BS: Football World Cup 2006

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 05:10 AM

Did anyone see Brazil's latest warm-up game against a French club side?

They have two world class players for every position, they are all fit and it is difficult to see how they could possibly play any better.

Which strangely could work in favour of teams that know they will have to improve even to give Brazil a match - let alone beat them.......

Or are they really unbeatable?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Wolfgang
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 05:26 AM

OK, I'll take the fun out for you by telling you what will happen. Some German economists have mathematically modeled the tournament (enter into the model: present economic worth of players, add some corrections for level of payment varying from country to country, add a slight home team bonus and some other arcane corrections and hit on the result button):

Brazil will beat Italy in the final, England will beat Holland (who has eliminated Germany by the way in the quarter finals) for third place.

That's it. Well, the model could not have predicted the result of the last European contest and close to none of the past finals but who cares about reality when having a beautiful model?

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 05:57 AM

You're just trying to make us feel better, it's got to be the home side....

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 07:43 AM

Do you know who is playing for Germany this time around this time WLD? There is little there for even Plymouth Argyle to fear. Japan were very unlucky to get only a draw. I suppose Germany could improve as the tournament goes on. They will have to though!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 07:57 AM

they always start every tournament with that line of bullshit. then gasps of surprise all round, they win....

Denise thinks Ballach has not just sexy knees, he is sexy all over. need I say more......

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 11:39 AM

But does he have golden balls?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 12:41 PM

Al -I've seen 'em - and believe me, I am more frightened for them than I am of them!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 01:17 PM

well BPL, I did think of writing a song on the subject, to the tune of Keep On Trucking

I'm mad about Ballach's bollocks
Man, they're just the job
I'm crazy for Ballach's bollocks
He's got one , each side of his nob
They jiggle about with every kick
Two strong legs, and a nice long .....
That's the kind of stuff I like
Shake 'em for the ladies Mike!

another neglected masterpiece!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 02:03 PM

How about moneybags Abramovich buys a team with Ricardo Kaka, Doudou [Ebeu Mbombo], Ballack, Danny Shittu and Bernt Haas. Do you think you could work up a song with those players, WLD?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Den
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 02:10 PM

Jaysus, this thread has taken a disturbing twist;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 02:27 PM

Nervous apprehension, Den ;o) I'm trying to grow my fingernals long so I have something to bite. As I live in Canada I have to go through the Stanley Cup* final as well. I hope I have enough calcium in reserve.

The Rooney situation is looking brighter today according to the BBC website. Any up-to-the-minute news on that?

* who you shouting for, gnu?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: gnu
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 06:42 PM

OILERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How could you not know that? Oh... sorry... yer just yankin my chain.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 09:03 PM

no but I think I'll record Michael Ballach's Bollocks and put it on the website.

I think its catchy.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: ard mhacha
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 09:23 AM

How about two outstanding English players, Shirtliff and Windass. Ufarte of Spain raised a stink or two.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 04 Jun 06 - 03:12 AM

Talking of names. What do you think of a Brazilian player called - FRED?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: autolycus
Date: 04 Jun 06 - 06:25 AM

Don't tell me, let me guess.

    Got it.


   This is a thread about football.

   Am I right or am I right?




    Ivor

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Jun 06 - 07:32 AM

well sure but international football is a bit Jesus dad's house, it has many mansions -and we are amusing ourelves in the garage.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 04 Jun 06 - 08:26 PM

Okay got it down sort of today
A hymn of admiration Michael Ballach's Bollocks

http://bigalwhittle.co.uk/id12.html

Its a bit like that Monty Python thing about Mr Smoke Too Much

would they noticed if his name was Mike Knacker, or Mike Testicle?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 02:40 AM

Erm, I trust the spelling was a deliberate ploy to ward off lawsuits! Folks, listen in to a song, which you may not hear getting heavy airtime on the BBC...

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Kweku
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 05:09 AM

thanks guys for the insight into this oxygyen therapy.

i can't wait for our team to thrash the US. oh boy! that will be the day and possibly the English team.that will be sweet.

but i didn't think the Reggae Boys were such a lousy side .how could they allow themselves to be thrashed 6-0. they made our 4-1 look like something else.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 05:49 AM

I don't think there are going to be a lot of thrashings in the tournament quarcoo. The US are currently rated above England, I believe and they are on their way to joining the ranks of the top teams. I don't think anyone is going to get an easy game against the African teams either. There do not seem to be any real minnows any more. Japan got a draw against Germany last week after leading them by two nil. Australia drew against a powerful Netherlands team yesterday.
I will be very glad if England can win games by a one goal margin. The thing that makes football so exciting, is that even if you totally outplay the opposition, you still need a bit of luck for the goals to actually go in.
I reckon at least one African team will make the quarter finals - and any side - even England or Holland - could be proud of getting that far. I also do not believe that any team will reach the final without winning a tie on penalties. That does not bode well for England... How good are Ghana at penalties?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Kweku
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 06:10 AM

well,alanabit, we are not very good at penalties. every Ghanaian who plays soccer will testify to this. we hate penalties.football should be determined with real play.

but somehow you are right its going to be tough at this world cup but i believe an African can make it past the quarter-finals stage and possibly even the grand-finals.i couldn't believe that we were able to beat the Koreans by 3-1. it is certainly going to be exciting.

so which team are you supporting?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 07:30 AM

I'm an England fan, Quarcoo. We will have to see if the best players, whom I have ever seen in England shirts, will get that essential rhythm and team harmony. If they do, they have a chance against anyone.
I share your distaste for penalties. The problem is, replays would present such huge organisational problems. In England, in the early seventies, some FA games went to several replays. You have to have something, which guarantees a result. Most of us reckon that even penalties are better than tossing a coin though.
On talent available, the Brazilians should walk it. That could be their downfall though. They do like walking and doing lots of fancy tricks with the ball. On a cold, wet pitch, against say, an in form Czech Republic, that could get them into trouble!
I think Australia could do a lot better than many people think. The USA could possibly reach the semi final again. Of the African sides, I fancy the Ivory Coast and Ghana to do well.
At the end of the day, I can't see anyone winning it without a lot of discipline and a large helping of good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 07:40 AM

I slilpped up there. I said the USA could reach the semi final again. Of course, they have reached the quarter final in the past.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 06:14 PM

Tell you what Al - I think that keep on trucking in E really worked.

I played the original accompaniment using E , C sharp 7, F sharp - all those big open strings.

and then capoed 4 and played the same old Donovan c, G, A7 shapes.

I was really chuffed with that.

No takers as of today - still one casts ones bread on the waters.....

English team flew out today. Some very exotic spellings of Paraguay - chalked outside English pubs. Newspaper yesterday had a picture of a couple of English players on the front - Headline - THE ENGLISH WARRIORS - so the usual jingoistic nationalistic claptrap kicks into gear. If patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel - its certainly the first port of call for tabloid newspapers.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 07:22 PM

Rather entertaining story here.

Apparently McDonalds ran a competition for children, with the prize for the winning child being to get to the World Cup Final as one of the mascots who go out onto the pitch holding the hand of a player.

Only thing is they ran it on a UK basis, rather than just for McDonalds eateries in England - and the winner was a six-year old Scot called Connor, with a granny in Ukraine.

"I want Ukraine to win but I think Brazil will do it. I don't want England in the final. I don't want them to win."

Now in the fairly remote likelihood that England makes it to the final, who'd envy the lucky England player who'd have to have to offer to hold Connor's hand?... He'll probably kick his shins.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 02:16 AM

If patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel - its certainly the first port of call for tabloid newspapers.

That is the sad thing about World Cups and England's (or any of the home teams) involvement in the final stages.

Those who appreciate international football as the best and the World Cup as a measure of this - whoever is playing - are caught up in the partisan and blind support that is usually associated with clubs sides and find ourselves drowning in a sea of flags, T shirts and silly hats. The reasons for this has little to do with football.

None of the players are warriors and although some form of bravery will be shown - this is not conflict and any attemps to portray it as this should be taken issue with. It is not as if the world is lacking in real conflict or has a shortage of real warriors.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Kweku
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 05:23 AM

I think the Brazilians toughest test will come against an African team. from the way I look at it African appreciation of football is very much like the South American style of play. remember how Nigeria beat Brazil and Argentina to win the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta olympic games. African teams fumbles a lot with European teams but not South America.

the US is highly unpredictable,when you expect them to perform they don't,when you don't expect them they do.and that is a dangerous side you can never tell when they are going to be tough.

I hope this time round the English commentators don't make too much noise about one player.last world cup it was Beckham,this time it might be Rooney.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 07:43 AM

I don't think the English can bark too much about Wayne Rooney, Quarcoo. He is not going to play any full games. He has not been part of the build up, and England will be better off even with a lesser player, who has been worked in. If England make it to the second half of the tournament, they will not want to change a winning side. Even a fit Rooney would only be brought on as a joker if they were trying to save a match, which looked lost.
England, if they make it through the group stage, will almost play against Germany in the second round. Both sides should get through, but it is unlikely that both will win their groups. That means a clash is near inevitable. On pure footballing ability, England should well have the measure of these Germans. However, it is being played in front of fans, for whom defeat is unthinkable at the early stages. It looks like a very tough test of English nerves. I should not be worrying about that though. There are no easy rides for anyone, even in the group matches!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 09:18 AM

sorry about getting the name wrong. Bollochs!
thanks Al for telling me

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 01:54 PM

I see the Brazilian coach has issued a plea to FIFA to make sure his team and 'other South American teams' are not subjected to 'violence,' by which he means, apparently, don't let the Australians kick the crap out of my players. Bit cheesey to be using gamesmanship to thwart gamesmanship isn't it?

Interesting results at the weekend. The Africans did much better than I expected. Perhaps we will have some upsets after all!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 04:26 PM

I'll go along with that, BPL, because I have seen the Brazilians and the Argentinians as capable of dishing out violence as anyone else. I don't think the Argentinians would want to be reminded of their performance in the World Cup final of 1990. There are no teams who are not averse to a little shirt pulling and off the ball thuggery - as long as they think they can get away with it. Unfortunately England are not an exception.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 03:03 AM

The 'fairplay' award was started in 1978 when the winners were Argentina.

Brazil have won it 3 times - 1982,1986, and 1994.
England 2 times - 1990 and (jointly with France) in 1998.
And Belgium in 2002.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 01:14 PM

You mean Turkey has never won it? I'm shocked ... ;o)

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 03:28 PM

Police mount hooligan crackdown
British Transport Police bound for Frankfurt talk to police at Heathrow
It is hoped the police operation will stop troublemakers travelling
Police have arrested 15 people at ports or airports as they tried to travel to Germany for the World Cup as part of a crackdown on English hooligans.

Officers used powers in the Football Disorder Act (2000), which allows the arrest of possible troublemakers who have not been given banning orders.

Up to 200 fans with banning orders did not give up their passports before last week's deadline, the Home Office said.

If arrested, they could be jailed for six months and fined £5,000.

About 3,500 people have been subjected to banning orders.

The details of those who have should have handed in their passports have been passed to port authorities in the UK and Europe, according to the Home Office. known hooligans has evaded the security operation after travelling in defiance of a banning order.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 04:19 PM

From the Beeb, late Wednesday:

Rooney appears to have won the race to prove his fitness after breaking a metatarsal in his right foot while playing for Manchester United in April.

Good news indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 08:51 PM

It must be a bit sad for the Yanks knowing there's a huge country back there that doesn't evidently give a bugger how they do...

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 11:54 PM

Theres a fair number of English people who are pretty indifferent. I'm having trouble working the requisite amopunt of concern about this bloke Rooney's foot.

I've seen the X-rays like everyone else. But it doesn't seem very sensible to me, if your foot is poorly to play football. You might start off worse trouble and arthritis could set in. No, the sensible thing is to sit this one out.

I simple don't believe, there isn't anybody else amongst all the footballers in England.

Coupled with fact is the general consensus that come world cup time, our brave sensitive flowers of English manhood will be climbing into the ring with the dirtiest playing sods in the universe.

I don't reckon Rooney's meta tarsals don't stand a chance. they'll be queuing up to jump on them. It'll be Henry Cooper's eyes all over again.

For those too young to remember - Our 'Enery was a boxer who used to climb into the ring to get clobbered by Mohammed Ali, only the skin above his eyes spurted blood when the wind blew inclemently in his direction. Boxing commentator Harry Carpenter used to have this special funereal voice that he used for every ritual pasting Ali handed out. These sporting events were keenly enjoyed, despite a certain predictability over the outcome.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 01:56 AM

Had the Fair Play award been around in 1966 - would its winners (along with the World Cup itself that year) have been England - with the likes of Nobby Stiles in their ranks?

I tend to think of that year's finals as being the roughest - with Pele being allowed to be largely kicked out of it, but was it?

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 03:19 AM

Yes, I think there was plenty of rough stuff dished out in 1966. I thought the Argentine side of 1990 was pretty horrible. Some of their tackling tested the legal definitions of assault. I don't think Turkey will be remembered for "the beautiful game" after their efforts in the last World Cup either. With sides like Argentina, Italy and some of the other South Americans, you never know what to expect. They can be wonderful to watch and they have the technique to win and keep the ball without being unduly physical. I am optimistic. There are some wonderful footballers around this time and the only really clear favourites are Brazil. I reckon another skillful, attractive side will emerge. Maybe it will be the new Holland, or given a good run, even England. Roll on Friday!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 01:23 PM

Awful to see Cisse break his leg yesterday, you have to feel sorry for the lad, both on the painful brak and the fact it takes him out of the tournament. Likewise, now that Rooney is in, Defoe has to go home. Poor bugger.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 03:50 PM

Of course when English players do it, it's "robust physical play" and jokes about "getting your retaliation in first", and constant accusations about dives by the other side when players are brought down by professional fouls.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 04:14 PM

A nice touch I think to have the minute's silence before the Germany - Costa Rica game for all those associated with the game that have died in the past year, including Brazilian Tele Santana, Scotland's Jimmy Johnstone, Northern Ireland's George Best and England's Ron Greenwood, Johnny Haynes and Peter Osgood.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 07:19 PM

And come on Costa Rica!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 11:43 AM

Yes it should be a gala event, with Steven Gerrard diving !

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 02:19 PM

The German defence looked very suspect against a Costa Rica side that seemed to run out of energy very quickly and run out of ideas even quicker. The fact this limited team were able to score two goals from just about their only attack on goal must be very worrying to anyone supporting the German team.

The two long range efforts were good strikes but the way this ball moved about must be be of concern to any goalkeeper. I thought it was a good opening game but a very funny opening ceremony.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 02:29 PM

Well i would call that classic German opening gambit.

looking cack handed against a world class team, yet still staying two goals ahead for most of the game - fairly effortlessly, and everybody saying - they're not all that good - up to about the semi-finals.

I still reckon the rest of the world might as well pack up and go home. They've got this one well in their sights.

Pow!

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 02:34 PM

Great start! Loads of goals, loads of jitters, loads of fun.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: gnu
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 02:35 PM

Four shots on goal and two scores. You can say such a stat makes the defense suspect or you can say the defense must be great to only allow four shots on goal. And three corners. And 11 fouls (vs 15). No cautions. No expulsions.

Subject: RE: BS: Football World Cup 2006
From: alanabit
Date: 09 Jun 06 - 02:39 PM

I thought I saw one yellow card for a Costa Rica player. It was more fun to watch than had I expected. There were some spectacular goals and Costa Rica got on the score sheet, although the result was never in question. We will see better and worse games, but I can't think of many World Cup openers, which were more enjoyable to watch.