World Championship Football 2010
Member Since: December 30, 2007
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Posted: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 09:48 PM UTC
I am always sympathizing with teams which fight till the end - congratulation to the Kiwis!
It was pretty annoying how Slovakia wasted their few chances. They gonna regret it at the end of the group stage.
But again I have seen one boring match by another, hopefully Spain performs a play worth seeing...
Bayern, Germany
Member Since: April 01, 2009
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 04:58 AM UTC
So... um... Spain is a contender for the title?

This was by far one of the more entertaining games and I couldn't do anything but stand for the last 6 minutes. Spain played pretty well but it wasn't enough. I'm glad for Switzerland that they were able to take 3 points, who knows how well they'll do in the next fwe matches. I'm sure Spain will still advance to the round of 16 despite this set-back.

#130
Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Member Since: June 07, 2002
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 05:07 AM UTC
Quoted Text
This was by far one of the more entertaining games and I couldn't do anything but stand for the last 6 minutes.
I really second that. This was absolutely a very entertaining game. I expected a bit more creativity from Spain being the team of whom everybody will tell that they are the favorite to win the tournament. But Swiss pretty much managed to block the whole game of Spain and even picking the 3 points. The underdogs definately won... Fifa awarded Fernandes the man of the match award but in my opinion that honor should go to Benaglio and the swiss defense. They really stopped spain dead in it's tracks. And they really fought all the way of the game to keep it that way
Spain will eventually get through without any further problems but this was a surprise... and not a bad one at that. Swiss will be partying tonight.
Congrats to Chile for their 1-0 victory over Honduras in an otherwise extremely boring game
Greetz Robert "FAUST" Blokker
"Wees niet onverstandig, haastig of voortvarend; alles sal regkom, as ons almal ons plig doen".
FUTBOL KAVGADIR!!!!!!!
Scotland, United Kingdom
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 07:27 AM UTC
zeigler was turned inside out by navas, but zero end product from thr right wing. I find wingers that can't cross so frustrating.
Good game though.
Good luck bafana bafana for tonights game. They'd be happy with a point though I'm sure.
Member Since: December 30, 2007
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 12:01 PM UTC
The only thing I am worry about Spain's defeat is that they could run the risk of loosing the front runner position and thus they could face Brazil far too early in this tournament: The Round of 16...

#023
Zurich, Switzerland
Member Since: March 13, 2009
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 07:27 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
This was by far one of the more entertaining games and I couldn't do anything but stand for the last 6 minutes.
I really second that. This was absolutely a very entertaining game. I expected a bit more creativity from Spain being the team of whom everybody will tell that they are the favorite to win the tournament. But Swiss pretty much managed to block the whole game of Spain and even picking the 3 points. The underdogs definately won... Fifa awarded Fernandes the man of the match award but in my opinion that honor should go to Benaglio and the swiss defense. They really stopped spain dead in it's tracks. And they really fought all the way of the game to keep it that way
Spain will eventually get through without any further problems but this was a surprise... and not a bad one at that. Swiss will be partying tonight.
Congrats to Chile for their 1-0 victory over Honduras in an otherwise extremely boring game
Hahaa! All I can say is: Olé!

I agree that Benaglio was definitely the contender for the man of the match. And you are definitely right about the party, all of Switzerland was on the streets and the honking almost didn't stop! Guess we learned that from the Dutch when they partied in Switzerland during the european championships...

Cheers!
Stefan
Too many models - too little time...
Provincia de Lugo, Spain / Espaņa
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 09:10 PM UTC
First of all, there's little merit in defending - or, as we say here, 'putting the bus'. Switzerland came out to block, their level of creative football was nil. As to the refereeing - bloody disgraceful. Where do they get these numpties from? The goal of Switzerland was illegal - anyone see the assault on Pique?
Spain were far too anxious - saying that, they played some beautiful football, spoiled by not being able to finish that last 5%.
Saying that, even though they got a positive result, Switzerland is one too many of these teams which waste everyone's time with their presence in the WC.
Oh, and a colleague of my wife, has a cousin in the Swiss squad - the majority of Switzerland are sons of immigrants..

#130
Noord-Holland, Netherlands
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 09:29 PM UTC
@ John Paul
I'm afraid that South Africa will not even get out of the Poule. They really need a small miracle to get there.
Quoted Text
The only thing I am worry about Spain's defeat is that they could run the risk of loosing the front runner position and thus they could face Brazil far too early in this tournament: The Round of 16
@ Marco
They shouldn't have let it happen then. Spain had plenty of chances during the match to win the game only they lacked in what Jim calls the last 5%. If you can't get the ball in the net more then your opponent you are going to loose.
@ Stefan..
I can imagine it was a good party in Switzerland. And blame the dutch... we tend to have a bad influence on everybody
@ Jim.
I can understand the frustration of the Spanish for the loss against Switzerland and I agree that the play was not very creative on the part of Switzerland... However... Looking at the game I have to say that Spain had multiple chances to make goals. That they did not have the scoring abilities to finish it off is a bit of a pitty on behalf of spain. Hell there are numerous examples of this problem... The Dutch offense could not find the goal for a long time either.
From the start it was evident that Switzerland would be no match against the talent of Spain and they came up with the only answer they had available to try to keep the loss at a minimum for themselves. Heck even the players admitted that if they were to come out of the game with a draw they would consider themselves lucky.
And I think the fact that Pique got hurt was merely an accident... I have seen the footage a couple of times over and I have to say that nowhere I had the feeling that the Swiss forward was deliberately trying to kick his head off. Just a very unlucky collection of circumstances.
Greetz Robert "FAUST" Blokker
"Wees niet onverstandig, haastig of voortvarend; alles sal regkom, as ons almal ons plig doen".
FUTBOL KAVGADIR!!!!!!!

#003
Donegal, Ireland
Member Since: May 14, 2002
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 09:52 PM UTC
Quoted Text
... saying that, they played some beautiful football, spoiled by not being able to finish that last 5%.
Saying that, even though they got a positive result, Switzerland is one too many of these teams which waste everyone's time with their presence in the WC.
Tick-tack football that continuously breaks down is not beautiful football either. It gets as boring as as the overly defensive play. In the group stages, strategy is so very important, and fair play to the Swiss ... they got it spot on. Not only that, they showed great heart and commitment that should also be a big part of football at this level.
I didnīt feel their presence was anti-football in any way .. it was probably one of the more enjoyable matches so far, and got the loudest cheer for me so far when they scored. Is this not what football is all about ... when the underdog wins because of smart coaches and valiant players?
Spain have some very talented footballers, but a few didnīt deliver or lost concentration at the wrong time last night and let the side down. For the goal, Busquets lost the ball in a dangerous position, Puyol was out of position and Casillas dived in feet first and got caught of position. Canīt understand that they intoroduced Pedro instead of Fabregas .. what a waste! If all the Spanish delivered to the level of Iniesta (who was injured), the Swiss defence wouldnīt have been a problem. If Spain include Navas, Torres and Fabregas in their starting 11 for the next games, it shouldnīt be a problem either. Maybe this will take them down to earth a bit. Being crowned favourites is not always a trumph card.
IPMS Stockholm
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#023
Zurich, Switzerland
Member Since: March 13, 2009
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Posted: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 11:15 PM UTC
Quoted Text
[...]Saying that, even though they got a positive result, Switzerland is one too many of these teams which waste everyone's time with their presence in the WC. [...]
A very sad comment if you ask me...
Too many models - too little time...
Bayern, Germany
Member Since: April 01, 2009
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 12:05 AM UTC
Switzerland didn't waste anyone's time, if I would rate the matches which have been most enjoyable until now it's Germany 1st and Switzerland 2nd. Switzerland may not be on par with Spain but the fact that they won means they did everything right for a team that everyone thought would be swept away in the first match (btw, they came very close to leading 2-0). I think Jim just needs to cool down, this might be a setback but if Spain is as good as everyone says they are then they will easily recover from this and if they can't, they're the ones wasting our time.

#130
Noord-Holland, Netherlands
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 11:33 AM UTC
Well another day with some fun matches
Finally Argentina showed what they could do with their 4-1 win against South Korea. Very nice goals as well.
And the people in Greece will be celebrating this evening and tomorrow with their first ever goals on a WC. was a bit of a chaotic match with Nigeria eventually ending up with 10 players. Not the nicest of plays but for greece effective enough to take the win.
Biggest surprise of today... Allthough looking at the earlier match of France... and the fact that they are coached by Domenech. Was the 2-0 win of Mexico against le Blues. It really is kinda sad if you think about the amount of talent France has running around on the Pitch. With Names like Ribery, Abidal, Govou, Toulalan, Gallas etc. etc. you have some of the best players in the European competition but they simply cannot work together. next to the fact that Coach Domenech probably learned his tactics skills on the Northpole as he is absolutely not able to organize all the talent he has in his squad to full effectiveness. I have never seen such a pathetic image when Domenech was captured on the camera while standing really apathic against the dug out.
Big chance Uruguay and Mexico will make a little deal... a draw is enough to send France home. Next to Mexico having a big party at the moment I think the beer will taste well in Ireland too.
Greetz Robert "FAUST" Blokker
"Wees niet onverstandig, haastig of voortvarend; alles sal regkom, as ons almal ons plig doen".
FUTBOL KAVGADIR!!!!!!!
British Columbia, Canada
Member Since: March 12, 2010
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 04:11 PM UTC
Go North Korea!
I mean it. They acquitted themselves well against Brazil
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Victoria, Australia
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 07:27 PM UTC
Yes some interesting results indeed...
Quoted Text
Switzerland is one too many of these teams which waste everyone's time with their presence in the WC.
Dear gods... Did you really mean to say this?
Spain rightfully should be in the WC too. (
Water Closet, that is...)
Quoted Text
Oh, and a colleague of my wife, has a cousin in the Swiss squad - the majority of Switzerland are sons of immigrants..
And this? I mean it's not like you to offend people, but hey are the grapes not sweet over there Jim?...
"There never was a good war, or a bad peace."
Benjamin Franklin
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 09:45 PM UTC
Well, one thing we have to face since the extension of the field of competitors up to 32 in 1998 is the decrease of quality.
32 teams are too many (as are 24 for the upcoming EC).
Since then you always got at least one Ukraine in a tournament.
But thanks to the current tournament modus the selection is getting harder and harder and at the end you always got a champion who has really deserved the title.
Member Since: December 30, 2007
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 09:57 PM UTC
I suppose that yesterday nearly everybody on this planet (except a single country

) was a Mexican.
Who wants to have such a sluggish and quarreling bunch (no matter where they come from) at a tournament?
What did their own Musketeers say once: "One for all and all for one".
I did not see a bit.
Provincia de Lugo, Spain / Espaņa
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 10:22 PM UTC
Quoted Text
And this? I mean it's not like you to offend people, but hey are the grapes not sweet over there Jim?...
How's that offensive? The truth is that Switzerland WOULDN'T have this team if it wasn't for immigrants from countries such as Spain. Many of their squad were born to immigrants (in Switzerland) and, as such qualify as Swiss nationals. The region I live in, is full of people who worked in Switzerland (and still do) - in fact you can actually get a scheduled bus from here to Zurich...
France is a bloody disgrace. Domenech should be taken to Place de la Concorde and guillotined. How much of this though is politics, you can imagine. Rumor has it that Domenech was a political appointee by the French federation and has been used to embarass Sarkozy. That said, football is NOT the Nš1 sport n France - it's still considered amongst some as a rather 'Vulgar' compared to rugby...
There's a lot of individual talent in France, but a hell of a lot of players who are well-past their sell-by-date. Thierry Henry, for example, spent last season on the bench in Barca, how the hell he ever got a place in the French squad is beyond comprehension.
With Blanc taking over, we'll hopefully see France return to a dignified role - and not the joke they were in Euro 2008 and in S.Africa.
Too many has-beens in too many teams. England take note..
Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Member Since: January 08, 2005
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Posted: Thursday, June 17, 2010 - 11:23 PM UTC
In every world cup or continental cup tournament, there are teams who believe they can start at 90% while their adversaries will start at 110% or more. Most of the real key players of Spain have been injured recently (last 6 months or so), and lack rythm. No wonder the Swiss were able to defeat them.
And France? I think they really should look at the way they train and scout their youth players. One would speculate that the successes of 1998 and 2000 would have inspired 8-10 year olds (then) to start playing football

These would be 18-22 year olds now.. and there has to be some talent among them

Is it bad for football if we lose them both? Perhaps.... but if there never was a chance to this happening, we might aswell declare Brazil the winner every time

The ball is round as we say here, and it can roll any way it wants to.
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#003
Donegal, Ireland
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Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 12:39 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The ball is round as we say here, and it can roll any way it wants to.
Unfortunatly its not so simple. Football has become a major industry and an arena where a lot of money is involved. There is a lot of politics behind the scenes and we are not privvy to all that is decided or why. Power battles and corruption are more and more evident all the time, most of which is buried from the masses. The ball is rolling a very decided path, and there is not much the average football fan can do.
IPMS Stockholm
"The problem with common sense, is that it is not that common"
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Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 05:17 AM UTC
Bayern, Germany
Member Since: April 01, 2009
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Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 05:52 AM UTC
Well this sucks. Germany was the better team even with 10 men, the Serbs were hardly present in the 2nd half but it just wasn't meant to be. I guess they'll have to show that they can handle the situation and still advance despite these circumstances. Ghana won't be an easy team but if we aren't as unfortunate next week as we were today it will be manageable. I still think the Germans played better today than they did last week, they played with 10 men against a stronger team (than Aus) and had to take a lot of pressure. Not every team can play as well as they did under these conditions. They're play doesn't deserve a medal but it should be considered good enough for the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
One thing that I found really annoying was how Podolski always attempted to shoot straight at the goal whenever he got the chance, no smart passing from him. So many wasted chances.
England - South West, United Kingdom
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Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 10:05 AM UTC
You think you guys had it bad against Serbia. England just had a goalless draw against ALGERIA. That takes some doing
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New Jersey, United States
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Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 04:12 PM UTC
Enjoy Armorama like you're at the world cup!!
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#130
Noord-Holland, Netherlands
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Posted: Friday, June 18, 2010 - 11:09 PM UTC
Wow Germany against Serbia was a bit of a surprise. But I already wondered what would happen when Germany faced a team that Had a much much better defense then what Australia had. And well that question was answered yesterday. Germany lost.
Another great name being beaten by the underdog. It gets a bit of a trend on the WC 2010. England, Spain, France, Italy, Germany all lost from a relatively light opponent.
I don't think they will care much about that in Serbia. they are probably still drunk.
Quoted Text
One thing that I found really annoying was how Podolski always attempted to shoot straight at the goal whenever he got the chance, no smart passing from him. So many wasted chances.
Yes that kind of egotistical behaviour is always a problem in a lot of teams. A forward that always wants to go for their own honor. A team often looses with that kind of attitude.
England played very lame. But my surprise was Algeria to be honest. After the first match of Algeria I did not have too much faith but it almost seemed like they entered the pitch yesterday with a completely different team. I quite enjoyed the match. went left and right quickly and the algerians came quite close to scoring some goals as well.
But how nice everything was till now... I'm going to focus on the next match of the Orange 11. This time Opponent is from the east. Bring on Japan. I'm looking forward to it... Kitting up all in Orange. The cam is at the ready. Let's see what is going to happen today.
Greetz Robert "FAUST" Blokker
"Wees niet onverstandig, haastig of voortvarend; alles sal regkom, as ons almal ons plig doen".
FUTBOL KAVGADIR!!!!!!!
Bayern, Germany
Member Since: April 01, 2009
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Posted: Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 12:39 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Yes that kind of egotistical behaviour is always a problem in a lot of teams. A forward that always wants to go for their own honor. A team often looses with that kind of attitude.
It may seem egotistical but it's not Podolski's intention, he's just not THAT technical and not really the brightest player under the sun.
The problem is that football requires technical skill and a lot of thought. As Podolski said himself once: 'Football is like chess, just without dice.' XD