2006 World Cup!

[nettreefrog]

2006 WORLD CUP

The time is almost here --and I wanted to see how many other obsessed fans are out there! It would be great to have a thread listing all of the action and our feelings as it occurs.

Here are a few links to start this thread:

Schedule --> http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/schedule.html
FIFA's Site --> http://www.fifa.com/en/index.html
BBC's WC Site --> http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/default.stm

Brazil names starting line-up --> http://www.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/05/03/brazil.team.reut/index.html?section=cnn_latest


June 9th is the first match!

[msnicolea]

I am BEYOND obsessed with the World Cup--but for me, it's all about the Italians!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/02/27/profile.italy/index.html

[FutureSA]

DUDE! I totally have to root for the "home team" (US of course)! I love LD!
I am stoked that it is a world cup year!

[suzubeane]

Heh - in MY house, the "home team" is ITALIA! (My kids' entire paternal family is there) My son follows the international soccer scene all year long - his team is Lazio. (None of whom appear to be in the starting lineup according the that article you posted, msnicolea. Hm.)

I'm not a sports fan at all (to an embarrassing degree sometimes) but after watching Italy play Brazil in '94 (losing by one point in penalty kicks! Aack!) I was completely hooked on international soccer. There's no professional sport popular in the U.S. that compares.

[ZoeGirl]

Yay! Soccer fans! I can't wait for the World Cup. Unfortunately, my current employer is not as lenient as my last employer, where three-quarters of the employees would sit in the back room and watch the games...including the boss!

[nettreefrog]

So excited that there are a number of us on CC who are looking forward to the World Cup!

I just came across this article in the Boston Herald about Thierry Henry: http://sports.bostonherald.com/soccer/view.bg?articleid=139034

[Lindsan]

I will be watching. We talked about getting tickets last year but decided it would be a little too much money to go.

I thought we could list all the groups in the play offs:
Group A
Germany
Costa Rica
Poland
Ecuador

Group B
England
Paraguay
Trinidad & Tobago
Sweden

Group C
Argentina
Ivory Coast
Serbia & Montenegro
Netherlands

Group D
Mexico
Iran
Angola
Portugal

Group E
Italy
Ghana
USA
Czech Republic

Group F
Brazil
Croatia
Australia
Japan

Group G
France
Switzerland
Korea
Togo

Group H
Spain
Ukraine
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia

To me it seems like every single World Cup, European Championship we get stuck with England in our group. Why? A little variation would be nice thank you very much. But on the other hand we know their game and the statistics are in our favour so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. But it's sad because England is my team (not counting Sweden of course).

I guess Brazil is the favourite for the winning spot. There have been seven different winners in World Cup history. Five of those are competing this year. I'd say that one of those five wil win.

So who are your favourite players girls?

[TriSigmaNC]

Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff and Brian McBride.
First two are KC Wizards.

[bevvied]

SOCA BOYS all the way...GO TnT !!!!!!!!!!

[JenniferH]

I am super pysched for the WC this year. My husband and I are totally addicted. Last time, we were on our honeymoon watching games at 4AM!!!

Fave players: Eddie Pope and Ben Olsen (hometown boy)

[emmjay]

I might watch some of the games - I generally don't like watching sports on TV but I always enjoy soccer matches. Live is much better, though! :)

DH is en route right now to Europe. He and his dad are going to Poland & Czech Rep. this week then to Germany next week for the WC. They're going to try to get into a USA game, but I think they're going to try to get tickets for any game they can. I bet the atmosphere will be amazing. Lucky bastard! :p

[tlew12778]

I do! But well, to be totally honest, I only watch the cup. I rarely ever watch any of the other games during the year and I live right down the road from San Siro where Milan and Inter play. I can't not watch the cut though... the entire city ROARS when Italy makes a goal. It's very addictive! Here entire offices just shut down when Italy is playing :p.

I'm actually an Inter fan if I have to choose a team... too bad no one from Inter seems to have made the starting lineup. I just can't support a team owned by Berlusconi no matter how many good players they have.

So next week it's me and that cat... he's a fan as well. His first cup was played when he was a year old and he just loves following the soccer ball all over the TV :p.

[Amaye]

I'm so excited for the games to begin. I am an "ok" soccer fan but DH is a HUGE soccer fan meaning we have all sorts of soccer channels and during the fall/winter, our weekend schedule is based around what games are playing :rolleyes:

We are both african but our teams (which are the usual top 2) did not make it in this year which was a huge blow to DH. So instead, being that he grew up in France for a while, he is all about the French team. His favorite team of all time is Marseille. As for me, l really don't have any favorites - will be cheering for underdogs.

Love Ronaldo - he is an amazing player, his foot work - wow! and he plays for the love of the game!

My other favorites include Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Thierry Henry (France) and Sol Campbell (England).

[tlew12778]

Ooo yeah I love Ronaldo too but he plays for Brazil :(. He was huge here when he was playing for Inter then he had that huge scandal with his now-ex-wife and went off to Madrid [shrug]. Italy plays their first game on June 12th. I can't wait!

[msnicolea]

Oh, Totti--ti amo!

http://www.icons.com/images/fantasy/Totti.jpg

http://hinemos.air-nifty.com/cal/armani-totti.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40110000/jpg/_40110667_totti_203g.jpg

[tinkerbelljenny]

I can't wait! Huge fan here! Thanks for posting this thread!!

[Amaye]

I just realized l said Ronaldo. l meant RONALDINHO!!! Amazing player - love watching him with Barcelona! He is an amazing dribbler!

[Lindsan]

Only two more days!

My favourite players are:
Ronaldinho
David Beckham
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Frank Lampard
Henrik Larsson
Zinedine Zidane
Thierry Henry

My pick for the top three:
Brasil
Germany
France
(even though my heart is with Sweden, of course, and England).

A friend of mine gave me some statistics to ponder. Brasil has won five times. Only once in Europe. Actually, he said that almost all of the times that the WC has been held in Europe a European country has won. When the WC has been held outside of Europe a South American country has won. I haven't had time to actually check if this is all true but I find it very interesting.

[jdevaz]

Amaye - you got me excited when you said Ronaldo - I immediately thought of Cristiano Ronaldo (plays with Manchester United - playing for Portugal in the WC). Since my DH and I are both of portuguese descent, we'll be rooting for Portugal.
Can't wait for the games to start.

[tlew12778]

So the Azzurri did an ad campaign (http://eng.dolcegabbana.it/main.asp) for D&G. Click on the gold soccer ball in the lower right hand corner. Yummy...

[msnicolea]

So the Azzurri did an ad campaign (http://eng.dolcegabbana.it/main.asp) for D&G. Click on the gold soccer ball in the lower right hand corner. Yummy...

Oh my.

Must. Take. Cold. Shower.

[Rosebud]

I just my TIVO to record a bunch of games. I don't follow soccer much during the year, but I really enjoy the sport and am excited to get into the World Cup.

I hear the USA has a great team... but what a bummer they'll likely meet Brazil early on. That'd be a tough one to win.

[Amaye]

So the Azzurri did an ad campaign (http://eng.dolcegabbana.it/main.asp) for D&G. Click on the gold soccer ball in the lower right hand corner. Yummy...

Ha! DH was just showing me that ad in a magazine.

YyyuuuummmmyyY!!! That belly tatto is calling me...:D :o

Only person l wish l could delete is Gattuso. I am so not a fan but have to say he looks pretty good.

[tlew12778]

Yay! Pre-game coverage just started here.

Are they tape delaying the games in the US?

[Amaye]

Amaye - you got me excited when you said Ronaldo - I immediately thought of Cristiano Ronaldo (plays with Manchester United - playing for Portugal in the WC). Since my DH and I are both of portuguese descent, we'll be rooting for Portugal.
Can't wait for the games to start.

I was actually reading about Cristiano Ronald yesterday - they are saying that the weight of the Portuguese team lies on him - lots of pressure!

Lindsan DH also mentioned that and it seems to be true. The only time a South American team has won in Europe was when Brazil won in 1958 with Sweden hosting. If not, a SA team wins outside of Europe. I am also hearing that whenever Brazil is slated to win, they don't. It should be an interesting WC.

[lainey]

Yay! I love the World Cup!

I'm all about the Italians too!!!!! That D&G ad is to die for - wow ;) I hope they come in first in their group so they won't have to play Brazil in round 2. My faves are Fabio Cannavarro and Francesco Totti. I wonder if the players will be distracted by everything that's going on in Italy's Seria A...hope not. Go Azzurri!

The games are shown live here in Canada.

[tlew12778]

They're trying to get everything squared up by next week (they're calling it calciotopoli). If there is one thing I've learned while living here it's that when they Italians want something done, it gets done fast! So if they think they might affect their playing, you can bet it'll be a done deal by next week.

[Lindsan]

So first game over and done with. What a good game it was compared to other opening games in previous WCs. I hope this is just a preview of what is to come.

(Really trying to not give anything away if the game is delayed in USA)

Amaye, yah, 1958 in Sweden ... they beat us in the finals those bastards, lol.

[JenniferH]

I watched it live in the US (East Coast). Most games from what I can tell will be soon live.

[Scooter]

Wow, so many Italy fans here! I'm so excited about this starting. The teams I always support are Italy, England and of course the US.

I'm just really hoping the referreeing is better than it was last WC. DH was scared of me because I was jumping up and down in the living room furious & screaming at the TV, I'd never seen such terrible calls in my life.

Tiffany, they're playing the games all over the channels, some on broadcast networks & some on cable (like ESPN), but when they play the games also depends on the teams playing. (Last time I know the Spanish channels played the games earlier, so I was getting up at 6 or 7am (or eariler) to watch the live coverage in Spanish, even though I couldn't understand too much!) :o


Forza Azzurri! :D

[tinkerbelljenny]

Watching the Poland game right now. Poland is down by one. Is this live? I am assuming that it is. Go Poland!!!!!!! Looking forward to see England play tomorrow.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/flags/pl-flag.gif

[pontmarie]

I like Brazil and Italy, we're soccer fans here, we're even planning to make a soccer field in our backyard for our boys :D

[tinkerbelljenny]

we're even planning to make a soccer field in our backyard for our boys
That is cool. When we move and build our house in a few years we are going to put one in too, I can't wait!

I love Italy too. Oh, game is back on...

[bellabonga]

Watching the Poland game right now. Poland is down by one. Is this live? I am assuming that it is. Go Poland!!!!!!!

Yes, it is live. I am watching it now too. I´m super-excited since WC is here in Germany and so is everyone else around. Today we saw lots of fans from Poland, France and Ecuador in the city and so far it seems to be nice and friendly. Hope there won´t be any horrible hooligan´s actions as in France some years ago.

[tinkerbelljenny]

bellabonga that must be exciting to be so close!

[tinkerbelljenny]

Poor Poland, oh well. Looking forward to tomorrow's games.

[Clubqueen]

Go Portugal!

Mmm... Cristiano Ronaldo... http://www.council-of-elrond.com/forums/images/smilies/swoon.gif
http://www.council-of-elrond.com/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif

[tlew12778]

The teams I always support are Italy, England and of course the US. So, who will you support when Italy plays the US in their second match? :p

[bevvied]

My fellow Caribbean team plays in a few hours...I hope that we do well...as the smallest nation's team...I want us to advance to the second round...

Go Soca Boys...Trinidad & Tobago ...Do well !!!

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/xp/20060527/i/557390362.jpg
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/soccer/3953980.html

:D

[tlew12778]

Man, I cannot figure out why they aren't showing England:Paraguay live on TV right now. I really wanted to watch it!

[tinkerbelljenny]

Just finished watching the England game. The second half was kind of boring, it seemed like both teams were really tired but happy that England won. The Sweden game is on next.

[bevvied]

I am always disgusted by American commentators when it comes to worldwide sports. They always seem so darn ignorant when it comes to non-American teams and other countries...

They keep bringing down the Trinidadian team, so far in the game they never once praised them for reaching the world Cup for such a small island. They spin everything in the negative

They are just disgusting me at this moment. I wish there was another channel I can watch the game on....one more appreciative of other countries and their long journey to even make it to the world cup...YUCK!!!!!!!

[bevvied]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS, woweeeeeeeeeeeeee

NEVER, ever underestimate the POWER of a SMALL CARIBBEAN NATION, we were the UNDERDOGS, but we came through.. CONGRATS on the DRAW!!!

GO SOCA WARRIORSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ....TRINIDAD & TOBAGO....YOU LARGE

You guys represented the Caribbean well....:D :D :D :D :D :D

[bevvied]

My Man of the Match from Trinidad & Tobago..GO Hislop..

That was the most exciting match thus far in the Cup....:D :D

Oh don't forget that they were playing with 10 men vs. the Swedes 11

[Lindsan]

I am so disappointed with Sweden's performance tonight. If this is all we have to put up then we can just as well pack up and go home again. Super Swedes my ass (Fredrik Ljungberg-Arsenal, Henrik Larsson-Barcelona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic-Juventus). My honest opinion: It was not Trinidad/Tobago that played well; it was Sweden that was not taking care of the opportunities. T/T shots on goal=3 Sweden shots on goal=18 T/T corners=1 Sweden corners=8 Sweden ball possesion=60%. After the red card there were 9 players in the T/T defence. The stats pretty much speak for themselves. But this is a game where you need to score to win, and tonight we didn't. Plain and simple facts.

Glad England got their three points today even if it means it's practically impossible for us to win our group now. David Beckham's left foot is worth it's weight in gold. It will be interesting to see what Sven-Göran Eriksson does when Wayne Rooney is match fit. Who will he take out? I hope it's Owen because he didn't do much right today. Crouch was much better.

Argentina - Ivory Coast - expected result. Drogba is a great player but he needs more support from his team mates.

The Germany-Costa Rica game last night is still the best one so far in my book.

[tinkerbelljenny]

bevvied I agree that Hislop played an awesome game. The game was very exciting!

[bevvied]

Lindsan..Sweden played well, it's just that their goals weren't being made because they Trinidad had a SUPERB goalkeeper..and I think they thought the Soca boys were an easy walk over, but we came fighting...

The goalie won the game for the Trinis.

[Lindsan]

I agree, Hislop played the game of his life.

[tinkerbelljenny]

Watching the Iran-Mexico game. It is tied 1-1.

[Scooter]

I My honest opinion: It was not Trinidad/Tobago that played well; it was Sweden that was not taking care of the opportunities.

Relly? I disagree, I thought the T/T defense did an excellent job. Sure, some of it was luck, but their defenders were woking well together, the midfield backed them up as necessary, they fought very hard to get to the ball & also move it up (not just clear it away every time). Sometimes it was a scramble but other times they showed some good ball-handling skills. I don't know, I thought that after the first 15 minutes they seemed to calm down a bit and start working well as a unit. And meanwhile Sweden was just not making use of their opportunities, I don't know what happened, I was really surprised by their performance.


So, who will you support when Italy plays the US in their second match? :p I know!! So hard, when I just want them both to get out of this round. I'm worried about the Czechs, though, depending on how either team plays these games the Czechs could win the whole group & spoil it. I really want to see Ghana play, I caught one of their games in the Africa Cup & they were good. So I'm a little worried there, too. And after that Sweden/Trinidad & Tobago game yesterday, it proves you just never know...

[Amaye]

Darn! I missed the Trin/Sweden game (birthing classes) but l heard it was amazing. I saw a recap of the game and must say that they had an amazing goal keeper.

I watched the Argentina/Ivory Coast which to me was one of the best games of the cup so far. I am more than digusted by the Ivorian goalkeeper. l could have been the goal keeper for all the skills he displayed which was NONE!:rolleyes: I was rooting for Ivory Coast - they played a very good game but you can tell that they need more experience. My fav player Didier Drogba played a very good game.

I also caught a part of the Portugal/Angola game. l was shocked!! Portugal did not play as expected and Angola played an amazing game. Their defense was pretty good and once again, more experience was needed for their offensive. Great game!!

I can't wait for France and Brazil to play. Lots more to look forward to.

[Lindsan]

Huh? When I walked out from work Japan was in the lead and when I got home 15 minutes later Australia had scored three times? Kicking myself for missing that!

Scooter, I think what I meant to say is that if Sweden had played their usual game T/T would not have been able to get a draw. But maybe that view is just a little bit influenced by the fact that I'm a Swede, lol! But the fact that we didn't win our first game has made me even more insecure about our capabilities to go fa in the tournament.

So, good luck USA! I think you will need it.;)

[bevvied]

Wow..the Czeh's have scored a goal on the US already....anyways..can't wait for Ghana's game later. I hope the do well

[tinkerbelljenny]

The US game is frustrating me, down by 2...ugh!

[Rosebud]

Now they're down 0-3. This SUCKS!!! :mad:

[tinkerbelljenny]

The US played horrible...and I mean HORRIBLE! How embarassing! I don't think I can watch them anymore, I was ready to jump through my TV screen after watching them. UGh. :rolleyes:

Totally looking forward to the Italy match.

[DaniML]

I guess I should've searched for this thread earlier. Should've known there were some Soccer fans here!

My team: Germany!!
Favorite player from team: Jens Lehman (he's just the cutest thing).

http://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/weltfussball/artikel/356/73283/image_fmabspic_0_0-1144238438.jpg
http://www.zdf.de/ZDFde/img/102/0,1886,2390886,00.jpg
http://img.web.de/c/00/59/90/5D.420

Truth be told he's one of the few players I actually remember!!!! I've lived in the States for almost 10 years now and haven't really kept up with soccer that much (except for the World Cup of course).

I have not gotten to see one single game!!!! I'm always either at work or at the ballfield (my son plays baseball)! I read on fifaworldcup.yahoo.com that they had a poll and people agree with you girls, the Germany game was the best one so far.

DH is American and roots for the U.S. of course. Makes for a nice little competition at our house. Of course he has been trash talking for days!!! I sent him a text message earlier and he has yet to respond LOL. I root for the U.S. and Germany unless they play each other.

[lainey]

FORZA AZZURRI!!!!

Yay Italy won! I think they played well, and had many chances to score - so many close ones. Iaquinta's goal was terrific - that was pretty exciting, and of course Pirlo's too! Ghana also played a good game and their goalie, Kingson, was great. It was an entertaining match to watch overall. I just hoped Italy could have scored more than (or equal to) 3 goals. Hope Totti will be ok for next game, and there are a few players I would also like to see play : Zambrotta and Gattuso especially. Cannavaro was awesome, as usual. Can't wait for Saturday now when Italy plays USA!!! I know we'll beat them too :D

[nettreefrog]

So happy to see so many of the CC watching... My DS was happily born May 15th, so I am home to see just about all of the games! I saw Germany beat Costa Rica, Ecuador crush Poland, England take out Paraguay, Argentina level Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal [unfortunately] romp Angola, the Czech Republic decimate the US, and Italy revel in their glory against Ghana --. Yet, my favorite game was Trinidad versus Sweden --because they seemed so evenly matched. Close games are more interesting to me than ones where one team dominates possession, has more shots on goal, etc.

Of course, I cannot wait until Brazil plays Croatia tomorrow... I am curious about how Parreira is going to strategize to get the most out of Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Kaka, and Dida + all of the other amazing players on the roster... It should be exciting to watch who starts and who substitutes... Somehow I think that no matter what, it is going to be thrilling!

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/gen/fifa/20051202/i/967521964.jpg

What's funny is that despite having some favorites, I find myself completely mesmerized by each game--and hoping that there will be some wonderful surprises (like Trinidad). Anyone else?

[msnicolea]

Viva Italia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scooter]

What's funny is that despite having some favorites, I find myself completely mesmerized by each game--and hoping that there will be some wonderful surprises (like Trinidad). Anyone else?
That's one of the things I love about the World Cup! Just as long as there are no surprises against my favorite teams. (Oh, and your DS was born exactly a week after my DD--I'm home, too. We're sitting together nursing through all the games! :))



I'm so disappointed with the US. Their group is just way too good for them to play like they did and advance to round 2. :/

[nettreefrog]

That's one of the things I love about the World Cup! Just as long as there are no surprises against my favorite teams. (Oh, and your DS was born exactly a week after my DD--I'm home, too. We're sitting together nursing through all the games! :))



I'm so disappointed with the US. Their group is just way too good for them to play like they did and advance to round 2. :/

Too funny--but first congrats! Scooter, my DH thinks that I planned the baby so that I would be on maternity leave during the WC!

I don't think that the US has a chance --especially when they play so poorly.

[tlew12778]

God I just LOVE hearing the city roar when Italy scores. They said on the news taoday that 70% of the country was watching. And I bet a good part of the remaining 30% were watching on the big screens they put up in the major piazzas. I'm glad Totti's OK. I can't wait for Saturday's game!

[tlew12778]

Just gotta say... the Croatians are putting up a GREAT fight.

[DaniML]

I absolutly LOVE the atmosphere in Europe when it's World Cup time. I remember in 1990 (the last time Germany won) people were out on the streets celebrating until early morning.

Here some pictures from Germany this year:
http://pg.squids.images.focus.de/img/gen/r/B/HBrBcORQ_Pxgen_r_395xA.jpg
http://pg.squids.images.focus.de/img/gen/M/E/HBMElB2S_Pxgen_r_395xA.jpg
http://pg.squids.images.focus.de/img/gen/E/r/HBErE2AQ_Pxgen_r_395xA.jpg

I so wish I could be there!!!

[bellabonga]

DaniML, this is such a crazy coincidence, I nearly can´t believe it! This afternoon I actually drove past the house on the first picture you posted! :eek: :D

[Sumike]

Checking in!!! :) Never accured to me to come and look for a thread on World Cup.

I've been watching each and every game except for 2 of them when I was on a plane on Monday. I've been planning and declining meeting requests at work to accomidate my obsession.

So here's my logic behind my team picks - which btw doesn't coincide with how DH supports. His theory - as a Brit - is to support your country where your originally from. Well sadly, the US doesn't quit cut it as a good team in my opinion. They've got about 2 or 3 good players and it's not enough - especially against Brazil:

I'm supporting Germany (grew up there and have followed the team since I was 10)

DH is supporting England & Poland because of his background.

I know Italy has some hotties but my favorite is Ballack for Germany and Beckham for England.

http://www.dw-world.de/dwelle/allgemein/bilder_show/0,3772,87255_7,00.jpg

[lainey]

Don't you think that Ballack looks just like Matt Damon (German version ;))?

[PG-rated]

OK, I think I may well be the only person in my office working today. DH has it even worse - yesterday they had to drag the news anchor away from the match he was watching just in time for him to go on the air live. :eek: It's totally nuts.

[DaniML]

DaniML, this is such a crazy coincidence, I nearly can´t believe it! This afternoon I actually drove past the house on the first picture you posted! :eek: :D
How weird is that!!!!!!! So you live in Frankfurt? I miss it like crazy! Haven't been home in almost 5 years, but we're planning on going in December for a couple of weeks. I'm so excited! I really wish I could be there for the World Cup and experience the whole crazy atmosphere!

So excited that Germany won yesterday. Again, I didn't get to watch the game :( . But thanks to Google I can at least follow the scores live. Then I read the recaps. I haven't even caught a game on repeat.

ETA: Ballack is definetly a hotty!

[DaniML]

Also forgot, if we were to be done with Round 1 right now, Germany would play England! Can you imagine the crazyness in Germany? I saw pictures of the English fans around Frankfurt when they played their first game.... crazy! I've also been reading about several arrests among both German and English Hooligans. It looks like they have really stepped up security for this!

[bellabonga]

DaniML, are you sure this house is in Frankfurt? Because I believe it is in Essen, right at the A40. I drove past it today again and if this isn´t the same house, the resemblance is amazing.
It´s sad that there are always some stupid people who use events like these for being violent! :( There must have been some excesses yesterday in Dortmund before the game Germany - Poland. Fortunately the police expected that since weeks as a friend of mine who is police officer had told me before. So there were at least enough policemen present who arrested 300 hooligans. I haven´t heard anything about the English fans though but I know that there were lots of Polish fans present yesterday. I so hope that nothing nearly as bad as France 1998 happens here! And I´m really glad that I don´t live in a city where the games actually take place! Although a lot of teams have stayed at hotels in my city before they´ve played in Gelsenkirchen and Dortmund. The US team has stayed here too and we could have watched their training for free!

[DaniML]

bellabonga, you're right! It's not in Frankfurt! I got it mixed up lol.

I really hope things stay pretty calm! I read yesterday that they had Polish police at hand to point out their own trouble makers. Also, the fact that you can hold someone for 48 hours in Germany if you believe that they will cause trouble like that really helps! It just kills me that these people say it's about soccer. If it really was they'd go watch the game and have fun!

[Scooter]

It looks like they have really stepped up security for this!I'm wondering about the security, especially after that fan ran on the field during the Croatia game! :eek: I was concerned for the players that it would be so easy for someone to get out there. Having the jersey on may have helped him, but really, with all the craziness going on it's a bit worrisome. I just thought all that security would have been able to stop him.

[DaniML]

I had not even heard about that! It's amazing how there is always at least one idiot to do that! Maybe they are so concerned with security going into the stadium that they're not paying enough attention to what happens right around the field???? That really could be very dangerous for the players.

[mjfish]

Hi all! Another true football fan here!! :D My brother has played all his life, my mom and dad coached, and I played in college. I love the WC because it's the only time they show so many matches on TV here.

We went to Italy on our honeymoon (we are both Italian decendants) and I took DH to his first match in Rome -- Roma vs. ??? (I can't remember). It was fantastic! Before the game even started, you could hear the chanting outside the stadium. There was a car on fire in the parking lot. DH thought we weren't getting out of there alive! :p

I haven't had the chance to watch many of the games, which is a bummer, but I'm trying to get glimpses on the web.

I can't wait for tomorrow -- USA vs Italy! I have to root for the US, just because...but I'm pretty sure Italy is going to win, and that will be good too! :D

[malala]

GO ARGENTINA!!!!!!!!!!!!

We just won 6-0 I'm so happy!!! I wish I could be home to celebrate
:D :D :D

[tinkerbelljenny]

The 6-0 game was a total joke. Serbia should have left at the half, Argentina plowed them over, Serbia was HORRIBLE. It was so bad.....so bad.

[Lindsan]

OK, so I've missed a couple of days here ... I'll just summarise what I think about some of the games.

Germany - Poland: Good game. Germany had so many good chances and a very good attack but Poland held up well. I'm glad they finally got their goal at the end, though.

England - Trinidad/Tobago: England was lucky to get those two goals in. I don't think their game is good enough for winning the WC, like they say they could. They did have many good chances, I thought for sure Frank Lampard would score eventually.

Sweden - Paraguay: We started the game very well but let Paraguay slow the game down after the first 20 minutes or so. We had so many good chances but seemed unable to get that ball in. Is there a see-through wall? ;) But we were lucky as well to get our goal with only five minutes to spare. But oh no! Zlatan might not be able to play against England due to problems in the groin area.

Argentina - Serbia and Montenegro: I agree, a joke. But good for Argentina.

Netherlands - Ivory Coast: Playing now. Holland looks good. I think it will be a marvellous match when they meet Argentina in their next game. Can't wait for that one.

[malala]

It was so bad.....so bad.

Or so good....so good;)

[Lindsan]

This game is so out of control! I can hardly believe it!

[Scooter]

I know, that referee was way out of line. That 2nd red card didn't make any sense, none of the other games (or tackles) have been called that way!

And I still don't get why that one goal was taken away from the US (when Beasley scored in the 2nd half). The ref called it interference because McBride happened to be blocking Buffon's view of the ball. Of course he was up there, he was trying to get in position to shoot! Honestly, if that call is going to be made, it would mean that everytime there are players around the goalkeeper they would have to be dancing around to make sure the GK can see the ball. I think that's absolutely ridiculous, totally ruins the game, and that's just part of the difficulty of being a GK!! I've never heard of such a thing before.

Not that I mind the tie so much, since I didn't want either team to lose, but Italy has sure played some better games. Not sure what they were doing out there.



Ghana was amazing, that was the best game I've watched so far! The US better watch out, those guys are lethal! I knew that team had this potential!

[MommaO]

The red card on the US at the end of the first half was total bull. Foul? Yes. Yellow Card? Maybe. Red? No way. I don't buy that at all.

That said the US worked their tails off to stay in it.

I'm not sure what all went down w/ that goal that wasn't allowed. It was offsides but I'm not sure about all the rules about interfering and such.

US has work to do and needs some help to advance! That said, they looked 100 times better today than they did on Monday.

[Scooter]

I'm not sure what all went down w/ that goal that wasn't allowed. It was offsides but I'm not sure about all the rules about interfering and such.
That's the confusing part, it wasn't even offsides. Beasley was well behind several defenders when the ball was passed to him. He then took the direct shot on goal. Now, McBride was in an offsides position, but because the ball wasn't passed to him & he didn't touch the ball, it's considered "passive offsides" and is legal.

[Lindsan]

Scooter, I think there's a new interpretation of the offside rule in this WC. I think if the ball is going in an offensive direction, anyone who is positioned offside will be called on it. At least that is what I have understood from the discussions on TV. So yes, McBride was offside. Here's from the fifa website:
65': US substitute DaMarcus Beasley found the back of the net with a low left-footed drive past Buffon, but McBride was standing in an offside position in front of the Italy goalkeeper and the flag was raised.

MommaO, I agree that the second red card shouldn't have happened. It should have just been a foul. I think the referee forgot that Pope already had a yellow card and so when he got the yellow card, he also had to get the red one.

I think Ghana played very well but I am also sad that Czech Republic played so poorly without Jan Koller and Milan Baros.

[tlew12778]

Hehe. Our friends kept calling us last night before the game started to see if our house was divided. But I always was, and always will be, an Italy fan.

The game last night was dirty. The Americans are rough players. It's Italy's fault they drew with the own-goal. How lame. Everything is riding on the next couple matches and that annoys me for some reason (probably bc of the way they drew). I really did not think that would be happening this early on.

[Scooter]

Scooter, I think there's a new interpretation of the offside rule in this WC. I think if the ball is going in an offensive direction, anyone who is positioned offside will be called on it. At least that is what I have understood from the discussions on TV. So yes, McBride was offside. Here's from the fifa website:
65': US substitute DaMarcus Beasley found the back of the net with a low left-footed drive past Buffon, but McBride was standing in an offside position in front of the Italy goalkeeper and the flag was raised. I just don't understand how that could be the official ruling. According to the FIFA site's list of the rules:
from FIFA.com
Law 11 – Offside

Offside Position
It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position

Offence
A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:

* interfering with play or
* interfering with an opponent or
* gaining an advantage by being in that position.

This is where the "interference" comes in. He was interfering with the play by being in an offsides position where he was blocking the goalkeeper's view. Since he did not interfere with the ball play or gain an advantage, that's all it could be.

[lainey]

I think the two red cards and the yellow card which resulted in Pope getting kicked out due to his previous card were absolutely right on. De Rossi using the elbow was horrible - easy call there. The US player going in (and not for the ball since it wasn't near) with both feet, studs exposed was so dirty. That's how you break someone's ankle! It was a good call. Overall I think the US played a rough, dirty game and the ref had no choice but to make the calls.


US wouldn't have tied if poor Zaccardo hadn't scored for them. The US goal that was disallowed was so clearly offside by a mile...come on! The US coach is such a baby - could he pull a bigger tantrum? Remember that Gattuso scored a goal that was disallowed, also because he was offside.

Italy didn't play well at all. If they can't score when they're one man up, against the US, then they better go home. I know they are capable of much more than what they showed, they are so skillful.

I really hope they can pull it together agains the Czechs on Thursday!

GO ITALY!

[Scooter]

US wouldn't have tied if poor Zaccardo hadn't scored for them. The US goal that was disallowed was so clearly offside by a mile...come on!
Remember that Gattuso scored a goal that was disallowed, also because he was offside.
The person who scored the goal wasn't actually offsides, while Gattuso was. I don't think the two situations are comparable.

[mjfish]

I was sooooo disappointed in the US - Italy game. First, I expected much better play from Italy. ITA with others that said the US played dirty -- they just hacked their way through the game...sad. And both teams cried at every single infraction, foul or not. Shut up and play the game! Red card on Italy...definitely. Red card on US...definitely not, but should have been a yellow for sure. The double yellow to Pope...well, he was hacking all day long, so I'm not surprised it happened.

I have to admit, I'm actually kind of rooting for Ghana...I was so totally impressed by their play against the Czech Republic!!!

Brazil was so-so and Austrailia played them well. Japan played well against Croatia, although I expected a little more from Croatia. I thought S. Korea was pretty rough too against France, and France didn't play that well either.

What a great weekend being able to watch so many matches on TV! I wished they would show this much (in the US) when it's not a WC year!

[kazata]

The offsides call was definitely on McBride, not Beasley. yes, it seemed to be passive offsides at first, because McBride did not touch the ball, however, he did both interfere with another player (the goalkeeper, by blocking his view while in an offsides position - a place where he isn't supposed to be) and gained an advantage (by blocking the goalkeepers view, the advantage gained was that the keeper didn't make the save). So the key is that he was "in front of the Italy goalkeeper." If you look at the replay McBride actually lifts up his foot as the ball passes.

Anyway, I didn't agree with the refereeing. The red card on Mastoeni was definitely way too harsh. I didn't see that it was a cleats up tacke as another poster said. It seems that the refs decided that the US always fouls and the Italians are always offsides (there were a few calls where I think the Italians were actually even when the ball was played, which is not offsides). I think the Italians knew that the ref was calling fouls hard and started "falling" more. I didn't see Pope continuously hacking, (I only remember 3 fouls). In fact, I was pretty sure that Pope got ball first on, I think, the second yellow, which if you watched the Brazil-Australia game wasn't even considered a foul in that game. But I admit to a strong US bias in this game. ;)

I wish the US had pulled off the win, as they really were pushing hard and looked much better than in their first match, creating lots of chances, and the Italians, I have to say, looked much worse - I was very impressed with them against Ghana, but I think they took the US lightly and paid for it.

I don't know why we didn't use our last sub - makes no sense to me. Clearly everyone on that field was exhausted at the end - and we don't even use all three subs???? Crazy. Get some fresh legs in there and give somebody, anybody a rest. *shrug*

I hope we can pull it off against Ghana, but they have looked pretty good, so hopefully we don't take them too lightly! (And by the way, to the US announcer during the Ghana-Czech match that kept saying it was best for the US if Ghana only won 1-0 against Czech because of goal differential, ummmm, don't you wish Ghana would have scored a lot more to cut into Czech's goal differential? The assumption was always that we needed to win against Ghana, so it doesn't matter to us how much they score....but whatever, we aren't going to win on GD anyway, unless another team does it for us). Hopefully Italy will beat the Czech Republic and we can beat Ghana. But Italy only needs a tie to advance, so I hope they are aggresive and want the win (thereby winning the group and probably avoiding Brazil in the next match.)

Go USA, Viva Italia, Deutschland Vor!

[MommaO]

I think the two red cards and the yellow card which resulted in Pope getting kicked out due to his previous card were absolutely right on. De Rossi using the elbow was horrible - easy call there. The US player going in (and not for the ball since it wasn't near) with both feet, studs exposed was so dirty. That's how you break someone's ankle! It was a good call. Overall I think the US played a rough, dirty game and the ref had no choice but to make the calls.




GO ITALY!

Obviously your alligence to the Italian team has gotten in the way of your ability to be objective. He was not cleats up going in for a kill on the Italian player's ankle. Oh and the ball was in the area.

Pope's 2nd yellow was a bit closer of a call but I still contend he got some ball. Italy was just good about recognizing the fouls/cards were coming fast and furious and the took full advantage of it by being dramatic. Don't get me wrong Pope shouldn't have taken any chances and, in all honesty, I think Arena should have had his a$$ out of the game. He had a sub left, why not use it?

[Shapsgrl]

Obviously your alligence to the Italian team has gotten in the way of your ability to be objective. He was not cleats up going in for a kill on the Italian player's ankle. Oh and the ball was in the area.

ITA.

I've seen that tackle multiple times in games in this WC. In my opinion, the officiating ruined the game. There were too many fouls called, and it broke up the pace of the game way too much. It was ridiculous.

[Scooter]

Anyway, I didn't agree with the refereeing. The red card on Mastoeni was definitely way too harsh. I didn't see that it was a cleats up tackle as another poster said. It seems that the refs decided that the US always fouls and the Italians are always offsides (there were a few calls where I think the Italians were actually even when the ball was played, which is not offsides). ITA on all of this. And it's been a continual problem in this Cup that even is being called offsides, I'm not sure why. It's like the refs or linesmen are being overly cautious about that call, and it's meant several goals have been taken away that really should have counted. Including one for Argentina the other day which I thought was very clearly onsides, although that would have just made the score 7-0 so not too important. But a lot of these games are ties or a 1 goal differential and those calls become very important.

And on the other hand, to make up for the overzealous use of offsides calls, it seems like the refs are being very timid about calling penalty kicks. I've seen at least 2 fouls in the box that should have resulted in a penalty kick but the refs decided to just play on. It's weird, but since it's across the board it's got to be something that was decided on before.

I'm looking forward to the England v. Sweden game tomorrow, anyone else? I hope both teams pull it together a bit more than they have so far in these games. They're usually an interesting match-up, so it would be nice if they both played to the level of their actual ability! ;)

[Lindsan]

I'm looking forward to the England v. Sweden game tomorrow, anyone else? I hope both teams pull it together a bit more than they have so far in these games. They're usually an interesting match-up, so it would be nice if they both played to the level of their actual ability! ;)
Yup. Looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. We need to draw or win to continue on to the second round. If we lose, T&T can't win with more than two goals against Paraguay (I think). History is in our favour. England hasn't won against Sweden since the fifties or something and as I said a few pages back, we seem to be in the same group in every single world cup or European championship or qualification there is, so we do meet a lot. I also hope Sweden can finally get the game going. If we can do that, England shouldn't be too much of a threat. But yeah, dreading it too.If Zlatan Ibrahimovich won't play (groin injury) and Henrik Larsson doesn't get his goal boots on we could be in trouble. Oh and Wayne Rooney is palying from start -uh oh! :)

[lainey]

Obviously your alligence to the Italian team has gotten in the way of your ability to be objective.

hardly :rolleyes:

It has nothing to do with that, believe it or not. I am quick to say when Italy fouls (the Totti yellow card, and definitely DeRossi) and when they don't play well. And isn't your allegiance to the US team clouding your judgement? Am I not entitled to my opinion that it was a good call? I don't like when players play like that, and besides, the ref was standing right there and saw his intention. So, you know better than the ref, I guess. I also heard numerous commentators agree with the call.

from the US coach: 'Pablo's, whether it's a yellow card, red card, that's the decision of the referee. It was a poor error in judgment on the part of Pablo on a play with about a minute left in the half in an area of the field where it didn't matter.' - even he didn't say it shouldn't have been a red card.

All of the red cards handed out by Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda were justified and he maintained control of the match despite the at times violent play.

The decision was the correct one by the ref, who was standing directly in front of the play.

http://www.spiegel.de/img/0,1020,646764,00.jpg

ok, I'm done. :D

[MommaO]

We can agree to disagree, I'm fine with that. We can both find quotes to support our position quite easily. The one thing I will comment on is this:

and besides, the ref was standing right there and saw his intention. So, you know better than the ref, I guess.

Refs in all sports make bad calls. Soccer is no different. I'm not saying I know better than the ref, obviously he could quote the rule book, I can't. But to accept the ref's call (any ref's call) as a good one simply b/c he made it is crazy. They make errors. Granted, their calls stand and that of the sports fans do not but they do make errors.

[DaniML]

So excited!!! Germany won 3 - 0 agains Ecuador, putting us first in our pool! Can't wait to see the results of England and Sweden as that will determine who we play next!

[MommaO]

So excited!!! Germany won 3 - 0 agains Ecuador, putting us first in our pool! Can't wait to see the results of England and Sweden as that will determine who we play next!

:D So fun. It's getting exciting, isn't it!?!?

[msnicolea]

The Germans are G-O-O-D! I don't feel like they're getting enough credit--I mean, they've played great AND they're at home?!?!? I think they're gonna make the final.

[DaniML]

I was just talking to some people at work about that. Can you imagine what would be going on in Germany if we won it at home??? Germany went nuts when we won it in 1990 in Italy. Winning it in Germany would be the ultimate win!

[Shapsgrl]

Lainey considering that Jorge Larrionda was suspended due to inconsistencies in calls for the '02 cup, I think it's safe to say that people are going to think that he makes questionable calls. His history of inconsistency should be called into question based upon the calls that he made that day.

From Wikipedia
2002 suspension

Larrionda was selected as a referee for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but was suspended for six months by the Asociación Uruguaya de Fútbol two days after his selection, and was dropped from the list of referees. [2] The organization cited "irregularities" which were not specified. [2] [3] Larrionda was one of five referees suspended for what the president of the Uruguayan board described as "irregularities that were denounced by other referees." [4] The suspensions reportedly arose from accusations of corruption between members of rival Uruguayan soccer officials unions.[5]

[lainey]

So Germany vs. Sweden, and England vs. Ecuador next round. I was hoping for a Germany/England match, but I'm glad both teams are through anyway. That was definitely an exciting game, pressure from both sides. I wonder if Owen will be well enough to play. That was a weird fall on his knee, it looked painful.

Shapsgrl - I wasn't aware of that, that's interesting. I did think he made a lot of unnecessary foul calls, for sure, but I agreed with the reds and yellows, that's all.

[MommaO]

England looked great the first half and faded. Will be interesting to hear the fate of M. Owen. He's a house favorite as we share a last name and my husband's family hails from England.

Both DH and I have made arrangements w/ our bosses to come in late on Thursday so we can watch the US game. :) My years of hard work have paid off- sometimes management has it's advantages :D DH has a job that's generally not that flexible but he has a kick ass boss that knows that soccer is like a religion in our house so he's being kind.

[Lindsan]

I heard today that Michael Owen will be out for five months! Wow. The fall looked really painful.

Sweden played horribly in the first half yesterday. Horribly. I don't know why they were so respectful of players they know very well (from club and national play) and have won over before. I am glad they played so much better in the second half and took advantage of the set pieces. I am hoping Marcus Allbäck gets to play against Germany even though Zlatan is my favourite player (alongside Kim Källström).

Joe Cole owned the first half. He is a very good player. And that goal! Very nice.

Germany on Saturday will be very very difficult. I am pretty sure we will lose but it will be great to play the host nation in the second round.

I am really looking forward to the England-Equador game. Now I can cheer without having to endure torture from friends and family, lol.

[bevvied]

GO
GHANA :D :D

[bevvied]

YES I....GOAL FOR GHANA.....................

[bevvied]

That US Goal was offsides...but you know what God doesn't like ugly....so another goal for GHANA!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[Amaye]

GOOOOO GHANA!!! I'm so excited!!!:D :D :D

[tlew12778]

This was Buffon's game. Awesome goal at 42 minutes into the second half. I knew the US would be eliminated.

[bevvied]

Congratulations to GHANA for knocking out the USA...so proud of the Black Stars.. :D :D :D
Accra must be roaring now...whopeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

GO GHANA !!!! Wonderful game...well done!! :) :) :) I love when the underdogs win..GO HOME USA!!!!

btw..those referees were AWFUL....darn some of those calls were so silly and useless.

[lainey]

YAY ITALY!!! So happy we won! Sorry Czechs. Love Inzaghi - was really happy to see him play today. And yes, Buffon was great, no wonder he's one of the (if not the) best goalies in the world.

I'm glad Ghana is advancing, too.

[kazata]

Thank you Italy for beating the Czech Republic....

But what happened to our boys? That was such uninspiring soccer. I've seen lots of games where a team down a goal had to win, and that didn't look like any of them. Where was the sense of urgency? Spirit? Hope? Geez, did we leave all of it on the field with Italy? We looked like the game didn't matter for us....

*sigh*

Congrats to Ghana...I hope they can pull a Cameroon and be the underdog story for a while longer (can you imagine the celebration if they take down Brazil?)

[Shapsgrl]

As a major US Soccer fan I can say Congrats to Ghana.

however this comment:

That US Goal was offsides...but you know what God doesn't like ugly....so another goal for GHANA!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

sounds really ignorant. Watch soccer. Learn about the sport. That goal was nowhere near offsides. The calls were bad on both sides - there was a hellova lot of "flopping" going on.

Good luck to Ghana in the next round. Brazil is going to be tough.

[Amaye]

As a major US Soccer fan I can say Congrats to Ghana.

however this comment:That US Goal was offsides...but you know what God doesn't like ugly....so another goal for GHANA!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

sounds really ignorant. Watch soccer. Learn about the sport. That goal was nowhere near offsides. The calls were bad on both sides - there was a hellova lot of "flopping" going on.

Good luck to Ghana in the next round. Brazil is going to be tough.


Ah, I'm not bevvied nor did l watch the game, but your tone was quite unneccesarily nasty. I'm sure you can have made your point in a better manner.

Just cos the US lost doesn't mean you have to be so rude.

[Shapsgrl]

I hardly consider that rude or nasty, Amaye. I applaud Ghana. They shocked the world and I sincerely wish the best to them in the next round - I actually find it endearing that they've become this WC's Cinderella team - even if it was at the expense of my own team. However, find it highly offensive that bevvied would make a comment such as what God doesn't like ugly and I was responding to that comment.

And yes, I think that if bevvied understood the game's rules a little better she would not make such a comment. IMO her comment was crude and unnecessary.

[bevvied]

Originally Posted by Shapsgrl

sounds really ignorant. Watch soccer. Learn about the sport. That goal was nowhere near offsides...etc


Shapsgrl..I say to you, where is your good sportsmanship..you clearly wrote this in a sour mood cause the US has been sent home. Maybe you should take your advice..learn what an offsides is, I think it was mentioned a couple of pages over..by the way I watch FOOTBALL...(not soccer).:D

WAY to go GHANA!!!!!!!

[bevvied]

what's with all these comments..gosh folks it's only a fan rooting for one of her teams...please do not make it more than it is....

It's the same as saying go on to the next round ...they aren't moving on so they are going home...geesh..big deal...

[Shapsgrl]

One last comment and then I am done - Bellefior is right, we should get back to the game talk.

Bevvied sportsmanship is for athletes. I play soccer and practice good sportsmanship. When a player helps another player up, that's good sportsmanship. When team captains congratuate one another, that's good sportsmanship.

As a fan, I support my team with enthusiasm and dedication. I did not badmouth your team and see no reason for the rude comments toward mine.

[kazata]

by the way I watch FOOTBALL...(not soccer).:D




Totally, OT, but interestingly enough (after hearing this comment many times over the years) I just found out that in fact it was the English, not the Americans, that coined the word "soccer."

http://www.explainthat.info/fo/football-(soccer).html

Who knew?

[tinkerbelljenny]

but you know what God doesn't like ugly
Just curious, bevvied what do you mean by this statement? I am curious.

I think Ghana played a great game. And don't they get another $20,000 more for another win from their country? The US team was disappointing and it is too bad that they couldn't have scored 2 more goals. Oh well. Very excited for Italy.

[bellabonga]

Woohoo, Australia won! Go Aussies! :D

[kazata]

Sweet! I was hoping Australia would pull it out (I had to go back to work when they were down 2-1)!

By the way, bevvied on the US goal, even though Dempsey may have been ahead of the Ghana defenders (which I'm not even sure he was, but he may have been by a half step), he was not offsides because the ball (which was ahead of Beasley), was also ahead of him. Doesn't matter if you are behind the defenders if the ball is ahead of you.

[Rosebud]

Bevvied sportsmanship is for athletes. I play soccer and practice good sportsmanship. When a player helps another player up, that's good sportsmanship. When team captains congratuate one another, that's good sportsmanship.

As a fan, I support my team with enthusiasm and dedication. I did not badmouth your team and see no reason for the rude comments toward mine.

DITTO. Those comments were inappropriate and out of line. Ghana played a great game this morning, but that's no reason to be rude towards fans of the USA. I hope not to see that kind of behavior in this thread again. Moving on...

Well, I am super excited to see the games in the Final 16 round. There are so many excellent teams and will definitely be some good battles between them. I didn't only so-so in my office pick-'em for the first round... but here are some of my predictions for Round 2!

England v. Ecuador: England
Germany v. Sweden: Germany (wow, they've got momentum right now- and at home!)
Argentina v. Mexico: Argentina
Portugal v. Netherlands: This one is a toss up for me, but I'm gonna say Portugal
Italy v. Australia: Italy
Brazil v. Ghana: Brazil

I'm going to miss Michael Owen, but I think England can get it done without him.

What are you thinking re: the Final 16?

[tlew12778]

When a player helps another player up, that's good sportsmanship. When team captains congratuate one another, that's good sportsmanship. Hm. You know, the thing I actually noticed about the US-Italy game (bc that is the only US game they showed here) is that the US team did not do this and I actually though that was poor sportmanship on their part -- that, in addition to the coach's tantrum. That's partly why I thought they played dirty actually.

[Shapsgrl]

tlew12778 that's so weird because there are photos all over the press of the captains exchanging jerseys, etc. It was a rough game for both sides. It's certainly interesting to see how the media portrays the game based upon where you are in the world. I had to roll my eyes more than once when the US commentators kept referring to the 1-1 tie with Italy without mentioning that the goal was not scored by a US player.

[tinkerbelljenny]

tlew12778 that's so weird because there are photos all over the press of the captains exchanging jerseys,

Yep, I have it taped on video too, guess they must not have shown that part in Italy.

[K-L-U]

I am VERY disappointed that USA lost. They did not play very well like they did against Italy.

I went out to lunch with my department today and not even realizing that Buffalo Wild Wings was a sports restaurant. Right when I walked in a co-worker yelled to me, USA lost and they are eliminated. WTF??? I was so mad b/c I had TIVO'd the game. I know that they didn't know I didn't want to know anything about the game until I could go home, but STILL. If I would have realized it was a sports restaurant I would have warned everyone not to say a peep around me.

I watched the first half, not realizing that all the goals would come in the first half. Our goal was NOT offsides. I just watched it over and over. 2nd that was a crap of a call from the ref. That is the 2nd game we had crappy calls. Yes, I am a little PO'd that we lost on a call like that. That has happened to me in college in a playoff game. It leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

I usually root for the underdog but until I read some of the comments from the Ghana fan(s) I could care less. I understand that people like to express their excitement for their country winning and being the underdog but there is always a better way of expressing it.

With that said, I can't wait until Sweden and Germany play. That is going to be a fantastic game. A co-worker asked me if I would still watch it knowing that USA lost. I said of course. I love soccer. It is in my blood. I haven't played for 5 years and I miss it oh so much...

So who does everyone think is going to win? I think that England has a good chance. Then again, all the european teams do. :)........

[nettreefrog]

There have been some great games recently...but I am still going with Brazil winning it all. Of course, I would also be happy with Argentina who have looked amazing thus far. When I look at the squad, it does make me think about how most of the great Argentine players now play for Spanish clubs (Mesi, Saviola, Ayala, Sorin, Aimar, Rodriguez, Coloccini, and of course Riquelme)--and not Boca Jr (although Abbondanzieri does) or River...

[lainey]

I can see Argentina winning the championship, or Brazil.

I'd like Italy to win though ;) and think they have a chance at it too.

[Rosebud]

...but I am still going with Brazil winning it all.

That's still my pick, too.

[pontmarie]

Brazil or Italy for me.

[K-L-U]

I can defintely see Brazil or Italy win it. I am assuming Brazil beat Japan today?

[nettreefrog]

Yes--Brazil beat Japan 4-1...Go RONALDO!

[K-L-U]

Sweet - turned out to be a better game than I thought. I tivo'd it and it seemed too slow to start with. I was too lazy to fast forward to the end of the game :)......

[Scooter]

Although the tone of some posts here was uneccessary, I do agree with some of the comments. The US goal was offsides, he was a step ahead of the defenders. (But I still say the Beasley goal was onsides! ;)) And the Ghana penalty kick was the result of a total dive, and should have been a yellow for the Ghanian player.

I was sad to see the US get knocked out, but they deserved it for the way they played. :( It's nice to see Ghana get through.

Who else is loving their DVRs even more while they watch these games?? :D

[tlew12778]

tlew12778 that's so weird because there are photos all over the press of the captains exchanging jerseys, etc. No I saw that too. I meant during the game. I suppose I think the jersey thing is just sort of expected, so they all do it. I guess the impression I got from that game was that the US was playing to win, as opposed to playing to play well. I mean, I know both go sort of hand in hand, but it's still a different approach.

FWIW, the auto-goal was still commented as 1-1 without really mentioning it. I mean, they obviously talked about it when it happened, but a fair goal is a fair goal, so the media here just left it at that. [shrug]

[Amaye]

Wow, interesting comments over here....

Anyways, I'm still rooting for Brazil even though l haven't been that impressed by their plays. I am actually slightly surprised by Argentina. They were not on my radar when the games started but they have been pretty good too.

I am so rooting for my fellow African Team Ghana but I think their upcoming game with Brazil is going to be quite tough. I can't wait to see it though.

[kazata]

The US goal was offsides, he was a step ahead of the defenders. (But I still say the Beasley goal was onsides! ;))

Scooter, as I mentioned above, the US goal was onsides. I went back and watched it (I have it on tivo) to be sure, and even though Dempsey was a step ahead of the Ghana defender, he was not offsides because the ball (which was ahead of Beasley when Beasley passed it to Dempsey), was also ahead of Dempsey. The ball stays ahead of him the entire play. Doesn't matter if you are ahead of the defenders if the ball is ahead of you. We are so used to looking at the player vs. the defenders that it looks like he is offsides on the replay, but when you look again, you'll notice that the ball is ahead of them all.

And I know we've been through it, but it was McBride, not Beasley that was offsides on the Beasley goal, and yes, NORMALLY it would have been PASSIVE offsides b/c he didn't touch the ball, but he gained an advantage by being in that position by blocking the view of the goalkeeper (he even lifts his foot as the ball goes by). I wish it wasn't so, but after many replays, I have to admit it is.

[lainey]

just curious, why do some of you say offsides and onsides?

I'm sure it's spelled and pronounced offside and onside, with no 's'. :confused:

[K-L-U]

I am not even going to go there in regards to the 's' for onside or offside. :).

I don't think they called McBride for offside(s). It was an interference call. I completely agree that it was the right call. There were way too many things that did not go our way this cup. Whether it be by our mistakes or crap ref calls.

[lainey]

Just doing a little research and wanted to let all of you who said that the red card on US player Pablo Mastroeni was a bad call know that he was suspended for three games and fined by FIFA disciplinary committee after review of the foul on Italian Andrea Pirlo.
Here's the link for those interested: http://soccer.sportsnet.tsn.ca/news_story/?id=299

I guess it wasn't a bad call after all ;)

[Lindsan]

England v. Ecuador: England
Germany v. Sweden: Germany (wow, they've got momentum right now- and at home!)
Argentina v. Mexico: Argentina
Portugal v. Netherlands: This one is a toss up for me, but I'm gonna say Portugal
Italy v. Australia: Italy
Brazil v. Ghana: Brazil

[...]

What are you thinking re: the Final 16?
I agree with all of that Rosebud. I really do think the teams that went through are deserving teams.

Here are the last four teams that went through:
Switzerland - Ucraine: Switzerland
Spain - France: Spain (This hurts me because I thought France would be in the top four but they haven't played like I thought they would. Zidane looks like he's 50 years old and Henry just complains all the time. Spain on the other hand have played very well so far in the tournament.)

Personally I know that Germany will win tonight but my heart still wants my team to play well. There is no shame in losing against the host in a world cup, especially when it's a team like Germany, when you play well. So wish us luck tonight girls, we will need it!

[MommaO]

Personally I know that Germany will win tonight but my heart still wants my team to play well. There is no shame in losing against the host in a world cup, especially when it's a team like Germany, when you play well. So wish us luck tonight girls, we will need it!

This really looks to be a good game. Obviously Germany has the ege b/c it's on their soil but I really hope your guys come out and make them earn it. Part of me would LOVE to see the thrill of the upset of the home team and see Germany go down.

[tinkerbelljenny]

Way to go Germany!

[Scooter]

Scooter, as I mentioned above, the US goal was onsides. I went back and watched it (I have it on tivo) to be sure, and even though Dempsey was a step ahead of the Ghana defender, he was not offsides because the ball (which was ahead of Beasley when Beasley passed it to Dempsey), was also ahead of Dempsey. The ball stays ahead of him the entire play. Doesn't matter if you are ahead of the defenders if the ball is ahead of you. We are so used to looking at the player vs. the defenders that it looks like he is offsides on the replay, but when you look again, you'll notice that the ball is ahead of them all. I did read your posts, I understand your opinion. I deleted that game already from my DVR, so I can't look at it. :( At the time I was watching it, it looked to me like he was a step ahead of the defenders when the ball was passed up to him from Beasley. So while it was ahead of Beasley at that time of the pass, it was not ahead of Dempsey, making him offsides.

And I know we've been through it, but it was McBride, not Beasley that was offsides on the Beasley goal, and yes, NORMALLY it would have been PASSIVE offsides b/c he didn't touch the ball, but he gained an advantage by being in that position by blocking the view of the goalkeeper (he even lifts his foot as the ball goes by). I wish it wasn't so, but after many replays, I have to admit it is.
I do know this, I've said in previous posts that McBride was the one who was considered offside. (Plus, he lifted his foot, IMO, so he wouldn't block the shot or touch it and be called offsides.) My problem with that call is that I don't think it was intentional in any way, I think he just happened to end up there when the ball was shot. And my other problem with it is that similar situations keep occurring in other games and are never called. If the refs are going to be anal about it, they all should be, not just one. The exact same thing just happened in another game, I forget which one though, and of course was not called. I think it's a ridiculous call to make, because when everyone is moving around in a play like that, sure at some point someone may step in between the goalie & person with the ball, how can that not happen? And should that be considered a foul?

K-L-U, calling it interference is another way of saying offside. He was in an offside position and interfered with the ball. It's explained in the official rules (http://www.fifa.com/en/regulations/regulation/0,1584,3,00.html).

re: 's' vs no 's'
I never really thought about it, it's just what most people I know say so I picked it up. Maybe it's a regional thing. :confused:

[kazata]

it looked to me like he was a step ahead of the defenders when the ball was passed up to him from Beasley.

Ok, I guess I just misread what you were saying, I thought you were only commenting on Dempsey being ahead of the defenders (which I agree he was), and didn't realize that you thought he was also ahead of the ball (which I assure you on replay in slow motion with pausing, he was not, it is very apparent because the ball is fortunately right on the "line" made by the grass so you can tell that Dempsey is behind the ball (only). Anyway, I didn't mean to harp on it, I just thought you were commenting only on the defender and that's why I responded again. My apologies. And I certainly don't blame you for deleting that game!!! I'd like to forget it happened....

**********

Way to go Germany!!!! Woo-hoo!

[Lindsan]

Pretty disappointed right now. We didn't play as well as I would have thought. The first 15 minutes were catastrophic and it didn't get any better. The red card was just a confirmation of the fact that we had already lost the game. But it does upset me that the referee didn't catch the foul against Ljungberg just seconds before he called it on Lucic (which sent him out). IMO the offense was equally bad. How can one thing be ok and the next second it's worth sending someone off? And also somehow the referee stopped the game very often when there was a German lying down but let it continue when a Swede was down. As far as I know the game should be stopped when there is a head injury (unless there is a foul). I never saw a head injury. But even with a "fair" ref. we still would have lost the game. It was embarrasing how much better Germany was. Podolski is a star! But hey, so is our keeper - the only one who did well tonight.

[Lindsan]

In an effort to light things up a little here I will post this picture taken today of me and my sister:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/Lindsan/185053.jpg

[yaya]

Dude, Argentina is hot. That Maxi Rodriguez goal was freaking beautiful.

[tinkerbelljenny]

Lindsan ...great picture! :D


Dude, Argentina is hot. That Maxi Rodriguez goal was freaking beautiful.
What a great game! So exciting! I am very glad Argentina won.

[Sol]

My goodness did we suffer through that game here! I'm really glad they won, people just seem happier and I really need these holidays (there's practically no work the days Argentina play). Mexico was a good oponent. Now we'll see how it goes with Germany. Here's the celebration going on in downtown:

http://www.clarin.com/diario/2006/06/24/um/fotos/obelisco.jpg

Sol.

[bellabonga]

I´m so glad that Germany won and we can still play! :D The Germans are so upbeat about the WC that it would have been a big bummer if we were out. I was really surprised how good the German team was. But okay, it was very hard for Sweden to get back into the game after the two early goals. I really felt for the guy who screwed up the penalty (was it Larsson?). But I have to admit that although the first 30 minutes were great, I found the rest rather boring.

Great picture, Lindsan!

Here is one of my daughter in her fan outfit (she only likes the outfit, she doesn´t care much about soccer ;) ):

http://s70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/bellabonga/DSC03979.jpg

[tinkerbelljenny]

bellabonga Cute picture! I thought of you when Germany won! :D

[K-L-U]

All I pointed out was that was basically the official ruling. With all of the offside debacle I was trying to prevent any other "disagreements" on whether he was offside or not. Thank you, but I don't need a link for the official rules.

I too agree it was a crap call.

Oh, cute pictures. My DH is amazed at how much soccer is popular there. Nothing like that here. It also has to do with the World Cup but still. Great Argentinia game last night!!! I was so cheering for them the whole way. We had to leave to go out last night and we recorded it. We watched the first half. When we got home around 11:30 last night we popped on the TIVO when we got into bed to watch the rest of the second half and overtime. FANTASTIC!!! Thank god for TIVO!!!

[Lindsan]

Thanks everyone for the positive comments. :)

England - Equador was a crappy game. I don't think I've seen England make as many mistakes as today. Their passes went wrong almost every time. But yeah, Beckham is so valuable at set pieces. I know Sweden would have won against Equador had we won the group. All they seem to do is roll the ball in their own half of the field. There doesn't seem to be any killer instinct when they play (unike Rooney, lol). But I am glad they are through to the quarter finals. I just hope they can play better than this ...

Really feeling for Christiano Ronaldo right now. That should have been a red card absolutely.

And that takes me, yet again, to the subject of the referees. I know it has been discussed already, but I do think that there have been too many incidents where the referee has made bad calls. I know it's part of the game but in a WC the refs must be at the top of their game and I just don't think many of them are. Our game yeserday is one example, and there were several issues in England's game today as well. It just shouldn't happen in the second round of a WC.

[Clubqueen]

Re: Portugal vs. The Netherlands.

Wow, I have never seen such an ugly World Cup soccer game in my life.
I'm rooting for Portugal and I'm glad they won, but it was a horrible game from the 2nd half on. 12 cards were handed out, 4 of them red! That must be some kind of record or something.
Both teams were guilty of faking injuries and throwing themselves on the ground. And what the hell was Figo thinking head-butting the Dutch player?? I'm almost positive he will be punished for it when they review that move in the next few days. If that happens, he'll be out for the next game vs. England.

I feel badly for Ronaldo. I hope his injury isn't serious enough to keep him out of the rest of the tournament.

Overall, an ugly victory for Portugal. Poor sportmanship all around. They're professionals, they should know better.
I hope they get their act together for their next game.

[Rosebud]

Bellabonga- The photo of your daughter is adorable!

The England v. Ecuador game.... I didn't think either team was playing as well as they should have. However, I think the game was very well officiated and for once felt like the fouls and cards were (for the most part) appropriate. I was glad to see England win it-- and on that gorgeous Beckham goal, to boot. I couldn't believe Beckham was throwing up on the field and they still kept him in! He plays in Spain, I would think he'd be adapted to playing in the heat now. :confused: Anyway, I'm happy to see England moving on.

Missed the Netherlands/Portugal game. It was really ugly, huh? I'll have to catch the re-airing of it tonight. TWELVE cards?!

[kazata]

Wow. The Portugal - Netherlands game was really ugly. The ref completely lost control. I can't believe how much the players were going at it with each other, pushing each other while cards are being handed out. Just wow. And the Netherlands playing the ball after it went dead on Portugal's possession while all the Portugese players were just standing around. I would have slide tackled him from behind too...but I know he (meaning the Portugese player) deserved the card for that. What a game. Geesh.

[K-L-U]

I saw the second half of the game. Man oh man. ITA, that ref lost all complete control of that game. The thing is, this is what FIFA wants. They want the refs to make the stupid calls they are making. Now as far as all the cards being given. I think it is going a little overboard.

I also agree in Portugal taking him down. I would do the same if I was playing. That was just uncalled for that he didn't return the ball back to them. I understand that they were behind but it is an unwritten rule.

Beckham's goal was just absolutely, BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!! Man I wish I could bend it like Beckham.. :)....... He's hot too!!!! hehe........

There are going to be some GREAT match ups this week. I can't wait!!!

[Lindsan]

Re: David Beckham, he plays in Real Madrid, yes, but in almost all of Europe (except Scandinavian countries) the series are played during the winter. That means that it's not as hot as it was yesterday. He was no doubt suffering from the heat, as was everyone else, but the truth is that he was sick before the game as well but never told Sven-Göran about it. So I don't think the throwing up was not brought on by the heat.

The Portugal - Holland game was out of control. I kept asking DH if it was hockey players on the field, lol.

[tinkerbelljenny]

SPOILER....DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED ITALY-AUSTRALIA GAME













WOW....what a way to end a game! That shot was beautiful! But what a way to lose a game by Australia. Way to go Italy! Can wait to see who they play next!

[bellabonga]

I simply can´t believe this - how could Australia lose 10 seconds before the game was over?! :eek: I´m really sad that they didn´t make it, especially as they were surprisingly good against Italy! :(

[tinkerbelljenny]

Yes, I thought Australia was going to win and was so surprised at the outcome. I thought Austalia played a great game. I would hate to be that player that got the foul at the end, can you imagine how he is feeling?

[tlew12778]

I was thinking how horrible it would to lose to Australia in a sudden death situation. Thank god for that foul!

[DaniML]

Again, I didn't get to watch the Germany game! This is really getting to be annoying. My son is playing in his district tournament (baseball) right now so we're at the ballfield ALL the time. Anyway, so glad Germany won! Of course I can't comment to the game itself because I've only read the re-cap.

I have a couple of pictures to share as well.
My neices at a fan party my sisters work throws whenever Germany plays. She works for Deutsche Bank and they have a room set up with big TV's and stuff.
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4354/2927/640/WM-Studio20jun06_DSC_058.jpg
And my son, who doesn't want to play soccer, but has been following along as if he always has:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4354/2927/640/DSC_0568.jpg

And for the fun of it, I PhotoShoped my son into the picture with my neices :D
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4354/2927/640/VCC768.jpg

I do believe I will actually be able to watch Germany vs. Argentina! Should be a good game!

[bellabonga]

Yes, I thought Australia was going to win and was so surprised at the outcome. I thought Austalia played a great game. I would hate to be that player that got the foul at the end, can you imagine how he is feeling?
That poor guy has to feel horrible for the mistake he made! Although many people here think that it was wrong to give a penalty for that because Neill was already on the floor and didn´t move anymore when the Italian "fell" over him. So personally I think this was a matter of opinion and it was the wrong decision to give that penalty. Australia was definitely better today and they deserved to win. So I think the referee should have given Neill a yellow card (the 2596. at this WC *yawn*) and the game should have gone to overtime.

ETA: Very cute pictures, DaniML!

[lainey]

hehe cute pics!

I am so happy Italy won! What an exciting end! Holy cow I almost couldn't watch Totti, but I knew he could do it. That's why Lippi put him in, in case they went to penalty kicks.

I do believe the foul was a right call (and no, not because I cheer for Italy). The Australian defender blocked the flow of the play by throwing himself down like that and forcing Grosso to fall over him. Every commentator I've heard has said that it was tough to do, but the ref had no choice but to call it.

I felt bad for the Aussies to lose that way, especially since they did play a good game. Italy's defense was just too hard to beat, and short a player, too, and Buffon was amazing again.

Gonna go celebrate!!

[K-L-U]

The game was absolutely great. As of right now I am watching the Sweds and Ukrains....Hope the Sweds win.

I think that Italy's goal is going to be everyone's judgement. I agree with Bellabonga that he "fell". I was glad to see a great game though. Every team deserves to be where they are at. I give Italy all the props to win with a man down. Now, I don't think that the Italy player deserved the red card though. That was a crap call.

GO USA!! haha......just kidding. Go England!

[Lindsan]

Um ... K L U do you mean Swiss? Ucraine played Switzerland last night.

I think the penalty was wrong. Lucas Neill had been lying down for half an hour when Grosso decided to "fall". I also cannot stand Totti. He is a lazy diva.

[K-L-U]

Yup sure did. Must have been out of it last night. I especially think the penalty was wrong. You hate to lose a game like that but the officiating has absolutely STUNK in my opinion. Guess that is the game, huh??

[msnicolea]

I also cannot stand Totti. He is a lazy diva.

Lindsan = Dead to Me ;)

http://www.premiercup.cz/images/hvezdy/totti.jpg


Once the defender left his feet and went to the ground, the call was obvious. Besides, you can't really give yellows in the box--a foul in the box = a penalty shot.

[Lindsan]

LOL! He is a nice looking chap and quite a talented player but I think his attitude stinks and that is why I just cannot like him. Compare that to Alessandro Del Piero, he's nice looking too (not that it should matter, but in my book it does), a good player and has a much better attitude. Now that's a player I can like. :)

You are right, a foul in the box is a penalty. But then there's the question of why he fell. Did he fall with the intention of obstructing Grosso, did he try to reach the ball, or did he just happen to fall? In my book it was number two of those three and Grosso decided to take advantage of the situation. But yeah, that's part of the game too.

But wow, Brasil - Ghana, what a game! It is so exciting.

[lainey]

So, Brazil is through (no surprise there) and France too! I was kind of cheering for Spain but I'm also happy to see France in the quarters.

Brazil vs. France is going to be a great quarterfinal game!

[bevvied]

Man oh man..the 2 teams I'm rooting for are playing against each other...Brazil vs. France...:(

Who will I root for?????

[DaniML]

I really thought Spain would make it through. Should be some interesting games. I'm so hoping that I'll be able to watch Germany vs. Argentina.

My predictions:
Germany vs. Argentina = Germany (even though this will be a tough match and I'm very biast lol)
Italy vs. Ukraine = Italy
England vs. Portugal = England
Brazil vs. France = Brazil

In the semi-finals I have:
Germany vs. Italy
England vs. Brazil

And in the finals:
Germany vs. Brazil (maybe this time we will beat them since they beat us 4 years ago!!!)

[tinkerbelljenny]

Germany vs. Argentina...man this game is good! they are in overtime play right now.

[tinkerbelljenny]

WAY TO GO GERMANY!!!

[DaniML]

I am SOOOO excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got to watch the last few minutes via ESPN 360. They have a free access week right now (usually it's a service offered by certain ISP's - of course not my ISP).

GO GERMANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kazata]

YAY! Nice shooting by Germany and nice saves by Lehman. He almost had the third one too....especially satisfying after the announcers (on ESPN) kept doubting his abilities...
I was nervous a lot of that game.

[Lindsan]

Augh! I watched almost all of the game but had to leave. Listened to the radio in the car when Germany equalized (1-1) but then had to get out of the car and I missed the best part. But I'm glad Germany won. And yeah, Luca Toni finally found the goal! Congratulations Italy!

[lainey]

GO ITALY!!!

Italy rocked today! Luca Toni finally scored :D They played very well, I think they keep getting better each game.
I thought it was so sweet how Cannavaro and Zambrotta came out with the Italian flag after the match with their friend's name on it that said "We're with you". It's so sad that he 'fell' (tried to commit suicide) from a rooftop but is in hospital after having had some surgeries. Apparently Cannavaro, Del Piero and some others flew back to Italy to visit him just now...so sad.

I'm glad Germany won too, but I didn't like the German reporter who made some racist remarks towards Italy. That's not very sportsmanlike.

ITALIAN OUTRAGE

There was outrage in Italian newspapers on Wednesday after German news weekly Der Spiegel published a satirical World Cup-related column on its Web site about the Azzurri entitled `Oiled up and greasy' which referred to Italians as 'parasitical forms of life'.

The article was later withdrawn and an apology posted on the Web site but that didn't stop the daily La Stampa declaring - `Italian parasites - that is how Der Spiegel prepares for the semi-final'.

Asked about the article, Nesta said: "They criticise us for how we are but then they want to dress and eat like us. There is a bit of envy".


LOL, I loved Nesta's reply.

Anyway, Italy vs. Germany will be a good game. Germany's got the home advantage, but I hope Italy can pull it off...we'll see on Tuesday I guess :)

[bellabonga]

Oh, I haven´t heard of this scandal with "Der Spiegel"! I´ve only heard many jokes about the bad haircuts the Argentinian guys had. ;)

Wow, today´s games were truly a surprise to me! I was wrong both times with my guesses. But England - Portugal was really suspenseful!

[Bastille]

Oh my God - after the Germany game it took me all day to calm down - I was thrilled that Deutschland won. I've lived in Germany and my mother is from Dortmund. Germany is playing in Dortmund against Italy tomorrow - great feelings about that.

Italy - eye candy, but I want the Germans.

Portugal - Cristiano Ronaldo is such hottie and they were so much better than England - upset not sure Portugal is really good - Deco, Figo and others.

France- if the annoucer says again this is the last game for ZiZi I will turn the tv to mute. Anyway love how the French play - much better than Brazil. I lived in France for 3 years so have a soft spot for the French (my first love was someone named Thierry and I had another boyfriend Henri - one of France's best players is Thierry Henry whose name cracks me up).

Predict Germany - France final; but of course Deutschland ueber Alles!

[Belm]

I'm a little late to this thread. DH plays soccer and of course loves watching all of the games. I really get into as well.

We were up in D.C. this weekend and had lunch at a pub and watched the game. DH was in love with the atmosphere. The whole place was packed and everyone was there to watch the game.

I wasn't a big fan of Brazil, so I'm glad France won.

[Clubqueen]

I was SO happy Portugal won! I screamed so loud on the final penalty kick, I actually set off the alarm in my house! :o :p Scared the crap out of me! *L*

I'm glad France beat Brazil. I think Portugal has a better chance of beating France than Brazil, although France has shown they're pretty tough as of late.

Can't wait for Wednesday! It'll be so exciting!

[bellabonga]

I´m really POed by the Italians! As you´ve probably seen there was this melee between the German and Argentinian players after we won. In case you don´t know why that happened, here is the short version: The Argentinian players tried to disturb the German players by calling them names while shooting the penalties. Tim Borowski then lay a finger on his mouth (pssst) to quieten them. One of the Argentinians who wasn´t even playing on that day wanted to slap Borowski for that but mixed him up with Mertesacker. So the Argentinian kicked Mertesacker in the thigh who was totally clueless why he was attacked and Mertesacker was hurt. After that it got out of control for a while and they all behaved as if they were in nursery-school. :rolleyes:

Now the Italians who had nothing to do with this have claimed that German player Frings would have slapped Argentinian Julio Cruz and wanted Frings to get punished (as in: not being able to play in the semi finale against Italy). Both Frings and Cruz claim that Frings didn´t slap Cruz. So there isn´t even a victim! But still the FIFA has acted the way the Italians wanted and has blocked Frings. What an unsportsmanlike way to weaken Germany! :mad:

[yby1]

bellabonga - I'm PO'ed too! Frings should be playing today. It's such BS. :mad:

[tlew12778]

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bellabonga]

:eek: :( :eek:

[Sumike]

WTH!!! Not only were they unfair and kept tripping everyone up..but pulling Ballacks ear?? WTH is that all about?

I was looking foward to the penalty shots. Had it come that far, DE would have won. Italy has never won on penatly shots. Lehman should have paid better attention to those 2 goals. :(

So sad. Would have been so awsome for the host to win.

[K-L-U]

That was a pretty good game. Especially in overtime. What great chances. I would like to see France win.

[lainey]

YIPPEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Italy kicks ass!!


FYI: the whole Frings thing was not caused by the Italian players/team. It had nothing to do with them, coach Lippi said he didn't even know about it.

[bellabonga]

I was looking foward to the penalty shots. Had it come that far, DE would have won. Italy has never won on penatly shots. Lehman should have paid better attention to those 2 goals. :(

I agree with you on the penalties. It was rather cruel to lose this way 2 minutes before the penalty shooting would have started. The Italians are quite lucky with last minute success, especially when I think about the unfair penalty they got 10 seconds before the end of the Australia-Italy game.

It´s sad since the Germans were much better in the second half than in the first. But it was also really bad that Schneider didn´t score a goal when he was standing there all alone in front of the goal in the first half! Okay, it´s not Schneider´s main purpose to score goals but still he should be able to do it when there is a chance like this! But Lehmann did an amazing job. And I still think that we would have won if Frings had been allowed to play.

lainey, I read that it was an Italian newspaper that started this campaigne. I can´t form an opinion about whether the Italian coach had something to do with this or not. Even if the newspaper published it, the coach or team could still have arranged it. And regardless who arranged it, I still think it was unfair and none of their business.

[tlew12778]

The Italians are saying that had nothing to do with the disqualification of the german player. Regardless, a punch is a punch. If the Italians called it, so be it. Blaming them is like saying whoever turns in a thief is the real criminal. I watched the whole scene on replay and you can see it clearly. This is from the FIFA website:

Frings received a two-match ban from FIFA's Disciplinary Committee on Monday for the punch he aimed at Argentina's Julio Cruz at the end of the sides' quarter-final penalty shoot-out. Since he was provoked by his opponent, the ban for the second match is suspended for six months, though Frings also received a CHF5,000 fine.

ETA: I should clarify... FIFA officials originally let the punch pass bc the image they had of it was from a poor angle. They obtained a different set of images from Sky which is the Italian cable provider, which clearly showed the punch from a decent angle.
http://www.corriere.it/Media/Foto/2006/07_Luglio/03/FRING.jpg

[EuropeBride]

We lost...

I'm so sad...

The Italians most certainly had something to do with the disqualification of Frings, especially the press. They aggravated the whole incident. Frings was hit by an Argentian player first before he hit back. Was the Argentian player banned? No. The Italian press saw the chance to have one of our best players banned and they took it with a vengeance. Makes me mad. :mad: