[Golden Legacy]

Fair enough. I was just pointing out that history favored the Germans going to penalty shoot-outs, and had the score remained tied it's likely that they would have beaten Italy.

But even so, you bring up a good point about how history has not been followed. I don't think any of us anticipated Ghana, Ukraine, or Australia even making it out of the group stage, for example, as well as the major upsets of Germany, Brazil, and England.

[TheEnglishman]

Golden Legacy, on Jul 6 2006, 02:29 AM, said:

So, a curious match, but tell your friend to be proud; Portugal had arrived to the semi-finals for the first time sine 1966.

How proud can he really be, when Portugal have played in the way they have? Diving, surrounding the ref when he makes a decision, is it relly a good way to play?

[-Edge-]

Yeah, I totally agree Me111, did you seen when Miguel hurt his knee (wasn't a foul, Miguel fell awkardly he played the ball anyway), and Pauletta cared more for the free-kick rather than his teammate?, that's low...I've never liked the Portugese, especially how they soured Greece's Euro2004 victory by claiming that the Greeks were dirty and played 'illegally', what crap...if Portugal played that way, what do you think they would say?...

Golden Legacy, on Jul 6 2006, 03:37 PM, said:

Fair enough. I was just pointing out that history favored the Germans going to penalty shoot-outs, and had the score remained tied it's likely that they would have beaten Italy.

But even so, you bring up a good point about how history has not been followed. I don't think any of us anticipated Ghana, Ukraine, or Australia even making it out of the group stage, for example, as well as the major upsets of Germany, Brazil, and England.

Wow, you guys really doubted Australia?, that's probably not even the best team we can produce...just wait for South Africe 2010 <_<...

[TheEnglishman]

-Edge-, on Jul 6 2006, 09:52 AM, said:

Wow, you guys really doubted Australia?, that's probably not even the best team we can produce...just wait for South Africe 2010 <_<...

Well Australia haven't done well at previous World Cups so people would have thought they could get anywhere in this one.

[FlamingDuck]

Zxor, on Jul 5 2006, 04:22 PM, said:

Um...dude..you are WAY wrong. Italy has won 3 world cups, tied with Germany for 2nd place of most world cups won. So that means they have won alot. They have been in the semi-finals for the past like 4 wrold cups. And if they win Sunday they will have the 2nd most amount of world cups won. You are wrong and think before you type.

Sorry, I just didn't think Italy would win. But I havn't been around for too many Word Cups, you know.

[Zxor]

Portugal has 19 ellow Cards and 6 or 4 red cards. When they played The NEtherlands, like 10+ yellow cars were givein out total and like 3 red cards total.

And sorry Flaming, I just hate it when people put down a team that won even though they WON!!! Especially when it is my team =P

[musicman2059]

I'm all behind italy now. Quite a difference for France after they bombed in '02 too, eh?

[TheEnglishman]

I think France can win the final. If they play the same way they did against Brazil then it will be their World Cup once again.

[Zxor]

Against Brzil, France played their best because they knew brazil is a great team, like all of us know. But Brazil underestimated the French and got owned =P

[Sea of Time]

My prediction for Sunday's final.

Italy 1 - France 0

The game will be long and hard fought, with both goalies giving superb performance, but the Italians will come out victorious with some extra time heroics.

[Golden Legacy]

Hmm... see, it all depends on France's performance, I think. If they can play as they did against Brazil (which would mean Zidane playing some truly inspiring and great football), then they will emerge victorious. But against Portugal in the semifinal, they didn't play as well.

Any predictions for the 3rd place match? Personally, I'm hoping Germany will win, just so they can at least end the tournament on a good note and make their nation content. It's really inspiring, though, to see just how much everyone has been patriotic to the team, with the media touting them as heroes and saying that they are proud.

[Zxor]

Buffon, Italians goalie, is the #1 goalie. I dunno if it is for the world cup or greatest goalie, (current goalie)

[Golden Legacy]

I'd say Ricardo from Portugal is an excellent goalie too. Have you seen just how active he is, and how well he saves? Against England in the penalty kicks, or Zidane's penalty, he predicted where the ball was going every time and dove the correct way.

But yes, Buffon has not conceded any goal (save for that own goal in the Italy vs. USA game).

[TheEnglishman]

He's currently judged as one of, if not the best, goalkeepers in the world. I know I wouldn't turn him down! <_<
Another good one is Jens Lehmahn for Germany.

[gsninja]

Buffon also made TONS of save when Italy played Czech Reppublic, now that was awesome. And Italy vs German, Italy had 14 shots on goal, Germany had 2 -.-

EDIT: I didn't know gsninja's account was on the computer, this is Zxor

[TheEnglishman]

Well it just proves that the better team won on the night doesn't it?
Still I don't think Italy will have it so easy against France. It'll definietly be worth watching, even if it isn't the England final I dreamed of. <_<

[Sea of Time]

I think France, being one of the oldest teams in the tournament, will have problems with this game, coming off tough matches against Portugal and Brazil. Also, they will be facing one of the best defences/goalie the tournament has seen. I think the Italians will win this one.

[Bexie]

Me111, on Jul 7 2006, 06:37 PM, said:

Well it just proves that the better team won on the night doesn't it?
Still I don't think Italy will have it so easy against France. It'll definietly be worth watching, even if it isn't the England final I dreamed of. <_<

I hear that. It should be an England v. Italy final.

No, wait, forget that. It should be an England v. Germany final.

That would have been so awesome... 1966, then 2006, us and Germany, us in the red shirts again.... B)

[Zxor]

Italy and Germany in the final would be a GREAT game, too bad it was in the semi-finals though.

[Golden Legacy]

Assuming Italy defeats France (and Italy is not scored on), will this be the first time a country has won the Cup without conceding a goal? Excluding, of course, the own goal that was made.

[Somia]

I REALLY hope France losses the next one, cause I like the Italian team better x_x

[FlamingDuck]

I know practically nothing about the two teams, but I'm routing for the Italians. Mainly because I don't want the French to win. But I think the Italians could beat the French, based on their past performance.

[Somia]

Yeah, I agree, Italians have more spirit too^^

[Sea of Time]

Not that it matters very much, but the Germans won earlier today in the 3rd place match. Is there some sort of medal thing or something at this tournament?

[TheEnglishman]

I don't think any really knows. It wasn't a hugely important match. They're playing to be the slightly better loser in the third place play off. Now the final, that will be interesting.
The World Cup overall has disappointed me though. It's been overshadowed by scandals and cheating. Not a World Cup to remember in my opinion. There's definitely ones which have been better.

[Wiflewood]

Not to mention the abundance of crap referees.

I want the French to win. I don't really like the Italian team, they seem a bit on the bad tackles/diving side of things, and It'd be nice to see Zidane win in his final match before he retires.

[TheEnglishman]

It would be a great way to end his career. I think he deserves it after all he has done.

[Somia]

1:1 Itally:France
o__o''
I can't keep my eyes off the TV rite now.

[Echo_djinn]

So far it's been a sick World Cup Final match. 1-1 is the score and France looks to be on top, pressuring Italy, and trying to get that go ahead goal. I want Italy to win but it doesn't look likely now. Henry from France is slick and the best part about him is that he tries not to take a dive when he gets touched. I like this football yay.

[FlamingDuck]

Oy, overtime now...Uh ohs...Italy and France seem preeeetty evenly matched...Woah! Zidane just got a red card!! I think Italy may win...

Talk about a sucky ending for a career...Getting thrown off in extra time during a tie during the final game.

Woohoo! Penalties!

4-3 Italy on penalties with one left. Jeez.

ITLAY WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!

I called this, did I not?

[Echo_djinn]

LMAO ZIDANE. Headbutt the guy and gets a red card. LOL and he's suppose to be the best player in the Fifa World Cup. What an idiot. Now I really hope Italy wins so this can blow up in his face.

LOL watch the headbutt. He smack the Italian foo'. http://home.wanadoo....uwen/zidane.gif

[Wiflewood]

Italy win 5-3 on Penalties.

Its all over.

[Echo_djinn]

Yup, it's all over. It was 5-3 in the PKs. Italy just hanged on. Zidane getting ejected was the turning point and Italy wins their 4 Fifa Cup. I can already hear Italians and other fans cheering on the streets.

[Sea of Time]

Zidane is pretty much an idiot for losing his head like that. But Italy definitely deserved to win, the way they kept their cool when the French could not.

[Aquamarine]

What was wrong with Zidane!? But still, you have to admit, he sure does have a strong head!

Anyway, I'm glad Italy won, though both the teams deserved to win.

[TheEnglishman]

I didn't see much of the match but I just saw Zindane's moment of madness. What a foolish way to end such a glittering career.

[Sea of Time]

*coughDivecough*

I don't think that was as much his head as it was the Italian player taking a dive. But still, it was out of line for the last five minutes of extra time.

[TheEnglishman]

It was a shocking thing to do. Even if the Italian player had made the most of it, Zidane still deserved what he got.
I think there will be a last minute change in the man of the tournament now.

[Bexie]

I bet now not many people will remember Zidane for the brillaint football he's played, but for that stupid headbutt.

[TheEnglishman]

Well hopefully they'll remember him for his brilliant football. There is no doubt that he's stained his career now though.

[Sea of Time]

I can't believe he could let the guy get to him that much. The leader is supposed to be the most composed. I didn't see Del Pierro smile until the last kick was made and they had won.

[TheEnglishman]

Well as Zidane proved it only takes a few words, and a fairly hefty headbutt, to ruin a career. I remember Beckham doing the same thing in the 98 World Cup. At least Zidane is well known and will recieve some support. Beckham was given none. He had to earn the respect of the England fans.

[Echo_djinn]

It like a pimple on a super model's face. I am sure you can over look it but damn, it's still there, just staring at you, pulsing. Yeah, people wont forget about it.

[Sea of Time]

Nice analogy, ED, makes me want to puke.

Is the kid's name Del Hasso? Sorry, I already forgot. Anyways, he is the Italian hero. Scoring the winner against Germany then striking in the winning penalty today.

[TheEnglishman]

You mean Grosso? He scored the winning penalty.
ED's analogy pretty much sums the situation up.

[Golden Legacy]

Zidane has lost his cool before. Back in 2002, he stepped on a Saudi player's ankle, and was suspended for the next game (incidentally, France also lost without him, and was eliminated from the Cup).

So, 1-1, Italy winning 5-3 on penalty kicks. The only other time the World Cup has been decided on penalty kicks is in 1994, which Brazil prevailed over Italy in.

But overall, a great Cup; congrats to Italy.

Still, it's terrible that Zidane had to end his career like this. I'll never forget the image of Zidane turning his back to the trophy and leaving the pitch like that.

[Eugine]

Blah. The 2002 World Cup was more enjoyable.

[Sea of Time]

This was my first world cup, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but in my opinion it was pretty boring. The middle sections, the end of the first round and the second round were more enjoyable than the final rounds.

I just missed the explosiveness of teams like Argentina and Brazil in the final.

[-Edge-]

Nah, I liked this one better..France 98 was my first, it holds a special place in my heart :D...

I guess that '12 year' thing came to fruition....In 1970 the Italians lost, 12 years later they won in 1982. Then they lost again in 1994 on penalties and then 12 years later in 2006 they win on penalties....sheer irony?...

And what a way to finish your Career?...that's unforgivable...

[Aquamarine]

I agree with Golden Legacy, Zidane turning his back on the trophy was... sad. Even though I was all like "Give him the red card!"

I don't really think he'll care too much about what people say. He will always defend what he did(and I understand him for doing it) and he has enough money to live happily until the end of his days. What more does he need?

[-Edge-]

I know he's retiring and all, but hopefully he'll come to Australia and play in the A-League like Dwight Yorke did, theirs even rumours that Ruud Van Nistelrooy will come here to play...but I doubt it :D...

[Zxor]

he headbutted the guy, what a f@g. And Italy turned history around and won. B E A U T I F U L game!

[Somia]

Zidane made me my day xDDD
Hes my hero =3
CONGRATS ITALY

[TheEnglishman]

-Edge-, on Jul 10 2006, 12:21 AM, said:

I know he's retiring and all, but hopefully he'll come to Australia and play in the A-League like Dwight Yorke did, theirs even rumours that Ruud Van Nistelrooy will come here to play...but I doubt it :D...

I doubt that Van Nistelrooy will play there. The last rumour I heard was that he was going to Real Madrid.

[TheDogWho]

I believe someone may have mentioned Zidane...
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/TheDogWho/firep.gif

[TheEnglishman]

Well the replays I watched didn't show that!
Zidane was still voted the best player of the tournament, despite his red card last night. I think that he deserved it, even with his antics.

[FlamingDuck]

Do people know why he did the headbutt? Was iot just cause he was off at Mr. Mazzeratti(spelling?)?

[Mindpatch]

Matterazzi(lawl) probably said something not so nice, because you saw zizou walking away and then mattizzazizatizi(lawl, lawl) said something and zidane turned around and headbutted him.

[Golden Legacy]

I think so too. Zidane was walking away from the Italian guy (whose name I won't even try to spell, lol), but clearly he said something shocking and uncalled for because Zidane immediately turned around and headbutted him. Pretty strong head's he got, too. :P

On a side note, Zidane still won the tournament's coveted Golden Ball award, for best player.

[TheEnglishman]

I hope they investigate what Matterazi said to Zidane. He clearly had a part to play in this.

[Sea of Time]

Words can fly all over the place, but if Zidane reacted wrongly, that's his fault, not Matterazi's.

[Golden Legacy]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/fifa/20060709/i/4089819517.jpg

Remember this image. One of the unfortunate highlights of the Cup.

Even so, Zidane really did well in this tournament to bring France back as a strong team. His performane against Brazil was phenomenal, some of the best football of the entire World Cup.

[TheEnglishman]

Sea_of_Time, on Jul 10 2006, 10:44 PM, said:

Words can fly all over the place, but if Zidane reacted wrongly, that's his fault, not Matterazi's.

I guess that's true but Matterazi still should take some blame if he said something insulting.

[Mindpatch]

Matterazzi is just not playing it fair, it's probably some strange tactic, getting zidane to react on what he's saying so they have a bigger chance of winning if they get zizou out of the game.

[TheEnglishman]

I guess it makes sense to them. Henry, who was a good penalty taker, had gone off so Zidane's sending off meant the penalties became a lot easier for them.

[Eugine]

http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup...sto923586.shtml
This explains a few, but nothing is confirmed.

... AND, what's this bulging image down younder on that pic?

[FlamingDuck]

Quote

... AND, what's this bulging image down younder on that pic?

Ewwwwww....I didn't need that. Materazzi doesn't know what a terrorist is? Wow...

So now Materazzi did insult Zidane on something other than his sister and mom. Interesting.

[Golden Legacy]

Well, of course. It would have taken something extremely offensive (i.e. what seems to be a horribly racist comment) to have aroused Zidane's anger.

IMPORTANT EDIT:

I've looked through Wikipedia, and here is a report of what may have occurred. It's interesting to read through, although it should be pointed out that until FIFA gives an official word, it's still unconfirmed.

(Taken from Wikipedia)

"Zidane was sent off for violent conduct after headbutting Italy's defender, Marco Materazzi, in the chest in the 110th minute, after arguing over something while walking down the field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and Italy won the championship after a penalty kick shootout.

Regarding the substance of the argument, Zidane's agent Alain Migliaccio said, "[Zidane] told me Materazzi said something very serious to him but he wouldn't tell me what."[14] Several papers have had lipreaders try to interpret what Materazzi said, although they have come up with some very different interpretations. The deaf forensic lip-reader Jessica Rees was employed to analyze the video sequences with the help of an Italian translator. Another such analysis was carried out by French lip-reader Marianne Frère. According to these reports, Materazzi spoke in Italian - a language understood by Zidane due to his time spent with Juventus F.C. - and told him: "Hold on, wait, that one's [referring to the pass] not for a feccia [i.e. 's***', 'scum'] like you." Zidane then reacted to Materazzi picking his shirt, and allegedly said that, if Materazzi really wanted to have his shirt, he could have it afterwards. It is unclear what he specifically said and if he told Materazzi to stop picking his shirt beforehand. Materazzi allegedly replied: "I'd rather take the shirt off your wife." As the players walked forward, he reportedly added: "We all know you are the son of a terrorist whore." Then, just before the headbutt, he is seen saying: "Vaffanculo" (i.e. 'f*** off')[15] [16] [17] [18]

[Zxor]

Oh btw people, players ALWAYS say something bad. The other players sometimes don't here it. And when they do, then don't act like the ****head Zidane and react like a retard. Sorry, but I HAATE Zidane now.

[TheEnglishman]

Assuming that is what Materazzi said then I can understand why Zidane reacted. I know a comment like that to me would cause a reaction. It's very unsporting of Materazzi, especially with it being Zidane's last match. Am I defending Zidane's actions? No not really, I still think that he should have been the better man and walked away.
I am glad that Zidane was welcomed with cheers in France. This situation doesn't seem to have affected Zidane's popularity. I want to see what is said to Materazzi though.

[Mindpatch]

A lot of the supporters are violent like hell, they probably liked what he did...
Though it wasn't the right thing to do.

[TheEnglishman]

I know it may seem like the supporters are violent but many are not. The people at matches who are violent aren't the real supporters.

[Eugine]

Personally, I agree with him. I guess I'm biased because I love the dude, but oh well, saying those remarks will push someone who is in the most intense time of their live to do stupidness.

[TheEnglishman]

Exactly. You can't blame someone for having a reaction to being insulted. It would be like telling them off for going 'ow' when they're in pain.

[Platinum Sun]

You know what I just figured out? The defeat of France makes us the only country that hasn't lost to Italy! We tied them! That means half of that surprisingly small trophy is ours!

USA! USA! USA! [/denial]

[Eugine]

Oh well. Better luck next time USA.

[Lemontime]

According to the ABC News over here. The Italian player called Zidane a 'Filthy Terrorist', due to his background (I forgot which country it was, middle-eastern, I think..). I think Zidane went off with style, Heck, if it was my last match, I'd go psycho. I'd try anything to see if I got away with it..
Anyway, I already won my last match.. 2-1. That comp was too easy. Our teams biggest win was 16-0, I'm goal keeper and I scored a goal..

[Golden Legacy]

Platinum Sun, on Jul 11 2006, 08:33 PM, said:

You know what I just figured out? The defeat of France makes us the only country that hasn't lost to Italy! We tied them! That means half of that surprisingly small trophy is ours!

USA! USA! USA! [/denial]

Indeed. Especially since Italy tied for us by scoring an own goal. =/

[TheEnglishman]

Platinum Sun, on Jul 12 2006, 01:33 AM, said:

That means half of that surprisingly small trophy is ours!

That's like saying that giving somebody a brick means you helped build half a building. :P
Anyways... What was your overall reaction to the World Cup. I didn't feel it was memorable but I'm English and England didn't really have many memorable moments. The only good thing was Joe Cole's goal against Sweden.
Just gonna have to wait for the new season now.

[FlamingDuck]

I think France beating Brazil was pretty memorable. And Zidane's red card. But that's just me.

[Golden Legacy]

^ I agree. In general, how France began to build up momentum. They played poorly in the first two games, and Zidane wasn't available for the third. It was a "dark" time for France, but they came back, and Zidane's performance against Spain, Portugal, and especially Brazil are perhaps the greatest highlights of the World Cup.

Also, the Mexico vs. Argentina game was perhaps my favourite game of the tournament. Anyone see the goal that Maxi Rodriguez made in the 98th minute? Called the goal of the tournament by FIFA. :P

http://fifaworldcup....gt.html?s=r&c=1
Click on "Watch the Goal" under Maxi Rodriguez (it's the first one on the list). Note that the video may not work if you are not using Internet Explorer.

[TheEnglishman]

What I meant was that this World Cup hasn't been as memorable as others. I think it hasn't been as interesting, partly because all of the higher rated teams didn't perform to the hype that had been built up. I guess they aren't to blame for that but it still leaves you feeling disappointed.

[Golden Legacy]

That's certainly true, I agree. But at the same time, football is the world's sport, every nation can and does perform to their best ability. If in every tournament, countries like Brazil and Germany always outperformed everyone else, it would become somewhat monotonous, no?

But I agree that it still leaves you feeling somewhat underwhelmed and empty handed.

As an interesting side note, this is the first time in decades (since 1970 or so) that neither Brazil nor Germany has made it to the final.

[TheEnglishman]

It's also the first time since 1982 (I think) that all the semi finalists were from Europe. That was pretty good for us.
GL's right, having teams that always win can be pretty annoying. The premiership is dominated by Chelsea. It's not a case of 'who will win?', but 'how long will it take Chelsea to win?' That's why I'm glad when the major upsets happen. This World Cup didn't have as many as last time, but France - Brazil was a good example.
Zidane's broken his silence about the headbutt incident. He apologised but believed it was fair as he had been insulted. Maybe there was a better way to complain than by headbutting him, but not many people could keep their cool in a situation like that. The people of France don't seem to mind. This must be the only time someone has been praised after getting a red card!

[Luna]

I'm sorry to interrupt.

I don't like soccer.
I know nothing about soccer.

And I love the internet:
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b114/nic.../marioshell.gif

That is all.

[musicman2059]

Personally, I like this representation better. <_<

http://materazzipole.ytmnd.com/

The whole incident has become a freaking YTMND fad

[Someone Else]

I expected France to win. Darn Zidane for losing his cool! In my opinion, France overall had more skill than Italy.

Quote

USA! USA! USA! [/denial]

At least we got farther than we usually seem to do with Football. <_<

Fun "fact": Did you know that before the "Americans" left Britain on the Mayflower, that Football as you know it was, in fact, originally called Soccer? When the Americans left Britain, the name was changed to Football, but we Americans were unaware of that, so the name for us stayed.

A British kid told me this, but he wasn't 100% sure if it was true.

This post has been edited by Wind Dude: 14 July 2006 - 02:04 PM

[TheEnglishman]

Wind Dude, on Jul 14 2006, 08:50 PM, said:

Fun "fact": Did you know that before the "Americans" left Britian on the Mayflower, that Football as you know it was, in fact, originally called Soccer? When the Americans left Britian, the name was changed to Football, but we Americans were unaware of that, so the name for us stayed.

If that's true then I will go crazy. Hearing Americans call football 'soccer' annoys me so much that... well I can't think of anything. If it turns out that it was called soccer in the first place it would be very depressing.

[Someone Else]

I bet it annoys you too when I mispell "Britain". <_<

Don't tell us off for calling it Soccer, it's your own fault! >: )

[TheEnglishman]

You said that the kid wasn't sure. And I've never heard that before, I think that if it was true, it would be more common knowledge.
But if he's right... *worries*

[Someone Else]

Naw, but it makes more sense to me than America calling it Soccer just be different. You can't believe how difficult conversations are between an American and everybody else when talking about Football (both sports).

I looked around on Wikipedia and I haven't found anything about why America calls it Soccer and not Football. So far this the only theory, so I just have to assume that it's true.

[TheEnglishman]

We think alike. I looked around on Wikipedia but found nothing. We'll just have to call it different things won't we?

[Golden Legacy]

Besides, what is more appropriate? The International Football, or the American style "football" that most closely resembles rugby than anything else?

Now, back to the World Cup. It's been said that if FIFA reviews the case and discovers the true nature of Materazzi (sp?), that the Italians could even lose their right to the Cup title. Likewise, Zidane could also lose the Golden Ball award, and there is even some who are trying to have the final replayed.

Personally, I really think that it should be left as is. The case with Zidane and Materazzi should be looked into further, of course, but there's no point in replaying the game or stripping the player's of their awards. That's just going too far.

[Sea of Time]

Apparently after the World Cup, the FIFA Standings have been reworked.

Italy moved up from No. 12 to No. 2, Brazil remained at #1, and Canada made a huge jump from #84 to #34, making the highest rating in our country's history. A real good sign for Canadian soccer fans.

[Golden Legacy]

The current FIFA stats of all countries.

It's interesting, because I thought the rankings would most closely follow the results of the World Cup, but I suppose there are other factors that are considered.

[TheEnglishman]

England went up? Despite their really bad performances? Well that's a shock.
My dad will be happy that Wales have gone up a bit, even if they're still low down in 58th. <_<

[Someone Else]

USA at 16th place? Wow, I expected it to be MUCH lower than that.

[Eugine]

LOL. Trinidad and Tobago is 64, Grenada is 159. WE SUCK. D:

BUT Brazil is still number one, YAY for Brazil. YAY for Brazil. YAY for Brazil!!

[Golden Legacy]

Yay for Brazil indeed. :P

It should be noted that the statistics on FIFA consider everything that's happened in football in the past four years. That is why Brazil is still first (because they won the last tournament). Also Wind Dude, that explains why the U.S. is 19th, because even though they did poorly in this tournament, in 2002 they reached the quarterfinals.

[TheEnglishman]

I got told that the stats were based on only the recent games, not the ones that they have played over the last 4 years. I must have been wrong.

[Golden Legacy]

"The most important change to the calculation of the ranking is that it will no longer take into account the last eight years of results but only four. At the same time, all of the other factors previously taking into account (result, importance of match, strength of opponents, regional strength, number of matches considered) were tested, analysed and, in some cases, totally revised. In fact, two of the factors that were previously used (goals scored and home advantage) will no longer have any impact on the ranking."


Follow this link for a PDF file that explains it a little more in depth.
Link

[TheEnglishman]

It's all very complicated but it works well. The rankings that they have are roughly where I would place the teams.

[Sea of Time]

Canada at 54 is pretty good. The last time we were this high in the ratings, we placed in the Commonwealth tournament, if that's what it's called. I can always dream....

[Golden Legacy]

Update on the Zidane/Materazzi case:


Taken from the FIFA website:

"Zidane/Materazzi disciplinary proceedings: suspensions, fines, community service and regret

Zurich, 20 July 2006 - Suspensions and fines were the sanctions pronounced by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee at its meeting today (Thursday, 20 July 2006) as part of the disciplinary proceedings opened against Zinedine Zidane (France) and Marco Materazzi (Italy) after their clash during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ final in Berlin on 9 July. Zinedine Zidane has also agreed to do community service work with children and youngsters.

Meeting under the chairmanship of Marcel Mathier (Switzerland), the five-man FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a three-match ban and a fine of CHF 7,500 on Zinedine Zidane on account of his head-butt to Materazzi's chest. As Zidane has now retired from international football, the committee took note of Zidane's pledge to do three days of community service work with children and youngsters as part of FIFA's humanitarian activities. Materazzi was suspended for two official matches of the Italian national team and fined the sum of CHF 5,000 for repeatedly provoking Zidane.

FIFA gave both players the right to be heard in accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The hearing with Marco Materazzi was held at FIFA headquarters on 14 July, with Zinedine Zidane questioned during today's meeting. In their statements, both players stressed that Materazzi's comments had been defamatory but not of a racist nature. During the course of their hearings, both players also apologised to FIFA for their inappropriate behaviour and expressed their regret at the incident.

Referee Horacio Elizondo (Argentina) sent Zidane off in the 110th minute of the World Cup final after his clash with Materazzi. The incident had been directly observed from his position at the pitchside without the use of a monitor by the fourth official, Luis Medina Cantalejo (ESP), who informed the referee and his assistants through the communications system. Both match officials were also invited to attend the meeting. According to the regulations, the fourth official must inform the referee if any acts of violent conduct are committed out of sight of the referee and his assistants."

[Someone Else]

I don't think Zidane deserves all that. Sure he acted violently (and to someone of a different country!) and he can't walk away unpunished for that, but this is taking it a bit OTT.

[TheEnglishman]

To be honset, Zidane probably doesn't deserve a big punishment. But how much of a punishment is it for him anyway? He earns millions so the fine will be payable, and working with kids is something that footballers will sometimes do anyway. Materazzi has it worse, in my opinion.

[Sea of Time]

I think that maybe FIFA is taking this so far because they like the publicity. They haven't had attention like this from the US crowd in many years.

[TheEnglishman]

Well if you want to get attention, do it in the World Cup! :agitated:
Match bans are a pretty common punishment though for incidents like these. Fines as well. It's not really too over the top.
But SoT is right, the incident has gotten a lot of attention across the world. In my opinion Zidane's reputation hasn't been damaged really. The french people still like him, some more so than before. Italians may not like him but I doubt he'll be too worried about that. :D

[Sea of Time]

It's not like many people knew Zidane before he did the headbutt (here in North America)

But now he's a household name, so good for him!

[TheEnglishman]

I guess it's a bit sad that he could only gain popularity in America after the incident but never mind. Perhaps people over there will look into his past and see that there was an amazing player there.

[Sea of Time]

Or they will simply forget about him and turn on ESPN to watch the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.

[TheEnglishman]

Well that's the way things happen. But if a similar incident happened to someone who played American football, any popularity he gained over here would be brief at best. It's just more difficult to get interested in sports that are from a different region to you.

[Sea of Time]

I agree. I wish football would be more popular here in North America because you have to pay a lot of extra money to see football on cable here. It's available only to people willing to pay for digital cable or satellite. It makes it hard to get.

Of course, the World Cup is on national television, but other than that, it's hard to find any football action.

[TheEnglishman]

Wow. It's not like that here. There are always matches being shown, whether it's Premiership, La Liga or whatever.

[-Edge-]

More Rugby and Aussie Rules orientated here

The whole Zidane-Materazzi issue is....well....there's worse sledging in Cricket, Aussie Rules etc....he did have a right to defend himself, but to do that? (I'm not siding with Materazzi, I think he's a wanka :D)

And you guys saw the Germany-Argentina game right?, my friend is so anti-German, he said that the German team is racist and there f***head's because...their hosts.........the hell?, I think it's because we beat his teams Portugal and Argentina, and because I'm German :agitated:

(Yes my English is bad!)

[Golden Legacy]

The Germany vs. Argentina match was perhaps one of the best matches of the entire tournament. It's a shame for the South Americans, though, because they really had the strongest offensive side in the entire Cup. It's really unfortunate to see any team with such promise lose out to penalty kicks.

[Eugine]

That's very true. I personally found France to be the better team when playing Italy.

[Nemphtis]

The French are fools, screw the French! I was rooting for Italy all the way.

Me and the boys met some French guys on G.R.A.W while having clan training the other night, boy did he get some abuse. Serves him right for yelling at me "Start the f*cking game already!".

[Bexie]

I wanted France to win. >.> xD

lol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUjFRKWk6gQ...related&search=

Look what has become of Zidane in the past couple of weeks. xD Now he is merely something to laugh at.

[TheEnglishman]

I think most people would still think of Zidane's skill rather than 'the incident' when he is mentioned.

[Golden Legacy]

Unfortunately, only if you're a true football fan will you probably remember Zidane's skill. To many people (and nearly everyone here in the USA) will only refer to that incident when speaking about Zidane.

[Nemphtis]

Indeed, for football fans Zidane will always be a skilled player and one of the best of our time. Yet to those who don't follow the sport Zidane is that guy who pwned that other guy.

[TheEnglishman]

I think people who only remember him for what he did in the final will soon forget about him. As soon as some other big thing happens, they'll turn their attention to that and forget about Zidane completely.

[Sea of Time]

Last time I checked, nobody even remembers the World Cup in the States now. Except for Little Italy in big cities everywhere. They're still suffering from the hangover.

[TheEnglishman]

Well there you go. The small impact of the World Cup has gone from America already. It doesn't shock me.

[Sea of Time]

Hey, the Blue Jays are winning. So I don't think Canada cares anymore. We're focusing on 'real football', the CFL.

[TheEnglishman]

Heh... 'real football'. Of course it is SoT, you keep telling yourself that. ;)
I guess each country will concentrate more on it's own sports though. American football would never have an effect here that's for sure.

[Sea of Time]

There is a Euro NFL over there. They show the games here during the offseason! Sunday Night Football people!

Anyways, is there ongoing football action over there right now, or does everyone get a bit of a break?

[TheEnglishman]

Well there are pre-season friendlies but it just gives the big teams a chance to try new players against the non-league sides. The premiership is heading back though!

[Sea of Time]

So it's like a summer league kind of thing? The same thing's going on with the NBA. All the teams have their own prospects and they play each other in smaller games in Vegas.

It's interesting for a fan of the sport to say the least.

[Golden Legacy]

The next major football events will be each of the Confederations hosting their own cup (i.e. Asia, Europe, the Americas, etc.). I for one am looking forward to Euro 2008.

Also, does anyone know when World Cup qualifying matches officially begin?

[Sea of Time]

Ah, that's right, the Confederations. Canada hasn't made that since, like, forever. Hopefully with a higher FIFA rating, they have the pieces to make it this year.

[TheEnglishman]

Sea_of_Time, on Jul 23 2006, 10:22 PM, said:

So it's like a summer league kind of thing? The same thing's going on with the NBA. All the teams have their own prospects and they play each other in smaller games in Vegas.

It's interesting for a fan of the sport to say the least.

Well the friendlies aren't really important. It's just done at random, usually with the big teams playing the little clubs. Then the leagues start again part way through August.
World Cup qualifiers usually start about two years before the World Cup so probably part way through 2008.

[Nemphtis]

Real football? Kiss my ass.

[Bexie]

Sea_of_Time, on Jul 23 2006, 10:10 PM, said:

Hey, the Blue Jays are winning. So I don't think Canada cares anymore. We're focusing on 'real football', the CFL.

Real football? HAHA. What you call "football" is really just rugby for wimps.

[TheEnglishman]

Bexie, on Jul 25 2006, 07:19 PM, said:

Real football? HAHA. What you call "football" is really just rugby for wimps.

That's pretty much my opinion on the subject. The only protection you really get in rugby is a muthguard, and not everyone uses it.

[Sea of Time]

That's the last time I make a joke in this topic. ;)

[TheEnglishman]

Sorry it's just a thing that bothers most English people, when other people say that American football is the real football.

[Sea of Time]

Yeah. You know, is there any way we can change this to just a general football topic? The World Cup is over, but we shouldn't have to make a totally new topic.

[TheEnglishman]

Yeah I think that's a good idea. I get to babble on about football then!

[Sea of Time]

Hey, anything for a post count. They did it to the SSBB topic, I'm sure they can do it to this one.

And by the way, aren't sports considered entertainment?

[Golden Legacy]

I live here in America, and I myself don't like using the term 'soccer' for the sport, or calling the rugby-esque sport here 'football'. Unfortunately, I'm one of the minority.

And good point, Sea of Time, I'll be sure to rename the topic as such.

~2000~

;)

[Sea of Time]

Now that's a fast response! ;) Thanks a lot, GL.

[TheEnglishman]

Brilliant service!
I don't know if you guys had heard about the Italians clubs who had been punished for fixing matches. If you did then you may have known about the very tough punishments they received for their parts. Well they appealed against their punishments and now they've been changed.
http://news.bbc.co.u...ope/5215178.stm

[Golden Legacy]

Just doing my job, fellows. ;)

I just read that story at the FIFA website

A brief quote in terms of the changes:

AC Milan will also remain in the top flight as decided previously with a smaller number of points deducted - minus eight rather than minus 15. They will also be entered for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.

Juve did receive some clemency with the appeals court reducing the penalty points they start next season with from minus 30 to minus 17...

While not the kind of change the Turin club had hoped for the reduction does give them a chance to push for promotion back to the top flight Serie A next season.

[TheEnglishman]

The clubs affected are gonna have problems still though. Their players aren't going to stay with clubs that have such bad positions in their leagues. I think some of Juventus's players have either left or are going to leave soon.

[Sea of Time]

REVIVED

Well I was watching Sportscentre yesterday (Canadian Sportscenter), and lo and behold, we had football highlights. I was still waiting for my Raptors highlights so I didn't change the station (for once), and in a highlight for the England/Croatia game, the goalkeeper for England attempted to kick the ball and missed! The ball rolled into the net making it 2-0 for Croatia, pretty much killing any chance England had to win the game.

Now the description from the newscaster was that the ball skipped on the chalk marking the goal crease, but still I was surprised at what happened, and how embarassed the goalie must be.

I'm sure Me111 has something to say about this? It is your football team.

[TheEnglishman]

Of course I do! First of all when the ball hit the divot in the pitch, it was when Paul Robinson (England's goalkeeper) was about to kick it. It bounced at the same moment that he tried to kick it. I don't think it was all his fault, though he may have been better off trying to get the ball later on.
I don't suppose it showed all of the good sves that he did in the game did it SoT? Or even talk about how he is usually a good goalie and definietly the best England have right now. Any good goalkeeper will make mistakes.
Still I can't deny England played badly on Wednesday.

[Ravenblade]

They did indeed, although Robinson was unfortunate.

Did anyone ever see something similar that happened to Tim Flowers a few years back - someone shot from way out and it was just rolling along the ground - he bent down to pick it up and, for no reason whatsoever, it flew into the air, over his head, and into the net. It must have hit a rut in the ground or something and the poor guy stood no chance but it was funny as hell XD

Back to the topic in hand though - England suck against bad teams. I mean, Croatia are ok but we really shoulda beaten them.

[TheEnglishman]

It's always happened. They can take on big teams and win, but they'll fluff their matches against smaller teams.
Bizarre though this sounds, I think that's one reason I like them. Sure they could win every match they played, but they wouldn't really be likeable then. The fact that they mess up from time to time shows they're only human.

[Sea of Time]

At least that wasn't nearly as bad as when that goalie missed the kick after a throw-back. That was embarassing even to watch.

[TheEnglishman]

Heh... "throw-back" ;) .
I assume you mean the match between Aston Villa and Birmingham City when Villa went 3-0 down due to that moment of comedy? My dad being a Villa supporter made it even funnier.

[Sea of Time]

You can tell I watch a lot of football. XD

Yeah, but that video is all over the internet. It's hilarious!

[TheEnglishman]

If he'd actually not touched it, it wouldn't have counted as a goal. You can't score from a throw in. But as it touched his boot, he ended up making things worse.

[Sea of Time]

It just made it worse when the fan ran onto the field and patted him on the head as he was walking off. Very embarassing.

[TheEnglishman]

That's the unfortunate thing about making a mess of something like that. You're more likely to be remembered for making a mistake than for having a brilliant career.
I've noticed something about footballers. The moment they leave the sport, they all seem to become pundits. There's people like Alan Shearer and Ian Wright doing it, but most of them are so bad it's embarassing. Not as embarassing as Vinnie Jones thinking he can act though.

[Sea of Time]

Beckham was great in his ten second role in "Bend it like Beckham" where he walks onto a plane. That's the only footballer I've ever seen in movies.

[FlamingDuck]

I like the soccer mess up when the goalie throws it, it hooks off his hand, and goes into his own goal.

[TheEnglishman]

Sea_of_Time, on Oct 13 2006, 08:41 PM, said:

Beckham was great in his ten second role in "Bend it like Beckham" where he walks onto a plane. That's the only footballer I've ever seen in movies.

Never watched X Men: The Last Stand then? That had Vinnie Jones in as the Juggernaut. He has about four lines of dialogue. There are more but I can't think of them right now.

[Sea of Time]

I think I finally see now what Canada thinks of football. This is the view of football from Sportscentre, Canada's most popular daily sports news show.

Football is known as soccer. Soccer highlights will be played at the end of the show and only if there's time after the "classic" hockey highlights from ten years ago. The only soccer highlights that will be shown in the two minutes alotted to it, will be Euro 2008 qualifiers, or Champions League play. Also, when the highlights are running, make sure to point out the player's bad teeth as much as possible. Also, make fun of their celebration dances. Then, when the highlights are over, chortle for about ten seconds, and then continue to more hockey highlights.

That's how Canadian television views football, for all those who are interested.....

[TheEnglishman]

Man here there's football at every opportunity. That's something I love about Britain.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/t...pur/6076094.stm Bizarre controversy in football at the moment. I can't recall anybody being bitten before. :)
Still controversy seems to be ruining football at the moment. It stops people from being amazed by brilliant performances. I guess that's just the way things have changed in football.

[Sea of Time]

I remember when Mike Tyson bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear....in the boxing ring.

This is much less interesting and I just thought I'd point out what it reminds me of.

[TheEnglishman]

Well it's still pretty bizarre, even if he didn't actually do anything that bad, and an example of how the media isn't concentrating on the game in front of them, but on any bad things on the pitch.

[Sea of Time]

That's the media's job. To make stupid things the front page news! Or at least in sports. With politics, the scary **** makes the front page so everyone will be scared and be all like "OMGWTFVOTEREPUBLICANLMAO!"

[TheEnglishman]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/i...als/6109226.stm
Obviously I'm fully behind it. We've also got an advantage in having the 2012 Olympics, but this would be great for the country if we won the bid.

[Sea of Time]

That's a long way away, but it would be a great place to host the World Cup.

[TheEnglishman]

It would be great. There are a lot of grounds across the country which could could hold matches and then there's the new (or old by then) Wembley. Having the Government backing the bid is encouraging.

[Sea of Time]

For some reason I always think of Quidditch when someone mentions the World Cup in Britain.

But that new Wembley stadium is sweet!

[TheEnglishman]

It's sweet but it's meant to have been finished a long time ago. Still it's difficult to reach the correct deadline for something that big.

[Sea of Time]

Anything that looks that good takes a while. Even rebuilding the Louisiana Superdome took a year and a half!

[TheEnglishman]

Well that want it to be good. It needs to be just as good as the old Wembley, if not better. Anything less and people will be angry.

[Sea of Time]

Of course. But if you throw an awesome roof on there that closes when it rains you'll be perfect!

[TheEnglishman]

Actually the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff has one of those. It was shut when I went to see a match there.
Heh. I typed Millenium Dome first! ;)

[Sea of Time]

Millenium Dome is the coolest name for a stadium......ever.

But roofs have flaws, like the Skydome in Toronto takes a really, really long time to open and close. Like two hours.

[TheEnglishman]

Shame the Millenium Dome is the complete waste of money in London. It was fun when I went there though.
The roof at the Millenium Stadium took a long time to shut as well.
Just a thought I had. When the World Cup was last in England, we won it. Perhaps the Government is hoping we'll be just as lucky again!

[Sea of Time]

Isn't there a big Millenium ferris wheel somewhere in Europe.....like France or something? Now that looks like a waste of money.

[TheEnglishman]

If you mean the London Eye then it's in... London surprisingly. It's good though. Gives a great view of the whole of London. More successful than the Millenium Dome.

[Sea of Time]

It still seems out of place. But back to football....

[Saturos S.]

I went to Ajax - Ado game a few days ago. No Ado supporters were permitted because of riots at former games. So it was pretty empty.

But the amusing part is that a few days before the game a small film was put on the internet where you see the ado keeper putting a sextoy up his bottom with his wife. You could say that the keeper was lucky he had broken his leg so he didn't have to play. Some of the songs you heard were pretty harsh.

[

[TheEnglishman]

Just thought I'd bring a mention to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been manager of Man United for 20 years and has made them one of the most successful clubs in the world at that time. He's won tons of trophies and has stayed in the job for so long, he deserves all the celebrations he gets.
What makes it even more special is that managers usually get sacked in the first season or so if they aren't successful. Alex Ferguson is an example of how allowing a manager time to make improvements to a side can bring a lot of success in the future.