I'm so happy they won. I'm a little biased, but Zidane has been playing at a level that makes me think France just might win. Hard to believe it once looked as though they might not even make it out of the Group stage.
France owned Brazil in that match-up. Good for the French. I guess they just peaked at around the right time. They really deserved to win since they made Brazil look like a third rate team unable to execute. It was such an exciting match to watch. One of my favorites.
I honestly thought Zidane would be done at the end of the 1998 World Cup, but I am happy to see him play well at this level again. Good for him!!!
I am a Germany fan, but I will admit it if another team plays well.
"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
Totti 2, Germany 0 - Der Hun can never lose badly enuf to suit me!
And this news just in!
BERLIN (AP) - Germany midfielder Torsten Frings was banned from the World Cup semifinals after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of punching Argentina forward Julio Cruz in a post-match fracas in the quarterfinals.
What can I say....My homeland team lost in shocking fashion. I thought for sure it would be settled in penalty kicks. Talk about letting your guard down.
I have nothing against this Italian team. They won fair and square. Germany won the World Cup when Italy hosted, so now the Italians could win with Germans as host.
2 of the top 3 Soccer powers will finish in the top 4. The World Cup winners are usually drawn from top teams historically anyway. I personally followed World Cup soccer since 1982, Brazil, Germany or Italy are always in the final. Some years you have aberrations like when Argentina hosted in 1978.
I always go for Germany, but I also like the "small minnows" from USA, Denmark and Sweden.
"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
Hats off to the Azzurri.......An Italy-France final seems in order. Let's say France 2, Portugal 0 in tomorrow's semi-final. The smirk must be wiped off the young punk's face.....same for Scolari.
Mission Accomplished! - I don't know if it felt better shutting C. Ronaldo's mouth or Scolari's....both a couple of prima donnas!.....And now on to Sunday's Final Match.........it's ZiZou's World Cup.....France 2, Azzurri 0.
I take it all back-- thank God the French beat that band of whiners from Portugal. There isn't an ounce of class on that entire team. News flash, Portugese-- if you can't score a goal in 90 minutes of play then YOU DON'T DESERVE TO ADVANCE. My only regret is they didn't whack that Renaldo with a yellow card for diving when he tried to draw a penalty shortly after the PK by Zidane.
One thing I've noticed about these soccer players is that they don't seem particularly gracious in defeat.
<< <i> One thing I've noticed about these soccer players is that they don't seem particularly gracious in defeat. >>
I disagree.
I've seen the losing team stay on the field for a long time to acknowledge their fans.
They also embrace the winning team.
Also in today's France/Portugal game, a player from the losing team traded jerseys with Zidane and wore it on the field. >>
I saw that too, and thought it was pretty classy.
I'm thinking of the Argentines trying to start a brawl after they choked on PK's, and one of those classless Portugese players berating the refs after the game.
The Portuguese showed less class than the French throughout the World Cup. You guys are right... there was a lot of diving and berating of refs from the Portuguese side. I don't feel bad for them losing.
The Swedes are gracious and have good sportsmanship--they are ranked 8th all time, so this was not the best showing they could have had. It is tough beating the home team, so that explains it.
The Argentines showed no class starting a brawl with the German side after they choked on penalty kicks against the home team. That was so awful. It was a fairly decided match according to the rules.
There will always be fans bitter about losing, but for the most part, I don't think there is any serious issues of Germans against the Italians. I and the Germany fans I associate with were all heart broken over the match, but nothing bitter against Italy. We like our team. They did well overall and we look forward to the third place match, Euro Cup 2008 and World Cup 2010.
"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
thanks for the video link. That was worth the laughs.....LOL
unreal.
"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
GERMANY 2, PORTUGAL 0 - LOOK AT THIS GAME AS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO AND LUIZ SCOLARI TO MAKE TOTAL A**HOLES OF THEMSELVES ON THE WORLD CUP STAGE.
10 minutes into the second half - I really wish the refs would learn to call these diving Portugese wankers. The "Greg Louganis XI" is making a mockery of the sport. C Ronaldo is a wonerfully talented player. Too bad he can't just play the freaking game without the theatrics. He's the worst offender of them all.
C. Ronaldo is the worst of them all. Alex Ferguson's claims not withstanding, I can't imagine him being all that welcome at Man U. when the Premiership resumes.
Way to go Germany!!!! a 6-1 record in the WC 2006. 3rd place finish--above the expectations of soccer critics. This was Germany's 11th time to reach the semis. They have reached the finals 7 times (tied with Brazil). They are a perennial powerhouse without a doubt.
"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
Finally, the Final of the World Cup. France vs. Italy. Although I can definitely see the potential for a dreaded penalty shoot-out to decide the winner here, the name of the day is ZiZou as this one belongs to the French 2-0!
~"I've got my office pool money on Italy going all the way - just like NCAA, there's almost no chance of winning if you pick Brazil, England or Germany."~ ~ms
The post that started this thread. Congratulations ms!!
What was Zidane doing in extra time?
My barber will be so happy, too bad that I do not need my haircut this week - I bet it would be free.
Since Germany was not in the finals, my heart was not in the final game between Italy or France. I missed all of it except for the penalty kick phase. If my girlfriend was French or Italian, I would certainly have sided with the respective team. I feel happy for the Italians winning in Germany, just like Germany won the trophy when the Italians hosted.
What was up with Zidane? What provoked him. There is no excuse for his behavior, but I am just curious what provoked him. Something certainly bothered him. Was he being knocked around a lot by the Italian defense? Even if he was, France had the game--it was theirs to lose. Zidane should have stayed in and I am sure the French could have won one way or another.
"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>Since Germany was not in the finals, my heart was not in the final game between Italy or France. I missed all of it except for the penalty kick phase. If my girlfriend was French or Italian, I would certainly have sided with the respective team. I feel happy for the Italians winning in Germany, just like Germany won the trophy when the Italians hosted.
What was up with Zidane? What provoked him. There is no excuse for his behavior, but I am just curious what provoked him. Something certainly bothered him. Was he being knocked around a lot by the Italian defense? Even if he was, France had the game--it was theirs to lose. Zidane should have stayed in and I am sure the French could have won one way or another. >>
From the replay it seemed Zindane was talking smack with one of the Italian defenders...but it seemed to be in jest as both of them were smiling.
Zidane then started to run away from the defender, but he turned around and the smile turned into a mean stare. The Zidane headbutted the Italian defender in the chest.
So I think there was some serious words exchanged right before the headbutt. Still, unexcusable.
Man, what a deflating game for fans of France and Zidane. France definitely had the better of the play from halftime on, but once the red card was issued, I knew Italy would prevail in PK's. I obviously would've much preferred seeing Zizou bury one and let the scoreboard do the talking, but I can't necessarily blame him for his actions. I suspect that Materazzi was spewing racist invective and Zidane totally lost his cool. Unfortunate, but - assuming my hunch is correct - I can't say for sure how I or anyone else would've responded.
Does anyone else think the soccer penalty shootout is ridiculous? The shot is so close, the goakeeper has virtually no chance of making a save unless he makes a very lucky guess. At least in hockey it's about 50-50.
They should either move the ball back (to make the shot more challenging) or play continuous sudden death overtime.
<< <i>Does anyone else think the soccer penalty shootout is ridiculous? The shot is so close, the goakeeper has virtually no chance of making a save unless he makes a very lucky guess. At least in hockey it's about 50-50.
They should either move the ball back (to make the shot more challenging) or play continuous sudden death overtime. >>
Absolutely. I am not a soccer fan to begin with, but the whole penalty kick scenario didn't seem like a good way to decide such an important game. The goal keeper might as well not even be in the goal, it seemed like he has no chance to save anything. The only way to miss a shot is if the player kicking the ball really screws up, and misses what is basically a gimme shot.
<< <i>Does anyone else think the soccer penalty shootout is ridiculous? The shot is so close, the goakeeper has virtually no chance of making a save unless he makes a very lucky guess. At least in hockey it's about 50-50.
They should either move the ball back (to make the shot more challenging) or play continuous sudden death overtime. >>
Portugal's goal keeper blocked 3 PK's versus England
Thanks for the summary. I guess it is not really clear what happened. Zidane does not lose it for no reason.
If yawie99 is correct, that a racist epithet was unleashed by the Italian defender in the heat of the moment, then one can understand where Zidane is coming from. Its too bad a ref cannot hear those things said because it would have been better if the person saying those things were ejected before the other player could even react.
"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
doesn't matter what he said. this guy is a professional athlete and needs to rise above it and set an example. that was a disgusting display of frenchness. if he'd hit that guy in the face instead of the chest, he'd be spitting out teeth.
added: actually i'm quite surprised the french didn't break their team up early on and decide to help the germans.
This article sums it up best of what I thought of this year's World Cup:
"This World Cup set a record for cautions with 345 yellow cards, a 27 percent jump from 2002, and an astounding 28 red cards. The lasting image of Germany 2006 will not be Azzurri players doing an impromptu Tarantella on the trophy stand, but France captain Zinedine Zidane turning his final act before retirement into pure thuggery.
Fabio Grosso's winning penalty kick in the final was overshadowed by Zidane's head butt to the chest of Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute.
And this from the man named on Monday outstanding player of the tournament, a three-time world player of the year.
Zidane's actions illustrate much of what is ailing international soccer. While the World Cup should be the ultimate showcase for the sport, this year it pointed out everything that needs to be changed before South Africa 2010.
For one, sportsmanship is almost nonexistent after kickoff. For all the pageantry before games, the calls to end racism, the shaking of hands by opponents and the exchanging of gifts, once the whistle blows, players ignore the rules.
They dive at the slightest touch, seeking fouls and cautions for the opposition. They tug on shirts or shorts. The elbows fly. Cleats come up on tackles.
As often as not in this World Cup, they got away with it.
"Referees are only human, and let me say players are not making their jobs more easy," said Franz Beckenbauer, the German soccer great and head of the local organizing committee. "Players just fall on the ground, roll around and try to incite the referee. This is so exaggerated now what people are simulating."
The problem with cracking down on such shenanigans was obvious to players, coaches and fans in Germany: Referee crews couldn't keep up with the pace of the game.
That led to inconsistent officiating at best. When officials are handing out penalty kicks for obvious dives and three yellow cards to one player in a match, the veracity of the World Cup is challenged. "
Germany, as host, did a good job. Fans had a lot of fun in the country and there was not much violence. The security was good. I only wish I was there partying in the streets myself. I heard it was real good from that angle.
"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
Comments
I can't see Portugal having a chance against its semifal opponent - hopefully France.
<< <i>I'm guessing he'll have an easier time than Sven-Goran Eriksson.
I can't see Portugal having a chance against its semifal opponent - hopefully France. >>
Hats off to France.....beautiful goal by Henry coupled with an absorbing, blob-like defensive scheme......fantastic game!
And then it's semi-final match #1 Germany vs. Italy; hamburgers or hot dogs, ketchup or mustard, relish or onions.
Until then, y'all have a happy and safe holiday!
But, yeah, I can't wait for these last few matches.
I honestly thought Zidane would be done at the end of the 1998 World Cup, but I am happy to see him play well at this level again. Good for him!!!
I am a Germany fan, but I will admit it if another team plays well.
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And this news just in!
BERLIN (AP) - Germany midfielder Torsten Frings was banned from the World Cup semifinals after a disciplinary committee found him guilty of punching Argentina forward Julio Cruz in a post-match fracas in the quarterfinals.
118 minutes of excruciatingly boring football followed by 2 minutes of magic.
What can I say....My homeland team lost in shocking fashion. I thought for sure it would be settled in penalty kicks. Talk about letting your guard down.
I have nothing against this Italian team. They won fair and square. Germany won the World Cup when Italy hosted, so now the Italians could win with Germans as host.
2 of the top 3 Soccer powers will finish in the top 4. The World Cup winners are usually drawn from top teams historically anyway. I personally followed World Cup soccer since 1982, Brazil, Germany or Italy are always in the final. Some years you have aberrations like when Argentina hosted in 1978.
I always go for Germany, but I also like the "small minnows" from USA, Denmark and Sweden.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
One thing I've noticed about these soccer players is that they don't seem particularly gracious in defeat.
<< <i>
One thing I've noticed about these soccer players is that they don't seem particularly gracious in defeat. >>
I disagree.
I've seen the losing team stay on the field for a long time to acknowledge their fans.
They also embrace the winning team.
Also in today's France/Portugal game, a player from the losing team traded jerseys with Zidane and wore it on the field.
<< <i>
<< <i>
One thing I've noticed about these soccer players is that they don't seem particularly gracious in defeat. >>
I disagree.
I've seen the losing team stay on the field for a long time to acknowledge their fans.
They also embrace the winning team.
Also in today's France/Portugal game, a player from the losing team traded jerseys with Zidane and wore it on the field. >>
I saw that too, and thought it was pretty classy.
I'm thinking of the Argentines trying to start a brawl after they choked on PK's, and one of those classless Portugese players berating the refs after the game.
The Swedes are gracious and have good sportsmanship--they are ranked 8th all time, so this was not the best showing they could have had. It is tough beating the home team, so that explains it.
The Argentines showed no class starting a brawl with the German side after they choked on penalty kicks against the home team. That was so awful. It was a fairly decided match according to the rules.
There will always be fans bitter about losing, but for the most part, I don't think there is any serious issues of Germans against the Italians. I and the Germany fans I associate with were all heart broken over the match, but nothing bitter against Italy. We like our team. They did well overall and we look forward to the third place match, Euro Cup 2008 and World Cup 2010.
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unreal.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
GERMANY 2, PORTUGAL 0 - LOOK AT THIS GAME AS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO AND LUIZ SCOLARI TO MAKE TOTAL A**HOLES OF THEMSELVES ON THE WORLD CUP STAGE.
Update: goal Germany!!!
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Finally, the Final of the World Cup. France vs. Italy. Although I can definitely see the potential for a dreaded penalty shoot-out to decide the winner here, the name of the day is ZiZou as this one belongs to the French 2-0!
~ms
The post that started this thread. Congratulations ms!!
What was Zidane doing in extra time?
My barber will be so happy, too bad that I do not need my haircut this week - I bet it would be free.
Completely low class end to a brilliant career for Zidane.
-- Yogi Berra
<< <i>Congrats to Italy !
Completely low class end to a brilliant career for Zidane. >>
YO'VE GOT THAT RIGHT!
BIZZIZOU!! HE HAD ALL THE ABC/ESPN ANALYSTS SWITCHING HORSES IN MIDSTREAM...........AND WITH T. HENRY OUT, WHERE WAS FRANCE GOING IN THE PK PHASE?
What was up with Zidane? What provoked him. There is no excuse for his behavior, but I am just curious what provoked him. Something certainly bothered him. Was he being knocked around a lot by the Italian defense? Even if he was, France had the game--it was theirs to lose. Zidane should have stayed in and I am sure the French could have won one way or another.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
<< <i>Since Germany was not in the finals, my heart was not in the final game between Italy or France. I missed all of it except for the penalty kick phase. If my girlfriend was French or Italian, I would certainly have sided with the respective team. I feel happy for the Italians winning in Germany, just like Germany won the trophy when the Italians hosted.
What was up with Zidane? What provoked him. There is no excuse for his behavior, but I am just curious what provoked him. Something certainly bothered him. Was he being knocked around a lot by the Italian defense? Even if he was, France had the game--it was theirs to lose. Zidane should have stayed in and I am sure the French could have won one way or another. >>
From the replay it seemed Zindane was talking smack with one of the Italian defenders...but it seemed to be in jest as both of them were smiling.
Zidane then started to run away from the defender, but he turned around and the smile turned into a mean stare. The Zidane headbutted the Italian defender in the chest.
So I think there was some serious words exchanged right before the headbutt. Still, unexcusable.
They should either move the ball back (to make the shot more challenging) or play continuous sudden death overtime.
<< <i>Does anyone else think the soccer penalty shootout is ridiculous? The shot is so close, the goakeeper has virtually no chance of making a save unless he makes a very lucky guess. At least in hockey it's about 50-50.
They should either move the ball back (to make the shot more challenging) or play continuous sudden death overtime. >>
Absolutely. I am not a soccer fan to begin with, but the whole penalty kick scenario didn't seem like a good way to decide such an important game. The goal keeper might as well not even be in the goal, it seemed like he has no chance to save anything. The only way to miss a shot is if the player kicking the ball really screws up, and misses what is basically a gimme shot.
<< <i>Does anyone else think the soccer penalty shootout is ridiculous? The shot is so close, the goakeeper has virtually no chance of making a save unless he makes a very lucky guess. At least in hockey it's about 50-50.
They should either move the ball back (to make the shot more challenging) or play continuous sudden death overtime. >>
Portugal's goal keeper blocked 3 PK's versus England
Thanks for the summary. I guess it is not really clear what happened. Zidane does not lose it for no reason.
If yawie99 is correct, that a racist epithet was unleashed by the Italian defender in the heat of the moment, then one can understand where Zidane is coming from. Its too bad a ref cannot hear those things said because it would have been better if the person saying those things were ejected before the other player could even react.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
added: actually i'm quite surprised the french didn't break their team up early on and decide to help the germans.
"This World Cup set a record for cautions with 345 yellow cards, a 27 percent jump from 2002, and an astounding 28 red cards. The lasting image of Germany 2006 will not be Azzurri players doing an impromptu Tarantella on the trophy stand, but France captain Zinedine Zidane turning his final act before retirement into pure thuggery.
Fabio Grosso's winning penalty kick in the final was overshadowed by Zidane's head butt to the chest of Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute.
And this from the man named on Monday outstanding player of the tournament, a three-time world player of the year.
Zidane's actions illustrate much of what is ailing international soccer. While the World Cup should be the ultimate showcase for the sport, this year it pointed out everything that needs to be changed before South Africa 2010.
For one, sportsmanship is almost nonexistent after kickoff. For all the pageantry before games, the calls to end racism, the shaking of hands by opponents and the exchanging of gifts, once the whistle blows, players ignore the rules.
They dive at the slightest touch, seeking fouls and cautions for the opposition. They tug on shirts or shorts. The elbows fly. Cleats come up on tackles.
As often as not in this World Cup, they got away with it.
"Referees are only human, and let me say players are not making their jobs more easy," said Franz Beckenbauer, the German soccer great and head of the local organizing committee. "Players just fall on the ground, roll around and try to incite the referee. This is so exaggerated now what people are simulating."
The problem with cracking down on such shenanigans was obvious to players, coaches and fans in Germany: Referee crews couldn't keep up with the pace of the game.
That led to inconsistent officiating at best. When officials are handing out penalty kicks for obvious dives and three yellow cards to one player in a match, the veracity of the World Cup is challenged. "
Germany, as host, did a good job. Fans had a lot of fun in the country and there was not much violence. The security was good. I only wish I was there partying in the streets myself. I heard it was real good from that angle.
BST: Tennessebanker, Downtown1974, LarkinCollector, nendee
Loth