Sad to see the USA lose, but I knew Ghana was not going to just roll over either.
Bad call on the penalty kick, but you still have to play on. Reyna getting injured did not help matters--that was a really bad collision for his knee. The USA line up was more defense oriented and lacked two strikers up front to create opportunities for scoring more.
I don't know why Arena held back with putting in fresh legs at the second half. He was a more dynamic coach in 2002. I like him overall. If they keep him, he will learn from these mistakes. If the US wants to go with another coach, then I think a figure like John Harkes or Tomas Dooley, both veterans of the national team, might be good.
USA is not Italy, Germany or Brazil, but it still has not reached the ranks of a Sweden or Holland either, who always expect to advance to the second round.
I like the USA team and even cheer for them against my home country Germany. I do live in California, so some of my loyalty comes from that. Most of all, I like the USA team because those players chose soccer in a country where basketball, football and baseball dominate. I am sure some of those guys even had to endure ridicule while in high school as members of the "fringe" sport. They chose soccer because they loved it and wanted to play despite it not being popular. I mean, what high school cheerleader goes out with the captain of the soccer team? You get my drift. Also, while basketball, football and baseball players that make the pros will earn millions on average--even if just warming the bench, MLS all-stars do not make any near that much. US soccer players are simply true athletes, playing because they love the sport. USA soccer really does not represent the Mega political superpower that is thursting its weight all over the world. Politics aside, USA soccer really embraces the spirit of the sport in a modest and dignified way. Can you blame me for siding with the USA based on those views? I am sure similar arguments can be made for Ghana--I am sure they epitomize the spirit of the sport too.
As much as I like Don Mattingly and Jim Abbott, who are diginified in their own right despite making millions in their sport, I still see US soccer stars like Alexi Lalas and Claudio Reyna at the same level even though they are not as popular among the USA public.
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
i just watched a movie called "Green Street Hooligans".. i liked it a lot.. wasnt about the World Cup, wasnt really even about soccer, but about hooliganism..
it stars Frodo..
it's new out on DVD.. check netflix..
best quote of the movie:
<< <i><< "Once you've taken a few punches and realize you're not made of glass, you don't feel alive unless you're pushing yourself as far as you can go.. And as for this, the violence, I gotta be honest, it grew on me." >> >>
Drawn into the center of a bogus drug scandal by his wealthy roommate, a high-achieving Harvard newspaper editor (Elijah Wood) is kicked out of school just a few months shy of getting his degree. With nowhere else to go, he flies to the United Kingdom to live with his sister (Claire Forlani) and her family. But his subsequent involvement with the local Green Street Elite -- a gang of violent soccer fans -- could change his life forever.
I watched all three games and I was just plained bored. A bunch of hairy guys floping around the field looking for help by the refs is just sorry. Do people actually watch this crap? Do people actually pillage and rape for this sport? Maybe cause the rest of the world sucks at other sports like football and shampoo usage!
..and whats up with these refs? I mean, Im not even a soccer guru and could see that they missed about every call. I mean how hard is it to blow the whistle after some hairy Italian flops on the ground and grabs his shins or sac......LAIM
I mean come on, I can see why NO ONE cares about this "sport". It just sucks.....and I would be saying the same thing if the US had won!
Good thing is we won't have to worry about this for another 4 years......anyone have any pics of that girls soccer calendar?
<< <i>I watched all three games and I was just plained bored. A bunch of hairy guys floping around the field looking for help by the refs is just sorry. Do people actually watch this crap? Do people actually pillage and rape for this sport? Maybe cause the rest of the world sucks at other sports like football and shampoo usage!
..and whats up with these refs? I mean, Im not even a soccer guru and could see that they missed about every call. I mean how hard is it to blow the whistle after some hairy Italian flops on the ground and grabs his shins or sac......LAIM
I mean come on, I can see why NO ONE cares about this "sport". It just sucks.....and I would be saying the same thing if the US had won!
Good thing is we won't have to worry about this for another 4 years......anyone have any pics of that girls soccer calendar?
JS >>
Your constant bashing of soccer is tired.
Don't you undertand that not everyone thinks or acts like you do? And thank God for that, otherwise we'd all be welching on bets.
I dont know if stretchers were used more in this World Cup than in years past, but keep in mind that some players can suffer serious injuires on the field and it is important to scoop them up off the pitch for closer examination by the trainers. Some players could have an injury that if they get up, they make it worse or cause something to tear. The stretchers are precautionary. Professional soccer clubs in Europe have a lot of money invested in some of these athletes, so a small precaution like using a stretcher is a no brainer. Yes, some American players do play professionally in Europe....
Some soccer players have been known to feign injuries in order for the ref to call a penalty, yellow card or red card. I don't know if that happened with Ghana, but that penalty was a bad call any way you look at it.
As far as teams that play clean go, I say the USA displays good sportsmanship. If an injured player is lying on the field from the other team, US players kick the ball out. I don't see US players purposely elbowing an opponent. They do make some tackles, but that is not dirty play--its good hard soccer like other teams execute too. The red cards that the US players got were not because of poor sportsmanship or malice, it was just a tackle or foul exaggerated by the ref's perception. I see other teams get away with more severe stuff all the time.
A team that really plays foul and dirty is Brazil. Do you guys still recall the 1994 World Cup when the USA clashed against Brazil? A Brazilian player blatantly elbowed an American player and severly injured the guy so much he had to come out. Of course, Brazil got a red card for it.....
In 2002, when Turkey played against Brazil. A Turk kicked the ball to a Brazilian player for a throw in. The kick was not done in a polite manner and hit the Brazilian player on his leg. It was not a hard kick to cause injury, it was just the Turk was being a jerk (bad call by a ref?? I dont know right now). The Brazilian player immediately grabbed his face as if in real pain and dropped to the ground. It was faking an injury but the refs red carded the Turk. Brazil should not use low ball tactics like this. I am not sure what the Italians do though.....
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
I think the stretchers are more of a time saver than anything. Rather than letting the guy writhe in pain on the field for several minutes (legitimately or not), they bring out the stretcher. The player either has to get the hell on his feet, or get on the stretcher and be taken off the field so play can resume. The medics can then tend to him away from the game. The player may not re-enter the game until the next stoppage, like a substitution.
...and what about that "spray" they put on it to fix it?? Yeah ok, that works....I guess sissies will believe anything!
If anyone can remember a time when a soccer players bone was sticking up through his leg a la Joey Theismann or Ed McCaffery, let me know! I think the only "bad" injuries are when Dante gets his armpit hair stuck in the blower in the mens room!
You know this sport is for losers when the French advance!
<< <i>I think the stretchers are more of a time saver than anything. Rather than letting the guy writhe in pain on the field for several minutes (legitimately or not), they bring out the stretcher. The player either has to get the hell on his feet, or get on the stretcher and be taken off the field so play can resume. The medics can then tend to him away from the game. The player may not re-enter the game until the next stoppage, like a substitution. >>
I'd forgotten about that-- the clock doesn't stop in soccer. It still seems a little 'weenie', although I guess I shouldn't talk, since I roll around and act like I've been scalped every time I hit my head on a heating duct in the basement.
I still have a hard time getting my head around what a big deal the World Cup is to every other country but this one (and Canada, I guess, since it seems like you guys take soccer about as seriously as we do). Makes you appreciate what a big world this really is.
Just a few comments on what has been said in the thread recently....
The U.S. is not a dissapointment in my eyes. I never expected them to do anything, and feel they were completely overhyped to begin with. Maybe the media here had to do that to try and garner interest for TV here. The U.S. has a long way to go before they will ever be a top level team. They are slow and sloppy with the ball, and have zero number of finishers on the team. If you dont have someone to put the ball in the goal you dont have a prayer.
Regarding the money players make in Europe, American players are more than welcome to go over there and play soccer for that money if they are skilled enough. The fact is that most arent. Sure, they can make 150k a week, but over here a player can step up to bat 4 times a day and stand a pick at his jock/chew gum in the field and make 150k a GAME ( see Arod, do the math ), so there is more incentive to play the sports we know and watch here the most.
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win." -- Yogi Berra
The US players aren't going overseas, because they aren't skilled enough. But if you had soccer clubs here paying that kind of cash, players who might otherwise choose more traditional sports as a career would be more inclined to follow soccer instead.
Yes, there would be TONS more hype for US soccer if the MLS was able to pay on scale to what the other professional leagues are. There would be a greater influx of talent if kids could see themselves making MLB or NFL money playing soccer, and that's a fact.
In addition, you'd have more players from Europe and So. America coming over to play, and that would heighten the level of play of MLS as well.
Alas, it'll never happen. The coach picked poorly, had old, slow guys trying to score, and the team was just bad. 4 shots on goal in 3 games? Pathetic.
USA soccer was a success on TV and in terms of ratings. A lot of fans showed up to see USA play at the stadiums more than anybody expected. The interest in the sport is growing very slowly, but it is getting more popular in the USA. There is a core group of fans that just love the sport and the World Cup even though they were born and raised here.
When the baseball strike happened in the early 90s, I heard some fans say that they will try to enjoy the MLS where you don't have the rich vs the filthy rich to worry about---you know, the true spirit of athletic competition.
Its Germany against Sweden soon. I rather have seen England and Germany. Sweden is the best team in World Cup history that has not yet won the coveted trophy. Sadly, the Germans are going to knock out Sweden in the second round. I just appreciate that Swedish team and wanted to see them more in this tournament. I think Sweden are a very strong team, but anyone that plays Germany at home is going to get beat no matter how good they are.
Argentina plays against Mexico. I would like to see Mexico beat them.
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
The ratings are doing well because of the huge amount of foreign born residents of the U.S., legal and illegal. There is a massive Latin American population here that is carrying the ratings and interest. I am in the restaurant business, and because of that I am exposed to huge amounts of South Americans, all of which show passion for the game. Every one I am around on a daily basis lives for the game, as do their families, friends, etc. Literally millions of them are tuning in daily to each and every game shown. Take them away and the ratings would be putrid. Further remove folks that are first generation Americans of European decent and the rating again will show a vast decline. I am first generation American since my father hails from Ireland, and the community all around me is filled with people of similar background ( either European immigrants or first generation Americans ) all of which, myself included have tuned in and have interest due primarily to that background.
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win." -- Yogi Berra
<< <i>The ratings are doing well because of the huge amount of foreign born residents of the U.S., legal and illegal. There is a massive Latin American population here that is carrying the ratings and interest. I am in the restaurant business, and because of that I am exposed to huge amounts of South Americans, all of which show passion for the game. Every one I am around on a daily basis lives for the game, as do their families, friends, etc. Literally millions of them are tuning in daily to each and every game shown. Take them away and the ratings would be putrid. Further remove folks that are first generation Americans of European decent and the rating again will show a vast decline. I am first generation American since my father hails from Ireland, and the community all around me is filled with people of similar background ( either European immigrants or first generation Americans ) all of which, myself included have tuned in and have interest due primarily to that background. >>
I used to have a Costa Rican guy who worked for me in the roofing business, and while he was undoubtedly my best roofer it was simply understood that if the Costa Rican national team was playing anywhere on US soil he was going to go see them, no matter how far he had to travel or how much work he had to take off. That was the deal, and I could take it or leave it. When the Costa Rican team would play here- in Ohio, or wherever-- he and about 8 of his buddies would pile into an old Plymouth Voyager and disappear for four or five day. Now THAT'S team loyalty!
Anyone catch the Portugal-Netherlands match today? UGLY! Four red-cards, plus a head-butt by Figo that was missed by the reg. Portugal won, but they are decimated from this game. At a minimun they will be down 2 starters through red-cards, but could be up to 4 if Ronaldo (thigh injury) and Figo (possible suspension by FIFA) can't play. My money's on England for the next match.
I must admit to dozing off for much of the game, missing most of the second half depravity. Portugal will certainly go into the quarterfinal match shorthanded, but as long as they don't give up too many free kicks to England, they still might advance. It's almost painful to watch England. They should get Lennon into the matches sooner. Heck, give Theo Walcott a chance.
<< <i>Anyone catch the Portugal-Netherlands match today? UGLY! Four red-cards, plus a head-butt by Figo that was missed by the reg. Portugal won, but they are decimated from this game. At a minimun they will be down 2 starters through red-cards, but could be up to 4 if Ronaldo (thigh injury) and Figo (possible suspension by FIFA) can't play. My money's on England for the next match. >>
Ronaldo plays for Brazil......Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Portugal...The Brazilian a star in the pro ranks with Real Madrid of the Spanish pro league. The kid from Portugal is one of the game's youngbloods who plays his pro ball for Manchester United in England.
<< <i>Anyone catch the Portugal-Netherlands match today? UGLY! Four red-cards, plus a head-butt by Figo that was missed by the reg. Portugal won, but they are decimated from this game. At a minimun they will be down 2 starters through red-cards, but could be up to 4 if Ronaldo (thigh injury) and Figo (possible suspension by FIFA) can't play. My money's on England for the next match. >>
That was the worst officiating I've seen in a long time. The head-butt was pretty funny, and pretty pathetic that the referee missed that. Was happy to see at the end that the teams got along pretty well, despite the horrible officiating. There was a great shot in stoppage time in the second half when two of the people with red cards [one for Portugal and one for Netherlands] were sitting together happily chatting. Said a lot to me about the sport.
~ms
I am actively buying MIKE SCHMIDT gem mint baseball cards. Also looking for any 19th century cabinets of Philadephia Nationals. Please PM with additional details.
Italy wins on a penalty kick with seconds remaining in the match? What a joke! This is one area where the NBA has gotten it right. In the closing seconds, unless you decapitate someone, you're not getting a foul.
I missed the games today, but it's real unfortunate that this World Cup - at least thus far - may very well be remembered for the horrendous officiating rather than for spectacular performances. Hopefully that changes as the Round of 8 draws near.
<< <i>I missed the games today, but it's real unfortunate that this World Cup is - at least thus far - may very well be remembered for the horrendous officiating rather than for spectacular performances. Hopefully that changes as the Round of 8 draws near. >>
Everyone's walking on eggs out there...most of all the referees.......you can bet the conference-call lines will be burning tonight over at FIFA.
australia got robbed.. bs call.. you do not give a penalty that close to the end of the game for that ticky tack garbage.... questionable call at best.
I think the Ukraine victory over Switzerland will make more people happy than if it was the other way around. There are about 7 million Swiss and over 35 million Ukrainians. I was not emotionally invested in the match, but the Ukraine really has something to be happy about. Its a great morale boost to their country. The Swiss have so many other things going for them that they will be fine.
I still felt sorry for the Swiss losing in that fashion. Their goal keeper never allowed a goal in any match this year and a penalty shoot out had to decide everything. Penalty shoot outs are a way to break a tie, but does not prove one team better than the other. The Ukraine goal keeper had some nice lucky blocks....usually, a goalie does not have much chance.
The Italy-Australia game was a mess. It was a bad call on the penalty kick. That was no penalty, the ref misinterpreted it. The Italian player acted the whole thing out. It happens. I don't mind all the yellow cards as much as mistake calls by refs. Italy really got lucky. I doubt they would have lasted during overtime otherwise with only 10 men.
The Netherlands-Portugal game was entertaining to watch. Terrible in terms of soccer, but it was fun to watch. Portugal is going to be very short in their next match. They will have to go to their bench a lot. What of a player with one yellow gets another one in the next game. Does he remain in the game and just miss the next match?
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
what if he draws a third yellow card (second in the same game)? He will be sent off I suppose. I guess one can get three yellows then.
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
Brazil 2, Ghana 1 [Brazil has been surprisingly weak through the Cup, I think] Spain 1, France 0
I am actively buying MIKE SCHMIDT gem mint baseball cards. Also looking for any 19th century cabinets of Philadephia Nationals. Please PM with additional details.
ESPN can't cut away from the World Cup fast enuf! And to pure crapola like City Slams, or the Ultimate NFL Depth Chart - another total waste of time - God forbid they should spend two minutes showing a few meaningful replays at the end of the WC games!
Once watched a World Cup game and at the end, they could have gone over the highlights, but instead chose to show exciting bass fishing. As if it is so vital catching all the action of a guy waiting in his boat fishing line in hand and waiting for a bite.....
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
Yes Ronaldo's goal was classic. So was the second goal by Brazil that involved 25 passes. Nice to see Zidane score for France as well. France versus Brazil - perhaps Zidane's last game. Should be a great match.
<< <i>australia got robbed.. bs call.. you do not give a penalty that close to the end of the game for that ticky tack garbage.... questionable call at best. >>
I agree completely. That was a garbage call. My fiances family is from Italy, big fans of the team, and they even agreed it was a bogus call.
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win." -- Yogi Berra
No one thought Brazil could be beaten in 1998 and then the Home team comes in and knocks them silly for a 3-0 victory.
Germany can beat Brazil in the Berlin Stadium. I am not saying Brazil is not the best team, but playing against the Germans on their home turf is not the same as playing them in the Americas or Asia. The home team always has something extra. I think the German defense has solidified as the World Cup moves along and is not much of an achilles heel as first thought.
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
Someone will beat Brazil this world cup. They have given up a lot of chances and if they fall behind they will press and be vulnerable to counters. I don't think I could do that step over the ball move Renaldo put on the Ghana goalie alone on the soccer field with 10 tries.
<< <i>Germany can beat Brazil in the Berlin Stadium. I am not saying Brazil is not the best team, but playing against the Germans on their home turf is not the same as playing them in the Americas or Asia. The home team always has something extra. I think the German defense has solidified as the World Cup moves along and is not much of an achilles heel as first thought. >>
QUARTERFINAL INSOMNIACS THEATRE
Without a doubt, being the host nation is a huge advantage plus the Germans field perhaps the most athletic side of the final eight squads. Arguably, Germany has made the most of their allotted substitutions (Germany vs. Poland in the group phase round was this WC's most dramatic game IMHO with subs Oliver Neuville and David Odonkor combining for the 1-0 Germany win).
I'm sticking with my pick - Argentina in Friday's early match, but it will surely be a game worthy of being the final match........wouldn't surprise me if this one ends up settled by penalty kicks......can't wait!
<< <i>Yes Ronaldo's goal was classic. So was the second goal by Brazil that involved 25 passes. Nice to see Zidane score for France as well. France versus Brazil - perhaps Zidane's last game. Should be a great match. >>
What was not nice, though, was seeing Zidane score because Henry took a dive in the final 5 minutes of the game and drew that BS foul on the Spanish player. Seriously, this sports needs to set up some kind of incentive for guys NOT to take dives. It's just ridiculous. From what I can gather the whole diving thing is a total freeroll; if you take a dive and roll around on the turf long enough you might draw one of those goofy cards on the other team, but there's no negative consequences for you if the refs determine that you're full of it. The result is 22 guys writhing around on the ground every 30 seconds hoping to draw a free kick for their team.
My disgust with that call, however, was at least partially negated by my amusement at seeing a stretcher brought out for Frenchman whose only injury, so far as I could tell, was incurred by getting hit in the testicles by the soccer ball. Just when I think I've seen it all in sports something new pops up. In MLB if you get hit with a 95 mph baseball you're considered a weenie if you even rub the spot where you were hit. But in soccer, apparently, it's de rigeour for a player to be treated by medical apparati that are usually reserved for men who have their legs blown away by a mortar shell on the battlefield if he so much as takes a shot in the bag.
Germany wins! I love it! Very dramatic game fought tooth and nail.
That's the home team advantage at work. Not a lot of red or yellows, but the game was in control. Some sloppy play by both teams, but they did fight hard to win.
The Germans were off their clock work precision and Argentina could not hold their rythmn or tempo either.
Next Stop, Italy or Ukraine. Both are tough teams, but I give Germany the edge because they play at home. I know Italy can win it all and they are not going to be easy.
Italy up one on Ukraine right now.
"So many of our DREAMS at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we SUMMON THE WILL they soon become INEVITABLE "- Christopher Reeve
Man, I thought Argentina for sure had that game. I guess they did too because they kinda fell apart in the final 15 minutes.
Poor Ukraine. They miss some great chances, and then - boom - corner kick other way and it's 2-0. Now 3-0. I like Italy over Germany, but I guess one can't underestimate the possible crowd effect.
<< <i>Someone will beat Brazil this world cup. They have given up a lot of chances and if they fall behind they will press and be vulnerable to counters. I don't think I could do that step over the ball move Renaldo put on the Ghana goalie alone on the soccer field with 10 tries. >>
<< <i>Man, I thought Argentina for sure had that game. I guess they did too because they kinda fell apart in the final 15 minutes. >>
Scripted like a Greek tragedy, Pekerman did the right thing by falling on his sword......his choices on substitutions vs. Germany doomed the Argentinians early on. I kinda see the same death pall falling over Sven-Goran Eriksson. Tomorrow's England-Portugal game figures to be another dramatic match-up with all the blood, sweat and tears you could ask for before England falls to Portugal, 3-1.
As the tournament has progressed, I find myself more and more wanting to reach through the TV and slap Julie Foudy upside the head. The rest of the American ex-footballers - except for maybe Eric Wynalda - now in the broadcast booth grate on me, too.
Comments
Bad call on the penalty kick, but you still have to play on. Reyna getting injured did not help matters--that was a really bad collision for his knee. The USA line up was more defense oriented and lacked two strikers up front to create opportunities for scoring more.
I don't know why Arena held back with putting in fresh legs at the second half. He was a more dynamic coach in 2002. I like him overall. If they keep him, he will learn from these mistakes. If the US wants to go with another coach, then I think a figure like John Harkes or Tomas Dooley, both veterans of the national team, might be good.
USA is not Italy, Germany or Brazil, but it still has not reached the ranks of a Sweden or Holland either, who always expect to advance to the second round.
I like the USA team and even cheer for them against my home country Germany. I do live in California, so some of my loyalty comes from that. Most of all, I like the USA team because those players chose soccer in a country where basketball, football and baseball dominate. I am sure some of those guys even had to endure ridicule while in high school as members of the "fringe" sport. They chose soccer because they loved it and wanted to play despite it not being popular. I mean, what high school cheerleader goes out with the captain of the soccer team? You get my drift. Also, while basketball, football and baseball players that make the pros will earn millions on average--even if just warming the bench, MLS all-stars do not make any near that much. US soccer players are simply true athletes, playing because they love the sport. USA soccer really does not represent the Mega political superpower that is thursting its weight all over the world. Politics aside, USA soccer really embraces the spirit of the sport in a modest and dignified way. Can you blame me for siding with the USA based on those views? I am sure similar arguments can be made for Ghana--I am sure they epitomize the spirit of the sport too.
As much as I like Don Mattingly and Jim Abbott, who are diginified in their own right despite making millions in their sport, I still see US soccer stars like Alexi Lalas and Claudio Reyna at the same level even though they are not as popular among the USA public.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
it stars Frodo..
it's new out on DVD.. check netflix..
best quote of the movie:
<< <i><< "Once you've taken a few punches and realize you're not made of glass, you don't feel alive unless you're pushing yourself as far as you can go.. And as for this, the violence, I gotta be honest, it grew on me." >> >>
Drawn into the center of a bogus drug scandal by his wealthy roommate, a high-achieving Harvard newspaper editor (Elijah Wood) is kicked out of school just a few months shy of getting his degree. With nowhere else to go, he flies to the United Kingdom to live with his sister (Claire Forlani) and her family. But his subsequent involvement with the local Green Street Elite -- a gang of violent soccer fans -- could change his life forever.
I suppose if the MLS clubs were paying that kind of dough, the country's best athletes would be more inclined to play soccer.
refs is just sorry. Do people actually watch this crap? Do people actually pillage and rape for this sport? Maybe cause the rest
of the world sucks at other sports like football and shampoo usage!
..and whats up with these refs? I mean, Im not even a soccer guru and could see that they missed about every call. I mean
how hard is it to blow the whistle after some hairy Italian flops on the ground and grabs his shins or sac......LAIM
I mean come on, I can see why NO ONE cares about this "sport". It just sucks.....and I would be saying the same thing if the US
had won!
Good thing is we won't have to worry about this for another 4 years......anyone have any pics of that girls soccer calendar?
JS
<< <i>I watched all three games and I was just plained bored. A bunch of hairy guys floping around the field looking for help by the
refs is just sorry. Do people actually watch this crap? Do people actually pillage and rape for this sport? Maybe cause the rest
of the world sucks at other sports like football and shampoo usage!
..and whats up with these refs? I mean, Im not even a soccer guru and could see that they missed about every call. I mean
how hard is it to blow the whistle after some hairy Italian flops on the ground and grabs his shins or sac......LAIM
I mean come on, I can see why NO ONE cares about this "sport". It just sucks.....and I would be saying the same thing if the US
had won!
Good thing is we won't have to worry about this for another 4 years......anyone have any pics of that girls soccer calendar?
JS >>
Your constant bashing of soccer is tired.
Don't you undertand that not everyone thinks or acts like you do? And thank God for that, otherwise we'd all be welching on bets.
Now go make a phony bet or something.
Some soccer players have been known to feign injuries in order for the ref to call a penalty, yellow card or red card. I don't know if that happened with Ghana, but that penalty was a bad call any way you look at it.
As far as teams that play clean go, I say the USA displays good sportsmanship. If an injured player is lying on the field from the other team, US players kick the ball out. I don't see US players purposely elbowing an opponent. They do make some tackles, but that is not dirty play--its good hard soccer like other teams execute too. The red cards that the US players got were not because of poor sportsmanship or malice, it was just a tackle or foul exaggerated by the ref's perception. I see other teams get away with more severe stuff all the time.
A team that really plays foul and dirty is Brazil. Do you guys still recall the 1994 World Cup when the USA clashed against Brazil? A Brazilian player blatantly elbowed an American player and severly injured the guy so much he had to come out. Of course, Brazil got a red card for it.....
In 2002, when Turkey played against Brazil. A Turk kicked the ball to a Brazilian player for a throw in. The kick was not done in a polite manner and hit the Brazilian player on his leg. It was not a hard kick to cause injury, it was just the Turk was being a jerk (bad call by a ref?? I dont know right now). The Brazilian player immediately grabbed his face as if in real pain and dropped to the ground. It was faking an injury but the refs red carded the Turk. Brazil should not use low ball tactics like this. I am not sure what the Italians do though.....
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
If anyone can remember a time when a soccer players bone was sticking up through his leg a la Joey Theismann or Ed McCaffery, let
me know! I think the only "bad" injuries are when Dante gets his armpit hair stuck in the blower in the mens room!
You know this sport is for losers when the French advance!
JS
<< <i>I think the stretchers are more of a time saver than anything. Rather than letting the guy writhe in pain on the field for several minutes (legitimately or not), they bring out the stretcher. The player either has to get the hell on his feet, or get on the stretcher and be taken off the field so play can resume. The medics can then tend to him away from the game. The player may not re-enter the game until the next stoppage, like a substitution. >>
I'd forgotten about that-- the clock doesn't stop in soccer. It still seems a little 'weenie', although I guess I shouldn't talk, since I roll around and act like I've been scalped every time I hit my head on a heating duct in the basement.
I still have a hard time getting my head around what a big deal the World Cup is to every other country but this one (and Canada, I guess, since it seems like you guys take soccer about as seriously as we do). Makes you appreciate what a big world this really is.
<< <i>
You know this sport is for losers when the French advance!
JS >>
Hey! They didn't advance in 1942, and now they're just making up for lost time!!
The U.S. is not a dissapointment in my eyes. I never expected them to do anything, and feel they were completely overhyped to begin with. Maybe the media here had to do that to try and garner interest for TV here. The U.S. has a long way to go before they will ever be a top level team. They are slow and sloppy with the ball, and have zero number of finishers on the team. If you dont have someone to put the ball in the goal you dont have a prayer.
Regarding the money players make in Europe, American players are more than welcome to go over there and play soccer for that money if they are skilled enough. The fact is that most arent. Sure, they can make 150k a week, but over here a player can step up to bat 4 times a day and stand a pick at his jock/chew gum in the field and make 150k a GAME ( see Arod, do the math ), so there is more incentive to play the sports we know and watch here the most.
-- Yogi Berra
Yes, there would be TONS more hype for US soccer if the MLS was able to pay on scale to what the other professional leagues are. There would be a greater influx of talent if kids could see themselves making MLB or NFL money playing soccer, and that's a fact.
In addition, you'd have more players from Europe and So. America coming over to play, and that would heighten the level of play of MLS as well.
Alas, it'll never happen. The coach picked poorly, had old, slow guys trying to score, and the team was just bad. 4 shots on goal in 3 games? Pathetic.
When the baseball strike happened in the early 90s, I heard some fans say that they will try to enjoy the MLS where you don't have the rich vs the filthy rich to worry about---you know, the true spirit of athletic competition.
Its Germany against Sweden soon. I rather have seen England and Germany. Sweden is the best team in World Cup history that has not yet won the coveted trophy. Sadly, the Germans are going to knock out Sweden in the second round. I just appreciate that Swedish team and wanted to see them more in this tournament. I think Sweden are a very strong team, but anyone that plays Germany at home is going to get beat no matter how good they are.
Argentina plays against Mexico. I would like to see Mexico beat them.
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-- Yogi Berra
<< <i>The ratings are doing well because of the huge amount of foreign born residents of the U.S., legal and illegal. There is a massive Latin American population here that is carrying the ratings and interest. I am in the restaurant business, and because of that I am exposed to huge amounts of South Americans, all of which show passion for the game. Every one I am around on a daily basis lives for the game, as do their families, friends, etc. Literally millions of them are tuning in daily to each and every game shown. Take them away and the ratings would be putrid. Further remove folks that are first generation Americans of European decent and the rating again will show a vast decline. I am first generation American since my father hails from Ireland, and the community all around me is filled with people of similar background ( either European immigrants or first generation Americans ) all of which, myself included have tuned in and have interest due primarily to that background. >>
I used to have a Costa Rican guy who worked for me in the roofing business, and while he was undoubtedly my best roofer it was simply understood that if the Costa Rican national team was playing anywhere on US soil he was going to go see them, no matter how far he had to travel or how much work he had to take off. That was the deal, and I could take it or leave it. When the Costa Rican team would play here- in Ohio, or wherever-- he and about 8 of his buddies would pile into an old Plymouth Voyager and disappear for four or five day. Now THAT'S team loyalty!
<< <i>Anyone catch the Portugal-Netherlands match today? UGLY! Four red-cards, plus a head-butt by Figo that was missed by the reg. Portugal won, but they are decimated from this game. At a minimun they will be down 2 starters through red-cards, but could be up to 4 if Ronaldo (thigh injury) and Figo (possible suspension by FIFA) can't play. My money's on England for the next match. >>
I thought Ronaldo played for Brazil??
Things are starting to shape up in the knockout phase after that nasty Portugal-Netherlands game.
On Monday, I can see Australia giving Italy all it can handle with the Azzurri emerging on top - let's say Italy 2, Australia 1.
In the late game it's my dark horse, Ukraine over Switzerland 2-0.
<< <i>Anyone catch the Portugal-Netherlands match today? UGLY! Four red-cards, plus a head-butt by Figo that was missed by the reg. Portugal won, but they are decimated from this game. At a minimun they will be down 2 starters through red-cards, but could be up to 4 if Ronaldo (thigh injury) and Figo (possible suspension by FIFA) can't play. My money's on England for the next match. >>
That was the worst officiating I've seen in a long time. The head-butt was pretty funny, and pretty pathetic that the referee missed that. Was happy to see at the end that the teams got along pretty well, despite the horrible officiating. There was a great shot in stoppage time in the second half when two of the people with red cards [one for Portugal and one for Netherlands] were sitting together happily chatting. Said a lot to me about the sport.
~ms
Let the players decide it in OT.
Allez les Bleus!
typo edited
<< <i>I missed the games today... >>
Trust me, you didn't "miss" the Switzerland-Ukraine game. Most boring match of the tournament so far.
Oh, and it looks like Figo is going to go unpunished. The discipline in this tournament, on and off the field, is quickly turning into a joke.
<< <i>I missed the games today, but it's real unfortunate that this World Cup is - at least thus far - may very well be remembered for the horrendous officiating rather than for spectacular performances. Hopefully that changes as the Round of 8 draws near.
>>
Everyone's walking on eggs out there...most of all the referees.......you can bet the conference-call lines will be burning tonight over at FIFA.
GAMES OF TUESDAY, JUNE 27, THE PICKS ARE:
BRAZIL 3, GHANA 0
SPAIN 2, FRANCE 0
I still felt sorry for the Swiss losing in that fashion. Their goal keeper never allowed a goal in any match this year and a penalty shoot out had to decide everything. Penalty shoot outs are a way to break a tie, but does not prove one team better than the other. The Ukraine goal keeper had some nice lucky blocks....usually, a goalie does not have much chance.
The Italy-Australia game was a mess. It was a bad call on the penalty kick. That was no penalty, the ref misinterpreted it. The Italian player acted the whole thing out. It happens. I don't mind all the yellow cards as much as mistake calls by refs. Italy really got lucky. I doubt they would have lasted during overtime otherwise with only 10 men.
The Netherlands-Portugal game was entertaining to watch. Terrible in terms of soccer, but it was fun to watch. Portugal is going to be very short in their next match. They will have to go to their bench a lot. What of a player with one yellow gets another one in the next game. Does he remain in the game and just miss the next match?
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
<< <i>What of a player with one yellow gets another one in the next game. Does he remain in the game and just miss the next match? >>
Correct.
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Brazil 2, Ghana 1 [Brazil has been surprisingly weak through the Cup, I think]
Spain 1, France 0
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We're down to the final eight and when the action resumes on Friday, the picks here are:
FRIDAY, JUNE 30
Argentina 3, Germany 2
Italy 1, Ukraine 0
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Portugal 3, England 1
Brazil 3, France 1
TUESDAY, JULY 4 - SEMIFINAL #1
Argentina over Italy
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5 - SEMIFINAL #2
Brazil over Portugal
SUNDAY, JULY 9 - FINAL
Brazil vs. Argentina and I still can't see how anybody's gonna beat Brazil!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOBDjyiKCxo&search=italy%20australia
<< <i>australia got robbed.. bs call.. you do not give a penalty that close to the end of the game for that ticky tack garbage.... questionable call at best. >>
I agree completely. That was a garbage call. My fiances family is from Italy, big fans of the team, and they even agreed it was a bogus call.
-- Yogi Berra
Germany can beat Brazil in the Berlin Stadium. I am not saying Brazil is not the best team, but playing against the Germans on their home turf is not the same as playing them in the Americas or Asia. The home team always has something extra. I think the German defense has solidified as the World Cup moves along and is not much of an achilles heel as first thought.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
GER 2-1 ARG
ITA 2-0 UKR
ENG 2-1 POR
BRA 3-2 FRA
<< <i>Germany can beat Brazil in the Berlin Stadium. I am not saying Brazil is not the best team, but playing against the Germans on their home turf is not the same as playing them in the Americas or Asia. The home team always has something extra. I think the German defense has solidified as the World Cup moves along and is not much of an achilles heel as first thought. >>
QUARTERFINAL INSOMNIACS THEATRE
Without a doubt, being the host nation is a huge advantage plus the Germans field perhaps the most athletic side of the final eight squads. Arguably, Germany has made the most of their allotted substitutions (Germany vs. Poland in the group phase round was this WC's most dramatic game IMHO with subs Oliver Neuville and David Odonkor combining for the 1-0 Germany win).
I'm sticking with my pick - Argentina in Friday's early match, but it will surely be a game worthy of being the final match........wouldn't surprise me if this one ends up settled by penalty kicks......can't wait!
<< <i>Yes Ronaldo's goal was classic. So was the second goal by Brazil that involved 25 passes. Nice to see Zidane score for France as well. France versus Brazil - perhaps Zidane's last game. Should be a great match. >>
What was not nice, though, was seeing Zidane score because Henry took a dive in the final 5 minutes of the game and drew that BS foul on the Spanish player. Seriously, this sports needs to set up some kind of incentive for guys NOT to take dives. It's just ridiculous. From what I can gather the whole diving thing is a total freeroll; if you take a dive and roll around on the turf long enough you might draw one of those goofy cards on the other team, but there's no negative consequences for you if the refs determine that you're full of it. The result is 22 guys writhing around on the ground every 30 seconds hoping to draw a free kick for their team.
My disgust with that call, however, was at least partially negated by my amusement at seeing a stretcher brought out for Frenchman whose only injury, so far as I could tell, was incurred by getting hit in the testicles by the soccer ball. Just when I think I've seen it all in sports something new pops up. In MLB if you get hit with a 95 mph baseball you're considered a weenie if you even rub the spot where you were hit. But in soccer, apparently, it's de rigeour for a player to be treated by medical apparati that are usually reserved for men who have their legs blown away by a mortar shell on the battlefield if he so much as takes a shot in the bag.
That's the home team advantage at work. Not a lot of red or yellows, but the game was in control. Some sloppy play by both teams, but they did fight hard to win.
The Germans were off their clock work precision and Argentina could not hold their rythmn or tempo either.
Next Stop, Italy or Ukraine. Both are tough teams, but I give Germany the edge because they play at home. I know Italy can win it all and they are not going to be easy.
Italy up one on Ukraine right now.
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Poor Ukraine. They miss some great chances, and then - boom - corner kick other way and it's 2-0. Now 3-0. I like Italy over Germany, but I guess one can't underestimate the possible crowd effect.
<< <i>Someone will beat Brazil this world cup. They have given up a lot of chances and if they fall behind they will press and be vulnerable to counters. I don't think I could do that step over the ball move Renaldo put on the Ghana goalie alone on the soccer field with 10 tries. >>
we shall see
<< <i>Man, I thought Argentina for sure had that game. I guess they did too because they kinda fell apart in the final 15 minutes. >>
Scripted like a Greek tragedy, Pekerman did the right thing by falling on his sword......his choices on substitutions vs. Germany doomed the Argentinians early on. I kinda see the same death pall falling over Sven-Goran Eriksson. Tomorrow's England-Portugal game figures to be another dramatic match-up with all the blood, sweat and tears you could ask for before England falls to Portugal, 3-1.
Off to the second half.