OT: World Cup

[intlzncster]

The reality is that IC played poorly the whole tournament and didn't deserve to advance out of what was the weakest group by far. None of these African teams seem to be able to harness the talent they have. Every one of them is worse than the sum of their parts.

And I just don't get it. They are starting to build feeder systems in those countries (although admittedly don't commit near the amount of money other countries do). The people have such passion for the game there; everyone plays.

With their strength, athleticism, and on the ball skill, an African team could dominate if they could get team play and tactics worked out. They are usually terrible passing teams. That's one thing that made Ghana really good in recent years, having Essien in the center of the field.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

The reality is that IC played poorly the whole tournament and didn't deserve to advance out of what was the weakest group by far. None of these African teams seem to be able to harness the talent they have. Every one of them is worse than the sum of their parts.

Ghana has played well, unfortunately, they are stuck like the US in the Group of Death. In any other group, I suspect they advance and advance easily.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

At what point is physical contact (without hitting the ball) a foul? What did you expect to see, that would convince you, it was a foul?

The Greek player was impacted; but, it was on his ‘backswing’ with his leg and the defender has every right to be where he was. He also really threw himself into the fall. That’s said, IC sat back and Greece attacked. They earned the win.

By the way, anyone catch that the lead official from the opening match between Brazil and Croatia has been relegated to the 4th official for all remaining games?

 

[DarthGrumpy]

https://vine.co/v/MtnO7MAx0OQ

He wasn't hit hard at all. He was just obstructed from kicking the ball.

In other words, he was fouled.

And by the way, when Bazz shot that 3 when he was fouled against Kentucky, he was tackled either. They still gave him 3 free throws however.

Why are you calling for replay in this instance when the replay shows him being fouled?

I have seen the call in full speed and slow motion. In full speed, it looks more like a dive to me. In slow motion, it looks like more of a foul. I can see both ways. Of course, being a defensive midfielder at heart, I may be biased towards the defense even tough challenging a ball carrier from behind in the box always carries the risk of a PK.

Overall, all PK’s, not just this one, should be reviewed to make sure the ref got it right because PK’s so dramatically impact the result. As everyone has pointed out, a foul in the box usually results in people rolling on the ground like they have been shot, screaming, crying, and a heard of players around the referee. Plenty of time for an unbiased (i.e. not one of the refs on the field) to review the call without disrupting the flow game.

 

[Waquoit]

Ya Ya Toure should have been able to win that game by himself.

 

[housekeys]

The Greek player was impacted; but, it was on his ‘backswing’ with his leg and the defender has every right to be where he was. He also really threw himself into the fall. That’s said, IC sat back and Greece attacked. They earned the win.

By the way, anyone catch that the lead official from the opening match between Brazil and Croatia has been relegated to the 4th official for all remaining games?

The defender has a right to the ball, nothing else. In an effort to exercise that right, you can not prevent the offensive player from his right to the ball, unless you have possession (ie. shielding a defender). The defender never got to the ball and never had possession, and he prevented the offensive player from getting the ball, as is his right.

Same thing in the USA game. Bradley was fouled, IMO, on the last play vs Portugal, exactly because of the above. Bradley in that small instance was in possession( he got to the ball first and was over the ball) he was pushed off, by the Portuguese who did not have possession, and in fact prevented Bradley's right to the ball. Both are fouls, IMO. Sucks that the ref did not call the foul favoring the USA.

 

[UChusky916]

Soccer wives/girlfriends are smoking! Damn those Germans especially. Montana Yorke is unreal.

Slideshow of hottest Soccer wives/girlfriends at world cup (SFW):
http://sports.yahoo.com/photos/world-cup-wag-sightings-in-brazil-1403628328-slideshow/

 

[housekeys]

Ya Ya Toure should have been able to win that game by himself.

He had a great chance one time, where he sliced through the Greek defense. Greece was fortunate on that play. BTW, before strutting his stuff in the EPL, he played for 1 or 2 seasons in Greece. He was, ahem, very very good.

 

[BUHusky]

Turn on ESPN now. 1-1 already in the 4th minute.

 

[intlzncster]

Turn on ESPN now. 1-1 already in the 4th minute.

This is where Argentina could really use Tevez. Aguerro out with an injury.

Still have no idea why their manager dislikes him so much. He's another guy I love to watch play.

 

[intlzncster]

goshdarn. Messi, give him a second opp and he nails it. 2 seconds left in stoppage time. Awesome.

So glad he's finally playing well in the WC. The world really needs to see this guy in top form.

Messi >>>>> Ronaldo for my money.

 

[housekeys]

Turn on ESPN now. 1-1 already in the 4th minute.

Then, there's Messi. EOM

 

[intlzncster]

That was a dirty free kick. Dirty.

 

[intlzncster]

Ghana has played well, unfortunately, they are stuck like the US in the Group of Death. In any other group, I suspect they advance and advance easily.

Hey they still could.

 

[housekeys]

That was a dirty free kick. Dirty.

Dirty, messy... it's all the same.

 

[intlzncster]

The equalizer! What a game.

I don't think Argentina wins this cup with that back line though.

 

[intlzncster]

Argentina punches right back! This is awesome.

 

[housekeys]

The equalizer! What a game.

I don't think Argentina wins this cup with that back line though.

"Not so fast midget", LOL. Another for Argentina. That was flucky.

 

[intlzncster]

Funny English supporters:

 

[StevieDude]

Ghana players should be happy. The Ghana government chartered a plane and sent it along with 3 million in cash to pay the players.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28021131

 

[intlzncster]

Messi subbed out in the 62 minute. Argentina gearing up for the next round.

Assuming Aguerro is OK, but their forwards will be fresh.

 

[BUHusky]

Man, that Nigerian's player's arm just snapped after being hit by a scorching ball. Terrible to see that...

 

[intlzncster]

Love watching Di Maria play. Guy runs end line to end line all game long.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

The equalizer! What a game.

I don't think Argentina wins this cup with that back line though.

The Argentina/Nigeria game was very entertaining. Nigeria attacked and attacked well; but, left themselves open to many surgical counters from Argentina. A fun game to watch.

 

[UConnSwag11]

Messi Messi Messi. Hands down the best player in the world

 

[CallMeBruce]

Messi Messi Messi. Hands down the best player in the world

I know he had some injuries this year, but when Messi is fit, he's magnitudes better than Cristi.

 

[intlzncster]

The Argentina/Nigeria ia game was very entertaining. Nigeria attacked and attacked well; but, left themselves open to many surgical counters from Argentina. A fun game to watch.

Great for us, but it's probably a bit ofa worry for argentine fans. As I said before, that back line is pourus.

That said, Argentina is the best vertical team I've seen in this tournament as well.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Anybody seeing France - Ecuador? The GK from Ecuador is looking very solid.

 

[bobbygt]

Not the most exciting game, but that red card for Ecuador ends any hope of them advancing.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

Anyone find any truth to the rumor that FIFA is looking at a 2 year ban for Suarez? He also may have tanked the opportunity for a big money transfer from Liverpool not to mention I am waiting for the advertisers to start pulling him from adds.