The Road to South Africa 2010

[sadora]

Not to take any attention from the thread about Canada's road to 2010, here's one to keep track of the rest of the world.

I just finished watching Argentina against Peru and man what a finish to that one. Argentina got the lead late in the second and with the clock winding down in time added on, Messi lost the ball deep in Peru's zone giving them a chance to counter and did they ever. It was a great ball in which the Peruvian striker just managed to push past the Argentinian keeper. Great end to a hard fought game.

A lot of qualifier action going on today. My home country, El Salvador won again, putting them in second place in their group, one game closer to making it through to the final qualifying stage in the CONCACAF zone.

By loosing today, Canada remains with one point, putting them in a tough spot where they to win at least two of their next three games to give themselves a fighting chance to go through to the next round.

Here's the link to Fifa's website where you can find the rest of the world's standings.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/prelimi...ngs/index.html

[chris_yk]

I was watching Portugal - Denmark on Setanta yesterday, what a crazy game, Portugal was leading for most of the second half until Denmark equalized in the 82nd I believe, but Portugal went ahead again shortly after, but Denmark scored 2 in injury time to shock the home crowd. Couldn't have been a better result inmmy opinion.

A couple other surprising results in Europe, Switzerland lost at home to Luxembourg(!!) 2-1 and Finland and Germany drew 3-3 with Germany never leading in that game.

[troutman]

Ireland is going through to round 2, and then on to South Africa. Believe it!

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/prelimi...953/index.html

Wednesday 10 September 2008
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni was content after his side managed a goalless draw away to Montenegro in Group 8.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by chris_yk

I was watching Portugal - Denmark on Setanta yesterday, what a crazy game, Portugal was leading for most of the second half until Denmark equalized in the 82nd I believe, but Portugal went ahead again shortly after, but Denmark scored 2 in injury time to shock the home crowd. Couldn't have been a better result inmmy opinion.

A couple other surprising results in Europe, Switzerland lost at home to Luxembourg(!!) 2-1 and Finland and Germany drew 3-3 with Germany never leading in that game.

Watching Portugal lose made my day. Solid game by Denmark, the Portuguese were far too overconfident.

The Germany game was frustrating, but full credit to Finland, they really wanted that game and played incredibly well, and Mario Gomez sucks. The man is simply terrible.

I was disappointed that France beat Serbia. For people who think Vidic is the greatest defender of all time, or at least since John Terry... He played like a sack of crap. He looked incredibly amateur on several occasions. Just awful out there.

[chris_yk]

Originally Posted by Locke

Watching Portugal lose made my day. Solid game by Denmark, the Portuguese were far too overconfident.

The Germany game was frustrating, but full credit to Finland, they really wanted that game and played incredibly well, and Mario Gomez sucks. The man is simply terrible.

I was disappointed that France beat Serbia. For people who think Vidic is the greatest defender of all time, or at least since John Terry... He played like a sack of crap. He looked incredibly amateur on several occasions. Just awful out there.

Oh man I can't agree with you more on that, I couldn't believe how he was starting ahead of Kuranyi and forcing Podolski out wide at Euro 2008, the guy just simply looked like crap out there.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by chris_yk

Oh man I can't agree with you more on that, I couldn't believe how he was starting ahead of Kuranyi and forcing Podolski out wide at Euro 2008, the guy just simply looked like crap out there.

Gomez? Podelski? Kuranyi? Klose?

Are there any real Germans playing for Germany?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by chris_yk

Oh man I can't agree with you more on that, I couldn't believe how he was starting ahead of Kuranyi and forcing Podolski out wide at Euro 2008, the guy just simply looked like crap out there.

The simple tap ins that he misses are nothing short of stunning, and he did it AGAIN in this game.

Klose did all the work, all he had to do was tap it in and he screwed it up. Unbelievable.

[arloiginla]

ahhhhhh dont remind me of Gomez...how can a guy who is so good in league play, turn into a pile of steaming poo once international football starts. Euro 2008....so frustrating.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by Locke

Watching Portugal lose made my day. Solid game by Denmark, the Portuguese were far too overconfident.

Seriously dude, are you smoking crack?? Denmark had absolutely nothing for 84 minutes, absolutely nothing. If it wasn't for Portugal's pathetic lack of finishing, the game could have easily been 3 or 4-0. How was Portugal overconfident?? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever. How is a team overconfident in a 1-0 game?? It's not like they were juggling the ball or heel passing or playing keep away, they were going for a second goal and almost had it, but they couldn't finish.

You hate Ronaldo, you hate Portugal, fine, but come, don't come on here and write such fabrications. Portugal outplayed Denmark by a wide margin, but the final 10 minutes was just one of those ridiculous things that happens every once in awhile, you can't really put too much stock into the play of one team or the other.

I'll give Denmark credit for never giving up after Portugal made it 2-1 on the PK. Most teams would have folded. And also crdit to them for pushing forward after they tied it late. Most teams would have been more than happy with the road point, but they kept on pushing and got a lucky break on the winning goal. Unfortunate for Portugal, but they'll be fine, Ronaldo is almost fit. Away game to Sweden and home to Albania in October.....the away fixture to Sweden will be key.

[Locke]

I'm going to have to break this up to make my rebuttal even partially intelligible.

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Seriously dude, are you smoking crack??

This is where I take the high road and not take shots at a Vancouver poster's drug habits.

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Denmark had absolutely nothing for 84 minutes, absolutely nothing. If it wasn't for Portugal's pathetic lack of finishing, the game could have easily been 3 or 4-0.

Look son, if you cant finish, get off the field.

Portugal certainly had many chances, but lack of finishing falls on them. The Danish did what they had to do. They pressured Nanny and his ilk and made them rush their shots to imperfection and waste. Their defense may not have been perfect, but they worked hard.

You want to complain about Portugal's chances? They were trying to walk the ball into the net against what they thought would be a push-over Danish side.

And, I'll grant the penalty wasnt the Portuguese standard of "c.ry-baby" throwing a fit until the ref gives him what he wants so that he doesnt bruise his alabaster palms against the turf in a fit. It was a legitimately stupid play by the Danish defender. No argument there.

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

How was Portugal overconfident?? That doesn't make any sense whatsoever. How is a team overconfident in a 1-0 game?? It's not like they were juggling the ball or heel passing or playing keep away, they were going for a second goal and almost had it, but they couldn't finish.

How were they overconfident? I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and assume that you actually watched this game. In future though, you should find someone in Vancouver who you can call 'friend' who actually does watch the games and ask him to proofread your posts.

They were overconfident not because they were 'juggling' or 'heel passing'...because those are the only known forms of overconfidence....

Watch the game sometime and you'll see that apart from Nanny and the occasional corner Portugal didnt even make the effort to advance in the second half. They were perfectly content to sit on their lead. Add that to a plethora of chances that they had in the first half that they blew and voila.

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

You hate Ronaldo, you hate Portugal, fine, but come, don't come on here and write such fabrications. Portugal outplayed Denmark by a wide margin, but the final 10 minutes was just one of those ridiculous things that happens every once in awhile, you can't really put too much stock into the play of one team or the other.

The final 10 minutes was the picture of overconfidence. Up 1-0 against Denmark at home, they had already punched out. The Portuguese are only mildly less delusional than the English in thinking that Carvalho is an actual defender.

I contest that I can put lots of stock into Portugal's play. Its called entitlement. If you want to see more, watch Brazil play, the only difference is that even the most mundane Brazilian international is still pretty damned fantastic.

For Portugal though, it was vastly uninspired play and considerably wasteful from the strikers. Sorry, but Ronny and Nuno Gomes can only drag their asses out of the fire so many times. Nani was pretty good, Pepe and Deco were less than impressive and their defense went for coffee and never came back.

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

I'll give Denmark credit for never giving up after Portugal made it 2-1 on the PK. Most teams would have folded. And also crdit to them for pushing forward after they tied it late. Most teams would have been more than happy with the road point, but they kept on pushing and got a lucky break on the winning goal. Unfortunate for Portugal, but they'll be fine, Ronaldo is almost fit. Away game to Sweden and home to Albania in October.....the away fixture to Sweden will be key.

Here, you and I agree. Denmark was the more inspired team, they wanted it more, and, well, they played defense. Always important.

Also, Portugal will be fine, they have enough talent to overcome the world superpowers of Albania, it'll be hard fought, but I think they'll pull it out....

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by Locke

They pressured Nanny and his ilk and made them rush their shots to imperfection and waste. Their defense may not have been perfect, but they worked hard.

They pressured so well that they gave up two breakaways??

How were they overconfident? I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and assume that you actually watched this game.

No, you're right, I didn't watch the entire game. Everytime someone disagrees with you, all you can come back with is, "Did you even watch the game??" Good one.

Watch the game sometime and you'll see that apart from Nanny and the occasional corner Portugal didnt even make the effort to advance in the second half. They were perfectly content to sit on their lead. Add that to a plethora of chances that they had in the first half that they blew and voila.

HOW THE HELL WERE PORTUGAL SITTING ON THE LEAD?!?!?!? 2 breakaway, Nuno Gomes misses a chance inside the six, Meireles with a shot from outside the box that hit the target.....want me to go on?? How the hell were they sitting on the lead?? Jesus....that was a terrible comment.

The final 10 minutes was the picture of overconfidence. Up 1-0 against Denmark at home, they had already punched out. The Portuguese are only mildly less delusional than the English in thinking that Carvalho is an actual defender.

That was too stupid to even reply to.

For Portugal though, it was vastly uninspired play and considerably wasteful from the strikers. Sorry, but Ronny and Nuno Gomes can only drag their asses out of the fire so many times. Nani was pretty good, Pepe and Deco were less than impressive and their defense went for coffee and never came back.

I agree, their strikers were dreadful, but therein lies a big problem with their squad, their lack of a striker. Since Pauleta left, no one has been able to fill the void. Postiga, Gomes, Almeida, Makakula,.....whoever.....not good enough. I ain't gonna bother debating you about Ronaldo, that's useless because if you think he's a bum and fail to respect his game, then you clearly don't watch the game.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Locke

I contest that I can put lots of stock into Portugal's play. Its called entitlement. If you want to see more, watch Brazil play, the only difference is that even the most mundane Brazilian international is still pretty damned fantastic.

Brazil blows, can't even score against 10-men Bolivia at home.
I want to trade my TRILDO jersey in

[TheSchnitzel]

Originally Posted by troutman

Gomez? Podelski? Kuranyi? Klose?

Are there any real Germans playing for Germany?

How would you define a "real German"? A tall blonde guy who speaks like in a Rammstein-song and drives to work in his bobsleigh?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Brazil blows, can't even score against 10-men Bolivia at home.
I want to trade my TRILDO jersey in

Yeah, but in the end we all know that they'll be just fine.....

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Locke

Yeah, but in the end we all know that they'll be just fine.....

Unless Brazil starts competing at the level everyone expects them to Dunga will be looking for a coaching job somewhere else pretty soon.

[Cactus Jack]

I follow all the CONMEBOL games. My team is Chile and I can't believe they are tied for second in the group with Brasil and Argentina halfway through. That's awesome! Dunga's firing is an inevitability. The Peru Argentina game was crazy last week. Argentina had a horrendous first half and still tied it with 10 men. The bonbonera was rocking that day! Chile totally laid an egg against Brasil but it was nice to see them waste Colombia 4-0. Chile-Argentina in October is going to be a great match despite the fact Chile can never beat Argentina. Let's hope things change.

As for Canada, it all rests on the Honduras game. Canada has shown they can beat Jamaica and Honduras but they really need to buckle down and do so.
________
Krystal Steal Pov

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

I follow all the CONMEBOL games. My team is Chile and I can't believe they are tied for second in the group with Brasil and Argentina halfway through. That's awesome! Dunga's firing is an inevitability. The Peru Argentina game was crazy last week. Argentina had a horrendous first half and still tied it with 10 men. The bonbonera was rocking that day! Chile totally laid an egg against Brasil but it was nice to see them waste Colombia 4-0. Chile-Argentina in October is going to be a great match despite the fact Chile can never beat Argentina. Let's hope things change.

As for Canada, it all rests on the Honduras game. Canada has shown they can beat Jamaica and Honduras but they really need to buckle down and do so.

They've got to get someone who knows their ass from a hole in the ground to put the right people on the freaking pitch. The line-ups lately have been nothing short of brutally uninspired.

[chris_yk]

Originally Posted by Locke

They've got to get someone who knows their ass from a hole in the ground to put the right people on the freaking pitch. The line-ups lately have been nothing short of brutally uninspired.

Exactly, like when a guy who has 3 goals in 3 starts in the Bundesliga (Rob Friend) is starting on the bench behind a guy who can't get a game for MK Dons (Ali Gerba), as was the case in Montreal for the Honduras game.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by chris_yk

Exactly, like when a guy who has 3 goals in 3 starts in the Bundesliga (Rob Friend) is starting on the bench behind a guy who can't get a game for MK Dons (Ali Gerba), as was the case in Montreal for the Honduras game.

Rob Friend is hilariously under-rated. Give the man a goddamn chance. He is putting in quality goals against teams that would eat Honduras alive, put him on the field.

He flew all the way from Germany, let him play!

[sadora]

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

Argentina had a horrendous first half and still tied it with 10 men. The bonbonera was rocking that day! .

The game wasn't at the bonbonera because it was in Peru. Argentina looked horrible in the first half, Peru kept pressuring but couldn't finish. In all honesty Messi was the only Argentinian carrying the play consistently. Good on Peru to get the tie, especially after the ref missed what should have been a blatant penalty call against Argentina.