BS: World Cup 2010

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 10:58 AM

VT... enough to frost yer grandmother's preserves, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 10:52 AM

OMG! What a ripoff... England goal against Germany not seen by Uraguian official. It was in by a almost a yard according to camera shots.

WTF?!?!?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 08:50 AM

Lox... "and to criticize team USA for not working hard enough isn't exactly fair"

I still say, the the FIRST half, USA were slow to react and didn't provide forward support. It COULD have been a defensive strategy, but if it was, they should have changed it immediately after the first goal.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Lox
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 07:55 AM

A Quick note to our American friends, ...

I would point out that team USA have not only played a great world cup in terms of quality, but they have also played with a lot of heart.

When you're being beaten by a team who are having a good day, it can make your team look a little lacklustre, and to criticize team USA for not working hard enough isn't exactly fair.

I'veenjoyed watching the American team play and I think they can hold their heads up high.

Ghana were on form and that, I'm afraid, is the way the cookie crumbles.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: alanabit
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 04:47 AM

On the radio yesterday, I heard that the UK gutter press has once again started up all its usual xenophobic, "We won the war" type of crap. All this garbage is written and read by people who never got closer to suffering than to be denied another portion of chocolate while they were watching "The Great Escape". Why oh why do we produce these cretins? As the father of two German speaking children, I want to get hold of these shit mongers in the press and kick them down a very long flight of stairs. It makes us look cheap, petulant and immature. Very few of the servicemen who had anything to do with that part of history have such a glib and ignorant attitude. Most of them have a humble, "There but for the grace of God..." attitude.
Be that as it may, I will still be on the edge of my seat, praying for an unlikely upset in the knowledge that it will almost certainly be a long, miserable journey home through troops of celebrating German fans.
It looks unlikely that both sides will finish the game with eleven players as the referee sends off someone in 70% of the games at which he officiates. Let us hope that the occasionally quick tempered Rooney, Gerard etc will be on their very best behaviour for the entire match!
Germany's best player so far, Ozil, has just suffered a bereavement and the other fine attacking midfield player, Bastian Schweinsteiger, may not be fully recovered from injury. The Brazilian born striker Cacau is out. England really have no excuses. I will just be hoping that England keep cool heads and acquit themselves reasonably well. This will probably be the final match of England's "Golden Generation" - who actually have never come close to winning anything. We can expect resignations after the match and I believe it will be several years before England again have a side, which can hope to compete at this level. For the time being, let's make the best of this afternoon!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 04:40 AM

AllanC - thanks for enlightening me as I never did get around to checking. Too busy watching US v Ghana. Thank goodness we're only facing the Germans this aft as I think we also may well have been dummped out by Ghana. I recall meeting a Ghanaian footballer when I worked at Heathrow. He told me that he played for a team called the Cape Coast Mysterious Dwarves. I thought he was kidding, but it turns out that the team does exist and is/was rather good.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: GUEST,Allan C
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 06:57 PM

"I think it may be the first time Uruguay have made the quarter-finals - will check later."

Uruguay actually won the World Cup twice. Only Italy and Brazil have won it more than that. They won the inaugral tournament which they hosted. They did not enter the next two tournaments. They them entered again in the fourth tournament which was held in Brazil and again won the tournament beating the Brazilians in the final. They were semi-finalists in 1954 and 1970 and quarter finalists in 1966.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Les from Hull
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 06:09 PM

It's always hard to know who to support when two of our former colonies play each other! I found myself urging on Ghana, because I thought they were playing the better football, but I admired the organisation of the Mercans, and Hull City had that Jozy Altidore for the last half of last season. No, he didn't do much for us either!

The best footballers in the World have been kicking a ball around since they could walk, and when the USA has a few more of that sort to choose from, they'll be a real force.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 05:23 PM

Damn! I can't get away from it. The Crusaders have put back the kick-off till 18:00 and threatened, sorry promised, to show the Saxons on screens in the stand bars.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: olddude
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 05:14 PM

AN OUTSTANDING MATCH. I AM SAD ABOUT THE US BUT THE BEST TEAM WON

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 05:10 PM

Wow! GHA be good!

They really shone today. They were excellent. Amazing talent and, again, a joy to watch.

Well done USA for getting this far.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 05:03 PM

Oh dear Ghana won. Obama will not be pleased.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 04:43 PM

Half time in extra play.

USA have 15 minutes left to please Obama.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 04:42 PM

In the first half of extra time 13 minutes out of 15 USA 1 Ghana 2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 03:25 PM

How long is it gonna take USA to wake up to the fact that that GHA can RUN! PASS! SET UP PLAYS! and SCORE!

The Yanks look like they are flatfooted... as if surpised. And the open wings... no support... it's like they are tired from the get go. Overconfident or what?

I hope the coach knocks some sense into them at the half.

Of course, it's also obvious from watching the wonderfully executed passing, pace and field vision of GHA that they have what it takes to win this game... a joy to watch such precision.

I would say GO USA! but at the moment I'll say GET THE LEAD OUT OF YER ARSE!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 02:39 PM

The Villa need to sign Suarez

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 01:15 PM

14:30 EST (eastern seaboard of the US).

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 11:58 AM

Well done Uruguay - a close run game against South Korea in the pouring rain and on a disgraceful pitch - almost as bad as Wembley. I think it may be the first time Uruguay have made the quarter-finals - will check later. Suarez scored both goals and the second one was a beauty. It's the American's turn tonight - should be a good match against Ghana. They are not pushovers and may well give the US team a real fright. It's an evening kick-off so I suppose that's daytime viewing in the States?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 09:39 AM

DOUBLE brain fart!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 09:27 AM

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 07:35 AM

I am beside myself... it appears from the TV listings that the England game will not be televised today. %^(%^$##$$!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 07:18 AM

I'm at an all day folk event on Sunday. Fortunately it's being held at a pub so whilst the music fans are sweltering in the garden, the footie fans will be inside watching the match on the pub tv. I don't expect us to repeat our 5-1 thrashing of Germany, but will settle for 2-1 this time. Bring on Argentina - we've beaten them before and can do it again. That would be just reward for their manager's blatant hand-ball goal.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 06:25 AM

I did not know that extra time was used beginning at the start of the final 16... or, more likely, I had brain fart.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 06:07 AM

hi

After all the hype and analysis when England & Germany kick off the truth will start to unfold.

The poertents are not in England's favour but we are a very perverse nation and enjoy destroying form.

Remember this - England are still unbeaten and have aonly conceded that freak goal. Germany were well beaten in one of their games although they did look good in the other two.

May the best team win and may that team be England.

Rooney for a hat-trick....anyone ???

cheers

Mikel2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: alanabit
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 05:24 AM

Gnu, the extra thirty minutes refers to extra time, which is played if the score is all square after ninety minutes. All four of the major Germany vs England games (1966, 1970, 1990 and 1996) went into extra time. I have my doubts that this England side can force extra time tomorrow, but they may well raise their game. The likelihood is that Germany will win convincingly by the end of normal time.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:17 PM

I haven't a clue how many times Wales and Scotland have been in the World Cup Finals - I don't watch that much soccer. I lost interest when Willie Bauld stopped playing Centre Forward for Hearts. On Sunday I'll be in Wrexham watching Crusaders v Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:04 PM

"120 minutes"

Is there a rule I am not familiar with?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: alanabit
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:49 PM

I will not give up hope until the end of 120 minutes (if England are lucky enough to get that far) either. However, I am a realist and realise that Germany will probably do the job comfortably in ninety minutes. When push comes to shove, Germany always know that they will win and they do win. If that has to be - and it probably does - I hope it is over in ninety minutes this time, so that there can be no pretence that "we nearly won". We were played off the park in all the previous encounters and the Germans thoroughly deserved their victories - as they almost certainly will on Sunday. It is very rare that England has as many first choice players available as they do this time. The Germans have lost their captain Ballack and possibly also Bastian Schweinsteiger. The match will also probably be played in what are unusually favourable conditions (for a World Cup) for a European side. England have no excuses.
I would hate to contradict the usually shrewd McGrath on the subject of Germany's quarter final with Argentina. I will take the liberty of adding a caveat however. In the past two World Cups, Argentina were eliminated by teams with inferior football talent but with iron discipline and superb concentration. Those teams were England (2002) and Germany (2006).

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:20 PM

What about the PRK goalie? Poorrr bugger! 12 was it? I felt so sorry for him, even tho I realize the defense was a tad lacking.

As for England, I shall not give up hope until all hope is whistled dead after stoppage time.

And... keep yer eyes on Japan. They are the first team I have seen that shows promise AND appears to be able to "control" the new ball to some extent. Those two free kick goals yesterday were bang on and beautiful.... and by different players.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:07 PM

Whoever wins on Sunday can expect to be hammered by Argentina anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 04:36 PM

But is Paul making any money on the games?

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: bobad
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 03:26 PM

'Psychic' octopus predicts Germany victory over England

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: GUEST,Allan C
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 08:06 AM

"And the Welsh national football team has been in the World Cup Finals how many times Dave? Oh yes, none - two less than Scotland!"

Scotland have actually qualified for the World Cup Finals 9 times though the SFA chose not to attend in 1950 after coming second to England in the Home Championships, so they have appeared 8 times in all. Actually from 1974 to 1990 they never missed a finals qualifying for it 5 times in succession. They've never made the knock out stages though they have only just missed out on that on various occassions. With comparable sized nations Scotland's qualifying record for the Finals stands up favourably against just about everyone. I think Wales have qualified only the once.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 07:31 AM

And the Welsh national football team has been in the World Cup Finals how many times Dave? Oh yes, none - two less than Scotland! :-) :-)

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:10 AM

I've said before that English sportsmen, whatever game they're playing, switch their brains off whenever they put on a white jersey. Maybe the English can only fulfil their potential if they think they're Welshmen!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:51 AM

England are playing in all red again on Sunday. Whenever England have played in a red shirt, they've never lost a match. Makes you wonder why we don't always don a red shirt then doesn't it? Aren't statistics wonderful? Wasn't there a statistic before the Slovenia match that whenever Rooney and Defoe have started together, neither ever scores and Defoe is always substituted? As the saying goes, there are lies, damn lies and statistics!

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:26 PM

Yes, indeed! They were great. A joy to watch. I shall not miss another JPN game.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:25 PM

Thanks Alanabit

Easy peasy for Holland. They did as much as they needed to and no more.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Bainbo
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:22 PM

Weren't Japan great? With France and Italy out, and Germany through but playing like carthorses, I think it might be worth me risking a few bob on them.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 02:15 PM

First of course, I want to belatedly wish Arthur a very happy birthday. England cheered me up a little yesterday. They were not great or particularly fluent, but they were competitive and coherent. Before we get too carried away with delusions of granduer about our supposed rivalry with the Germans, we should read more articles like this one.
I had been hoping the Aussies and Kiwis would make it to the second round too. They put up a bloody good challenge this time around. The Kiwis actually finished ahead of Italy!
I think I shall watch as much as I can of the Dutch game tonight. If they get up a head of steam, they could give anyone a game.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 01:36 PM

NED has the luxury of resting and protecting it's best players whilst allowing others and younger players game time and experience. An enviable postion.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 01:16 PM

And now for my other favourite International team.

Holland

Hopefully they will play well tonight and show us how skillful they are.
Mind you, they really don't have to do much having already got through.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 09:12 AM

Just need to repeat this next Sunday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovjcs3lVGlw&feature=related

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 08:58 AM

The Rioja was great Mike.

We need this to stir our English hearts and souls for Sunday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfl6Lu3xQW0

Come on England :-)

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: MikeL2
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 06:28 AM

hi arthur

Hope you enjoyed your Rioja.

I am rather partial to Spanish reds myself. I have spent quite a lot of time in Spain and Menorca and have got to know their wines very well !!!

These days as well as Rioja the other Spanish regions produce very drinkable wine at a lower price than many other countries.

I raised a couple of glasses of red to England's performance, nail biting though it was. They always seem to take the most difficult route and make things hard for themselves.

I don't think that they will worry too much that they have to play Germany. I think that they will suit England's style more than Ghana would, although England have never been beaten by an Africa team.

Keep the Rioja on hand on Sunday !!

Regards

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arnie
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 06:22 AM

Better start practising our penalties for Sunday then.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 05:01 PM

I think the USA has a decent chance but they can't give up the early goal as they have been prone to do. The bookies might have the edge to the USA but they are certainly underdogs playing the only African team left and they will be hard put to find their own supporters in a crowd of cheering Africans! The underdog role though will provide any impetus the USA needs and its a role they enjoy playing.

If this WC has shown anything though, I think that it has been a great lift to the entire African continent. I'd bet that by the next time around we see major progress from many of those nations.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: alanabit
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 04:42 PM

Yes I am mighty relieved that England made it through. The USA thoroughly deserved to get through. They could make it to the quarter final because they are much more likely to beat Ghana than England are to beat Germany. Germany this evening looked everything that England are not. They support each other on the ball, change their angles of attack fluidly and close down space quickly when they have lost the ball. I can't imagine England being much of an obstacle to their progress - not unless an awful lot changes between now and Sunday. They will also have their first choice pairing of strikers back together as well.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: gnu
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:33 PM

Happies, Art.

MikeL2... there is another aspect about Rooney that perhaps I shouldn't broach. The injury and all the negative thoughts about England going all the way. Certainly, these could combine to make Rooney "take stock" of the possibility of getting injured again. There is a lot at stake for him, his club and his fans.

One would expect ALL for Queen and country, but if you get booed, it might make you think twice.

In any case, it's all conjecture, but I think you have made the best case.

Subject: RE: BS: World Cup 2010
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:22 PM

Thanks for the happy birthday thingies hic.
I decided to have an evening of drinking wine hic. Back on the straight and narrow tomorrow.
My daughter bought me a bottle of Rioja Reserva. It were alroight loik