Official World Cup Spoiler Thread

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:01 pm

Well deserved by France - they look unrecognizeable from the risible team that barely got through the group stage. Brazil deservedly out - haven't seen much of the beautiful game from them for awhile.

It's still a treat to see Zidane play like he did today. Glad to see his career will be ending on a reasonable high note. I'll be rooting for them against Portugal - Dave's "Cheating Scum" is a pretty accurate moniker for that squad.

Can't wait to see Ronaldo and Rooney next season. Who'll face more hatred - Shrek or the pretty diving boy?

Best wishes,

Doug

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:27 pm

JRod wrote:
F308GTB wrote:Friggin' Tivo. Lost the 2 extra periods. Oh well, glad I did. Games of this magnitude on penalty kicks is a disservice to the game. Ending on PKs is gay. Settle it like men.
I don't see how teams could continue to play. Every OT played this world cup, was a display of fatigue.

Sven costed this team a loss. How can you expect to win when you don't score?

This was a disappointing game.

Sven wasn't skying shots over the ball or missing the ball completely. They had their chances even when they were playing a man down and simply failed to convert them. In football you just don't get many clear chances on goal and you need to covert them ruthlessly.

Best wishes,

Doug

Programmed2Kill · Post by **Programmed2Kill** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:09 pm

I was absolutely glued to the television with both games. I couldn't take my eyes off these games, despite the low scoring.

Some points...

Did Beckham go invisible while in the game? I know they had the Coles take it up the pitch all day, but damn...at least give Becks a chance of crossing.

Swede Boy f**ked up taking Walcott along. You knew you were already scarce on strikers. Why take a fetus striker instead of someone that has actually played?!

Lampard came up small. Big time. During the whole tournament.

Rooney needs to concentrate on scoring instead of stepping on people's balls or beating his chest like Donkey Kong.

Cristiano Ronaldo.................you better run, boy. RUNNNNNNNNNN. Madrid got the escape pod for ya. RUNNNNNNNNNNN.

Ribery. I became a fan as soon as the tournament started. Dude is kick-ass.

I swear Thierry Henry looks lathargic as hell out there, but then he comes out of nowhere and scores goals. Amazing.

Hey, guess what...I just picked up a carton of milk...and Ronaldinho's ugly mug was on the side with the words "Have You Seen Me?" above it.

As much as I like watching Brazil, thank goodness they lost. Everyone and their family pet was a Brazil fan. I got sick of seeing Brazil Nike commercials every time I turned on the tube. Joga Bonito deez nuts, bastards.

I was watching the WC on Univision the whole time. Never once did I turn to ESPN or ABC. They suck. Univision is the truth. Not only do you get the better coverage, but before and in between matches, it's nothing but booty and breasts

Programmed2Kill · Post by **Programmed2Kill** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:13 pm

Oh yeah, it's already started......

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/060701/1/l42d.html

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 6:14 pm

ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!!

F308GTB · Post by **F308GTB** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:25 pm

JRod wrote:
F308GTB wrote:Friggin' Tivo. Lost the 2 extra periods. Oh well, glad I did. Games of this magnitude on penalty kicks is a disservice to the game. Ending on PKs is gay. Settle it like men.
I don't see how teams could continue to play. Every OT played this world cup, was a display of fatigue.

Same fatigue happens in hockey, but what about the NHL Playoffs? It's like playing a few overtimes in NBA and if still tied lining up at the free throw line. Fatigue just means more mistakes in play and one team can take advantage. Just think it should be settled the RIGHT way.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:36 pm

Hard to compare the NBA and the NHL with the world cup. You get time to rest on the bench in those two sports. Sure in the NHL you sprint like hell for two minutes but you get a few seconds on the bench.

Doug,
Of course Sven didn't miss those shots, that's a stupid argument. Look at how England played the entire tournament, they weren't playing good football. Sven has not done anything with this team in either the Euro or WC. Much like Arena is to blame for the US pathetic performance, Sven is to blame for England. Yes they were unlucky with Owen, and then Beckham getting injured. Sven has not been able to manage this team to an important win.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:39 pm

Zeppo wrote:ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!!

I need an extra barf bucket.

I cant think of a more disgusting country on earth. Ofcourse Im not speaking of the soccer team but the people....Cant be any more scummier and not be from the Taliban...

Go Portogese diving team !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:02 pm

And you guys thought the phrase "greasy Italian" was bad...

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:02 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:And you guys thought the phrase "greasy Italian" was bad...

Sorry Frenchie

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:35 pm

XXXIV wrote: I cant think of a more disgusting country on earth. Ofcourse Im not speaking of the soccer team but the people....Cant be any more scummier and not be from the Taliban...

f*** off!!

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:51 pm

davet010 wrote:Christiano Ronaldo better hope he gets his move to Real Madrid, because if he stays in England, I give his legs about 2 months in an intact state.

DT

PS - I must admit, even when Portugal missed the second one, that at no point did I think England would win. There is only one way to take penalties - smash it as hard as you can.

Really? They would punish him for trying his best for his team? Rooney has greater culpability, getting tossed out than Ronaldo has, making the winning kick.

One thing though, two of Portugal's penaltie goals, including the one made by Ronaldo, came as they stutter-stepped approaching the ball. That may have made the keeper start leaning one way.

Is that allowed? Apparently so and why didn't England try it when Ricardo seemed to be anticipating England's penalty takers so well?

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:55 pm

Did anyone who watched Univision over ESPN/ABC have HDTV on the latter?

So enthusiasm over pretty pictures?

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 12:55 am

wco81 wrote:Did anyone who watched Univision over ESPN/ABC have HDTV on the latter?

So enthusiasm over pretty pictures?

I watched univision on the second game. I think they are using the same feed although ABC/ESPN is on a 2 second delay.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:07 am

Univision doesn't broadcast in HDTV though AFAIK.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:42 am

No Univision HD means that I'm watching American TV, even if Stewart Scott and Stephen A. Smith are doing the game.

France has been beautiful to watch, and the trio of Zidane/Henry and Ribery transcendent.

XXXIV what the f---- is that all about? And this is coming from me, the guy who made and stood by his greasy Italian comment

My money is still on Italy, unfortunately those slips are irrevocable

, but my heart is with (I can't believe I'm saying this) France. The fact that ZZ is actually living up to the ridiculous hype that the US announcers are heaping onto him is amazing LOL

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:15 am

wco81 wrote:
davet010 wrote:Christiano Ronaldo better hope he gets his move to Real Madrid, because if he stays in England, I give his legs about 2 months in an intact state.

DT

PS - I must admit, even when Portugal missed the second one, that at no point did I think England would win. There is only one way to take penalties - smash it as hard as you can.
Really? They would punish him for trying his best for his team? Rooney has greater culpability, getting tossed out than Ronaldo has, making the winning kick.

One thing though, two of Portugal's penaltie goals, including the one made by Ronaldo, came as they stutter-stepped approaching the ball. That may have made the keeper start leaning one way.

Is that allowed? Apparently so and why didn't England try it when Ricardo seemed to be anticipating England's penalty takers so well?

No - Ronaldo will get spannered for going to the referee in an attempt to get Rooney sent off. FIFA were supposedly cracking down on that, which as usual resulted in one player getting booked in a meaningless group game.

davet010 · Post by **davet010** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:18 am

F308GTB wrote:
JRod wrote:
F308GTB wrote:Friggin' Tivo. Lost the 2 extra periods. Oh well, glad I did. Games of this magnitude on penalty kicks is a disservice to the game. Ending on PKs is gay. Settle it like men.
I don't see how teams could continue to play. Every OT played this world cup, was a display of fatigue.
Same fatigue happens in hockey, but what about the NHL Playoffs? It's like playing a few overtimes in NBA and if still tied lining up at the free throw line. Fatigue just means more mistakes in play and one team can take advantage. Just think it should be settled the RIGHT way.

That the ice hockey where there are 4 offensive lines who rotate on and off every 1-2 minutes of play ? And you aren't running about a playing area that is at least 4 times bigger in area, and not doing it in 90 degree heat ?

So in fact, nothing like the same fatigue happens in ice hockey ?

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:32 am

Zeppo wrote:
XXXIV wrote: I cant think of a more disgusting country on earth. Ofcourse Im not speaking of the soccer team but the people....Cant be any more scummier and not be from the Taliban...
f*** off!!

what I say???....Id have an excuse if I was Brazilian but crap Im a Greek dip s***...

I meant all French people but you?....

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:34 am

RobVarak wrote: XXXIV what the f---- is that all about? And this is coming from me, the guy who made and stood by his greasy Italian comment

Ummm...A)The captain made me do it??? B)bad date??? C)Im an idiot???

I choose all of the above

Go Portugal!!!!

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:38 am

Wow, I go to my nephews graduation party and get home late to finish watching the second half just to watch an incredible half of soccer and come and read more bullshit in this thread. Let's keep the discussion solely on the sport and leave any thoughts about countries and/or their citizens out of it. I was suprised at the greasy-haired comments, not offended but I have to say that the French comments are completely ignorant. One more comment about someone's nationality and this thread gets locked.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:47 am

ScoopBrady wrote: I have to say that the French comments are completely ignorant. .

Yep...I agree

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:44 am

XXXIV wrote:
RobVarak wrote: XXXIV what the f---- is that all about? And this is coming from me, the guy who made and stood by his greasy Italian comment

Ummm...A)The captain made me do it??? B)bad date??? C)Im an idiot???

I choose all of the above

Go Portugal!!!!

That's cool, man. Thanks for the apology. I was a bit drunk when I responded, and I bet I wasn't the only one

France has surprised, and I am almost amazed at how inept Brazil looked for most of the match. At one point in the first half, ESPN covered the screen with a stat about shots on goal, indicating that Brazil has averaged over 9 per game and had 0 up to that point in this one.

I still think Viera is the key, although you wouldn't know it from last night. Henry frustrates me no end, but then he goes and scores the goal. What's most impressive is the defending. How they let Korea get one in, I just don't know. Maybe it's best they not take the lead too early, as they tend to go into too much of a shell when ahead, but they haven't given up many goals at all, despite the adventure that is Barthez. I like seeing Makele and Viera on together, but that may have just been a Brazil special. Maybe for Portugal they go with a second striker, like Trezeguet, matched up with Henry. Or maybe I am a happy man when I see Wiltord in the starting group! Either way, they need Viera, Ribery, the back line, and Zidane to continue to play well (I wouldn't quite say 'over their heads'), and they must avoid going to penalties. I just don't see Barthez being a hero in penalties, but heck, what do I know?

Germany v. Italy should be interesting. Will the Germans be able to break them down and fidn the goal? Hmm, let's see, the only team to score a goal agains the Italians in this WC is. . . of course, the USA. Sure, it was an own goal, but if he hadn't touched it it would have gone in anyway, or at worst McBride could have fallen over and it would have gone it. Fact is, Buffon was beaten by the ball, not by his defender. Anyway, they sure are stingy, such excellent team defending, and then Buffon has been standing on his head the whole tourney. But then, they haven't had the toughest road to the semis, either. I just don't see how Germany can break them down without Ballack at the top of his game pulling off something really crazy. That equalizer they got was a pretty damn good goal, they will need a few chances like that I think. I don't worry too much about Italy scoring loads of goals, but if they get the first one in, it becomes very tough for the Germans. I guess that's obvious!

I'm pulling for a Germany v. France final, at which point I will have to split myself in two to keep from going bonkers.

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:32 am

JRod wrote:Hard to compare the NBA and the NHL with the world cup. You get time to rest on the bench in those two sports. Sure in the NHL you sprint like hell for two minutes but you get a few seconds on the bench.

Doug,
Of course Sven didn't miss those shots, that's a stupid argument. Look at how England played the entire tournament, they weren't playing good football. Sven has not done anything with this team in either the Euro or WC. Much like Arena is to blame for the US pathetic performance, Sven is to blame for England. Yes they were unlucky with Owen, and then Beckham getting injured. Sven has not been able to manage this team to an important win.

I entirely agree that England had been pretty poor during the tournament, and that Erickson bears a great deal of responsibility for that. But the way England played during the previous games really was irrelevant during yesterday's game. The fact is, England had chances to win the game yesterday and, for all Erickson's faults (and I've been among his critics), he did at least put them into a position where they had the opportunity to win.

I really wonder whether Mclaren will be much of an improvement - I certainly hope so. As Dave pointed out, under Erickson England have had their best record of qualifying for major competitions. Erickson surely displayed tactical limitations but to a large degree they may have been dictated by the nature of the English game - which right now is in a period of transition.

With the influx of foreign players into England it may be increasingly difficult for home grown talent to get top flight playing opportunities. This is the flip side of one beneficial effect of foreign players (and managers) into the premiership - increased level of play and exposure to different systems of tactical play/management. It's really the development of the tactical and technical skills in England for home grown players which is still problematic - and where France (for example) was so adept in its creation of its 'Golden Generation'.

Best wishes,

Doug

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:58 am

After the US - Italy game, well actually during a drinking binge after the US - Italy game, I decided that 10v9 was interesting. Rather than going right to PK's, they should play one more 20 minute period, removing one player from both sides every 5 minutes, coaches choice. That would open things up and be fun...and crazy.

Like I said, I was drinking at the time...