Preserved Topic: World Cup, Part III (spoilers ahead!)

Continued from here.

A little less than four hours to the US-Korea match... should be an interesting one.

Interestingly enough, the best outcome for Korea (outside of three wins, of course) is to draw their next two games. If they beat the US and then lose to Portugal, the US beats Poland, and Portugal wins its next two games, then we end up with three teams at 2-1-0, and the team with the lowest goal differential goes out. If they lose to the US and then beat Portugal, it would technically be possible to again end up with three 2-1-0 teams, if Poland won their next two games. If, however, they draw with both the US and Portugal, though, they are guaranteed at least second place in the group (first if the US loses to Poland). Of course just winning all three games would be the safest bet, but oddly enough no one here seems to consider that as a possibility, despite all the euphoria over the first win. To be honest, though, I would have to agree; the US stands a much better chance of getting three wins, and in reality Korea still has quite a fight left to qualify. It will all become much clearer after today's match, though.

I think things are looking up for the US in this match, though. As far as momentum goes, the US has the upper hand, having beaten the top team in the group, whereas Korea only beat their weakest (on paper) opponent. The weather also seems to be cooperating. The last friendly that the US lost to Korea was played in the rain--for some reason the Korean side seems to do well on a wet pitch. However, it is cloudy, and the temp in Daegu is only 20 now (as opposed to 24 in Seoul), so it doesn't look like we'll have heat to worry about either (heat is another thing the Korean side handles well). Also, Reyna is back, and Mathis is recovered, so we'll be fielding a stronger side than the one that beat Portugal. Korea had some minor injuries in their match, but nothing to prevent anyone from playing, so they'll have the same side.

That being said, I can't remember the last time a US-Korea match was decided by more than one goal. It's going to be hard fought, that's for sure. While I would like to see the US win, of course, I would be more than satisfied with a draw, considering my unique position (married to an ardent supporter of the other side). Now let's see if I can get some work done before the game starts...

[Edit: Heh, Mr. Anal Retentive Man just noticed a very minor error...]



Cell 270

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-10-2002).]

Huh, I knew you were in Korea and assumed you were a Korean, my bad, so we're rooting for the same side then. I was gonna be all noble and wish you luck =)

Should be a fantastic game. I saw Korea doing things against Poland that really impressed me. Especially around the box, trying almost anything if within range. Hiddink's had a massive influence, he's gotta be loving the team as compared to the Dutch, dedicated, and ego free, putty in his hands.

US on the other hand, I thought they played about par for the course as of late, which is getting to be pretty good these days, but I wonder if Portugal wasn't just sucking badly on that day. Hard to decipher that result, we didn't give them much room and they gave us a lot. Korea won't give us anything.

I might actually stay up to watch this one live

My eyes are gonna be burning in the morning.

Wakkos! Chilavert is a mediocre free kick taker yes?
:P Olé Paraguay, now go home :P

Jason

There is no way in hell that POland will win any of those games...

They looked like uuhhmm excuse my French here.. shit on the field...



MAX

JK: I think we definitely started to lose steam in the second half of the Portugal match. Reyna has been emphasizing ball control because the Koreans don't put pressure on the ball, and he's right. The Koreans don't put nearly as much pressure on the ball as Portugal did, so if we can keep the ball and play like we played in the first half of the Portugal match, we should be fine.

On Korean TV they're hanging their hopes on Korea scoring the first goal. They seem to perceive Korea as the underdog in the match (which they are, on paper), but they know that the US has won 0% of their matches after giving up the first goal. Korea do have that quick strike capability, but I think if we can keep the ball and hold them off for the first ten or fifteen minutes (or even score--we also have quick strike capability), then the rest of the game will be easier. Korea play well with a lead because they don't sit on it, yet they usually don't do anything rash, but when they're behind they tend to get anxious. I think they might have better comeback capability than the US, though.

Ducati: Hey, don't get so down. Maybe Poland will turn things around and whip Portugal! Stranger things have happened (eg. Senegal-France).

[Edit: Crap. It's started to rain a bit here in Seoul. It still says cloudy in Daegu... oh, please don't rain.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-10-2002).]

yeah but Poland laid 3 good nutshots on the Koreans that I recall, hopefully they are still tentative, if not swollen

I don't put a lot of confidence in stats, anything can happen on any given day, even at this level. This game is art to me, I try not to over analyze, I just enjoy it, usually, unless the US is playing =) If they are playing I feel compelled to actually root for a side and they often make it hard to root for them. I usually root for the Italians and Dutch as well, that's a little easier tho, they win more.

I should have taken a nap, 1 hour to kickoff and my eyes are fuzzy already...

I dunno who does the commentary in Korea but Ty Keough on ESPN2 is a bonehead, I wish they'd dump that fella.

Jason

Man, I remember the old good days (well I was a little kid) when Poland was really good. Now with all that crap that happened over there, the whole soccer sport went down the drain. I was reading some interviews that were made long time ago with some top polish players and they said that sometimes the already knew who will win and what scores were before the game even started! Everything just got corrupted..

Yeah can't really look at the stats...I was reading that Poland was suppose to give Korea a soccer lesson..well looks like Poland got a lesson! LOL

We'll see..

I think they are pretty much out...

MAX

Well, the match has started. It's pouring here in Seoul, but no sign of rain in Daegu. The temp is only 25, too, but for some reason the Korean commentators think that this will give the Koreans the advantage. They also said that if they play as well as they did against Poland, they will surely win. We'll see about that, I suppose.

For some strange reason, my wife has insisted on watching the game with me. I cannot honestly see how this is a good idea...

Well, the match has started much as I expected, with Korea putting the pressure on. I wish the US would get in their groove and start playing, though. This is getting nerve-wracking. They are definitely not controlling the ball.

[Edit: But they did just then! 1-0 US! Wooohoo!]

[Edit: Am I the only one watching this match?]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-10-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-10-2002).]

Go USA!!! Wooohoooo!!!

PS - where can I monitor the match on the net??!!?? Give me a link, pleeeaaase!

Oh my God, Fiedel just saved a penalty kick! Woohoo!

WS, the link you want is here.

[Edit: Click on the blinking "matchcast" next to the game.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-10-2002).]

Thanks a bundle, suho...here, peacepipe *toke, toke*

Go USA!!!

*Dreads the second half...* C'mon, boys, hold it together!!!

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 06-10-2002).]

1-0 USA at Half!

*toke, toke*

Ah, thanks man! I'm starting to feel good. Of course, that penalty kick save didn't hurt either.

My analysis of the first half: I think it went pretty much the way I had hoped (see my second post above). The Koreans came out strong, and with a combination of defense, poor shooting by the Koreans, and luck, we held them off until we scored the first goal. After that we looked a lot better, except for that defensive breakdown that led to the penalty kick. Fortunately, Fiedel guessed right and the kick wasn't a rocket (and Lee Cheonsu missed the rebound, too). I think that will definitely be a critical point in this game.

That being said, there ae still ways we can improve in the second half. We definitely need to control the ball a little better, and making more shooting chances is obviously a priority. We may end up winning 1-0, but it's not a good idea to try to sit on that one goal. The Koreans may be down, but they are no where near being out.

On the domestic front, my wife was pretty peeved about the US goal, but she's taking it pretty well. She also doesn't know football as well as I do, so I'm able to explain to her what's going on. It's rough, though, sitting next to the opposing team's cheering section. Let's see how the second half goes.

[What did I say? Don't sit on the goal. This was going to happen sooner or later. Now let's not let things get away from us.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-10-2002).]

NOOOO! 1-1! That can't be happening...c'mon USA!

Well, that's all she wrote, folks. We could have won it, but I'll take a draw. A draw is actually better for the US than Korea, since the US faces Poland while Korea faces Portugal. More importantly, though, is my situation here. Since Korea didn't lose, I don't have to worry about that. And since the US didn't lose, I don't have to feel bad about that either.

Next up is Portugal-Poland tonight. That will definitely be one to watch. If Portugal wins, then Korea needs at least a draw with Portugal to have a chance. If Poland wins, then Korea still needs at least a draw. If they only get a draw, though, they will have to hope that the US beats Poland. Obviously a win today would have been better for Korea's chances, but a draw keeps them well in the running. Of course, a loss to Portugal will probably mean the end of their run.

Of course, I'm counting on the fact that the US will beat Poland by a good margin, which should give the US a shot at the first spot. As we have seen, though, anything can happen, and this one is going to go down to the wire.

Well, it was definitely an exciting game at least. The last ten minutes my wife kept yelling, "Please just end in a draw!" Now that the game is over, though, she's saying, "Oh, we should have won." Funny stuff.

phew.

I thought before the game that Korea was the better team. Ithought at half time that we could win. At full time I was hapy with the draw.

I think we'll go to the round of 16, this is very good.

zzzzzzzz

Jason

*mutters under breath* Dang it!!! I really wanted the US to win....*sigh* Oh, well, a draw isn't bad, considering the second half...

You know, I'm starting to notice a pattern in our matches. I think we can call it "playing the second half like a bunch of wusses." Why is it that when we get a lead we let the other team get back into it? What happened to the ball control Reyna was talking about? I just wasn't seeing it.

There was also something during the match that really pissed me off, and has gotten me secretly hoping Korea will lose against Portugal. I don't know if anyone saw it, but after An Jeonghwan scored the tying goal he went over to the corner and did his best imitation of a skater. In case you've forgotten, there was a big stink over Ohno winning the gold when a Korean skater was disqualified, and what An was basically saying was "This is payback for Ohno." Talk about showing your maturity level. You see, with the Koreans, it's never about the sport at hand, it's about national pride and having to prove something to the rest of the world (Korea as a nation has the biggest inferiority complex you've ever seen, although not without reason). I understand that everyone gets that way when it comes to the World Cup, but the Koreans are extremely chisahada. The dictionary says that it means "disgraceful" or "shameful," but it really means something more like "petty." It's tough to translate, but it fits perfectly here.

Anyway, I'm just in a bad mood right now over all this crap, and I hope Portugal beats the living snot out of them on Friday. A rotten thing to say, considering the fact that my wife and all my friends would be devastated, but that's kind of the way I feel right now.

If the US had won they would've been doing quite well, and Korea would be in danger of elimination. As it is, the US have put themselves in a position where they need to win the last game. Not that I think we will lose, but who knows what will happen if we keep playing second halves this way. Aarrgh. I'm just in a rotten mood. I probably shouldn't be posting.

Don't feel alone in your disparity...I am learning to hate the second half...GRRRR! Someone needs to kick some serious *** on our boys for the second halves...I hope the trainer scalps'em, but good.

Well, I hope we play better against Poland....there go my WC dreams...still have hope, but....

We are in the same boat as Germany....*shakes head*

Yeah, for once I would like a "refreshing" (siwonhan) victory in our match against Poland. To be honest with you, though, I don't see us as being in real danger of not making the round of 16. And I would be very pleased if both the US and Korea went through (um, yeah, despite what I said up there about wanting Korea to lose--I was just blowing off steam).

But you're right. We really do need to play better against Poland. They could turn the tables on us and beat us if we don't have a good second half. And even if we do go through on lackluster play, it doesn't bode well for the next round, does it?

Iuuuhuu!!!

Yeah Jason!!

And Spain were the 1st to get into 8th finals games!

I love this team!!

A sig should be here.....
But is not.

Whoa! Portugal is tearing Poland apart! 4-0! It looks as if the Poles are already on the plane back home. Sorry, Ducati!

My wife is currently trying to figure if a) Poland is not as good as she thought, making the Korean victory mean less, or b) Portugal is a lot better than she thought, making the US victory mean more and painting a bleak picture for Korea's chances. I think she wanted to see a close game, and I would have to say that a close game (a draw even), would have probably been best for Korea in terms of momentum.

Portugal almost scored another--they had the keeper dead to rights, but the shot was too weak and a defender stopped it. Oh well, like it's going to make a difference. Korea is definitely going to have a rough match against Portugal, and I don't think the Polish side is going to have much life against the US (not to mention that losing today means elimination). So it's looking up for us, but this is kind of what I expected (hoped for?).

Well...that's good news...now all that has to happen...US wins against Poland...and Korea goes undecided against Portuagal...and we are underway...

Go Portugal!!!

Man.. lol what a joke that was!! haha...

Good thing they are going home, I am sick of them embarissing themself ...

MAX

Not yet, though--they've still got to embarass themselves one more time!

GO USA

Figo just started to look like he was back in business, remembered how to play all of a sudden. After that shot dinged the post he seemed to play with confidence again, something I'd not seen him do yet in this cup. I was joking with a Portugeuse friend before the cup that I wished Figo's ankle would bother him until just after the first game, then he can play beautifully again, that appears to be just what is happening.

I don't think Portugal has hit the form they were showing at Euro 2000 qualifying and the tournament proper, which could make for a cracker of a game against Korea if they aren't building quickly into stride. I'm telling you, I'm severely impressed with Korea, they are a fantastic side right now, no question in my mind, they can play with any team in the field of 32.

If Figo wakes and they start their peak in the game against Korea, well, Portugal wins then. If they're less than their best, I think Korea has a chance for a point or 3 against them.

As for the US? Man, I've been a fan for too long to be real confident about anything yet where these guys are concerned. Disappointed too many times. They should beat Poland =)

Reading back over that I sound like a friggin sportscaster.
OK, what about Rapaic's outside of the foot touch-volley goal in the Italy game?! Fantastic! That goal was high art, ball had all the backspin in the world on it, every other ball on the planet quit spinning at that very moment in homage to that goal. Reminds me of a goal scored by Hristo Stoichkov against Spain in Euro 96 that was voided for a phantom offside call. These bits of sublime skill are why I watch this game every chance I get. WooHoo!

Pontificating Putz,
Jason

Putz or no, your astute pontificating is appreciated!

I pretty much agree with everything you said. Can Korea beat Portugal? Yes. Will they? Ah, well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we? But I predict a good game.

And yes, the US should beat Poland. If they don't, I'm driving to the airport to give them a good beat down before they leave the country...

Heh, I'm watching the France-Denmark game right now. First time I think I've ever rooted for Denmark, and they're up 1-0. If I remember correctly, France has to win by at least two goals to avoid elimination, so they need at least three goals now. I can't imagine this will be easy, considering they haven't scored a single goal yet.

And what the heck is up with Senegal?! They are on fire! I love it!

[Edit: 3-0 Senegal now... at this rate their going to win their group!]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-11-2002).]

I am not even going to watch US and Poland game...it will be waste of 90 minutes of my life...

God, can't we have the old awesome team back from 1974 and 1982 back? LOL

MAX

Bye La France!!!
Bye Uruguay!!!


Hello Senegal! Hello Denmark!
I love this game!

hehe.
0-2

YEEEHAAAAAW! I didn't expect this, but it's still great!

kuckus (cell #282)

Watching France versus Danmark in 2002 was just like watching France versus Brazil in 1998. But now, France did the role of Brazil in 1998 (favorite, needed to win, with the best player wounded) and Danmark played the role of France.
I really wanted Danmark to win and they did. Thanks Danmark, you did what Brazil could not in 1998.

So, does this mean we should just give Denmark the Cup and go home?

How about the Germany-Cameroon match? A nice victory for the Germans, but I can't remember the last time I saw that many yellow cards.

I'm wavering back and forth between wanting Korea to beat Portugal and wanting them to get their butts kicked. Generally, I would want them to win, but every time I hear them dis the US on the news I take comfort in the fact that Portugal will probably beat them if they are on their game. And I'll probably feel badly about it, too. But not as badly if the US destroys Poland.

I saw Hiddink on the news and he was talking about how he was glad that Korea was not the type of team to sit back and play off the counterstrike, an obvious dig at the US. I respect Hiddink as a great coach, but cut us some slack here. Like we don't take enough crap from the Europeans already...

Eh, time for bed here. Catch you guys later.

It was better for german to win that game, if not, they will lose against spain next round......

Poor Ireland.

Dangit! Oh, well, the Germans won...I won't go into the details of the game...it's the end result that matters...congrats, Germany (I hope they get Spain as the next opponent...hehe...with a couple of players now under red/double yellow, they won't be playing, and there are also a couple injured...please, please let it be Spain...I'm so tired of hearing 'We are going to be World Champion!' Every 3 seconds here...and of course the riduculous 'And America will lose against Poland, and must go home!'...man, that really gets my goat...at times like this, I really dislike the Germans...)

C'mon US!!! (and if they lose to the Polish....I say we send the whole team straight to Iraq! 'Here Saddam, you can take out your fustration on these guys...')

And yup...France is sent home without a goal...Ouch! Guess there will be a royal 'shake-up' in French soccer...I think a lot of 'oldies' are going to get the boot...and the coach, as well...and as for Zidane....

Way to go Denmark! And Senegal is also further...very nice...

And so is Ireland!

As for Korea...man, they are playing world class football...I think the Portugues will have their hands (feet) full...but should win...if Korea doesn't score first...Portugal has a very lousy game from behind...they just fall apart...should portugal score first, then I believe it will be a blow-out...

Well ENGLAND are finally thropugh to the next round after drawing 0-0 with Nigeria and Argentina drawing 1-1 with Sweden, so - Argentina are out!!!!!!!!!!!! yippeee! and Sweden are through too!


Cheers Aroma

Yep Maa says Yipeeeeeeeeee!

------------------------------------
Thanks,
Allgood
http://geda-online.com

england v's denmark.....

Go Denmark! Sorry England...

Hummm, Spain goes 1st, but Paraguay is Classified, amazing.....

laugh, borrows WS tomahawk and pipe, passes pipe to WS smoke ya last pipe!!!!

fingers tomahawk....prepares to scalp WS...


waves english flag!!

say i might be over here in CZ for a year but i still love my home....and we will win i hope

Well, congratulations to Spain for being the first team to garner 9 points in group play. I have to say that was probably the best match I've seen so far, and it would have been even better if the South African keeper hadn't screwed up twice.

WS: I know how you feel, man. Nobody here is saying that the US is going to lose to Poland, but everyone here is so sure that Korea is going through first in the group. Considering their performance against Poland, I would say Portugal has regained their feet after the loss to the US, and Korea is going to have a rough go. A blowout? I would bet against it, but I could see Korea losing by two goals. I will be rooting for them (partly because it would be suicide to root against them), but I honestly don't think they will win. Much stranger things have happened, though, so we can always hope. My ideal scenario is the US blowing out Poland and Korea squeaking past Portugal (no matter how well they do, I don't see them winning by more than a goal), which would put the US in first. That's one thing that gets my goat, how Korea is so convinced their going to be first in the group (because it means either Korea is going to have to blowout Portugal and/or the US is going to have to suck against Poland).

That's enough of that rant. Congrats to all the teams that made it through (England included ).

Now let's see if Mexico and Brazil can pull out 9 points. I wouldn't be surprised, by the way, to see a Spain-Brazil final. That would be my pick at this stage in the tournament.

*groan* Just saw the possible match-ups for the US boys, should they beat Poland...and it doesn't look good.

Either Mexico or Italy in the next round...man, that is...the breaks.

On one hand, it is a real test of whether or not they are WC material...on the other...man, to have to play against one of them so early...kinda unfair...

Why couldn't they of got an 'easier' team...like Germany did...

Not that it will be easy for Germany...what with the player problem that Germany has...but I'm not all that impressed by Paraguay...

Why couldn't Germany of gotten matched-up with Spain? That would have been nice...

And at the moment, I think suho is correct...Spain vs Brazil as the final game...

I have a copule of opinions here:

I think Paraguay can beat Germany, because paraguay plays a forward game, and Germany has a lot of missing players for sunday (saturday?)

And.... Olé olé olé oléeeeee Spain to the final!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I wish Italy beats Mexico.

1 - 0 to mexico against italy at the moment

Go Mexico!!!

Pound those Italians flat!!!

unfortunatly Italy can still go through if they lose 2 - 0 because crotia are losing 1- 0

So...who won? Anybody know? The suspense is killing me!

FORZA ITALIAAAAA!

*sings celentano*

~Azzurro, il pomeriggio è troppo azzurro e lungo per me...~

1-1 final, Del Piero equalized. Mexico is playing well, sorry to my Mexican friends, but I hate it when that happens At least Lois (spelling intentional) Hernandez isn't playing.

Jason

Ok...so today is the day...

USA vs Poland....go US!!! (crosses fingers)

Korea vs Portugal...go Korea!! (yup...I'm rooting for Korea! Why? I think if Korea is the leader in group D then we get Italy in the next round...if we beat Poland...and I think Italy will be slightly easier than Mexico...unless they turn their game around real quick)

Sorry peeps but after that soccer bashing post i hope Poland thrash USA 5 - 0


Cheers Aroma

*gets out cricket bat* Now you're going to get a 'bashing' mate!

Go USA!!!!

quote:

---

Sorry peeps but after that soccer bashing post i hope Poland thrash USA 5 - 0

---

Just like a Brit... (hey, if aroma can judge an entire nation by the rantings of one person, why can't I? )

I will be watching both games, and I'll be rooting for the US and Korea, but in my honest opinion I don't think Korea is going to win. They can win, of course, but I don't think they will. I think the US will go through first in the group and Portugal will go through second. This would, of course, give us Italy in the next round.

Koreans consider their team to have three advantages playing here (two of them being mutually exclusive): rain, heat, and totally insane fans. Korea plays very well in the rain, but the skies are clear today. They also play well in the heat, but it's an evening game (and it's been cool from the rain for the past few days). There are still the fans, though. My wife and I went out to see a movie today, and walking around Seoul is like swimming in a sea of red T-shirts. Heck, I even wore my only red T-shirt. But are the fans going to be enough to help Korea get over a revitalized Portugeuse side? I don't think so.

Another interesting point is that the Korean fans at the Poland-US match are all going to be rooting for Poland, because a US loss is nothing but good for Korea...

About an hour until the match. God I hope we don't screw up.

Me too. *double-crosses fingers*

If we can just score 2-3 goals in the first half....c'mon US boys!

Don't even want to think about the second half....

hehe...I've read up on the red-shirts....pretty funny story...

I think two goals will be enough, but I would really like to see our boys do something in the second half. I don't know if you watched the Brazil-Costa Rica match, but I did, and I began to notice some similarities between this match and the US-Portugal match. Brazil went up 3-0 but then gave up a goal at the end of the first half. Costa Rica then scored another goal in the second half to make it 3-2. What did Brazil do, though? Did they give up the ball and just hold on for dear life? No, they scored two more goals and completely sunk Costa Rica.

In our win against Portugal, for some reason I didn't really feel like we won. I just felt like we didn't lose. I don't want to feel that way tonight. I want a nice, refreshing victory for once. One can always hope.

Yeah, those 'boys from Brazil' can really play...and they just 'toyed' with Costa Rica....

And, of course, you're right about the US second half...

And yeah, I would also like to see a real, sound game played by the US...but most of all, I just want them to win!!! I don't care how they get that ball in the goal, just as long as they do it, is fine with me.

And as for England...I hope they get the pants beat off of them against Denmark

Yeah, I know what you mean... a win is a win is a win.

Fifteen minutes now, and I must admit that I'm very nervous. We've had the TV on for a half hour now, since pre-game coverage began at a quarter to eight. All of this hype is really killing my nerves. I feel like I'm back in grade school and I'm about to take a test.

I guess it's worse because I've got two teams to be nervous about. I'm probably going to be a wreck before tonight is over.

Say, WebShaman, are you at work now? Gonna be tagging along with matchcast?

*begins swearing, colleagues look at me as if I'm a stark, raving lunatic...'no,' I snarl back, 'I'm a complete psychotic!'*

Yeah, I'm here at work *sniff*...so I'm following it on the net...oh, I suddenly feel really sick...guess I'll have to go home...

Go USA!!! Has it started yet!!??!! *jumps around in anticipation*

Yesss! It's started!! GO USA!!!!!

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 06-14-2002).]

Well, it's not looking good. Poland had just scored two goals, and the ref has obviously been paid off. This sucks.

YYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH BBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAABBBBBBBBBBBYYYYYYYYYYYYY!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MAX

Oh my gwad....c'mon boys....get it together!!! Pleeeaasse! *hangs head in shame*

Wait a minute...how in the hell did they manage to score 2 goals in under 5 minutes!!!???

Things don't look good...

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 06-14-2002).]

Well, Pinto has been sent off for Portugal. If the US is not able to come back, then our only hope is an even worse loss by Korea or a win by Korea. If they draw, we're out of it.

[Edit: How did they score two goals in five minutes? Well, it's tough to explain, but we apparently didn't show up for those first five minutes.

Also, this Korean announcer is really pissing me off. Poland has a few dead-to-rights scoring chances and the announcer is screaming "Goal! Goal! Goal!" even though the ball hasn't gone in the net. Then again, I should be used to the whole world being against us by now.

Korea almost just scored, but it got called off for a foul.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-14-2002).]

Damn It was almost 3:0!!!!!!!!!

I wonder how it will turn out.. Poland is starting to look a little tired...


But man! what a game!

MAX

Ok I have to say... Poland is playing good game....



MAX

And I have to say... the US is playing like a bunch of friggin schoolgirls.

And when the heck are they going to learn to keep their long shots down?

Hopefully Poland will tire out in the second half and we'll be able to scrape back to at least a draw (despite our 0% success rate at coming from behind). Barring that (and, honestly, I don't see it happening the way we're playing right now), our only hope is that Korea will manage to beat Poland.

I've been wrong about everything else, though, so hopefully I'll be wrong about this too.

C'mon boys, don't give up!!! Get in there and fight!!! Go USA!!!

Damn, it's halftime...beaten by Poland...my weekend is ruined...

Even Korea is playing better than our boys...I think I'm gonna be sick...

Ok, second half...if it's going to happen, it's gotta happen now...

Go USA!!!

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 06-14-2002).]

I cannot even describe to you how pissed off I am right now. This Korean announcer is the biggest moron I have ever heard in my entire life. If the US steals the ball, he says, "Oh, that's a foul, but the ref is letting it go." Or if the US goes in on the attack, he says, "Oh, they're offside!" Why do they have people like this announcing matches? I so want to plant my fist in his face.

And, despite the fact that they are showing the Korea-Portugal game on three or four other channels, they insist on showing the game in a little box that takes up over a quarter of the screen. This also pisses me off to no end. I cannot honestly remember the last time I was this pissed off. I want to pummel somebody.

Butthead the Announcer is complaining that the ref is calling too many fouls on Poland. I'm going to kill him.

Good news: Beto (Portugal) has been sent off. If Korea can't score a goal up two men I will cry.

[Aaargghh!!!! Poland just scored again! I quit. That's it.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-14-2002).]

nananannana.....


3 nill...

nice..

Too bad they didn't play like that 2 previous games...

MAX

Yes! Korea scored! We have hope!

Go Korea!!!! Keep our hope alive!!!

Man, I'm pissed at our team...a royal ass-kicking...

And you can't imagine what I have to put up with here...it's undescribable. I really hope the Germans get that smug smile wiped off their faces tomorrow...GRRR!!!!

Hehe... I'll be rooting for Paraguay right along with ya.

[Well, apparently we managed to score a goal. Not that I'm watching the game. I turned it off after Poland scored their third goal and I realized that our only hope lay in Korea.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-14-2002).]

Yaaaah! We scored a goal!!! C'mon boys, two more...you can do it!!!!

Wooohoooo!!!!!

Korea wins 1-0 vs Portugal!!!!!!

We survived!!!!!!

Now it's time to kick the living **** out of our boys...for this near-disaster. If they insist on playing like that, we're doomed....

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 06-14-2002).]

YES!!!!! That's it! Korea won, and we're in!

Granted, I would have preferred to win, but we've been saved!

[Heh. We'll how about that. I was completely wrong about everything. The US got shamed, and Korea beat Portugal. All I have to say is that we'd better step up our game against Mexico if we don't want to look like the next Saudi Arabia.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-14-2002).]

Although POland is going home sweet home, I am proud of them.. they played very good game..

It could of been 4:1



MAX

*groan* Oh no, not Mexico...they always beat us...and they are playing very good this time round...

*falls into black despair*

Well, congrats are in order to Korea...at least they earned their way to the next round...and will probably slaughter Italy...

God, I feel like someone from Senegal right now...*hangs head*

At least we aren't going home yet...*perks up a little*

The sad thing about it...probably no-one in America cares, or even knows...what a shame...

And it's not 4-1 because Friedel is a god...

But none of that matters now. On to the round of 16!

[Edit: By the way, did you see the Korean goal? Man, was that beautiful.

WS: Don't give up hope yet. Although, unless we really do something about our game we will be going home after that match.

Anyway, I have decided to give up predicting Korea's losses. They have impressed the crap out of me. From now on I am going to be a red devil!]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-14-2002).]

Hmm...looks like the final will be Brazil vs either Korea or Spain...

If it keeps going the way it's been going...

And yeah, Poland played well...but a little too little, a little too late...

[hanging my head in shame]

and to think .. I thought the US would come out alive and ready to take Poland and first place in their pool .. I'm really ashamed with the USAs last performance .. course .. I also thought the referee was little one sided .. but that's just me

anyone know if the ref for the US vs Pol match was Korean? [note I have nothing against Korea .. they earned they way indeed]

cEll .::. 513

[This message has been edited by RammStein (edited 06-14-2002).]

The ref was Chinese, but I totally agree with you--the officiating was very one-sided (thus my angry comment above about the ref being paid off...).

Hehe, wouldn't that be a trip to see Korea in the finals? I'm still going to root for the US against Mexico, but my hopes are riding on Korea now. I think they have the better chance of advancing.

DAE-HAN MIN-GUK!!!

Yes, Brazil all the way! Funny thing, I am half Brazilian, and my best friend who I've known for 18 years is half Costa Rican. Too bad we couldn't watch the game together. I am wondering though, are there any WC video clips on-line? I wish I could get a clip of Edilson's bicycle kick goal, that was unbelievable.

-jiblet

[This message has been edited by jiblet (edited 06-14-2002).]

France: Eliminated
Croatia: Eliminated
Nigeria: Eliminated
Uruguay: Eliminated
Portugal: Eliminated
Argentina: Eliminated
---------------------

Next Matches:

Germany vs Paraguay: I dunno why, but i think that Germany is going to have a hard game. AND the two most blah-bñah goalkeepers meet in this match! (we all know Chilavert's speechs, and do you remember Oliver Khan saying that was impossible for Real Madrid make 2 goals to him? Madrid scored 3).

Denmark vs England Please Gos, make Denmark wins this game!! I think denmark has a good forward with Tommasson, though England is always favorite per History.

Sweden vs Senegal HArd game for both teams! the play very similar excepting the big tactical magic that sweden has shown thoe last years. The most beautiful gol I've ever seen was made from Brolin in a Lab Free Kick in USA 94.

Spain vs EIRE What can I say? hehehe

Mexico vs USA I think Mexico will beat USA, USA has very fair play and good technique and strong, But mexico has a valuable experience in those kind of games...


Brasil vs Belgium This is suppose to be an easy game for an animated Brasil and a team like Belgium that is not going trhought its best moment.

Japan vs Turkey Japan is goping to meet a rival very similar, Turkeys play a very offenssive game, and they have an excellent goalkeeper as a good midfield, playing with a lot of game, hard work for Nakata and Co.

Korea vs Italia The best deffesnse in the world with Mr. Maldini commanding it (for those who does not know: Paolo Maldini, in my opinion, one of the best deffender in the world, is Cesare Maldini's son, Paraguay's Trainer) meets a very strong-offensive-never get tired team, always playing to make goals! if the Italy deffense make the minimal mistake, the are going to pay it high.


Those are my opinions for those games coming on....

I think the only sure bets among these are that Ireland and probably Belgium are screwed, eh, Japan too. I think the rest of the games could go either way, sure there are favorites, but a lot of favorites have gone home already.

Jason

I don't think Turkey is going to beat Japan so Easily!!!

I think that Turkey has the worst part here.......

YEEEEAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSS

kuckus (cell #282)

Crap, another week of hearing....crap. *sigh*

Well, the only thing that counts is the end result....congrats, Germany.

Man, I really hope America pulls a miracle and wins...otherwise life here is going to be unbearable for the foreseeable future...

At least Germany gave a really weak showing...meaning that if they play like that further...they are going to be sent packing...and Klose didn't do anything significant in the game...meaning that with him neutralized, the Germans are pretty weak...Khan did a fabulous job, though...kudos, he really is the best goal keeper in the WC...

Tuesday will be hell day...good thing I got Monday off...so I am spared the ribbing on Monday...

If you don't hear from me on Tuesday, it's because I'm either dead, or in prison (just so much a man can take... )

yeah 3-0 and its only just started ENGLAND 24 mins gone

damn and i am having to watch a webcast stuck in the office


YES YES YES 3-0 OH SHIT!! BRAZIL next unless belgium perform miracles, mind you if we do beat brazil then maybe just maybe

[This message has been edited by tomeaglescz (edited 06-15-2002).]

Yeah, the Germany-Paraguay match was really weak. Not much fun to watch at all. England, on the other hand, was very impressive. But I'm not sure if they can handle Brazil. If they do beat Brazil, though, I would say they've got a good shot at the cup.

In all likelihood, the US will lose to Mexico tomorrow. A miracle would be nice, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Now that group play is over, though, I feel a lot better, since Korea and the US aren't in direct competition anymore. I think my wife and I are going down to city hall on Tuesday to join the Red Devils--for the Korea-Portugal match there were over 40,000 people around city hall watching the game on the numerous big screens they have set up. They showed helicopter shots on the news and it looked like one huge, rolling sea of red. I'll try to take some pictures when we go so you guys can see what it's like. If Korea wins, it's going to be insane (I was in Berlin in 1990 when the Germans won the cup, and the celebration there was nothing like the celebration here after the Korea-Portugal game).

After the match one of my seniors called me up to "congratulate" me on the US's entrance into the round of 16. We owe it all, of course, to Korea, so I'll be taking everyone out to dinner next week. That'll put a dent in my wallet...

By the way, does anyone remember what Park Ji Sung did after he scored that goal? No fancy goal ceremony, just a finger to the lips, then he pointed to the sideline and ran like there was no tomorrow, jumping into Hiddink's arms. For me that was the most touching moment I've seen so far at the World Cup, and it says so much about the relationship Hiddink has developed with this team. He's almost like a father to them. It's just a really good thing to see.

Anybody else watching the Senegal-Sweden match? I wasn't rooting for anyone in particular before the match started, but after seeing the officiating I want Senegal to win. It is really ridiculous, first a no-call on what was clearly a foul in the box, and then a goal called back for a BS offside call. Apologies to any Swedes out there, but your team should be down 2-1 now, instead of being up 1-0.

[Edit: So... Senegal tied it up and the match is now in overtime, and boy is this exciting! Shot after shot! I can't decide if I want a golden goal or if I want it to go to the penalty shootout...]

[Edit: Woohoo! Well, we got the golden goal, and it was a nice one. Sweden are out, and Senegal go through! This is the year of the underdog! Could we see a Senegal-Korea finals? ]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-16-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-16-2002).]

Well the Ireland game is certainly a tense one....

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

Bad luck to the Irish - losing 3-2 on penalties.
I think Spain deserved to win, but it's always a harsh way to go out.


[This message has been edited by spytech (edited 06-16-2002).]

I agree with that, I'm Spanish, and of course i was for spain, but I'm sad Ireland loosing like that, no team deserves that....

Tell me about it. That was definitely harsh. But all around, some very good football yesterday. Heartbreaking, but good. I was just about ready to crown Ireland the comeback kings...

And I'm not sure if I would say Spain deserved to win. They were the better team, perhaps, but they let Ireland stay in the game and it almost came back to bite them in the rear. Luckily their keeper came up big in the shootout.

Next up, US v. Mexico. I almost don't want to watch this game. I'm psyching myself up for it, because I don't want to be pissed off the whole day if we lose.

[Edit: OK, thirty minutes before the match, and the jitters are setting in. Not as bad as they were for the Korea-US match, though, which is odd, considering that there's a lot more riding on this game...]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-17-2002).]

And the US scores! Woohoo! 1-0!

Yeeehhhawww! Go USA!!!!! 1-0!!!!

Unbelievable!!!

As a rare detail: there's a Venezuelan flag in almost each game of the world cup! don't ask me why!
In the USA-Mexico now, there is one behind the USA goal keeper's seats (1st time). the one yellow-blue-red with some stars-made arch in the blue stripe
And so on in every game.............

OK, I have to say, that was probably the best half I've seen the US play so far. We're only ahead by a goal, but we played solid defense and we were making dangerous chances. We did make a few pretty bad errors on defense (one that almost resulted in a goal), but mostly it was clean.

Now, the real test will be the second half. Can we keep the pressure up and maybe add a goal or two, or will we sit back and let Mexico back in the game. From the way the first half went, I'd say we have a good chance at the former. Keep it up, guys!

[Mexico has come out strong, and a stupid foul almost got us in big trouble... we need to get our rhythm back.]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-17-2002).]

Oh no....the second half....C'mon USA!!!!

Watching is...excruciating...just one goal...*crosses fingers*

WebShaman: you do realize that if we win today we face Germany, right?

[Edit: Oh my God what a dive by Hernandez, total BS. And what's with the Portugeuse ref and his yellow cards?]

[This message has been edited by Suho1004 (edited 06-17-2002).]

YEEEEEAAAAHHHHHH! 2-0!

Woohooooo! That felt good!

GOOOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!

2-0!!!!!!!

And what a goal!!!

And yeah, I know...but maybe...we can beat Germany...not that that would be good for my life expectancy...

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 06-17-2002).]

anyone fancy closing this thread and creating another one say after the end of the usa mexico game, its getting bloody huge

Yes, it is... and that was a beautiful game... I'll go make a new thread

WS ROFLMAO!!!

hope ya win, but our next game is brazil/belgium if we win that it will be senegal or japan in the semi's, but as there have bene lots of upsets so far who knows, germany always seem to turn the magic on when its needed in the world cup, but we thrashed them last time we met them 6-0 so dont dispair

Continue discussion here.

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