WORLD CUP: Results Discussion

is it just me, or did Brazil finally get a McDonalds?  Ronaldo is a bit plump this year

Ronny's definately let himself go a bit, must be all that paella they eat in Spain. He was trim at the last WC, though he was in Italy then, with all the pasta. 

Just need to get in the six yard box and he's as lethal as anybody, only 2 goals short of the all time record in WC finals. You can bet your bottom dollar that Brazil won't deny him that record. Although, Robinho is looking sharp.

How aboout Les Blues tonight, only a point in a game which they should've won. Still expect them to go through though.

I liked half time talk when the were lookin for look-a-likes. IMO, Gary Lineker looks like an orange, i have to turn the colour down on my TV every time he's on screen. 

I've enjoyed watching the WC very much and have really got into some of the games.  But the one thing that annoys me is all of the diving.  Granted, sometimes these players really do get hurt when some vicious tackles (or as in the case of the elbow to McBride's head, a lot of blood pouring down his face is a good sign!) but the vast majority of the time they squirm around like they've been castrated and the minute they realize the ref isn't calling a penalty they're right up jogging down the field as if nothing happened!  Just seems like a lot of gamesmanship to me.

The Australians put up a valiant fight and held off the Brazilians for what, like 50-60 minutes? (I can't remember when that first goal was scored)  They played well against a mightily superior team.  Thing is, Brazil had the group in the bag, so Australia didn't HAVE to win this game.  They need to beat Croatia to move on, so while this would've been a great upset to boost spirit, it wasn't a crucial game (Since Japan is out & Croatia has 1 point, they can even only tie Croatia to still advance).   Gotta root for the Socceroos!

I'm really looking forward to the Germany & Ecuador game.  I think that'll be gooood.

I've enjoyed watching the WC very much and have really got into some of the games.  But the one thing that annoys me is all of the diving.  Granted, sometimes these players really do get hurt when some vicious tackles (or as in the case of the elbow to McBride's head, a lot of blood pouring down his face is a good sign!) but the vast majority of the time they squirm around like they've been castrated and the minute they realize the ref isn't calling a penalty they're right up jogging down the field as if nothing happened!  Just seems like a lot of gamesmanship to me.

I LOVE that theatricality about it!  Cracks me up.  Like a child starting to cry, then realizes no one's looking, so they stop.
Quite entertaining to see grown men behave like that. 

Yeah, France should have had that second goal, BUT... WOW, what a thrill when S. Korea scored!!!  I actually got a chill, seeing that team and that crowd in such unified elation... I find it infectious.

Kezza........you mentioned earlier about how you want soccer/football to take off in the US.  I have a little quot for you from an article I read on ESPNsoccernet.com.

If the U.S. pulls off "The Miracle on Grass" and gets out of the toughest group in the 2006 World Cup, this could very well be the tipping point U.S. soccer has been waiting so long for.

So to all the people out there -- the ones who are claiming they don't like soccer but helped produce the biggest soccer ratings ever and to also the diehard U.S. fans -- are you ready to be tipped?


looks like the ratings are higher than ever, so somebody is finally watching

From the experts in my house (not me really, but DH and DS):  US held their own against Italy.  Well done!  The game was chippy though and I hate divers (italy..). 

England game, on Crouch's goal.  He pulled on the ponytail of the player next to him to gain the height to make the header!!!!  How the heck are we supposed to teach kids that cheating is bad if a player like Crouch does something like that and doesn't get called. 

DS was rooting for France, but now Argentina.  He says they are playing the best football of everyone and are playing as a team. 

I loved the Ghana -Czech game.  I'm hoping Ghana does well. 

Kezza........you mentioned earlier about how you want soccer/football to take off in the US.  I have a little quot for you from an article I read on ESPNsoccernet.com.

If the U.S. pulls off "The Miracle on Grass" and gets out of the toughest group in the 2006 World Cup, this could very well be the tipping point U.S. soccer has been waiting so long for.

So to all the people out there -- the ones who are claiming they don't like soccer but helped produce the biggest soccer ratings ever and to also the diehard U.S. fans -- are you ready to be tipped?


looks like the ratings are higher than ever, so somebody is finally watching

The States are definately in a tough group, Group C has been named the 'Group of Death' though:

Argentina
Holland
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro


I feel sorry for the IVC, they would've definately qualified had they been in another group.

The States can still qualify though, think they need to beat Ghana by a large score and depending on what happens in the Czech Rep v Italy game, they may sneak through, odds are highly against it though.

Either way, all you can ask for is that they try their best.

never mind, i just saw his/her post in the other World Cup thread and I see that he's an England supporter.  That explains it.  For some reason most people here in this country (NOT EVERYONE, BUT A LOT) really get a kick out of watching team USA fail in the World Cup and at soccer in general.  The announcers on "Match of the Day last night were just down right picking on USA.  Basically calling them babies when they showed thier post game remarks about the refs.  Yet everygame has had the same post game interviews about poor officiating, but USA is singled out.  I just don't understand.

Ahem.

I watched the USA v Italy game in a pub in Putney on Saturday, and EVERYONE in there, no exceptions, wanted the USA to win!  We may want the US to do badly in sports where they traditionally dominate...we are sooo bored with you guys cleaning up in the Olympics!  I don't know a single non-Italian in the UK who wanted Italy to win.  We all thought that you guys did really well, especially considering the sending offs.

However, where it comes to footy, the English have a natural inclination towards the side of the underdog, and in football you are definitely the underdog, especially against Italy.

I didn't hear the comments made afterwards, but I am sure the commentators were no more scathing than they would have been if it were any other country.  I assure you that in footballing terms there would be more resentment of the Italians, and I think you are being oversensitive.

Vicky

After spending my lunch hour on Oxford Street (no, NOT a regular habit) and noticing all the #9 and #10 shirts, I slightly regretted not wearing my #7 shirt (I didn't see any #7 shirts!?!?). 
However, am I a big dork if I do?  Y'know, being a girl AND a Yank?   

However, where it comes to footy, the English have a natural inclination towards the side of the underdog, and in football you are definitely the underdog, especially against Italy.
Vicky

One of my bosses told me the same the other day when we were all watching the England game.  He said 'you guys are the underdog...we want you to win!'   

I slightly regretted not wearing my #7 shirt 
However, am I a big dork if I do?  Y'know, being a girl AND a Yank?   

I'm assuming you mean you're wearing an England #7... then yes, definitely a dork! 

I'm assuming you mean you're wearing an England #7... then yes, definitely a dork! 

Um, yeah...?!  (what'd I miss?)

Isn't #7 Beckham's number..?  It's ok though, he's still hot!!

I actually saw a  #7 shirt on the high street today..  thanks for the heads up.. had no idea.. 
And the way I hear it is  England  wants US to win agianst Italy because  they don't want to play Italy.  Italy is a good  team  and harder to beat..   DH hopes US  does well in Soccer and it does catch on  in the states this way they can join the rest of the world and not be so  isolationist about  sports..