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World Cup Thread
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fistfullofsteel
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M
madbomber31
Guest
www.fifaworldcup.com is a pretty good site
do you guys remember w. german goalie willie schumacker? back in the mid 80's... that dude was awesome.
france 1-0 over senegal
do you guys remember w. german goalie willie schumacker? back in the mid 80's... that dude was awesome.
france 1-0 over senegal
The Varnsen
New member
France, without Zidane, doesn´t have a "maestro", a creative player in the midfield to organize its football... Djorkaeff or Micoud could try to fullfill that role, but they don´t even come close to Zidane... Who´s still the best player in his position... Don´t compare him with Raul or Owen, we´re talking about different players... and Rivaldo, although he plays in a similar position, doesn´t quite have the vision or the "geometry" of the french, and besides that he loses too many balls.
I see things quite shaken for France, now... if they couldn´t break though the senegalese defense, which is soft, i imagine what will happen against a team like Uruguay, with one of the best defensive sectors and goalkeepers of the World Cup... They´re still favorites to win the group, but they´ll have to work extra hours now...
I look forward to the game Uruguay-Denmark, tomorrow...
Talking about overrated teams, none is more overrated than England... i don´t see them going through in their group...
I see things quite shaken for France, now... if they couldn´t break though the senegalese defense, which is soft, i imagine what will happen against a team like Uruguay, with one of the best defensive sectors and goalkeepers of the World Cup... They´re still favorites to win the group, but they´ll have to work extra hours now...
I look forward to the game Uruguay-Denmark, tomorrow...
Talking about overrated teams, none is more overrated than England... i don´t see them going through in their group...
cure
New member
The Varnsen said:
I'm sorry but take away Totti from Italy who plays very similarly to Zidane and the Italians still have the chance to win. It's called depth. The problem with France is their aging defense and terrible goalkeeping. Senegal was very sound technically and their footwork with the ball was unmatched. We will see what developes.
The Varnsen said:
Zidane is a very good player, dont get me wrong, but I would still prefer Rivaldo. For his vison, for his ability to score goals. Rivaldo is the same type of player like Platini, Di Stefano, Cruyjf..... As for Raul and Owen I was reffering to their impact on a team. Raul is also in some way similar to Zidane (of course Zizou still has a better vision).
cure
New member
As an italian i just want to say that i loath the French and the Brazilians. I really hope the french don't get by the 1st round or lose to England in the second round. GOD I HATE THEM!
As to France losing i think anything can happen. 90 World cup Argentina(past champion) lost to cameroon 1-0 yet still made the final. Italy in 82 tied all 3 first round games including a draw with Cameroon and only advanced on goal differential yet went on to win the World Cup. It's early folks but my fingures are crossed.
As to France losing i think anything can happen. 90 World cup Argentina(past champion) lost to cameroon 1-0 yet still made the final. Italy in 82 tied all 3 first round games including a draw with Cameroon and only advanced on goal differential yet went on to win the World Cup. It's early folks but my fingures are crossed.
Steroid_Virgin
New member
L'Italia vincerà!!!
C
CAGED whiteman
Guest
Cure said:
SOCCER SUCKSSOCCER SUCKS
I think its going to be Argentina all the way
England will get to the second round, and I think Beckham will probably get sent off or injured when we play Argentina
France will still get through, that first defeat will give them the motivation they need. They are too strong not to so long as they are there mentally.
Ireland are basically screwed without Roy Keane.
England will get to the second round, and I think Beckham will probably get sent off or injured when we play Argentina
France will still get through, that first defeat will give them the motivation they need. They are too strong not to so long as they are there mentally.
Ireland are basically screwed without Roy Keane.
The Varnsen
New member
Rivaldo has a great scoring ability, he´s very skillfull, but when he has the ball he only looks at the goal or the ground... he misses alot of passes, he´s not a Platiny type of player, he´s more a Kempes type of player, but improved of course... Zidane adds "geometry" to a team´s football, he always knows what to do with the ball, he thinks ahead of the other players, he´s a true genius. I think that he´s the best player in the world BECAUSE of his importance to the teams he plays in... if you compare him directly with guys like Rivaldo or Figo it´s more difficult to tell the difference.
Oh my god, the english players are SO overrated... because of what? they won 5-1 against Germany? Portugal won 3-0 against Germany with its reserve team... Beckam and Owen need a lot of space to perform. Let them face strong defensive outfits to see what they´re worth... they can´t drible in short spaces!
Oh my god, the english players are SO overrated... because of what? they won 5-1 against Germany? Portugal won 3-0 against Germany with its reserve team... Beckam and Owen need a lot of space to perform. Let them face strong defensive outfits to see what they´re worth... they can´t drible in short spaces!
The Varnsen
New member
7-0. I´m not kidding, and Miroslav Klose got 3... they still have 5 minutes to nail one or 2 more...
The Varnsen
New member
8 now... they have a massive attack, Klose and Jancker, 6"2 and 6"4, Bierhoff 6"3 in the bench... they all scored today... Klose, Klose, Ballack, Jancker in the first half... Klose, Linke, Bierhoff and Schneider in the second. Klose is magnificent in the air, Ballack on the ball and Jancker is 6"4 210lbs so he´s a powerhouse... besides they have good wingers in Zeige and Frings and a good anchor, Jeremies... They´re a candidate to the title, but i wouldn´t give that much importance to this result, as the saudis are by far one of the worst teams present...
maxellyz
New member
macDbol said:
the world cup is great the best competiton by far
MacDbol that game was great(but hard
) thanks for the link -Max
absolute hardgainer
New member
Germany 8 - Saudi Arabia 0
Everybody put the boot into Germany before the tournament because they sucked, I wonder if they can turn it around now. Irelenad and Cameroon to come.
hardgainer (and soccer does NOT suck, ok!)
Everybody put the boot into Germany before the tournament because they sucked, I wonder if they can turn it around now. Irelenad and Cameroon to come.
hardgainer (and soccer does NOT suck, ok!)
cure
New member
England is truly a bad team. When Sweden scored their goal 3 guys were standing around watching the damn ball.
Spain looked good but they always do against weaker teams. It's when they'll have to face the likes of Portugal or Italy where they will have trouble.
I'm glad that Paraguay tied 2-2. Cesare Maldini screwed Italy the same way in France 98. Play defensively once you have the lead or play to go to overtime like they did with France. I'm glad it bit him in the ass and here's hoping Trap doesn't do the same with this Italian team. Also seems to me that most South American teams (besides Argentina and Brazil) are only dangerous on spot kicks yet have trouble breaking through defensive traps.
Germany is not that great. God they beat a Saudi team that looked horrible defensively and their goaltender wasn't that strong as well. We'll see how they do against Cameroon or even Ireland.
Emerson is out of the tournament for Brazil.
Can't wait to watch Brazil and Italy both play tomorrow morning.
Spain looked good but they always do against weaker teams. It's when they'll have to face the likes of Portugal or Italy where they will have trouble.
I'm glad that Paraguay tied 2-2. Cesare Maldini screwed Italy the same way in France 98. Play defensively once you have the lead or play to go to overtime like they did with France. I'm glad it bit him in the ass and here's hoping Trap doesn't do the same with this Italian team. Also seems to me that most South American teams (besides Argentina and Brazil) are only dangerous on spot kicks yet have trouble breaking through defensive traps.
Germany is not that great. God they beat a Saudi team that looked horrible defensively and their goaltender wasn't that strong as well. We'll see how they do against Cameroon or even Ireland.
Emerson is out of the tournament for Brazil.
Can't wait to watch Brazil and Italy both play tomorrow morning.
The Varnsen
New member
The spanish team, this time, will have a better world cup than usual, but i doubt they reach the semi-finals... England is, as i said earlier, overrated, and was lucky to get a draw with Sweden, because in the second half the swedes had a few clear cut chances... Beckam isn´t that good, the midfield doesn´t defend much, and the attackers lack creativity...
Germany isn´t that good? Well, of course the saudis are the worst they´ll find in the World Cup, but scoring 8 isn´t easy, and some of their players really impressed me... Still, they won´t make it past the quarter finals.
Emerson is out, on is Ricardinho, who is more creative and technical, but lacks the marking capabilities and the stenght of the captain.
Germany isn´t that good? Well, of course the saudis are the worst they´ll find in the World Cup, but scoring 8 isn´t easy, and some of their players really impressed me... Still, they won´t make it past the quarter finals.
Emerson is out, on is Ricardinho, who is more creative and technical, but lacks the marking capabilities and the stenght of the captain.
vinylgroover
New member
Spain and Argentina have looked the most impressive to me thus far, particularly Argentina. They didn't make many clear cut chances, but they totally shut Nigeria down in the midfield. Spain surprised me. I thought they may have a weak midfield, but they dominated Slovenia.
Of the others, Ireland surprised me the most. At half time, it looked like Cameroon would run away with it, but they fought back and were unlucky to lose.
Of the others, Ireland surprised me the most. At half time, it looked like Cameroon would run away with it, but they fought back and were unlucky to lose.
cure
New member
Well Italy looked dangerous throughout the first half yet did the same old shit in the second. SIT BACK SIT BACK, WAIT IT OUT...no killer instinct like the Germans had. At least they won which they haven't had much success with in the past for openers but man it just aggravates me to see them sit back like that.
What also impresses me is their defense and midfield. No matter how many passes ecuador makes or how many times they make streaking runs down the lines they still can't cross the ball into the middle of the box because the italians always use 2 defenders to block crosses. 1 shot on net throughout that game was dangerous and Buffon make the save.
I also don't understand what this whole shit of sending balls in the air from defense straight to their strikers was. KEEP the ball on the ground!!! It worked twice for italy but they tried using it on every play. TOTTI looked brilliant!
What also impresses me is their defense and midfield. No matter how many passes ecuador makes or how many times they make streaking runs down the lines they still can't cross the ball into the middle of the box because the italians always use 2 defenders to block crosses. 1 shot on net throughout that game was dangerous and Buffon make the save.
I also don't understand what this whole shit of sending balls in the air from defense straight to their strikers was. KEEP the ball on the ground!!! It worked twice for italy but they tried using it on every play. TOTTI looked brilliant!
I think you are forgetting that England have/had alot of injuries, for one Beckham had not played since the middle of April before the Sweden game and no-one ever said he is the best player in the world, BUT he IS world class. He doesnt need to dribble, you point to where you want the ball and he will put it there from anywhere on the pitch, why would he need to have to dribble?
Vassell is an outstanding player, who can dribble in short spaces.
We have no Gerrard in midfield, he is injured, another world class player. Sure he is not Ronaldo, but he is world class in the position he plays and his passing and vision is floorless. Also his tackling. We badly missed it.
Dyer is another good player, again injured, he played some of the game but looked unfit.
We played the long ball game, god knows why, its like we went back 20 years or something - any idiot knows that with Owen upfront and Hesky playing on the wing (when he is a centre forward) long balls arent going to be won in the air by Owen when he is well under 6ft.
We have alot of quality, far more quality than Sweden, however the tactics we played were all wrong, coupled with major injuries and lack of fitness, we were lucky to get a draw - we should have killed them off in the first half.
We will beat Argentina though.
Vassell is an outstanding player, who can dribble in short spaces.
We have no Gerrard in midfield, he is injured, another world class player. Sure he is not Ronaldo, but he is world class in the position he plays and his passing and vision is floorless. Also his tackling. We badly missed it.
Dyer is another good player, again injured, he played some of the game but looked unfit.
We played the long ball game, god knows why, its like we went back 20 years or something - any idiot knows that with Owen upfront and Hesky playing on the wing (when he is a centre forward) long balls arent going to be won in the air by Owen when he is well under 6ft.
We have alot of quality, far more quality than Sweden, however the tactics we played were all wrong, coupled with major injuries and lack of fitness, we were lucky to get a draw - we should have killed them off in the first half.
We will beat Argentina though.
I've already had to write this World Cup off.
A 2 1/2 yr. old + a 2 mo. old + Japan/S. Korea time zones
= very little World Cup on the tube for me. 
I already told my wife I can't wait for 2006. Where will the finals be played then? Germany?
I have managed to watch a little, though. My thoughts so far:
1. All of a sudden, the Germans are looking clear to a quarterfinal meeting with Italy. Wow.
2. The Brazilians were also counted out a little early. And look out for Turkey. They're a team no one likes to play, and it should surprise no one if they make it through to a quarterfinal meeting with Argentina.
3. I like Bruce Arena starting Donovan and Beasley, but I'm not optimistic that this World Cup is going to turn out any better than '98. If we were playing South Korea at a neutral venue we might have a shot at advancing with a 1-1-1 record, but I'm afraid we may be looking at one win and two losses, at best. [Looking ahead to 2006, the U.S. has a potentially nice midfield and attack coming together with players like Bobby Convey and Santino Quaranta but where in the world will the defense come from?]
4. I like this Danish team more than the Laudrup teams. It's more balanced, while maintaining that calm, calculated Danish style.
5. Spain looked ok, although the penalty kick they were awarded in the waning moments of the match with Slovenia was a joke. A quarterfinal match with Portugal will be terrific.
6. Group H: yuck.
7. I saw very little of the England-Sweden match, but obviously the second spot in Group F is wide open (sorry, I'm conceding first place to Argentina). That group's games are the only must-watch games in this first round.
8. Other first round games I'm looking forward to: France-Uruguay (could get really interesting if Uruguay can manage to score first), Denmark-France (could be playing for first place in the group) and Mexico-Italy (I always root for fellow CONCACAF rival Mexico in the World Cup).
A 2 1/2 yr. old + a 2 mo. old + Japan/S. Korea time zones
= very little World Cup on the tube for me. I already told my wife I can't wait for 2006. Where will the finals be played then? Germany?I have managed to watch a little, though. My thoughts so far:
1. All of a sudden, the Germans are looking clear to a quarterfinal meeting with Italy. Wow.
2. The Brazilians were also counted out a little early. And look out for Turkey. They're a team no one likes to play, and it should surprise no one if they make it through to a quarterfinal meeting with Argentina.
3. I like Bruce Arena starting Donovan and Beasley, but I'm not optimistic that this World Cup is going to turn out any better than '98. If we were playing South Korea at a neutral venue we might have a shot at advancing with a 1-1-1 record, but I'm afraid we may be looking at one win and two losses, at best. [Looking ahead to 2006, the U.S. has a potentially nice midfield and attack coming together with players like Bobby Convey and Santino Quaranta but where in the world will the defense come from?]
4. I like this Danish team more than the Laudrup teams. It's more balanced, while maintaining that calm, calculated Danish style.
5. Spain looked ok, although the penalty kick they were awarded in the waning moments of the match with Slovenia was a joke. A quarterfinal match with Portugal will be terrific.
6. Group H: yuck.
7. I saw very little of the England-Sweden match, but obviously the second spot in Group F is wide open (sorry, I'm conceding first place to Argentina). That group's games are the only must-watch games in this first round.
8. Other first round games I'm looking forward to: France-Uruguay (could get really interesting if Uruguay can manage to score first), Denmark-France (could be playing for first place in the group) and Mexico-Italy (I always root for fellow CONCACAF rival Mexico in the World Cup).
The Varnsen
New member
I can´t wait for the Portugal-USA match... We´ll start more ofensively than usual, with a 4-1-3-2 tactic. Our midfield is great: Rui Costa in the middle, Figo and Sérgio Conceição in the wings, Petit as an anchor... the attack is one of the best also: Pauleta with the help of João Vieira Pinto... the defence will have more problems: the central defenders are aging and heavy... the right/left defenders aren´t brilliant, specially Frechaut, the one in the right... but i expect that that will be enough to take the 3 points, although as has been said the USA has a good young team, with some very quick players...
We´ll see.
We´ll see.
vinylgroover
New member
I agree, Italy didn't look impressive. One thing that stood out to me was the individual skill level of the Ecuadorian players in comparison to the Italian's. Their first touch was beautiful. If Ecuador knew how to defend, Italy would have been in real trouble. Italy just does not create enough chances for my liking, and against a better defence, they will be in real trouble. The one thing Italy has though is a great defence and goalkeeper. Will that be enough?
cure
New member
vinylgroover said:
WHOA, that's not what i was talking about. Did we watch the same game? Italy could of been up 4 or 5-0. Ecuador had no chances and Italy was actually giving them space until they reached a certain area...35 yards and in. Why would Italy go 100% the whole game when they have a 2-0 lead, embarrass a team like Ecuador and even risk injury? While Ecuador was playing in midfield, the Italians were standing around watching but as soon as they would try to enter the area TURNOVER! Italy could have kept on pressing and i still believe they have the best strikers (bench and starting) in the game.
vinylgroover
New member
I agree, Italy does have some of the best strikers in the game, but if you don't have anyone that can supply them, what's the point. If you shut down Totti, you shut down their creativity in midfield. The reason they looked so good, i believe, was that Ecuador's defence was terrible.
I'm sorry, but Italy does not have enough key playmakers to win the tournament. I may be proven wrong.
I'm sorry, but Italy does not have enough key playmakers to win the tournament. I may be proven wrong.
cure
New member
danielson said:rivaldo is a little bitch
Yes he is. He should be fined for that bullshit.
All you really need is a Totti. Just like the French only have Zidane, the Portuguese have Figo, Brazil has Rivaldo. The italian strikers create their own space. If i remember correctly 2 assists were to Panucci on the first goal and Di Biagio on the second. For me they are solid throughout.
fistfullofsteel
Well-known member
macDbol said:
that first half was great. that goalie was ON. he put up a shield. i think it should have ended in a tie and that call was bullshit and rivaldo is a great actor. he is a great player and I can't believe he pulled such a stunt and I can't believe the turkish player was being so unsportsman like with that kick at the ball towards rivaldo.
i think a lot of good teams are not playing to their 100% potential. i think after a couple of games the really good teams will play much better. not to say turkey didn't play a good game, because they did but they did get careless at times.
What was up with that germany vs s. arabia game? damn, they ran up the score.
vinylgroover
New member
Ive heard of taking a dive but those Arabs were ridiculous. I reckon they got on with a bookmaker at odds of 50/1 for taking a bet on Germany winning by more than 6 goals and collected handsomely for it.
The ring was probably organised by Sepp Blatter. Corrupt fuck!
The ring was probably organised by Sepp Blatter. Corrupt fuck!
The Varnsen
New member
Sorry, but Portugal has Figo and... Rui Costa and Sérgio Conceição to supply the strikers... we have the more creative players in the business, along with Argentina and Brazil...
cure
New member
The Varnsen said:
Funny, all these guys supplying balls to strikers yet they go nowhere in every tournament. What does that tell you? Argentina and Brazil are full of playmakers yet only Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Batistuta are the only "pure" goal scorers. Portugal does not have any pure goalscorers while italy has 3 sitting on the bench and 2 starting.
Island Son
New member
Just finished watching the Japan/Belgium game. Inamoto plays for Arsenal. Wow. Watching him sprint in the closing minutes was all the cardio I need for a while.
Russia/Tunisia.... snooze
USA/Portugal... snooze
Germany/Ireland... wonder what the goal count will be.
Guess I can catch all these later.
Russia/Tunisia.... snooze
USA/Portugal... snooze
Germany/Ireland... wonder what the goal count will be.
Guess I can catch all these later.
fistfullofsteel
Well-known member
Island Son said:
How dare you? Go red, white and blue. One day USA is going to win a world cup. Too bad most Americans won't care, but I will damn it.
vinylgroover
New member
THE USA shouldn't be there. They have it too easy in qualifying. Australia would dust the floor with them, but we have to go through some bullshit qualifying phase to get there.
South Korea surprised me, they actually looked pretty impressive. Good ball control.
South Korea surprised me, they actually looked pretty impressive. Good ball control.
fistfullofsteel
Well-known member
Island Son said:
it was a snooze. the game was over after the 1st half.
fistfullofsteel
Well-known member
vinylgroover said:
Did you just say something? Let me get my glasses. I don't think I am reading correctly, brb.
fistfullofsteel
Well-known member
this reminds me of those guys who talk shit about how they are going to kick your ass and then they get punched in the face and get dropped like a bad habit. 
i think it was frazier or somebody who said, "everybody has a plan to be the champion until they get punched in the face" or something like that.
i think it was frazier or somebody who said, "everybody has a plan to be the champion until they get punched in the face" or something like that.
fistfullofsteel
Well-known member
who was it that hit the ball so hard that it bounced of a portugese player's head and went in for an own goal?
cure
New member
THIS IS NOT GOOD! I'm really happy that the USA beat Portugal but now i'm thinking Portugal will end 2nd in their group and play Italy in the round of 16. Now that is shit.
The US looked good in the beginning but man did they ever get tired 2nd half. Portugal looked horrible defensively. 3 goals allowed against the US??? Imagine what will happen when they face the likes of Inzaghi, Vieri, Montella, Del Piero, Totti....
Congrats to the Americans
The US looked good in the beginning but man did they ever get tired 2nd half. Portugal looked horrible defensively. 3 goals allowed against the US??? Imagine what will happen when they face the likes of Inzaghi, Vieri, Montella, Del Piero, Totti....
Congrats to the Americans
The Varnsen
New member
First of all i´m portuguese, so i´m very upset with this result... Our defense was horrible today, we seriously need to replace one of those central defenders, as they´re too big and slow. We have better defenders sitting on the bench. The goalkeeper didn´t play all season, and now just because he´s Vitór Baía, the great name, the coach trusted him the responsability. Congrats to the USA, they deserved to win, but i still don´t think they´ll go through... this is just my opinion! Their players, in average, must have played 20 games less during the season than the portuguese, who play in major leagues across europe... so they aren´t very fresh coming to this world cup.
Portugal is considered favorite, and i think they´ll still make it throgh this group as 1st, because they have some of the best players in the business... do you now Figo? Anyways, in the past Portugal hasn´t won much on the world satge, as we´re a small 10 million inhabitants country, but this generation of players is different. They won the 1989 and 1991 world under 21 cups, and they´ve been promising to achieve it at the senior level, as most of them have made excellent careers playing in Italy, Portugal and Spain. Plus, we´ve eliminated Holland in the qualifiers...
So... let´s see, i´m very disappointed but i never said Portugal would crush the USA, and i hope we can still make it...
Well, if we pick Italy in the second stage in don´t know... it´s quite different! The italians aren´t as quick as the americans, and as i´ve said our problem is speed! But i don´t even know if we´ll go through, as we still have to play Korea, which has an even quicker attack...
Portugal is considered favorite, and i think they´ll still make it throgh this group as 1st, because they have some of the best players in the business... do you now Figo? Anyways, in the past Portugal hasn´t won much on the world satge, as we´re a small 10 million inhabitants country, but this generation of players is different. They won the 1989 and 1991 world under 21 cups, and they´ve been promising to achieve it at the senior level, as most of them have made excellent careers playing in Italy, Portugal and Spain. Plus, we´ve eliminated Holland in the qualifiers...
So... let´s see, i´m very disappointed but i never said Portugal would crush the USA, and i hope we can still make it...
Well, if we pick Italy in the second stage in don´t know... it´s quite different! The italians aren´t as quick as the americans, and as i´ve said our problem is speed! But i don´t even know if we´ll go through, as we still have to play Korea, which has an even quicker attack...
Cure said:
Well, obviously Portugal should have been favored to beat the U.S., if that's what you mean. Given their form and quality since Euro 2000, Portugal were rightly considered a lock to cruise into the quarterfinals.
Their play today was pathetic. They controlled the midfield all day, but where were the scoring opportunities? Does anyone remember any great saves made by Brad Friedel today? No? That's because he didn't make any.
Portugal got an own goal and a fortunate scramble in the box after a corner kick. Their only other good opportunity was off another loose ball after a corner. Throughout the match all Portugal could come up with were weak crosses from the flanks, very few of which had any chance of seeing the back of the net.
And consider the opponent. Bruce Arena couldn't come up with a left back, so in the last several weeks the job was won by Frankie Hejduk by default. He couldn't come up with a right back either, finally settling on the fundamentally unsound Tony Sanneh - who played a very good game. The middle was anchored by the even more fundamentally unsound Jeff Agoos. These guys stopped the Portuguese attack?
The U.S. midfield was a joke. The anchors of the U.S. midfield for the last two years, Chris Armas and Claudio Reyna were out. Pablo Mastroenni was making his first appearance for the national team (not counting a few friendlies). The shaky 'captain' Earnie Stewart had to be replaced at the half. There was absolutely no one besides forward Landon Donovan - who had to track back to midfield to get the ball - who could keep possession.
Give Sanneh, John O'Brien, the spectacular Damarcus Beasley, Donovan and McBride credit. Portugal could find no answers for just those five players. Mastroenni and Eddie Pope were fairly solid as well.
This is a heartening day for U.S. soccer. The Under-17 team was terrific in 1999 in Australia, finishing fourth. The Under-17 team in 2001 was considered one of the best in the world but couldn't get by France and Nigeria - the finalists as it turned out - in the first round. The talent and depth at midfield and forward is coming in Justin Mapp, Craig Capano, Edward Johnson, Santino Quaranta and Bobby Convey to go along with Donovan and Beasley.
Two good showings against South Korea and Poland and the U.S. will be well on its way towards building a pretty good team for the next several World Cups.
The Varnsen said:
Yes, South Korea will be a major problem for Portugal if they play like they did today.
Figo was lousy.
It's a good point you make about the players possibly having been worn out by a grueling club schedule the past year. Your team was completely out of gas by the 75th minute, whereas those Americans who play in MLS haven't played much so far this year. But still, the Italians, Germans and Spaniards are in the same boat as your boys and they've looked fresh enough.
I think you're being a little bit hard on your team's defense. The goal off the corner kick happens. There's not much you can do about that. The own goal was ridiculously fortunate. Or unfortunate, I guess. The only really bad mistake was losing track of Brian McBride on Tony Sanneh's cross. But it was such a beautiful cross and that's McBride's specialty. The only other problem the defense had was with Damarcus Beasley, but there are no defenders in the world, besides perhaps on Brazil's side, quick enough to stay with Beasley. He's going to be special.
I really think it was the lack of quality scoring chances that did Portugal in today. Rui Costa and Figo will have to attack more against Poland and South Korea, rather than trying to be playmakers.
Things will have to turn around considerably for Portugal now. Italy is heads and shoulders better than the U.S. Their defense is rock solid. Their midfield and forwards are vastly superior. I'm sure Portugal would make a better effort against Italy, but if Portugal doesn't manage to win this group I wouldn't be too optimistic.
Portugal looked worse than England in my opinion
Germany 1 - 0 Ireland
Its pretty even at the moment, Ireland could quite easily come back into the game if they quit missing chances, Roy Keane and Quinn have missed big big chances, esecially Keane.
Nobody has really been outstanding in the first games, so right now I think that its quite wide open, but the stronger teams will obviously come to the forefront in the next couple of games
One of them will of course be England.
Germany 1 - 0 Ireland
Its pretty even at the moment, Ireland could quite easily come back into the game if they quit missing chances, Roy Keane and Quinn have missed big big chances, esecially Keane.
Nobody has really been outstanding in the first games, so right now I think that its quite wide open, but the stronger teams will obviously come to the forefront in the next couple of games
One of them will of course be England.
cure
New member
The Varnsen, i was born in Calabria but moved to Canada when i was 14 so i know how you feel. If Ecuador would have beat Italy i would have been pretty pissed off myself.
No matter what i still don't want to play Portugal in the round of 16. Too dangerous.
OMG IRELAND JUST SCORED TO TIE IT!!!!!!!!!! They really took the game to Germany. I still think Germany isn't any good.
No matter what i still don't want to play Portugal in the round of 16. Too dangerous.
OMG IRELAND JUST SCORED TO TIE IT!!!!!!!!!! They really took the game to Germany. I still think Germany isn't any good.
Re: England shall be victorious !
i don't know about that. i was very surprised that england had
serious physical problems against sweden. normaly england wins
their games due to their strong physical type of soccer.
portugal was really disappointing! but i think they will be strong
enough to win the next two games. are there problems between
figo and the rest of the group?
Liberator said:
+
=
i don't know about that. i was very surprised that england had
serious physical problems against sweden. normaly england wins
their games due to their strong physical type of soccer.
portugal was really disappointing! but i think they will be strong
enough to win the next two games. are there problems between
figo and the rest of the group?
vinylgroover
New member
vinylgroover said:
Did i really say that, haha. I am eating humble pie.
I just can't believe the performance Portugal put up.
Robby, i can't see them going anywhere with the goalkeeper they have. The mistakes he made in the match was like watching an under15's goalkeeper.
Figo did nothing. Only Conceicao and Jao Pinto did anything. Ireland are playing well above themselves at the moment. They look like they are playing with alot of confidence and could prove to be a real nuisance to the more fancied sides.
Hehe, my post was just a joke, we were really poor and you are right about physical presence, but this normally comes from Butt and Gerrard amongst others, both who are out through injury. Beckham wont be tackling hard due to his foot.
I saw the Portugal game last night after work, in the first half alone they were terrible, the goalkeeper was totally useless but at least he was there, the defence, well I never saw one. Time after time players were completely un-marked.
Pinto did nothing, Figo didnt do anything.
Ireland should have won against Germany, its ok saying that they deserved a draw, but they should have won. Both Keane and Quinn and Matt Holland had plenty of chances to seal the game, they were very unlucky.
Man of the match was Germanys keeper, Kahn, he was outstanding.
I saw the Portugal game last night after work, in the first half alone they were terrible, the goalkeeper was totally useless but at least he was there, the defence, well I never saw one. Time after time players were completely un-marked.
Pinto did nothing, Figo didnt do anything.
Ireland should have won against Germany, its ok saying that they deserved a draw, but they should have won. Both Keane and Quinn and Matt Holland had plenty of chances to seal the game, they were very unlucky.
Man of the match was Germanys keeper, Kahn, he was outstanding.
The Varnsen
New member
Vitór Baía is only a name, nowdays... He used to be one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, believe it or not, and i´m not saying this just because he´s portuguese... he was Barcelona´s goalkeeper for 2 years. However, for the last 2 years he hasn´t played much because of his constant knee injuries and now he´s a shadow of his former self... Oliveira shouldn´t have put him in the goal, he is lacking confidence! The other goalkeeper, Ricardo, is not a world class keeper (he, eventually, can turn out to be that classy one, as he´s still quite young) as Baía used to be, but he´s a good one and he´s in a very good shape at the moment. He played almost all of the qualifying group matches, and he was expected to start first. But then Baía started crying and the coach gave him his ass... and the worst thing is that Oliveira is so stubborn that i don´t believe he´ll change goalkeepers because he doesn´t want to admit the error in the first game!
Well, i still believe Portugal will win the next 2 matches... We certainly have much better players than the others, and they´ve done something together, in the past, but Korea is in such a good form. Well, it would be a pitty if we couldn´t go through... USA won against us possibly the only game they could´ve won in 10 or 20 other games with the same opposition... well, but we´re in a world cup!
Well, i still believe Portugal will win the next 2 matches... We certainly have much better players than the others, and they´ve done something together, in the past, but Korea is in such a good form. Well, it would be a pitty if we couldn´t go through... USA won against us possibly the only game they could´ve won in 10 or 20 other games with the same opposition... well, but we´re in a world cup!
cure
New member
France is really in a tight spot but it seems as if Uruguay will choke. I hate teams that have an advantage yet don't make anything of their opportunities. Before he was sent off Uruguay was playing great, once Henry gets sent off they start to take it easy.
Portugal has to start Nuno Gomes. I really hope Portugal finishes 1st or doesn't advance because as an Italian, i do think we can beat them but i'd rather play Korea or the US.
I can't wait to watch the England/Argentina game tomorrow.
My favorite team to watch this World Cup is the Irish. These guys really push forward and are a thrill to watch.
Portugal has to start Nuno Gomes. I really hope Portugal finishes 1st or doesn't advance because as an Italian, i do think we can beat them but i'd rather play Korea or the US.
I can't wait to watch the England/Argentina game tomorrow.
My favorite team to watch this World Cup is the Irish. These guys really push forward and are a thrill to watch.
Got that right about the Irish. David Duff is a hell of a player.
Did you see them against Germany, i think that they deserved to win, it took an awesome performance from Oliver Kahn in the German goal to stop them. He was the best player on the German side... i think that says a lot about how both teams played.
Stu.
Did you see them against Germany, i think that they deserved to win, it took an awesome performance from Oliver Kahn in the German goal to stop them. He was the best player on the German side... i think that says a lot about how both teams played.
Stu.
Please God don't let England play Heskey tomorrow, he's such a f*ckin donkey.
I'm hoping for a Teddy Sheringham, Micheal Owen front line tomorrow. Then in the later stages if we need to get a goal then throw on Darius Vassel and have Teddy drop in behind him and Owen, then you have Scholes and Sheringham feeding Owen and Vassel.
Stu.
I'm hoping for a Teddy Sheringham, Micheal Owen front line tomorrow. Then in the later stages if we need to get a goal then throw on Darius Vassel and have Teddy drop in behind him and Owen, then you have Scholes and Sheringham feeding Owen and Vassel.
Stu.
FRANCE 0-0 URUGUAY
Looks like France are dead and burried almost, Henry deserved the red card, insane challenge.
Uruguay really should have taken it, Recoba missed an open goal somehow, he had like hours to take his time, and even pass the ball to the two supporting players or control it and put it into the empty goal, but no he went for the ego first time shot and put it wide, when he really didnt need to rush it.
France look doomed now though
Looks like France are dead and burried almost, Henry deserved the red card, insane challenge.
Uruguay really should have taken it, Recoba missed an open goal somehow, he had like hours to take his time, and even pass the ball to the two supporting players or control it and put it into the empty goal, but no he went for the ego first time shot and put it wide, when he really didnt need to rush it.
France look doomed now though
Checkout group A, totally wide open, although I cant see France beating Denmark.
Group A P W D L F A Pts
1. Denmark 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
2. Senegal 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
3. Uruguay 2 0 1 1 1 2 1
4. France 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
fixtures
A June 11 15:30 Denmark vs. France ? - ?
A June 11 15:30 Senegal vs. Uruguay ? - ?
Group A P W D L F A Pts
1. Denmark 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
2. Senegal 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
3. Uruguay 2 0 1 1 1 2 1
4. France 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
fixtures
A June 11 15:30 Denmark vs. France ? - ?
A June 11 15:30 Senegal vs. Uruguay ? - ?
!!!! ! !!!! ! !!!
1!
!!
!!!!
ARGENTINA 0 - 1 ENGLAND
!!!
first half we played really well, Butt and Scholes with Beckham were solid in Midfield and Owen was giving them serious problems. Heskey was as always completely useless, Sheringham should have played from the start.
The second half however I am disappointed with, sure we won, but we played our typical 10 man defence, why?!??!?!?!?!!?!?!
We were dominating them in the first half, why did we need to be so damn negative and defend deep for 40minutes solid
Anyway, we won, now all we need is a Sweden win over Argentina and they are out.
It helped us that Veron went off injured and Batistuta didnt look very threatening.
It was close though, almost inevitable that they woudd score with our defending.
It did look like they were trying to force into aggressive retaliation in the first 20mins or so, loads of fouls.
Great game though
1!
!!
!!!!
ARGENTINA 0 - 1 ENGLAND
!!!
first half we played really well, Butt and Scholes with Beckham were solid in Midfield and Owen was giving them serious problems. Heskey was as always completely useless, Sheringham should have played from the start.
The second half however I am disappointed with, sure we won, but we played our typical 10 man defence, why?!??!?!?!?!!?!?!
We were dominating them in the first half, why did we need to be so damn negative and defend deep for 40minutes solid
Anyway, we won, now all we need is a Sweden win over Argentina and they are out.
It helped us that Veron went off injured and Batistuta didnt look very threatening.
It was close though, almost inevitable that they woudd score with our defending.
It did look like they were trying to force into aggressive retaliation in the first 20mins or so, loads of fouls.
Great game though
cure
New member
No team is really dominating this world cup. England looked great but they kinda played an italian style of football at the end.
Spain played like shit and i really don't think they are a real threat. If Italy wins tomorrow look out!!
I believe if argentina ties and england ties/win then Argentina are out because sweden would get that 1 point needed to surpass Argentina so Argentina needs to win, France needs to win by 2 goals so this could be a surprising round of 16.
Spain played like shit and i really don't think they are a real threat. If Italy wins tomorrow look out!!
I believe if argentina ties and england ties/win then Argentina are out because sweden would get that 1 point needed to surpass Argentina so Argentina needs to win, France needs to win by 2 goals so this could be a surprising round of 16.
Liberator said:
I'm happy for England and their supporters.
I followed along on Soccernet's Live Commentary and it did sound like Argentina had a shot on goal nearly every minute of the second half. I can't wait to watch the game on tape tonight.
It's amazing to think that Argentina now have to beat Sweden to advance. I'm hoping England wins the group, but I think the tournament would be more exciting if Argentina could advance as well.
Well I wasent gonna go out, but I think I'll have to now !
Yuo are dead right, I dont see one team that shows supremecy, you would normally expect it from Germany, Brazil and Argentina along with Italy etc
It is totally wide open, personally I think it is a great chance for us (England) to win it. We have a strong squad if we play to our potential, but then so to have Italy, Argentina, Brazil, France etc.
Maybe its something to do with the climate that is effecting the European players, a friend reckons an European team wont win it purely for that reason.
Senegal are mental, they have got some serious motivation going on, they could easily take the Group.
Yuo are dead right, I dont see one team that shows supremecy, you would normally expect it from Germany, Brazil and Argentina along with Italy etc
It is totally wide open, personally I think it is a great chance for us (England) to win it. We have a strong squad if we play to our potential, but then so to have Italy, Argentina, Brazil, France etc.
Maybe its something to do with the climate that is effecting the European players, a friend reckons an European team wont win it purely for that reason.
Senegal are mental, they have got some serious motivation going on, they could easily take the Group.
Cure said:
But a number of teams, including Brazil and Italy, have only played one game and both of those teams looked very good in their openers. It's a little too early to say that no one is dominating.
It is true that no team that's played two games has looked particularly fearsome in both.
Did Spain not look good against Paraguay? I only saw about 30 minutes of that game. I was hoping to see Chilavert come forward and take a free kick but it didn't happen.
I am exhausted after watching that, the second half was so tense!!
First half was great. Very surprised that Owen didn't score, he was causing all sorts of problems.
Heskey=donkey as usual.
I don't think Erikson should have taken Owen off because it left us without a target to hit up front so we had to defend the entire half, Sheringham is never going to score on the break, he's too slow.
Danny Mills played well i thought.
Beckham's penalty was a really bad penalty, but it went in so i'm not complaining, thought he played very well, covered a lot of ground and seems to be back at full match fitness which is a great sign for us.
Paul Scholes was excellent, very good distribution and solid when he needed to be.
Rio Ferdinand was a rock in the centre of defence and Ashley Cole contained Ortega well.
I hope Hargreaves will be ok, Sinclair is a capable replacement though.
Those are just some of my thoughts...
Bring on Nigeria and lets top the group
Stu.
First half was great. Very surprised that Owen didn't score, he was causing all sorts of problems.
Heskey=donkey as usual.
I don't think Erikson should have taken Owen off because it left us without a target to hit up front so we had to defend the entire half, Sheringham is never going to score on the break, he's too slow.
Danny Mills played well i thought.
Beckham's penalty was a really bad penalty, but it went in so i'm not complaining, thought he played very well, covered a lot of ground and seems to be back at full match fitness which is a great sign for us.
Paul Scholes was excellent, very good distribution and solid when he needed to be.
Rio Ferdinand was a rock in the centre of defence and Ashley Cole contained Ortega well.
I hope Hargreaves will be ok, Sinclair is a capable replacement though.
Those are just some of my thoughts...
Bring on Nigeria and lets top the group
Stu.
cure
New member
specter said:
I actually thought Brazil played like shit their first game. They were lucky to get a win. I just find Spain is not top level like other clubs. They belong in the lower tier like Ireland (who is playing amazing), Sweden, Croatia...i don't think of them on the same level as Italy, Brazil, Argentina or even England. Once they play a good team you'll see what happens. They'll choke like usual.
Chilavert did come forward and try some free kicks but in my opinion the guy yaps his mouth a little too much. That's what i loved about the english today. They went in hard, didn't go down easily and played the game on their feet and not whining and complaining to the referee. Ortega is a goon in my books. Yet again most South American/Central American teams are a bunch of goons and cry babies.
Cure said:
Fuck Chilavert. He's not even a good goalkeeper. At least if he was he wouldnt play in a 2nd division team. He's the most over-ratted goalkeeper followed by Barthez....
As for Spain, in theory they belong to the top class with Italy, England, Brazil and France..... thing is, thatsnot what we see on the field 50% of the time. Same thing with the others (except maybe for Brazil).
