched the USA/England match last night, since it turned out it was recorded. I thought it was good, much better than the recent matches.

Tomorrow's Italy's first match. So excited. <3

[Golden Legacy]

Very impressed with Ghana. 1-0 over Serbia on a penalty, with Asamaoh nearly scoring twice more in the far corner. Serbia was strong too to their credit, and played hard even when they were down to 10 men.

[Saturos S.]

BUTTSEX, on Jun 13 2010, 05:02 PM, said:

Lol, so I watched the USA/England match last night, since it turned out it was recorded. I thought it was good, much better than the recent matches.

Tomorrow's Italy's first match. So excited. <3

How can an Italy match be exciting? They'll play in a 8-1-1 formation or something and score a lucky goal from a corner or something stupid.

... stupid I-tyes.

[gsninja]

It's exciting for me cuz I'm Italian. :joy:

I agree with the Serbia vs. Ghana match. I was kinda hoping Serbia would win, but after that guy got the red card, I figured Ghana would get a goal sooner or later. Both teams played really well.

[TheEnglishman]

I ended up watching the second half of the match since the cricket match I was at was rained off :joy:. Seemed ok, fair penalty and Ghana unlucky not to get a second at the death.

[gsninja]

Germany scores in the first eight minutes. Fuck yeah!

[TheEnglishman]

Urgh. Apparently the worst thing about the USA not losing like they should have done is that it spawns a bunch of stupid memes on the internet. I guess this is the first time ever that they've seen someone fuck up in football.

[gsninja]

You don't remember Italy's own goal four years ago against USA? :joy: That's how they tied 1-1 then.

4-0 Germany. That wasn't a game, more like a severe ass raping.

[Golden Legacy]

No contest whatsoever... it should even be higher for the number of close attempts Podolski and Klose had many times.

I feel bad for Australia, although they started off against the most powerful team in the group and the best seen in the tournament yet. Here's hoping they'll be bouncing back.

But wow, Germany made its claim today. Excellent play.

TheEnglishman, on Jun 13 2010, 02:48 PM, said:

Urgh. Apparently the worst thing about the USA not losing like they should have done is that it spawns a bunch of stupid memes on the internet. I guess this is the first time ever that they've seen someone fuck up in football.

It's what we do best. :joy:

[Matdamon]

Lol at Australia and their crapness at soccer or whatever you want to call it. We thought we were so good after last world cup. Oh well it ought to shut a few of em up. I knew we would get raped bad.

[TheEnglishman]

The Aussies should stick to Cricket, Rugby and putting shrimp on the barbie.

[gsninja]

Just found out Andrea Pirlo's gonna miss the first two World Cup games.

cryingface

[Eugine]

Didn't watch Germany v Australia. Anyone think I should?

[Golden Legacy]

To watch Germany, yes.
To watch a match, no.

[Saturos S.]

Well, Netherlands are playing today and I'm missing due to a anatomy practical. So I'm literally going to hang around with a bunch of dead people during the match, whoo...

[Laharl]

http://webmedia.newseum.org/newseum-multimedia/dfp/jpg13/lg/NY_NYP.jpg

[Eugine]

I don't mind the headline, after all a 1-1 draw against the UK when you're the USA is like a win tbh. What I mind is the use of the word "tie".
Damn American media. Use the correct word please. It's called a draw =_=

[gsninja]

"Tie" isn't incorrect, though. >.>

DAMN, Asians are gonna be on a roll here. S. Korea beating Greece, not really surprising, but Japan beating Cameroon and gaining their first World Cup victory away from Japanese soil? The last 15 minutes of that game were insane.

[Golden Legacy]

Did you see that strike Cameroon had in the 87th minute? Just a few inches below the crossbar and it would have been the best goal of the tournament so far.

I was rooting for Cameroon, expected more out of Samuel Eto'o. They picked up the pace in the last 15 minutes, they should have played like that throughout. Still, biggest upset of the tournament yet.

[Moonear]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 14 2010, 10:01 AM, said:

Did you see that strike Cameroon had in the 87th minute? Just a few inches below the crossbar and it would have been the best goal of the tournament so far.

I was rooting for Cameroon, expected more out of Samuel Eto'o. They picked up the pace in the last 15 minutes, they should have played like that throughout. Still, biggest upset of the tournament yet.

That shot was pretty damn powerful. The Japanese goalie was nowhere near it, so that few inches really would have made it perfect. Overall, I felt that Cameroon wasn't playing as cohesively as Japan, their passes just seemed off at time. The last ten or so minutes, they just spent booting the ball into a group of six strikers hoping for something, which was pretty dumb imo.

[Laharl]

Cameroon's tactics were awful, they deserved to get beat

[Moonear]

Holy crap, I was not expecting the Kiwis to score there. 30 seconds away from the end of the game. :joy:

[Golden Legacy]

Yeah, congrats to New Zealand. Otherwise it was a somewhat lackluster game, but good to see a thrilling end like that.

Ivory Coast vs. Portugal now! Going to be huge!

EDIT: I'm not liking this ref.

[Saturos S.]

The ref did quite a good job overall, he showed a few yellow cards in the beginning but that helped the game overall. He also let them play on quite a lot later, so the momentum stayed in the game.

Brazil-North Korea now, North Korea is doing quite well actually and I think I'm actually rooting for them. It's a "aww cute little footplayers, and they can't help that their leader is a nutjob" feeling I've got.

[Golden Legacy]

I'm shocked by how resilient the North Koreans have been. They've even gotten some good opportunities to play the ball into space. Brazil has been surprisingly... shaky. Wow.

[Eugine]

Korea is playing so damn defensive.

[Saturos S.]

Well, yeah. But they do have an attack from time to time.

I'm just wondering where I could buy a North-Korea shirt.


AND GOAAAAAL! Maicon.

[Golden Legacy]

He was so NOT trying to score a goal.

[Saturos S.]

It was quite a nice goal though, and like most nice goals, a lot of luck was involved.

... nice commenting just now.

""Pack" won't be able to continue, so "Pack" will replace him, no wait "Pack" is standing up again, so "Pack" won't be replacing him. "Pack" re-enters the field and the other "Pack is putting is suit back on."

[edit] and the game got dull just now, 2-0.

[Golden Legacy]

North Korea scores. Final 2-1.

Sad thing is, North Korea's goal was better than either of Brazil's.

[Saturos S.]

Yeah, I was rooting for the North Koreans. They just look like 11 cuddly teddybears when they're on the pitch and the Korean was so happy when he scored. It was nice to see someone so genuinely pleased.

[TheEnglishman]

The Brazilians defense was poor with that goal. They just let the player stroll in and he took it well.

[Eugine]

Where can I find a list of the players for each country?
And I actually found the first Brazilian goal to be more impressive <.<

[Golden Legacy]

It was pretty unexpected. I swear Maicon was trying to cross it back into the box though.

[Eugine]

Oh God GL, you ignored my question =_=
Will like to see Spain's national team.

[Golden Legacy]

Sorry, I could have sworn I put it in my post.

Go to this link, http://www.fifa.com/...eams/index.html, and click on a team. Click on "Squad List" and you'll have a list of everyone involved.

[Eugine]

*takes of TV*
Don't think I can watch the match again.

[Golden Legacy]

Switzerland beats Spain 1-0.

I feel like crying.

[Eugine]

I feel embarrassed =[
I know everyone will be throwing talk at me today since I named Spain one my three teams (Spain, Argentina and Brazil,) with Spain being my number one team. Say what. Shockers happen every World Cup.

[Golden Legacy]

Switzerland did absolutely nothing in that game but throw their entire team at defense. Spain had 24 shots to Switzerland's 7, 65% possession, and actual creative play. Switzerland got so incredibly lucky, they literally stumbled a ball into goal.

It was sad to see South Africa beaten 3-0 by Uruguay yesterday. The enthusiasm in the crowd was really drained, feel bad for the host nation.

Argentina beat South Korea 4-1 today, including a hat trick by Higuain. Messi was amazing in that game, once again he basically sets up everyone and doesn't get a goal for himself, which I think is really unfair.

Greece beat Nigeria 2-1 only because one of Nigeria's players was stupid enough to kick a Greek player and was sent off.

[Saturos S.]

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=z-Ln_rqPpPk

Bloody genius clip on the vuvezela with Der Untergang.

[Eugine]

One thing I've observed from the World Cup:
The level of football internationally has increased dramatically. I think the days of the "big teams", or "clear favourites" maybe out the window after this World Cup.

[Mallick]

Eugine, on Jun 17 2010, 03:22 PM, said:

One thing I've observed from the World Cup:
The level of football internationally has increased dramatically. I think the days of the "big teams", or "clear favourites" maybe out the window after this World Cup.

I don't. You don't honestly think that there are maybe 4 teams that will be contending for the world cup, while the rest have little to no chance?

[Eugine]

Well, I'm still betting Argentina, Brazil or yes, Spain will win the World Cup. I just believe the days where teams dominated are over.

[TheEnglishman]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 17 2010, 04:33 PM, said:

It was sad to see South Africa beaten 3-0 by Uruguay yesterday. The enthusiasm in the crowd was really drained, feel bad for the host nation.

Uruguay were the better team, simple as that. It's a shame Diego Forlan didn't play like that when he was in the Premiership.

@Eugine: Nah I don't believe that. France are slipping but Germany, Brazil, Spain and that sort are still generally good enough to win even when they aren't playing well. People don't usually start the World Cup too strongly but they'll hit their stride.

[Golden Legacy]

Serbia beats Germany 1-0. Serbia played well so it's a deserved result, although Germany was playing a man down. That red card for Klose was completely unfair and the game changed completely afterward.

[Saturos S.]

Well, it could have been a second yellow card since it was a challenge from behind and he did hit the player first and the ball afterwards. It was rather harsh though, but the referee was quite consistent in his card giving.

Klose lost the game for Germany, with his experience both cards were unnessecary. I mean, what's the point of a tackle like that at the halfway line when they're a loads of Germans still on their own half.

[Ironsight]

SO HOWS YOUR SOCCER GAMES GOIN'?

[Golden Legacy]

How are we losing 2-0 to Slovenia at halftime?

Saturos S., on Jun 18 2010, 09:53 AM, said:

Well, it could have been a second yellow card since it was a challenge from behind and he did hit the player first and the ball afterwards. It was rather harsh though, but the referee was quite consistent in his card giving.

Klose lost the game for Germany, with his experience both cards were unnessecary. I mean, what's the point of a tackle like that at the halfway line when they're a loads of Germans still on their own half.

He completely changed in the second half. The referee was whipping out cards in the first for relatively minor infringements, and in the second he barely gave a card to anyone.

The game would definitely have been different had Klose stayed in. Podolski is a great striker at long range, but he's NOT meant for accuracy or careful strikes.

[Saturos S.]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 18 2010, 04:51 PM, said:

He completely changed in the second half. The referee was whipping out cards in the first for relatively minor infringements, and in the second he barely gave a card to anyone.

The game would definitely have been different had Klose stayed in. Podolski is a great striker at long range, but he's NOT meant for accuracy or careful strikes.

Hmm, I still think the ref was ok. He was just showing players where the boundaries are, what a lot of refs seem to do. Maybe he was a bit too consistent in his card giving, but Klose mainly has himself to blame for getting the red card, not the ref. Though it was admittedly a rather harsh decision.

Nice goal by Donavan just now.

[Golden Legacy]

I suppose that's a fair assessment. I think Klose definitely deserved a yellow, but I expected there to be at least a verbal warning before the second one.

Yes, Donovan's goal was AMAZING just now. 2-1, momentum is going strong.

EDIT: 2-2!

[gsninja]

Worst.

Ref.

EVER.

[Golden Legacy]

Should have been 3-2, epic comeback. Awful decision on that last goal.

[Saturos S.]

I think Dempsey might have made a foul before the goal... but that was irrelevant to the goal scoring opportunity. So yeah, bad call ref.

[TheEnglishman]

The amount of times I've said 'We should have won it' as an England fan...
I'll probably end up saying it tonight as well.

[Saturos S.]

Nah, Lampard and Gerrard will knock two shots in. It'll be a crap game to watch, but England will win it.

At least, that's what's supposed to happen according to my poule.

[Golden Legacy]

From BBC's live text commentary:

Daz from Essex: "Germans missing penalties, whatever next - free-flowing football from England?"

[Moonear]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 18 2010, 09:56 AM, said:

Should have been 3-2, epic comeback. Awful decision on that last goal.

Yeah, seriously. It should have been a foul on Slovenia if anything, that Slovenian player was dragging Bradley offsides...

[gsninja]

What a boring match lol. I'm happy they tied, though, less pressure on USA.

[TheEnglishman]

I guess England's plane must still be at Heathrow because they have not turned up at this tournament.

They also showed Wayne Rooney complaining about England fans booing. What does he expect when people play like that?

[Golden Legacy]

Interesting parallels with the 1990 World Cup. Argentina, huge favorites and reigning champions, were upset by Cameroon 0-1 (2010, Spain are the favorites, Switzerland upsets them 0-1). England drew the first two matches in 1990, and it drew the first two matches in this.

In both their cases, Argentina went on to the final and England went on to the semi-finals.

Here's hoping for a turnaround, as England really did nothing creative in this match.

[Moonear]

OK, so for US to advance:

If US wins, they automatically advance.

If US draws against Algeria, then England and Slovenia also need to draw; however, the England-Slovenia draw cannot exceed the Algeria-US draw by more than two goals.
Is this correct?

Also, this was recently brought to my attention:
Link

[Golden Legacy]

You've got it right ihk. And that game you brought up must bring tears to Algerian fans. I think they're one of very few teams in World Cup history to have won two of their group stage matches and not advanced on.

I'm also crossing my fingers for Spain to still be able to top their group. They must beat Honduras and Chile, and Chile MUST beat Switzerland (or Switzerland must lose to Honduras, which is unlikely). It's going to be tough.

[Moonear]

http://www.collegehu...m/video:1937620

[TheEnglishman]

ihatekraden, on Jun 19 2010, 03:26 AM, said:

http://www.collegehu...m/video:1937620

If only the US paid that much attention to football when they weren't involved in it, they'd realise England keepers have made far worse mistakes than that.

[Moonear]

Wow, Australia. What the hell?

[Golden Legacy]

ihatekraden, on Jun 18 2010, 11:26 PM, said:

http://www.collegehu...m/video:1937620

Very amusing.

I'm disappointed with today's results. Ghana only managed a draw against Australia despite them being a man down, and Cameroon became the first team eliminated from the tournament... such a shame. I had high hopes for them and for Africa.

Really, only Ghana and Ivory Coast are still in contention to advance to the knockout round (Nigeria and South Africa theoretically could, but have extraordinarily slim chances).

[Matdamon]

ihatekraden, on Jun 19 2010, 11:57 PM, said:

Wow, Australia. What the hell?

Yeah that was gay. Stupid Ref giving that red card. Australia so should have won even though they missed easy chances. Stupid Italians making our soccer life hell. No offence though.

[Golden Legacy]

If I remember correctly, Italy knocked out Australia in the last World Cup on a last minute penalty. Gotta love those divers.

[TheEnglishman]

Complaining about European nations feigning injuries and diving is pointless, it's just what they do.
@GL: As much as African football has come on over the last few years, I think we've still got a fair while before we can expect them to be doing that well.

[gsninja]

People are making way too big of a deal about New Zealand coming to a draw with Italy. Italy isn't remotely as good as they were four years ago. It's still humiliating as an Italian, though, to see the defending champions not coming out with a win against a shitty team like that. I guess it kinda proves how terrible Italy's become...

Damn, I have more hope for the USA advancing now. At least they show they can play well, even if it's just for one half.

[Golden Legacy]

TheEnglishman, on Jun 20 2010, 05:27 AM, said:

@GL: As much as African football has come on over the last few years, I think we've still got a fair while before we can expect them to be doing that well.

I think it really is such bad luck though. Cameroon was at least as good as Denmark in their game, and had so many close calls that they should have gotten a tie out of it. Nigeria's Keita was stupid enough to get a red card and that allowed Greece to come from behind and win 2-1. Ivory Coast still has a chance depending on the outcome vs. Brazil today, but they got into a very tough group with Portugal in there too.

I hope they can pull this off. I feel so sad for Samuel Eto'o, who said in an interview that having Cameroon the first team eliminated at the first World Cup held on African soil was the lowest point of his career and pride.

BUTTSEX, on Jun 20 2010, 12:02 PM, said:

People are making way too big of a deal about New Zealand coming to a draw with Italy. Italy isn't remotely as good as they were four years ago. It's still humiliating as an Italian, though, to see the defending champions not coming out with a win against a shitty team like that. I guess it kinda proves how terrible Italy's become...

Italy did have their chances in the 2nd half, although in general it seems that the traditionally powerful teams are simply not up to their game in this World Cup, and that weaker teams have come back strong. New Zealand was surprisingly creative in their game, so they deserve credit for it at least.


EDIT: Ivory Coast vs. Brazil!

[TheEnglishman]

Looks the FA are prepared to take the worst course of action possible if England don't win. Maybe if they spent a bit more time focusing on the players and a bit less time chopping and changing the managers we might be a better side.

[gsninja]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 20 2010, 10:49 AM, said:

Italy did have their chances in the 2nd half, although in general it seems that the traditionally powerful teams are simply not up to their game in this World Cup, and that weaker teams have come back strong. New Zealand was surprisingly creative in their game, so they deserve credit for it at least.

I'll agree to that, but I still think it's ridiculous how much everyone is hyping the result up. Italy is not what it was four years ago and they already lost Gianluigi Buffon, arguably their best player, for the rest of the World Cup. The result wasn't a miracle, it was almost expected.

Still hurts, too.

[Saturos S.]

So, no one can complain about a lack of goals in this World Cup now, after Portugal's 7-0 win just now.

[Golden Legacy]

If there was a mercy goal introduced, I would not be opposed to it.

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was hilarious. Did you see how he just laughed it off afterwards?

[Saturos S.]

Yeah, you could see he was kind of annoyed that he hadn't scored yet up till that point. He had a great distance shot that hit the bar too.

But the Korean defence really was quite bad, has to be said.

[Golden Legacy]

They held up somewhat ok in the first half and even had opportunities. They were non-existant in the 2nd half, when 6 out of the 7 goals were scored.

[TheEnglishman]

So it was 1-0 when I looked earlier, and then I look again and it's 7-0. Wish I'd watched that.

[gsninja]

Chile wins 1-0.

Switzerland was still the more impressive team in the match, though.

[TheEnglishman]

Looks like Spain are back in their winning ways.

[Golden Legacy]

That match should easily have ended 7-0 too. How could David Villa miss that penalty? So close to a hat trick!

[gsninja]

Mexico and Uruguay both advance to the final 16. South Africa's failure to advance marks the first time in World Cup history that the host country didn't advance past the group stages.

Also...

LOL FRANCE

[Golden Legacy]

South Africa at least ended on a positive note though, so I have a mixture of sadness and joy for them. As for France, well, I think the newspapers are going to be having quite a fun time with this.

Mexico vs. Uruguay was close, but Uruguay is surprisingly strong. They might well end up being a darkhorse team and go far.

Next up we have Argentina vs. Greece and Nigeria vs. South Korea. If Argentina beats Greece and Nigeria beats South Korea, we'll have the first African team to advance to the next round... come on Nigeria.

[Saturos S.]

My poule said that France and Uruguay would advance to the next stage. So, at least I got one right.

Hope Greece loses and Nigeria makes another goal. I'd just like to see at least 1 african country advance.

[gsninja]

SOUTH KOREA = BEST KOREA

Go South Korea!

EDIT: ARGENTINA AND SOUTH KOREA ADVANCE! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

[TheEnglishman]

The Argentina match didn't really seem that interesting apart from the last 15 minutes. It's just a shame that Greece weren't attacking more.

It's make or break tomorrow...

[Golden Legacy]

Bah, I was really hoping Nigeria would advance. I can't believe they missed two very close shots, although one was remedied by a penalty afterwards. Nonetheless they really put everything they had in the last minutes, and it was a worthy effort in general.

So far, African teams are 0 for 2 advancing to the next round.


Round of 16 matches:

Argentina vs. Mexico
South Korea vs. Uruguay

Should be decent.

[Moonear]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 22 2010, 02:32 PM, said:

So far, African teams are 0 for 2 advancing to the next round.

Isn't Cameroon already definitely out?

[TheEnglishman]

Yeah they were the first team to be knocked out

[gsninja]

If Ghana doesn't advance, no African team will have been able to advance into the Round of 16 in this World Cup.

Also, even though the subject of Robert Green is dead, I wanna post this:

The US is the very best.
The best that ever was.
To score goals is our real test.
To beat England is our cause.
We have traveled across the pond,
kicking far and wide.
These brits to understand
The American Soccer Pride!
ROBERT GREEN'S
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS!
It's you and me.
I KNOW IT'S HIS DESTINY
ROBERT GREEN
Oh, you're my best friend
In a Goal you can't defend!
ROBERT GREEN'S
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS!
Our hearts so true!
That goalie will pull us through!
Lose to me and we beat you!
ROBERT GREEN
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS,
GONNA FUMBLE BAAALLLSSS
ROBERT GREEN!

[TheEnglishman]

BUTTSEX, on Jun 22 2010, 10:20 PM, said:

The US is the very best.
The best that ever was.
To score goals is our real test.
To beat England is our cause.
We have traveled across the pond,
kicking far and wide.
These brits to understand
The American Soccer Pride!
ROBERT GREEN'S
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS!
It's you and me.
I KNOW IT'S HIS DESTINY
ROBERT GREEN
Oh, you're my best friend
In a Goal you can't defend!
ROBERT GREEN'S
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS!
Our hearts so true!
That goalie will pull us through!
Lose to me and we beat you!
ROBERT GREEN
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS,
GONNA FUMBLE BAAALLLSSS
ROBERT GREEN!

Urgh. Urrrrrrrgh.
Seriously though why does the internet have to go nuts over this mistake? I mean I understand it's a rare occasion for an American team to have any kind of success in a sport that doesn't come from its own country, but mistakes get made in football all the time and I don't see a nerdgasm then.
Anyway I'm gonna nail my colours to the mast and say that we're gonna go through. England have been in a similar situation before and we've made it. Assuming England win their match, I'm happy to say:
http://www.senojflags.com/images/national-flags/Algeria-Flag.gif
COME ON ALGERIA!

[Moonear]

TheEnglishman, on Jun 22 2010, 05:41 PM, said:

COME ON ALGERIA!

Now that's just obnoxious. :)

[Golden Legacy]

ihatekraden, on Jun 22 2010, 06:00 PM, said:

Isn't Cameroon already definitely out?

I'm still in the denial phase. Yes, they were the first team out. That's 0 for 3 then (Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon).

BUTTSEX, on Jun 22 2010, 06:20 PM, said:

If Ghana doesn't advance, no African team will have been able to advance into the Round of 16 in this World Cup.

Algeria would advance with a victory over the US tomorrow (I don't think that will happen), and Ivory Coast can make it if they hammer North Korea like Portugal did (and assuming Brazil wins too). Ghana has the easiest path, just a draw with Germany is enough, and they could even lose the match and still go on if Australia performs well against Serbia.

Quote

The US is the very best.
The best that ever was.
To score goals is our real test.
To beat England is our cause.
We have traveled across the pond,
kicking far and wide.
These brits to understand
The American Soccer Pride!
ROBERT GREEN'S
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS!
It's you and me.
I KNOW IT'S HIS DESTINY
ROBERT GREEN
Oh, you're my best friend
In a Goal you can't defend!
ROBERT GREEN'S
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS!
Our hearts so true!
That goalie will pull us through!
Lose to me and we beat you!
ROBERT GREEN
GONNA FUMBLE BALLS,
GONNA FUMBLE BAAALLLSSS
ROBERT GREEN!

Stop making fun of Robert Green! Seriously dude, it's really crossing the line.

[gsninja]

I didn't count Algeria because they won't make it past the USA. I have that much confidence in my country of residence. :) Totally forgot about Cote d'Ivoire, though.

Also, I didn't make that Pokemon theme rip-off of Robert Green, some dude on /sp/ did. I just found it funny, didn't think you'd already reached the point where it's taboo.

[Golden Legacy]

Reread that last line carefully...

[gsninja]

...

God damnit, do I feel like a retard.

[TheEnglishman]

I really hope Algeria win now. Really, really hope they do.

[Saturos S.]

Even if Algeria win, England still advances if they win their match, right?

[gsninja]

If Algeria wins, England will advance even if they draw.

Scorres stand as 4-2-2-1 at the moment, US and England sharing 3.

[Golden Legacy]

BUTTSEX, on Jun 23 2010, 01:45 AM, said:

...

God damnit, do I feel like a retard.

Hey, I thought it was hilarious.

It's 1-0 England over Slovenia and 0-0 between USA and Algeria at halftime. England and Slovenia would both advance with these results.

[gsninja]

I thought it was funny too! I just feel retarded for not realizing the joke right away. >____>

I'm still fuming. USA robbed of another goal. Granted, this one was harder to call than the other one, but it was still a mistake nonetheless.

[Saturos S.]

Stupid USA >_>

I feel sorry for Slovenia now.

[gsninja]

AMERICA, FUCK YEAH

NOT EVEN THE SHITTY REFS STOPPED THE US FROM WINNING! DONOVAN IS MY BOY!

[Golden Legacy]

Fuck yes. Beat that England. We even topped the group!

[TheEnglishman]

I've only seen the first half highlights of the USA match so I can't say too much but I'm not surprised they won. They seemed to be playing well.
Thank goodness that we won though! England were brilliant in that match and so unlucky not to get more. It was pretty tense but it was great stuff at the same time. Only problem? It looks like we're gonna end up with Germany in the next match. Here we go again...
@GL: Group positions aren't really worth too much unless you aren't in the top two. ;)

[Moonear]

AMERICA, HELL YES.
Landon Donovan is my hero right now, so fucking happy that they won.

And Me111, I'm happy that England won, I wanted them to advance with us.

[Golden Legacy]

It was all Jozy Altidore who was making the runs and pushing forward, and Clint Dempsey with his many chances. Landon Donovan was lucky to be behind the ball when it was deflected, but still brilliant build-up.

Whoever says soccer/football isn't exciting has got to be kidding themselves. My heart is still racing.

[TheEnglishman]

I'm happy we went through too. Now we just need Ghana and Serbia to win their matches and we'd both get good draws for the next match. Or at least have Ghana win, I really don't need to see England playing against Germany again.
@GL: Mine too.

[Moonear]

Golden Legacy, on Jun 23 2010, 10:04 AM, said:

It was all Jozy Altidore who was making the runs and pushing forward, and Clint Dempsey with his many chances. Landon Donovan was lucky to be behind the ball when it was deflected, but still brilliant build-up.

To be fair, Donovan had a big part in setting up that play (along with Tim Howard). But I agree, Jozy Altidore was the star of that game.

[Golden Legacy]

Tim Howard's distribution was brilliant for sure. Obviously Donovan played a huge role, but I thought his influence in this game was muted compared with the game against Slovenia. Great stuff for sure, but he really seemed to come back only in the later parts of the game.

Ahh, this is wonderful still, no matter. We're going to be playing the runner-ups of Group D. I really hope Ghana and Germany advance, and for that to happen, Australia would need to draw or win over Serbia.

[Caael]

I swear we both had 5 points by the end of it so how does this place one above the other?

[Golden Legacy]

Goal differential (goals scored - goals conceded), then goals scored.

England scored 2 goals and allowed in 1 in total, for a +1 difference
USA scored 4 goals and allowed in 3 in total, for a +1 difference.

Next tiebreaker is who scored more goals, which the USA did.

[gsninja]

I was kinda disappointed that Altidore flopped around a bit much, but he definitely did have a big influence on the game.

Also, I lol'd that the ref didn't say anything when Dempsey got elbowed in the face in the penalty area and his nose started bleeding.

[Moonear]

Fabio Capello's late birthday present

[Eugine]

Ah, I am finally able to watch a football match. Watching Ghana vs Germany.
Go Ghana!

[Golden Legacy]

Surprisingly strong effort by Australia, I was not expecting them to beat Serbia. Still, both Germany and Ghana advance forward, and the Round of 16 matches include USA vs. Ghana and England vs. Germany.

Going to be awesome.

[TheEnglishman]

I am feeling both excited and terrified at the prospect of England v Germany once again. Ghana will be tough for you guys, they've shown their no slouches.

[Saturos S.]

So either Ghana or the USA will go on to the quarter finals. That would be quite an incredible result for either of them.

[gsninja]

Ghana will definitely give AMERICUUUUUUUUUUH a great challenge. I'm looking forward to it.

Now, though, I gotta focus on supporting Italia tomorrow.

[Golden Legacy]

Saturos S., on Jun 23 2010, 04:56 PM, said:

So either Ghana or the USA will go on to the quarter finals. That would be quite an incredible result for either of them.

The USA did make the quarterfinals in 2002. Two African teams (Senegal and Cameroon) have made it to the quarterfinals, though never Ghana. I remember them losing to Brazil in the last World Cup, despite having had some excellent play.

You know, it's even possible for Ghana or the USA to make the semifinals, because in the quarterfinals they would face the winner of Uruguay vs. South Korea, which is not impossible at all.

[TheEnglishman]

Uruguay have been a surprise package so far. I can imagine them being a tough challenge.

[Eugine]

I will definitely hate the Ghana vs USA match. I was rooting for both teams to make it far =[
... but I guess I'll have to go with USA, since Donovan is my favourite player of the World Cup so far.

[Sea of Time]

One of the ESPN guys put it well, the USA have now matched expectations so any wins after this are just gravy. I don't think they'll beat Ghana, but it would be a pleasant surprise.

If they win, do you think this makes them necessarily part of the 8 best football teams in the world?

[gsninja]

Probably not, but advancing to the semifinals will still put USA in the limelight, since they haven't reached the semis since 1930, the first World Cup.

[Golden Legacy]

It finally hit me that one of the semifinalists is guaranteed to be Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana, or the USA. Wow.

I'd prefer if Ghana or the USA was that team. Either the first African side to make it that far, or the USA which hasn't done it since 1930 as gsninja said (although that tournament had 8 teams only).

[TheEnglishman]

I still feel it'll be Uruguay. Out of those four teams, they're the ones I've been most impressed by.

[Laharl]

TheEnglishman, on Jun 23 2010, 10:58 PM, said:

Uruguay have been a surprise package so far.

not really, Uruguay have always had a strong side

*had them down to top group A*

[TheEnglishman]

They've always been pretty good but I think they've done better than I expected generally.

[Laharl]

well the South American teams are the only thing saving this world cup from being a complete embaressment