I caught the second half of the Spain-Ukraine game last night. I guess it didn't hurt that Ukraine was down a man, but Spain was just tearing them apart. And if I may segue into talking about my own team... that's exactly what Korea should have been doing to Togo when they had the one-man advantage: piling on the goals! Yeah, the France-Switzerland draw was the best possible result for Korea, but I'm not sure that Korea has what it takes to win against either of those teams (which is what they are going to need now to go through). I'll still be watching the match against France, but we're going to be in Japan during the match against Swizterland. It might be difficult to catch that one.
And in other news, the Spain-Ukraine result means that the US is no longer the tournament whipping boy.
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-15-2006 07:59
Spain crushed Ukraine badly. It looks like Spain will easily win it's group.
I was not impressed by Tunesia vs Saudi Arabia. In that group, a draw is not good. Even though Ukrain got chewed apart, with the result from the Tunesia vs Saudi Arabia, they can keep their hopes alive. Sort of.
If there IS a life after a 4 - 0 loss
I was really shocked by the Germany vs Poland game!
To put things bluntly, Germany sucked. They certainly played better than Poland, but where was the offensive might that we saw against Costa Rica? It was really starting to look like a draw as the 90 minute mark rolled around (wow, that would have really changed things, eh?).
Now I am very interested to see how Ecuador does against Costa Rica!
Things are starting to heat up, and the next couple of days will give us a "rough" idea of who will be proceeding forwards, and who will not.
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
ok, onto other things. quite a match today from Ecuador, and i'm interested to see if England and Sweden step up and play like they're capable of today. Spain put on a show but really wasn't tested, and I was surprised at the difficulty Brazil had with Croatia.
my money at this point is on the Czechs. the US did play just completely uninspired football in that match, but the Czechs looked sharp...great runs, overlapped well, solid defense. comparing them with Brazil, Argentina, and Spain i think they're the strongest so far. Brazil can always suddenly become unbeatable Brazil with a simple give-and-go that makes the other team look like amateurs, but i really haven't seen even the indication of that sort of play from them yet. i'm very curious to see their match against Australia (would love to see the Aussies go on a run) and hope that our boys from down under play at full strength rather than resting a few players with yellow cards as has been indicated, as far fetched as it sounds i don't think an upset is entirely out of the question.
as for my US team...ugh. I know we're not as strong as the rankings indicate, but that's the worst match i've seen from us in years. we just had no heart, no attacking instinct, no sense of urgency. through balls were practically not existent and we kept playing things backward. I'm praying to see a completely different team on saturday, we'll see how that goes...
Teams I think can win it based on what I've seen so far: Argentina, Brasil, Spain, Czech Republic, Germany. I'm including Brasil cuz you're dumb to ever count them out but they're at Germany at the bottom of my list of sides with the right stuff at the moment. Germany can always overachieve, Brasil can always underachieve Spain Argentina and Czechs look fantastic but Czechs may be injured out of the thing.
Best dark horse at the moment has to be Australia with Viduka, Cahill, Kewell and Hiddink, not hearing much about them, I think you will before they're back to AU. I had high hopes for the Saudis
after their qualifying run, they may still do something, but they're kinda like the US, qualifying well but from a weak federation.
The US HAS to do better on Saturday, I wanna go out swinging if we have to go out and I think they're on the right track to getting more done against the Italians. The Italians are easy to prepare for, you know what they're gonna do, and Arena's really good at getting the team prepared for an opponent, but coping with their quality at every position is gonna be the big challenge. Luca Toni is an animal and you can say the same about almost every position on the field for them. The main hurdle for the US is get over the obvious lack of confidence displayed against the Czechs and I believe they will. Bruce will make some serious changes and boys with things to prove will hit the ground running. I believe we'll at least give a good account Saturday.
I'd normally have the Italians in my favs, just like Germany, as they both always seem to find a way to go farther, farther than they have a right to sometimes, but I'm not sure the other teams in the field aren;'t just that much better. Now watch the Italians win it all
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-15-2006 23:29
Ok, a very interesting day of games!
England did what it had to do - very nice! I think England is improving it's game. I wonder if they will have what it takes to beat Germany?
Sweden did a Germany, and squeeked by Paruguay. It is looking more and more like it will be England and Sweden in that group, with England emerging as Group Winner.
I predict that Ecuador will trounce Germany, 2 - 0. Ecuador is playing very well, indeed. Germany is...well, I think the game against Poland says it all - they are getting worse, not better. They barely managed to get a goal against Poland. Ecuador is leading that group, having played the very same opponents that Germany has.
I think that is more than telling.
However, Germany did win (and are through irregardless to the next level) and that means that they will be playing England, most probably. That will be an interesting match! (and the rivalry between those two soccer nations is legendary!). I will wait until the result of the Ecuador vs Germany game before I decide the England vs Germany game.
I also believe that Ecuador will send Sweden home. However, we will have to wait until the result of the Ecuador vs Germany game before that becomes more probable or not.
Argentina has shown the best form so far, no doubt about it. If it continues (god forbid they get even better! ), then look out! I want to see how they do against Holland before making any further predictions about them.
Spain looks like it is in good form. Could very definitely be a contender, especially if they continue to improve.
As much as I like the Aussies, Brazil will win easily. The main problem against Brazil is, is that they are ALL good!
So, if one or more are not performing, in comes some others. No other team has this much talent to choose from. I predict Brazil winning this WC as well, unless they decide that they really only came to Germany to drink German bier and visit the legal brothels Brazil certainly has the talent and game to be WC again, if they really want it. The real question is, do they really want it?
The next couple of days will conclude most of the winners and losers of the group matches.
I am not looking forward to seeing US vs Italy I just hope the US boys try this time. Maybe even score. That would be nice.
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
quote: WebShaman said:
Argentina has shown the best form so far, no doubt about it. If it continues (god forbid they get even better! ), then look out!
Messi and Tevez are still riding the pine
Ingerlund looked scared today, Owen specifically. They don't look confident, England expects and the players clearly feel the weight of those expectations. They need to solve their problem in the middle with Gerrard and Lampard, I'm not certain they should be on the field together. Sit Frank and bring in Carrick. I simply couldn't pick a winner between England and Germany right now, England has quality but they're not shining or confident. The Germans are as ever, looking untalented but winning everytime. Typical. Slight edge to the Germans.
I've yet to see Ecuador play but am really happy to hear they're doing well, they've produced a few players I've really admired over the years. I'm going to download their match now.
Brasil came to play, worry ye not. Except maybe Ronaldo. He did nothing against Croatia, I can't believe he'll start another match, but he probably will.
Believe it or not, but I have been paying attention to the rest of the tournament.
Haven't been too impressed with the home team, to be honest. Nor with England. I was expecting both to do more. I like the Czechs to go far as well, and I will be cheering for Australia to advance.
Ecuador have been looking very good--defintely the best in their group, in my opinion. Spain, having so thoroughly crushed Ukraine, will most likely have clear sailing through the rest of their group matches. Saudi Arabia is not a team to be ignored (they qualified ahead of Korea), but I've seen them play quite a bit, and they are really no match for Spain. Let's see, who else? Some heartfelt play from the underdogs in group D, but unless Mexico and Portugal really blow it, they'll go through.
Of course, my heart really lies with groups E and G. I think I said above that I wasn't going to be staying up (or getting up) to watch the US-Italy match, but at the time I was still stinging from the 3-0 loss to the Czechs. Now I'm not sure. Do I get up at four in the morning and risk sitting in front of the television with a look of dazed horror on my face once again, or do I sleep in and risk missing an inspiring and heroic performance? My brain says that the former is more likely, but my heart wants to believe the latter? Arggh... this is so tough. I'll be getting up at four the next day anyway to watch the crucial Korea-France match, so maybe I should just adjust my sleep schedule early...
And speaking of Korea-France... I hate to jinx them, but I think my boys can pull it off. Not that they necessarily will (and let's face it, the odds are against them), but that they can. France--especially the France playing in this World Cup, is not out of their reach. I just hope they don't start with the jitters again, otherwise they might give up an early goal. It will be a lot harder to come back against France, especially if they have all eleven men on the field. Korea really needs to score first, and as soon as possible.
OK, you all must be sick of hearing me going on like this. I'll shut up. For now.
So... England have managed to drag themselves into the next stage with two shaky looking wins. I am of course delighted with the results but I would have liked a better performance all round from the team. I don't think they are the full artical yet.
I agree with Jason and Suho's comments on the England performance. Lampard and Gerrard are two of the highest scoring midfield players in the Football League, to leave them stuck in the centre of the pitch is a waste. Although is was great to see Rooney playing again I thought Lennon playing on the right wing had a much greater effect on the game.
A lot of the talk here has been who will England meet in the next round, Equador or Germany? I have been very impressed with Equador they look a very powerful side and while the Germans have not been impressive, they know how to play well against England. Either team will be hard to beat in the knockout stage.
Suho, I think S.Korea have a great chance to get into the knockout stage on Sunday. France look like they don't believe and SK should exploit that to the full.
Saturday, I see is crunch day for the USA too against Italy. I missed most of the last Italian match so I have no feel for how they might perform. I do know that they can be rattled as a team even with so many excellent individuals on show.
So much more to say and so little time We have three live matches a day plus at least two hours in the evening of highlights...I'm in footie heaven...
I want to say how much I have enjoyed reading through this thread after being away a couple of days, I hope I can keep up now that I am back. "Jinglenuts" has to be my word of the week
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-16-2006 15:52
Wow! Argentina is really putting the cleats to Serbia-Montenegro!
Mah gawd! 3 - 0 in the first half!
Argentina is just looking good, folks!
I saw the Italy vs Ghana. Italy did well, considering. At times, Ghana was dangerous, but Italy handled them. I think Italy will make it to the next round.
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
Yeah, I missed the last Italy match as well, so I have no read on them either. I'm hoping they're not at the top of their game.
And in other news... is anyone else watching the Argentina-Serbia and Montenegro match? Now that's some beautiful football! Argentina is on fire (leading 3-0 at the half)! They might not have been in full form against Cote d'Ivoire, but they certainly are on their game tonight. On the other side of the pitch, it doesn't look like Serbia has really come to play, which is interesting, seeing as how they face elimination. I predict more goals by Argentina in the second half. I think we might even see a 5-0 score.
Well, I've decided: I'll be up to watch the Italy-US match. Hope to see other US fans here at the half for celebration or commiseration (because somehow I just don't expect a draw at the half).
That was a beautiful half to watch, wasn't it? Poetry in motion!
I certainly hope Italy doesn't make it to the next round, because I don't see the Czechs collapsing for two losses. I still have them in the first spot. My only hope is that the US will be able to put it together against Italy. Even if they do that, though, they still have to beat Ghana, which is by no means certain. I suppose we'll find out one way or the other soon enough. Are you going to be watching the Italy-US match?
Just settling down to watch the second half now, the first half was great for Argentina, I agree WS, they are looking good. I wonder if S&M are into S&M because they are really getting a whipping in the game so far
Good to hear you are going to watvh the USA match live Suho I'll be here with a soothing balm if it's needed at half time.
That was the most awesome display of football I have seen so far. When I said we might see a 5-0 score, I thought I was erring on the side of too many goals. But 6-0? Argentina simply dominated that game.
I was psyched when Messi came in, and he certainly did not disappoint. Best match so far (although I'm sure S&M fans will disagree).
Tao: Hopefully the balm won't be needed. But moral support is always welcome.
And now, gentlemen, it is time for bed. From now on, my World Cup schedule changes from going to sleep very late to waking up very early. This should be fun.
Whoa! 6 - 0 I think we just may have another contender for World Cup favourite. Not just because of the goal tally but the confident passing game and talent on show.
oh nooooo, a whole hour to wait till the next match. I think I may watch the video of Liverpool (my team) winning this years FA Cup, to fill the void.
Netherlands v Ivory Coast next. I think the Dutch should get going in this match and clinch qualification.
I'm glad the supporter is back! U-S-A I'll see you guys at half if I can swing a puter, I'm going over to a friend's to watch, fairly certain he's a got a wireless connection.
Glad to have seen Shrek get some minutes and not come off injured worse! I hope he gets to full fitness and form in this tournament, an England with a fit Rooney and a sorted central midfield is a very strong and capable team. Sven's got work to do and I'm sure he has the stones or imagination to do it I feel sorry for Owen, him leaving his beloved Liverpool marked the beginning of a downhill slide for him that's yet to get going back up. I believe he left for very noble reasons and has been getting nothing but screwed since doing so, he's clearly not the confident player he once was and that's a heartbreaker. I was hoping this WC was his road back to good vibes!
This is the first WC since 90 that I've not caught every single match live or same day, this is absolutely killing me!
I'm pleased to read that Argentina is showing their class and Messi got on. I'll download this one. Did Tevez get on?
For those that don't know Carlitos, oh my, he's the ugliest footballer on the planet. Poor guy, have a look if you dare. If he can get some playing time I'm sure in a year or two, like Ronaldinho, everyone will quit talking about his unfortunate area above his shoulders and focus on the smile and the skills. At least Ronaldinho has a neck.
JK... those pictures of Tevez are hilarious (maybe moreso because of the titles). If you forgot the area above his shoulders, though, he's beautiful to watch.
Didn't get to see the Holland match, and probably won't be able to pick it up later, seeing as how busy I am going to be for the next few days (going away on a trip--right in the middle of the World Cup!).
I just finished the Argentina game and have to add my "whoas" to the crowd's: Whoa! Nicely done against an S&M side that's not crap by a long shot. It was said that Dejan Stankovich kicked his tv set after seeing the draw, rightly so! The BBC commentator said there was 24 passes in the build up to Cambiasso's goal, if that's anywhere near correct it's gotta be the famous Brasilian team gaol finished by Carlos Alberto by a mile, that'll be a classic WC goal shown for years to come. I think Tevez nutmegged *2* people before slotting his, the second was questionable but the first was definite, close to ube classic as well.
That is correct about the 24 passes. After the game was over and they were showing highlights here, they had a counter in the lower-right hand corner of the screen that counted each pass. Sure enough, 24 passes by the end. It was insane! I've got to see if I can find someplace to download that match so I can watch it again.
Less than six hours to destiny! I guess I'd better get to bed so I can wake up in time. See you guys then.
oooh Ghana Czech match hopefully brings to light the ratio of skills/tactics/technique/fitness to attitude/fortitude... Group E is showing the world that belief and passion matter big time
From: Happy Hunting Grounds... Insane since: Mar 2001
posted 06-17-2006 20:34
GHAAAANAAAA!
Man, that was SWEEEEEET!
Now the US Boys just have to play! Even if they lose, if they can make 2 goals, then it is possible for them to still get to the next round, if they can beat Ghana.
Czech is going home (UNLESS US accomplishes the impossible and actually wins against Italy). They have no Stormers (offensive) to field against Italy now. All have been yellowcarded and have to sit out.
Even a loss to Italy does not mean the end of US chances. If they get enough Goals and manage to beat Ghana...
Wow.
GO USA!!!!
PS : If they f**k this chance up, I am going to be really, really pissed off!
WebShaman | The keenest sorrow (and greatest truth) is to recognize ourselves as the sole cause of all our adversities.
- Sophocles
How ironic that the first goal by Italy was scored by a diving header, considering how the free kick was given...
But USA has just tied it, and an Italy Red-Card immediately after. USA looks much stronger than last game, I'd say so far they look better than Italy even.
Flippin' heck, what a game. I'm really enjoying it with just the 10 men on each side now it could go anyway. McBride looks like he is totally up for it too.
I think there is a lot more to come out of this game. If the Italians score first they will play defensive and hit on the counter. The USA HAVE to get their offside ploy worked out to the inch for set plays... great game
Goodness. I was definitely not expecting Ghana to win that one.
As for the US-Italy match, is it just me, or is the referee whistle happy? Every time a player falls down (usually Italy), it's a foul. Yeah, I understand that Italy's speed on the attack forced the US to foul a lot at first, but there were just too many fouls called.
The red cards: I think the Mastroeni send off was a bit extreme, but I suppose it is consistent with this referee's style. Obviously I'm not too happy about losing the man advantage.
Now that the sides are even again, I wonder if the US can pull this off. We might be able to play Italy to a draw, but we haven't shown that we can actually score a goal.
My first impression was that our passing sucks, so I was quite surprised to see a graphic that showed the US passing success rate as higher than Italy's (this was before the red cards). I can only assume that while we may have a higher passing success rate, our passing efficiency sucks. A lot of our attacking passes seemed to be behind the recipients, forcing them to pull back.
I'm not really sure how to read this now. Up until Mastroeni's send off, I was pretty confident that we could pull something out of the hat. Now that the sides are even again, I don't know. Like I said, I'm not convinced that we can actually score a goal. I would love to be proven wrong, though, especially since another goal and a win against Ghana would mean we go through (I'm just going by what WS said above--it's five o'clock in the morning now and way too early for maths).
posted 06-14-2006 20:19
am predicting a 3:1 win by Ecuador over England 
