BS: World Cup 2010

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 06:06 AM

hi

Here is my 2nd attempt as my first effort disappeared down the Mudcat Triangle.

Holland deserved to win in a good game to watch. Two outstanding goals.

How Forlan has improved since leaving Manchester United !!!!
He didn't score many goals in his four years at Old Trafford when ( I think undeservedly ) he was tagged with the nickname of Forlorn.
I always liked him and although he didn't score many goals he always ran his socks off and was a great clubman. I always liked him.

Because of my Spanish connections I will be shouting for Spain. I don't think they have shown their true form yet. They will have to find it to beat Germany but I think they will do it.

So we will have an all Europe Final. Either way it will be a great game.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 06:17 AM

By the way, whoever wins the last two games, it will remain that no nation has won the World Cup with a foreign manager - as I say above, let's hope that FIFA change the rule before the next one, such that it never happens.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 01:54 PM

I heard that the Spanish coach said Spain would have to step it up because at their level of play lately, even a team like Canada could beat them. (My mother... so I didn't search it out.)

GO GERMANY!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 03:31 PM

Hmmmmm... quite a cat and mouse game so far. Perhaps a strategy by the Germans to try to tire Spain? Or a Spanish strategy to keep Germany contained? Possesion by Spain has fallen steadily from 65% aften 15 minutes.

I know "anything" can happen, but strategy attempts to influence that, right?

Anyway... it's still exciting.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 04:01 PM

Great goal by Spain

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 04:21 PM

Well done Spain.

I would have preferred Netherlands v Duitsland

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: bobad
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 04:23 PM

The octopus calls it again.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 04:24 PM

Me too, but Spain really took it the Germans and never let up. The Germans seemed tentative and defensive, rather than "letting fly" with their explosive offense.

Well done, Spain.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 06:59 PM

Here's Paul the Octopus picking Spain to beat Germany.

Thank you Paul. He couldn't have been going by form, because Spain hadn't played as well as that in any of the previous matches.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: michaelr
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 10:42 PM

There should have been a penalty awarded to Germany in the final minutes of the first half. Ozil was clearly fouled in the box. Germany was robbed!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 06:47 AM

I wonder what kind of bagpipe Paul the Octopus would pick?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: olddude
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:45 AM

Spain all the way this year I think

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 08:26 AM

I tend to favour Holland as champions, but am waiting to see what Paul the octopus selects. That's if the Germans haven't turned him into calamares after last night's defeat.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:06 AM

hi

I too called it for Spain but it wasn't through any knowledge of football.

I have lived in Spain and my sister and my wife's sister still live there so I am biassed.

My partiality remains and I believe that they will go on to win the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Strange how these two footballing nations have never ever met before in the World Cup !!

Andale Espana....

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:18 AM

Apparently Paul only does matches featuring Germany. And he's not infallible even there - in the 2008 European Cup he picked Germany to beat Spain in the final, and Spain won.

As for worries about calamares or sushi, Paul's keeper is reported as saying "There are always people who want to eat our octopus but he is not shy and we are here to protect him as well. He will survive."

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 12:14 PM

...that sucks.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 04:22 PM

I'm still hoping the Dutch win. They've got good enough players, especially up front.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 07:41 AM

So, Paul has gone for a Spain win - he's had a 100% track record this World Cup but somehow I still fancy Holland to upset the form book. Are my instincts more finely tuned than a cephalopod's? Have to wait until Sunday to find out! I think he also predicted that Germany will beat Uruguay tomorrow (Sat) but does anyone care who comes third? I suppose it will provide a last bit of entertainment for the German & Uruguay fans who haven't yet gone home. FIFA should make it free admission as well - today there are reports that many S Africans just could not afford the ticket prices so they watched on tv whilst many stadium seats were unoccupied.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 08:04 AM

If my memory serves me correctly, according to Evans-Pritchard, the Azande would have used a chicken.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 09:55 AM

Nice to see the English Team have made the final! Pity it's only the officials, but well done to Howard Webb and his team in officiating at matches where there has been very little sportsmanship shown (too much at stake, I suppose). Let's hope that Howard gets to book someone for simulation!

But's it's time for a big clearout at FIFA. They are total control freaks and breadheads. They have screwed South Africa unmercifully. They changed the ball for no other reason than money, and we have been treated to shots over the bar and overhit passes and crosses. They refused to use simple goal line technology (like an assistant ref on the goal line!) on the basis that no everybody could afford them.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:46 AM

hi les

FIFA will have to change - there is no doubt about it. How will they do it??? Well your guess is as good as mine.

Last night I saw where someone has come up with a transmitter actually inside the ball !!

Yes and congrats to Howard Webb and his team...though we don't like him at Old Trafford....lol

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: The Sandman
Date: 09 Jul 10 - 01:04 PM

Holland

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 02:13 PM

GER!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 02:24 PM

Mike - so you don't like Howard Webb at Old Trafford? Could that be because he's a Yorkshireman born and bred? Mind you, he's from Rotherham so almost a Southerner! His dad only flew back from SA a few days ago, and now has had to fly back to see his son referee the final - that's some airmiles. Anyway, good luck to Howard and his team and I hope they don't give any silly decisions that make them public enemy no.1 in Holland or Spain.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 07:16 PM

Good game! Right to the wire. 0ne inch lower and it would have been better!

Well done Germany.... both really as it was a great game.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 06:09 AM

Neither Spain nor Holland have won the World Cup before, but neither of them have resorted to employing a foreign manager to "compete" for them - a good lesson for others.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 11:41 AM

Hi arnie

When I said "we" I really meant Fergie didn't like Howard. Because of some decision he took that worked against Man United.

I am sure that Fergie knows very well that Howard is a very good referee.

In my case it is certainly not because Howard is a Yorkshireman. Although I was born in Manchester my mother was from Barnsley, Elsecar to be exact.

I am looking forward to a good game tonight and I know that Howard and his team will try to encourage that.

Cheers

Mikel2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 01:16 PM

Gonna be a hard go after today's game. I can't watch baseball. And there's no Yankee football until September.

Not long now. I shall be glued to the screen.

What do you think of the Lineups.

GO NED!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:15 PM

In the last moments before the championship game begins allow me to say,
"!Que viva Hollanda!" Picture the first bang as upside down.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:20 PM

hi gnu

I am just tuning in for the game.....it's murder in here....local pub !!! The forecasts here are very close almost a 50/50 split.

I think that the line-ups are more or less as expected. Any team that can afford to leave out Torres and Fabrigas must be very strong.

Spain have a very strong complement of one team in their 11.....Barcelona.

Very close to call.

Ah here comes my pint.....!!

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:23 PM

Holland, and the octupus put in an irish stew

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:59 PM

...Or will the Spanish make baked-beans of the Dutch?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:42 PM

Not Enjoying Dutch aggression - hope the second half is better

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 04:26 PM

Great 2nd half.

My wife is a nervous wreck with her Dutch team.

We are amazed how dirty the Dutch were in the first half.

Anybodys game.

Odds for the first one to get sent off :-)

Extra time started.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 04:31 PM

lox.... me too... I am not pleased. If the strategy was to win by injury, no thank you. But, the ref was handing out yellow cards as required so "it" seems to have settled down.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 05:04 PM

Felicidades a Espana. :{

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 05:05 PM

Well played Spain. You deserved it.

Very enjoyable match.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 05:12 PM

VIVA ESPANA !!!!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 05:16 PM

Indeed. NED had chances, but, overall, I felt the dirty play by NED was karma in their loss. That may sound hokey, but whether it is or not makes no nevermind. The fact that Spain scored after a lost call by the ref made it all the more "karmatic".

Well done Spain.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 05:21 PM

Justos Campeones !!!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:16 AM

I went to my nephew's birthday party and figured I'd have to miss it. But I was feeling like shit and it was getting worse so Karen and I went to the ER where it turned out to be a gall bladder attack......something else in the long string of ailments. But a great thing happened! I had a private room while waiting for tests with a 36" hi-def flat screen, The bed was pretty comfy, the air conditioning was just right and I enjoyed the entire match! The only thing missing was a beer.

GREAT GAME!!!


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 03:20 AM

Where is that f****** Octopus?

My missus is distraaght at her beloved Netherlands losing.

She wants me to get it and serve it's head up on a plate.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 04:30 AM

Hope you are OK now Spaw.

I have heard of some ways of trying to get the best seat in the house, but yours takes the biscuit.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 04:53 AM

Biscuit with butter!

Hope you feeling better Spaw.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 05:48 AM

"Biscuit with butter!"

Rather like 'chips', a biscuit is something which is different in the UK from its USA meaning, gnu. Just as we wouldn't eat US-'chips' with fish, we wouldn't put butter on a UK-biscuit! :-) :-)

We call your 'biscuit' a Scone.
You call our biscuit a 'cookie'.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 06:19 AM

So much for the Dutch concept of Total Football - online it's being called Shaolin Football after that high-kicking display by de Jong on Alonso's chest. I've liked the Dutch approach throughout the tournament but they let themselves down badly last night. To Spain's credit they continued to try playing their fluid, passing game in the teeth of Dutch agression - and were deserved winners. Much criticism in some quarters of Howard Webb for not sending off one or even two Dutch players in the first half to halt the 'clogging' but I think he was trying to preserve the spirit of a cup final match and was hoping the Dutch would understand this and calm down a bit. Instead they treated it as a sign of weakness and an excuse to carry on scything down the Spaniards. The football may not have been pretty but well done to Spain for finally getting their hands on the Jules Rimet trophy. Have we more or less finished this thread now? Be interesting to look back at it in 2014.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 06:34 AM

lets hope in 2014, that either more linesman are employed, or that referees can refer to television replays, then the whole tournament would be fairer.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 07:14 AM

The best team won - best by a mile.

The Netherlands players should hang their heads in abject shame for sullying the hitherto-good name of Netherlands football. I imagine they lost quite a few foreign fans last night, me included.

And the Spanish players should be very proud of themselves for the shining example they set of how to resist provocation and answer it with great football skills.

IMHO, of course

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Leadfingers
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:03 AM

500 !! And Thank God uts over now !

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:25 AM

Philistine! :-) :-)