Official 2014 Brazil World Cup thread

[Stay Golden]

Oscar played tremendous. Great solo effort on his goal.
Even though Brazil controlled possession for most of the game they looked shaky on the back end.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by nik-

I can't think of a call on a flop that has a bigger impact than ones like the one that rewarded Neymar that penalty kick in any other sport.

yup cause penalty kicks in soccer are too important.
The refs become increasingly important in low-scoring sports.

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by nik-

I can't think of a call on a flop that has a bigger impact than ones like the one that rewarded Neymar that penalty kick in any other sport.

This.

I don't think I see refs bite on such blatant bull#### in any other sport. I mean that was beyond obvious even in real time. It's made even worse by the rolling and acting that comes after most of these dives. It just shouldn't be on the world stage and it certainly shouldn't lead to something as advantageous as a penalty kick. I'd take a soccer penalty kick over a 2 minute power play every day of the week.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Itse

Heh, North Americans.

Why even bother to read this forum when it comes to soccer.

It's The World Cup.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by nik-

I can't think of a call on a flop that has a bigger impact than ones like the one that rewarded Neymar that penalty kick in any other sport.

Okay, they lost the game. But they also scored 0 goals of their own and their goaltender allowed 2 very soft goals. Not a recipe for success.

Utimately though I think this Croatia team is better than both Mexico and Cameroon and can still get through the group in which case that one call isnt all that crucially important.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Locke

Utimately though I think this Croatia team is better than both Mexico and Cameroon and can still get through the group in which case that one call isnt all that crucially important.

not with goal keeping like that.

[Winsor_Pilates]

I'll assume Brazil will cruise through the group stage, but a likely 2nd round match against Spain or Netherlands will be their end in my opinion.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Locke

Okay, they lost the game. But they also scored 0 goals of their own and their goaltender allowed 2 very soft goals. Not a recipe for success.

Utimately though I think this Croatia team is better than both Mexico and Cameroon and can still get through the group in which case that one call isnt all that crucially important.

That's irrelevant to what I'm saying. A call on a dive rewarding a penalty shot, which results in a goal over 70% of the time in World Cup play, in a generally low scoring game like soccer, has a way bigger impact that flops drawing calls in other sports. I was responding to someone saying that this stuff happens in all sports, which it does, it's just not as damaging.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

not with goal keeping like that.

Well, while true, thats up to them. They've got at least 1 very able sub.

But yes, that goalkeeping really cost them. Dont forget, zero goals generated on their own. Although I think the return of Manzukic will see someone who can get on the end of one of Olic's crosses.

Jelavic was useless, what was he whining at Olic about? Get on the end of the cross, thats the striker's job! Olic put in probably 4 or 5 absolutely beautiful crosses and Jelavic managed to barely touch even one of them.

[Mango]

Originally Posted by Locke

Okay, they lost the game. But they also scored 0 goals of their own and their goaltender allowed 2 very soft goals. Not a recipe for success.

Yup. Definitely the truth. The opportunities were there, but they didn't score and Pletikosa struggled. I was happy to see the sparks and do believe it bodes well going forward for Croatia.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by nik-

That's irrelevant to what I'm saying. A call on a dive rewarding a penalty shot, which results in a goal over 70% of the time in World Cup play, in a generally low scoring game like soccer, has a way bigger impact that flops drawing calls in other sports. I was responding to someone saying that this stuff happens in all sports, which it does, it's just not as damaging.

Very true, penalties are very valuable in comparison.

[Winsor_Pilates]

I think Croatia with Manzukic really could have won this match. Should at least get 2nd in the group.

[nik-]

10:00 AM: Mexico - Cameroon
1:00 PM: Spain - Netherlands
4:00 PM: Chile - Australia
6:00 PM: Kings - Rangers

I'm probably not even gonna leave the couch tomorrow.

[SebC]

Hockey may not have penalty kick dives but non-called goalie interference is pretty brutal. American/Canadian football has pass-interference diving which can take a team from turning the ball over to the goal line.

[dissentowner]

Am I the only one who watched Brazil play today and thought "Vancouver Canucks"?

[Pagal4321]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Am I the only one who watched Brazil play today and thought "Vancouver Canucks"?

Only severely more talented?!

[SebC]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Am I the only one who watched Brazil play today and thought "Vancouver Canucks"?

Brazil's won things.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Greatest soccer nation of all time & worst hockey team of all time...? nope sorry, don't see it.

[dissentowner]

Well I was more referring to the diving and whining but I can see how them winning spoils that comparison.

[SuperMatt18]

Brazil would be more like Montreal. Annoying but have the titles to back it up.