World Cup 2006 [Archive]

bookeddy

06-07-2006, 11:08 PM

ok. enough econ bullshit. let's get some important blabbing underway.

World Cup 2006.

I thought about putting my whole wad on Brasil at 3 to 1, but decided that was boring and too easy, so i've got a third of my money on the Czech Republic at 18 to 1, another third of my money on Spain at 15 to 1, a sixth of my stake on Croatia at 40 to 1 and a sixth on the Ukraine at 35 to one.

What will be the biggest suprise? Anyone going? I just heard that the Preservation Pub is going to present two games a day.... My next door neighbors are going to TIVO the games and show them at 7 pm since their clientele doesn't generally get off work until 5 or 6....

Here's to a great tournament which still transcends the corporate-mega-state. The past grudges, the collective memory, the wars, the nationalism, all on a 120 by 70 pitch! Pretty interesting really.

Oh yea, there's the skill too.

metulj

06-07-2006, 11:19 PM

Forget Spain.

I'd put my darkhorse money on Sweden. Yep. I said it.

Watch for a run to the knockouts by Cote D'Ivoire. They've been spanking people in friendlies.

If Wayne Rooney can heal, England is decent.

Brasil walks to the cup. This is the best team they have fielded since the 70s.

Shinola

06-07-2006, 11:22 PM

bookeddy

06-07-2006, 11:24 PM

Brasil walks to the cup. This is the best team they have fielded since the 70s.

It hurt to find Brasil at 3 to 1. I was tempted to "invest". I was at the Golden Nugget after backpacking in Utah for a week and there it was: 3 to 1!! They were +150(at two other places I checked.) I still couldn't do it though.

Molly bet on England at 5 to 1-the EPL(which is 75% not english i should remind her) is the only thing she occasionally glances over her book to see....

metulj

06-07-2006, 11:31 PM

I would say that we would be a great sleeper pick, but our group is murder. If we make it outta there, we will have accomplished something. Taking it to the Czecs first thing would help.

I would love it so very much if we won. I mean, it would just make my year.

Not going to happen. A big hit against us is that our players are so fucking small. We also have to play aggressive offense in a group that includes the most defensive team in the history of the game: Italy.

Quince

06-07-2006, 11:41 PM

Brasil walks to the cup.

But what a walk, Ladies.

bookeddy

06-07-2006, 11:52 PM

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/JOHN/LOCALS%7E1/TEMP/moz-screenshot.jpghttp://pub.tv2.no/multimedia/TV2/archive/00219/Ronaldinho_219053c.jpg

Quince

06-08-2006, 12:03 AM

Ass shot, plizh.

Raincrow

06-08-2006, 12:04 AM

Rooney just got cleared so England apparently has its best shot since '86 when that fucking cheating bastard Maradona claimed God himself scored the goal that put Argentina over England in the quarterfinals.

Since the US team is so erratic--on fire one day and sucky the next--I can't honestly expect them to make it beyond their group. Too bad, 'cause we've got great individual players in Landon Donovan, Brian McBride, Casey Keller, etc. We all love Brazil for elevating the game to one that makes all other field sports laughably irrelevant. But rooting for those guys is like being for Dallas back in the '70s when they owned the Super Bowl. Since I was indoctrinated into the beautiful game under the tutelage of English coaches during a time when they were the world champs, I am with England to go the distance. Especially since they've picked up their game from the days of European "long ball."

Well, foremost, I'm for the US, of course, in case the NSA is listening, which they are.

rikki

06-08-2006, 07:15 AM

Forget Spain.

A Frenchman who was visiting my parents thought Spain was the best European team.

This should be a fine month for working from home.

metulj

06-08-2006, 07:45 AM

A Frenchman who was visiting my parents thought Spain was the best European team.

This should be a fine month for working from home.

No. I've spent a bit of time looking at this. They'll get to the knockouts, but I don't think they'll win the shooting match.

Hi Top

06-08-2006, 07:49 AM

Anybody keeping up with what's going on in Germany at the cup? Sieg Heil!

skirob

06-08-2006, 08:26 AM

Anybody keeping up with what's going on in Germany at the cup? Sieg Heil!
Mr. 30 Amp Fuse Mike Smithers is. Should be attending his first game either this week or next. He's stoked.

Hi Top

06-08-2006, 08:36 AM

Mr. 30 Amp Fuse Mike Smithers is. Should be attending his first game either this week or next. He's stoked.
Well tell him to be on the lookout for a lot of assholes with Nazi flags giving the salute. Saw it on ESPN yesterday. Absolutley ridiculous!

metulj

06-08-2006, 09:17 AM

Well tell him to be on the lookout for a lot of assholes with Nazi flags giving the salute. Saw it on ESPN yesterday. Absolutley ridiculous!

In Germany? Or elsewhere? The Skinheads won't give the salute or show a flag in Germany because it is a crime to do so.

bookeddy

06-08-2006, 01:45 PM

Wow. You peer in at lunch and a thread from breakfast has almost moved to page 3!! Then you look at the theads and many seem to be personal email exchanges....

Anyway:
Germany 2 Costa Rica 1
Poland 1 Ecuador 1

-------------- Gnaw, will you hand me a new pencil...?

Hi Top

06-08-2006, 01:48 PM

In Germany? Or elsewhere? The Skinheads won't give the salute or show a flag in Germany because it is a crime to do so.
They said it was in Germany. Maybe they were wrong or maybe it's a law that isn't that strictly enforced. It's against the law to drink in public in Knox, but on gameday in that pretty much goes out the window.

metulj

06-09-2006, 11:58 AM

Costa Rica v. Deutschland

Bananas Uber Alles.

metulj

06-09-2006, 12:08 PM

First goal of the tourney: Lamm for Germany.

A fucking masterpiece.

bookeddy

06-09-2006, 01:00 PM

First goal of the tourney: Lamm for Germany.

A fucking masterpiece.
yup, top right 3%!

Will 2-1 hold?

metulj

06-09-2006, 01:21 PM

Miroslav Klose on the way to a hat trick. 3-1. He scored with his foot this time. Costa Rica is on the ropes.

Raincrow

06-09-2006, 01:24 PM

Yeah. More than 20 minutes left and it's safe to say, CRC is toast.

metulj

06-09-2006, 01:34 PM

Check that. Paulo Wanchope scores on an offside rush. 3-2. Costa Rico is ramping up the physical play. This could get ugly. Other boards are reporting that the 'monkey noises' are being heard in the crowd when Wanchope gets the ball. Nothing says 'Fuck you, fascist' like a goal.

Raincrow

06-09-2006, 01:50 PM

Yeah. More than 20 minutes left and it's safe to say, CRC is toast.

Yeppers me spoke too soon. I quit watching only to wonder what the hullaballoo on the TV was all about and there it was on replay, Wanchope's uncalled offsides score. Offsides traps are a bitch when they don't work! Well, when they do, too.

metulj

06-09-2006, 01:52 PM

Yeppers me spoke too soon. I quit watching only to wonder what the hullaballoo on the TV was all about and there it was on replay, Wanchope's uncalled offsides score. Offsides traps are a bitch when they don't work! Well, when they do, too.

Classy win for Germany. CRC won't advance but Wanchope is a helluva scorer.

Bknox

06-09-2006, 01:58 PM

Yeah..the Ticos gave it all they had. Good for them. I thought after the "offsides" goal they might have enough luck to tie it up. Would have loved to have seen that.

Wanchope (if he wasn't already) is now a star in San Jose.

Raincrow

06-09-2006, 02:02 PM

Personally, I'd like to see all the superpowers knocked out: Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Germany and (and I hate to include France, but, yeah...) France. It won't happen, but, it's a nice fantasy.

Bknox

06-09-2006, 02:25 PM

There might be a few that go down this year. Or not advance I shoud say. Italy for one if the US can get past them. And the Germans will have to play much better than today if they hope to get to the quarters.

bookeddy

06-09-2006, 09:31 PM

what a wimp i am... i feel good about Ecuador, but only give them 1 point in my predictions.....

A very nice win for the 8000 footers....

Tomorrow:
England 3 Paraguay 1
Sweden 2 Trinidad 0
Argentina 1 Cote d'Ivoire 1
http://funhouserock.com/funhouse/blab/images/statusicon/user_online.gif http://funhouserock.com/funhouse/blab/images/buttons/reputation.gif (http://funhouserock.com/funhouse/blab/reputation.php?p=38707) http://funhouserock.com/funhouse/blab/images/buttons/edit.gif (http://funhouserock.com/funhouse/blab/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=38707)

Quince

06-10-2006, 12:35 PM

Well, that England game was silly.

Although I liked it when the commontater called him "Michael Beckham."

Raincrow

06-10-2006, 12:53 PM

Definitely anti-climactic. They're gonna have to do better than that. But this Sweden/T&T game is a rockin' one. There will be goals in the next half. I got chores to do, but, I want to watch the Argies play later this afternoon.

Quince

06-10-2006, 01:16 PM

Trini in my blood!

Raincrow

06-10-2006, 04:00 PM

Fucking Argies. Looks bad for Cote d'Ivoire. I'm saying this because every game I've tried to call at halftime has surprised me. '

bookeddy

06-11-2006, 07:42 AM

Ok. By far, the best match Saturday day was the 0-0 draw! What a compelling match the Sweden T&T contest was: Very enjoyable for all neutrals. Excrutiating for Swedes everywhere and joyous for underdog rooters.

You LOSER! How can you enjoy a sporting event that ends in a score of zed to zed?? ...and no cheerleaders? Accumulated tension is what is sooo wonderful about football(or soccer).

I can usually meet the cliched knee-jerk reaction of most of my unbelieving relatives and friends by trying to get them to remember watching a no-hitter being pitched in baseball.... Same thing: accumulated tension(and for now at least, no cheerleaders).

Anyway. My "bracket" is shaky, but let's go one more day.
Holland 1- S&M(snicker) 0
Mexico 2- Iran 1
Portugal 3 Angola 0

By the way, I watched the first half of Costa-Rica v. Germany on Friday next door the other day. There were 40 people watching and only one(me) was an anglo.... A kid from Costa Rica came up and started talking to me(curious I guess) and we had a great time for a little while...while it was 1-1.... I wonder if there will be any parking available for us from noon 'til 3 today!?

Which team of announcers is doing the best job?

metulj

06-11-2006, 09:39 AM

Quince

06-11-2006, 10:17 AM

Hey, are you going to be at La Tapatia for the Mex game today, Bookeddy?

robert6402

06-11-2006, 10:36 AM

I think JP Dellacamera and John Harkes are doing a good job right now calling the NED/SMT game. In fact, I think Dellacamera is the best American play-by-play announcer. Much better than Dave O'Brien.

Raincrow

06-11-2006, 01:39 PM

So, right about now, a truckload of Revolutionary Guards are headed over to that Iranian goalie's family's house ...

tdawg

06-11-2006, 04:04 PM

A few once-every-four-years Cup thoughts, at halftime of the Portugal-Angola tilt.
(akin to U.S. vs. Vietnam. Or perhaps in a few years, Iraq).

Cristiano Ronaldo is a remarkably handsome man.
Not to be confused with Ronaldo, the classy Brazilian, or my cat.
Who is also pretty classy.
Portugal appears to be among the best teams I've seen so far, though the game's only half over.
Of course, Argentina made their point, and I didn't see Nederlands play.
Germany put some good numbers on the board.
England appears doomed. As usual, like the Vols.
Best match so far: C'mon. Sweden and T and T (dyn-o-mite).
Only a heartless byatch wouldn't pull for our Caribbean hemispherical brothers.
Speaking of which: Mehico looked good. Tricolores appeared to have some communications gaps, but otherwise looked muy bueno.
U.S. will have their hands (and feet) full tomorrow, but I see no reason to wash 'em out just yet:
Jackrabbits at midfield, and finally a back with some size.
And hopefully all will have balls to match.

bookeddy

06-11-2006, 10:30 PM

Business is better with a digital recorder.... By that I mean I worked all day Saturday and Sunday(sorry Quince, I didn't go next door due to staffing situations..., and I wanted to watch Holland "live".)

But I dazzled Molly with my predictions of when Mexico scored by the noise that erupted down at Gnaw's end of the store... throughout the early afternoon.

I just finished watching today's footie and my bracket made a bit of a come-back.

Holland-S&M spot on....
Mexico-Iran... (correct my physics please) The vector was good, but the force was underestimated....
re:Portugal-Angola. My prediction was 3-0. Portugal could have scored 4, but I'm sure they're happy, but they really missed many opportunities to kill that match off.

by the way, Figo is like four times more handsome than CRISTIANO RONALDO.... Keep an eye on Ronaldo in the middle of the winter when he's been eating poorly.... Now Figo... I don't know how to type that rolling growl that women do, but that's what I would type here if I could.... And NO that is NOT a mini-mullet!!

Anyway, It's all set up well for the ole US of A. Objective John believes that the USA will lose tomorrow, but since pride goeth before a fall, hopefully I'm wrong.... I don't think there is enough skill or mental toughness for the USA to get out of their group. I also believe that they are under an inordinate amount of pressure from the suits that whore the merchandise.... There still is no culture for futbol in this country, and buying a bit of media once every four years isn't going to change that. I hope I'm wrong, because the players are kids who believe....

Japan 2-Australia 0
Czech Rep 2- USA 1
Italy 2- Ghana 2

come on blabbers, put your scores out here....

metulj

06-11-2006, 11:33 PM

Czech 2 - USA 1 <--US goes up 1-0 though.

Australia 2 - Japan 2 <--Eh, could be interesting

Italy 1 - Ghana 0 <--Too Much Defense

England 1 - Trinidad 1

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 08:59 AM

Czech 2 - USA 1 <--US goes up 1-0 though.

Australia 2 - Japan 2 <--Eh, could be interesting

Italy 1 - Ghana 0 <--Too Much Defense

England 1 - Trinidad 1
I'm hoping the referees open the Italian game up(good thing), plus the distractions might loosen Italy up and if Ghana scores first, it's game on.... I'm only going to get to watch half of the first match then all the rest tonight. Avoiding the USA/Czech Republic result will be job one.

I think England will play better next match: 2-1 England

Oh, and on the handsome men front, I'm going to miss Paolo Maldini.
http://www.interfax.by/pic/26_09_05/010.jpg

Hi Top

06-12-2006, 09:27 AM

I didn't realize this many people in America gave a damn about soccer. ;)

metulj

06-12-2006, 09:59 AM

I didn't realize this many people in America gave a damn about soccer. ;)

Actually, being a USA Soccer follower is not unlike being a Vols fan.

Example: No matter what, the Vols will always have some limiting factor, no matter what, to their offense, usually by ideological design, such as weak tightend play (there have been notable exceptions but this a general trend) thereby rendering common game situations untenable (2nd and 6, for example) thus causing the offense to rely on easily defensed and usually telegraphed plays such as the "wide receiver spot pass." This is done to spotlight FatBoy's offensive line which only works if he has a 3rd tackle on the field where the tight end should be.

This is analogous to the fact, that no matter what, the US will always leave an excellent young player who gets open on set pieces on the bench or off the team for a broken down player people "relate to." Call it the "Curt Gowdy" syndrome. This year it is Claudio Reyna. What the US really needs is someone who can get open over the middle and is good with their feet AND head on corner and direct kicks. What do they get? A good, fuzzy story about the old warhorse captain. They also refuse to use players with any size on the back line. You want to see the state of the art in European football then look no further than the behemoths, that can run and move, Germany is fielding.

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 10:50 AM

Even on the computer, it looks exciting. If 2-1 Australia holds, it was a just result....

I'm sneaking a peak at the play by play at work with the idea of going next door to watch the first half of the US-Czech match. Here's hoping for a slow Monday(I know: be careful for what you wish).

WOW. just checked and now it's 3-1!!

What's probably really funny, is the instantmessengercrap: vote for the man of the match probably flashed up on the tv around the 75th minute... Can you have a write in candidate. God those polls are annoying. Cahill(a substitute) scores in the 84th and 89th minutes....

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 12:11 PM

That didn't take long. The US playing MLS defense... Right wing not closed down and far post run unmarked. Guess what that means. I coached soccer for many years and coached defense first. That is one reason I don't respect the US team. Their "defense" makes me pull the few hairs I have out! Well, I'm back at work and hope they get their shit together, but you play like you practice and the MLS is still a practice league where they practice speedball.

EDIT: I know most of the players play in Europe, but a lot of them are recruited for their speed where the speed is just one tool at the disposal of the coach not the raison d'etre. I'm so irritated by that first goal, I can't form sentences....

edited after metulj's post below: A big YUP on size too. I can't wait to watch the last half of the Japan Australia match. The size was probably Australia's big advantage too.

EDIT: Maybe this thread should be demoted to PMs...?

metulj

06-12-2006, 12:14 PM

Note the difference in size. Note the difference in size. Note the difference in size.

EDIT: Still playing long ball too. Looks like England circa 1974.

EDIT2: Win a direct kick. No skill to take the direct kick.

Apeville

06-12-2006, 12:38 PM

metulj

06-12-2006, 12:41 PM

They've pounded us to sand, now making glass. Bojo pijili dobro pivo iz kozarcu.*

*They will drink excellent beer from the glass.

Quince

06-12-2006, 12:42 PM

Paolo Maldini
http://www.interfax.by/pic/26_09_05/010.jpg

Mmm. Shirtswap.

metulj

06-12-2006, 12:48 PM

EDIT: Maybe this thread should be demoted to PMs...?

Two person blabbing with the requisite non-sequiturs from tea-besotted civil servants and the odd spotty student is not against the rules.

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 01:10 PM

It was like a scab. I had to pick it. Czech Republic 2 USA 0 at the half. That's it. I'm saving the rest for tonight. Who's calling the game I wonder. I really can't listen to "jingo JP" call USA matches.... It was in spanish next door of course.

I hope the Americans pull one back to improve my predictions after that total wank job I pulled this morning.... The funny thing about soccer is that after withstanding the domination of the first few minutes this morning and scoring a questionable goal(although didn't the Aussie coach say it's a Man's game. If so, then his keeper should be man enough to take the bumps... of which the second one was after the ball was behind him....), the Japanese could HAVE been up 2-0 on quite a few occasions. Being down 0-2 and being down 0-1 in the 84th minute are two totally different things, and once the the Japanese gave up the equalizer, I'm sure it was like sharks on blood....

Back to the USA, I'm sure the corporate soccer spin machine is on overdrive right now....

Back to work.

Raincrow

06-12-2006, 01:13 PM

Mama, I can't look.

metulj

06-12-2006, 01:15 PM

Mama, I can't look.

Great beer. Better football. Best Porn Stars. -- It's all here in the Czech Republic.

metulj

06-12-2006, 01:34 PM

C:{Enter}:#########

Bknox

06-12-2006, 01:42 PM

Well. That was a whupiin. A clinic. Etc.

I expected a loss but yikes.

Any reasoning as to why Johnson didn't play the first half?

metulj

06-12-2006, 01:43 PM

Any reasoning as to why Johnson didn't play the first half?

Marketing.

Bknox

06-12-2006, 01:50 PM

Marketing.

Really? How so? I can't recall who he replaced but I thought he (Johnson) was "the scorer" on the US team. He for sure had the best chances in the second half.

gordongekkojr

06-12-2006, 01:54 PM

Soccer is for freedom-hating commies

Some guys from the office went to watch some of the USA game at lunch, I decided to go home and put my arm in a meat grinder instead.

Bknox

06-12-2006, 01:58 PM

Soccer is for freedom-hating commies

Some guys from the office went to watch some of the USA game at lunch, I decided to go home and put my arm in a meat grinder instead.

Hope that worked out well for you and will decrease your future postings.

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 02:00 PM

Soccer is for freedom-hating commies
You're falling into a trap here. I wish I had time, but I'll let Metulj have a go, since he's smarter than me, but the NFL is a perfect example of a totalitarian command system where the players have no say whatsoever: a perfect sport for a Fascist corporate state..., while the the most free and libertarian sport in the world is soccer. That's why it is so popular even where people are oppressed.

Raincrow

06-12-2006, 02:07 PM

Soccer is for freedom-hating commies

Some guys from the office went to watch some of the USA game at lunch, I decided to go home and put my arm in a meat grinder instead.

The Czechs are known for their sausage. You are playing right into their scheme for world domination, fool.

artemis

06-12-2006, 02:22 PM

i know next to nothing about sports, but the boyfriend is a crazed soccer nut, so i'm trying. i will say, from what i've seen, soccer seems to be a very elegant and artistic looking sport. even when i don't fully understand what's going on, i'd much prefer to watch it over any other team sports. there's a reason, afterall, that it's called the beautiful game, right?

pmtravis

06-12-2006, 02:25 PM

(totally trying to hijack this thread) I saw a play in London called "The Beautiful Game" about Irish kids and footy. I think it was a musical, even. Their accents were practically unintelligible but totally hot. Is that true about the World Cup as well?

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 03:02 PM

I love football. I love playing it. I love watching it. I love it because it is the beautiful game. At the elite professional level, it is becoming ever more globalized and business like, but then once every four years the World Cup comes and this competition transcends almost all the problems of corporate sport.

At it's best, soccer can be so amazingly elegant, graceful and beautiful, that you find yourself in disbelief that this kind of power and athleticism and violence can so resemble a dance.

The high spots-the goals and the defensive stops-in many World Cup contests are so miraculous they just can hardly be believed.

The nationalism, which is just modern tribalism, is archetypical and probably wired into our genes for better or worse. The World Cup puts primarily positive expressions of this pride and passion on display, and for a month the whole planet of human beings has something that they can share.

artemis

06-12-2006, 03:08 PM

well said, bookeddy.

gypsy

06-12-2006, 03:26 PM

i think more americans being interested in the world cup is a good thing and i salute it wholeheartedly. and i can get into it enough to read the daily reports, see who won, etc. actually WATCHING it is not so much my thing. but i like watching baseball and tennis, so i'm sympathetic to people who like sports that other people think are boring.

Quince

06-12-2006, 03:34 PM

Two person blabbing with the requisite non-sequiturs from tea-besotted civil servants and the odd spotty student is not against the rules.

Well bowled.

metulj

06-12-2006, 03:45 PM

You're falling into a trap here. I wish I had time, but I'll let Metulj have a go, since he's smarter than me, but the NFL is a perfect example of a totalitarian command system where the players have no say whatsoever: a perfect sport for a Fascist corporate state..., while the the most free and libertarian sport in the world is soccer. That's why it is so popular even where people are oppressed.

I played football in college and I will say that this is spot on with this corollary: College football is a plantation system. The pro game is corporate fascist sport writ large. A good friend of mine is a retired player for the NZ All-blacks in rugby. He said that he really enjoyed American football until he tried to play it and realized that it wasn't a game that you play. It is a game you are told to play. I still watch college football but not very passionately. I much prefer soccer and cycling now. There is poetry in both. Football has Terrell Owens and Ben Roethlisberger. Soccer has Ronaldinho and Maradona. Cycling has Armstrong, Mercxx, Pantani and on and on....

American football, even at the Pop Warner level, requires a political economies of scales that only a place like the US could pull off. Take equipment for example: I bought my own shoulder pads and helmet from the time I was a freshman in High School until my final year of college ball, because I had a father who insisted on the best kit. A season regularly cost a close to a grand in equipment most of which was one season use only (including the shoulder pads and helmet). I was tough on gear. Anyhow, you can't get kids to play a game that requires so much in a place like El Salvador, let alone Spain. Soccer requires feet and a ball.

Another thing that always bothered me as a raised-as-such agnostic was the coupling of religion and football. To this day, nothing makes me want to go out and rip the head off a tight end more than the Paternoster.

Things I don't like about soccer: Diving. I know why it goes on, but it is bad sportsmanship. I'd rather they just have a 3 minute timeout in the second half than all of the rolling around catching a breather.

The Pullet Surprise

06-12-2006, 04:54 PM

So -- Brazil / Croatia tomorrow.

I know you're already predicting a Brazil-Deustchland final, but any love for the Baltic team, Metulj?

metulj

06-12-2006, 05:06 PM

So -- Brazil / Croatia tomorrow.

I know you're already predicting a Brazil-Deustchland final, but any love for the Baltic team, Metulj?

Balkans. I could go on my patented 1 hour tirade of how the only people in the world who use the word 'Balkan' are people who can't point the Balkans out on a map. ;)

Croatia has lonnnnnnnng been a good soccer country, but this isn't their best team. Brazil will come through. Dalmatians (a special subset of Croatias, not Cruella De Ville's quarry) share much in terms of 'verve' with Brazilians. That and hot women...

Quince

06-12-2006, 05:09 PM

Dalmatians (a special subset of Croatias, not Cruella De Ville's quarry) share much in terms of 'verve' with Brazilians. That and hot women...

Great beaches.

metulj

06-12-2006, 05:18 PM

Great beaches.

Nothing like a pebble beach for warmth and cleanliness. Water as blue as a country girl's eyes, too. My favorite place in Njivice on the island of Krk. Awesome.

rikki

06-12-2006, 07:59 PM

This country is on the verge of soccer mania. All it will take to catch the interest of the NASCAR set is one more defender murdered over an own goal.

metulj

06-12-2006, 09:34 PM

This country is on the verge of soccer mania. All it will take to catch the interest of the NASCAR set is one more defender murdered over an own goal.

Trudat.

Tomorrow, look closely.

Korea 2 - Togo 1

France 3 - Switzerland 1

Brazil 1 - Hrvaška - 2

The Pullet Surprise

06-12-2006, 09:55 PM

I'm surprised you didn't call for a Brazil-Croatia draw.

metulj

06-12-2006, 10:13 PM

I'm surprised you didn't call for a Brazil-Croatia draw.

No, I got that sportsman's buzz. It may be wrong, but this has already been a very interesting Copa Mundial.

bookeddy

06-12-2006, 11:12 PM

Looks like the "group of death" will be decided Saturday. The Czech Republic and Italy will both probably have 6 points....

Looking forward to Brasil v. Croatia. 2-1 Brasil though Croatia will still advance.

Korea and France both win 2-0....

Re: diving. I think you could make an argument for having two referees as well as the two assistants. The players are so fast, and the angles are such that two sets of eyes on the field might be in order. Also, kicking some financial ass in regular league play after the fact with the video replay as arbiter could dampen the culture of the flop.... Shame could be be a powerful motivator.

metulj

06-13-2006, 09:35 AM

Togo! Togo! Togo!

Quince

06-13-2006, 09:41 AM

Togo! Togo! Togo!

The more of the World Cup I watch, the more I feel like I'm living in Babar. Or, encore mieux, Tintin.

bookeddy

06-13-2006, 09:42 AM

Nice goal. I disagree with Tommy Smith. I think the first touch, the touch that prepared the ball to be shot was perfect. Taking a ball off of one's thigh at full speed and putting it down right where it needed to be in order to take a full strike on the ball.

metulj

06-13-2006, 12:22 PM

Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry! Henry!

Quince

06-13-2006, 03:47 PM

DeLICious KaKa goal just now.

Raincrow

06-13-2006, 05:14 PM

The S Korea/Togo game was a nice warm fix for my futbol jones today. The Korean dude who Beckhamed that direct kick into the Togolese net, man, he shoulda got player of the game. It was like somebody turned on the lights for the Koreans.

I couldn't watch much of the other two games today, but, France and Brazil, maybe not looking so secure after today, yes? Making things interesting, no?

Suddenly, English is being my second language.

Quince

06-13-2006, 05:30 PM

Suddenly, English is being my second language.

Crow of the Rain, may she serve you humbly in this Cups of the World.

BTW is there somewhere one can go to hear what they're chanting in the stands from time to time?

Raincrow

06-13-2006, 06:26 PM

Crow of the Rain, may she serve you humbly in this Cups of the World.

BTW is there somewhere one can go to hear what they're chanting in the stands from time to time?

Imagine 20,000 raging, redfaced, sobbing football fans in the UK singing "You'll Never Walk Alone." The whole song. It's Liverpool FC's theme song, I think. There's just nothing like that in the US. And, please, no one have the temerity to compare it to the FSU Seminoles' chant or "Rock 'n' Roll Part 2."

As for the WC, the song they end every game with sounds oddly like the old Soviet anthem, which it can't be. I guess we should be happy they aren't playing the "Horst Wessel" or the Austrian Hymn.

dilettantedude

06-13-2006, 06:34 PM

Given the shellacking the US team received yesterday at the hands of the Czech Republic, your bet on them is starting to look pretty good!

TallGirl

06-13-2006, 06:59 PM

Stupid question: Is it double elimination? Or what? How many times can you lose before you're done?

sundropsue

06-13-2006, 07:19 PM

I just cheer for everybody, that way I always win.

tdawg

06-13-2006, 10:37 PM

so even togo can score a goal.
and defend. sort of.
'murka is looking for a repeat of '98.
biggest story: worst defense of the cup thus far, in terms of differential, if not damn-near sheer goals allowed.
pope, god bless him, is too long in the tooth.
yank him.
rest of the d needs to get in the game, and our piss-poor offense needs to go one on one because they got nothing to lose.
what transpired yesterday was an abysmal national embarrasment, and I, for one, am moving to sidney.

team overexposed america is going home next week.
gypsy, have they taken that ludicrous ad down in times square yet?
sheesh.

p.s. four teams in each group, they play one another, accumulate points for wins (3) and ties (1); top two teams advance to next round, where if you lose, you go home.

tdawg

06-13-2006, 10:43 PM

oh yeah, but one thing really makes me feel better:
We're about to release a paper with a front page containing elements of beer, soccer, football and lesbians.

bookeddy

06-13-2006, 11:28 PM

Why are the Croatian fans so happy? (It;s almost midnight and I'm just now catching up... ) Anyway Croatia 0-1 vs Brasil? There's not many teams that can do that! They are proud of the effort, as they should be. Croatia and Brasil are going through. Croatia ends group play with six points and the second position. Brazil will get their 9.

I'm going to be late to work tomorrow. Forgot that Spain v. Ukraine was the first match. 1-1 draw. These are the two that move forward.

Tunisia wins by 2, 3 to 1...

Ooooohhh. Germany v. Poland. SECURITY PLEASE!!? Could it be the upset of the tournament? Poland 2 Germany 1. Not likely. This is one of those matches you don't touch if you're a gambler.

Should be Germany 2, Poland 0.

Anyway, I guess this thread needs pictures. Quince give us some of your favorites.

Bknox

06-14-2006, 04:49 PM

Poland just ran out of luck. Tough match.

The second best (IMO) so far.

Quince

06-15-2006, 12:26 PM

I guess this thread needs pictures. Quince give us some of your favorites.

This is all I have.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4505462782975458603

Off-message, I know, but otherwise deeply rewarding.

Raincrow

06-15-2006, 02:06 PM

Shall we fill up the wall with our English dead?

Eh... another unconvincing win for Old Blighty. Two very pretty, very late goals, though,for such an ugly turn of "the beautiful game." It's good to see Bex isn't all PR. I'm a lot less sure of his taste in music. I mean, women.

They're going to have to do better than these two games when it goes to the knockout round.

Apeville

06-15-2006, 02:08 PM

I smell SADSA sabotage for England. Revenge, if you will, for the Rhodesia years. I'm just sayin.

Raincrow

06-15-2006, 03:30 PM

Lord Hepplewhite Longbottom Cheeseborough-Faughaballaugh, is that you? Wooster is calling. He thinks you should put Jeeves in the starting lineup.

Pip pip and all that. Eh, wot?

Quince

06-17-2006, 02:22 PM

As for the WC, the song they end every game with sounds oddly like the old Soviet anthem, which it can't be. I guess we should be happy they aren't playing the "Horst Wessel" or the Austrian Hymn.

Yesterday I learned that this is what the Swedes may be singing, as they sway in the stands:

"We are from Sweden
We have traveled very far
And we are drunk."

And that the Czechs like to jump up and down to

"He who is not jumping
Is not Slovak."

And that no, England yobbos aren't singing Guantanamera. They're singing

"One Michael Owen
There's only one Michael Owen."

Quince

06-17-2006, 04:33 PM

Anyone care to call US v Italia game, currently tied and a real sackful of wet cats, ahead of the 80-minute mark?

tdawg

06-18-2006, 11:51 PM

why, yes:
I think after some questionable calls and a scrappy, downright valiant effort from an American side down to nine men, it'll end in a 1-1 draw, leaving open the possibility the Americans could advance with a win Thursday against Ghana, despite the fact the Americans haven't scored a goal in this World Cup.
Anyone else care to wager?

Raincrow

06-20-2006, 04:01 PM

Raincrow

06-20-2006, 06:30 PM

re: halftime of England v Sweden--

Holy FOCK! What a stupendous, long-range volley-in goal by Joe Cole.

In the inimitable words of Bad Manners' Buster Bloodvessel:

"Come on, England
you know you're the best
so come on now
and beat all the rest..."

OK, those guys played the second half like a bunch of little girls with diarrhea. Rubbish for defense and Michael Owen lost to a knee injury. Oh, well. There's always 2010 for both of my teams.

Bknox

06-22-2006, 10:10 AM

Ok. Game(s) on. Any predictions?

Mine?

USA 1- Ghana-0

Czech- 2 Italy- 2

Raincrow

06-22-2006, 11:04 AM

OK, the officiating in this series has gone from awful to criminal. If FIFA doesn't intervene (we don't need yellow cards handed out every five minutes), we're going to see a return to the good old days when referees got murdered in the parking lots after games.

robert6402

06-22-2006, 11:18 AM

The thing is, Markus Merk is one of the best referees in the world. He's worked big time Champions League matches and even the Euro 2004 final. This makes the penalty he called even more astounding.

metulj

06-22-2006, 12:05 PM

That's a wrap. Ghana over the US. Italy did what we needed for us to advance and we let a non-soccer power whip us. Blame the refereeing all you want. The ball has to go into the net to win. Now the entire US knows what it feels like to be a Vols fan. w0000000t!

Shinola

06-22-2006, 12:06 PM

I'm pretty bummed. I was really hoping to see the U.S. win a few games beyong their group. Dang it!

Raincrow

06-22-2006, 12:08 PM

I don't blame the ref. We stunk to the high heavens. Except for stonewalling Italy on Saturday, the US must be the worst team in Germany right now. Given expectations, anyway.

Bknox

06-22-2006, 12:09 PM

Bleah. That was..just.. bleah. Too many missed opportunities for US. And Donovan? Sorry. Weak.

So. Overrated or underachieving?

And go Ghana. Good for them.

WhitesCreek

06-22-2006, 12:25 PM

Ghana beat us without their two goal scorers from the Chech match. We looked tentative and lost. How many times did we stop our own attack by turning back to the goal and dropping the ball?

There were flashes of what the USA can do but not a game of it. Claudio Renya making the mistake on Ghana's first goal was unlike him. He was fouled but should never have held the ball long enough to let that happen.

The officiating was inept at times, but it always is. No excuses USA!

We go home along with the Chech's...Cheers and good luck to Ghana and Italy, but it looks like Germany to me, to win the ugliest trophy in sports...Or did Charlotte already do that?

Steve