2006 Soccer Football World Cup in Germany

[air_hog]

Okay, did any catch the Ukraine/Switz game today?

It was the second dumbest thing I have ever seen (besides that meteor video in the other thread).

How those two teams advanced to the second round is beyond me. So if USA couldn't even make it to the second round... :barf:

Now I'm no soccer expert, but how can you play a game for 120 Mins. and not score a Goal?

And even during the PK's, Switzerland STILL COULDN'T EVEN SCORE ON A WIDE OPEN SHOT.

Man, now I'm just hate Switzerland.

[Redskin in Canada]

Now I'm no soccer expert, but how can you play a game for 120 Mins. and not score a Goal?

OK, you may have missed the field GOALS but, did you not see the touchdowns? Three TDs, final score 21 - 0.

[JansenFan]

Stupid Ukraine. There goes my perfect record. That was the hardest match to hognosticate. I waffled a bit on England-Ecuador and even Spain-France, but I hadn't even seen either Ukraine or Switzerland play.

[BossHog]

How those two teams advanced to the second round is beyond me.

Uhh... they advanced to the second round by making it through the first round. If you need further explanation, that means that they had either the best or second best recor in their division... so they advanced.

So if USA couldn't even make it to the second round... :barf:

Why would they? They stunk at the tournament and they've got a nation of people that think the game is stupid (and only watch it and support it once every four years).

Now I'm no soccer expert, but how can you play a game for 120 Mins. and not score a Goal?

Try playing the game... then you'll know.


What I personally find truly astounding is that a nation of 300 million people think they speak for 6 billion. I don't care how RIGHT you think you are or how righteous you get about it, you're ALL JUST EXPRESSING AN OPINION. I know arrogance may prevent you from seeing it that way... some of it is also ignorance as you've never played the game... But it IS arrogance that makes people say things like 'everyone else in the world is stupid... not us'.

Two BILLION people will watch the final game... try to think about what that actually means... about ONE THIRD of the world's population.

The fact that 300 million of those people watching won't be from the US is not really of much consequence to the other 5,700,000,000 people on the planet.

Most of you don't like the game because you don't understand it and/or have never played it. And every time you open your mouths or make a post about it... you prove it.

Like it or not, nothing Americans think or emote will change the fact that it's the most popular sport in the world... played by the most people... enjoyed by the most spectators.
Americans might not like the game... but pretty much everyone else on the planet does. You can go back to watching America's favorite pastime -- baseball -- a game that truly bores the crap out of me.

[DESkins]

I think it was more a venting of frustration, BH. I mean, the U.S advanced to the quarterfinals last time out, and this time, a supposedly improved team could manage one goal and didn't make it out of group play. I know it makes me less than my usual very happy self... those B*****S!!!! They let me get all psyched up, and then they ripped my heart out and held it up, still pumping! All they had to do was beat Ghana, and they still could have made it in, and they couldn't do that. Not slamming Ghana, who turned out to be the surprise team from Group E, but dadgum it all, Italy did their part to help us out, and we couldn't capitalize on it.

[Redskin in Canada]

They let me get all psyched up, and then they ripped my heart out and held it up, still pumping! All they had to do was beat Ghana, and they still could have made it in, and they couldn't do that.

Every four years ENTIRE nations go through this not only during the final in Germany but through many, many qualifiers around the world.

Welcome to the lonely heart club band. There are many teams who poured FAR more resources into their preparation for this tournament than the USA did, which did not qualify to the final or to the last 16 party.

Elimination is truly as close to a national disaster as it can happen in some countries. Look at the Japanese or Korean fans actually screaming in pain and crying in the stadium. Look at the Swedes and Czech fans crying in the other thread. In the USA, most people do not watch and those that do just switch the channel if the team does not win (I mean win as opposed to just play well).

In Brazil, to give the most radical example, absolutely -anything- less than the championship itself is called a dismal failure. World Cup passion is so strong that people actually die of heart attacks watching games -around- the entire world. Difficult to explain really.

But sooner or later, the USa will really focus on international competition. The first "world Cup" of basevball, by the way, was won by ... Japan. Now, that should really be called the World Series. Now, that should be a cause for disappointment.

But training camp is coming and all will be alright then.

[DESkins]

I agree with you, RiC. I've spent time overseas while I was in the Army, and I know what you mean about the level of passion that the other nations have. Of course, I'm a bit of an odd bird here, I've played the game and most recently have coached for 6 years, so I think I'm qualified to say that I love the game. So do my kids, and my wife is coming around. Problem for us is that there is so little coverage available locally.

But, as you said, training camp is approaching!

[BossHog]

I don't have a problem with people not liking the game - to each his own. Like I said, I can't stand baseball but that doesn't make it any less of a major sport.

I just don't understand why so many people have to chime in that they DON'T like footie, when quite obviously, they've never played the game. It's exponentially more difficult to enjoy a game as a spectator when you don't understand it as a player.

I'm not trying to get anyone to like the game... I'm just tired of hearing why not to like the game and how stupid a game it is because there aren't 12 goals a game. I mean... I don't go into the Nationals thread and constantly tell people why I think baseball sucks...

To make such a bold statement as the Swiss don't deserve a second round berth because their game against the Ukraine didn't see any goals is pure nonsense. They made the second round because NOT A SINGLE GOAL WAS SCORED AGAINST THEM. They played great defensive soccer and OUT-WORKED their opposition... and they did so because they knew that skill-wise they could not match up with many of their opponents. Excellent tactics and good execution, they did well with what they have.

Ironically, the Americans have done well in past World Cups with the exact same mantra. But their effort in this World Cup was disappointing, hence their result. They really only played with any passion in the Italy game. had they put in the effort that the Swiss did, they might have found themselves 'sucking' their way through to the round of 16 too.

For some reason people get all defensive over soccer... "Oh yeah... well you people are idiots to watch soccer... I don't understand what you find so appealing about it... it's boring... there's never any goals and the players must suck if they can't put that little ball in that big net."

That's cool... grab a beer... turn the channel... stop torturing yourself... you're never going to appreciate the game until you've gone out there and run 5 or 6 miles in an hour and a half. You're never going to grasp just how difficult it is to control a ball on a grass field when you're legs are on fire... until you've tried to do it.

And if you can't grasp it, you can't appreciate it.

Leave the satellite power to the estimated THIRTY SIX BILLION VIEWERS that watch the tournament around the globe... that only means that over the course of the tournament... six TIMES the world population will tune in for at least a looksie.

Why do you think the Americans even have a World Cup program? They know how big the pot of gold is at the end of the 'Host the World Cup' rainbow. They'll keep financing a team as long as there's any hope of ever hosting the event again... even though the American public just doesn't really embrace the sport... they don't need to... the rest of the world does.

[air_hog]

What I personally find truly astounding is that a nation of 300 million people think they speak for 6 billion. I don't care how RIGHT you think you are or how righteous you get about it, you're ALL JUST EXPRESSING AN OPINION.

Um, I'm not trying to speak for the whole '300 Million Americans', I'm just saying what I saw, my opinion. And I don't think I'm right or anything like that, again, I'm just saying what I saw.

You're right, I pretty much have no clue about all the little stuff that matters in soccer like all the little defensive quirks or the crosses and what have you.

they've got a nation of people that think the game is stupid and only watch it and support it once every four years.

You're right, because quite frankly, would you want to watch MLS Soccer?

But then what about the Olympics. Does anyone here have any idea about the current Track and Field standings, or do they go home and turn on the National Swimming Championship or whatever... no. Honestly, I don't give a crap about Track or the Triathelon or half those stupid Olympic sports. But you know what, when it's The Olympics, me and a lot of the world is going to watch, just like The World Cup.

Americans might not like the game... but pretty much everyone else on the planet does. You can go back to watching America's favorite pastime -- baseball -- a game that truly bores the crap out of me.

But you know what, that can be said for just about every sport and every country.

I'd say it's safe to say that Americans don't like Hockey or Soccer, just as say Canadians generally don't like Baseball or Basketball.

And that's just how it's going to be, and you know what, no one will ever know why, it's just wierd like that.

So I know evertime an American tries to talk about Futbol they sound retarted and just prove the stereotype that Americans have know clue about this Beautiful Game. But you know what, when the World Cup is on, I actually do know the magnitude of the event so I'm going to watch it, even though I do not understand it.

So yeah, maybe what I said makes no sense to a Soccer expert, but when I sit down and watch the game all I see, with my American un-educated Futbol knowledge is a lot of passing, running and terrible acting. But maybe unlike most Americans I do appreciate the World Cup and I'm going to continue to try and watch it, even if I don't get it.

[UK Skins Fan]

Okay, did any catch the Ukraine/Switz game today?

It was the second dumbest thing I have ever seen (besides that meteor video in the other thread).

How those two teams advanced to the second round is beyond me. So if USA couldn't even make it to the second round... :barf:

Now I'm no soccer expert, but how can you play a game for 120 Mins. and not score a Goal?

And even during the PK's, Switzerland STILL COULDN'T EVEN SCORE ON A WIDE OPEN SHOT.

Man, now I'm just hate Switzerland.

Well, I must admit that I stopped watching this game when it went into extra time. By then, terminal boredom had set in. To my eyes, it looked like a game between two teams that were afraid to lose, and didn't know how to win. Actually, does anybody know whether the game has finished yet? I heard a rumour that one of the Swiss guys stepped up to the penalty spot, and promptly passed the ball back to his own goalkeeper.

I guess my biggest problem with the game was that I never cared about who won it.

[UK Skins Fan]

I don't see inconsistency - I see consistently paradoxical decisions, brought about by ...

Wow!

Too much for a simple minded country-man like me.

1) Is this a learned way to say I see consistent inconsistency?

2) Is this a way to say I agree to agree?

3) Is this a way to agree to disagree?

4) Is this a way to agree but not to concede to it?

5) Is this a way to throw out a fully-worded statement in the hope that nobody picks it up?

6) Is it all of the above?

7) No RiC,you'll never get it.

Sorry, I could not help it.

The answer is none of the above, mainly because you put another option below the "all of the above" option. If option 6 had been "all of the above, plus the one below", then you would have had it right!

[UK Skins Fan]

OK, I think we've had enough of Brazil now for an opinion to be formed. So, here it is:

Brazil are both dull, and lucky. If England and France have disappointed at the tournament so far, then what about these guys?

[Sir_Monk]

I'd say it's safe to say that Americans don't like Hockey or Soccer, just as say Canadians generally don't like Baseball or Basketball.

I for one love Soccer, even the much beleaguered MLS, and Hockey and despise Basketball...

[gus]

OK, I think we've had enough of Brazil now for an opinion to be formed. So, here it is:

Brazil are both dull, and lucky. If England and France have disappointed at the tournament so far, then what about these guys?

I didn't watch the game, but for the highlights seems Brazil domited Ghana. For instance, seems laike they played better that in the group play, that was horrendus.

As for France, as much as they dissapointed in group play, they played a great game today. Zidane was awesome. Nevertheless they played agaist Spain, that always finds a way to lose.

Gus

[UK Skins Fan]

OK, I think we've had enough of Brazil now for an opinion to be formed. So, here it is:

Brazil are both dull, and lucky. If England and France have disappointed at the tournament so far, then what about these guys?

I didn't watch the game, but for the highlights seems Brazil domited Ghana. For instance, seems laike they played better that in the group play, that was horrendus.

As for France, as much as they dissapointed in group play, they played a great game today. Zidane was awesome. Nevertheless they played agaist Spain, that always finds a way to lose.

Gus

Well, let me be honest - I didn't see the Brazil game. I listened to the radio commentary, and the BBC guys were just laying into the Brazilians. These are commentators I trust, so I believe what I heard, especially when I consider the evidence I saw with my own eyes earlier in the competition. Don't ask me how Brazil keep winning, because they certainly don't seem to actually be doing anything. This team is like Space Cowboys or something - a bunch of old timers that have come back for one more try.

And then there is France - you could say the same about them. The win against Spain was a surprise, and then again, it wasn't! (For exactly the reason you said - Spain always find a way to choke in the tournaments).

France were certainly improved from the first round, but I really didn't see a great performance out there. Zidane played some nice stuff, and I'm pleased that he scored, but I can't see any way that he will be able to lift this team to the World Cup. But the quarter final against Brazil should be memorable.

I'd fancy England or Portugal's chance against either of these teams in the semis.

[UK Skins Fan]

Here's some info on the referees that are staying around for the later rounds - the naughy ones have been sent to bed with no supper.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5108722.stm

I'm not pleased that an Argentinian will be running the England - Portugal match, and I think that Cantalejo was the guy who sent off the Italian for nothing against the Aussies.

[UK Skins Fan]

Oh, and here is a brief summary of what should be a red card offence, and what should be a yellow card.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/rules_and_equipment/4201064.stm

[SkinsJock]

Here's some info on the referees that are staying around for the later rounds - the naughy ones have been sent to bed with no supper.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5108722.stm

I'm not pleased that an Argentinian will be running the England - Portugal match, and I think that Cantalejo was the guy who sent off the Italian for nothing against the Aussies.

I'm not a great soccer fan - I did watch that game and was a little disapointed that such a good game (admittedly not for the Azzura boys!) could come down to a bad decision. I thought he should not have sent the guy off earlier but he was not in the best position on that call BUT on the penalty call he was right there and still called it.

I must assume that the powers that be did not think it was that bad or he would not still be available?

I will be cheering for the old sod

[gus]

[quote="UK Skins Fan]
Well, let me be honest - I didn't see the Brazil game. I listened to the radio commentary, and the BBC guys were just laying into the Brazilians. These are commentators I trust, so I believe what I heard, especially when I consider the evidence I saw with my own eyes earlier in the competition. Don't ask me how Brazil keep winning, because they certainly don't seem to actually be doing anything. This team is like Space Cowboys or something - a bunch of old timers that have come back for one more try.

And then there is France - you could say the same about them. The win against Spain was a surprise, and then again, it wasn't! (For exactly the reason you said - Spain always find a way to choke in the tournaments).

France were certainly improved from the first round, but I really didn't see a great performance out there. Zidane played some nice stuff, and I'm pleased that he scored, but I can't see any way that he will be able to lift this team to the World Cup. But the quarter final against Brazil should be memorable.

I'd fancy England or Portugal's chance against either of these teams in the semis. [/quote]

Don't get me wrong UK, I don't think France has the slightest chance to win the cup. I just said that they looked much better than in group play.

As of right now, the best teams playing are Germany and Argentina and I think is going to be very hard to beat Germany at home.

Gus

[UK Skins Fan]

Well, well, well, who'd have thought it - the Germans winning in a penalty shoot out?

Once it went to penalties, it was obvious that the German's would win - you could see the fear in the Argentinian's eyes, but not the German's. It was a very even game after the first half, but I have to say I was really disappointed with the Argentinians after they scored. They just seemed to disappear.

There is no doubt that the best team has been knocked out of this competition, and a lot of blame has to go to the coach. Argentina had the strongest squad in the competition, but he chose to play it safe and take off Riquelme, replacing him with the plodding Cambiasso. Heaven knows why - everything that Argentina do goes through Riquelme. It was obvious that they would be in trouble if the Germans equalised.

So, Argentina went out, and Messi and Saviola stayed on the bench, watching when they could have made the difference. Madness.

I said before the competition started that the Germans would be in the semi finals, and here they are. Bet on them to make the final now. But one word of caution - they celebrated at the end like a team that had won the cup - it is possible that they have reached their zenith, and could be in for a big letdown.

[Fios]

Well, well, well, who'd have thought it - the Germans winning in a penalty shoot out?

Once it went to penalties, it was obvious that the German's would win - you could see the fear in the Argentinian's eyes, but not the German's. It was a very even game after the first half, but I have to say I was really disappointed with the Argentinians after they scored. They just seemed to disappear.

There is no doubt that the best team has been knocked out of this competition, and a lot of blame has to go to the coach. Argentina had the strongest squad in the competition, but he chose to play it safe and take off Riquelme, replacing him with the plodding Cambiasso. Heaven knows why - everything that Argentina do goes through Riquelme. It was obvious that they would be in trouble if the Germans equalised.

So, Argentina went out, and Messi and Saviola stayed on the bench, watching when they could have made the difference. Madness.

I said before the competition started that the Germans would be in the semi finals, and here they are. Bet on them to make the final now. But one word of caution - they celebrated at the end like a team that had won the cup - it is possible that they have reached their zenith, and could be in for a big letdown.

My precise thoughts ... or I never had anything approaching those thoughts ... one of the two

[UK Skins Fan]

You really are in a state of deep inner turmoil, aren't you, Fios?

[UK Skins Fan]

Oh, and thanks to Ukraine, for giving Italy a bye into the next round. It really was awfully nice of them to step aside and let the Italians through to the semis, without having to wear themselves out in the process.

Germany v Italy in the World Cup semi final - a recipe for some kicking, diving and eye gouging, I believe.

[TincoSkin]

well, that was a poor end to a great match. england is out. booooo


I was watching the match on univision so i couldnt understand what the announcer was saying ....

...why did he have to kick the PK over again???? ahhhh i about threw my TV out the window!!

[cvillehog]

...why did he have to kick the PK over again????

He kicked before the whistle.

The officiating was very uneven in that game, IMO.