2006 World Cup Thread

[Hard Idle]

I am not a huge soccer fan, but after watching Argentina play today, well, let's just say I will watch a little more...
...

You should have been watching Argentina in the South American Championships of 2004. It was like therapy for the eyes and soul to anyone who endured the Taratula mating ritual otherwise known as Euro 2004.

I knew that if they brought the same game over to this World Cup they would make mincmeat of most of the competition. I felt going in that this was the best Argentinian team since 1978, including the fortunate WC'86 champs.

If they don;t fall into disciplinary and foul problems like Argentine teams of the recent past, they will be hard to beat. The biggest question mark is just which combination of players is best to start?

 

[Hard Idle]

could someone please throw the French out of the WC, with the exception of Henry they are ageing, slow and boring, here is hoping they dont make the next round

That shouldn't take to long. The first 50 minutes or so were the best they've played at a tournament for many years, but if that's their best it won't make them a factor beyond this round.

I thouht the Koreans waited too long to bring Ahn into the game, and generally could have turned the tide a little earlier if they had made thier substitutions sooner.

If France gets through the perlims, they'll be one of several teams that got a very lucky draw, including Spain, Portugal, England & Sweeden. Grops B, D & G are particularly shallow - I think Ivory Coast or Ghana would have won either of those, and done no worse than second in H or F.

On the other hand Groups E & C are too rich. Although none of Italy, USA, CzechRep & Ghana have played their best, I think they all deserve to get through.

 

[the_big_E]

if France beat Togo 2-0, or beat them by 2 goals they are through...if they were to only win by 1, someone would have to win between Switzerland or Korea for them to advance.

Very nice bounce back game by Ukraine...though the way Tunisia is playing, they could make sure Spain or Ukraine dont go through

 

[goodtime]

I thouht the Koreans waited too long to bring Ahn into the game, and generally could have turned the tide a little earlier if they had made thier substitutions sooner.

I was wondering about that too. I'm guessing they're trying to give other new players more exposure. I recall reading they have the most repeat players from last world cup.

 

[the_big_E]

Tuesday - Friday

do or die games...here's hoping to Germany vs England in the round of 16.

 

[the_big_E]

What a goal by Joe Cole!

Micheal Owen is officially Mr. Glass. This is why you bring Defoe!

 

[CUTTERBUCK]

Tuesday - Friday

do or die games...here's hoping to Germany vs England in the round of 16.

I'm a born and bred Limey. We have to avoid Germany at all costs. History says that the the host nation progresses further than they should.

 

[ducttape]

Tuesday - Friday

do or die games...here's hoping to Germany vs England in the round of 16.

If Engerlund doesn't start playing better defence, they're never going to get to meet the Germans. Bloody awful second half today.

At least this gal has the right idea... http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Adman12/0102064682800.jpg

 

[2SOON JR]

If Engerlund doesn't start playing better defence, they're never going to get to meet the Germans. Bloody awful second half today.

At least this gal has the right idea... http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Adman12/0102064682800.jpg

noice....

 

[BuffNaked]

Those italians like to fall down alot, eh?

I think it has to do with thier training

 

[franky66]

Too bad for France they were robbed a clear 2 goal lead. The linesman is clearly a blind bat

 

[the_big_E]

Angola had a shot their for about 10 minutes....Portugal and Mexico await Holland and Argentina.

 

[franky66]

it seemed as if Angola were just happy to get a point in their first Cup. They showed ZERO urgency. Even the keeper at the end was wasting time when he should have been trying to get the ball upfield asap

 

[the_big_E]

Well England suffered a huge blow...Micheal Owen gone for the tournament with a torn ACL. Not that he showed much the first 2 games, but that leaves them with 3 strikers, and I still think Walcott won't get a sniff...way to go out Sven!

 

[David Beckham 23]

Sven is an idiot. Darren Bent had 18 goals this year and was on fire. Marlon Harewood is also a strong striker he could have taken. But he decided to take Walcott? Fucking idiot!

How was the Argentina vs Netherlands game. I know it was 0-0 but who was controlling the game?

 

[The_Ladies_Man]

How was the Argentina vs Netherlands game. I know it was 0-0 but who was controlling the game?

There was no sense of urgency to it and both seemed content in getting away with a tie. However, Argentina controlled the game for longer periods and had more clear-cut chances, but the Dutch did put pressure every now and then.

Ivory Coast versus Serbia & Montenegro was a good game with lots of goals. Ivory Coast never seem to get into gear until they are 2 down. This is the 3rd time they have been in that situation and finally managed to come out on top.

 

[luckyjackson]

I agree. Netherlands managed to look dangerous on a few occasions, but Argentina contained them handily, and created much more. I'd be more nervous than I already am if Portugal had drawn the Argies.

 

[the_big_E]

I was just glad Serbia scored a freakin' goal...Ivory Coast was all over them the entire game...Serbia finished the World Cup with only 1 of their top 4 defenders from qualifying...I would have to say by far the worst team in the tournament, and today they had too many guys playing out of position, they were clueless the last 2 games, not so terrible vs the Dutchies.

Sweden/Germany, Holland/Portugal, Argentina/Mexico...some nice match-ups in the next round!

 

[the_big_E]

I was just glad Serbia scored a freakin' goal...Ivory Coast was all over them the entire game...Serbia finished the World Cup with only 1 of their top 4 defenders from qualifying...I would have to say by far the worst team in the tournament, and today they had too many guys playing out of position, they were clueless the last 2 games, not so terrible vs the Dutchies.

Sweden/Germany, Holland/Portugal, Argentina/Mexico...some nice match-ups in the next round!

 

[the_big_E]

The Czech Republic, who looked so good vs the USA (but the US do stink) have shown nothing the last 2 games and are running out of creativity vs Italy. Having to score with 10 men will be difficult, a tie will see them through if USA ties Ghana...and on Materazzi's goal, it shows precisely why you put a guy on the post for corners!